Chapter 1: The Pre-Game with Spongebob
Chapter Text
Ah, Bikini Bottom. A nice city dwelling on the ocean floor, that is home to many undersea creatures that live their lives out in any way they can. There are plenty of places in Bikini Bottom that could occupy time, like Goo Lagoon, the residential beach, Jellyfish Fields, home to all types of jellyfish, and other interesting sights to behold.
But our story takes place inside the Krusty Krab, a restaurant down in Bottom Feeder Lane, created by Eugene Krabs, and home to the most popular food item in all of Bikini Bottom, the Krabby Patty. However, as of the moment, the lunch rush hour has ended for these creatures, and as there were only a few eating, the employees were on their way, cleaning up for the next batch of customers…
Correction. ONE person was working hard on everything in the main dining area while another was sitting at his usual place, getting comfortable and looking at a magazine, not caring about his surroundings, with his mind currently on when closing hours were. As of the moment, the person cleaning was getting creative as he was dancing with a mop and happily humming to himself as he was wearing washcloths on his shoes like ice skates. Of course, said person is a blue-eyed yellow sponge wearing a white shirt, a red tie, and brown square pants with a black belt. He also had a white hat with an anchor imprinted on it. This is Spongebob Squarepants, the model employee and fry cook of the Krusty Krab.
“La dee dahhhh, dah dah dum!” Spongebob hummed to himself as he skated around and wiped the floors as he was using his mop to wax the floor afterwards, with the other person sitting near the register looking up in annoyance, before giving a small grunt.
This person in question is a sea foam green squid with purple suction cups on his tentacles, with two of them used for arms and the other six used for legs. He also had on a brown shirt and a hat similar to Spongebob’s. This character is Squidward Tentacles, cashier at the Krusty Krab, and Spongebob’s next door neighbor.
“Spongebob, pipe down over there! How am I supposed to focus on my activities with your incessant droning?” Squidward said in annoyance, glaring at the yellow sponge in front of him.
“Oh, I’m not droning, I’m humming, Squidward. And I only hum because the world needs a good little music in their lives.” Spongebob said as he stopped working and touched his heart, before giving a grin. “You of all people should know, eh?”
Squidward frowned as he rolled his eyes. “I’m not dignifying you with a response… ugh, forget it…”
Squidward decided to ignore the smiling sponge as he decided to look up at the television that Mr. Krabs had hung up on the side of the wall. At the moment, it was currently on a channel showing an assortment of band members playing instruments, as if in a classy way. Squidward couldn’t help but give a slight smile and a sigh.
“The Bikini Bottom Symphony Band… what I wouldn’t give to actually attend one of their concerts… alone… enjoying the nice music as I watch incessantly and let the melody take me away…” Squidward sighed happily as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, only for Spongebob’s humming to interrupt his train of thought. “I could afford to turn up the volume louder, though…”
With that, Squidward reached over for the remote, only for a red claw to swat it away, causing Squidward to yelp and retract his arm to rub it. He glared over at a frowning crab wearing a blue shirt and purple pants with a black belt. This was Spongebob and Squidward’s boss, manager and owner of the Krusty Krab, Eugene Krabs.
“Mr. Squidward! How many times must I emphasize that NOBODY touches me remote!” Mr. Krabs reprimanded Squidward with a glare.
“But Mr. Krabs, I can’t stand Spongebob’s humming. Can’t I turn up the volume at least a little bit?” Squidward asked.
“You know it costs money!” Mr. Krabs frowned as he crossed his arms. “Besides, this is the HOURLY programming I’m allowed each day. You KNOW that.”
“How would it cost money to pick up a remote AND turn the volume up?” Squidward asked.
“All I know is that having everything run around at once costs money, and we’ve got to save on production! So, an hour of the TV on is a reasonable price to factor in!” Mr. Krabs said as he pointed to the timeclock next to the TV. “And it looks like time is about up, so I’ll be turning it off soon.”
Squidward groaned in annoyance as he glared at his boss. “What are you so concerned with in our costs anyways? This humdrum restaurant is already driving business up, as it were. We get our usual amount of customers, don’t we?”
“Aye, and that be the problem!” Mr. Krabs said as he gave a cough. “Spongebob!”
Upon hearing his name, Spongebob immediately stopped what he was doing and zoomed over to his boss (the washcloths and the mop being put back in their proper position before zipping over), “Yes, sir, Mr. Krabs, sir!”
“Look sharp, boy-o! Your cleaning is great, but if we’re going to get more customers, I want this place all spic and span!” Mr. Krabs said as he picked up the remote before turning the volume up a bit. “Here’s some music to help motivate you, if need be. But remember, it’s all coming out of your paycheck!”
“Aye aye, sir!” Spongebob saluted, making Squidward give a slight groan.
“Before you do that, Squidward, Spongebob, a little discussion with the two of ye-s.” Mr. Krabs said as he turned to the two. “As i was saying to Mr. Squidward earlier, we are doing quite well in getting business up. Good… but not great enough!”
“Oh! Do you need a new menu item to spice up the place?” Spongebob asked. “I was thinking maybe… the Bacon Double Krabby Patty, with sizzling bacon in every patty!”
With that, Spongebob pulled out what looked like a Krabby Patty, with bits of bacon sticking out. Mr. Krabs paused as he examined the patty thoroughly, before shaking his head. “Just stick with the formuler, boy. No, what I want is to drum up business for the Krusty Krab. We’ve gotten our usual flow of customers, but while the undersea world of Bikini Bottom is great in providing customers, I want people from other parts of the world to come to me restaurant, and… you know… pay a lot of money to enjoy the commodities of our fine establishment.”
“You mean, like… other worldly folk?” Spongebob asked in surprise. “Hmmm… I suppose I could ask my friends back in their worlds if they want to come over to the Krusty Krab… I haven’t heard from Danny, Jimmy and Timmy in quite a while…”
“Hmmm… other worldly folk, huh?” Mr. Krabs paused. “I think that’s not a bad start, Spongebob, but what I’m thinking about is how we can promote the Krusty Krab.”
“I’d suggest another talent show, but we all know how THAT turned out.” Squidward frowned as he crossed his arms in annoyance. “Personally, I say we close down…”
“Oh no, Mr. Squidward, we’re all in this together!” Mr. Krabs frowned as he turned to Squidward in annoyance. “At least take this seriously if you’re willing to pitch in!”
Squidward rolled his eyes. “Well, I suppose we could go on TV, but the times we tried doing that just blew up in our faces!”
“Hmmm… that’s true… but maybe we can take this TV idea AND try a different direction…” Mr. Krabs said. “But how?”
At that moment, the program that was on the Bikini Bottom Symphony Band went into static, causing all three to turn to the TV in confusion, before switching on to something else.
On the screen was a strange creature not like any seen in the ocean, with black hair and wearing an orange shirt and blue shorts as he gave a wave. “Hey, folks! Have you ever wanted to have a chance to compete in something, or if you want to promote anything for your troubles… like, say, a restaurant from your world to other worlds?”
“Hey, Mr. Krabs, I think that ugly looking fish is talking about our situation!” Spongebob smiled as he pointed to the screen, before squinting his eyes. “I think Sandy called these… humans.”
“Shush!” Mr. Krabs shushed his employee before looking up.
“Well, you’re in luck, my friends, because sign-ups for our brand new reality TV show called ‘Reality Gauntlet’ is about to start. Sign a team of two up and watch them compete in various gauntlet like tasks. And throughout the ten episode adventure, teams must survive through every obstacle and gauntlet we throw at them! And the winning team will not only win a ticket for one to the music concert of their choice-” This caught Squidward’s attention as he looked curious. “-not only will the winning team win a million dollars for their sponsor-” Mr. Krabs’s eyes turned into dollar signs upon hearing that. “-but also, the winning team will get a special wish.”
“Oooooooo…” Spongebob said in interest.
“Sign your team up through the e-mail address listed below, and we’ll sign you up as a sponsor!” The human said with a grin as an e-mail address quickly flashed onscreen, Spongebob quickly writing it down. “Sign up today, and don’t dilly dally about it! This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only explore other worlds, but to meet other teams of different realities and compete against them!”
With that, the static came back on the TV before it changed back to the Bikini Bottom Symphony Band, but at that point, the three were sitting and staring with speechless thoughts as Squidward gave a smile.
“A ticket to the music concert of my choice…” Squidward sighed happily. “Oh, that’ll be a dream!”
“A million dollars… and a chance to promote me restaurant…” Mr. Krabs sighed.
“A wish…” Spongebob said as his eyes brightened up. “Oh, Mr. Krabs, we gotta sign up for this show!”
“I agree, boy-o! You and Squidward are going to be the team!” Mr. Krabs said.
Hearing that caused Squidward to snap back to reality as his eyes widened. “Wait, what? Working… with SPONGEBOB?! Mr. Krabs, I can’t possibly… I don’t want-”
“Oh, but you CAN! And you WILL!” Mr. Krabs said as he narrowed his eyes at the cephalopod. “Because if we’re going to promote the Krusty Krab to other worlds, ESPECIALLY to these teams from other worlds, we need to do some PR, show off how the Krusty Krab fares in comparison to other businesses that may be getting promoted!”
“Okay, fair, but I have to be on a team… WITH SPONGEBOB?!” Squidward said as he turned to Spongebob, who just gave Squidward a big smile. Squidward shuddered as he turned back to Mr. Krabs. “Surely, we can hire someone else… like, can’t Patrick go with him? Or how about Sandy?”
“Nope, it has to be the two of ye-s. And you better work with Spongebob and promote the Krusty Krab, because if you don’t, you’re fired!” Mr. Krabs narrowed his eyes.
“But… what about the obstacles, Mr. Krabs? I mean… I want that concer- I mean, that win more than you do, but I don’t think I can do them all!” Squidward explained. “I”m a relaxer, not a go-getter!”
“Oh, pish posh, Squidward, I’ve seen you endure a lot of obstacles before… like the time you got pummeled by that large guy when you insulted his hat… oh boy, did you run and jump just to get away from him!” Spongebob chuckled a bit.
Squidward glared at his neighbor. “I did NOT need a reminder of that day, thank you.”
“Nevertheless, you two are going to be a team, and that’s that!” Mr. Krabs said as he crossed his arms. “Now, I won’t be hearing any more arguing from ye, Mr. Squidward. Spongebob, hand me that e-mail address! I’m gonna make sure you and Squidward are entering as a team!”
“Aye aye, Mr. Krabs!” Spongebob said before handing the note to the red crustacean. Mr. Krabs nodded as he waddled back to his office before sitting down in front of a cheap computer that he had got for free and started typing down an application…
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Little did he know was that over at the restaurant across the street, inside the lab, the ‘human’ with the orange shirt and blue shorts had just broken down and started to spark.
“Ugh, at least it didn’t malfunction during the commercial, otherwise, it would have ruined everything!” A small voice muttered as a small, green planktonic copepod with stubby appendages, two antennae, and one yellow eye with red iris was seen hopping down from the robot. This character, known as Sheldon J. Plankton, or Plankton for short, shrugged. “Oh well, at least the message got to Krabs. Any minute now, he’ll be sending in that application and…”
“E-mail received from Eugene Krabs.” A robotic voice sounded out as a large monitor on a wheeled stand came out as Plankton looked up and noted the e-mail.
“To the Reality Gauntlet show, the Krusty Krab is to promote Spongebob Squarepants and Squidward Tentacles on your show…” Plankton read as he gave a chuckle. “Excellent! Now to give them directions that’ll get them lost and-”
“E-mail received from wifishark.” The monitor said as Plankton stopped for a moment.
“Eh? What is-”
“E-mail received from Tinyhammer… from WindyCityPuma… from Indigo81…” The monitor said as she started listing names.
“This can’t be right, I shouldn’t be receiving more e-mails…” Plankton said in confusion before opening one of them up. “I would like to sponsor… what the-? Karen, what’s going on?”
As soon as Karen (the computer monitor on wheels) stopped listing names, she gave a sigh. “I think when you pushed the button to hijack the Krusty Krab’s TV signal, you accidentally pushed a button to hijack ALL TVs in other worlds, and they played the same signal. Now it seems you have a VERY interested audience in terms of this ‘Reality Gauntlet’.”
“I do?” Plankton asked in shock, before pausing. “Hmmm… you know, the original plan WAS to make sure Krabs and his crew would be too lost in following nonsensical directions so that I can swipe the Krabby Patty secret formula…”
Plankton looked over to the robot human he made as it sparked. “But now that I think about it… this could be a big chance to host not only the biggest show of all time, BUT also trap them all while I get the formula! I may have an idea to play the long game here, Karen!”
Karen’s face appeared on the monitor as she lowered her eyelids. “Plankton, I’ve heard some ridiculous things, but… of all the ridiculous plans you come up with on the fly, this has got to be the most ludicrous! Do you really think you can manage a show, ALONG with trying to get the formula?!”
“And why not?” Plankton smirked. “It’ll be a simple process! Have them play the game a little, and when the time is right… they get trapped in something they can’t avoid, and it leaves me easy pickings to get the formula in no time!”
“Another problem, genius, is that we’re UNDERWATER. How do you accommodate for that?” Karen asked.
Plankton chuckled a bit as he noted a device not too far from here. “You forget, my darling computer wife, I used to be part of the Syndicate. I think with a few adjustments, I may have a perfect arena for our contestants and a good, sizable crowd…”
The small green creature laughed as he held up his arms. “So be it, from this day on, Sheldon J. Plankton will welcome you to-”
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“THE REALITY GAUNTLET!”
It was about a week or so after as Squidward, Spongebob and Mr. Krabs arrived via portal, as were told by instructions as they looked around the area. It looked to be some sort of arena like structure as they heard the distinct sound of a crowd cheering, and some announcers explaining instructions to the people about the show. As of now, the three of them were standing near the room with a door that led out to an arena. Spongebob pulled out some spray and started to spray around the three as all three sea creatures were starting to breathe in the air.
“Thank goodness Jimmy Neutron lent me some of his Neutronic Moisture Sealer for emergencies such as this.” Spongebob said before putting the spray can away.
“Okay, boy-os, I need you two to succeed in every obstacle possible. Do this for Team Krusty Krab!” Mr. Krabs called out.
“TEAM KRUSTY KRAB!” Spongebob shouted out in joy.
“Team Krusty Krab.” Squidward said as he held out his arm in a ‘couldn’t care less’ fashion.
“That’s the spirit! Go out there and give it your all!” Mr. Krabs grinned.
“First team… SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS AND SQUIDWARD TENTACLES!” The voice from the Announcer’s Booth.
“That’s it, boy-os! Knock ‘em down!” Mr. Krabs shouted as Spongebob gave a salute, with Squidward giving a sigh.
As the two entered into the arena, little did they realize was that this little trap, courtesy of Plankton, was about to commence…
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END OF PROLOGUE
COMING UP… THE REALITY GAUNTLET’S TEAMS!
Chapter 2: Meet the Teams!
Chapter Text
A large crowd started to cheer out as a lot of them were gathered around this mysterious arena, awaiting the brand new gameshow that was on the horizon. Even though a lot of them looked confused and curious about how this game show came to be, they didn’t care in the slightest. After the camera did a few fly-bys, the signal went to an announcer’s booth, where a black haired man wearing an orange shirt and blue shorts was seen sitting down, alongside a brown haired man wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.
“Hello, folks and welcome to our first episode of the Reality Gauntlet!” The orange wearing man grinned. “My name is Orange Ratchet, and joining me is my co-host, wifishark!”
“Greetings!” Wifishark smiled before turning to Orange in curiosity. “You know, when I talked about doing this ten chapter request, I didn’t think I’d be involved in this story at all.”
“Well, you told me to go nuts, buddy, so I’m committing to it!” Orange laughed before turning to the camera. “Anyway, for those of you wondering what this show is about, think of it like Takeshi’s Castle or Wipeout…”
“We go through a challenge an episode, and the person who completes the challenge the slowest will be eliminated. We will keep going with this episode format until three teams are left, by this time, we’ll have something special for them!” Wifishark explained.
“You got that right, Shark!” Orange smiled before turning to the camera. “Now, because this was a Super Bowl Pool 2024 request story, I knew I had to make it special, and with ten chapters of this, I KNEW we’d have to expand on a lot. SOOOOOO…”
The camera switched over to a certain Deviantart journal with the Super Bowl requests. “The theme for this round will be sponsors for the Super Bowl request stories, save for a couple, but we’ll get to that…”
“Basically, you guys just gave Orange a chance to pick your teams for you, so in a way, you’re all getting sponsored in this once in a lifetime story!” Wifishark smiled. “So, not only did you guys, alongside me, get a chance to get a story request, but characters from the story requests you gave are also automatically teams you will be sponsoring!”
“Consider this a bonus prize for all of you!” Orange smiled. “That said, let’s not waste any time, and let’s introduce the teams!”
Everyone held their breath as all eyes turned to the stadium as Orange and wifishark announced the names of the teams… one by one…
TEAM 1: SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS & SQUIDWARD TENTACLES
NODE: SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
RELATIONSHIP: NEIGHBORS
REPRESENTED BY: The Krusty Krab (NOTE: The only team not represented by an author, and are part of the story)
A happy yellow sponge wearing a white shirt, red tie and brown square pants with a black belt came running out and waving to the crowd happily as his partner, a blue octopus with a brown shirt, just gave a groan before following him.
“Oh, I’m so excited to be here! Mr. Krabs said that this was to help promote the Krusty Krab, and to show it off to other worlders out there! And I don’t intend to let him down!” Spongebob said as he saluted to the camera in the interview room he was in.
Squidward, sitting alongside Spongebob, just gave a small groan. “I can’t believe that I’m forced to work with SPONGEBOB for this stupid game. If it weren’t for the fact that there’s a chance I can go to the Bikini Bottom Symphony Band as a prize, I wouldn’t be sitting here with him…”
“Oh, come now, Squidward! I’m sure in the long run, we’re going to be the amazing team that helped get the Krusty Krab promoted to other worlds!” Spongebob smiled as his eyes brightened happily. “Can you imagine all the fun we’ll have with all these new faces from different worlds visiting us?”
Squidward could only lower his eyes in annoyance. “Oh yeah, because I want to see a lot of new faces in MY face during work hours…”
TEAM 2: CUPHEAD & MUGMAN
NODE: CUPHEAD
RELATIONSHIP: BROTHERS
REPRESENTED BY: wifishark
Spongebob and Squidward turned and raised an eyebrow as two other figures showed up as soon as their names were called. The figures with cups on their heads just looked around at the crowd as the cup with a red striped straw with a black shirt and red shorts waved to the crowd with enthusiasm, as the other cup-like figure with a blue striped straw on his head with a black shirt and blue shorts on just chuckled nervously.
“I just don’t get it. One minute we were minding our own business back in the Inkwell Isles, and the next minute, we end up in this strange looking place.” Mugman said as he scratched his head. “How did we even end up in this spot?”
“Ehhh, who cares? From what I hear, this Reality Gauntlet seems rather fun, and whoever signed us up, heh, I’m sure ain’t complainin’!” Cuphead grinned. “Mugsy, you worry too much!”
“I know, but still…” Mugman said as he gave a sigh. “You can’t help but wonder if this is somehow an elaborate trap by the Devil or somebody…”
“I don’t think it’s the Devil’s work. If it was, we’d see more demons.” Cuphead shook his head. “Besides, we’ve been through a lot worse together, so what’s going to change?”
Mugman could only sigh.
TEAM 3: HONG KONG PHOOEY & SPOT
NODE: HONG KONG PHOOEY
RELATIONSHIP: PARTNERS
REPRESENTED BY: Orange-Ratchet (Aka Myself)
The crowd erupted hard as a brown dog wearing a red gi, a yellow belt and a black mask came rushing forward, doing some karate kicks along the way. Following not too far behind was a yellow and black striped furred cat, who could only hold his head and give a small sigh.
“I will admit, Spot, I have no idea how we ended up in this scenario, but this Reality Gauntlet thing sounds pretty fun.” Hong Kong Phooey told his faithful sidekick. “Who knows? We might be able to win this thing…”
Spot could only shrug as he looked around with a suspicious look on his face, as if he knew something wasn’t right here.
Hong Kong Phooey just turned to the camera as he gave a chuckle. “Heh, with my training in both my kung fu skills AND time at the Laff-A-Lympics, surely, we’ll be a shoo-in!”
Spot paused, before giving a slight shrug.
TEAM 4: EDD & NAZZ
NODE: ED, EDD ‘N’ EDDY
RELATIONSHIP: DATING
REPRESENTED BY: BurstFlame24
Two pre-teen figures came walking out to the crowd as they looked around in pure awe. The first figure, a young man wearing a black sock hat over black hair, a red shirt, purple shorts and blue shoes could only look around in confusion and nervousness. The second figure, a pretty blonde haired girl wearing a black T-shirt with a white tank top over it, blue jeans and black shoes, was a little more excited as she waved towards the crowd, looking excited.
“I’m confused, Nazz. Weren’t we just getting out of school? How did we end up here, of all places?” Edd asked in pure shock. “Good lord, this feels a little uncomfortable!”
“Awww, don’t worry, Double D. I think whatever this Reality Gauntlet is, we’ll be sure to have fun.” Nazz said with a smile.
“Okay, Reality Gauntlet? I mean, I can run, but I don’t like overworking myself!” Edd groaned as he held his head.
“Awww, come on, dude. You’ll be fine. I’m going to be supporting you, okay?” Nazz said as she put an arm around her boyfriend, getting the young man to calm down.
Edd looked over towards Nazz, before giving a sigh. “How you manage to win me over with your sweet side, Nazz, I will never fathom.”
Nazz could only giggle.
TEAM 5: SNOOPY & DOT WARNER
NODES: PEANUTS/ANIMANIACS
RELATIONSHIP: DATING
REPRESENTED BY: Tinyhammer
Two more people stepped out into the audience as one of them, a short black furried dog-like creature with cute eyes wearing a purple skirt and a yellow flower on her head was blowing kisses to the audience in the most over-the-top manner. The person beside her, a white beagle with a black spot, could only give a small sigh, before pulling out some sunglasses and crossing his arms before giving a wink behind the sunglasses.
“...so wait, is this part of the Battle of the Luminaries, Tournament of Kikai, Ultimate Video Rumble, Megamix Tournament lore now?” Snoopy asked. “Because I faintly remember you and me leaving the Tournament of Kikai before we somehow got teleported here.”
“Nah, I don’t think we’re gonna count this as canon.” Dot shook her head. “If anything, I think we were only picked because Tiny specifically requested a ‘Battle of the Luminaries’ side story. He didn’t mention anything about characters, so Orange here got free reign.”
“That makes sense, but I distinctly remember…” Snoopy started to say.
“Snoopy, sweetie, drop it.” Dot frowned as she looked over towards her boyfriend. “We’re on a new reality show now! And its rules are different here!”
Snoopy paused, before giving a sigh.
TEAM 6: INUYASHA & AYAME
NODE: INUYASHA
RELATIONSHIP: DATING
REPRESENTED BY: Antoni-Matteo-Garcia
Two more figures came out, though they looked a little more muscly than they looked. A white haired hanyou with white dog ears, a red robe and a black bead necklace couldn’t help but smirk as he flexed a bit for the crowd. The person alongside him, a brown haired wolf girl with pointy ears wearing a white wolf fur cape and skirt, alongside a black chest armor and white fur pelts on her feet was similarly flexing for the audience, while turning to her boyfriend and giving a cocky grin.
“So, we were just leaving with my half-brother after a big win at the martial arts tournament, then the next thing I knew, Ayame and I were both here.” Inuyasha explained as he gave a frown. “Keh… not that it matters, because if what this Reality Gauntlet says is true, then we’re going to sweep the floor with these people!”
“Too right!” Ayame said as she stuck her tongue out with a grin. “My boyfriend and I have been training a lot AND we know a lot of moves. Besides, most of these teams so far look to be weaklings, and we can wipe the floor with them easily!”
“Best part is, I’m not feeling exhausted at all!” Inuyasha smirked.
“Neither am I.” Ayame said as she pumped her fists up. “So come on, even though we’re not home, I’m ready to wipe the floor with these people EVEN MORE!”
TEAM 7: MAC & BUBBLES UTONIUM
NODES: FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS/THE POWERPUFF GIRLS
RELATIONSHIP: MARRIED (In an alternate timeline)
REPRESENTED BY: CJH48
Two older people came walking out as they gave small waves. A brown haired man around twenty wearing a red furred hoodie and a white T-shirt underneath, brown khaki pants and black shoes looked around in surprise and confusion, as was his wife, a cute blonde haired girl around twenty with large blue eyes wearing a light blue shirt, dark blue skirt and white shoes. They looked around a bit concerned.
“Sooo… uh, we were taking care of our first child who had graciously came into our lives, when my wife and I got teleported to this place…” Mac explained. “And even though we’re a little mad that we got sent here out of the blue, we are thankful that at least we left our kid to be babysat by Blossom and Buttercup before we came here.”
“Although my career as a superhero is put on hold, I’m always welcome to do a little competition.” Bubbles giggled as she held Mac’s hand. “Yes, we got here somehow through some mysterious circumstances, but all of them look to be pretty fun! Plus, it’ll be good to see how much I’ve improved since I’ve grown up! Hope I’m not rusty…”
“Oh, Bubbles… at least with you by my side, we can take on everything together.” Mac smiled.
Bubbles giggled as she kissed her husband on the cheek, making him blush. “You’ve always been sweet, Mac.”
“Sweet as the day we first met, right?” Mac asked.
“Exactly!” Bubbles giggled.
TEAM 8: DIPPER PINES & EMIRA BLIGHT
NODES: GRAVITY FALLS/THE OWL HOUSE
RELATIONSHIP: DATING
REPRESENTED BY: RobotNinjaHero
The audience erupted once more as two teenagers came out, still a little confused and shocked, though blushing in embarrassment as they were walking together. The first person, a fifteen year old boy with brown hair wearing a blue hat with a pine tree symbol on it just chuckled a bit as he waved. He was wearing a red shirt with a blue vest, grey shorts, white socks and brown shoes. Walking alongside him was a green haired girl with pointy ears wearing a black long sleeved shirt over a purple vest and blue shorts. She also had a beauty mark on her left eye. The two could only give nervous chuckles as they waved to the crowd.
“Okay, so… how did we get from the Walt Disney School of Magic to this strange looking place?” Dipper asked in confusion.
“All I know is that my day of playing with you as a shrunken little doll got interrupted.” Emira frowned as she crossed her arms. “I still can’t believe we just teleported here without consent!”
“Still, this Reality Gauntlet seems rather curious and fun… I’m not the most athletic, but I think I can last… right?” Dipper asked.
“It would be a good time to use a little magic… plus, I could afford a little fun, why not?” Emira giggled as she nuzzled Dipper. “At least we’ll get to do it together…”
Dipper could only grin nervously.
TEAM 9: KAILEY DAVIS-PARATA & MITSUKI TANAKA
NODE: ATLAS CHRONICLES (Original Project made by WindyCityPuma)
RELATIONSHIP: FRIENDS
REPRESENTED BY: WindyCityPuma
The crowd erupted once more as two anthropomorphic animals came out, giving nervous waves as they looked around at the crowd, a little cautious. The first animal, a female squirrel wearing a maroon colored short sleeved collared shirt tucked into her pants with the blue and yellow A patch on the front of her shirt and the Australian flag on each sleeve, black cargo capri pants with elastic cuffs at the ends midshin, black fingerless gloves, brown leather belt with a snap belt buckle, and barefoot, looked around at the audience as she gave a small wave towards the audience. The other person with her, an older red panda with long brown hair and wearing a pink v-neck shirt exposing her navel, black cargo capris with elastic cuffs on the ends, black fingerless gloves, brown leather belt, goggles resting on her head, and barefoot, just gave a small enthusiastic wave towards the audience as she at least tried to give a smile, despite their situation.
“This is very unusual. Mitsuki and I were giving a rare jewel over to the museum, when all of a sudden, we were both teleported to this place, and apparently we are being forced to compete in this… Reality Gauntlet?” Kailey, the squirrel, said as she gave a frown as she tried to dial a number. “I’m trying to call Atlas to pinpoint my location, but something in this place is jamming the signal.”
“I’m just as surprised as you are, Kailey, but nevertheless, it seems we’re stuck here for the time being.” Mitsuki, the red panda, said as she gave a sigh. “I’m just as worried about my little brother, and wondering how we just disappeared… but we can’t let that stop us.”
“Right.” Kailey nodded as she gave a confident smirk. “I’ve trained hard in Atlas, and you’ve been training hard, so some reality show is nothing. Heck, I’m more than willing to give this whole competition a shot! So, I guess you’re stuck with me for a little longer, Mitsuki!”
“I wouldn’t dream of anything more!” Mitsuki giggled before turning to the camera. “Watch out, world, because Kailey and I are going to DOMINATE!”
TEAM 10: DOUG FUNNIE & BEEBE BLUFF
NODE: DOUG
RELATIONSHIP: FRIENDS
REPRESENTED BY: Indigo81
The next team to walk out were two young pre-teens, as both of them were looking around in surprise, as if wondering what was going on. The first person, a young white skinned boy wearing a V-neck green sweater vest over a white T-shirt, brown shorts, white socks and red shoes, just looked a little concerned and confused, wondering what was going on. The second person, a young red haired purple skinned girl around the same age as the boy, wearing a light blue dress with a white collar, white cuffs on the sleeves and two yellow buttons in the center, and white shoes walked out with her friend, just as confused.
“Dougy-poo, where are we? What is this whole Reality Gauntlet thing they were talking about, and how did we end up here?” Beebe asked in confusion.
“I’m not quite sure, Beebe.” Doug said as he looked around the interviewing room. “I admit I’m a little confused about it, as I do remember you tried to do a makeover on me…”
“Oh come on, all a necessity!” Beebe chuckled, before pausing. “But I’m worried, Doug. What will our families and friends think? If we do compete in this thing, what do we do?”
“...I guess all we can do is improvise.” Doug said nervously. “We may not look athletic, but I think if we put our minds into it, we can work together.”
Beebe paused slightly as she gave a smile. “Oh, Dougy-poo, you’re certainly a good man!”
She then pulled Doug into a hug as the boy blushed a little bit.
TEAM 11: ARNOLD SHORTMAN & RHONDA WELLINGTON LLOYD
NODE: HEY ARNOLD!
RELATIONSHIP: DATING
REPRESENTED BY: TailsFan2022 (The only person not in the Pool, but he did give me a request while I was doing some others, and I wasn’t one to turn that down)
The final team being called out came walking out as they had equal looks of confusion as the last team, but unlike them, they were at least trying to make the most of it. A young blonde haired football headed boy wearing a green shirt over a plaid flannel shirt, blue jeans and black shoes smiled as he waved to the audience, as did a young raven haired girl wearing a red shirt with a white collar, black pants and red shoes. Both of them were holding hands as they seemed to be having a good time.
“So, we were on our way back after a failed expedition in Elk Island, when all of a sudden, Rhonda and I just teleported to this strange place.” Arnold explained to the camera.
“It was just as shocking to me as it was to him.” Rhonda said in concern. “Apparently, we’ve been selected as part of some… obstacle course related reality show? Oh, this’ll be bad for my nails.”
“Come on, Rhonda, I’ve seen you play football before, I don’t think physical exercise is going to kill you.” Arnold rolled his eyes, before giving a smile. “Besides, this could be fun, and we can play the game together.”
Rhonda paused, before giving a smile. “How true. Okay, Arnold, doll, I’m more than willing to have some fun out there! As long as these guys who took us here will remember to take us home…”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure whoever is running this place will take us back soon enough.” Arnold smiled. “Either way, I’m excited to see what’s in store for all of us.”
“All right then, let’s bring it!” Rhonda smirked as she held a small stance.
Back over at the announcer’s booth, Orange nodded as he turned to wifishark. “Well, that should be all the teams! Each of them are down there now, getting instructions from the coach down below…”
The camera turned over as we see all eleven teams getting briefed by a few referees, with a few of them looking a bit confused, and a few of them ready to get it on, some like Mitsuki, Inuyasha, Ayame, and Spongebob were more excited than others. Others like Edd, Dipper, Mugman and Doug were nervously looking around and trying to figure out their situation. But either way, most of the contestants were showing some form of curiosity and excitement as all of them were here to participate.
The camera turned back to wifishark as he chuckled, “Man, these guys are certainly showing no bounds. In a few minutes, we’ll start our first challenge, BUT we’ll also have a poll up for you guys to vote for who you want to see proceed to the next round!”
“We’ll have one every chapter until the Final Three!” Orange smiled. “By that time, we’ll have a good show on our hands…” Orange then turned off the microphone as he gave a chuckle. “And maybe finally, get my hands on the Krabby Patty Secret Formula once and for all.”
“Pst!” wifishark whispered.
“Oh, right!” Orange coughed as he turned the headset back on. “The poll is now up, so go ahead and vote for your favorite team. What’s that? There’s only ten teams in the poll? No, there’s eleven, what do you mean?”
With that, Orange held up a sign that said ‘Spongebob/Squidward (SBSP)’ and crushed it to pieces.
Wifishark, not noticing, gave a smile. “While we prepare our first challenge, go ahead and place your votes.”
“Take all the time you need. It’s only a ten chapter event, counting this one!” Orange Ratchet smiled. “See you-”
All of a sudden, Orange started to spark as his head started to move violently, with wifishark doing the same. Not too far away, a large wrench was seen waddling by as it whacked both Orange and wifishark before they got back.
“-S-s-soon!” Orange finished as the camera faded out…
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Outside the announcer’s booth, Plankton was seen waddling out as he gave a small sigh. “I better make sure the robots I put in stay in maintenance, or everyone will know something’s up… anyway, all the worth it in the end…”
Plankton chuckled to himself as he crossed his arms. His time will come soon enough…
Chapter 3: Challenge One: Ninja Course
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE ONE
The studio came back into focus as Orange Ratchet and wifishark were sitting in their respective seats, giving smiles to the camera as Orange tipped his hat. “Welcome back, everybody, to our first challenge of the Reality Gauntlet!”
“In this challenge, our teams, one by one, must go through the Ninja Course!” Wifishark explained as the screen switched over to the arena to show a ninja course similar to American Ninja Warrior.
“And this task is a very simple one. One by one, our teams must run through the course, relay style. One person must complete the first three tasks, and the second one must complete the next three tasks. If the first person on the team fails in their tasks, the second one must complete their three tasks without fail, but a time penalty will be given.” Orange’s voice explained as the camera cycled its way through the course.
The first part of the obstacle course was that of a set of five large steps, three on the left side, and two on the right side of the obstacle, all surrounded by a large pool of water.
“The first member of the team must jump their way through the Quintuple Steps, hopping through each step before moving onto the next obstacle…” wifishark explained as it showed the next obstacle.
The second part of the obstacle showed a series of eight white bars, each of them at least four feet distanced from each other, towering over another large pool of water.
“...the Jumping Bars, where the player must use their upper body strength to swing from one bar to the other…” Wifishark continued.
The next obstacle shown took place over a smaller pool, with a series of dominos attached to a singular bar that looked like they could rotate or bend if one were standing in the wrong position.
“...then it’s onto Domino Effect, where the player must rush up these large dominos without loosing balance!” wifishark finished with a grin.
The next obstacle shown were two large walls that were confined with a small pool in between, with a a path of glass showing that not all the panels are complete.
“Then, once they tag the other player, they must compete and jump over to the Jumping Spider…” Orange said as the next three obstacles were shown. “Where they must try to squeeze themselves apart as they try to move forward on the walls like a spider…”
The second to last obstacle showed two boomerang shaped boards hanging over a large pool of water, each boomerang attached with doorknobs (17 on one, and 10 on the other), some doorknobs stationary and others that looked like they can move in different ways. It looked like that the first boomerang would tilt towards the second, and the second tilted depending on the weight of the person gliding through the course.
“...then onwards to Doorknob Drop, where the players must try to use floating doorknobs that are slippery to guide themselves from point A to point B, all without falling into the water.” Orange explained.
The final part shown was a large wall that curved up in the air, with a button on top of the wall.
“And finally, the Warped Wall… simple enough, just run up the wall and get yourself up there and push the button to win! You have about three tries on this wall.” Orange finished.
“The player with the least amount of time will be eliminated in this round.” wifishark explained as the cameras were now focused on the teams, who were already filled in on the rules as each of them were now drawing numbers. “Every team has drawn for a slot randomly, and lucky number one is… Inuyasha and Ayame.”
Both the dog hanyou and the wolf girl gave grins as they showed off their muscles to a cheering audience, before whispering to each other as Orange whispered, “It would seem they’re already talking about who gets to go first…”
After a moment, the two nodded as Inuyasha started to go towards the latter half of the course, with Ayame taking her place in the first half as she gave a smirk.
“Being the first team out and about, it gives us a chance to show we’re not one to be trifled with!” Inuyasha said with a smirk. “We’re about to show just how good we are, even with obstacles in our path!”
“I’m just as excited to see how well we can pull this off!” Ayame shuffled her hands in excitement.
A horn blared, and once it did, Ayame wasted no time in jumping through each step as she jumped through each step.
“So far, Ayame is off to a good start. Then again, being from the Feudal Era, of course they would be good at martial arts.” Orange explained.
By the time Ayame jumped on the fifth step, she looked towards the distance as she hopped towards the landing pad and laughed before climbing up the stairs to the second obstacle.
“She passes through her first obstacle as quick as she can and is now onto the Jumping Bars!” wifishark called out. “Let’s see if her upper body strength holds out…”
Ayame took a couple of swings before leaping and grabbing onto the first bar. She repeated this a few times with the next four bars. However, at the fifth bar, she almost slipped, causing her to yelp, before hanging on.
“Oh, almost a big fall, but Ayame manages to hang on!” Orange explained. “Remember, the team who completes all the courses in the fastest time possible will get to move on… and if your partner falls out in the first half of the course, it’s not necessarily over, but you will have to make lost ground and be sure to get a good number from 3 to 5 tasks completed in a good amount of time.”
Ayame quickly recovered as she swung to the next two bars, then to the eighth bar before taking a couple swings, then landing on the landing pad with ease as she looked towards the next course.
“Ayame manages to pass through with ease… but from her upper body strength to her balancing… will she be able to clear Domino Effect?” Wifishark asked as Ayame took the time to examine the course (and look up to her boyfriend, who gave a smirk and a wave.
Being filled with determination, Ayame managed to run up the dominos (with a few of them tilting and Ayame almost slipping, but she managed to keep her grasp) as she landed in the same pad as Inuyasha.
“You got this, sweetie!” Ayame said.
“Keh, leave it to me!” Inuyasha grinned before turning towards the Jumping Spider.
“Ayame has completed her three tasks in due time, but can Inuyasha keep up that timing? We’ll see on the Jumping Spider.” Orange said. “Also, as a reminder, if the second person competing in the latter half falls down at any point, that is it, they don’t get a second chance, and they’re stuck with the number of obstacles completed and their time.”
Inuyasha took a deep breath before leaping upwards with both arms extended as he managed to get on the Jumping Spider with no issue. However, he took a deep breath as he tried to use his upper body strength to move himself upwards towards the path, all the while, making sure his legs connected to the walls fine.
“He’s managing to stick to the walls, but the real question is, can he guide himself while moving in between these confined walls?” wifishark asked as Inuyasha started to guide himself upwards and upwards towards the wall.
Inuyasha jumped upwards to the wall, trying to guide himself forward just as he managed to get himself to the next landing pad and jumped up with ease. Though looking a bit winded, he still had the strength to go on as he ran towards the next obstacle, the Doorknob Drop.
“Inuyasha has passed with ease and is now on the Doorknob Drop. All he has to do is navigate through the boomerangs using the doorknobs. Some are stationary, but some can move like actual doorknobs.” Orange explained.
Inuyasha took a deep breath before using a trampoline in front of him to jump towards the first door knob as he used his left hand to clang onto it, followed by his right hand hanging onto the second doorknob. He then guided his hands through a couple of other door knobs, noting the third, fifth, sixth and eighth doorknobs on the boomerang were moving slightly, so he had to be careful and maintain his upper body strength as the boomerang tilted itself towards the other boomerang.
“He’s at the second boomerang, can he make it across?” Orange asked.
Inuyasha used his body to swing himself a couple of times before making a leap and grabbing onto the first and second doorknob on the second boomerang, each of them further apart.
“He’s made it through, but with less doorknobs to work with, can he manage to get through this?” wifishark asked.
Inuyasha breathed in and out as he guided himself as carefully as possible (noting a few doorknobs sliding and moving) as the second boomerang tilted itself towards the landing pad. The man looked like he was getting a bit exhausted, but keeping his upper body strength up, he powered through and landed on the pad.
“And he has passed the fifth obstacle. All he needs to do now is run up the Warped Wall and he has completed the task! He gets three tries at it…” Orange called out.
Inuyasha then climbed down the stairs before looking up towards the curved wall. Giving a smirk, the dog hanyou ran forward and went up the wall before grabbing the edge with his hand and lifted himself up, before pushing the button as it gave victory horns, stopping the clock that was counting up.
Inuyasha & Ayame- 6 Obstacles- 1:24:53
“And Inuyasha didn’t need the next two tries as he does it in one AND gets over the obstacle, getting their overall time in under one and half minutes!” wifishark grinned. “Not too bad for the first time, wouldn’t you say?”
“I think it would be safe to say that’s a difficult time to beat, but we’ll see if anybody can take it away from them.” Orange replied.
The crowd cheered as Inuyasha looked around and flexed a bit as Ayame caught up to him on the side and waved.
“Hey, we did great!” Ayame said in excitement.
“Let’s see those other pathetic teams try to beat THAT score…” Inuyasha grinned a bit as he slid down.
The camera immediately went back towards the start of the course as Double D/Edd was walking up, looking a little nervous as he shook.
“Oh dear… I was not built for this sort of exercise…” Double D said to himself as he looked at the distance between him and the next obstacle.
“And it looks Edd and Nazz are the next people competing in the round!” wifishark announced.
“Let’s see if they can manage to take Inuyasha and Ayame’s time…” Orange said. “Double D may be smart, but will that help him here? And as for Nazz…”
The camera went over to the latter half of the course, where Nazz was standing as she waved. “You can do it, Double D! I believe in you!”
“Seems Nazz is putting her faith in Double D… if you ask me, she’ll have to be the one to carry the team, since her cheerleading skills can be quite good in this course.” wifishark pointed out.
“She’s going to need it, Wifi.” Orange pointed out as the horn blared again.
Double D nervously ran over to the first step as he leapt over and landed with ease.
“Not a bad start to the course, as he starts the Quintuple Steps… but can Double D manage to-” Orange started.
However, as Edd leaped over to the next step, he landed directly in the water.
SPLASH!
Double D then popped his head out of the water and gave a moan. “Oh dear… I hope this bad performance doesn’t hurt our score…”
“Looks like a miscalculation on his end at the Quintuple Steps, but it’s not necessarily over. Nazz will just have to carry the weight needed to not only complete the last three obstacles, but try to get a better time. Can she do it?” Orange asked.
Nazz looked over towards her boyfriend in sympathy, before turning back towards the obstacle as she used the trampoline to travel up the Jumping Spider and cling herself to the wall. She started to inch herself slowly as she tried to get herself up towards the paths.
“So far, Nazz seems to be off to a good start on the Jumping Spider, can she hurdle herself over this and the next two obstacles?” Wifishark asked.
With a deep breath, Nazz managed to get herself to the end before leaping off the the two walls and onto the landing pad as she took a deep breath.
“And she passes the Jumping Spider with ease. Looks like her time in cheerleading paid off… but now she’s onto the Doorknob Drop, can those skills even carry him above and beyond?” Orange asked as Nazz took the time to examine the course.
The blonde haired girl nodded before leaping up on the trampoline and attaching her hands to the doorknobs as she tried to navigate her way through, only for the first boomerang to tilt forward a bit, causing the girl to yelp and fall off as she directly landed in the pool below.
SPLASH!
BLAAAAAAARE!
“Ooooof!” Orange winced as Nazz bobbed her head up in the water. “So close, but no cigar.”
Edd & Nazz- 1 Obstacle- 0:24:73
“Nazz was doing pretty good on the Jumping Spider, and cleared it with ease, but when it came to Doorknob Drop, she just couldn’t handle the drop from the boomerangs, and thus let herself get caught by surprise and fell…” wifishark explained.
As Nazz swam over to the pool, she gave a sigh, “I was totally just got caught off guard… if I wasn’t, I’d probably get myself to the Warped Wall…”
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As Edd and Nazz were leaving, and Snoopy and Dot were going up next, Spongebob looked a bit concerned as he was getting up. Squidward looked annoyed as he pulled Spongebob over. “Spongebob, what are you doing?”
“Those two didn’t do so well…I thought maybe I’d cheer them up a bit.” Spongebob explained with a smile.
“Spongebob, these teams are our competition, remember? Besides, we can’t focus on being buddy-buddy with all of them. Mr. Krabs is counting on us to win this competition, remember?” Squidward pointed out as he pointed over to see the obstacle course, with Dot taking her position in the front, and Snoopy in the latter half of the course. “We have to make sure we’re not the first people out…”
“But how do we do that? This place looks a little… tough…” Spongebob said in concern.
“Fortunately, I have a plan to get through these obstacles. I’ll run the latter half, and you do the former half. I know you don’t have the upper body strength to survive the latter obstacles…” Squidward explained.
“Uh, Squid, you don’t exactly have upper body strength yourself.” Spongebob pointed out nonchalantly.
“Fortunately for you, I have these on my tentacles!” Squidward smirked as he showed off his suction cups on his tentacles. “Just let me at the Jumping Spider and I’ll guarantee us a good standing.”
As the horn blared and Dot quickly spun around to wear a ninja’s outfit, the Warner sister started to leap from the Quintuple Steps as quick as possible, before nimbly swinging herself through the bars with ease, before rushing up through the dominos without so much as touching them. As soon as Snoopy was ready to go, he was able to… uh… fly through the course with ease. Literally, he used his ears as a helicopter and just soared past the obstacles… and to the hosts up there, that counted as passing.
As Snoopy and Dot’s time and obstacles completed were displayed, Kailey, watching, frowned. “Oh come on, they can use unnatural abilities to complete these courses? How is that fair?”
“Sweetheart, you want fair, talk to the Wacky Racers. They use a lot of these gadgets in their car to try to get ahead all the time.” Hong Kong Phooey explained.
“Come on, Arnold, we’re up next.” Rhonda said as she and Arnold got up as they held hands and ran over towards the obstacles.
“Oh boy… after them, it’s going to be us, Squidward…” Spongebob said as they watched Arnold take his position on the first half of the obstacles, and Rhonda getting up and getting towards the second half. “Do you really think we can do this?”
“Relax, Spongebob…” Squidward smirked as the horn blared. “With my sticking talents and your… uh… sponginess, I’m sure we can clear this obstacle no problem.”
“Gee, you really think so, Squidward?” Spongebob asked.
“Of course, I’m right!” Squidward said with a smirk.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
“With Snoopy and Dot’s time of ten seconds, they’re definitely a shoo-in for the next round!” Orange said.
“Of course, Dot had toon abilities, and we just learned Snoopy has the ability to fly, so that helped tremendously… however, this next team needs to handle all the pressure it can get…” wifishark said as Rhonda got herself towards the first obstacle as soon as the horn blared.
Rhonda quickly ran forward as she hopped on the steps like hopscotch before clearing the first obstacle with ease.
“And in no time, Rhonda managed to successfully clear her first obstacle, already getting to a strong start like Dot!” Orange explained.
Rhonda found herself in front of the Jumping Bars as she grabbed onto the first bar and took a couple of swings before leaping from bar to bar, though on the fourth bar, she almost slipped, but managed to get herself a good grip.
“A close call by Rhonda, but she recovers nicely!” wifishark pointed out.
Rhonda took a couple of deep breaths before taking another swing, trying to take her time, before getting to the next bar. She did the same thing to the other two bars, though it was noted she was going a little slower. However, by the time she reached the eighth bar and got to the landing pad, she looked exhausted.
“Rhonda passes the second obstacle with ease, but can she clear the third obstacle and hope Arnold makes up for lost ground?” Orange asked.
Rhonda looked up towards the set of floating dominoes, before giving a nod as she rushed forward. However, her balance wasn’t quite there as she passed through the first two dominoes, but took a wrong step on the third one as it started to tilt, causing Rhonda to slip and fall into the water.
SPLASH!
“And unfortunately, Rhonda just ran out of steam and balance when it came to the Domino Effect. But her team’s not out of it yet, because Arnold’s going to at least get some good timing!” wifishark pointed out.
Arnold winced a bit as he looked at his girlfriend, who looked rather upset she didn’t make it. However, he knew time was of the essence as he turned and rushed towards the Jumping Spider, leaping off the trampoline and onto the two walls as he stuck together on the walls, before using his hands and feet to guide himself between the two walls as he slowly inched himself closer and closer. Eventually, he got himself close to the landing pad as he hopped off and gave a small sigh of relief.
“Arnold managed to get off the Jumping Spider and landed just fine. Now it’s off to the Doorknob Drop! Can he get a grip on the knobs?” Orange asked.
Arnold walked forward towards the trampoline and jumped up to grab onto the doorknobs as he tried to inch himself forward towards the end of the boomerang… however, as much as he tried to get his upper body strength, the boy’s exhaustion gave in as he fell directly into the water below.
SPLASH!
BLAAAAAARE!
“Oooh, and just like that, Arnold couldn’t let his grip last any longer as he manages to fall down to the water… not a good look for the football head, if I do say so.” Wifishark explained.
“Still, he managed to complete an obstacle, and with Rhonda’s two, they got three obstacles completed overall.” Orange explained.
Arnold & Rhonda- 3 Obstacles- 1:10:58
“I thought I could last to the Warped Wall, but doing the Jumping Spider took a lot out of me…” Arnold explained in the interviews as Rhonda hugged him tighter. “I sort of wish I could have done a lot more.”
“Don’t feel bad, Arnold. At least we managed to get a couple obstacles beaten.” Rhonda smiled as she cuddled him.
Arnold paused, before giving a smile. “I suppose you’re right…”
As Arnold and Rhonda were walking back towards the benches to catch their breath and dry off on the other set of benches, Spongebob and Squidward came running in as Spongebob gave a small sigh.
“Wow… seems to me we’re about to be in for a tough one, Squidward…” Spongebob said nervously.
“Just relax, Spongebob, and do what you can… I’ll handle everything else.” Squidward said before running to the latter half of the course as he took his place in the halfway point.
“Right…” Spongebob said as he gave a small huff and puff, before rushing forward to the starting line as he took his place.
“Next up, Spongebob and Squidward! These two aren’t represented by an author or writer, and yet they’re still in it to win it!” wifishark grinned. “What do you think, Orange?”
“Heh, I’d be surprised if those two can make it far…” Orange said.
The horn blared once again as Spongebob psyched himself up and started running, before leaping towards the first step.
“So far, Spongebob is doing quite well and trying to take leaps… however, he seems to be taking his time…” Orange said.
“Come on, Spongebob, you can do this…” Spongebob whispered to himself as he leapt to the next step, trying to catch his breath before focusing on the next step. However, in trying to time his jump just right, the clock was ticking faster and faster…
By the time he got to his fifth step, the clock was well over a minute as Squidward was tapping his feet impatiently. “Shake a leg, Spongebob, we have a race to do!”
“Coming, Squidward!~” Spongebob sang before leaping to the pad as he moved onto the Jumping Bars.
“It took some time, but Spongebob finally gets to the second obstacle? Can he make up for lost time?” Wifishark asked as Spongebob grabbed the first bar and started to swing…
Only for his body to pop off from his arms as he fell directly into the water below, leaving his arms hanging.
SPLASH!
“Nope, guess he can’t. Oh well, at least the cashier will have to make up double time.” Orange shook his head.
Squidward rolled his eyes, somehow not surprised that Spongebob wouldn’t last long. Regardless, he gave a nod as he turned towards the obstacle as he readied his tentacles. “Okay, suction cups, don’t fail me now!”
With that, Squidward leapt off the trampoline towards the Jumping Spider and managed to get all of his limbs attached to the confined walls. The squid couldn’t help but give a small laugh of triumph as he felt the suction from the tentacles sucking itself into the wall. He then tried to move… but turned out, it wasn’t quite as easy…
“Come on… come on, you stup-” Squidward groaned as he tried to move his tentacles upwards towards the path of the confined walls, but found himself a little stuck.
“Uh-oh, seems Squidward is a little stuck…” wifishark pointed out. “But we won’t disqualify him as he needs to fall into the water. So, we’ll see how this plays out…”
Squidward grunted as he tried to move his arms slowly, but surely, trying to unattach them from the walls to move, but it was a little hard to do. Still, Squidward pressed on as Spongebob, who had grown his arms back, was cheering for Squidward.
“Go Squid, go Squid, you can do this, Squidward!” Spongebob jumped up and down for joy as he watched his neighbor inch himself forward, slowly but surely.
Squidward didn’t know how long he was stuck there, but he eventually managed to get to the end as he took a deep breath.
“Come on, come on… land already!” Squidward grumbled as he pulled himself off the walls with a hard yoink, causing the squid to yowl in pain as he landed… directly… in the mat.
“And with that, Squidward manages to complete the second obstacle. Next is Doorknob Drop, will Squidward try and-” Orange started to say.
Squidward, a little exhausted, went over to the trampoline that would propel him up to the doorknobs on the first midair boomerang, but despite trying to jump, he found himself to weak to continue and went down into the pool.
SPLASH!
BLAAAAAAAARE!
Spongebob & Squidward- 2 Obstacles- 3:24:82
“Ohhhh, nooo! Looks like Squidward ran out of juice.” Orange noted.
“Yeah, it’s mostly the Jumping Spider that took him out of it.” wifishark explained as the instant replay went on to show Squidward’s tactics. “Squidward had the right idea to use his suction cups to cling on, however, in trying to get through the Jumping Spider, it also took most of his strength, as even though he cleared the obstacle, he clearly ran out of juice by the time he got to the Doorknob Drop.”
Spongebob ran over and lifted Squidward out of the water as the squid groaned. “Don’t worry, Squid, we’ll get your energy back…”
“Next people to run are Kailey and Mitsuki, and Kailey’s looking a lot more determined to dominate this obstacle….” Wifishark’s voice was heard as Spongebob led Squidward away from the obstacle course as they passed by the familiar squirrel and red panda as the squirrel looked over towards the sponge and squid. As Spongebob happily waved to the two, Mitsuki cheerfully gave a nod of respect as Kailey gave a small sigh and waved before turning back to the obstacle course as MItsuki took her place in the halfway point, and Kailey in the first half of the course.
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In the meantime, Spongebob was leading Squidward towards the dugout where the teams that have already got through the obstacle course were seated as Spongebob noted Dot was arguing angrily with Inuyasha.
“Hey, what Snoopy and I did was completely fair!” Dot argued as she pulled out a rulebook and pointed to it.
Inuyasha stammered. “Um, how?! You never even touched the obstacles, and one of you just flew over them! That is not fair!”
“Hey, the rulebook says we are allowed to use any ability we want to get past the obstacles… they didn’t say we had to follow through what the obstacles wanted… the only rule in that challenge was to not touch the water or you get disqualified!” Dot frowned. “Frankly, I think our six obstacles passed are justified…”
Inuyasha just glared at Dot with a steaming look on his face as all the while, Rhonda and Arnold, both of them having been dried off, were taking a deep breath and drinking some water as they were now watching the rest of the players taking on the obstacle course, with Kailey just finishing her third obstacle in no time as she tagged in Mitsuki. As the red panda leapt forward on the jumping spider, Spongebob looked around and noted Double D and Nazz sitting down, a little worried as they were watching the obstacle course. As Squidward went over to douse down a large bottle of water to get his strength back, Spongebob decided to approach Double D and Nazz as he sat down with them.
“Sorry about what happened back there…” Spongebob said to the two as they looked up.
“It’s all right… I wasn’t that athletic on the outside anyway… I just wish we did better, that’s all…” Double D sighed.
“Hey, Double D, dude, don’t worry about what happened. So our time wasn’t the best. We still have a few teams left… maybe they’ll be unlucky.” Nazz smiled.
“We can only hope…” Double D sighed.
“Do you, uh, want me to sit with you for a while? Squidward needs a little more, uh… recovery time…” Spongebob chuckled nervously as he turned to see Squidward drinking hard from the bottle.
“Sure… I suppose it wouldn’t hurt…” Double D said as the horn blaring was heard, signaling that Kailey and Mitsuki had completed their obstacle course. “Though I wouldn’t be surprised if anything else happens…”
A couple moments later, Kailey and Mitsuki came in as Kailey held up their hands. “Yes! We managed to secure a spot in the next round!”
“I sort of wish I did a little more with the doorknobs… they’re a little tough to figure out…” Mitsuki said.
“Hey, at least we managed to get through it fine!” Kailey smiled. “And we got the third best time! I’d like to see the rest of the teams try to top us!”
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“It looks like things are about to get down to the wire as Dipper and Emira are taking their places next…” Orange said as Emira had tagged Dipper as the nerdy kid was running towards the trampoline and jumped up towards the Jumping Spider. “And thanks to Emira’s magic for the first and third obstacles, only deciding to recharge it in the second obstacle which she took on herself, she managed to clear the first half of the course in no time!”
“But can Dipper manage to meet with success? Surely, his teachings in the Walt Disney School of Magic can-” wifishark said as Dipper yelped, falling into the drink.
SPLASH!
BLAAAAAAARE!
“Apparently, this school did not include P.E. as a class.” Orange winced as Dipper popped his head out of the short pool and shook his head. Emira could only look down at her boyfriend as she gave a sigh.
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SPLASH!
Cuphead popped his head out of the water and splashed his hand against the water in frustration. “Dang it, so close to three!”
“And even though Cuphead failed to complete Domino Effect, his brother is going to pick up the slack as he manages to get onto Jumping Spider.” Orange shouted out as the blue wearing mug headed kid leaped forward on the trampoline as he inched himself slower on the obstacle.
Mugman took a deep breath as he tried to get a good grip on the wall, inching himself slowly, but surely as he landed on the landing pad.
“Mugman has made it through, and now he’s on his way to the Doorknob Drop! Will he be able to get through his obstacle with ease…”
“Okay, Mugsy, slow and steady…” Mugman took a deep breath before leaping off the trampoline to do Doorknob Drop as he crawled from doorknob to doorknob on the first boomerang, hanging on tightly as it tilted. Then, he swung a couple of times to get a good angle before leaping off and grabbing the doorknobs on the other boomerang.
Mugman took another deep breath before inching himself slowly, but surely, before finally getting to the landing pad and leaping over as he landed it.
Mugman gasped, before smiling as he leapt off the steps and onto the Warped Wall, where he ran forward and leapt towards the wall, grabbing it and lifting himself up as he pushed the button.
BLAAAAAAARE!
Cuphead & Mugman- 5 Obstacles- 2:43:28
“And with a beautiful execution on the Warped Wall, Mugman managed to complete the second half of the obstacle course for his team, securing five obstacles and a good spot in the top six!” wifishark exclaimed.
Mugman gave a sigh of relief as he slid down the Warped Wall as he reunited with Cuphead, as the red wearing cup was leaping for joy.
“Great job, Mugsy! You really showed those obstacles whose boss around here!” Cuphead grinned.
Mugman paused before giving a smile. “I guess I did…”
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SPLASH!
“Oof, and Mac manages to slip off the Jumping Bars and into the drink.” Orange pointed out as Mac popped his head out of the water.
The adult Mac groaned as he climbed out of the water as he called out, “It’s up to you, Bubbles…”
“Don’t worry, sweetie! I know what to do!” Bubbles smiled as the young adult floated upwards towards the air and flew over the obstacles with ease. “After all, if Snoopy can do it, I don’t see any reason why I can’t!”
In no time at all, Bubbles managed to get to the Warped Wall and slammed the button as the horn started to blare out.
“Seems Bubbles managed to get the good end of the obstacles… of course, with two teams left to race, anything is possible…”
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Hong Kong Phooey was standing at the front end of the obstacle course as he examined it with ease. Spot, sitting down at the latter half, just gave a sigh and shook his head, knowing his master was overthinking what he was going to do.
“The second to last team to race is Hong Kong Phooey and Spot, and it seems Phooey already has a strategy in mind.” wifishark said. “We went down to the interviews to learn a little more…”
“Well, shucks, it ain’t too hard…” Phooey said with a smirk as he crossed his arms. “After seeing the other teams go by, I can see how tough they can be, but they haven’t even seen the likes of a good kung fu master, who can be sneaky and athletic like a ninja! Spot and I will be sure this Reality Gauntlet is as good as won!”
Spot shook his head before giving a small shrug, as if indicating, “It all depends on your point of view, really…”
The horn blared once more as Phooey started to take to the course, hopping through each step as he started making his usual kung fu sounds.
“So far, Phooey is off to a good start, already leaping bounds through the Quintuple Steps.” wifishark explained.
Phooey soon landed with ease before rushing forward towards the Jumping Bars. Phooey paused as he looked up at the bars, before pulling out a book and reading from it.
“Hmmm… well, according to my Hong Kong School of Kung Foo book, it says here to perform the Swinging Dance of the Feet to proceed through the bars.” Phooey said to himself before examining the picture in the book. “Well, this book has never let me down once…”
With that, Phooey put the book away as he started to shuffle his feet, as if doing a dance, before jumping on the trampoline and managing to get the first bar with his feet as he was hanging upside down.
“How do you like that? Once he gets to the bars, he’s starting to act like a monkey!” Orange chuckled. “He’s even swinging from bar to bar like one!”
Indeed, Phooey was doing his best to swing from obstacle to obstacle before landing directly on his front paws, giving a small smile as he looked up towards the camera. “Heh, now that is what I call a flawless execution!”
“Flawless is right, but time consuming. He’ll need to make the third obstacle and hope Spot makes up for lost time!” wifishark pointed out.
Phooey managed to get himself back upright and rushed through the Domino Effect without pause as he patted his cat on the head. “Okay, Spot, it’s all you, now!”
Spot nodded before getting up and stretching as he rushed forward towards the Jumping Spider.
“Spot is about to attempt the Jumping Spider, will he manage to hang on?” Orange asked.
Spot leapt from the trampoline as he got in between the walls using his arms and legs… unfortunately, the glass in between the walls wasn’t good enough for claws as the cat found himself falling down slowly before letting go and diving directly into the pool.
SPLASH!
BLAAAAAAARE!
Hong Kong Phooey & Spot- 3 Obstacles- 1:53:76
“OOOOOO! Unfortunately not.” wifishark winced.
“Spot had the right idea to use his claws… but the type of walls just weren’t claw friendly, and he got sent down to the drink before he could even attempt the obstacle…” Orange said.
Phooey paused as he leaned over as Spot bobbed his head out of the water with a frown on his face. Phooey could only give a comforting smile as he said, “That’s okay, Spot. None of us are as trained in the art of Hong Kong Phooey like Hong Kong Phooey.”
Spot grumbled a bit before getting himself out of the drink in hopes to dry himself off.
“Well, almost all the teams have gone at this point. Only one more team remains.” wifishark said.
“That’s right, and these racers are a young, cute couple from Bluffington named Doug Funnie and Beebe Bluff.” Orange nodded.
As if to emphasize Orange’s point, Doug was standing in the latter half of the course, giving a nervous chuckle as he examined the wall before him. All the way at the front, Beebe was taking a deep breath as the rich girl looked over the obstacles, trying to get a good idea for them…
“I’m not sure about this, Beebe.” Doug said nervously. “Sure, the others had a rough time of the obstacles, but a few of them breezed through it like it was no trouble.”
“Maybe so, and I doubt we’ll be able to beat the beagle and… whatever that puppy kid is…’s time, but we can at least bring out a good show…” Beebe smiled before giving her boyfriend a hug. “Come on, Dougy-poo, we have this in the bag! Maybe we’ll be able to be like that other rich girl-middle class boy pairing and get ourselves in a good position!”
“Maybe, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see…” Doug said as he bit his lip.
The horn blared as Beebe started to rush forward and jumped towards the floating steps, hopping five times to each of them. On the fifth step, she managed to land on the landing pad before rushing forward.
“Looks like Beebe has cleared the first obstacle in no time!” Orange said in excitement.
“The only people on the chopping block are Edd and Nazz, can either Beebe or Doug take a second obstacle and get them out?” wifishark asked.
Beebe scurried over to the second obstacle as she hopped up to the first bar. Upon her first swing, she managed to grab onto the second bar. But upon leaping the third time, her timing was off as she attempted to grab the third bar, only for her to fall short as she fell into the pool.
SPLASH!
“And Beebe is out of it…” wifishark sighed.
“It’s all up to Doug, now! Can he clench that second obstacle?” Orange asked.
Doug gulped as he turned towards the obstacle in question and panicked, before giving a yell as he leapt up… without using the trampoline…
SPLASH!
BLAAAAAAAARE!
“And it looks like Doug couldn’t quite get there…” Orange gave a sigh.
“We will not reveal the time yet, but we’ll give our players a chance to clean up… before we do anything else…” wifishark said as Doug bobbed his head out of the water.
Doug winced a bit as he climbed out of the water, with Beebe shaking herself in anger. “Ugh, I can’t believe we got ourselves all wet…”
“I can’t believe we only got one obstacle…” Doug sighed.
“Don’t worry, Dougy-poo… maybe we’ll have a chance yet…” Beebe said as she walked towards the dugout to get dried up.
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Spongebob gave a small smile as he turned to Edd and Nazz. “Sounds to me like you two might still be in this!”
“Yeah, dude, we’re not quite out of it yet!” Nazz smiled.
“Well, it would look that way, but… Nazz, you were at the latter half, and I was at the first half. I didn’t even clear anything in the first half, and who knows how long you were at the Jumping Spider.” Edd said. “By all sound logic, we might still be doomed…”
“Don’t be so pessimistic, dude. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Nazz smiled as Spongebob gave a smile.
“Who knows? Maybe it’s a non-elimination.” Spongebob smiled.
“Spongebob, I highly doubt that we’d have a non-elimination in the first round.” Squidward said, all of his energy now back. “Considering what happened with everything, I wouldn’t let your hopes up…”
Spongebob paused as he looked around to see the others talking. Inuyasha, Ayame, Kailey and Mitsuki were talking amongst themselves while Dot was seemingly looking over a book of challenges as Snoopy looked over her shoulder, curious to see what she was reading about. Cuphead, Mugman and Hong Kong Phooey were talking amongst each other as Spot was busy drying himself off with a towel, still a little peeved about falling into the drink. All the while, Beebe and Rhonda were talking amongst themselves about the latest fashion as Arnold and Doug rolled their eyes a bit, knowing their girls would take all day in their fashion talks. Emira was busy showing off spells for a very impressed Bubbles as Dipper and Mac were talking to each other, while keeping an eye on their respective others as Mac gave a smile towards his easily impressed wife, and Dipper gave a light chuckle towards his witch girlfriend.
After a moment, they were quickly called back to the center of the arena as they looked up to see the board, with Orange announcing, “And now, we’ll be listing the times, and the person with the least amount of obstacles completed and in the most time used will be eliminated from the round.”
“So, let’s see who's moving on!” wifishark’s voice announced as everyone looked up at the screen.
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TIMES:
Snoopy & Dot- 6 Obstacles- 0:14:12
Inuyasha & Ayame- 6 Obstacles- 1:24:53
Kailey & Mitsuki- 6 Obstacles- 1:32:78
Cuphead & Mugman- 5 Obstacles- 2:43:28
Mac & Bubbles- 4 Obstacles- 0:28:92
Dipper & Emira- 3 Obstacles- 0:42:11
Arnold & Rhonda- 3 Obstacles- 1:10:58
Hong Kong Phooey & Spot- 3 Obstacles- 1:53:76
Spongebob & Squidward- 2 Obstacles- 3:24:82
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Dot grinned as she looked impressed in getting the top slot as she and Snoopy hugged each other, as Inuyasha, Ayame, Kailey and Mitsuki looked towards the beagle and puppy kid with slight frowns on their faces, knowing that each of them had unique powers on their side. Cuphead and Mugman managed to high-five each other as they laughed. Mac smiled at Bubbles, being thankful for her powers as the blonde haired woman giggled at her husband. Dipper, Emira, Arnold, Rhonda, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot looked at their scores, a bit disappointed, but just relieved they made the next round altogether.
Squidward looked up at his score and frowned, before giving a smile. “At least WE’RE not the ones out…”
Spongebob paused in concern as he looked over towards Doug and Beebe, and Edd and Nazz, all four of them looking rather worried.
“Now, here is Edd and Nazz’s score… and half of Doug and Beebe’s…” Orange said as the screen changed.
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Edd & Nazz- 1 Obstacle- 0:24:73
Doug & Beebe- 1 Obstacle- ???
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“Beebe needs to beat 24 seconds to win… and both of them got, altogether…” wifishark announced as the two teams looked up nervously.
After a slight moment, the score was revealed…
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Doug & Beebe- 1 Obstacle- 0:12:34
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“Twelve seconds.” Orange announced as Doug and Beebe gave a small sigh of relief. “Which means, that…”
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(OUT)
Edd & Nazz- 1 Obstacle- 0:24:73
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“Edd and Nazz, you are the first people out of the Reality Gauntlet. Sorry, but the scores don’t lie…” Orange said.
Edd and Nazz looked rather shocked by this turn of events as Edd looked down. “Oh, that’s highly disappointing…”
“Sorry, Double D. At least we tried our hardest out there.” Nazz smiled as she comforted her boyfriend.
“...yeah, I suppose you’re right…” Edd sighed.
“I wasn’t expecting to be the first team out, but I guess when our first obstacle is athletic related, I wasn’t really going to last.” Edd said as he looked down.
“Sorry, dude, but at least we managed to do okay for what we did.” Nazz smiled. “It wasn’t much, sure, but at the very least, we managed to go out of our way to play… even though we were taken away from home for no reason…”
“All I can say is, Ed, Eddy, if you’re watching this, you better yuk it up while you can… because I know I’m going to get back at you in my own way…” Edd rolled his eyes. “Oh, you will see what I mean soon…”
Nazz chuckled nervously as she looked up at the camera.
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As everyone was going back to their respective locker rooms, Spongebob paused as he noted Edd and Nazz leaving for the exit as Spongebob ran over. “Hey, guys, wait up!”
Edd and Nazz turned to see Spongebob panting a bit as he caught up to the two, as the sponge managed to catch his breath. “Listen, even though you lost, and we barely know each other, I just want to let you two know, you did really great out there. Squidward and I will make sure your names won’t go down in vain!”
“Well, gee, thanks, little sponge dude.” Nazz smiled.
“Indeed, it has been quite an interesting experience…” Edd nodded.
“You’re welcome… OH! And be sure to visit the Krusty Krab if you can! I’m sure your world could use a good meal to go to… PLUS, for you and your friends, it would be quite a treat!” Spongebob smiled.
Edd and Nazz looked surprised at the offer, before Edd gave a smile, “We’ll consider your kind offer, Spnogebob!”
“Great!” Spongebob smiled as he started to hand over some flyers to the two and an address as the two went off on their way, little realizing that they would be led somewhere else to hang out (since they didn’t know how to get home from this coliseum place they were in…
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“And with that, the first round is done! We have ten teams left… and in the next episode, we’ll have nine!” wifishark smiled.
“And in about a few minutes, we’ll be releasing a poll on Deviantart for you to choose your next favorites to go to the next round! Although this time, it’ll be three polls! One each for three teams…” Orange said as he held up a ‘Spongebob & Squidward’ sign and crushed it. “And I do mean… THREE.”
“Go to each of the polls, pick one of three teams, and they could very well be eligible to go to the next round… and the one with the least votes in all polls over all, will be the one eliminated… though again, that depends on how the challenge goes!”
“Voting ends next week, and we’ll write up our next challenge then… until next time!” Orange said as the lights turned off… and both Orange Ratchet and wifishark were switched off as well.
As soon as the cameras were off, Plankton appeared in the side and gave a chuckle. “Well, this is going swell, Karen! Already we’re getting closer and closer to a good goal!”
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Plankton…” Karen said with a sigh.
“Trust me, Karen, I have it all under control! Is the eliminated team already at the small cottage dimension they can’t escape from?” Plankton asked.
“All secure. The two of them don’t realize they’re trapped.” Karen said.
“Wonderful…” Plankton chuckled as he looked over at the screens, showing the ten teams left talking amongst themselves. “Then the rest of them are due for a surprise… heh heh heh heh…”
Chapter 4: Challenge Two: Knock Knock
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE TWO
The lights came on back in the studio as wifishark and Orange were lively once more, with the latter giving a wave.
“And welcome back to our show, ladies and gentlemen! We’re now in round two of the Reality Gauntlet, and boy, are things going to be better than ever!” Orange grinned.
“For a slight recap, Double D and Nazz from Ed, Edd N Eddy have been eliminated from the course, leaving us down to ten teams left…” wifishark explained. “We have our two middle class boy and rich girl couples, Arnold and Rhonda and Doug and Beebe, canine power couple Inuyasha and Ayame, married couple Mac and Bubbles, toon dog couple Snoopy and Dot, college daters Dipper and Emira, Krusty Krab employees Spongebob and Squidward, partners-in-crimefighting Hong Kong Phooey and Spot, brothers Cuphead and Mugman, and best friends Kailey and Mitsuki.”
“By the end of this episode, another team will be out of the competition!” Orange said as he gave a grin. “As of right now, each of them are in their locker rooms, trying to hype themselves up for the next challenge ahead! Let’s take a peek, shall we?”
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In one part of the locker room, Dot was busy jumping up and down, wearing boxing gloves as she was hopping around like a certain kangaroo. Snoopy was currently doing the same, only wearing a boxing glove on his nose as he was practice-fighting with Dot. Dot gave a light chuckle as she leaped up and punched the punching bag that was set up before her, sending it flying straight towards Inuyasha, who had just finished doing push-ups.
CLANG!
“AH!” Inuyasha yelped as Ayame, who was looking up from her practice, gave a gasp as she went over to Inuyasha, trying to get him up. As Inuyasha was rubbing his head, Ayame could only glare at the opposing person who threw the bag at her boyfriend, only to give a slight sigh to see both Dot and Snoopy fooling around. “Of course…”
The camera panned over to see Arnold giving Rhonda a gentle massage on the shoulders as the young rich girl was taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. The way Arnold was helping her out eased her tension a bit as she smiled at her boyfriend, before leaning over and giving him a soft kiss on the lips as thanks.
Beebe, watching the two from a distance, gave a frown as she whistled for Doug as he came by. “Dougy-poo, please help relieve my tension… I really need a nice shoulder massage…”
“Uhhhh… well…” Doug stammered a bit nervously, wondering how he was going to get out of this, but again, it wasn’t like he could just say no to his girlfriend… he was too nice to do that…
All the while, as Emira was demonstrating her illusion magic for Bubbles and MItsuki as they happily clapped for the way the witch magically formed her face, Dipper, Mac and Kailey just watched as the three of them couldn’t help but shrug for their partner’s childish endeavors.
All the while, Squidward was sitting down with a not-caring expression on his face as Spongebob was handing both the cup brothers and the kung-fu-fighter and cat some pamphlets talking about the Krusty Krab as Cuphead gave a grin. “I will admit, Spongebob, I’ve been wanting to get away from the Inkwell Isles for a while, and I’m sure Mugsy would appreciate that as well.”
“Absolutely!” Mugman said as he looked over the information. “I’ve had my share of hamburgers, but from what you describe of this Krabby Patty, it seems to be quite special.”
“Oh, it is special!” Spongebob grinned. “It’ll be nice to have you guys, and maybe your friends to come over to Bikini Bottom and visit the Krusty Krab sometime! Oh, it’ll be so great if you all could come!”
Phooey could only laugh as he pocketed the pamphlet. “I’ll tell you one thing, my little spongey friend, you certainly are quite exuberant in personality!”
“Gee, thanks, Mr. Phooey!” Spongebob smiled as Squidward looked up.
“Don’t get too used to it, Spongebob. They ARE still our competition, after all.” Squidward pointed out. “We can’t just make friends with EVERY team we see!”
“Oh, I don’t know, Squidward. From what the cups and Mr. Phooey is saying, these teams are good friends.” Spongebob smiled as he turned to the two. “So, how did you two teams know each other?”
“Ehhh, it’s a very long story, involving the Devil and some kidnapped police officers that Hong Kong Phooey was trying to save.” Mugman explained.
Phooey chuckled as Spot rolled his eyes, remembering that story well. “Well, whenever I, along with my other fellow Laff-A-Lympic players come over and eat at your restaurant, I’ll tell you all about it.”
“And just HOW are you going to go down underwater?” Squidward asked.
“Believe me, I happen to know a friendly shark, his band, and a group of underwater researchers in my world that could probably give us the ability to survive underwater.” Phooey said with a chuckle. “I think we’ll be able to find a way, right, Spot?”
Spot paused before giving a nod as he gave a grin. After a moment, Phooey paused as he turned to Spongebob. “Hey, Spongebob, you don’t suppose your boss will allow us to help sponsor the Krusty Krab for the Laff-A-Lympics, do ya?”
“Hmmm… well, I’ll have to talk to Mr. Krabs about that, but I’ll bring it up with him next time I see him.” Spongebob smiled.
“Hmmm, maybe we should bring Ms. Chalice with us as well…” Cuphead paused.
Squidward gave a groan as he held his head. “And here I am, the only person TRYING to take this competition seriously…”
“Attention all teams!” Orange’s voice sounded as everybody looked up towards the speaker. “We’re just about to start the next challenge!”
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“And start the next challenge we shall, because in this variation, we will be doing a four round competition… all of the same game, and that game is none other than a variation of Takeshi’s Castle’s own ‘Knock Knock’!” wifishark grinned as an overview of the arena was seen, seemingly looking rather large as a few rows of ten doors were lined up each, with a few doors in later rows having pits, muddy mattresses and fishnets behind them.
“This game is simple. Three teams at a time, with one team going into the final round by default, will compete to go through all these doors, trying to push on them in order to proceed. Some are made of wood, while others are paper thin… basically, just go through the correct door, and let luck be at your side.” Orange explained.
“However, be careful as there are some doors that lead to traps, like a fishnet that blocks your path, making it unusable, mud pits or muddy mattresses that are laid in front of a few doors on the way.” wifishark said. “The first two teams to get past all the doors, dive to the pool at the end of the course and get a colored ball in each round WILL go to the next round, while the last team players from each round will go to the final round, which is a more complicated version of the Knock Knock, with more pits and slimy mattresses abound.”
“However, it would be too simple for them to separate, SO to make the twist more interesting, the characters will have to have their legs tied together… a three-legged race, if you will…” Orange grinned.
“Also, for all four rounds, the first team that makes it to the end of the course WILL earn a thousand dollars cash bonus.” wifishark explained.
“As for how the rounds have been decided, it’s simple. The three fastest teams in the last round will be competing against each other in the first round, the second fastest in the next round, and the slower team players in the last round. Which means, by default, since Doug and Beebe were second-to-last in the last round, they will have a bye to the final four teams competing in the round.” Orange explained.
“We’re about to start the first round now, so let’s see our first round of players…” wifishark said.
On the starting line first, having their legs tied to their respective partner, Snoopy and Dot, Inuyasha and Ayame and Kailey and Mitsuki were first up as each of them looked more determined to get through to the end. All six of them were wearing red helmets, to make sure they could be safe.
“Hmmm… a lot of mud coming our way…” Dot noted. “Hope you’re not afraid of a little mud!”
“Considering the times Pigpen got dirty… I’d say a little mud is nothing.” Snoopy chuckled a bit.
“Ready for this?” Ayame asked her boyfriend as Inuyasha gave a small, cocky smirk.
“Keh, if the worst thing about this is getting my clothes dirty… everyone should know that I’m the fastest in this group!” Inuyasha mouthed off as he flexed his muscles.
Kailey just rolled her eyes as she turned to Mitsuki. “I think he’s overdoing it on the flexing, don’t you think?”
“Don’t worry, Kailey. Let’s just focus on getting the win for now.” Mitsuki grinned as she readied her legs. “I’m following your lead on this!”
They looked up as they heard the horn blaring, before all three teams started to rush forward in the mud, as they were making a big trek through it.
“And we are off on the first round of the second challenge! So far, the teams are off to a grand start, all of them neck and neck!” Orange said.
“All three of them seem to be going for separate doors. Will any of them get it?” wifishark asked.
As explained, each team went to a different door as Inuyasha and Ayame went to the second door on the left, Snoopy and Dot ran to the third door on the right, and Kailey and Mitsuki tried to aim for the door in the middle. However, as two of them were met with hard wood, another team managed to break the door… only for them to run into a fishing net.
“Wrong door…” Dot frowned as Snoopy got himself untangled.
“Next door, then!” Snoopy said as the players went to new doors, this time, with Kailey and Mitsuki going right, and Inuyasha and Ayame going left to try a new door. As all three teams slammed on the wall hard, Kailey and Mitsuki found their door torn with fabric as they saw the next path to the next row of doors.
“Kailey, we have it!” Mitsuki cheered as the two ran off.
“Come on, we won’t have that early lead for long!” Kailey said as she and Mitsuki tried to run as fast as they could in the mud. And Kailey was right as both Snoopy and Dot ran towards Kailey and Mitsuki’s entrance and leaped in, with Inuyasha and Ayame following not too long afterwards. As Kailey and Mitsuki slammed into a paper door on their right, they immediately fell into a mud puddle as they tried to swim for it.
Inuyasha and Ayame took another path as they charged down another door and tore through it like paper, getting a good distance before Snoopy and Dot slammed on another door in that row, to hit wood.
“This way, come on!” Dot said as Snoopy followed alongside her, rubbing his nose.
As Kailey and Mitsuki were getting out of the mud hole, they looked up to see Inuyasha and Ayame already slamming through the papery doors on the far left.
“Come on, we’ll have better luck over there!” Kailey shouted as she and Mitsuki charged through the next door in anticipation, only to be met by a fishnet.
“Nope, Kailey has found another fishnet, so she and Mitsuki will have to try another door… meanwhile, Snoopy and Dot are catching up!” Orange said.
Indeed, Snoopy and Dot had just came in and decided to run through the hole Inuyasha and Ayame made as all the while, Inuyasha and Ayame were slamming into the wall to try to find the right door. They had failed three times, with two being wood, and the last one being blocked by a fishnet.
Dot then pulled out a horn and blew on it before tossing it aside as she picked up Snoopy, who looked a little worried. “Uh, Dot, I’m not exactly battering ram material…”
“Don’t worry, your head is as hard as metal. Just try to bare with it!” Dot grinned mischieviously before letting out a loud shout as she charged towards the first door she saw, as she did get the right one, only for both of them to land in a nearby puddle, with a soggy mattress. “Ewwww! I do NOT need that!”
“We better get out of this mudhole, the teams are catching up!” Snoopy pointed out as he turned to see Ayame punch a hole through the next door as she and Inuyasha came out of it, with Kailey and Mitsuki following close behind.
“Don’t you worry, I’m on it!” Dot said in determination before grabbing Snoopy as she started to zoom forward, zig-zagging a bit as she threw off both Inuyasha/Ayame and Kailey/Mitsuki as the latter team tripped over their feet.
The red panda groaned as she rubbed her head. “You okay, Kailey?”
“Y-yeah, fine…” The female squirrel groaned. “Who knew that puppy kid can be so fast?”
As Kailey and Mitsuki recovered, the two friends started to follow as Inuyasha/Ayame and Snoopy/Dot were charging through the same door, tearing through it like paper.
“It’s a two-way tie between Snoopy and Dot and Inuyasha and Ayame as they are coming close to the end. Can they make it to the pool?” wifishark asked.
The two teams quickly got through the last doors as they noticed the large white pool in the end as all four of them dived in, not only to get the mud they got on them washed off, but also managed to get their team colored balls in the process.
Snoopy said, having gotten the ball about five seconds before Inuyasha and Ayame. “Got it!”
“Great job, cutie pie!” Dot giggled as Inuyasha and Ayame looked at the couple, rather annoyed, just as Kailey and Mitsuki made it to the door.
“Shoot…” Kailey frowned.
“It’s okay, Kailey, we still have this.” Mitsuki said as she comforted her friend.
“And with that, both Snoopy and Dot and Inuyasha and Ayame make it to the next episode, with Snoopy and Dot earning the thousand dollar cash bonus coming in.” Orange said.
“It was a bit of a tough race between the two, and even Inuyasha and Ayame was thrown off at times, but Snoopy and Dot and Inuyasha and Ayame managed to squeak through, and for Kailey and Mitsuki, they will still have a chance to move forward with the finals…” wifishark explained.
“But now we’ll have to reset the arena so that the next set of players will be going through…” Orange called out as the three teams got up and left.
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As the three teams were getting into the shower rooms to grab a quick shower (with Kailey and Mitsuki going to take a quick one to wash the actual mud off, since they had to compete in another race), Rhonda frowned as she looked at her nails. “Ugh, do we have to splash around in the mud? I just got a new shirt that is not supposed to be filled with mud!”
“Yeah, same here!” Beebe complained as she grumbled. “I don’t mind mud on my face in spas, but having to race through mud? No thank you!”
“Come on, girls, it’s not so bad.” Doug said with a small smile.
“I know it’s a hard thing to overcome, but we can manage.” Arnold explained to his friends. “After all, we are in this together, even though we just randomly came here for no reason…”
“Yeah, I’ve been wondering about that…” Beebe paused. “Why do you suppose we came here in the first place?”
The two rich girl/middle class boy couples paused as Doug shrugged. “Do you two have anything?”
“Not really. I remember Rhonda and I going home after an adventure involving trying to find treasure… and the next thing we knew, we somehow wound up here.” Arnold pointed out.
“Weird… well, Beebe and I were just finished with a little dress-up game, and Beebe and I were about to share our first kiss when we both realized we had a little fun…” Doug said as Arnold and Rhonda both raised eyebrows. “Don’t ask about that. Anyway, we somehow ended up here, and we had to compete with each other. It just felt strange, you know?”
“A mystery indeed, Dougy-poo.” Beebe said as she held her hand. “But at least we’re together.”
“Dougy-poo?” Arnold asked.
“I think that’s a very affectionate nickname for your boyfriend…” Rhonda giggled as she held his hand. “Isn’t that right, Arnold, doll?”
“Arnold, doll?” Doug asked.
Before Beebe could compliment the other two, they heard a slight cough as they turned to see Spongebob and Squidward approaching, with Squidward just sitting down and pulling out a magazine, not caring about what was going on around them, while Spongebob gave a wave.
“Hi, folks! Just wanted to mingle in with the crowd!” Spongebob smiled. “I just want to say you four are probably the best competitors I had the pleasure in meeting.”
“Uh… charmed, we’re sure.” Rhonda chuckled nervously.
“Anyway, my friend Squidward and I just came here to give a personal invite to you two teams and your home worlds to the greatest eating establishment known to Bikini Bottom… the Krusty Krab!” Spongebob grinned as he started to hand out flyers to the teams.
Doug blinked twice as he looked over the flier as he asked, “Uh… really? Us?”
“Oh, most certainly!” Spongebob smiled. “The Krusty Kraby, home of the famous Krabby Patty, and believe me, once you try one, it’ll be like a taste of heaven…”
“Huh…” Rhonda paused as she and Arnold turned as they looked at their fliers. “I will admit, it is quite unusual for a team to be promoting their own restaurant during a game.”
“Believe me, it wasn’t our idea.” Squidward said as he rolled his eyes.
“Let me tell you about how you and your home worlds can come to Bikini Bottom!” Spongebob smiled. “So, I know a squirrel from Texas that lives here that can probably help you-”
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“Boy, the second round teams are really giving it their all!” Orange said in excitement.
“Indeed! But only one team is a little bit more powerful than the others…” wifishark pointed out.
Unlike the first round, the second round wasn’t even much of a challenge as Bubbles was holding onto Mac tightly as she flew right into the walls, breaking through the doors as Mac gave a wince. “Doesn’t that hurt, Bubbles?”
“Mac, sweetie, I took on a lot of monsters, AND my sisters and I make holes in the roofs of doors and buildings using our hands and heads a lot of times…” Bubbles giggled. “Plus, that way, we’re not getting dirty at all!”
Bubbles giggled as Mac gave a small sigh, before giving a small smile towards his wife as he hugged her. “And this is why I love you, Bubbles. You’re cute, but you know just how to move ahead.”
Bubbles gave a giggle as she and Mac hit the last door, before jumping into the pool as they started to swim around to search for the ball, before grabbing one as she held it up.
“And it looks like Bubbles has got the ball, so not only do she and Mac get the thousand dollar cash bonus, they’ll be moving onto the next episode.” Orange grinned.
“And here comes Cuphead and Mugman, not too far behind!” wifishark said.
Just as Mac and Bubbles were getting out of the water, Cuphead and Mugman had appeared out of the hole Bubbles made as they dived into the pool.
“Boy, good thing those two made a direct path for us, huh, Mugsy?” Cuphead said as he started to get the mud off in the water.
“Yeah…” Mugman nodded as he dove into the water for a moment, before taking out another colored ball. “At least we managed to make good progress!”
“Cuphead and Mugman make it through to the next episode! Which, unfortunately leaves our last placer to compete in the final round of this episode…” wifishark shrugged.
“Speaking of, where are Dipper and Emira anyway?” Orange asked in curiosity.
All the way back in the beginning of the starting line, Emira was finishing drawing up something in the mud as Dipper looked a little nervous. “Come on, Emira, hurry! We’re in last place!”
“Relax, will ya, Piney? With this teleportation glyph, we’ll be at the finish line in no time! No need to bust through doors or anything, we can just be at the pool!” Emira said as she finished drawing the glyph as it started to glow. Emira grinned as she clung tightly to Dipper. “Got it! Hold on tight now!”
Dipper yelped as he felt a tug as he and Emira disappeared in a flash of light… only to reappear in the middle of the wall, both of them getting stuck between the two hard doors.
“Emira…” Dipper groaned as he shut his eyes.
“Oops… in hindsight, I was in a hurry to draw this…” Emira said with a nervous grin on her face.
Dipper closed his eyes and gave a groan.
“I guess Emira was trying to pull off a good trick, which backfired in the end…” wifishark winced as the walls started to go up, carrying Dipper and Emira with them as Mac/Bubbles and Cuphead/Mugman proceeded to go to the locker room to see if they can wash the bit of water off quickly.
“Well, at least they’ll get a chance to redeem themselves in the final round of Episode 2. In the meantime, let’s go to our next round!” Orange called out.
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A new obstacle course of various doors and paths were set up, with the next (and last set of the ten teams) three teams settled themselves at the starting line. Arnold looked ready to run, although not before looking at his girlfriend and reassuring her that she would be fine. Hong Kong Phooey was busy looking over his book of kung fu as he was giving a nod, with Spot giving a groan, and ready to hold Phooey’s hand in hopes of finding the door as soon as possible. As for Spongebob and Squidward, the latter was not looking too pleased as he gave a frown.
“This is really humiliating… having to run around in the mud like a bunch of pigs.” Squidward complained as he held his nose up in the air.
“I don’t know, Squidward. I think as long as we don’t get ourselves tangled up getting the wrong door or running into fishnets, I think we’ll be fine.” Spongebob said in an optimistic tone.
Squidward groaned as he looked down at his neighbor, before giving a slight chuckle. “Well, at least if I fall, you’ll be there to soften the blow…” His nose started to crinkle as he laughed. “Ha, soften the blow, ha ha ha…”
“That’s the spirit, Squidward!” Spongebob smiled, missing the hidden insult Squidward threw at him, much to the squid’s displeasure.
The horn blared, giving all three teams the signal to go as both Arnold and Rhonda and Spongebob and Squidward were going forward, with Hong Kong Phooey and Spot, still standing there. Spot looked a little concerned as he looked up at Phooey.
“Seems that Phooey is going to try something similar to Dipper and Emira, but will they try to pull it off?” wifishark asked.
“Knowing it’s Hong Kong Phooey, highly doubtful, but Spot will have to pick up the slack…” Orange pointed out.
“Now you just watch and learn, Spot! I’m about to do an ancient Kung Fu trick thanks to my book… I just close my eyes and visualize myself at the finish line with these magic words…” Phooey said as he gave a chuckle as he closed his eyes right away.
As Phooey started to sit down and speak some nonsensical words, Spot, giving a groan, just grabbed his master and started to run towards the doors. However, due to the combined weight of the dog AND the fact the mud was slowing the cat down, it didn’t seem like they were going to catch up anytime soon.
As for both of the other teams far ahead, Arnold and Rhonda were checking each door as Arnold nudged on it to check if the doors could be passed through or if they were just hard walls. Then, when he felt something hollow, he gave the nod towards Rhonda as the two of them broke through the door. All the while, Squidward was having a little trouble keeping balance as Spongebob had got one of his shoes stuck in the mud.
“Leave the shoe, Spongebob, we need to win this!” Squidward called out.
“Just let me… AH!” Spongebob said as he tugged his foot free, only to pull so hard that he was sent flying, with Squidward sailing through as the squid yelped, giving a loud scream as he got sent flying through rows of doors, somersaulting through a few rows.
Rhonda gasped as she noted the sponge and squid flying ahead. “Arnold, we need to pick up the pace!”
“I see them!” Arnold nodded before tearing through another door, only to run into fishnet. “Nope, trap! Let’s do the next one!”
Squidward screamed as he and Spongebob landed directly on the mud as the blue squid in the brown shirt got up and shook the mud off his face. “Ugh, can’t believe this just happened…”
“Sorry about that, Squid… but look! We’re ahead!” Spongebob said as he pointed back.
Squidward looked back and noticed a bare wall behind him, before giving a grin. “You’re right, we are! In that case, Spongebob, we better take good advantage of it!”
With that, Squidward grabbed Spongebob and tucked him under his arm. “Here’s the plan! I’ll feel for doors, and once I tear through, I’ll toss you over any potential traps! If we run into fishnets, just move on to the next one!”
“You got it!” Spongebob nodded as Squidward started to run, carrying the sea sponge under his arm as the two rushed forward to the next door.
“With a big lead like that, Squidward and Spongebob have decided to change tactics! Will this be one to keep their huge lead?” wifishark asked.
“They better hope so, especially when the one trying to catch up makes mistakes like this!” Orange pointed out.
Over towards Arnold and Rhonda, the two yelped as they went towards a door, only to fall on a muddy mattress as they got mud all over them, causing Rhonda to yelp in disgust. “Ew, god, I’m a mess!”
“Just take a deep breath, Rhonda. We’ll get through this!” Arnold comforted her as the young girl took a few calming deep breaths as Arnold pulled her up.
“...y-you’re right… you’re right, just focus on the prize…” Rhonda whispered to herself before shaking her head in determination as the two jumped off the mattress and started to rush forward.
“Say, how are Phooey and Spot holding up?” wifishark asked.
Near the beginning of the round, Spot had just passed through the first torn door, looking a bit exhausted as Phooey still had his eyes closed and was mumbling his magic words.
“Still slogging it…” Orange pointed out.
Back with Spongebob and Squidward, the two had managed to make it through a good number of doors, just as Squidward punched through the last door, and tossed Spongebob through it. The sponge landed as he got up.
“Hey Squidward! There’s the pool!” Spongebob smiled.
“Finally…” Squidward sighed in relief as he and Spongebob got in the pool as the squid gave a small sigh of relief. “Think you can find our ball?”
“Y-yeah…” Spongebob nodded as he took a deep breath. “Thank goodness for those swimming lessons with Larry…”
With that said, Spongebob quickly dove into the water as Squidward waited for a moment. Not too far behind, Arnold and Rhonda had just made it to where Spongebob and Squidward had landed, and were now just going through the torn doors they saw.
“I think we’re getting close!” Rhonda smiled.
“I don’t think we’re winning this round, but at least we’re not out.” Arnold gave a sigh of relief as he and Rhonda got through the last door, just as Spongebob came back up with a colored ball in hand.
“WHOOOOO! That was a rush!” Spongebob shouted out as Squidward gave a nod in satisfaction.
“Ahhhh, nice to have a thousand dollar bonus on our hands, right, Spongebob?” Squidward smiled as Arnold and Rhonda went into the pool as they dove down to search for one of the balls.
“A-HEM!”
Squidward and Spongebob immediately turned their heads to see Mr. Krabs standing there as he raised an eyebrow. Squidward could only give a groan as he held his head. “Which, of course, we will be giving to Mr. Krabs.”
“Well, that’s okay with me.” Spongebob smiled as Mr. Krabs closed his eyes and gave a satisfactory grin. “Because it’s not about the money, it’s about teamwork AND helping these fellow contestants learn the true name of the Krusty Krab!”
“That’s right, me boy-o!” Mr. Krabs said as he pointed to them sternly. “So make sure you get these first place finishers if there’s money involved!”
With that, the greedy crab gave a chuckle as he shuffled away, back towards the stands just as Rhonda came breathing out and holding a ball up, with Arnold popping up not too long afterwards.
“All right, we made it!” Rhonda said in relief as she turned to Arnold. “Okay, Arnold, let’s get back to the locker rooms… I am covered in mud and in desperate need of a shower…”
“So am I, Rhonda… so am I.” Arnold said as the two teams climbed out.
“And with that, Spongebob and Squidward get the thousand dollar cash bonus, with them and Arnold and Rhonda making the next round.” Orange said.
“Which means, unfortunately, Phooey and Spot didn’t quite make it, but they will be racing with the four teams on one final Knock Knock round!” wifishark said.
At that time, Spot was about halfway through when, finally, not being able to hold on to Hong Kong Phooey any longer, dropped down on the ground and into the mud. At that time, Phooey had finished his words as he opened his eyes and looked around in confusion, realizing that he was halfway through the course instead of at the end. He paused as he looked at the book.
“I must have uttered a word wrong somewhere…” Phooey said as he got up, with Spot getting up and giving a groan. Phooey looked over and noted Spot’s condition as he said, “Oh, Spot, now’s not the time to be playing in the mud. We may not have won this round, but we can still make up for it in the next round.”
Spot slapped his forehead in annoyance and gave a small huffing sound, shaking his head.
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Everything had been reset, with new rows of doors, more traps behind the doors, and even a larger pool at the end. This time, the three last place teams, plus the one team that got a bye, were settling at the starting line as each of them were trying to hype themselves up. Kailey was eyeing her competition to make sure things wouldn’t go wrong this time, with Mitsuki looking more than ready to run. Emira and Phooey have decided to forego their original plans to actually try to run the race, much to Dipper and Spot’s relief. As for Doug and Beebe, the purple skinned girl looked over to the obstacle as she gave a groan.
“Oh, Dougy-poo, I really don’t want to do this…” Beebe moaned as she held her head.
“We have to, Beebe. We haven’t even ran, and we’re up against three other teams that got last place that ran the course.” Doug whispered as he pointed over to the other three teams. “And half of them weren’t even trying…”
“Well… I still don’t ruining my good shoes in the mud!” Beebe frowned.
“We’ll get through this…” Doug tried to reassure her, though Beebe wasn’t quite sure.
With Hong Kong Phooey and Spot, the dog gave a chuckle as he put the book away. “Well, even though we only got halfway through last time, maybe this time, I’ll try a different tactic to get us ahead. Spot, are you right beside me?”
Spot gave a nod in determination as he readied himself.
“Come on, Kailey, let’s just remember what we’re in for.” Mitsuki smiled.
“I know, I know. The minute we get out of this race, I’ll be back to work with Atlas, and trying to explain my strange absence.” Kailey nodded, before giving a sigh. “I just hope the bosses are as forgiving if they knew we were doing this…”
“Remember, we’re going to actually TRY this time.” Dipper sighed as he held his head, looking at his girlfriend. “That means no wasting time in drawing glyphs!”
“I mean, it would have worked.” Emira tried to argue, only to be met with a glare. “Okay, okay, geez, you’re moody!”
“The combatants are set, and the horn has sounded!” Orange called out.
As if on cue, the horn blared as all four teams started to run the course, with a couple of teams going slower, with two teams pulling ahead of the pack.
“And with that, we’re getting some good seeds to see whose the fastest of the group. Kailey and Mitsuki are proving themselves quite well, and Hong Kong Phooey and Spot are following not too far behind. Although Dipper and Emira are doing their best to traverse through the mud, Beebe seems rather hesitant as Doug tries to coach her through.” wifishark pointed out.
“EW! EW! EW! I hate this, I hate this, I hate this!” Beebe whimpered as she tried to walk through the mud, only to look down at her shoes as she shuddered in fear. “Ugh, I knew it, and these are clean shoes, too! How do you get used to it, Dougy-poo? How can any plebeian stand being so dirty?!”
Doug gave a sigh, turning to his girlfriend. “I-I guess you just have to get used to it…”
A bit of a distance away, Emira looked back and snickered as she turned to Dipper. “Sounds like little miss prissy can’t stand a little mud. Kind of reminds me of Andrea Davenport, in a way.”
“Yeah, those rich girls just can’t stand the sight of mud unless they’re in a spa somewhere…” Dipper rolled his eyes. “Are you with me, still?”
“You know I am, Dipper.” Emira giggled before clutching his hand as the couple tried to move forward and closer.
As soon as the teams got to the first row of doors, Kailey managed to get lucky and jumped through the first hollow door she saw, with no traps. Kailey laughed as she held her hands up.
“Great! We’re getting into this now!” Kailey smirked as she and Mitsuki started to keep moving forward. “This door, this door!”
Mitsuki nodded as she ran towards the next door, only to get herself and Kailey tangled in a fishnet. As the team was struggling to get out of it, this gave Hong Kong Phooey and Spot a good chance as they made it to the second row as he turned towards his partner.
“Okay, Spot, from what the rules say, there should be at least two safe doors, a few doors that lead to fishnets, and the rest are hardwood.” Phooey said as Spot gave a nod. “Well, we may as well charge through, then.”
With that, Phooey let out a loud karate shout as he leapt forward, carrying Spot with him as the dog managed to slam his foot against one of the papery doors, tearing through. Phooey then gave a grin. “Ah ha! Seems my intuition is on the right path!”
Spot rolled his eyes, and if he could have talked, he would have muttered, “For once.”
However, as Phooey and Spot moved onwards, with Dipper and Emira going through the door Kailey made in the last row, Kailey and Mitsuki got themselves untangled as Kailey pointed to the open door. “Just go through that one!”
Mitsuki found no room to argue as the squirrel and red panda ran towards the door the anthro dog and his pet cat made as they entered through it, with Dipper and Emira following not too far behind.
“Looks like it’s about a three-way race, but Doug and Beebe better pick up the slack if they want to keep moving forward and move to the next round.” wifishark pointed out.
“At the moment, it would look like a nigh impossibility, because Kailey and Mitsuki and Phooey and Spot are currently running and tying for the lead!” Orange said.
Indeed, it would seem to be a back and forth between the two teams as Phooey and Spot were finding a good door, with Kailey and Mitsuki following not too far behind. In one row, Phooey and Spot fell into a mudhole as they tried to climb their way out, with Kailey and Mitsuki finding another hollow door to run through, as they went between two mud pits.
Phooey and Spot quickly crawled out of the mud hole as the former shook his head of the mud, before pointing towards Kailey and Mitsuki as they tried another door, only to hit hardwood.
“Let’s try this end, Spot!” Phooey said as he ran towards the other end of the wall as they knocked on the first couple of doors. The second door they went through, they ran into fishnets, but it didn’t take long for the two to get out.
Not too far behind, Dipper and Emira were doing their best to follow the path as Dipper looked back to see that Doug and Beebe were going as slow as possible, hearing Beebe loudly complaining about the mud, and Doug trying his best to hold her together. “Man, I sure hate to be in that kid’s shoes next to her…”
“Heh, don’t worry about her! We may not be winning this round, but we are DEFINITELY out in front!” Emira laughed as she motioned for her boyfriend to charge through. “Come on, Piney, this way!”
Dipper groaned as he held his head. “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t call me that…”
Emira giggled as she pulled Dipper ahead, trying to get him to continue.
“So far, it’s neck and neck for both the fighting girls AND the crimefighters.” Orange said.
“But we added a new twist to this final round, and that’s what’s awaiting the fighters in the last few rows…” wifishark explained.
Turns out, the anthro girls and anthro dog and pet cat were almost to their destination as both Kailey/Mitsuki and Hong Kong Phooey and Spot were getting out of the fishnets before both of them ran for the same door. Phooey was the first one to leap through, taking Spot with him as they made a hole. Although they landed safely, the two looked up as Phooey noticed a lot of green wearing characters in suits jumping around.
Kailey and Mitsuki noticed it as well as Mitsuki held a fighting stance. “Who are these guys?”
“May I introduce the Emerald Guards, who’ll try and make your progress a lot more difficult!” Orange called out. “They’ll try to impede and block your progress. You may choose to fight them, but you will be giving teams a chance to catch up. Remember, your goal is to run towards the correct doors and get to the pool, and get the colored balls!”
Phooey paused as he gave a chuckle, turning to the girls. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
“We certainly do.” Kailey smirked as she held a stance. “Shall we charge through?”
“I mean, it would be the right thing to do…” Mitsuki nodded.
“Yeah! Let’s fight past those guards… now! HAA-HOO! AND A RINKY-DINKY DOO TO YOU!”
With that, Kailey and Mitsuki, and Hong Kong Phooey (along with Spot) jumped up and leapt forward as they pushed the guards out of the way (although Phooey sort of slipped on the mud and slid forward, accidentally tripping over one of the guards. The only reason he recovered from the slide and stood up afterwards was that Spot had leapt up and somersaulted to shake the mud off, landing him and his master on his feet) as the guards tried to push the team players away.
All the while, Dipper and Emira were trying their best to get through the doors as they jumped through the next open door as Emira gave a nod to Dipper.
“Hey, Dipper, I might have a new idea. And this time, it won’t require a teleportation glyph.” Emira smirked. “Do you still have that smoke bomb potion you got from Professor Lilith’s desk?”
Dipper nodded as he held up a red sparkling potion in question. “Right here.”
“When I give the word, toss it.” Emira nodded as she turned her head towards the next door as the two walked through it, and seeing the next door leading to the group of Emerald Guards, she gave a smirk. “Steady… steady…”
The college daters quickly entered through the door.
“NOW!”
Dipper immediately tossed the potion down, filling the area with smoke as the Emerald Guards gave coughs. Kailey/Mitsuki and Phooey/Spot also coughed a bit as their vision got clouded.
“What just happened?” Phooey coughed as he tried to wave his arms around. “Spot, be my eyes! I can’t see through all the smoke!”
“What’s going on?” Kailey asked as Mitsuki tried to move around.
All the while, Dipper and Emira, crawling through the smoke, quickly arrived at the doors as they got up and slammed their bodies towards it. The sound of ripping paper immediately got Kailey and Mitsuki’s attention.
“Did you hear that?” Mitsuki asked.
“Yeah, one of the teams is ahead of us! Come on, we gotta go!” Kailey shouted as she rushed towards the sound, getting Mitsuki to walk alongside her.
At that time, Dipper and Emira were rushing forward towards the last row of doors as they charged in and quickly dove into the water of the pool. At that time, Kailey and Mitsuki were arriving as well as the squirrel and red panda jumped in as well, with Mitsuki said, “Quick, get a colored ball!”
Just as the animal couple dived in, Dipper and Emira emerged as Emira held up a colored ball.
“YES!” Emira grinned as she looked at it in awe.
Dipper laughed as he turned to his girlfriend. “Guess the gamble paid off…”
“Dipper has a point. While they did have a poor performance in their initial round, they more than made up for it here in this one.” Orange grinned.
“At least Kailey and Mitsuki are following close behind.” wifishark gave a chuckle.
Indeed, Kailey emerged out of the water as she held up a colored ball, though this one looked different than the others as she looked at it in curiosity.
“What do you suppose THIS color means?” Kailey asked as Mitsuki emerged and looked at the ball.
“Whatever it is, it must be important.” Mitsuki said as she examined the ball in curiosity.
As the two teams got out of the pool, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot came running in, a little haggard, but otherwise fine.
“Boy, what a day, huh, Spot?” Phooey said before he and Spot went into the pool as the two quickly dived in. After a couple minutes, the two came back up with Phooey holding a colored ball as well. “At least we managed to make it through…” The dog chuckled. “Was there any doubt?”
Spot gave a small grumble, not just in getting himself wet, but due to his owner’s naivety.
“And with that, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot had managed to secure a place in the next round… which means…” wifishark said.
Just as Doug and Beebe were getting to the halfway point, they heard the horn blare as Beebe gasped. “What? What’s going on?”
“I think we lost, Beebe…” Doug gave a sigh.
“Oh…” Beebe sighed sadly as she looked down at her feet, before cringing in disgust.
“Unfortunately, Doug and Beebe just couldn’t keep up with their fellow competitors, and the presence of having to traverse through the mud did these two in.” wifishark explained.
“Well, to be fair, if it hadn’t been for the mud, I’m sure those two would have at least managed to get through the course… halfway decent at best.” Orange shrugged. “But yeah, Doug and Beebe are eliminated this round, and we’ll have to say good-bye to this team. They did well their first round, but they just couldn’t come close here…”
“I think their main problem was cooperation.” wifishark pointed out. “Sure, Doug and Beebe do look like they were having fun, and even though they’re dating, they did have the right dynamic… however, when it came to getting down and dirty, Beebe just couldn’t handle it, and she pretty much brought down her team…” wifishark explained.
“Let’s go over the results one more time…” Orange said.
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As the hosts were in their booth and showing off each team in a recap outside, in the locker rooms, Doug and Beebe were giving a sigh as they entered.
“I guess it just wasn’t meant to be for us…” Beebe sighed. “I’m sorry, Dougy-poo. I feel like I let you down…”
“Hey, don’t worry about it, Beebe.” Doug smiled as he put his arm around his girlfriend. “We both did our best out there, and at least we had fun out there…”
“You’re just saying that…” Beebe said as she looked up.
“I mean it, Beebe. If anything, I can’t wait to write about this in my journal…” Doug paused. “That is, if we do get back to Bluffington…”
“I’m sure we will. I may not know how we got here, but at least we’ll be able to get out of here and go home, right?” Beebe smiled.
“At the very least!” Doug nodded, before pausing as he looked at the fliers. “Although, that sponge guy really got me interested in this ‘Krabby Patty’. I wonder how good it is compared to a Honker Burger?”
“Are you thinking of actually going to that restaurant?” Beebe asked in curiosity.
“I might be…” Doug smiled. “At the very least, it does sound like a fun thing to do.”
Beebe paused briefly as she looked over towards the other teams, who were sitting down and giving their nods good-bye. As Doug and Beebe went over to each of the teams giving their respective good-byes (some giving nods of respect, and some wishing them luck, and Spongebob giving a small sniffle seeing another fellow teammate gone… with Squidward rolling his eyes), they gave nods as they left for the door, with Beebe giving a peace sign.
“You all better watch out, because my boyfriend and I will be back! Hopefully!” Beebe said before she followed Doug out the door…
The other teams watched as Spongebob gave a sad sigh. “Oh, it’s so sad to see fellow teammates leaving…”
“I personally see it as a good thing. It means less competition.” Inuyasha scoffed as he crossed his arms.
Some people were glaring at Inuyasha as Ayame gave a laugh. “Yeah, you weaklings couldn’t even compare to the likes of us! I mean, we already dominated the challenges so far, and we’ll be wiping the floor clean with you!”
“Uh, we’ve been winning too.” Dot pointed out with a trollish grin.
“Shut up, your toon physics don’t count.” Ayame said, glaring at Dot.
“All right, all right.” Arnold sighed as he held up his hands, trying to break the peace. “What’s important here is, we’re all in the next round, so we better be prepared for anything.”
“The football headed kid’s got a point there.” Phooey nodded. “It ain’t fully over until it is, so we may as well have fun in the meantime…”
“By da way…” Cuphead said as he pulled out his blue ball, changing the subjects. “I wonder why the hosts told us to keep these balls with us.”
“We must be facing a team challenge next.” Mac pointed out as he pulled out the colored ball they got, as did everyone else as they looked at the colors they got.
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Snoopy & Dot- Blue ($1000)
Inuyasha & Ayame- Red
Mac & Bubbles- Blue ($1000)
Cuphead & Mugman- Red
Spongebob & Squidward- Blue ($1000)
Arnold & Rhonda- Red
Dipper & Emira- Blue ($1000)
Kailey & Mitsuki- Black (???)
Hong Kong Phooey & Spot- Red
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“Some of us red, the others blue…” Rhonda scratched her head. “I know the blue ones were the first placers and gave you guys a thousand dollars in the last round…”
“Maybe it’s a team challenge of blue teams vs red teams.” Dipper theorized. “It would make sense, another challenge is coming up, and we will need to work together with some teams at one point…”
“True…” Mitsuki said. “But we got a black ball.”
“So what does that mean… for us?” Kailey asked as every team just sat down in confusion.
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“What does it mean for Kailey and MItsuki?” Orange chuckled. “Well, to you folks at home, let’s just say that these two will be in for a GOOD surprise.”
“And giving you guys a hint at the next round, we have a new poll coming in, with two choices this time…” wifishark grinned. “Although the rules are changed slightly…”
“How? You’ll see in the next episode, so, I’ll leave you with this… be absolutely sure of your choice.” Orange said with a chuckle. “Because you never know when we have to… back up…”
“A horrible pun, but yeah, nine teams left!” wifishark smiled. “Tune in next time to find out which team will go through… the Reality Gauntlet!”
With that, the Orange and wifishark robots quickly switched off as the lights went off. Plankton appeared out from behind the robots as he gave a grin.
“Oh ho ho, this is already perfect!” Plankton chuckled to himself. “And best of all… nobody is even suspecting a thing!”
After a slight pause, Plankton turned towards the monitors to see Mr. Krabs waddling around as he gave a hum to himself. “The real question is, how am I going to get past old man Krabs while everything is distracted… Karen?”
“Yes, Plankton?” Karen’s robotic voice asked.
“Up the reward money for the next round.” Plankton said with a smirk. “I have an excellent idea on the next challenge… AND a good way to get the first tool I need to obtain the Krabby Patty secret formula…”
Chapter 5: Challenge Three: Tug of War
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE THREE
The camera switched on to reveal Orange and wifishark back in their seats once more as the former gave a smile.
“Welcome back to our third round of the Reality Gauntlet.” Orange explained. “We have nine teams left in this game, and only one will win the grand prize!”
“And just as a recap, here’s where we’re currently standing with our teams.” wifishark said. “Having gotten a few colored balls in the last round, the ones with the blue colored balls were Snoopy and Dot Warner, Mac and Bubbles, Spongebob Squarepants and Squidward Tentacles and Dipper Pines and Emira Blight, our three couples and two Krusty Krab employees working together. The ones that got red colored balls were Arnold and Rhonda, Inuyasha and Ayame, Cuphead and Mugman AND Hong Kong Phooey and Spot, two couples, a brotherly pair, and a crimefighting duo! And finally, the one who drew the black ball, Kailey and Mitsuki, the best friends of the world they came from.”
“We’ll cut back to the field, where the nine teams have gathered and they get explained properly on what the colored balls do.” Orange said.
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The camera showed the open arena once more as all nine teams were lined up as a nameless coach was marching between the nine.
“Here’s what’s happening. Because you all drew colored balls, they designate your teams for the next round.” The coach explained.
Dipper grinned as he pumped his arm. “Yes! I knew it was all teams.”
“All right, everybody that had a blue ball, go to the left. If you have a red ball, go to the right side.” The coach explained.
As soon as everyone heard that, the four teams with their respective colored balls went over to their designated places as the only one standing in the middle were Kailey and Mitsuki.
“Uh, question.” Kailey called out as she raised her hand. “My friend and I obtained a black ball. What does this mean?”
“Right, the black ball…” The coach nodded as he turned to the two. “Congratulations to you two, you automatically make it to the next round.”
Both squirrel and red panda jumped as everyone turned to them, with surprise as Mitsuki said, “Wait, really? That-that’s great!”
“I was sort of wondering what was going to happen with that.” Emira noted as she put a hand on her chin.
The squirrel could only smirk as she stretched her arms. “Well, thank goodness we don’t have to worry about elimination for a good while, right, Mitsuki?”
“It does make me feel better about it, yes.” Mitsuki nodded, before turning to the two gatherings of four teams. “Still, it would have made me feel better if the challenge we were getting a bye on was worth the hassle.”
“Yeah, why is it that we have to be a gathering of teams?” Rhonda asked as she looked around.
“Well, considering there’s eight teams, with one getting a bye to the next round, PLUS the fact that there is two high platforms with a large rope…” Cuphead looked up and pointed towards the next challenge that had been set up ahead of time…
“Wait…” Dot Warner frowned as she used a pair of binoculars to examine the area. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but this looks lifted from Squid Game.”
“Squid Game?” Mac turned in surprise before snapping his fingers. “Oh, right! I’ve heard of that series before. Isn’t that the Korean drama series with the poor adults that had to play killer game versions of childhood games in order to win a lot of cash?”
Inuyasha paused as he blinked twice. “Wait, there’s a killing game?”
“Ehhhhh, for the most part. I know some people online did these games for themselves… all that’s missing is the-” Dot Warner then took a look around and noted the pink wearing guards with black masks that displayed various Playstation face buttons, circle, square and triangle. “Oh, there we go.”
The other teams looked alarmed to see the strange random guards that just appeared out of nowhere, each of them holding a firearm of some sort, which already made a few of the other teams a bit uncomfortable. One of the guards, the one with the circle, went over and nudged their guns at Kailey and Mitsuki’s backs to motion them off.
“Hey!” Kailey complained as she glared at the guard, nudging the girls with their gun to keep moving forward. “All right, all right, no need to get your face masks in a twist! I’m moving!”
Mitsuki yelped as she and Kailey walked off with the guard following behind. The other teams yelped as they were surrounded by the other guards as they motioned for them to go up to the elevated platforms.
”It looks like the Squid Game Guards are up and running as per this Squid Game tribute!” Orange said with a slight chuckle.
“Speaking of which, when are you going to update YOUR version of Squid Game?” Wifishark asked.
“As soon as I don’t have a handful of requests and I’m not too busy with a tournament going on!” Orange said in annoyance. “Anyway, with Kailey and Mitsuki having a bye to the next round, that leaves the two groups of four teams competing against each other in a Squid Game classic… Tug of War!”
The camera moved backwards to see the entire area that had now darkened as two high platforms were seen, with a rope connecting to a floating hoop-like guillotine. A pink flag was in the middle of the rope.
”For those who haven’t seen Squid Game, this one is simple. This is basically the game of Tug of War, and the two teams of four teams have to pull on the rope and try to stay in as best as they can.” Wifishark explained.
“Whoever has their flag the farthest AND can get ALL the players off the platforms will live to stay to the next round. The losers? They will have to attend a ceremony, where everyone gets to vote off ONE of the four losing teams out of the show.” Orange said. “I realize it’s a mix of Squid Game and Survivor this round, but we’re pulling out all the stops in reality shows, so… eh?”
Pretty soon, EVERYBODY had gotten themselves into positions on the high platforms, with all eight teams being chained up to the rope, VIA the contestants from Squid Game. A few of them looked a bit nervous as some of them looked to the side and yelped as they saw how high they were.
Spongebob gulped as he shuffled his feet. “This is… ulp… pretty high…”
“I wouldn’t worry.” Snoopy said to the sponge. “After all, even if we fall, a couple of us can fly, at the very least.”
“And Emira knows magic, so maybe she’ll use it to make the fall a little less… hurty?” Dipper grinned nervously towards his girlfriend.
“Hey, I’ll be careful.” Emira scoffed as she flipped her head. “It’s like you don’t trust me.”
Bubbles giggled as she turned to Mac. “Don’t worry. They may have us in chains, but that doesn’t mean that if we fall off, I won’t be able to catch you, Mac-key!”
Mac could only give a small smile. “Thanks for the comfort…”
Squidward looked over and gave a frown as he noted the other team picking up their rope and firmly holding a grip on it. “Okay, focus, people! On the other side are probably three of the strongest people on there, with two of them having moderate strength, and the weak links being behind. And on our end, the only stronger person we have is the big eyed blonde! I’m not sure about my strength, but I know Spongebob’s pathetic when it comes to physical strength…”
“Sad, but true.” Spongebob sighed.
“The rest of you look to be weak… AND…” Squidward turned to Snoopy and Dot. “...I’m not sure what to make of YOU two…”
“Cute, for one!” Dot said as she fluttered her eyes.
“...right.” Squidward lowered his eyelids. “Look, the fact of the matter is, they’re three strong, and we’re going to be creamed otherwise! However, if we can just pull together with everything we got, we could have ourselves a game here!”
Everyone paused as they looked over at the cynical squid. Even though they had a feeling the squid was often a complainer, he did raise some good points as Dipper gave a nod, “All right. What do you want us to do?”
Squidward raised an eyebrow in surprise, before giving a smile. “You’re willing to listen to me?”
“Well, Mr. Tentacles, you do have a point.” Bubbles nodded. “If we want to win, we need to give it everything we got.”
“Right!” Squidward nodded firmly as he motioned for the team to come close. “Here’s our plan…”
Meanwhile, over on the other end of the rope, Inuyasha and Ayame were mainly at the front as they turned to the other three teams.
“All right, listen up! We’re carrying this game on our backs, so we’ll be doing most of the tugging!” Inuyasha barked out.
“What? Come on, pal, we can tug too!” Cuphead argued as he narrowed his eyes at Inuyasha.
“Yeah, we’re just as integral to this team!” Mugman pointed out.
“Doesn’t matter!” Ayame growled. “We’re clearly the strongest people on this team, so we can handle the footwork. Besides, most of the teams on the other side are pathetic weaklings that we can take out no problem!”
Arnold lowered his eyelids as he turned towards Rhonda, who had the same annoyed look on her face, with Rhonda saying, “Wow… already I don’t like being on this team…”
“You gotta problem with us?” Inuyasha practically barked as he narrowed his eyes.
“All right, all right.” Phooey stood up. “As much as they have a little bit of toxicity in their tone, unfortunately, I do have to agree. Even with my amazing Hong Kong Phooey strength, I can acknowledge that these two are probably the strongest on our team.”
Cuphead, Mugman, Arnold and Rhonda looked over at the dog in shock… before each of them giving sighs as Mugman said, “You do have a good point there.”
Spot sighed as he gave an indifferent shrug.
“Besides, we’re going to need to stay in, seeing as how the coaches told us that whoever’s off their platforms are going to be the next ones on the chopping block, and believe you me, I don’t want it to be any of us.” Phooey pointed out, making the others sigh.
Ayame and Inuyasha turned towards Phooey with a smile as Ayame said, “Thanks for at least understanding that.”
“But of course.” Phooey said as he picked up the rope. “You are the strongest team we’ve got.”
“Darn straight!” Inuyasha said as he and Ayame picked up their rope. “All right, grab the rope, I think we’re about ready to start!”
With a sigh, the other teams had no choice but to pick up the rope as they got themselves into position. Not too far away, the other teams nodded as they got into position, with Squidward and Bubbles in the front of the rope, Dot, Dipper, Mac and Emira in the center, and Snoopy and Spongebob in the back. All the while, on the other end, it was Inuyasha and Ayame in the lead, Hong Kong Phooey, Arnold, Cuphead and Mugman in the center, and Rhonda and Spot in the back.
”All teams are in position, and they’re just waiting for the starting gun!” Orange announced.
Down below, the pink guard with the square face mask pulled out the starting rifle, pointed it up into the air… and after a few seconds, gave the opening shot.
”And here they go! All teams are getting off to a good start!” Wifishark announced as he looked at the arena with interest.
As soon as the teams heard the shot, all of them immediately got to work as they started to pull hard on the rope, trying to get a good move. From the looks of things, thanks to the combined might of Inuyasha and Ayame, they were pulling hard on the rope as the rest of the others were doing their best to move backwards with the rope, trying to tug.
On the other hand, Squidward grunted and groaned as he tried to tug at the rope, though thankfully, he had his suction-cupped tentacles to help slow everyone down as they felt the pull. Spongebob was doing his best to pull on the rope in the back… only for his arms to pop off from his body, causing Snoopy to shake his head in shock when he saw that.
“Whoops, just a moment!” Spongebob said as he grew a new set of arms, before grabbing his old ones and started tugging on the arms that were holding the rope.
Mac and Dipper grunted as they kept a firm grip on the rope, trying to move backwards with the others as they were struggling to get a hold of the rope.
“Keep pushing, everyone! We need all the strength we can get!” Squidward shouted out as he turned from behind.
Over near the other end, it would seem that everyone else was taking advantage of their good lead as Inuyasha noted the flag going in their direction as he smirked. “Keep tugging harder, Ayame! We’re getting close to getting rid of those losers!”
“On it, sweetheart!” Ayame laughed as she held her tight and gripped the rope, before turning her head. “And you two, keep picking up the slack and walk backwards with us!”
Phooey gave a nod and a grin. “You got it!”
Cuphead, Mugman, Arnold, Rhonda and Spot just frowned as they just followed directions and held firmly on the rope, trying to follow the hanyou and wolf girl’s footsteps as Inuyasha and Ayame kept tugging harder.
However, the whole time, Squidward kept his feet firmly on the ground, as the others seem to be in a standstill. The squid could only smirk as he whispered to Bubbles, “Okay, when I say now, I’m going to pull myself off the floor. When you hear the sound, give it all you got.”
“Okay, Mr. Squid Man.” Bubbles smiled. “I hope your idea works!”
“I hope so too.” Squidward muttered to himself before keeping an eye on it. “Ready… steady…”
Inuyasha and Ayame grunted as they were doing a lot of the muscle work, trying to tug and pull, with the others just following closely behind. But, to their surprise, they were starting to lose traction… and were starting to feel the burn and pain.
“Wh-what’s happening?” Ayame said, looking a little fatigued.
“Yo! Pick up the slack!” Inuyasha barked from behind.
“We’re tryin’ as best as we can!” Mugman complained.
Over at the other end, Squidward unattached his feet from the pavement as he gave a nod. “Now, folks, now!”
With that, Bubbles tightened the rope and lifted her legs into the air, making it easier to float as she kept a firm grip on the rope. Also, taking the cue from Squidward, Dot, Dipper, Mac and Emira started to pick up the pace as they used their own strength, with Snoopy even using his teeth to help pull the rope. Spongebob lagged behind as he tugged on his former disembodied arms that were holding the rope.
“Okay, floating one, big tug! Ready?” Squidward shouted.
Bubbles nodded as she easily tugged on the rope like it was nothing.
This caused Inuyasha and Ayame to yelp in surprise as they, along with the other contestants, were dragged over, causing Inuyasha to panic. “Ahh! Everyone, keep a firm grip!”
The others shut their eyes as they tried to hold firm on the rope.
“PULL!” Squidward shouted.
Bubbles obeyed the command as she gave a firm tug on the rope, causing the flag to go over to their end of the field, AND having all eight players falling down and dangling in the air.
All four teams on the other end gave a scream as Inuyasha, Ayame, Phooey, Arnold, Cuphead, Mugman, Rhonda and Spot were now dangling in the air, still chained and holding onto the rope.
Arnold looked up and noticed the guillotine about to activate. “Oh no…”
“It’s okay, Arnold!” Rhonda said as she looked down. “There’s a net down there to catch us!”
“Oh, that’s a relief.” Cuphead sighed. “Of course nobody is going out the way of the Squid Game.”
“That’s your big concern?” Mugman raised an eyebrow.
The guillotine went down and sliced the rope, forcing the eight players to yell out as they fell down and landed directly on the net. Well, all but Phooey, that is, who just bounced off the net like a trampoline and was sent flying out of the cuffs and located himself directly to a wall. After getting dazed for a moment, the dog recovered as he picked himself up and looked over towards the winning teams.
“Shucks.” Phooey sighed. “Guess we couldn’t pull hard enough…”
Ayame, on the other hand, was screaming in frustration as Inuyasha was shouting out various profanities, causing an uncomfortable Arnold, Rhonda, Cuphead, Mugman and Spot to just slowly back away from the two once their cuffs were automatically released.
Up above, Bubbles gave a giggle as she looked down. “At least the others are okay…”
“Are you kidding?” Dipper asked with a grin. “That was quite a rush! I can’t believe we managed to win a tug of war game.”
“Not to mention the fact that we’re not up for elimination this time around!” Dot grinned. “That’s what the people who voted in the last poll get for not READING. Then again, if they had known the writer was actually looking for the MOST votes in players to eliminate this time, they would have voted for us! Although, on the other hand, the vote WAS pretty close…”
Everybody blinked as they looked at Dot in confusion before Spongebob looked down. “Ehhh, I feel bad for the other guys…”
“It’s the nature of the competition, Spongebob.” Dipper pointed out. “Sometimes, you have to do what you can to keep safe…”
“Yeah, I guess…” Spongebob sighed as Snoopy started to feel his jaw, trying to get it back in place after firmly biting on the rope for too long. Thanks to Emira, though, she used a spell on him to get his jaw somewhat fixed.
”Well, it was close a couple of times, but in the end, the teams of Mac and Bubbles, Spongebob and Squidward, Snoopy and Dot AND Dipper and Emira have won out in the end. And as the winners of this round, they will each receive a trip for two at the location they so desire, which they can discuss AFTER the Reality Gauntlet is finished!” Orange grinned.
“However, this just leaves Inuyasha and Ayame, Arnold and Rhonda, Cuphead and Mugman AND Hong Kong Phooey and Spot on the chopping block.” Wifishark said. “And as of now, the players are being informed that they each have an hour’s reprieve before voting starts, so they’ll have to use that hour to get their bearing and strategize as much as possible.”
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About an hour or so later, Inuyasha was sitting at the locker room, merely punching at the punching bag in frustration as Ayame was massaging his back in an attempt to calm him down. “It’s okay, sweetheart, we’ll get them next time…”
“There won’t even BE a next time if we DON’T! GET! OUR! ACT! TOGETHER!” Inuyasha growled. “Look, it’s clear it’s between us and the three other weak teams… and out of all of them, I think it’s best we take out the football head and the rich girl. They just seem the weakest out of everyone, and they’re just going to lag behind anyway, so what’s the point?”
“Don’t worry… we’ll talk to the others and sway them.” Ayame said as she turned her head towards Cuphead and Mugman and Hong Kong Phooey and Spot. “Just take a few deep breaths and I’ll be right back.”
With that, Ayame got up and headed towards the two teams as they looked up in curiosity. Phooey grinned as he waved. “Ah, if it isn’t Ayame! So, what’s shakin’?”
“Listen up! If you guys want to stay here, convince the other teams that the football head AND the rich girl NEED to get out! They are clearly too weak, AND they’re also pretty young!” Ayame rolled her eyes.
Cuphead lowered his eyes. “Uh, Mugsy and I are young too, in case you didn’t notice!”
Ayame blinked twice as she looked over at the antrhopomorphic cups. “Well, yes, BUT you’re at least a little stronger! These two kids, meanwhile, just get lucky! And it’s clear that you two teams know each other, so it’s very reasonable we all think with our heads and get rid of the obvious weak link here!”
Phooey, listening in, gave a slight pause as Spot just looked at his master with a frown on his face. “Hmmm… that is a good point there.”
“Hong Kong Phooey, surely you jest!” Mugman said with a shocked look on his face.
Ayame giggled as she crossed her arms. “Glad we can come to an arrangements. You two teams go ahead and spread the word, make sure those two kids are goners! I need to keep a close eye on my boyfriend and make sure he gets his head in the game.”
“And why ain’t you doing most of da work yourself?” Cuphead asked, the red wearing cup crossing his arms with a frown on his face.
“BYE!” Ayame wiggled her fingers before going back to her boyfriend.
Cuphead, Mugman and Spot frowned as the three looked at the talking hanyou and wolf girl couple with a bit of disdain on their faces as Cuphead said, “That girl and her little boyfriend are really getting on my nerves!”
“Oh, I don’t know, fellas. A bit overcompetitive, yes, I can acknowledge, but they don’t seem like all too bad people.” Phooey noted.
“Hong Kong, they clearly don’t respect ANY of us.” Mugman frowned as he crossed his arms, with Spot holding his head and giving a sad sigh.
“Maybe not at first, but they are good opponents, and the strongest people here. What if we had to do another team up later on down the line? They COULD be good helpers down the line.” Phooey pointed out.
“They’re also toxic for ‘dis game!” Cuphead pointed out.
“Maybe so, but I’m sure as the game goes on, they’ll eventually warm up to us. For now, though, I think we should follow what they say and take out the kids. Oh, I like that football headed kid and his girlfriend, but even I have to acknowledge, they are still kids after all. And you saw the last two teams being eliminated… both of them being two kid teams. It’s better to get rid of them now than later.” Phooey said.
“I don’t know about that, Hong Kong.” Mugman paused. “Those two did pretty well in the last two challenges.”
“Yes, but how long can that spike hold, do you get what I’m saying?” Phooey asked with a raised eyebrow. “Now, I suggest we split up and talk to various teams. Spot and I will take the locker rooms on the right and you two can take the ones on the left.”
Cuphead paused as he turned to Mugman and whispered in his ear. Mugman nodded as he turned to Phooey. “All right, sounds reasonable.”
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“You want a take down of Inuyasha and Ayame?” Kailey asked as she was doing some push-ups, with Cuphead and Mugman sitting down next to them. “I don’t know, they’re the strongest team here…”
“And dey are going to be a BIG problem later down the line. If we don’t take care of them now, they’re just going to grow worse and worse!” Cuphead frowned.
“The best we can hope for is a three-way tie.” Mugman said. “And since you guys, along with us are basically immune, you can help us control the votes.”
“I don’t know… Inuyasha and Ayame SEEM to be the power couple to compete against…” Kailey paused.
“Oh, but they’re also pretty toxic, Kailey.” Mitsuki pointed out. “Think about it. Do you really want to hear them speak cocky language throughout this game?”
The squirrel paused as she gave a frown. “Good point. But still, they’re not wrong about also voting the last of the kid teams out. It could help us with real competition.” Kailey pointed out.
“Da thing is, we have to take out Inuyasha and Ayame now while da time is right.” Cuphead pointed out. “Otherwise, they’re going to possibly beat us in every challenge… and one of US will be out next as the weakest link!”
Mitsuki paused as she turned to Kailey. “He’s got a good point there, Kailey…”
“It is something to think about…” Kailey said as Snoopy and Dot were approaching as the beagle cocked his head.
“I couldn’t help but overhear, but you guys are considering tossing out Inuyasha and Ayame?” Snoopy asked.
“Yeah, pretty much.” Mugman pointed out.
“Heh, count us in!” Dot smirked. “Don’t get me wrong, I like them both as characters, but the way they are acting is just soooo toxic and soooo unfun… then again, that’s probably what a LOT of these reality show people are into nowadays… good thing we don’t have a lot of those in the UVR tournaments.”
“The what?” Kailey asked in confusion.
“We’ll talk later. Snoopy and I will be more than happy to lead the Inuyasha/Ayame out factor!” Dot grinned.
“Great!” Cuphead smiled. “Think you can help out by telling some other teams? We’ll need all the numbers we can!”
“Leave it to me, Cuppy!” Dot smirked. “Snoopy and I are like social butterflies when it comes to something like these. It’s a shame I don’t have the Pyro with us, or they’d totally agree to work with us, no questions asked.”
“Dot, no need for THAT sort of ordeal.” Snoopy sighed as he held his head. “You know we can talk to these guys like regular people, right?”
“Yeah… I know.” Dot gave a small sigh.
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“So that’s basically the gist of everything.” Snoopy said as he and Dot were sitting down next to Dipper, Emira, Mac and Bubbles, who seemed to be sitting together and listening in. “Inuyasha and Ayame want Arnold and Rhonda out, BUT Cuphead and Mugman are doing a coup d’etat on the hanyou and wolf demon.”
“Personally, I think it’s a good idea to get rid of those guys while the getting’s good, because I’m pretty sure some people are miffed that they got tricked because of the wording on the last poll, so let’s make them mad even further by getting a ‘fan favorite’ out!” Dot grinned.
“So, the vote is Inuyasha and Ayame, huh?” Emira asked.
“That’s the way things are going…” Dot grinned. “At least try to think about the possibilities, right?”
“Yeah, I suppose so…” Mac paused as Snoopy and Dot got up and wandered off. As soon as the beagle and his toon dog girlfriend were gone, the other four looked at each other as they frowned. “What do you guys think?”
“It’s a difficult choice.” Bubbles paused as she put a hand on her chin. “Inuyasha and Ayame are really bad meanies, on the one hand, and Arnold and Rhonda are so sweet and kind…”
“Maybe so, but that would be emotions talking over logic.” Dipper pointed out as he tried to draw some logic. “On the other hand, Inuyasha and Ayame are likely the strongest people we have. What if we have to do a team-up challenge later on? Whoever gets teamed up with Inuyasha and Ayame are sure best bets. With Arnold and Rhonda… they’re nice, yes, but in terms of strength? They’re about as good as I am when it comes to PE…”
Emira paused as she tapped her fingers, giving a small hum as she gave a chuckle to herself. This caught Dipper’s attention as he turned to his girlfriend. “Something on your mind, Emira?”
“Yeah, I was just wondering… why hasn’t anybody talked about getting rid of either the cups or the karate dog and his pet cat? I mean, they’re options too.” Emira pointed out.
“Well… they’re not really as big of threats as Inuyasha and Ayame are…” Mac pointed out.
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Emira frowned. “I mean, think about it for a moment. We haven’t even met each other before any of this, right? And yet, the cups and the dog and cat act like they’ve met before.”
Dipper, Mac and Bubbles paused as they looked over towards the witch, that fact hammering deep in their minds. Bubbles gave a gasp. “Are you saying these two could be in an alliance of some type?”
“They very well could be, or at least, they know each other quite well.” Emira frowned. “From what I see, we need to get rid of one of those two teams so they DON’T have that advantage.”
“But could it be possible to turn the tides?” Mac asked. “And even if we do go with this plan, who do we take out?”
“Fortunately, I may have a good idea on what team to take out.” Emira smirked.
Dipper tried to protest, before giving a sigh. “Who do you have in mind?”
“I’m glad you asked, Piney…” Emira grinned.
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“So… wait, why are you telling us that Inuyasha and Ayame are targeting us?” Arnold asked as Rhonda looked over towards the dog talking to them with a frown.
“I just want to ease it on ya kids so you don’t get surprised. Nothing personal, you understand. It’s just the game.” Phooey explained as he got up. “Anyway, I gotta get back to the cups. Have a nice little conversation going, don’t you know?”
“Right…” Rhonda frowned as she watched the dog leave. As soon as Phooey was gone, the rich girl crossed her arms. “Honestly, the nerve of those two, targeting us because we’re quote-unquote ‘weak’. Hmph! They clearly did not watch us dominate the last couple of challenges!”
“We only cleared three obstacles in our first challenge… and while we didn’t beat the sea creatures, we certainly dominated in the mud challenge.” Arnold pointed out.
“Then it’s settled, why don’t we get our revenge on Inuyasha and Ayame, take them out where they stand!” Rhonda smirked as she snapped her fingers.
“Hold on, Rhonda, maybe we shouldn’t be so hasty…” Arnold said as he put a hand on his girlfriend’s shoulders.
Rhonda looked over to Arnold in pure shock. “But Arnold, doll… those two CLEARLY don’t respect anybody. And yet you STILL want to keep them?”
“It’s a crazy idea, I know… but…” Arnold sighed. “We’ve had a lot of toxic players in the past games we’ve played… Helga, Harold, sometimes the fifth graders can be showboaters… but they’re all good people. And I’m sure outside of this game, these two are probably good people as well… it’s just the nature of the game that’s making them act out that way…”
It was then Arnold took a look around in suspicion. “Plus, and I don’t know if it’s me, but this place doesn’t seem that… normal. I mean, before we ever met, we only knew about our own worlds… and yet… we’re meeting people in different realities for a game WE didn’t sign up for? No, I think there’s something going on here, and those two are the only ones not aware of it…”
Rhonda paused in surprise, before giving a sigh. “Well, I suppose if you think that it’s for the best… but who do we pick then, if not Inuyasha and Ayame?”
The two then heard a cough as they turned to see Emira and Dipper approaching, with the green haired witch giving a grin. “We have a boot idea, if you’re interested…”
As Emira and Dipper told Arnold and Rhonda their plans, little did they realize was that somebody was listening in…
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“Wait, you WANT me to agree on taking out them?” Spongebob asked in shock. “B-b-but I already made a promise with that team that we’d vote with them!”
Squidward crossed his arms. “Spongebob, you’d believe anything from them… look, I know that taking out people isn’t your forte, but you have to toughen up!”
“But Squidward, a lot of these folks are very good friends!” Spongebob said.
“You ALSO already talked with a couple of those teams about the goodness of going to Bikini Bottom and visiting the Krusty Krab, they already got that message thick and thin.” Squidward explained. “The way I see it, if I do agree with you on the vote THEY want, we’ll just end in a three way tie, and the one you didn’t talk to about going to the Krusty Krab is going to sent packing! At least if we vote THIS team, we’ll eliminate someone you already talked with. Besides, they got our message about the Krusty Krab promotion, it’s all in the bag…”
Spongebob paused as he looked down. “OOoooo… I really don’t like to do this…”
“It’s a tough world out there, Spongebob, but we need to make this choice now. If you think about it, we’re sort of a swing vote here. We could either tie it up, or break the cycle and get rid of one of those TWO teams.” Squidward sighed. “I get it, you want to make friends in this tournament, but we’ve got a job to do. Understand?”
Spongebob sniffled a bit before giving a sigh. “I understand…”
“Great!” Squidward said as he looked at the clock. “All right, the hour’s almost up.”
“Pardon me…”
Squidward and Spongebob turned to see an outside team approaching.
“We’re going to perform a surprising elimination… are you guys willing to eliminate this team?”
Spongebob looked a bit uncomfortable as Squidward crossed his tentacles, feeling a lot confident with this vote.
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”The hour reprieve is up, and all the teams are returning to the podium to make their votes.” Orange explained as the outside of the arena was seen.
“After quite some time, we’ll see who gets eliminated in this third part of the Reality Gauntlet! So… who is out after all this time…” Wifishark asked in curiosity.
Indeed, outside the arena, all nine teams were sitting down as the nameless coach came out with a few cupcakes, chocolate flavored, as he gave a nod.
“Okay, folks, you made your votes, and they have been tallied. When you hear your name, come up and grab two cupcakes from the tray before you. That indicates that you guys are safe from the vote. Keep caution, there are sixteen cupcakes, two pair for eight teams. When you hear your names… come up and get your cupcakes…”
“Kailey and Mitsuki, we all know you’re safe.” The coach announced as the squirrel and red panda came over and grabbed the two cupcakes.
Kailey curiously ate the cupcake and gave a nod. “Hmmm… not bad.”
“Did you make these yourself?” Mitsuki asked as she turned towards the coach. “Because they are so good!”
“Snoopy and Dot… Dipper and Emira… Spongebob and Squidward… and Mac and Bubbles. You four teams are safe.” The coach called out as each team went up and got cupcakes.
Of course, since Mac wasn’t allowed to eat sugar, Bubbles just ate both cupcakes happily. Spongebob just ate his with a sad sigh, as Squidward just indifferently ate his. Dipper and Emira toasted each other before eating their cupcakes… and Dot and Snoopy just put theirs in a plastic baggie for later (even though Dot could easily eat hers now).
“And that leaves the four of you… the good news is, only THREE teams got votes. One of you has none…” The coach announced as the four teams just sat down and looked up.
After a moment, the coach said two names.
“Cuphead and Mugman… congratulations, you two are safe.”
“Sweet!” Cuphead grinned as he got up and grabbed two cupcakes. Mugman, however, looked a bit concerned as he realized the wording.
“Wait, did they just say we were the only ones not to get votes?” Mugman asked as he eyed every other team, giving a frown. He then noted Spongebob’s guilty look in particular.
“Arnold and Rhonda… you only got two votes out of nine. You are safe.” The coach said.
Arnold gave a small sigh of relief as Rhonda gave a whistle. “Oh, thank goodness…”
As Arnold and Rhonda went up to get the cupcakes to eat, Inuyasha jumped up as he narrowed his eyes. “OH, YOU MORONS! HOW DARE YOU TRY TO TAKE ME OUT! WHY? ARE YOU FREAKING COWARDS?! AFRAID TO TAKE US ON IN A FAIR FIGHT, IS THAT IT?!”
“Inuyasha, calm down…” Ayame said in worry.
“Ayame, look around! They all clearly voted for us!” Inuyasha shouted in anger as most of the teams looked over towards the hanyou with raised eyebrows (a few of them looking confident), before turning to Cuphead. “YOU! You clearly went against our word, didn’t you?!”
“Eh, so what if we did? What are you going to do about it?” Cuphead rolled his eyes.
Inuyasha laughed crazily as he narrowed his eyes on the cup before him. “Oh ho ho! You think this is funny, don’t you? Think you can easily try to get rid of me? WELL, YOU, CUPPY, DON’T EVEN KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD FURY!”
“Two teams left…” The coach said. “And two cupcakes left to go… and the final safe team is…”
“I SWEAR ON MY LIFE, IF I LEAVE THIS GAME RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW, YOU WILL BE SORRY!” Inuyasha shouted in anger, causing Ayame to give a slight groan.
“...Inuyasha and Ayame.” The coach said.
Cuphead and Mugman’s mouths dropped as they heard the names, as Inuyasha continued to rant, “AND EVEN IF I DON’T HAVE MY SWORD ON ME NOW, I WILL PERSONALLY FIND YOU AND-” The hanyou stopped short as he blinked twice. “Wait, what did you say just now?”
“Inuyasha, we’re safe! We’re not out!” Ayame said as she nudged her boyfriend.
Inuyasha’s eyes shrank, slowly realizing that he had just embarrassed himself. He just gave a nervous chuckle. “Uh, I knew that.”
However, for Hong Kong Phooey and Spot, Spot gave a sad sigh as Phooey just blinked in surprise. “Shucks. I guess people just saw me as one that couldn’t be cut out for the game. Good job, fellas. You got the legendary Hong Kong Phooey where he stood… er, sat.”
“WHAT?!” Mugman shouted in outrage as he looked around, with Kailey and Mitsuki giving a slight frown and Snoopy and Dot just looking a little indifferent. “Why? What did those two do? Phooey and Spot are, like, great people!”
“Oh, I know they are.” Emira shrugged. “But here’s the thing. You cups and that red gi wearing dog and his cat were getting too close to each other.”
“A lot of us came in, not knowing a lot of people, and you two teams sort of came in KNOWING each other.” Mac said. “We were afraid the two of you were going to dominate.”
“And of the two teams, we figured Phooey and Spot were the best people to get rid of now.” Squidward explained.
“I’m sorry, you guys. It wasn’t anything personal, but it was a hard choice to pick.” Spongebob said with a sad sigh.
“Plus, of the two teams, there’s only so much Hong Kong Phooey’s legendary kung fu can do…” Arnold pointed out. “And as much as Spot is adorable… he’s not really a talker.”
Spot gave a small sigh and a shrug, as if to say, “Fair enough.”
Phooey gave a laugh as the dog got up from his seat. “Hey, no need to fret! If anything, Spot and I are just glad we came on. Sure, this is a lot different than the Laff-A-Lympics, but it was still good, clean wholesome fun! Plus, I’m glad I got to meet up with a lot of great people!”
“Well, no hard feelings, Hong Kong Phooey.” Rhonda shrugged.
“I hope you can come visit our worlds soon enough!” Spongebob sighed.
Phooey smirked as Spot got up. “Hey, no worries! After this game is over, I’m definitely taking a visit to the Krusty Krab and buying a Krabby Patty. And your other worlds sound pretty cool.”
“Well, we’re all going to miss you.” Mitsuki said as she gave a salute to the dog.
Phooey chuckled. “Thanks, fellas!”
And with that, after having said their good-byes, Phooey and Spot went out together as they walked out through the stadium doors, with Phooey looking back and giving a good-bye before departing.
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“And just like that, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot have left the building. It’s a shame they both had to go, just when they were starting to get good.” Orange sighed.
“Yeah, but what can you do about it?” Wifishark shrugged before giving a smirk. “Anyway, for those are curious who voted out who, let’s check that out…”
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VOTES:
Hong Kong Phooey & Spot- Dipper & Emira, Mac & Bubbles, Arnold & Rhonda, Spongebob & Squidward
Inuyasha & Ayame- Cuphead & Mugman, Snoopy & Dot, Kailey & Mitsuki
Arnold & Rhonda- Inuyasha & Ayame, Hong Kong Phooey & Spot
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“And that is that… we’ll be opening up the next polls on Deviantart soon, so go over to Orange’s page, read the poll carefully, and give a cast of your vote!” Wifishark grinned.
“All eight teams are-” Orange started, before noting the poll option marked ‘Spongebob and Squidward’ still on there, before grabbing it and crumpling up like paper. “Ahem… ALL eight options are up and about! It may take a while, so go ahead and cast your votes.”
“Well, we’ll need some time to set up the next challenge, but don’t go anywhere, it’s a d-d-d-d-doozy!” Wifishark stuttered and moved his head around like a robot (mainly because it IS Plankton’s robot, after all).
“Tune in next time as we take another trip into… the Reality Gauntlet!” Orange grinned as the screen cut to black…
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Meanwhile, outside the arena, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot were walking down the hallway as Phooey gave a sigh. “How do you like that, Spot? Just when you think a plan is forming, all of a sudden, people want you out.”
Spot just gave a shrug as Phooey looked over. “Well, no need to worry about anything. Let’s see if we can find our way home…” The dog paused as he stopped and looked around. “That is… if we can find a portal home…”
After a couple of steps, Phooey’s eyes lit up as he noticed a strange portal opening up in front of them as he gave a grin. “Ah ha! Here we are! Come on, Spot, let’s go home!”
With that, Phooey started to run off. However, Spot followed, slight hesitation pouring on his part as he looked at the portal in suspicion. Then, giving a small sigh, knowing his master would likely find himself in trouble… he jumped through the portal…
And right down on the ground next to Phooey, as the dog looked around to find himself in some sort of glass dome like area, with a lab surrounding the outside of the dome. Spot got up and looked around in pure shock as Phooey looked around and frowned. “Gee. Hanna Barbera Town sure looks different than what I remember… this don’t look like Quest Labs… at least, not any room of it that I’m familiar in…”
Spot paused as he looked around… and his eyes widened in shock as he noticed TWO familiar teams each trapped in different domes as they were tapping the glass. Nazz was tapping the glass in worry to try and get their attention as Double D AKA Edd was peering around nervously. Doug and Beebe were waving their hands towards the recently arrived team to try to get their attention. Spot looked worried as he tried to pull on Phooey’s gi for attention.
“Not now, Spot. I’m trying to figure out what part of Hanna Barbera Town we’re in.” Phooey frowned as he pushed away his cat’s hands. “Hmmm… I’d say we’re in Dexter’s Lab, but… no, the color scheme looks wrong…”
Spot groaned as he turned to the two trapped teams as he gave a shrug, indicating that this might take a while…
Why were Edd, Nazz, Doug and Beebe in cages… and how did Hong Kong Phooey and Spot end up in the same predicament as them? Could Plankton be the main cause behind this? All of these questions and more could be answered as more of the Reality Gauntlet comes to fruition…
Chapter 6: Challenge Four: Steal or No Steal
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE FOUR
The camera switched on to reveal Orange and wifishark back in their seats as the latter gave a wave.
“Howdy, folks, welcome back to the show!” wifishark waved. “Currently, we have eight teams left over, and a few more rounds to go!”
“To recap this real quick, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot have recently been eliminated via voteoff, which only leaves married couple Mac and Bubbles, brothers Cuphead and Mugman, dating couple number one Inuyasha and Ayame, dating couple number two Snoopy and Dot, dating couple number three Dipper and Emira, dating couple number four Arnold and Rhonda, fellow employers Spongebob and Squidward, and finally, best friends Kailey and Mitsuki, left in the game as they compete for the grand prize.” Orange recapped.
“Anyway, everyone has gone to sleep after playing our three games, and now they’ve awaken bright and early, going to the locker rooms, trying to recuperate and plan on what’s going to happen next. None of them know what their next challenge will be, but I can tell you one thing… they are CERTAINLY going to need all the luck they can get…” wifishark chuckled lightly as his body started to spaz out a bit.
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Indeed, it was the very next morning as Spongebob was walking to the locker room, giving a small yawn as he gave a grin. “Hmmm… oh, what a lovely morning, huh, Squidward?”
“Yes… totally worth having a bed of bad springs messing up my back…” Squidward complained as he was rubbing his back, giving a small grumble.
As the two sea creatures approached the center of the locker room, they couldn’t help but note a large table containing a lot of breakfast foods as most of the other teams were already settling themselves in and having their breakfast. Spongebob waved to the others as he happily said, “Good morning, everybody!”
“Morning, Spongebob!” Bubbles happily waved as she and Mac looked up.
“Looking rather chipper today, aren’t you?” Dot asked as Snoopy had just finished eating his omelette.
“You bet!” Spongebob grinned as he reached over and started to wipe some jam on a piece of toast. “We may have lost three teams yesterday, but that just inspires us to work harder, am I right?”
“Yeah, that’s a good way to put it.” Arnold nodded as the others nodded in agreement.
“Feh! I’m just more than eager to move onto the next game already!” Inuyasha grumbled as he narrowed his eyes. “Considering that scare from the last elimination, I don’t know if I should take any chances with any of you!”
“Oh come on, you can NOT still be sore about being close to elimination?” Cuphead pointed out.
“Why shouldn’t I be?” Inuyasha growled. “The fact that we were even CONSIDERED for elimination at ALL should not be happening!”
“Well, why shouldn’t we eliminate you?” Kailey asked as she rolled her eyes. “You’re nothing but grade A jerks!”
“I can’t say much for Inuyasha, but I am offended by that remark!” Ayame growled as she narrowed her eyes.
“Guys, please, let’s not argue right now. What happened happened.” Dipper sighed. “We all made our choices last night, it’s all a part of the game… let’s just move on.”
“Piney’s right. We can’t let this negativity force us down… if anything, we need to stay focused on the task at hand!” Emira explained as she finished her meal. “If anything, we should try to focus on what our next challenge is going to be!”
“The girl with the mole has got a point.” Rhonda nodded (Emira just glared at the rich girl as she said that) as she looked around. “With eight teams left, what do you think our next round is going to be?”
“Considering we have at least sixteen players, maybe we’ll do a team game, like volleyball?” Mugman guessed.
“Or maybe we’ll do one of those Mario Party like games… like one of those games where one of us has to help their partner navigate through a path…” Mac suggested.
“I don’t think that’ll be likely…” Mitsuki shook her head.
“Trust me, you’d be surprised. This story started LAST year, and it’s still ongoing. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author decided to do some cutting for this round at all…” Dot said.
“Well, whatever we have to face, I’m sure we need to be all ready as soon as possible!” Squidward frowned. “This is a one elimination a round game, not a ‘team phase’ game!”
“Don’t say that, Squidward!” Spongebob smiled. “I’m sure that whatever game we face, we’re going to have the best fun of our lives!”
“Yeah, sure…” Squidward snorted. “Considering I had to do a lot of physical identity, I can’t wait to get my tentacles are battered up and unusable to the point I can’t play my clarinet!”
“That’s the spirit, Squidward!” Spongebob grinned, causing the blue squid to snort, knowing that his neighbor had missed the sarcasm in his voice.
It was then they heard the intercom’s sound as they looked up to hear Orange’s voice saying ”Good morning, competitors! I see you’re all rested up and well fed. Thank our sponsors for supplying the free breakfast to get you guys started on the day! Anyway, before you all go out, all teams reach under your chairs, and you will find a blank piece of paper and a pencil.”
The eight teams blinked before most of them reached down to see the paper and pencil as they laid them down on the table.
”In a few minutes, your next game will commence. However, before you do, I’d like each team to pick a number from 1 to 8, without choosing the same number. Since this is an open discussion, feel free to argue which number you want. Discussion will end in ten minutes.” Orange’s voice announced once more before the intercom switched off.
“Numbers?” Spongebob asked as he looked confused, same as everybody else.
Inuyasha grinned as he yelled out, “Oh, I’m calling one! Ayame and I have one, you cannot take one from us!”
“Okay, rude…” Rhonda frowned as she turned to her boyfriend. “Arnold, doll, what number should we pick?”
“Hmmm… well, if nobody objects, then Rhonda and I’ll go with seven.” Arnold said.
“Oh, a lucky number, huh…” Dot grinned as she whispered in Snoopy’s ear.
“This number, are you sure?” Snoopy asked.
“Trust me! I think it’s best we go with that… I have a feeling about that number.” Dot grinned.
“Okay, well… Dot and I are going to choose number three.” Snoopy said.
“Oh, then Squidward and I-” Spongebob started to say before a tentacle covered the young sponge’s mouth.
“Please, Spongebob, let me choose the number.” Squidward frowned as he gave a smirk. “If this is a line-up for our next challenge, then Spongebob and I are going for number eight.”
“Wait, but that’s-” Spongebob started to say, before Squidward leaned in and whispered into one of Spongebob’s porous holes.
“Trust me! Why would they ask us specifically for a number between one and eight? It’s obviously a turn order for another game! That way, if we go last, we’ll know where the other teams failed! We have the advantage here!” Squidward whispered as he gave a large grin.
Spongebob paused, feeling a bit uneasy about this, before giving a sigh. “Well, if you think that’s the best choice, Squid…”
With Mitsuki and Kailey, both red panda and squirrel were talking silently to each other before nodding as Kailey said, “Nobody’s going for it, so we’re going for two.”
“Emira and I have decided on five. I have a good feeling about this number…” Dipper said as he turned to his girlfriend.
“That’s right. Better middle of the road than nothing, right?” Emira asked.
“So, Bubbles, is this the number we should go for?” Mac asked as he turned to his wife.
“I have my faith in you, sweetle.” Bubbles grinned.
“Okay, then, we’ll take number four.” Mac announced.
“Then I guess Mugsy and I are left with number six.” Cuphead said.
“Near the end of the line…” Mugman paused as the blue coded mug gave a shrug. “Eh, I suppose it could have been worse.
With that, a lot of the teams put their number on the paper as they waited for the announcements to sound off.
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”Well, the numbers are chosen, and the players are going into the field once more!” Orange announced as the eight teams made their way to the center of the field once more.
”Each of them are still unaware of their challenge, but I’m sure they’ll figure it out in just a minute…” wifishark said as the eight teams gathered on their mat as the large crowd started to applaud for them.
Spongebob looked around and gave an enthusiastic wave to the crowd. “Thank you everybody, thank you all! Glad to be here!”
“Spongebob, don’t embarrass yourself!” Squidward frowned as he forcibly put down the sponge’s arm.
“All right, we’re all here for the next game… I wonder what this is all about.” Dipper asked as he scratched his head.
“So far, it seems to be pretty empty around here…” Mugman said as he pointed out the obvious.
Then, the room fell silent as the lights went down, much to the eight teams’ confusion, considering they were in a stadium with no roof. All of a sudden, the lights turned back on as a bald man in a nice suit was standing in front as he gave a wave towards the crowd.
Most of the teams (Arnold, Rhonda, Dipper, Snoopy, Dot, Mac, Bubbles, Kailey and Mitsuki) gasped in shock as all nine people who recognized him exclaimed, “Is that famed Deal or No Deal/America’s Got Talent host/germaphobe/voice of Gizmo from Gremlins Howie Mandel?”
“...who the hell’s that?” Inuyasha frowned as he raised an eyebrow towards Ayame, who shrugged in confusion.
“Ooooo, he looks fancy, Squidward…” Spongebob grinned as he examined the suit the man had.
“Uhhhh, we came from Inkwell Isles, who is that?” Mugman scratched his head in confusion as Cuphead looked around at the others.
“Same for me, except I came from the Boiling Isles.” Emira frowned.
“Howie Mandel is sort of a celebrity from the real world. Deal or No Deal is the game he’s usually more associated with, but-” Dipper paused, before groaning. “Crap, that’s why we were choosing numbers…”
“Welcome, one and all, to your next challenge…” Howie said as he held up his hands. “Deal… or No Deal!”
Everyone stared in awe as everyone looked around to see seven briefcases being walked in by seven random figures before putting them in on pedestals before leaving. Howie nodded as he turned to the others, explaining, “Normally, in my game show, you’d pick a case, and eliminate one by one each case, being given offers to a banker each time after to show a certain amount of money, and depending on what you want to do, you can either take the banker’s deal, handing in your case for a chance at losing or winning a lot of money, or say no deal and keep playing until two cases are left. You will be given a chance to swap your case whether or not you make the better deal.”
Everyone raised an eyebrow in awe as Howie continued, “In this case, though, we’ll be playing a variant of Deal or No Deal provided by Mr. Beast… which is Steal or No Steal!”
“Really, a Mr. Beast challenge?” Dot lowered her eyelids. “His Feastables are terrible!”
“Yeah, what’s with this whole ‘Prime’ stuff he’s been promoting… give me a Capri Sun or a Gatorarde anyday.” Snoopy frowned.
“Yeah, LUNCHABLES are clearly the best things…” Dot rolled her eyes.
Howie paused before giving a cough. “As I was saying, we’re playing a variation of my classic game, known as ‘Steal… or No Steal’. How this works is, you guys have randomly selected numbers before coming in. The one who chooses eight will be the ones to go on the podium, and the other seven are the cases you guys will get.”
“Oh, Squidward! Didn’t we choose eight? That means we get to go first!” Spongebob grinned as he gave a laugh.
Squidward’s eyes immediately shrunk down in horror as he whimpered, “Oh no… what have I done…?”
“Now, here’s the thing. The player on the podium will call a team and a case to come up, and the team will be allowed to peek into the case. They will then tell the one in the podium what they have, though they can also easily lie. Because… there are six safe cases… but only ONE case has an ‘ELIMINATED’ sticker inside. Whoever has the ‘Eliminated’ sticker when they open their case officially and is shown to all… the game is over, and that team is eliminated from the competition…”
Everyone looked in awe as Mugman whispered, “This could either be the longest game or the shortest game…”
“Let’s just hope it’s short. We’re already at a good six pages in, and considering that the guy writing this hasn’t updated this in so long, I think we can afford a short chapter.” Dot whispered back.
“Anyway… for those who are keeping track, here are the people who have their cases and who has volunteered…” Howie said as he pointed over to the screen.
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INUYASHA AND AYAME- Case 1
KAILEY AND MITSUKI- Case 2
SNOOPY AND DOT- Case 3
MAC AND BUBBLES- Case 4
DIPPER AND EMIRA- Case 5
CUPHEAD AND MUGMAN- Case 6
ARNOLD AND RHONDA- Case 7
SPONGEBOB AND SQUIDWARD- Volunteer
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Pretty soon, Spongebob and Squidward found themselves in the center as most of the other teams were standing next to their cases.
“Spongebob, Squidward, since you have volunteered to go to the center, you will have first pickings of a case. And remember, these teams could easily lie, so… you could easily pick a case to take yourself out soon…” Howie explained. “And if that team does have a Safe case when you say ‘No Steal’, that is fine, you are not out. It just means the chances of getting a case with the ‘Eliminated’ sticker has increased.”
Spongebob paused as he wiped his head. “Phew… I can see why there’s a lot of pressure here…”
“Come on, Spongebob, we need to get out of this as fast as possible! Just pick a number and we can only hope one of them says safe!” Squidward whispered.
“All right, all right… I get it.” Spongebob nodded before turning back and looking at all the teams. “Well, I may as well go down numerical order… so, let’s do Number 1.”
“Inuyasha, Ayame, come on up.” Howie called as the hanyou and wolf girl looked up.
“Feh, this’ll be a snap!” Inuyasha smirked as he and Ayame went over to the center, the latter picking up their numbered case as they joined the sponge and squid.
“Inuyasha, Ayame, look inside, don’t show anybody.” Howie commanded as Ayame laid down the case.
Inuyasha nodded as Ayame opened the case and peeked inside. Both of them raised their eyebrows and nodded as Ayame closed the case. Squidward paused as he asked, “Well?”
“No, I’m pretty sure you don’t want this case. It’s pretty much bad luck for you to get it…” Inuyasha frowned.
“Oh, well… if it’s bad luck to get-” Spongebob started to say before Squidward pulled the small sponge aside.
“Wait a minute, Spongebob! Before we make our decision, look at their eyes. They’re obviously playing some mind games on us.” Squidward whispered as Ayame tapped her fingers and Inuyasha was watching with his eyes narrowed on them, his ears twitching a bit. “They could very well have a safe case…”
“But Squidward, think about it! What if they’re telling the truth? We could get rid of them turn one…” Spongebob suggested, before pausing. “I mean, I don’t like getting rid of people, but it’s the nature of the game, I suppose!”
“Exactly! It’s the nature of the game!” Squidward whispered. “If we take this case from them, we could very well be safe for the next round!”
“But if we do, we could face a chance of elimination!” Spongebob argued.
“Spongebob, listen to me. Can you trust me and my words?” Squidward asked as he narrowed his eyes at the sponge.
“Of course, I do, Squid. You’re one of my good friends.” Spongebob said.
“Then take the case. Just trust me on this.” Squidward whispered.
Spongebob gulped as he looked over at Squidward, who was closing his eyes in self-confidence, before looking over at Inuyasha and Ayame, the latter of which was looking at the sponge impatiently as Inuyasha tapped his foot faster than light.
“Okay, Spongebob, what do you choose? Steal… or No Steal?” Howie asked.
The sponge gulped as he took a deep breath, a lot of stuff was running through his mind… before giving a nod. “You know what? I’m going to trust Squidward on this. We’re going to steal the case!”
Inuyasha and Ayame’s eyes widened as the former slapped his forehead. “Dammit!”
Spongebob took the case as Howie nodded. “Then Spongebob… open the case…”
Spongebob nodded as he slowly opened the case for all to see… to reveal a ‘SAFE’ sticker on it.
Spongebob gave a huge sigh of relief as Squidward gave a confident nod. “Nothing to it!”
“I’m sorry I doubted you, Squidward.” Spongebob smiled as he and Squidward went off the center and sat down between Dipper and Emira and Mac and Bubbles.
“FRICK!” Inuyasha cursed angrily as Ayame patted his back.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get the next round’s case.” Ayame whispered.
“Since Spongebob and Squidward are safe, Inuyasha, Ayame, now you’re in the position of the ‘Steal or No Steal’. Which team will you be choosing next?”
Everyone paused nervously as Ayame and Inuyasha whispered amongst themselves for a brief moment, before giving a nod as Ayame said, “We’ll take case number six.”
“Cuphead, Mugman, join us in the center, if you could.” Howie called out as the two cups carried their case to the center and peeked inside.
As the two teams were talking over the center, Spongebob noticed the two teams he was inbetween as he gave a nod. “Soooo, how has your time in the game been going?”
“It’s been a little thrilling, actually.” Mac smiled. “Even though I’m not sure why Bubbles and I are here, we’ve been having a little fun.”
Squidward paused as he raised his eyebrow. “Wait, you mean, you haven’t come here voluntarily? Because Mr. Krabs forced me to participate with the yellow nuisance!”
“No, we were just doing our regular activities, before we vanished into thin air.” Bubbles explained.
“That’s strange… so have we.” Dipper said as he turned to the others.
“Yeah, Piney and I were having a little private time together… studying back at the Walt Disney School of Magic when we got teleported here.” Emira frowned as she looked around. “And considering all the other teams, I think they have gotten teleported here the same way.”
“Really?” Spongebob scratched his head. “That’s funny. Me and Squidward only joined the game because we learned about it through TV, and Mr. Krabs signed us up for it, in hopes to promote the Krusty Krab to other worlds.”
“Huh. We weren’t given that privilege.” Dipper frowned.
“Something’s up, then…” Bubbles crossed her arms. “Because we were forcibly teleported away right as we invited my sisters and Mac’s friends over to introduce our daughter… at least they were all there after we introduced them, so they’re taking care of her just fine…”
“At least, that’s what we hope…” Mac chuckled a bit.
“Oh, you have a little girl?” Spongebob asked as he gave a grin. “Oh, that’s so adorable!”
Bubbles giggled. “Yeah, she’s my little pride and joy…”
“Inuyasha, Ayame… do you Steal… or No Steal?” Howie called out as all attention was turned towards the two teams as Cuphead and Mugman were giving big nervous grins.
Inuyasha smirked as he said, “Yeah, no, they’re bluffing. We’re stealing the case.”
“Shucks.” Cuphead grumbled to himself as Inuyasha took the case and opened it… revealing a ‘SAFE’ sticker.
“Inuyasha and Ayame are safe and going to the next round. You two may head back to your seats.” Howie said. “Cuphead, Mugman, which case are you going for next?”
“Uhhhh… well… I say we go with case number four.” Mugman voted.
“Uh, Mugsy, are you sure about this?” Cuphead asked.
“I know the middle is likely to have the ‘elimination’ tag on it, but we need to take a risk here!” Mugman called out. “Number four.”
“Mac, Bubbles, if you two can come on up.” Howie called out as the married couple nodded, Bubbles taking the case and going up towards the cups.
Dipper frowned as he tapped his fingers. “Something about this doesn’t make sense…”
“What’s not to get, those two have a kid at home, and I bet she’s as adorable… you know, I bet I can invite their whole family over to the Krusty Krab and have their first experience be-” Spongebob grinned.
“Not that.” Dipper shook his head. “This whole game… it just feels like something’s off about it. Like it’s all been set up from the start, or something…”
Silence overcame the group as Squidward paused. “Now that you mention it, it IS a little weird that we haven’t seen the eliminated teams in the stands… at the very least, we could have at least saw them in a little booth somewhere…”
“But didn’t they go home?” Spongebob asked.
“To where? Except for you two, I bet in some way, shape or form, we all got teleported out of nowhere to compete in these games…” Dipper pointed out.
“You may be right, Dipper. It does seem a bit suspicious…” Emira frowned. “But why? What purpose would anybody want to bring us here…?”
“I’m not sure yet, but we need to find out…” Dipper frowned.
“Cuphead, Mugman… Steal… or No Steal?” Howie asked.
The two cups paused as they looked over at Mac and Bubbles, both of them are remaining calm as Mugman frowned. “I don’t know about this, Cuphead… I don’t like how calm they’re acting…”
“Which means, they might have an ‘Eliminated’ case!” Cuphead frowned. “I don’t trust those looks. We’re not stealing the case.”
Mac paused as he gave a shrug. “You really should have trusted our words here…”
“Mac, Bubbles… open your case.” Howie called out.
The young man and older Powerpuff Girl nodded as they opened their case for everyone… revealing a “SAFE” sticker.
“SHOOT!” Cuphead waved his hand in frustration.
“So close, too!” Mugman groaned as he shook his head.
“Mac, Bubbles, you may return back to your place. Cuphead, Mugman… pick the next number.” Howie called out.
“Okay, okay… since four was a bust… let’s go for… number seven!” Cuphead called out.
“Arnold, Rhonda, if you two would come forward with your case?” Howie called to the football headed kid and his rich girlfriend.
The two kids nodded as Arnold picked up the case and walked to the center, with Arnold opening the case privately and looking in. He nodded after closing the case as he said, “Safe. The case says safe…”
“Uh, Arnold, maybe I should have-” Rhonda started.
“Okay, this kid looks to be the honest type! We’re stealing the case for sure!” Cuphead smirked.
“Uh, Cuphead, are you sure about that?” Mugman asked.
“Look at this face, Mugsy! I don’t think this kid would lie…” Cuphead frowned as he turned to the host. “We’re stealing the case.”
Arnold bit his lip nervously as Rhonda gave a sigh as Cuphead took the case, with Howie saying, “Then in that case, Cuphead, Mugman, open your case…”
The two cups paused as they opened the case… to reveal a “SAFE” sticker.
“Sweet!” Cuphead grinned as he held his hand up. “We’re going to the next round!”
“Uhhh… sorry about this, fellas.” Mugman said apologetically towards the kids as they went back to their podium, sitting down.
“Arnold… Rhonda… there are three cases left… and a 33 percent chance of you going home…” Howie explained as he pointed over to the crowd. “You can only pick cases 2, 3 or 5. Which case do you want?”
“What do you think?” Rhonda whispered.
“It’s a tough choice to pick, but… I think I’m feeling confident in… number five.” Arnold whispered.
“You sure?” Rhonda whispered back.
“Yeah, I think I have a good vibe for number five.” Arnold said as he looked over to Rhonda, who could only give a nod towards her boyfriend with confirmation. “We’ll go with Number Five.”
Dipper and Emira paused as they looked at each other, with Emira clicking her tongue. “Well, Piney, it’s us next.”
“So it seems…” Dipper paused as he took the briefcase. “Let’s do this…”
Emira nodded as they went over to the center and put their briefcase down. Both Emira and Dipper leaned over as the boy opened the case to look into it privately… as both of them looked at each other, both in worry and anticipation. Arnold and Rhonda could only watch their facial expressions in curiosity as Arnold asked, “What’s in the case?”
“Uh, well… you may not want this one. Trust me on this.” Dipper pointed out.
“Yeah, you wouldn’t want this case… believe me, it would be better if you didn’t steal it.” Emira pointed out.
Arnold and Rhonda paused for a brief moment as they looked at each other, before looking over at Dipper and Emira’s faces, trying to read their expressions. After a moment, both kids turned to each other as Rhonda whispered, “I think they’re trying to confuse us…”
“I’m beginning to think the same thing, although they don’t seem very convincing…” Arnold whispered. “But on the other hand, they could very well be double talking us, trying to convince us to steal it.”
“I don’t know, Arnold. From their expressions, they could very well be safe… but what if they’re right?” Rhonda whispered back as she held her head. “Ugh, this is so confusing…”
“I’m just as thrown off about this, but we may have to think of a decision soon…” Arnold whispered as he looked around. “Because if we do steal this… it could either keep us in… or we lose the game…”
“And we came so far, too…” Rhonda whispered as she looked back at Emira and Dipper, who looked over to her and the football headed kid with curious faces. “How difficult is this going to be…?”
“Okay, Arnold and Rhonda, you heard their pleas, and now it comes to the big question…” Howie said as he looked between the two kids. “Steal… or No Steal?”
For a little while, silence fell upon the room as everyone was watching eagerly. Spongebob was whimpering a little bit as Squidward just casually sighed, looking rather curious about the events. Inuyasha and Ayame were smirking, knowing they were safe for the round. Mac, Bubbles, Cuphead and Mugman were also staring curiously as they were wondering what was going to happen next. Snoopy was pausing nervously, looking over at Dot, who looked over at her boyfriend with an assured look on her face. Kailey and Mitsuki could only watch in anticipation as the red panda took a deep breath from her nose, with Kailey rubbing her tail a bit in exasperation…
After a moment of talking, Arnold took a deep breath as Rhonda gave a nod towards her boyfriend, as she said, “Well, you choose, Arnold.”
“Right…” Arnold paused. “Howie… Rhonda and I have decided… not to steal the briefcase.”
Dipper and Emira paused briefly as Emira looked down a bit as Dipper gave a small sigh.
“Very well, then. Let’s see if this choice benefitted the two.” Howie nodded before turning towards the Disney crossover couple. “Dipper, Emira, open your case.”
Dipper and Emira paused as they took a deep breath and held hands as Emira opened the case and revealed…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…an ‘ELIMINATED’ sticker.
Arnold and Rhonda then blew sighs of relief as Kailey and Mitsuki gave relieved smiles, opening their case to reveal a ‘SAFE’ sticker, with Dot and Snoopy opening their case to reveal a ‘SAFE’ sticker as well.
“Well… I guess I should have seen this coming…” Emira pointed out.
“Yeah, that’s it for us, then?” Dipper asked.
“Dipper, Emira, you had the eliminating briefcase, and because Arnold and Rhonda decided not to steal it… they are safe. Sorry for your loss.” Howie said as he gave a respectful nod towards the two.
The older man adjusted his hat a bit as he said, “Honestly, I’m surprised Emira and I managed to get this far, based on skill and magic power alone.”
“Yeah, tell me about it.” Emira chuckled as she looked over at the others. “Despite some ups and downs, I would say that I had a lot of fun with this group… moreso than the people we met in the Walt Disney School of Magic.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.” Dipper smiled as he looked around at the teams. “You all did great out there, and I hope that in one way or another, you all can succeed where we failed.”
“In the meantime…” Emira purred as she picked up Dipper. “While this game may have been fun, I’ve been missing a lot of quality time with my ‘little guy’, if you know what I mean…?”
Snoopy blinked twice as he turned to Dot in confusion. Dot rolled her eyes. “The guy who is representing Dipper and Emira here is a fan of giantesses. Nothing wrong with it, just… it’s a thing.”
“Ahhhh…” Snoopy nodded.
“I’m sorry you two couldn’t make it any further…” Arnold sighed as he held out his hand. “But hopefully, things will look up for you soon.”
“I’m sure it will, soon enough.” Dipper smiled as he and the football headed kid shook hands. “Thanks for the wonderful experience, at the very least.”
“Yeah, it certainly was something to behold.” Emira giggled a bit as the two started to depart.
“Make sure you two stop by any time at the Krusty Krab!” Spongebob called out. “I’m sure this Walt Disney School of Magic and everyone else would LOVE to come over!”
Dipper paused before giving a chuckle. “Heh, we’ll think about it. Thanks for the offer, Spongebob!”
“No problem!” Spongebob waved as everyone watched Dipper and Emira leave the stadium as Arnold and Rhonda joined the other safe teams.
“Whew… well, that was pretty intense.” Kailey sighed in relief. “We didn’t even get to play, but I’m glad we were at least safe…”
“I was a little worried my number was going to be called for a minute, but I’m glad we’re all through this!” Mitsuki giggled.
“Gee, I wonder what the next game is going to be…” Cuphead asked as everyone paused.
“That’s a good question, Cuphead.” Bubbles paused as she started to think. “With seven teams left… what’s going to happen?”
“Well, whatever it is… I’m sure we’ll be able to face it! I mean, this luck challenge is nothing! Let’s bring in some REAL physical stuff, huh?” Inuyasha smirked. “Like, more of that tug of war or ninja course! Let’s do that!”
“Patience, sweetie.” Ayame said as she held her boyfriend back. “I’m sure the announcers will get us something in time…”
Indeed, all seven teams have sat down as they looked around at the cheering audience, all curious to see what the next game was going to deal with… and as Howie had mysteriously vanished from view, nobody knew what was going to come next…
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“Well, that’s the game, then.” wifishark shrugged as he turned to the camera. “It all came down to luck and skill, when it came to Deal or No Deal, but in the end, not accepting the steal paid off for the football head and his rich girlfriend.”
“Yeah, Dipper and Emira just couldn’t get out of that bad luck, no matter what they tried…” Orange sighed. “And the Mystery Twin and the Blight Twin could only leave as they eliminate themselves…”
“And with that, we’ll have the next poll on Deviantart up, with all seven choices available!” Wifishark smirked before pulling out the ‘Spongebob/Squidward’ option and blowing it up with dynamite. “Like I said… ALL seven choices.”
“Tune in next time for the Reality Gauntlet!” Orange grinned as the robots switched off.
At that moment, as soon as the cameras were off, Plankton managed to sneak out from behind the robots as he gave a small sigh of relief.
“Phew, good thing these things run on chum leftovers…” The one-eyed green copepod said before a large pot came in to feed the Orange and Wifishark robots some chum. “But the idea of getting the secret formula is still within my grasp… hmmm… I’m going to need a challenge that’ll help me out with that…”
Plankton paused briefly as he tapped his foot, before snapping his fingers. “Ah, I got it! It’s time for everyone to prepare their cooking skills… because we’re going to have a cooking contest… courtesy of Gordon Ramsey’s show…”
The copepod laughed evilly as the camera faded to black.
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All the while, back in the domed cages, Doug, Beebe, Edd, Nazz, Hong Kong Phooey and Spot were busy playing marbles as Phooey gave a pause. “You know, it’s surprising how sturdy these glass cases are… where do you suppose we could be?”
“Well, if I’m examining everything right…” Edd paused as he looked around. “We appear to be in some sort of laboratory…”
“But why did we end up here? Why not back in our homes?” Beebe asked.
“That, I’m not sure of…” Edd frowned as Spot gave a small shake of his head. “But I do know one thing though… whoever has us in here is probably up to no good…”
“Like, it’s so not rad that we had to be guinea pigs…” Nazz frowned.
“Yeah, like… does anyone know that we’re not home right now?” Doug asked as the young kid bit his lip. “I’m missing a lot of writing in my journal for this…”
“Well, I’m sure that whatever happens to come our way, we’ll get something soon…” Phooey said with a confident look on his face.
All of a sudden, another dome began to light up as all attention turned towards the dome as Nazz gave a gasp. “Dude, I think another team is coming over…”
All three teams watched with bated breath as they took a moment… before Dipper poked his head out of the portal as he looked around.
“Uhhhh… this is not the Walt Disney School of Magic…” Dipper frowned as he tried to enter.
“Dipper, NO!” Doug, Beebe, Edd and Nazz shouted as Spot waved his arms.
The shout caught the boy’s attention as he turned his head, towards the other domed cages, with Emira poking her head out in curiosity. “Guys? What’s going on?”
“Well, if I can remember correctly, all three eliminated teams went through a portal to try to go home, only to end up being trapped in this laboratory instead.” Phooey explained as he gave a sigh. “Unfortunately, despite my inner strength, not even my awesome kung fu power was enough to make a dent in the dome, otherwise, we’d all be out of the joint.”
“Wait, why would you be in domes?” Emira asked.
“I don’t know, but whoever the host of these games are, he must be keeping us here…” Beebe explained. “Almost as if to try and distract us from something…”
Dipper frowned as he turned to Emira, who gave the same determined frown in response as he turned towards the three teams. “Well, then that confirms it! Something strange is going on in this strange reality… and there’s somebody in charge of it!”
“We’ll stay here and recruit someone else to help us investigate! Are you three going to be okay in here?” Emira asked.
“Yeah, I think we’ll be fine for a while, but I don’t know for how long.” Doug said.
“Please, do make haste! I’m a little nervous when it comes to confined spaces.” Edd whimpered as he held his legs.
“Don’t worry, we’re working on it.” Dipper nodded as he and Emira retracted their heads back through the portal as the three teams gave a sigh of relief.
“Well, at least we’re getting help on the outside…” Phooey said with a smile.
“Thank goodness…” Doug gave a sigh of relief as Spot nodded in agreement.
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As soon as Dipper and Emira got their heads out of the portal, Emira turned to her boyfriend as she said, “Soooo… shall we investigate what’s going on, Mystery Twin?”
“Heh, I’ve done a lot of investigating back in Gravity Falls, this is nothing.” Dipper said as he cracked his knuckles.
“Well, we better hurry.” Emira whispered as she took her boyfriend’s hand and ran off. “I think the next challenge of the Reality Gauntlet is about to begin…”
Wasting no time at all, Dipper nodded as the two started to rush off deeper into the stadium dome, hoping to look for more clues.
Chapter 7: Challenge Five: Iron Chef
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE FIVE
The camera then switched on as Orange and Wifi were sitting back in their seats in the announcer’s booth, as the two of them gave nods towards the camera.
“Glad to see you came back.” Orange grinned. “And with exactly seven teams to go, we’re getting a few steps closer to the final round!”
“Indeed-indee-ind-” Wifi spazzed out for a moment before a loud clanging sound was heard as the “human” settled himself. “Indeedy! Last time, it was the luck of the draw on Steal or No Steal. And through it all, it was Dipper Pines and Emira Blight, the hottest couple of the Walt Disney School of Magic, that got the short end of the stick this time. But our final seven, dating dog people Snoopy and Dot, brother cups Cuphead and Mugman, fellow neighbors Spongebob and Squidward, best kick-butt friends Kailey and Mitsuki, Hillwood’s sweet couple Arnold and Rhonda, the Feudal Era’s fighting couple Inuyasha and Ayame, and the Craig McCracken married couple all grown up, Mac and Bubbles, are still in this game and are fighting for the next spot for the next round!”
“After having a break in the locker rooms, they’re now in blindfolds and walking towards the area, which had been spruced up for this next round…” Orange smirked as he turned towards the arena field, which had been more decorated to look like a large kitchen. “And let me tell you, these people are going to be in for a surprise…”
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“I literally have no idea why we have to wear blindfolds to go to the arena.” Cuphead complained as a group of robots were leading the teams, now blindfolded, towards the center of the arena. “I mean, we’ve seen the arena changing before, so it’s nothing new.”
“It must be for some type of special challenge…” Arnold speculated.
“Oh, like you have to be separated from a maze, and you just need to hear the sound of your partner’s voice to find the other?” Dot grinned. “I think Snoopy will find me pretty easily!”
“Y-yeah, I suppose that’s a point…” Snoopy chuckled nervously as he put his paw behind his neck.
“I don’t even NEED to hear SPONGEBOB’S voice… that little annoyance can always find me no matter where I go…” Squidward frowned as he rolled his eyes behind his blindfold.
“Awww, Squidward, you know I’m always willing to help you out as your neighbor and fellow employee…” Spongebob chuckled a bit.
“Well, even if we are separated, we don’t NEED to see.” Inuyasha chuckled. “As a hanyou and a wolf girl respectively, me and Ayame can just use our scent to find each other!”
“Ewwww…” Dot frowned as she stuck her tongue out in disgust.
“Sweetie, canines just have those scent sensors.” Ayame pointed out. “Technically, you and your mutt boyfriend have them too.”
“Mutt?!” Snoopy frowned, as if looking offended. “I am a purebred beagle!”
“All right, everyone, let’s not get tensions rising.” Mitsuki called out, trying to ease the air in the room. “We’ve got a challenge to prepare for, so let’s see if we can get that energy focused on that.”
“Mitsuki’s right…” Kailey paused as she sniffed the air, the others kept walking. “Say, do you smell gas?”
“Gas?” Mugman asked as he sniffed the air. “Huh, it is sort of like gas… but not the type of gas that kills ya… it feels more like… what you would smell when you’re preparing to cook?”
“Cooking?” Bubbles asked in awe as she used her hands to feel around the area, the hands grasping on some counters that were next to her. “Ohhhhh… I feel some sort of solid thing here…”
“Ohhhh, cooking!” Spongebob grinned before looking over to Squidward. “I think this might be our forte, Squidward!”
“Hmmm… well, I suppose that depends on the type of dish…” Squidward paused as each robot led each team to the counters before settling them over as they stood in front of their counters.
”You may now take your blindfolds!” Orange’s voice announced.
The teams had done so, and upon doing this, they looked in awe as they saw where they were… a large kitchen like arena, with seven makeshift counters to resemble a cooking area for each team. A lot of ingredients, stoves, grills, microwaves, toasters… just about everything you expect to see in a kitchen was here, and all of them were looking in awe.
“What the hell type of challenge is this?” Inuyasha asked.
“Ahhh, the kitchen.” Spongebob grinned. “My forte.”
“Hey, I can cook too, you know.” Squidward frowned, looking at his neighbor offended.
Bubbles paused as she and Mac looked at the utensils and the forms of ingredients around them as she asked in curiosity. “Soooo, a cooking challenge, huh?”
Mac chuckled nervously as he turned to his wife. “Well, I think you might be able to find it easy…”
“You kidding, Mac? This’ll be a piece of cake!” Bubbles giggled.
Rhonda’s eyes shrunk as she looked around. “Uhhhh… Arnold, please tell me you have cooking experience, because I sure as heck don’t.”
“Don’t worry, I know my way around the kitchen.” Arnold reassured his girlfriend. “My grandma even taught me a few of her recipes.”
Rhonda sighed in relief. “How do I get so lucky to have you around?”
Arnold chuckled a bit, giving a blush.
“Well, it’s a good thing we both have kitchen experience, Mugsy.” Cuphead chuckled.
“Yeah, at least in terms of baking cakes or desserts, anyway…” Mugman rolled his eyes a bit, before smiling. “But yeah, with all the desserts we helped prepare with Elder Kettle’s guidance, I’m sure we’ll be able to do something with this!”
At their kitchen area, Dot gave a smile as she had a feel for the kitchen. “Well, Snoopy, considering our kitchen experiences, I think you’re the most qualified, but I can cook a mean stew!”
Cuphead overheard Dot as he turned to Snoopy at his station. “Is that right?”
“Yeah, I tasted it. It really is a… “mean” stew. I wouldn’t recommend it.” Snoopy groaned as he held his head. “Seriously, it punched me in the face at least once…”
Cuphead blinked twice. “I’m sorry, it “punched” you?”
“In the face, yes.” Snoopy groaned as he gave a wince. “I think Dot added a little too much Cajun powder…”
Cuphead blinked twice as he turned to Dot, who gave a slight, devilish giggle. The red wearing cup chuckled nervously as he slowly backed away.
Kailey blinked twice as she turned to Mitsuki for questioning, only for the red panda to give a shrug. “I mean, I can cook, but it’s been a little while…”
“Same for me…” Kailey sighed. “Whenever I’m on my missions from Atlas, the only time I ever stop to eat is either packaged raman or going out to a local restaurant to eat… and even then, I usually have my energy up with a few energy bars.”
Ayame paused in confusion as she examined the different kitchen utensils as she turned to Inuyasha. “Inuyasha, in all the times you visited Kagome in the modern era, you must have known how to cook with these things at least once…”
“I, uh… never really focused on cooking.” Inuyasha frowned. “The best cooking I know how to do is over a campfire!”
”In front of you is a kitchenette, and also in the back are our three judges.” Orange called out as the teams looked up to see three people approaching. The first was a familiar red shelled crab with a blue uniform. The second was a fat orange tabby cat with black stripes, wearing a microphone around his head. And the final person was a purple haired girl wearing a nice black suit with a white collar and a red tie. ”Eugene Krabs, Garfield the Cat, and Zakuro Fujiwara, all three of them judging based on taste, cooking, and how well each dish has been prepared…”
“Hi, Mister Krabs!” Spongebob cheerily waved as the red crab gave a slight chuckle.
“Greetings, landlubbers and sea-dwellers alike!” Eugene grinned. “When we got these anonymous letters to ask us to judge each meal, I have to say, I was honored… and the fact I got paid double was a VERY good gig, either.”
Garfield gave a yawn. “I only came here for the food… and it better be good food…”
The final girl, Zakuro Fujiwara, gave a nod as she sat down. “It is quite unusual that I somehow got here through teleportation… I was helping out at Cafe Mew Mew when I got this mysterious invitation… but I am more than happy to judge all of you for this round…”
“Because, for this round, all seven of you teams are going to be making a dish… according to the prompts the assigner randomly gives you.” Mr. Krabs explained.
“The food you make and how we judge depends on a thirty point system, with ten points assigned to each of us to give to you.” Garfield explained. “The team who scored the least in their dish is eliminated, and will be out of the game.”
“That means you might want to make sure your dish is extra good.” Zakuro pointed out. “Think of it like an Iron Chef challenge. Get the best meal from the prompt given to you, and we’ll judge it thoroughly.
“Believe me, the way you’ll be judged by me is if I finish MY dish… and presumably the others.” Garfield yawned. “And I DO have very specific taste buds, so don’t make it as bad as it tastes or smells.”
“You all got a half hour to prepare your dish!” Mr. Krabs said as he pointed to the timeclock in the center. “And time starts… NOW! Get to work, me boy-os!”
All seven teams jumped as Dot turned to Snoopy, “We’re starting already? What do we do?”
“Easy, Dot. The judges say we have to look at the prompt at our station to see what we’re making and…” Snoopy paused as he looked at the television and raised an eyebrow. “A Thanksgiving Dinner?”
“Okay, seriously, who has time to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner in a half hour?” Dot frowned. “Are they trying to make us lose or something?”
Snoopy paused as he shut his eyes and tapped his foot. “Well… maybe we don’t have to make turkey or the likes… but I do have an idea for a Thanksgiving feast I’m sure people WON’T forget…”
“...don’t tell me you’re going to do what you did in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving…” Dot frowned.
“Oh come on, don’t knock it until you try it.” Snoopy chuckled.
Over at Cuphead and Mugman’s kitchen, Cuphead looked over at the prompt and read it. “It says here we have to make chocolate chip cookies.”
“That’ll be simple!” Mugman smiled. “If Elder Kettle can make cookies, and follow the recipe book provided, we should be able to get through this challenge, easy peasy!”
“Sweet! I’ll get the sugar and chocolate chips!” Cuphead grinned before going down.
“And I’ll see if I can get eggs, flour and baking soda!” Mugman nodded.
Rhonda looked up at the prompt on her TV as she turned to Arnold. “It says here we have to make ‘stuffed bell peppers’.”
Arnold smiled. “That’s lucky! Grandma’s recipe should be simple to make…” He opened the mini-fridge in the area and gave a nod. “And how lucky! We already have most of the bell peppers hollowed out in here, so all we need to do is cook the beef, add the seasonings, put them into the peppers and get them baked!”
“Then let’s get started!” Rhonda smiled.
Squidward smiled as Spongebob looked at the monitor as the squid asked out of curiosity. “Okay, Spongebob, what are we making? A nice souffle? Mayhaps a helping of Swedish Barnacle Balls? Mayhaps some Parmesan Garlic Ch-”
“OOOOHHHH!” Spongebob’s eyes widened with a big grin on his face.
“Must be a really good dish if you’re excited for it. Let me see what we’re-” Squidward started to say, before his eyes widened in shock. “What the- Krabby Patty?”
“This’ll be a snap, Squidward! It’ll help bring out a little more promotion for the Krusty Krab! And we can get a lot more people into our world to enjoy the wonders of a Krabby Patty as well!” Spongebob grinned as he put on his work hat. “OH! I better get started right now!”
Squidward frowned as his eye started to twitch angrily. “A… Krabby Patty… of course this was what we were assigned…”
Kailey and Mitsuki were both looking at their television to see what they were going to prepare, only for both of them to blink twice as the former asked, “What the heck do we do to make onigiri and miso soup?”
“Miso soup should be simple to make.” Mitsuki paused as she tapped her fingers on the counter. “It’s the onigiri I’m concerned with…”
“Well, I’m sure we can figure SOMETHING out…” The squirrel frowned as she looked around. “And we better do it soon…”
“Lasagna.” Mac read before lowering his eyelids as he looked over towards the judging table, more specifically, a very eager Garfield as he was already putting on a napkin around his neck and holding a fork. “Something tells me that this was a specific dish request.”
“Well, I think I can do it.” Bubbles smiled. “The Professor always had a pasta night every Friday when the girls and I were young, so lasagna was basically an end of month dish for us.”
“Great!” Mac smiled as he looked towards the fridge. “I guess I’ll make the ground beef and heat up the tomato sauce!”
“And I’ll get to chopping up the vegetables!” Bubbles smiled as she pulled out some onions and garlic, before giggling.
Inuyasha and Ayame blinked twice as they looked at each other, before looking at the prompt. Ayame gave a frown. “Ramen noodles?”
“From all my adventuring, I’ve seen Kagome boil some over a pot and a fire… but I never knew HOW to cook them properly…” Inuyasha groaned as he noted a cookbook. “I suppose if we’re going to make the best ramen, we’ll have to be a little creative with the recipe.”
“All right, what type of ramen should we make?” Ayame asked as she pulled out a pot and filled it up with water.
“...we better make it a spicy sort of ramen, so that we can give it a bit of a kick…” Inuyasha ordered as he picked out some various hot sauces.
”And with that, everybody is now at work with their own dishes…” Wifishark said as everyone started to focus on their dishes. ”And things are getting pretty busy in the kitchen!”
”It’s true what Chowder says, you don’t know what you’re missin’, if you aren’t in the kitchen!” Orange chuckled as time started to tick down. ”It seems everybody is looking to try and get this underway, trying to get their ingredients all mixed up!”
(Ten minutes later)
”We are now ten minutes into the challenge, and it would seem everybody is making good progress on their meals!” Orange said as each team was busy working on their meals in their set-up kitchen.
Over near Snoopy and Dot’s kitchen set, Dot was humming to herself as she was putting in multiple slices of bread in the toaster as Snoopy held up a skewer as the beagle patiently waited for the bread to be toasted. As soon as the toast popped out of the toaster, the beagle immediately used the skewer to grab the toast and place it on the plate, before shuffling it like a deck of cards, buttering each piece of toast. As Dot was preparing the next set of bread for the toast, the beagle then hummed as he went over and started to check on his next dish, a pan full of popcorn as it heated and popped on the stove. Satisfied with the work, he immediately put the popcorn in a bowl, before putting it alongside a large bowl of jelly beans and pretzel sticks.
“We are really on a roll here!” Dot grinned as she grabbed some more toast that popped up before buttering them up.
“Yeah, makes me wish Woodstock was here to help out with the dishes!” Snoopy said as he turned to the freezer. “Okay, Dot, get all the ice cream out of the freezer and scoop out what you can! We’re going to have a lot of sundaes to work with!”
“You got it!” Dot saluted as she ran over to the dishes.
All the while, Cuphead and Mugman were humming to themselves as Cuphead was busy blending in the ingredients for the cookies, as Mugman set up a cookie sheet and tray. “Okay, oven is all set and heated, the cookie tray is ready, we’re about to bake the cookies!”
“Perfect!” Cuphead grinned as he gave the bowl to Mugman. The blue wearing mug nodded before putting some batter into the cookie sheet and tray.
With Arnold and Rhonda, Rhonda was feeling a bit exhausted as she put a new set of gloves on before putting in some of the ingredients Arnold gave to her into the stuffed pepper, with her reaching for a spoon to put in the ground beef. “Okay, ground beef and sauce added… anything else?”
“Let’s put in a little cheese sauce.” Arnold recommended as he came in with a pan full of heated cheese sauce, before putting some inside each of the peppers Rhonda has stuffed. “If we’re going to make the best stuffed peppers, we got to give it our all!”
“Right!” Rhonda nodded.
“Come on, Spongebob, let’s get to those Krabby Patties on the double!” Squidward frowned.
“No worries, Squidward!” Spongebob grinned as he looked at the patties in the grill, before doing some fancy flip work on the patties, before landing perfectly on the end buns. “Just remember to do the ingredients exactly right.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Squidward frowned as he turned to the patties before grabbing some lettuce and cheese, putting them on the patties before reaching for the onions and tomatoes. Then, after adding some ketchup, mustard and pickles, he quickly put the top buns on them as he took a deep breath. “Okay, okay… that should be three patties down, and a few more to go! Spongebob, do we need to make MORE Krabby Patties? I mean, it’s just three, and I’m sure Mr. Krabs will already give us a good score anyway, considering he’s one of the judges.”
“But what if we’re going to eat after this challenge?” Spongebob asked. “If we’re going to have a feast, people have to try at least a Krabby Patty to see if they want to go to our restaurant! What better way to do that than to promote the meal?!”
Squidward opened his mouth to argue, before giving a slight pause. “You do bring up a good point. Okay, Spongebob, keep the patties rolling!”
Spongebob giggled in glee as he continued to cook up the patties.
“Okay, just get that rice good and massaged!” Kailey called out as Mitsuki was piling the rice together in a baggie as she fluffed it up. “Get it triangle shaped too, we’re going to need it for the onigiri!”
“Right!” Mitsuki nodded as she massaged the bag as best as she could.
Kailey gave a nod as she decided to take a look around the area. However, as she was doing so, she couldn’t help but notice something off from outside of the arena. She suddenly noticed Dipper and Emira hiding around the arena from off to the side, avoiding the cameras as the two were looking around in suspicion.
“Huh?” Kailey blinked twice as she ducked down and crawled out of the kitchen area, avoiding everyone and getting to where Dipper and Emira were.
Dipper looked up to see Kailey approaching, before shushing her. “Keep your voice down to a whisper, nobody knows we’re out here…”
“Got it, but…” Kailey tilted her head in confusion. “Aren’t you and your girlfriend supposed to be eliminated right now?”
“We HAVE been eliminated… however, something strange is going on.” Emira frowned. “For one thing, the other eliminated teams are being trapped in some glass domes in another world not any of ours.”
“What? Why?” Kailey asked in surprise.
“We’re not sure yet, but I have a strange feeling this game is nothing more than a well-conceived trap.” Dipper frowned, causing the squirrel to raise her eyebrow. “We don’t know what type of trap it is, but it’s keeping us, and the other teams from going home. This game was specifically made to target a certain team… and we’re just the collateral.”
“Really?” Kailey asked as she gave a frown. “I thought these games seemed a little fishy… and the fact we didn’t even get consent before being teleported away from what we were doing really highlighted that fact… but why go through all this trouble?”
“I’m not sure yet, but we need to investigate around this arena and see if we can get more details…” Dipper frowned.
Emira paused as she turned to Kailey. “Do not tell anybody else this, but we can’t have anyone else in the game raising a stink about it until we get more answers… and we could use all the help we can get outside…”
The squirrel paused as she thought about it. “Well, being a member of Atlas, I do have some skills… should I tell Mitsuki about it? We can throw the challenge and get eliminated, meaning we’ll try to help you out.”
“If we can get all the help we can, that’ll be great!” Dipper whispered. “For now, just go back and do your little cooking challenge with your teammate.”
“Yeah, we’ll meet you over there if you get eliminated… and even if you don’t, whisper what we told you.” Emira whispered. “Just be careful.”
“Got it.” Kailey whispered before crawling back towards the kitchen arena, popping back to her kitchenette just as Mituski had finished forming the first of the onigiri.
“All right, and that is all settled!” Mitsuki smiled before turning towards Kailey, who looked exhausted. “Whoa… Kailey? Why do you look like you just crawled around?”
Kailey frowned as she whispered to her red panda friend. “I have something to say, and I think it involves all the remaining teams in the game… you’re not going to like this, but we’re going to have to throw this game…”
Mitsuki’s eyes widened in shock.
All the while, Bubbles was happily humming to herself as she was laying down the pasta noodles on the red pan, followed by spreading around a lot of the meat sauce and garlic. “Hey Mac, how’s the ricotta cheese mixture coming along?”
“Just fine, Bubbles!” Mac smiled as he was focused on mixing in a white bowl a mixture of eggs, ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. “It’s just about ready to put it!”
“Great! Let’s get this started! We still got about…” Bubbles looked up at the time clock. “Eighteen minutes left before we finish up!”
With Inuyasha and Ayame, the canine couple were busy crunching up some pre-packaged noodles as they were putting it in a boiling pot of water, before adding in a lot of hot sauces as Ayame asked, “Are you sure this is how we’re supposed to cook ramen?”
“Again, I don’t know! The only time I ever saw ramen cooked was when Kagome made it… and even then, it was instant packaging.” Inuyasha frowned. “I never bothered reading the packaging out or anything!”
“Well, we can only hope these noodles are the best these judges have ever eaten!” Ayame growled. “I swear to God, if we get out because of your lousy cooking…!”
“Don’t you even start with me right now!” Inuyasha growled in anger as he narrowed his eyes towards his girlfriend.
“Don’t make me use the ‘S’ word! I know you don’t like it, but if it comes down to THIS…!” Ayame growled in anger.
As all the teams were trying to do their best at cooking, little unknown to the others, a certain green one-eyed copepod was busy trying to look over the teams’s food, before looking over towards Spongebob’s table and how he and Squidward were trying to prepare Krabby Patties. “Oooooohhhh… the temptation to steal JUST one is too tempting… if only I could get a little closer…”
Plankton grumbled angrily. “Ugh, but I can’t without exposing myself… I don’t know why I thought using a kitchen like challenge would be a good idea… and why I thought I’d allow Krabs to judge… ugh, curse my inability to plan ahead for these types of challenges…”
The green creature then gave a smirk. “No matter, though. With everyone too distracted in these games, it’ll only be a matter of time before my final plan comes to fruition… and boy, when I get down to my Final Three… there won’t BE any more game to be enjoyed, all the teams that I kidnapped are out of the way, and I’ll be able to secure the Krabby Patty formula once and for all!”
Plankton rubbed his hands in glee as he gave a maniacal chuckle. “Ohhhh, just you wait and see…”
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(Twenty minutes later)
The timer had buzzed as everyone looked up and dropped what they were doing as they heard the other main host’s voice.
”Time has passed. Please put down what you’re making and be prepared to hear your name called. When you hear your name, come on up and introduce your dish!” wifishark announced as everyone looked up.
“Ooo boy…” Mugman paused as everyone looked up nervously.
“I just hope everyone will like what we got…” Rhonda said, looking at her and Arnold’s dish.
“Man, all of these foods look really good.” Spongebob said as he looked around and gave a nervous chuckle, before giving a smile. “But hey! I’m sure the taste of a Krabby Patty will pale in comparison to the other things.”
“I doubt it, Spongebob. It IS a burger, after all.” Squidward rolled his eyes.
“Not just a burger, Squidward… THE burger.” Spongebob smiled in awe.
Everyone kept silent as they waited and waited, before finally… they heard two names being called.
”First one up is… Mac and Bubbles Utonium.”
Mac and Bubbles nodded as Mac picked up their dish and the two proceeded over to the judge’s table as Mac set the dish down.
Already, Garfield was looking in interest as Zakuro looked up. “And what will you be presenting us?”
“Well, we’re going to be giving you a nice plate of lasagna, well cooked. We hope you like it.” Bubbles smiled.
Krabs nodded as he cut three pieces, and put each piece on a plate, before handing the other two to Garfield and Zakuro. Zakuro and Mr. Krabs tried their food as they nodded. Garfield, on the other hand… scarfed the entire tray down, followed shortly by his pieces.
“Oh yeah, this is GREAT lasagna! A little bit on the crisp side, but the taste was there, and the more cheesier, the better.” Garfield smiled. “You definitely earned a ten from me!”
“Hmmm… yeah, I can see the taste that orange thing is getting at…” Mr. Krabs explained as he gave a smile. “Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if I can sell this at me own restaurant. In fact, that be the new special for the Krusty Krab! Lasagna for the Italian Lovers, only $9.99!” He paused. “Paprika and parmesan cheese is extra. So yes, it’s a definite nine.”
“It could use a little more garlic and perhaps a pinch of salt, but other than that, this lasagna is pretty much good.” Zakuro smiled. “While not as a high of a score, I will give you a seven. Not perfect, but I think you set the bar high.”
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MAC AND BUBBLES- Lasagna
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 10
Krabs: 9
Zakuro: 7
SCORE OVERALL: 26
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Mac and Bubbles smiled as the latter gave a giggle. “Well, I’m glad you three enjoyed it. Thank you!”
“We’ll have to make that dish again for dinner sometime, if it’s getting THAT high of praise.” Mac chuckled as he and his wife went back to their seats.
”Spongebob, Squidward, you two are next.” Orange’s voice called out.
Spongebob’s eyes lit up as he grabbed the tray of Krabby Patties and walked over, with Squidward following as he rolled his eyes.
“Lady and gentleman, we’d like to present our dish that we’ve prepared for you on this occasion… the Krabby Patty, a delicacy usually available at the Krusty Krab!” Spongebob smiled as he laid down the large plate of burgers.
“I hope this licensing agreement is good for business, Mister Krabs.” Squidward frowned as he glared at his boss. “I mean, this is the burger you invented! I doubt you’re going to give it a bad score!”
“Probably not, Mr. Squidward, but better to be safe than sorry…” Krabs said as he, Garfield and Zakuro each took a Krabby Patty from the tray and took a bite. Garfield, upon eating this was grinning from ear to ear as he chowed down on a few more Krabby Patties.
“Now this… THIS is a burger I can definitely recommend. Oh, i can spend all day eating one of these.” Garfield smiled. “In fact, I could probably eat a whole plateful of them if I wasn’t already judging and having to judge other food. You definitely have a perfect ten!”
“Oooooo…” Spongebob grinned as Zakuro turned to the sea creatures.
“I have to admit, this burger is definitely pretty good. Granted, it’s not a perfect burger, but it’s good for what it is.” Zakuro simply said as she gave a nod. “I’ll give you a nine point five for both creativity, how you made the burger with care, AND with everything you can muster…”
“Awww, thank you!” Spongebob smiled.
“Yeah, whatever.” Squidward shrugged.
“This is my creation, so… yeah, Spongebob, as usual, made this meal pretty good. And Mr. Squidward… I expect you to take a better example from the lad here.” Mr. Krabs advised, causing Squidward to frown slightly. “But yeah, considering this is my recipe, this is an automatic ten.”
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SPONGEBOB AND SQUIDWARD- Krabby Patties
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 10
Krabs: 10
Zakuro: 9.5
SCORE OVERALL: 29.5
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“Oh boy, oh boy, Squidward! Ours is going to be pretty hard to beat now!” Spongebob smiled. “I told you nobody could resist a Krabby Patty!”
“That may be so, but… well, at least we’re not up for elimination, so that’s all I care about.” Squidward said as he gave a nod.
Pretty soon, Cuphead and Mugman were called up next as they presented their chocolate chip cookies. All three tried the cookies as Garfield was trying to get used to the taste.
“Hmmm… mostly a little dry… could use a little milk to go with it. I give it a four.” Garfield frowned.
“Not a bad attempt at cookies, boys, but I think they needed a LITTLE more time to soften up in the oven.” Zakuro pointed out as she put her cookie down.
“Well, they were supposed to be chewy, but they all cooled off and hardened up a bit, I guess…” Cuphead chuckled nervously.
“Nevertheless, I can’t accept a mediocre cookie. You get a five, but just barely.” Zakuro said.
“I think these cookies are fine as they are.” Krabs smiled. “I don’t know what those two are talking about, but these cookies are certainly the best thing I ever had. Not as big as say, a Krabby Patty, but they’re nice and it reminds me of the way I make cookies. You get an eight from me.”
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CUPHEAD AND MUGMAN- Chocolate Chip Cookies
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 4
Krabs: 8
Zakuro: 5
SCORE OVERALL: 17
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“Only a seventeen?” Mugman asked as he looked a little nervous. “I don’t feel good about our chances, Cuphead.”
“Not to worry, Mugsy. Maybe the other dishes won’t be as successful.” Cuphead said.
Arnold and Rhonda were up next as they presented the stuffed bell peppers to the judges as each of them took a bite. Garfield, of course, immediately ate the majority of the food as he gave a grin.
“I must say, that grandmother of yours was onto something with those bell peppers.” Garfield grinned as he licked his lips. “Although I can taste a bit of oregano and pepper in it, this is a definite improvement. This one gets a ten from me.”
“Ah, nothing takes me back to me navy days than the taste of stuffed bell peppers, especially the condiments and choices of spices.” Krabs grinned. “Overall, not a bad blend of tastes. You both get a nine for this dish.”
“So far, I think this is the best dish here.” Zakuro nodded. “I think you could have added a PINCH more of salt to this, but for what you provided, you really impressed. A solid eight for sure.”
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ARNOLD AND RHONDA- Stuffed Bell Peppers
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 10
Krabs: 9
Zakuro: 8
SCORE OVERALL: 27
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Arnold gave a small smile as he turned to Rhonda. “That wasn’t so bad.”
“Hey, it’s your grandma’s recipe! It’s bound to be great in more ways when it’s in your hands.” Rhonda giggled a bit.
”Kailey and Mitsuki, your dish is next.” wifishark’s voice called out as both kids were making their way back towards their kitchen area.
Mitsuki bit her lip as she noticed the slip-slod job of cooking they done before turning to Kailey as she whispered, “Are you sure this is the best we have to do?”
“It’s for the best.” Her squirrel friend whispered as she took the dishes and presented them to the judges. “May we present… our onigiri and miso soup?”
All three judges looked at the meal provided before them as Garfield took one sniff, and covered his mouth, his cheeks inflating a bit, with Zakuro looking physically ill at the dish. Krabs, on the other hand, sniffed the dish and gave a shrug.
“Meh, I smelled worst.” Krabs said as he took a sip of the soup, causing him to wince a bit. “Ugh, no, even me appetizers in me navy days were better than this. The best I can give ye is a four.”
“I’m not even going to try it, it looks SO terrible. Even that jelly doughnut doesn’t look so good… and I know it’s an onigiri and NOT a jelly doughnut, don’t correct me.” Garfield frowned. “At least you TRIED to make it presentable? Solid two.”
“Honestly, the same goes for me.” Zakuro gave a nod. “Good presentation, awful looking dishes. Gordon Ramsey would even be disgusted by this dish. I also give it a two.”
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KAILEY AND MITSUKI- Onigiri and Miso Soup
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 2
Krabs: 4
Zakuro: 2
SCORE OVERALL: 8
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Mitsuki looked down in disappointment as Kailey patted her back and whispered to her red panda friend, “Don’t worry. It’s going to be worth the sacrifice…”
“Next up, Inuyasha and Ayame!” Orange called out.
Ayame and Inuyasha looked at each other and at the dish they made. It was semi-presentable, but the contents left much to be desired. Nevertheless, they took their dish and presented it to the judges. The three judges looked at each other and took a bite out of the dish. Garfield paused as he clicked his tongue a few times.
“Not something I’d eat right away, as I do most dishes presented before me, but if I had to choose between this and Jon’s cooking, I suppose this would be a suitable substitute.” Garfield explained. “Soup’s kind of bland, noodles are a bit too crunchy… middle of the road for me. Five.”
“I think this flavor’s not bad.” Zakuro smiled. “Could it use some improvement? Sure. But I can see where you two were going with this meal. Overall, not a bad attempt, and I think I enjoyed the experimental dish better than the other judges. The best I can give you is a seven.”
“Not even I would serve this in the navy! I mean, the noodles tasted way undercooked. Seriously, I can feel it grinding in me teeth.” Mr. Krabs said as a grinding sound was heard. “Sorry, kiddos, but the best I can give ye is a two.”
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INUYASHA AND AYAME- Ramen Noodles
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 5
Krabs: 2
Zakuro: 7
SCORE OVERALL: 14
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Inuyasha grumbled angrily. “I told you people I was NOT an expert in the kitchen.”
“Hey, we scored higher than the female animals! We should even be thankful we’re still in this!” Ayame argued as she dragged Inuyasha back.
”And finally, Snoopy, Dot… present your dish.” wifishark called out.
Everybody could only watch as Dot gave a nod to Snoopy, who held up his dish, covered by a cloche. Dot then set up three plates in front of the judges before Snoopy put the cloche down and opened it up, revealing the toast, popcorn, pretzels and jelly beans, before putting a few of each on the respective dishes before sending them over to Garfield, Mr. Krabs and Zakuro. Everybody just stared in bewilderment as Inuyasha blinked twice. “What the hell is this?”
“Our entry… our Thanksgiving dinner!” Dot grinned as Garfield, Krabs and Zakuro looked at each other before taking the time to taste it.
“Are you kidding me? That is not a Thanksgiving dinner! A piece of toast, a pretzel stick and popcorn? What type of blockhead even thinks that is CLOSE to Thanksgiving?!” Inuyasha ranted. “Where’s the turkey? Where’s the mashed potatoes? Where’s the cranberry sauce? Where’s the pumpkin pie?!”
“Well, obviously, you haven’t watched enough Peanuts specials…” Dot rolled her eyes as Krabs, Garfield and Zakuro took a bite.
“Hmmm… not what I expected, but I think I understand the reference.” Garfield gave a chuckle. “Granted, not as good as my Thanksgiving special, but then again, you always were a card, Snoopy. You get a ten alone just for going for the old ‘jelly beans, popcorn, pretzels and toast’.” He then leaned over and whispered, “You actually prepared the real feast, didn’t you?”
“Have I ever disappointed?” Snoopy whispered/smirked.
“Ehhhh… since we don’t have Thanksgiving in me world, I don’t quite get the reference, but if this is what we eat there… eh, I could take it or leave it. Nevertheless, it’s not a bad dish.” Krabs grinned. “Solid seven.”
Zakuro stayed silent as everybody looked over at her… before she gave a slight chuckle. “What else could I expect from our favorite beagle? Always a card, that dog. Dot Warner, you’re a very lucky Warner sister to even have him on your radar. I bet you two probably collaborated on that part just to troll the prompt!”
“Not exactly my plan, but… yeah, I don’t mind finding shortcuts.” Dot giggled.
“Nevertheless, I say you get a nine. Good work, you two.” Zakuro grinned.
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SNOOPY AND DOT- Thanksgiving Dinner
FINAL SCORES:
Garfield: 10
Krabs: 7
Zakuro: 9
SCORE OVERALL: 26
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Snoopy stood proud as Dot held up a peace sign in the air, giving a laugh. “Man, we are really kicking out of the park!”
“Wha- oh come on! Burgers and lasagna were ranked high, and yet this trollish Thanksgiving dinner is amongst this?!” Inuyasha complained. “It’s not even a real Thanksgiving dinner!”
“Well, that’s nothing new for me.” Arnold chuckled a bit. “Believe it or not, my grandparents usually celebrate different holidays that the day it’s supposed to represent…”
“Thus, Fourth of Julsgiving.” Rhonda smirked a bit, causing the football headed kid to laugh a bit.
“That’s not even a real holiday!” Inuyasha screamed.
“Ah, lighten up! That beagle and toon dog thing got some good high scores with their meal, and they had to do something to fit the requirements.” Cuphead pointed out.
“Yeah, if it’s enough, it’s enough.” Mitsuki frowned towards the dog hanyou, before pausing as she looked down. “But I suppose that means…”
“Kailey, Mitsuki, because your dish has scored the least, you both have been eliminated from the game.” Zakuro said as the squirrel and red panda looked up. “I hope that doesn’t come across as a disappointment.”
“Well, I admit, it’s been a shame that we couldn’t last much longer than we did, but I’m surprised we got pretty far.” Kailey smiled, before frowning. “Granted, the only challenges we really excelled at were the first two challenges…”
“Yeah, then we sat out for one challenge, we basically never got chosen for a case draw… and we had to cook.” Mitsuki frowned. “Honestly, I don’t know what your challenge itinerary is in terms of how the rounds are played, but what the heck were those rounds?!”
“Hey, the guy writing this is trying his best with what he has.” Dot pointed out. “I mean, we started this thing in 2024, and we’re now in 2025! The next Super Bowl just ended, and this story STILL isn’t done! So give him some slack!”
Everybody just blinked twice at Dot, before Spongebob turned to Kailey and MItsuki as he gave a sad bow. “Even though I didn’t know you two for very long, I know you would have been fun players, and I hope you all get a chance to visit Bikini Bottom…”
Kailey couldn’t help but give a smile. “Shucks, Spongebob, I may be a bit busy with my job, but if I do find the time with Mitsuki, I’ll be sure to visit… granted the place I work at has a working world dimension hopper AND a way to breathe underwater…”
“I’m just as excited to visit Bikini Bottom as well… if those Krabby Patties are heaven as they say, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try one at least once…” Mitsuki said.
“Oh, well, hopefully you two will have the best fun there!” Spongebob happily said as Kailey and Mitsuki started to get going.
“We’ll see you later, everyone. You all better do good out there.” Kailey nodded. “As for us, we got places we need to be. Kailey and Mitsuki, out!”
With that, the squirrel and red panda walked off the arena as everyone gave a nod and said their fond farewells to the teams. After a moment, Spongebob gave a sigh. “I can’t believe we’re down to just six teams already…”
Mac paused as he looked around. “You know, Spongebob is right. Looks like we’re the final six, all things considered.”
“Heck yeah!” Cuphead cheered as he pumped his fist. “Oh, I can’t wait for the next round!”
“Yeah, I’m curious about what the next game is.” Mugman said.
“You want to know what I think the next game is going to be?” Inuyasha asked, looking a bit mad as everyone looked at the hanyou with a bit of uncomfortability. “It’s probably going to involve a jump rope, and you have to play it to see how many freaking times you can jump the rope before collapsing in and of itself! Seriously, the first two rounds were so amazing, and then we’re suddenly shoved into these random game show things? A round of tug of war? Trying to guess which case is the safe case? COOKING?!” He glared up at the arena. “Hey, you up there! Whoever’s in charge of these freaking games! How about you actually try and give us an actual challenge… you know, something like… WRESTLING! FIGHTING! ROUND ROBIN! Basically, ANYTHING that amounts to STRENGTH!”
“Inuyasha, calm down.” Ayame said as she held the hanyou back. “I’m just as upset about this, but we have to roll with the punches…”
Everyone just stared at Inuyasha with shocked expressions as Squidward gave a frown. “Well, sounds like somebody is going for the ‘pinhead’ award.”
“Yeesh…” Garfield waved his hand a bit nervously, before turning to Snoopy. “Snoopy, come on! I know you’re hiding the good stuff. Because, after a feast, you’ll all turn in tomorrow for the next round. And the feast provided will be the meals you made…”
“Uhhhh… considering you ATE most of the meal…” Zakuro frowned. “I doubt we’re going to live on jellybeans and popcorn alone.”
Snoopy paused for a bit, before giving a grin. “Don’t worry…”
Snoopy then walked over to the oven, before pulling out a large cloche, with Dot following him behind and pulling out two more cloches from the fridge as they laid them down on a huge table that appeared in the middle of the arena as they were surrounded by chairs. Snoopy grinned as he pulled out the large cloche’s lid. “...I got you covered.”
Everyone looked in awe as they looked at the huge turkey as Dot pulled out a few more dishes as she explained, “We also made mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pie for dessert…”
“...question. How. In. A. Half. Hour. Did. You. Get. All. This. Made. And. Turned. In. That. Other. Dish.” Inuyasha slowly spoke in monotone as his eye twitched on every word.
“Hey, it’s a fanfiction. And Snoopy and I are basically cartoon characters. We can basically get away with anything we want.” Dot grinned cutely.
“Well, slice-of-life on my end, but you would not believe the dangers I face just to make this bird alone…” Snoopy chuckled a bit before giving a cough. “For you vegan lovers, don’t worry. The turkey is actually tofurkey.”
“I have to admit, it’s a pretty nice spread.” Bubbles smiled as she and the others looked in awe.
“This is a meal worth dying for.” Rhonda giggled as Arnold pulled out her seat for her. She gave a giggle as she sat down as everybody settled down.
“Well, if everybody is all settled, then I say we feast like kings, me hearties!” Mr. Krabs said as everybody applauded. “And I say… let’s get these dishes served!”
“I call a leg!” Garfield called out.
“Hmmm…” Zakuro paused, before giving a shrug. “Why not? I have a lot of time before going back to my home…”
And with that, everybody sat down to their meal as they started to dig in, having the time of their lives as they started to share a lot more stories with each other, talking and laughing, basically having a good time. Even Inuyasha and Ayame, after taking some time to calm down, were slowly getting in on telling stories, but that was for another time…
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“With that, another challenge is done and out.” Orange grinned as he crossed his arms.
“Everybody made their dishes quite well, but at the end of the day, only one of them couldn’t get the taste they can… and that unlucky team was unfortunately Kailey and Mitsuki, who couldn’t quite get the grasp of cooking.” Wifishark sighed.
“A special thanks to WindyCityPuma for giving us permission to use these characters for the games, which if not for that, I would unfortunately have to improvise.” Orange chuckled nervously. “I hope there’s no hard feelings about where your team ended up, but hey, for the record, at least they managed to make it to the halfway point. And even though their time in the game is up, their role isn’t done yet!”
“What does he mean by that?” Wifishark grinned. “Well, you’ll have to find out next time!”
“There won’t be any more polls from here on out, BUT… we WOULD like to hear you guys in the comments to see if you can predict which team will go out next! Not suggest, not vote… PREDICT.” Orange smiled. “I thank you guys for checking in with us so far, but now that we’re in the Final Six, things are going to get a bit more… dramatic.”
“Find out next time on the next episode of the Reality Gauntlet, and see what we mean! Because let me tell you, even though the team will enjoy their nice meal and sleep, tomorrow morning, they probably might lose their lunch…” Wifishark smirked. “See you soon!”
With that, the cameras faded to black as Orange and Wifishark stopped moving as they remained there… motionless. After a moment, a flashlight came shining through as four familiar people came walking in as they looked around.
“Look at this!” Mitsuki gasped as she pointed towards Orange’s back.
Kailey paused as she and Dipper went close towards the main host’s back as she frowned. “Good eye, Mitsuki… now, unless I miss my guess, I say these two hosts that are talking…”
“Are robots?” Dipper pointed out.
“Hmmmm… perfect sentiment.” Kailey nodded. “Which means the real host has to be somewhere else…”
“But where?” Emira asked in curiosity.
“That we don’t know yet.” Kailey frowned. “I think for now, just leave them there. I think they’re only there for a mere distraction at best. We got to keep moving before somebody knows we’ve been here! Come on!”
The other three nodded as they started to rush off… with the camera fading out for real…
Chapter 8: Challenge Six: Bug Windshield
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE SIX
The camera came back on as Orange and Wifi were activated once more, their grins getting wider in anticipation.
“Welcome back to the show!” Orange smiled. “Last time on Reality Gauntlet, we had a big feast of items that our teams have managed to cook up themselves. Some were very lucky with their meals, like Snoopy and Dot with their little Thanksgiving dinner, while others… like Kailey and Mitsuki… not so much.”
“But now, we only have six teams left in the game. Snoopy and Dot, the dog power couple. Spongebob and Squidward, the sea creatures. Arnold and Rhonda, the football head and rich girl. Cuphead and Mugman, the brotherly cups. Inuyasha and Ayame, the fighter canine hanyous. And Mac and Bubbles, the married couple.” Wifishark listed.
“As of right now, this is our final six, but this is a two part episode this week… that’s right, one episode will be one part, and the other will be another part. Why is that so?” Orange asked.
“Because the other six have received instructions just this morning, and as of right now, they are picking a choice… whoever doesn’t go to the first challenge this chapter will be competing in the next chapter’s challenge.” Wifi explained.
“Let’s go over to the locker rooms to find out more…” Orange smirked as he and Wifi turned to the cameras.
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“Your next couple of challenges are determined based on points. The bottom two with the lowest points in the next episode will be eliminated from the game. As thus, we request that you talk it over with your partner, and ask, who amongst you, is willing to be brave on the ground, or to be brave in the air. Those who choose ground, you may leave the area for your next challenge. The ones that choose air will just take it easy until tomorrow.” Spongebob read over the letter that he had found as the other teams were sitting around.
“What’s this all about?” Inuyasha frowned.
“I think whoever’s running the games has something in mind, and it seems we’ll be facing a double elimination next episode.” Arnold deduced. “They’re asking us to separate our teams to compete in these challenges, with one partner doing today’s challenge, and the other doing tomorrow’s.”
“Oh, I see, so it’s almost like an individual game!” Mugman snapped his fingers.
“Something like that.” Arnold shrugged.
“Ground, air, does it matter? We’re the most superior at anything!” Inuyasha said in his most cocky voice.
Everyone merely rolled their eyes, getting rather annoyed at Inuyasha’s boasts.
“Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I prefer to be grounded.” Squidward said as he crossed his arms. “Obviously, I just want to get this challenge done as quick as possible…”
“Are you sure you want to do grounded, Squidward?” Spongebob asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
“Let’s just say that… compared to me, your head is always in the clouds.” Squidward said as he turned to his co-worker and neighbor. “Naturally, you’re a fit for the ‘air’.”
“Oooooo…” Spongebob’s eyes widened in delight. “All right, if you think I have the qualities for this ‘air’ challenge, then air I shall take!”
“Yeah, I think I better do air as well.” Dot frowned as she turned to Snoopy. “I have a weird feeling that this next game involves some sort of catch, so… I think you’re most qualified for this one, Snoopy.”
The beagle’s ears went up in shock. “What makes you think there’s a catch?”
“I don’t know… it’s just every challenge involved some sort of game show challenge or reality show challenge… heck, even SQUID GAME got a challenge in, and it’s not even a reality show at all.” Dot frowned, before shaking her head. “Just call it a hunch, but… I don’t want grounded.”
Snoopy gave a groan. “Ugh, so I’m being left to do the hard work, huh?”
“Hey, you managed to lead a team of sled dogs before, I think you can do it.” Dot smiled.
“First of all, that was a nightmare I had, and second… how would you even know what my nightmares-” Snoopy started to ask, before lowering down his arms. “Right. Fourth wall.”
“I think the choice between you and me in terms of air and ground is pretty simple, Bubbles.” Mac noted as he looked at his wife.
Bubbles nodded before giving a warm smile towards her husband. “I know you can handle the ground challenge pretty well.”
“Heh, I can only hope.” Mac chuckled a bit as Bubbles gave a slight giggle.
Cuphead and Mugman were playing a game of rock, paper, scissors before Mugman showed off scissors, and Cuphead with rock. “Rock breaks scissors. I’ll take the air challenge.”
“Then I guess I’m stuck with good ol’ ground. Fine by me. You’re the more risk taker of the group, anyway.” Mugman nodded before joining up with Squidward, Snoopy and Mac. “I just hope the next challenge is something simple…”
“Heh, I’m good with any of them!” Inuyasha laughed as he flexed. “But which one do you prefer?”
“I’m good with both, but… if we want to conserve your strength, sweetie, I’ll do grounded, and you can join the others in doing the air challenge.” Ayame suggested.
“Heh, of course! It’s time to show these pathetic losers just how they’re no match for someone like me!” Inuyasha smirked.
Arnold and Rhonda, being the only ones who haven’t decided yet, as they were currently talking to each other about what to do.
“So, we’re both pretty confident in ground, but I don’t think the challenge wants both of us here…” Rhonda sighed.
“How good are you at aerial activities, though?” Arnold asked.
“...I haven’t done any… but, my parents and I always rode planes over, and I always look down from the ground. It’s not the same thing, but… I don’t have a fear of heights.” Rhonda pointed out.
“I mean, I can do the air challenge, if-” Arnold started.
“Arnold, please, I insist.” Rhonda said as she took a deep breath. “I know you’ll do me proud in the grounded challenge. Besides, I can always try to get more points if you don’t do well.”
The football headed boy gave a small frown, before Rhonda realized the implication of what she said. “I don’t mean it in that way. Hey, listen. Don’t worry about me. You do your best out there.”
Arnold paused, before giving a small smile. “All right, I’ll trust you on this.”
With that, Arnold went over to join Squidward, Snoopy, Mac, Mugman and Ayame as they were near the door. Rhonda nodded as she sat down with Spongebob, Dot, Bubbles, Cuphead and Inuyasha. As soon as the final people had been decided, an announcement was made.
“For those that selected ‘Ground’, please exit out to the Arena. For those who selected ‘Air’, you may take it easy for today, but tomorrow, your challenge WILL await you. For now, you may go to the sides and watch your partner compete.”
“That’s us, then.” Snoopy said as he looked around at the group. “Are we all ready?”
Everyone nodded as Squidward gave a sigh. “Hopefully this challenge will be an easy one.”
“These challenges are never that easy.” Arnold said.
“Good luck, everyone!” Spongebob waved happily as he watched the others leave. As soon as he was sure of the others, he looked around as he got the group’s attention. “So, is there anybody I HAVEN’T promoted the Krusty Krab to? Anybody?”
Inuyasha crossed his arms with a frown as he rolled his eyes. Cuphead noticed as he gave a grin, “I think you got most of us, Spongebob, but… you haven’t talked to this guy, yet.”
Inuyasha’s eyes snapped open as Spongebob turned his head and started to give a big grin towards him. Rhonda, Cuphead, Dot and Bubbles wisely stepped away from the two as Spongebob started to talk.
“Oh, Mr. Dog Ear Man, you’re gonna love visiting the Krusty Krab, home of the famous Krabby Patty! It’s a nice little restaurant underwater… granted, I’ll ask Sandy and Jimmy of a way you all can walk underwater, but I’m sure we’ll work something out.”
Inuyasha growled in anger as he held his head… this was going to be a LOOOOONG day, he can feel it…
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In the arena, the six people chosen for today’s challenge was in the middle of the arena as they noticed six bowls on one end of the arena, and a few feet away were six cars, all of them plastered with bugs, alive AND dead on the windshield.
Ayame shuddered in disgust as she looked over at the cars. “My training in the Northern Mountains did NOT prepare me for this!”
Squidward frowned. “Is this challenge about cleaning? If I’d known that, I’d let Spongebob do the challenge instead.”
Mac and Arnold shuddered a bit as Mac said, “It’s a good thing Bubbles isn’t doing this challenge…”
“Tell me about it, I don’t think Rhonda would have enjoyed this…” Arnold said, looking at the amount of bugs on each of the windshields of the car. “If anything, this would be more Nadine’s type of challenge.”
Mugman retched in disgust as he noted the covered windshields as he shuddered. “Ugh, somebody REALLY needs some windshield wiper or something with those cars…”
Snoopy stared at the covered windshield and stuck out his tongue. “BLAH!”
All of a sudden, the announcer speaker came on as a familiar voice (Plankton’s) started to come out.
“I will now explain the rules for the next challenge. In the windshield next to you are the most disgusting bugs you can imagine… superworms, red worms, stink beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. Inspired by the Bug Windshield challenge from Fear Factor, going one by one, you will have two minutes, using only your mouth to transfer bugs from that windshield to the bowl, which we will weigh on that scale over there.”
The six competitors’s eyes shrank upon hearing the instructions before turning their heads to see a scale being settled on that table.
“Oh my gosh, that’s disgusting!” Squidward complained.
“Transfer those bugs using our MOUTHS?” Arnold said, trying to hold in his breakfast.
“Oh no… why did I lose to Cuphead in Rock, Paper, Scissors for this?” Mugman shuddered.
Ayame’s face was slowly getting pale as she started to sweat a bit.
“The player with the most bugs in their bowl will earn twelve points. The player with the second most will earn ten, and so on with the third player with eight, fourth with six, fifth with four, and the players with the least amount of bugs in their bowl will only earn two points.”
“Wait, wait, we’re earning points now?” Mac asked in confusion. “Why are we earning points?”
“Listen, kid, as much as we like some characters, every time we bring up a poll, two teams seem to be trying to be a clear winner, so… we’re doing away with the polls. We’re doing this by points now.”
“H-hey, you can’t just make up a new system!” Ayame complained as everyone looked up.
“I can and I will, so stop complaining! Anyway, we’ll be going one by one. We randomly selected the order, and Arnold Shortman, you are lucky number one.”
Arnold’s eyes shrank as he bit his lip. “Ugh… this is not going to be fun…”
“You got this, man.” Snoopy said as he patted the blonde football headed boy on the back.
Arnold paused as he gave a gulp
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A few minutes later, everyone was standing to the side as Arnold was positioning himself near the bowl, and looking towards the windshield full of bugs. The young man took a deep breath, and locked in as he stared at the crawling and dead bugs on the windshield. As far as he was concerned, this was going to be his big moment.
Arnold then paused as he looked at the screen, giving a countdown…
3…
2…
1…
GO!
As soon as he heard the sound of the bell, Arnold immediately rushed over and jumped up to the windshield as he started to put his mouth on it, trying to scoop up as many bugs as he could.
“Ohhhh…” Snoopy and Mac retched a bit as Ayame was holding her mouth, looking rather sick to her stomach. Squidward and Mugman looked at each other, not looking forward to their turns.
As soon as Arnold got enough bugs in his mouth, he ran back over to the bowl and spat them out, before rushing back to get another mouthful. Arnold shut his eyes, trying not to focus on the taste of the disgusting bugs from the windshield, trying to focus moreso on the challenge than anything. He quickly hopped back off the windshield and ran back to the bowl before spitting it out.
Ayame was getting close to freaking out as she watched the kid just go back and get more bugs from the windshield, wondering WHY this challenge was even allowed. Squidward groaned as he held his head. “Okay, Squidward… this’ll be like the time I ate all that snail chow, even when I didn’t want to do it… this is nothing…”
Mac took a deep breath as he tried to visualize a calm and collected space as Snoopy was clicking his tongue, trying to observe everything. Mugman, on the other hand, was sweating rather hard as he looked over at the time clock, right as Arnold finished spitting out his fourth mouthful of bugs onto the plate… only one minute remained.
Arnold quickly locked in as he went back to get a fifth mouthful of bugs from the windshield. He felt his gag reflex kicking in, but kept it in as he rushed back once more and spat the bugs out into the bowl. He quickly ran back over to get yet another mouthful of bugs, trying to get as many as he could as he heard the clock’s sound ticking down.
Arnold shut his eyes, trying to focus on the challenge, feeling the bugs in his mouth before rushing in to spit them out in the bowl, before rushing back to the car and jumping up on the windshield to get one more mouthful of bugs. As he was in the process of getting more, he heard the ten second timer counting down.
Getting what he needed, he ran back and spat out the bugs, just as the timer had reached about four seconds. Arnold gave a small sigh of relief as he took a deep breath, the timer buzzer going off.
BZZZZZT!
Arnold took a few deep breaths as a representative came in and grabbed the bowl of bugs and put it on the scale to weigh it. The football head, in the meantime, decided to join up with the others as Mac and Snoopy nodded towards the young man.
“Good work out there.” Mac said with a smile.
“Yeah, that takes a lot of guts to do what you did.” Snoopy smiled. “I guess it’s true what they say, you ARE a bold kid, Arnold.”
“Thanks…” Arnold breathed in and out. “Though for the record, I’m never doing this again…”
Everyone then fell silent as their attention then turned to the television screen, showing Arnold’s face and three question marks next to it… as they were then replaced with ‘6.0 oz’.
“Six ounces, that’s pretty good.” Squidward smiled a little.
“Not a bad record, but I bet we can top it.” Mac smiled before turning to Ayame, who tried to resist every urge to throw up.
“Mugman, you are up next!”
The blue straw wearing mug gulped a bit as he took a deep breath. “I… I guess I’ll try.”
Nervous, Mugman stepped up to a new clean bowl as he looked towards the car’s windshield, before giving a gulp.
“This was NOT on my agenda for today…”
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Meanwhile, deep inside the arena’s halls, Kailey and Mitsuki were looking towards the televisions to see Mugman starting his run as Kailey stuck out her tongue in disgust.
“In hindsight, I’m sort of glad none of us are doing the other challenges. If I had known how disgusting it was going to be…” Kailey shuddered.
“Let’s stay focused over here, huh?”
The squirrel and red panda heard the sounds of finger snapping as they turned to see Emira snapping her fingers towards the two as Dipper seemed to be doing some reading, specifically, from a book called ‘Magic 101’. “Forget about the challenge, we need to get our friends out of their prison first.”
“Right…” Mitsuki said as she and Kailey approached Dipper and Emira. “So, what do we have to do?”
“Obviously, something big is going on outside the game that none of the others know about, and the fact that we’re not going back to our worlds is a huge red flag.” Dipper explained as he took a deep breath. “There’s also the fact that the ‘hosts’ or ‘announcers’ for these games are nothing more than robots.”
“Not to mention, the real person behind these games probably has more motivation… like these games were just a set-up for something big.” Kailey said.
“Exactly!” Dipper nodded. “Anyway, I think with a touch of magic, I can hold the portal that leads to that prison area long enough for the other teams to get out of there.”
“Ah, so we’re doing a whole team-up?” Mitsuki asked. “That’s a good idea. Whatever’s affecting one of the teams, it’s become OUR problem too.”
“So, what spell do you have in mind?” Emira asked as she turned towards Dipper in curiosity.
“Well, after going through all the glyphs from my Walt Disney School of Magic book, I think I may have one that just might work.” Dipper said as he pointed towards the book. The three gathered around him as they noted the particular spell. “It’s called the ‘Control Destination Reverse’ Spell. I can’t work it to change our destination to home, BUT I can use it to reverse where the portal is at in the dimension the other three teams are at.”
“Think this can work?” Mitsuki asked.
“Heh, just leave it to me and Piney here.” Emira smirked as she patted the annoyed man on the head. “We’ll be able to free those guys in no time!”
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“Good lord… it’s been, what, a few days, with barely any food, and we’re still stuck in this dreadful laboratory!”
“Deep breaths, Double D.”
Edd was currently shaking nervously in his little prison as Nazz was putting a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to get him to relax. Doug and Beebe were holding each other with worried glances, just waiting patiently as Spot was pawing on the glass, trying to get out. Hong Kong Phooey, on the other hand, was in a meditative stance as he tried to say some nonsensical words… before hearing the heavy breathing from Double D’s end of the cage.
Phooey sighed as he looked up. “Uh, I don’t mean to be rude, but could you maybe tone the anxiety down a little? I think I found a good Hong Kong Phooey way to get us all out of our prisons?”
“By… meditating?” Doug asked, a bit bewildered.
“Trust me, young Funnie kid, a little meditating and chanting can go a long way. Heck, I’ve used my magnificent moves to get out of tight spots like this before.” Phooey said, before giving a pause. “Granted, they haven’t been doing me good so far… but that’s because I haven’t figured out the right enchantment yet!”
“You… you can’t be serious!” Beebe frowned as she glared at the gi-wearing dog. “Your little ‘Hong Kong Kung Fu’ clearly isn’t working… otherwise, we’d both be out of there!”
“Well, that’s because I got caught off-guard… but now I know that I just need to focus… and we’ll be out in no time!” Phooey said with a small smile.
Beebe just looked at the dog with a disbelieving hanging of her mouth. She tried to say something, only for Doug to stop her as he shook his head. “Beebe, don’t argue. Besides, that boy in the hat and green haired girl are out there. I’m sure they’re getting other teams to help us out even now.”
“I know, Dougy-poo, but even so…” Beebe groaned.
“Now, sit on tight and relax. This time, I’ll have the enchantment ready.” Phooey said as he turned to Double D and Nazz, the former of which was easing his breath a little. “Are you feeling better over there?”
“...yes, yes, I think I can be reasonably calm for a little while…” Edd sighed as he tried to shake his head.
“Heh, then you just watch while I chant a new chant!” Phooey smirked before closing his eyes and saying some mystical chanting. As he was chanting though, Spot immediately spotted the portal that led to one of the empty cages vanishing and appearing in Edd and Nazz’s portal. The cat’s eyes lit up as he waved his hands, trying to get the two’s attention.
Doug and Beebe noted the portal in Edd and Nazz’s cage as well as the two lit up. Immediately, the blonde haired cheerleader and the hat wearing neurotic nerd got up and ran towards the portal, entering it. At that time, the portal disappeared and ended up in Doug and Beebe’s cage next.
Beebe gave a smile as she motioned over to Doug, who nodded as they held hands and entered the portal together… before finally, the portal disappeared, and appeared in Phooey and Spot’s cage.
Spot, wasting no time at all, grabbed Phooey and lifted him up over his hand (while the oblivious dog was still chanting) and made a run to the portal, jumping in before it closed up.
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Spot stepped out as he put down Phooey as he turned towards the other teams and gave a smile, just as Phooey opened his eyes and looked around.
“Heh, you see kids? I knew that if I just concentrated long enough, I’d get us all out of here!” Phooey grinned.
“Uh, actually-” Kailey started to say, before Spot held up his hand to stop her talking. The squirrel turned her head and noted the cat shaking his head, as if to tell her ‘Just let him think he did it’.
“Great that we got you all out of there.” Dipper sighed in relief as he looked around at the eliminated teams.
“Totally great, dude.” Nazz smiled, before pausing. “So, did we miss anything?”
“We’ll catch you all up.” Emira said as she looked around. “For now, though, I think it’s best we all get out while the getting’s good!”
“I agree, I don’t want to say here any longer than I have to…” Doug shuddered a bit as Beebe gave a swift nod.
With that, all five eliminated teams ran off, unaware of a camera following them…
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At that time, Plankton started to sip a drink as he gave a chuckle. “Just as planned…”
“W-wait, you PLANNED for them to escape?” Karen asked in confusion.
“Of course I did, Karen. Obviously, I had to capture a few of those teams so that some wiser teams would catch on and free them, and try to find the real ‘culprit’ behind everything.” Plankton smirked. “Of course, while they’re going on false clues I intentionally planted, I’m going to go back to Bikini Bottom, go back to the Krusty Krab, and get me a secret formula!”
“Quick question. How do you know the rest of the teams won’t get wise to your tricks?” Karen asked.
“Hee hee hee… precisely why Mr. Krabs is the perfect decoy! Essentially, it doesn’t matter who gets to the final three, as long as Krabs’s employees are one of the teams… and with Krabs’s little ‘get them to promote the Krusty Krab’ gimmick, of course they’re going to suspect they’re being played for fools!”
Karen paused for a brief moment as if to contemplate Plankton’s plan, before giving a sigh, looking over at the small copepod. “I’ll be the first to admit, this plan… isn’t a TERRIBLE idea.”
“Glad to have you on the same page, Karen.” Plankton chuckled before looking back towards the TV. “Oop! It seems we’re almost done with today’s challenge… just one more to go…”
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Ayame whimpered as she was standing and staring at the car windshield normally as the other five contestants were watching her.
“Here’s where we stand. In fifth place is Mugman, with 2.4 ounces of bugs…”
Mugman shuddered a bit, remembering how hesitant he was that he panicked and had to get rid of the bug taste in his mouth, wasting a lot of time. He couldn’t even make it past a minute-thirty before spitting out some bugs in hesitation…
“In fourth place is Mac Utonium, with 3.5 ounces of bugs…”
Mac gave a nervous chuckle, feeling that while getting the bugs wasn’t as bad, it was his slow speed that did it for him… he was thankful he was ahead of Mugman, at the very least.
“In third place… Arnold Shortman, with 6 ounces of bugs…”
Arnold nodded, respecting the choice.
“In second place… Snoopy, with 6.2 ounces of bugs…”
The beagle, though still a little weary on having to eat bugs AND had just finished his turn recently, gave a small sigh of relief as he was happy to not have to do this bug challenge anymore… the fact he got a respectable standing was pretty good.
“And in first place… Squidward Tentacles, with 6.9 ounces of bugs…”
Squidward gave a rare smile, though was still disgusted by what he had to do… although he did have his mind focused on winning the competition, so he focused mainly on that and not so much the taste, which got him to go on more trips than usual.
Of course, that only left Ayame in the running as she was looking pale, staring at the bugs in front of her as she felt a twinge of disgust and fear. “Ugh, can we talk about this? Why do I have to do bugs?”
“Hey, it’s a Fear Factor challenge, lady!” Snoopy frowned. “And in Fear Factor, you have to pull these crazy stunts to get ahead. Chicken out, and you lose. That’s how the game works.”
“Come on, Ayame. Just do what I just did. It’s not that hard once you put your head into it.” Squidward said with a smirk.
Ayame looked over as she looked over at the covered windshield… before feeling the urge to retch as she held out her hand. “Nope, nope, I can’t do it! I can do a lot of things, but licking through bugs? That’s a line, that’s a line that I just can’t cross! I’m sorry, Inuyasha, I can’t do it… you’re just going to have to pick up the slack for the next challenge!”
“Am I to understand that you’re not participating in this challenge, give you an automatic two points?”
Ayame groaned as she held her head. “Y-yes, I am. I may be a wolf girl, but I just can’t stand the sight of bugs! Especially if I have to put those disgusting things in my mouth! These idiots may be stupid enough, but I’m not!”
“If you’re sure… then so be it. Ayame forfeits the challenge…”
Ayame groaned as she held her head before joining back with the others, who looked at her with a mixture of various looks.
“D-don’t give me that look! I just… after seeing what’s happened all challenge, I don’t think I can handle eating those bugs…” Ayame complained.
“I mean, if it gets us one step closer to winning…” Squidward smirked.
“Shut up! You haven’t won yet! I may have forfeited my round, but just wait until Inuyasha takes on whatever the ‘air’ challenge is! He’ll catch us up for sure!” Ayame complained.
“You don’t even KNOW what type of air challenge it’s going to be next time.” Mac pointed out.
“Not yet, we don’t, but trust me, he’s going to dominate!” Ayame frowned. “Just you wait and see!”
All five of the other contestants looked at each other before shaking their heads as the voice came on.
“You six turn in and catch up with your partner, because tomorrow, they will HAVE their turn. Until then, get some rest, get some good food, and we’ll see you all tomorrow. Don’t forget, bottom two WILL be eliminated next episode.”
The six players paused as they had a mixture of worried and confident looks on their faces. As they walked back towards their locker rooms, they couldn’t help but wonder what their partner would get themselves into…
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“Well, it looks like we’ve had quite a VERY interesting episode, eh, Wifi?” Orange smirked.
“Indeed, Orange, while some of them managed to brave it out AND get their bugs to the scales, some others, like Mugman and Ayame, couldn’t quite cut the mustard, and are now in the bottom two with Cuphead and Inuyasha.”
“HOWEVER, don’t think it’s quite the end, yet, because, things can change.” Orange said. “But let’s look at the current points so far…”
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1st place- Spongebob & Squidward (12 points)
2nd place- Snoopy & Dot Warner (10 points)
3rd place- Arnold Shortman & Rhonda Wellington Lloyd (8 points)
4th place- Mac & Bubbles Utonium (6 points)
5th place- Cuphead & Mugman (4 points)
6th place- Inuyasha & Ayame (2 points)
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“Well, so far, it looks like the bottom two teams are in danger of being eliminated… but Cuphead and Inuyasha COULD have a chance to turn things around in the next challenge.” Wifishark said.
“They could, but then again, who really knows in a Reality Gauntlet such as this?” Orange asked as he gave a shrug.
“Well, I’m personally excited to see where we go from here!” Wifishark grinned as he shuffled his hands in excitement. “Tune in next time, and we’ll see who the next two teams will be eliminated in… the Reality Gauntlet!”
“See you guys soon!” Orange waved as the camera faded to black.
Chapter 9: Challenge Seven: Dizzy Dummy
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE SEVEN
The camera opens up to the main studio area where Orange and Wifi were seen adjusting themselves in their seats before looking up.
“Welcome back, once more, to the Reality Gauntlet!” Orange smiled. “Last time, we had our first half of the teams participate for points in a Fear Factor-based challenge, and so far, in the lead, we have Spongebob and Squidward with 12 points, followed by Snoopy and Dot with 10, Arnold and Rhonda with 8, Mac and Bubbles with 6, Cuphead and Mugman with 4, and finally, Inuyasha and Ayame are in last place with only 2 points.”
“But this challenge is going to make it or break it, for FOUR teams will move on to the penultimate round, while two teams with the least amount of points, will be eliminated here.” Wifi explained.
“So far, these six teams have outlasted the best of the best, but this game could make it or break it for them as we approach our next challenge! Let’s take a look at our arena where the next challenge is now set up.” Orange said as he gave a nod towards the camera.
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As the remaining six players were crossing a small bridge through a pool of water surrounding the arena, Cuphead took the time to look around as his mouth dropped in awe. “My goodness, I never would have thought we’d have another water related challenge…”
“I’m more excited myself!” Spongebob said with a big grin. “Ever since the whole bug challenge Squidward and the others had to endure, I was a little worried air would be related to bugs, but I’m glad it isn’t!”
“Okay, and how does being surrounded by water equate to air, exactly?” Inuyasha frowned as he looked around at the area.
Indeed, the camera backed itself away to see a floating platform in the middle of the large body of water in the arena. There were two routes that led to a sort of finish line, one with large white platforms that seemed to jiggling, and the other with a series of pole vaults. The platform they were going to had a device with six slots on it as they noticed it spinning around.
“Oooo, looks like one of those Tilt-A-Whirl rides from those carnivals!” Dot grinned. “Reminds me of my first ride… always fun!”
“Yeah, but… what does it have to do with the air?” Rhonda asked in confusion.
“Oh, maybe you ride around it, and we have to find our way through one of those obstacles!” Bubbles asked. “And that platform takes you up in the air and spins you around, like the Tilt-A-Whirls!”
“Then it looks like we’ll have to embrace our inner carnival ride love for this!” Rhonda said in determination.
“Hmph, I’ve never been in any rides, but I know exactly I’ll wipe you scrubs off the floor!” Inuyasha mouthed off, feeling rather cocky.
“Are you sure? Because most of us have been on rides before.” Spongebob pointed out.
Inuyasha scoffed. “Please, I rode a giant cat-like creature, I’m sure this is nothing!”
Everyone else paused as they looked at each other, most of their eyelids going down at the annoyance. Spongebob, on the other hand, could only smile to Inuyasha. “Well, good luck out there!”
Inuyasha blinked twice as he looked at the others with a confused glance, before shaking his head and grumbling to himself. “Stupid kid…”
“Contestants, please, get to the center of the arena where we will explain the rules.”
As the six players were getting to the center of the island, near the edge of the arena’s boundaries, the remaining six players on the respective teams were sitting on the sidelines and looking on as the others were showing a different emotion for their partner.
“I hope Rhonda’ll be okay out there…” Arnold bit his lip.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure whatever it is they’re up to, they’ll tough it out.” Mac said with a warm smile.
“Heh, I’m just sure my Inuyasha will sweep the floor with all of you!” Ayame laughed as she crossed her arms.
“Uh yeah, hate to break it to you, lady, but unless one of us REALLY does bad, the best you can score is fourteen.” Squidward frowned.
“I-I wasn’t prepared for the bugs!” Ayame stammered a bit before narrowing her eyes. “Besides, I’m sure Inuyasha will make up for my poor record! You see! You scrubs aren’t going to be the better of me!”
At that time, Snoopy stood up next to Ayame and started to mimic her hand and mouth expressions as the wolf lady continued to speak. “We managed to survive through these rounds, and we’re the toughest by far! You losers may have gotten lucky through your stupid rounds, but me and Inuyasha here will triumph!”
It was then Ayame looked over towards the corner of her eye to see Snoopy still mocking her before turning her eyes and glaring at him. “You know something, I oughta suplex you!”
With that, Ayame tried to take a grab at the beagle, only for Snoopy to jump up and lick her on the cheek, before snickering as he ran off. Ayame growled angrily as she shook her head. “You’re a lucky mutt that I’m not like that Lucy Van Pelt girl from your world! You’re going to be a purse, you hear me?!”
As Snoopy danced around, the rest of the others looked towards the teasing Snoopy and the angry Ayame as Mugman gave a groan. “Ugh, I hope those two lose…”
“I think you should be worried for your brother. After all, you’re in the bottom two with them.” Squidward pointed out.
“I hate to say it, Mugman, but you better Cuphead can score high in this round.” Arnold pointed out.
The blue anthro mug turned and gave a small gulp. “Well, for our sake, we better score good…”
Back at the platform, all six went in as they looked up and listened to the rules being announced.
“Welcome to the Air Challenge… more specifically, the Dizzy Dummy, inspired from a challenge from the series, Wipeout. All six of you must get in the platform in the center, and be spun around through a wild ride for a good few minutes, being in the air of course.” The first voice explained.
“You’ll be spun in the air until all of you are good and dizzy.” The second voice explained as everyone listened. “Once the ride stops and you hear the horn blare, you dizzy players must make it to the south end of the arena with your partners, using a specific route we shout out. The first route on your left is the Doughnut Run, three white platforms that are greased up that you must cross to reach the other side. The second route on your right is the Pole Vault, where players must vault from one platform, then vault again to reach your partners.”
“The first player to cross will earn the biggest amount of points, and will not have to participate in the rest of the rounds. And we will continue to alternate paths until one person is left. And once one person crosses, the others must go back to the Dizzy Dummy, spin again, and take the other route.” The first voice instructed.
“By the way, it should be noted that if someone falls into the water during your run, you must swim back to the start of the route and try again… and just hope that others have screwed up as well.” The second voice said.
“Oh, okay, so that seems simple enough.” Dot nodded. “Looks like we’ll be taking multiple rides on it unless one of us decides to cross the finish line, and try to get used to our disorientation and try to get to our partners best we can.”
“That seems simple, yet… it’s going to be quite a nuisance…” Rhonda shuddered.
“Ooooo, I can’t wait to take a ride on this! Maybe it’ll be fun like the rides in Glove World!” Spongebob smiled.
“Everyone please get into the ride, and we will start our first round.”
Everyone nodded as they went over and got into their positions, each of them holding onto the bars as they looked up.
“Looks like our players are all set and ready to go on the first round… which will start as soon as the horn blares out!” Orange called out.
As if by magic, the horn blared as the platform started to rise up in the air and started to spin around like a merry-go-round/Tilt-A-Whirl ride as all six were bracing themselves for a wild ride. While most of the players were looking on ahead and trying to figure out a good strategy, Bubbles and Spongebob were squealing out in joy with Rhonda focusing her eyes on Arnold sitting on the other side, trying to rotate her head around.
“And with that, the first round is underway!” Wifi called out.
“And so far, it seems that Bubbles and Spongebob are just enjoying the ride as best as they can, meanwhile, Rhonda is trying to focus on one stationary object to see if she can’t keep dizzy.” Orange said.
“The first route the players have to take is the Doughnut Run.” Wifi explained. “Let’s see how the players can navigate.”
The horn sounded once more before the ride came to a complete stop, with the ride getting itself back on the ground. The six players jumped out of their slots and started to stagger towards the white platforms. However, Inuyasha found himself collapsing and falling on his hands and knees on the way over.
From the finish line, Ayame winced as she called out, “Come on, Inuyasha, don’t let the dizziness beat you!”
Dot arrived first at the edge of the platform and leapt forward, landing on the grease-covered white platform as she felt her feet slowly slipping. She tried to keep a good firm grip, though, as Cuphead appeared not too far behind her and leapt forward as well, trying his best to balance himself on the first platform.
“Wh-whoa…” Cuphead moaned as he held his head and tried to keep firm. “Man, these platformers REALLY trained you for this moment, huh?”
“Ugh, tell me about it…” Dot groaned as she tried to move forward to the next platform, with Cuphead following behind to make sure he didn’t slip.
As both Dot and Cuphead attempted to jump to the next platform, Spongebob and Rhonda attempted to leap forward towards the platform as well. However, Rhonda didn’t QUITE get a good landing as she slipped on the grease and fell directly in the water.
From the finish line, Arnold winced as he looked over and called out, “It’s okay, Rhonda, just try again! I’m rooting for you!”
As Rhonda climbed back up to the middle platform to try again, Bubbles leapt forward and seemingly floated over the platform for a moment before landing on her feet. She almost slipped for a moment, but found herself floating. Spongebob leapt forward to the second platform, just as Inuyasha leapt forward towards the first platform.
As Spongebob landed on the second platform, Dot and Cuphead were about ready to leap towards the third platform, only to find both of them slipping forward and sliding directly off the platform and into the water.
Both Snoopy and Mugman winced as the latter remarked, “Oooo, so close…”
“I’m sure they’ll get another chance soon enough…” Snoopy said as the others watched Bubbles land on the second platform with Spongebob, who was about ready to jump towards the final platform.
As Dot and Cuphead were swimming back to the middle platform, Spongebob leapt forward and landed on the third platform as he tried to get a good balance… only to yelp as he slipped and fell directly into the water. This gave Bubbles a good advantage as she leapt over to the third platform and kept her balance firmly. Rhonda had just finally got towards the first platform with Inuyasha finally getting a balance… but it was too little, too late.
Bubbles jumped forward and crossed the finish line as the horn began to blare once more.
The crowd cheered as Rhonda gave a small sigh, with Inuyasha growling in anger.
Over towards the finish line, Mac ran over to Bubbles as he gave her a hug. “You did great, Bubbles! You just scored some massive points for us!”
“I know…” Bubbles sighed in relief as she shook her head. “It wasn’t really hard once I got my bearings back a bit… and considering I can fly, getting over the platforms was no sweat, either.”
“Well, either way, my six points, and your twelve, managed to get us to eighteen points!” Mac smiled as he hugged her. “I think that’s good for us so far…”
“Hmph! We’ll see about that!” Ayame growled as she shouted towards the arena, “Come on, Inuyasha, don’t be such a wimp now!”
Squidward frowned as he held his head. “Ugh, I swear, all this girl ever thinks about is power and being a meathead…”
“You got this, Rhonda, you can do it!” Arnold cheered on the sidelines.
“Come on, Cuphead, you can get us out of the hole, I know you can!” Mugman cheered.
Back on the middle platform, the remaining five characters were back on the Dizzy Dummy once more as they were sent out on another spin. As before, Rhonda was focused on Arnold and spinning her head around, and Spongebob was closing his eyes and screaming. But now, both Dot and Cuphead seem to be following Rhonda’s moves, rotating their heads as they hung on to the ride, feeling the inertia and the spinning.
“Round Two is coming in hot, and this time, the route they’re taking will be different.” Wifi pointed out.
“Yes, this time, all the players have to do is do two successful pole vaults in order to cross the finish line.” Orange announced. “Let’s see how they handle this round.”
The ride came to a stop as the horn blared, with the five contestants stumbling away from the Dizzy Dummy. Spongebob collapsed, with Dot tumbling over afterwards. Cuphead reached the first set of poles and attempted to pole vault, only to crash his body into the platform he was supposed to land on and hit the water. Inuyasha tried the same thing, only to fail as bad as Cuphead did as he let go of the pole too early and landed in the water.
Mugman winced a bit as Ayame shouted in anger, “What are you doing?! Come on!”
Just as Dot and Spongebob reached the poles, Rhonda vaulted over. The rich girl managed to land the vault and get on the platform.
“Come on, Rhonda, you can do this!” Arnold cheered as he watched his girl run over and grab the next pole.
Just as Dot and Spongebob managed to vault over and land on the first platform, Rhonda ,managed to do her second vault jump and… managed to land on the final platform, before dizzily jumping forward towards the finish line.
Inuyasha grumbled as he finished climbing back into the water. Dot snapped her fingers before leaping back in the water, with Spongebob giving a shrug.
“Oh well, time to go back on the ride!” Spongebob laughed as he dived into the water, just as Cuphead climbed back up to the platform, noticing the second round had ended.
The other partners, along with Bubbles, watched as Rhonda walked in, getting her bearings in as Arnold rushed over and hugged her.
“You did great out there, Rhonda! Hard to believe you managed to leap over those obstacles while being dizzy!” Arnold complimented her.
“The rides weren’t so bad once you try to get a good focus on your goal.” Rhonda giggled. “And it looks like I got ten points for us.” Rhonda smiled.
“Huh. I guess we also tied with Mac and Bubbles at eighteen.” Arnold said as he turned to the others as Mac and Bubbles gave a smile towards the two.
“That sounds about right. Good job out there, Rhonda.” Mac smiled.
“Thanks… but we’re not out of the woods yet.” Rhonda said as she turned to the other four partners, each of them showing their own look for their partner.
“Okay, Spongebob, try not to get too distracted on the fun of that Dizzy Dummy. We have a game to win…” Squidward whispered.
“Come on, Cuphead, you can do this, I know you can!” Mugman prayed.
“You got this, Dot. This isn’t any different from all those carnival rides.” Snoopy whispered to himself.
“WHAT THE EVERLOVING HELL IS THIS?! GET GOING, YOU IDIOT!” Ayame shouted in anger. “UGH, IF I HAD THAT COMMAND KAGOME INSTILLED ON YOU, I’D SHOUT AT YOU TO SIT, BOY!”
All the others just glared at Ayame and shook their heads.
Back at the Dizzy Dummy, the four players were riding through the spinning cycle, trying their various strategies. After the ride stopped, the horn blared once more, starting Round Three as the others stumbled out, going towards the Doughnut Run. Inuyasha and Dot reached the edge of the platform first and leapt forward as they managed to get a balance. Once Inuyasha finally found the balance, Dot ran forward and jumped towards the next platform.
The others watched in anticipation as they saw Spongebob and Cuphead approaching the edge of the platform. By that time, Inuyasha was about ready to make his leap, and by that time, Dot was trying to get ready for her third jump. Dot managed to leap forward and land on the platform, trying to maintain her balance.
As soon as she found it, she managed to cross to the final platform.
Inuyasha growled in anger as he jumped back in the water. Spongebob cheered heavily as he jumped back in the water for another go at the Dizzy Dummy, with Cuphead looking rather concerned before leaping back into the water for the fourth round.
As Ayame was screaming up a storm towards Inuyasha in anger, Dot came in as she turned to Snoopy, the beagle smiling at her.
“Good job, Dot. How did you manage to get through it?” Snoopy asked.
“Well, after the third ride, I knew I didn’t want to have to ride it a fourth time, so I tried to stay focused on getting balanced and getting through as quickly as possible.” Dot explained as she gave a sigh. “At least I got eight points, and with your ten, we’re as good as up there with the other crossover couple AND the writer’s obvious favorite OTP.”
Squidward paused as he started to count the numbers in his head, before smirking as he started to relax. Mugman noticed the squid’s smug smirk before frowning. “What’s with the smirk?”
“Oh, nothing, except that if you count the points, no matter what happens after this round, Spongebob and I are relatively safe.” Squidward said. “Considering the rest of the other teams have eighteen points, that’s the highest total they can get. And with Spongebob, your brother and that dog-human hybrid being the bottom three, no matter what happens… I think I’m sitting pretty in fourth…”
Mugman paused as his eyes widened as he started to do the math in his head. “Shoot! And here I was thinking we’d get closer…”
Squidward paused for a brief moment as he looked over towards Mugman and gave a sigh. “Look, pal, not that I care or anything, but you and your brother did pretty good in this game… really made it far, as a matter of fact. No matter what, you two really did your best. And even though the numbers weren’t against you, I can’t deny, you and that strange cup brother of yours were definitely interesting opponents.”
“You really think so?” Mugman asked as he looked up.
“Whatever the case may be, you did pretty good. That much, I will say.” Squidward said as he turned to the platform as the three players were riding in the center, about most of them looking a bit exhausted and weak. “And hey, I’m sure that, either way, you’re going to go out of this with a proud look on your face.”
Mugman paused as he gave a nod. “You know, you may be onto somethin’ there…”
Back at the Dizzy Dummy, the horn blared as the ride stopped, with the three players staggering their way towards the Pole Vault. Inuyasha managed to get there first as he grabbed a pole to vault himself over… only to crash into the platform once more and got dunked in the water.
“COME ON, YOU IDIOT!” Ayame shouted in anger. “YOU’RE LETTING A PATHETIC CUP AND A STUPID SPONGE BEAT YOU!”
As Inuyasha was climbing back onto the Dizzy Dummy platform to start over, both Cuphead and Spongebob completely vaulted over and landed safely atop the platform. As Inuyasha was preparing to start the next vault, both the anthro cup and the sponge were already grabbing the vault to take their second jump.
Spongebob went first, only for him to let go of the pole vault too early and land in the water. Cuphead, on the other hand, managed to vault over successfully and land on the platform before finishing his run.
Inuyasha cursed up a storm before stomping back over to the Dizzy Dummy. Spongebob, on the other hand, just waved happily to the departing Cuphead as he swam back over to the platform, making the sponge give a small sigh of relief. “Good thing this water is only knee deep for me, or I’d be panicking about drowning right now…”
Pretty soon, Cuphead joined up with Mugman as he gave a smile. “Well, Mugsy, with my six and your four, we have ten points.”
“That’s good, but I don’t think we should keep our hopes up. At this point, we already lost the game.” Mugman frowned.
Cuphead blinked twice. “What do you mean?”
“It doesn’t matter what happens anyway. If Spongebob gets four and Inuyasha gets two, their teams will have sixteen and four points respectively. If Spongebob gets two and Inuyasha gets four, their teams will have fourteen and six points respectively. No matter what, I don’t think we’re making it this next round.” Mugman explained.
“Ohhhh…” Cuphead paused as he looked down. “So, I guess this is it for us, then, huh?”
“Unfortunately…” Mugman sighed as he and his brother turned back to see Inuyasha and Spongebob riding the Dizzy Dummy once more.
“Well, this comes down to it… Spongebob and Inuyasha in one last race. Obviously, the points don’t matter, this is just for completionists’s sake.” Orange said.
“One final Doughnut Run will decide it!” Wifi announced.
The horn blared once more as the two dizzy players staggered towards the Doughnut Run path, both of them looking sick as dogs from riding the same ride too many times. Both of them reached their edge of the platform at the same time as they both made their jumps. Spongebob leapt forward too early and slipped on the platform causing him to fall. Inuyasha, on the other hand, leapt forward and landed on the first white platform, steadying himself.
As the dog hanyou steadied himself, Spongebob climbed back on the platform for a second shot. Right around then, Inuyasha leapt forward towards the second white platform, only for him to leap too soon as he crashed to the side and splashed himself into the water. Just as Inuyasha had done so, Spongebob jumped up and landed on the first platform.
“Come on, Sponge, you can do this…” Squidward cheered the yellow porous sponge on.
“COME ON, YOU IDIOT! DON’T WASTE TIME ON THIS!” Ayame shouted in anger.
Spongebob then walked forward as best as he could before taking a leap and barely landing on the second platform, getting himself balanced, before staring down on that third platform.
Most everyone at the finish line held their breath in anticipation as they waited to see whether or not Spongebob would make it across.
Spongebob leapt forward… and successfully landed on the third platform, before rushing forward and landing on the wooden platform, finishing his run.
Most everyone cheered for the sponge as Squidward gave a small sigh of relief. Spongebob ran over and gave Squidward a hug, causing Squidward to wince as the sponge happily, “Oh, Squidward, did you see me out there, I was amazing!”
“...I’ll admit, Spongebob, you really persisted out there.” Squidward said, giving a small compliment. “But we’ll need to step up our game in the next round.”
Ayame growled angrily as she saw Inuyasha swimming over and joining her as Ayame narrowed her eyes. “What the hell was that?”
“I was a little dizzy! I couldn’t exactly focus on my best speed.” Inuyasha groaned. “Plus, that stupid ride made me sick to my stomach, you really expect me to perform that much better with that reliability?”
“Well, you should have done better!” Ayame growled. “You just got us eliminated because of your stupid antics!”
“Don’t give me that! You couldn’t even get the most bugs out of your windshield! Even the stupid football headed kid got more bugs than you did, which was NONE! BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T EVEN ATTEMPT THE CHALLENGE!” Inuyasha growled.
“It’s your fault we lost!” Ayame shouted in anger.
Inuyasha and Ayame growled as they stared at each other with intensity as the speaker came on.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the next challenge is completed, and we will show you how the points went down. Remember, the top four teams with the most points go to the final four… and the bottom two teams will be leaving the game.”
With that, the six teams stayed silent as they turned to the screen, as the results were shown…
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1st Place- Snoopy & Dot Warner (18 Points)
1st Place- Mac & Bubbles Utonium (18 Points)
1st Place- Arnold Shortman & Rhonda Wellington Lloyd (18 Points)
4th Place- Spongebob Squarepants & Squidward Tentacles (16 Points)
5th Place- Cuphead & Mugman (10 Points)
6th Place- Inuyasha & Ayame (4 Points)
Cuphead/Mugman and Inuyasha/Ayame, you two teams have been eliminated in this round!
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“Was there ever a doubt?” Dot smirked a bit as she put her arm around Snoopy. Mac and Bubbles gave smiles to each other as they nuzzled their heads, and Arnold and Rhonda hugged each other, feeling relieved that they made the next round.
Inuyasha found himself steaming mad as he turned to Ayame. “OH, YOU BITCH! YOU SCREWED US OVER!”
“I screwed you over? Excuse me?” Ayame growled in anger. “If it hadn’t been for your stupid clumsiness, we would have totally dominated!”
“Well, if you actually TRIED at the Bug Windshield challenge, we would have had more points!” Inuyasha growled angrily before crossing his arms.
“Okay, okay, you two can have your lover’s quarrel and sore loser talk elsewhere.” Squidward frowned as the other teams glared at them. Spongebob was the only one who gave a wave.
“No hard feelings, guys, it’s all part of the game.” Spongebob said with a smile.
“Screw off, you stupid sponge!” Both Inuyasha and Ayame growled before stomping away.
Spongebob blinked twice as he crossed his arms. “Well, I know TWO people who may not be interested in the Krusty Krab.”
“Yeah, considering these two were getting too cocky, they kinda had it coming.” Dot lowered her eyelids.
“Yeah, they were not that good of sports towards us towards the start of this.” Mac agreed with the Warner sister’s statement.
Cuphead gave a sigh as he turned to the others. “Eh, well, no hard feelings from us. We gave it our all, and it just wasn’t enough. Glad to be part of the game at all, if I’m being honest.”
“Yeah, we totally had fun. I wish we made it further, but oh well? Can’t win them all, I guess.” Mugman shrugged.
“Thanks, Cuphead, Mugman.” Arnold smiled. “You guys were good competitors as well.”
The two anthro cups smiled before getting up. “Well, you four, good luck with the rest of the competition. We’ve got a lot to do…”
“Bye, you guys! You were all wonderful!” Spongebob smiled.
“Yeah… well, you all did good too.” Squidward said, giving a small smile as he gave a sigh, watching the two cups following Inuyasha and Ayame.
“And we’ll probably see you at the Krusty Krab.” Cuphead smiled as the two headed out.
With that, the four teams gave a nod as they looked at each other as Dot gave a grin. “How do you like this, guys? Final four teams!”
“Like, this is totally amazing! I honestly didn’t think we were going to get this far!” Rhonda smiled.
“Yeah! I feel proud of what we managed to accomplish!” Bubbles said with a small giggle.
“I say we go back to the locker room and take this time to celebrate a little! Whatever the next challenge is going to be, I’m eager to play it out!” Spongebob said.
“Considering how many teams are left, there can’t be too many challenges left to go…” Squidward said as the four teams got up and started to head out for the locker room, all of them chatting excitedly as they were heading over. Not too far away, Mr. Krabs was sitting in the booth, watching as he gave a smile, watching from afar.
“The boys are doing good, but they really need to step it up if we’re going to win this for Team Krusty Krab…” Mr. Krabs said as he gave a nod.
With that, the red, greedy crab decided to get up and walk down, little realizing that a few faces were keeping a sharp eye on the crab, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Come on, we better follow that crab.” Dipper whispered towards the group of eliminated teams. (Doug and Beebe were staying behind near the loser’s exit to inform Inuyasha and Ayame and Cuphead and Mugman what was going on.)
“Don’t worry, we’re right behind you!” Hong Kong Phooey nodded as everyone else departed to follow the crab.
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“Well, that does it for this episode. We are now down to our final four teams. The Krusty Krab employees, Spongebob and Squidward. The dog couple, Snoopy and Dot Warner. The married couple, Mac and Bubbles. And finally, the dating couple, Arnold and Rhonda.” Wifi announced.
“With that, one more challenge left to go, and one more team to eliminate before we go to our final challenge.” Orange nodded. “Which three teams will make the finale, and which team will be going out?”
“We’ll find all that out next time!” Wifi smirked. “Until then, stay sharp, everyone!”
With that, the camera faded to black.
Chapter 10: Challenge Eight: Hole in the Wall
Chapter Text
REALITY GAUNTLET: CHALLENGE EIGHT
The camera opens up once more in the main studio area as Orange and Wifishark were busy talking…
But that’s not who the story is focusing on as the camera to the side was turning around as the two hosts kept talking, seemingly unaware of the camera wandering away as it was now turning to Plankton and Karen, who were busy behind the scenes as they activated the robots.
“Okay, okay, we got everything in place, then?” Plankton asked.
“Indeed. The trap is set in motion… although if you ask me, this is going through a lot of trouble just to get the key to the Krusty Krab.” Karen rolled her digitized eyes.
“Oh, Karen, my simple computer wife. With a lot of players eliminated and the fact I sprinkled a lot of trouble for them, and with all the fake evidence I planted to sus out Krabs, mainly because he’s the only character outside the area aside from some guest stars, it’s natural that while everyone is distracted, it’ll give me the motivation I need to sneak back into my home dimension in Bikini Bottom, sneak into the Krusty Krab, and get me that secret formula once and for all!” Plankton laughed evilly.
The small green planktonic copepod then paused as he nodded, “I’ll admit, it’s a bit more convoluted than my original plan, but no matter! We’re in the penultimate episode of the show, and getting that sponge and that lazy worker of Krabs’s into the finals is going to be quite the easy showing!”
“So, how do you plan on getting them to the final episode?” Karen asked, rolling her eyes.
Plankton gave a chuckle. “Oh, don’t worry. With the game shows I looked over, I think I found the perfect penultimate challenge that even Spongebob can’t possibly fail at!”
The small green creature rubbed his hands eagerly as he gave a laugh. “Just sit back and enjoy the show, Karen, because we’re moments away from our Final Three!”
Karen gave a small sigh. “I would say that I can’t believe this is worth the trouble, but considering your past schemes, I’ll wisely withhold my judgement.”
“Don’t judge just yet, Karen, because right now…” Plankton grinned as he leapt over and turned to the television screens as the final four teams… Snoopy and Dot… Spongebob and Squidward… Mac and Bubbles… and Arnold and Rhonda had stepped into the main arena. “...the show is about to start!”
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”Welcome challengers, to your penultimate challenge!” Orange’s voice called out as everyone looked over to see a large treadmill that seemed to lead to a pool.
“What do you suppose this challenge is about?” Rhonda asked, tilting her head.
“If I had to make a guess…” Mac scratched his head. “Maybe it involves staying on that treadmill and trying NOT to get into the pool.”
Spongebob, hearing this, shuddered. “I hope that pool is ankle deep…”
“Okay, what game show reference are we pulling off today?” Dot Warner crossed her arms.
“What makes you so sure this is another game show reference?” Snoopy asked, turning his head towards his girlfriend.
“Well, because so far, with the exception of that Squid Game challenge, all the rest of them were from game or reality shows.” Dot said as she looked at the treadmills.
All of a sudden, the treadmills activated… from the sides as the floors on them weren’t moving… but now the other teams were starting to see something emerge from the walls… walls with assorted shaped holes in them coming through as they went by.
“I wonder what those holes in the wall indicate?” Squidward asked, scratching his head in curiosity.
“I hope we don’t have to go through those…” Arnold said in worry as he was shaping his own head in concern. “I don’t think my head is going to work with some of these…”
“I think we might be overthinking this…” Rhonda said. “We won’t know for sure until we learn what the challenge is…”
”For our second to last challenge of the season, we will be playing a game of Hole in the Wall, based on a famous Japanese game show that was a monster hit in the day.” Wifishark’s voice started as the screens turned on. ”Direct your attention to the screens and you’ll see why that’s so.”
The four teams did so as Bubbles let out a small ‘ooo’ sound as they noticed some computer generated figures standing on the starting line, their backs to the pool as the walls started to come, each shape that looks impossible than the last.
”The goal of this is simple. Make the shape, get through the hole, and you guys get points. If you get dunked in the pool or break the wall in any way, shape or form, your game is over. The team that has the least amount of points by the time four rounds end gets eliminated from the game.” Orange explained.
”We’ll be doing four rounds of Double Wall, which means two players have to try to imitate the shapes to get through the wall to clear them. If you clear your wall, you’ll get points. If all four of you manage to clear your walls, we’ll keep rotating and so on and so forth, until one team doesn’t clear a wall.” Wifishark explained.
Everyone blinked twice as Arnold groaned. “Oh no…”
“Hey, don’t worry, buddy.” Rhonda smiled as she put a hand on Arnold’s shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll get some easy walls…”
”First team to come up… Spongebob and Squidward, since you were the bottom last time, you get to start our round off.”
Spongebob gulped a bit as he looked over towards Squidward. “Well, looks like it’s us, then.”
“Yeah…” Squidward said as he and the yellow sponge travelled to the starting line and took their positions behind the pool. “Let’s just hope we get an easy wall to pass through…”
Spongebob nodded as he shook nervously. The other three teams could only watch as they sat down, looking eager for the game to start.
“Well, at least we can get a demonstration on what we have to do…” Bubbles smiled a bit.
“That’s a bright side, I suppose…” Mac said as a countdown appeared on the screen.
”3… 2… 1… GO!”
Spongebob and Squidward’s wall appeared… showing off a star shape AND a human shaped hole that looked like it was posing for a dance off. Spongebob yelped as he noticed he was in front of the star.
“Just focus, Spongebob!” Squidward said as he got into position. “And try to imitate or leap through it…”
“Leap through it, leap through it… AH!” Spongebob smiled as he snapped his fingers as he found himself locked and loaded, looking ready to jump.
The wall came closer to them, closer and closer as just when it came close to the sponge and the squid, Spongebob managed to leap through the star, twirling in fashion as Squidward locked himself in position to phase through the hole in the wall made for him (albeit his nose scraping through the wood barely).
“Ow…” Squidward winced as he rubbed his nose.
”WALL-CLEAR! SPONGEBOB AND SQUIDWARD MOVE FORWARD!”
“Whoo-hoo!” Spongebob cheered as he turned to his best friend. “Oh, Squidward, did you see that? We did great out there, didn’t we?”
“Heh, it wasn’t too bad.” Squidward said as he and Spongebob stepped off the platform. The other three teams gave a respectful nod as Snoopy gave a smile.
“Wow, if the walls are this easy, I’m sure we can clear them out in no time!” The beagle grinned.
“Try not to get overconfident, Snoopy.” Bubbles pointed out. “After all, this is just ONE of the walls. We could very well have different shapes.”
“Considering this game, we most likely have.” Dot pointed out.
”Mac and Bubbles, you are the next team up. Take your place in the starting line.”
Mac gave a nod as he held his wife’s hand. “Well, that’s us, sweetheart. Are you up for this?”
“As up as I can be, Mac.” Bubbles smiled towards her husband.
The young man smiled as the married couple went up to the treadmill to get themselves in position.
As they were doing so, Arnold started to worry a bit as he was sizing his head up. Rhonda looked over in concern as she squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry, doll. You’ll find a way around those holes. I know we will.”
“Thanks, Rhonda, but I doubt this is going to be as easy as it looks.” Arnold sighed.
Soon enough, Mac and Bubbles got themselves in position as the Powerpuff Girl turned to her boyfriend. “Ready for this?”
Mac took a deep breath and sighed. “As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess…”
”3… 2… 1… GO!”
A new wall appeared in front of Mac and Bubbles as the two examined it. This time, the shapes in the holes appeared to be in the form of someone standing up with their hand in the air, and someone on their back while holding up their legs.
Mac and Bubbles looked over and nodded as they got themselves into said respective positions as the wall came closer. Just as Bubbles put her legs up, the wall passed by them with flying colors.
”WALL-CLEAR! MAC AND BUBBLES MOVE FORWARD!”
“Oh, thank goodness…” Mac sighed in relief as Bubbles got up, giving a slight giggle.
“That was pretty fun.” Bubbles said as she and Mac got off the steps.
”Snoopy and Dot, you’re up next.”
Pretty soon, the beagle and the black furred dog-like creature stood on the starting line as Snoopy was exercising his legs a bit, with Dot taking a deep breath. “Remember, Snoopy, we’re letting out our inner toon physics.”
“Trust me, Dot, I’m more than prepared.” Snoopy grinned before lifting his ear to listen.
”3… 2… 1… GO!”
Snoopy and Dot looked at the wall that was in front of them, this time with hollowed silhouettes of the someone leaping in the air AND doing one of those Egyptian moon walks in the air respectively.
Dot and Snoopy looked at each other as they gave a nod. As the wall came closer, Snoopy leapt through and passed through as Dot leapt and did the Egyptian pose, squeezing past the wall before landing on her feet. “Ta-dah!”
”WALL-CLEAR! SNOOPY AND DOT MOVE FORWARD!”
Dot and Snoopy high-fived each other as the former gave a smirk. “Heh, nothing to it!”
As the dogs went back to join the others, Arnold gulped as he turned to Rhonda. “I guess we’re next…”
“Just relax…” Rhonda soothed him as the two went up the steps as soon as the announcement to get them to the line came up.
”3… 2… 1… GO!”
This time, the wall showed two hollowed stick figures holding hands together.
Rhonda smiled as she grabbed Arnold’s hand, but the boy looked nervous. “That doesn’t look like my head will fit through…”
“For goodness sakes, Arnold, just turn to me!” Rhonda hastily whispered.
Arnold’s eyes lit up as he turned to his girlfriend, just as the wall went past them, clearing them.
”WALL-CLEAR! ARNOLD AND RHONDA MOVE FORWARD!”
Arnold gave a small sigh of relief as he and Rhonda got off, with Spongebob raising an eyebrow in concern.
“Oh boy… looks like we’re going to be in it for the long haul…” Spongebob said in concern.
“Let’s just do this for the Krusty Krab… and for me to get home as soon as possible…” Squidward sighed as he held his head. “We already made it THIS far, after all.”
Spongebob paused, before nodding as they heard the calls for them.
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And so, on and on the teams went, and on and on, they leapt through the shapes of the respective walls. There were some close calls here and there, but ultimately, all four teams seemed to be holding themselves relatively well.
Spongebob did a ballerina twirl in the air as he passed through his wall. Squidward laid on his back with his tentacles straight up like a dead animal to get past his silhouette.
Mac went into a fighting position as did Bubbles as they turned to the side as they passed through their silhouettes.
Snoopy and Dot flew up and held each other’s hands as they went through their walls.
Arnold turned his head slightly as he ducked down to get past his wall, with Rhonda doing a disco pose to get past hers.
Spongebob leapt through a circle.
Bubbles blew past a bowling position.
Snoopy did his trademark dance barely passing the wall.
Arnold looked around, before grinning as he held his position, letting the football shaped head silhouette pass him through.
Each team went through their walls faster as they seemed to be going faster, so fast in light that the TV could barely register them… before eventually breaking down…
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Mr. Krabs frowned as he noticed the TV on the fritz as he banged on it. “Come on, come on! I want to see me boyos get through…”
As the annoyed greedy crab kept banging on the TV, little did he realize that the door peeked open as Phooey, Cuphead, Inuyasha, and Kailey peeked inside.
“There he is…” Kailey whispered as the squirrel narrowed her eyes towards the crab. “Our main suspect behind this whole hullabaloo.”
“I don’t know… don’t you think it’s a little too obvious it’s the crab guy?” Cuphead asked.
“I’m not sure either, but what other reason is there? The crab has a team stationed in this strange world, competing, one by one, all of the teams but his are getting off, and I’m pretty sure he was planning on trapping all of us. It’s him, one hundred percent.” Inuyasha whispered.
“Well, either way, he doesn’t seem to notice us… I think it’s best we get it all done and out of the way!” Hong Kong Phooey said as he looked over to the two. “You all ready to leap into action?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be…” Kailey took a deep breath before opening the door.
This action caught the attention of Mr. Krabs as he turned his attention towards the door as he noted the four characters.
“Oh, uh, yes? Can I help you with anything?” Mr. Krabs asked in curiosity as the four came in and shut the door, before locking it. “Hey, heh heh, why did you lock the door?” Mr. Krabs yelped as Cuphead pulled out a rope, with Inuyasha pulling out his Tessaiga, with Kailey and Hong Kong Phooey going into karate poses. “Wh-why are you looking like you’re ready for a scrap?”
The four narrowed their eyes towards Mr. Krabs as he started to sweat, before shouting out, “WHO’S WATCHING THE MONEY?!!!”
Outside Mr. Krabs’s room, the rest of the teams overheard the sound of beatings and shouting as Beebe winced a bit. “Wow, in a way, I almost feel bad for doing this.”
“The keyword here is ‘almost’.” Emira scoffed a bit as she rolled her eyes. “But I think we got him where he’s standing… so let’s get ready to interrogate him so we can get home!”
“Are-are we sure he even KNOWS the way home?” Edd asked as he shook nervously. “For all we know, this could be a false lead!”
“Whatever the case is, we’re being played for fools, and we can’t be having that.” Ayame growled angrily. “And I don’t know about the rest of you, but I prefer to go home as soon as possible.”
“Y-yeah, I’ve had enough of this place as it is.” Doug sighed.
Everyone gave an utterance of agreement… that is, except for Edd, Spot and Mugman, who could feel something off in the air, but they just didn’t know what…
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”3… 2… 1… GO!”
The wall this time that appeared in front of Snoopy and Dot had hallowed out stick figures of someone holding a person bridal style. Dot grinned as she immediately scooped Snoopy up and held him close to her chest.
“D-Dot!” Snoopy yelped as he started to blush a bit.
“Just hold it still…” Dot whispered as Snoopy obeyed, as the wall went through them.
”WALL-CLEAR! SNOOPY AND DOT MOVE FORWARD!”
Both of them gave a sigh of relief as the other teams could only watch in anticipation as Spongebob was showing off many fingers on his one hand to count the number of rounds they went through.
“I can’t believe we made it at least fourteen rounds.” Spongebob noted. “It feels like we went a lot more.”
“Well, I don’t know how much longer I can get away with just turning my head to the side.” Arnold frowned as he rubbed his neck. “I don’t know about you, but it’s been a bit of a pain in the neck.”
“Sorry about that, Arnold, but we do need to try to win.” Rhonda pointed out.
“Yeah, I know…” Arnold sighed.
“Don’t give up yet, Arnold.” Mac smiled as he patted the boy on the back. “I just know you got a lot more in you.”
“And besides, you’re up next.” Bubbles giggled.
“Good luck, as if you need it.” Squidward rolled his eyes.
Arnold chuckled nervously as Snoopy and Dot rejoined them and Arnold and Rhonda went over to the podium, in front of the line, as they positioned themselves.
“Let’s do this, Arnold, doll. For the team.” Rhonda whispered.
“Y-yeah…” Arnold nodded.
”3… 2… 1… GO!”
Both kids noticed the wall coming in as Arnold paled. This time, the hole that was shown was of a small hole that didn’t look like it could fit Arnold’s head, and the other hole in front of Rhonda was a dog-like silhouette, as if sitting.
Rhonda tried to get into position as best as she could as Arnold was trying to find a good angle on how to approach the hole. Rhonda looked over towards her boyfriend in concern. “A-Arnold, Arnold, hurry!”
“I’m-I’m trying, I can’t find a good-” Arnold started to say, but the wall came in fast as it ran right into Arnold, causing the football headed boy to go right into the pool behind him.
”WALL-FAIL! ARNOLD AND RHONDA, YOU ARE THE FINAL TEAM ELIMINATED FROM THE CONTEST!”
Rhonda gasped as she bent over and pulled Arnold out of the pool, the boy all soaked. “Oh, Arnold! Are you okay?”
“Y-yeah… sorry I got us eliminated…” Arnold sighed.
“...it’s okay, buddy.” Rhonda sighed in relief, before giving her boyfriend a hug. “At least we managed to get this far…”
As for the other three teams watching their gameplay, the three teams looked shocked.
“Wow, I’m surprised they went out like that…” Squidward said as he rubbed his head.
“Huh. And here I thought they were the frontrunners to win the whole thing… guess Orange-Ratchet didn’t want to show his bias for his favorite pairing here…” Dot said in curiosity.
As Arnold and Rhonda went off the podium, Spongebob and the others ran over as the sponge said, “You all all right? Oh, I’m sorry you both got eliminated…”
“It’s okay, Spongebob. I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.” Arnold said as he shook himself off.
“Still, part of me was rooting for you to actually make it to the Final Three.” Mac said as he held Bubbles’s hand.
“All of us were, so I guess it comes as a complete shock.” Bubbles said.
“Thanks… but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” Rhonda sighed as she looked down. “And to think, we came so close to the end too!”
“Awww, don’t you worry!” Spongebob smiled as he patted the kids on the back. “The fact you kids got this far is a feat in and of itself, so you should be rather proud of that!”
Both football headed boy and the rich girl turned to each other before turning to the other teams as they smiled, with Arnold saying, “I suppose we did, in a way!”
“We really SHOWED everyone else and got so far! I’m glad we participated in this game, in a big way!” Rhonda smiled.
“Yeah… yeah, you two really did good.” Squidward said with a small, respectful nod.
Arnold and Rhonda looked around at the other three teams as they gave the two kids their respectful nods. They returned the nods back with their own as Rhonda said, “Well, I guess we’re departing from here, but you three teams… you guys are certainly going to have a great final battle ahead of you!”
Snoopy gasped. “She has a point! We do still have one more round to go!”
“Right!” Bubbles said as she put her arm around Mac. “And Mac and I are going to win this for the family!”
Mac laughed a bit with a smile.
“Squidward and I are going to win this for Team Krusty Krab!” Spongebob cheered happily as Squidward gave a scoff.
“I mean, we got this far, might as well.” Squidward rolled his eyes, though he was cheering on the inside.
“And I don’t know who Dot and I are doing this for, but I DO know that we’re going to be the top!” Snoopy grinned.
“And then some!” Dot smirked.
As the three teams talked excitedly, Arnold and Rhonda gave chuckles as they decided to go off towards the offstage as Arnold turned to his girlfriend. “I think they’re going to have quite the final round.”
“I’ll say…” Rhonda giggled, before the two stopped short as they noticed the other teams passing by them, dragging a tied and gagged Mr. Krabs as he was seen struggling. “Wait… was that the other teams… dragging a crab?”
Arnold frowned in suspicion. “Something’s up… we need to investigate this…”
Rhonda paused, before giving a nod as the football headed boy and the rich girl followed suit.
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“And that is that! It was a close battle, but Arnold could not beat the wall, leaving Arnold and Rhonda as the final eliminated team!” Orange called out. “Shame, I was really rooting for those two.”
“Careful, Orange, your Arnda bias is showing.” Wifi rolled his eyes, before giving a laugh. “But yes, now we’re down to our final three teams! Who will win?”
“Spongebob and Squidward, the employees of the Krusty Krab?” Orange announced.
“Snoopy and Dot Warner, the dog couple of Peanuts and Animaniacs respectively?” Wifi asked.
“Or will it be Mac and Bubbles Utonium, the married couple of a future combining Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and the Powerpuff Girls?” Orange asked.
“All of this will be awaiting you in the final episode, so tu-tu-tu-tu-” Wifi malfunctioned before both robots shut down… seemingly for good.
Karen and Plankton peeked out as the computer wife turned to her microscopic husband. “I think your robot hosts got destroyed…”
“Peh, who needs them, anyway. Everyone has Krabs, and they’re all distracted!” Plankton grinned as he pulled out a remote. “Time for me to nab that formula, baby! WOO!”
With that, Plankton pushed the button on the remote, before tossing it out the window of the booth before running in. Karen could only roll her eyes before wheeling herself in.
Little did Plankton realize was that throwing the remote out the window would hit the head of some other person from in the arena as they noted the remote in curiosity…
Kaelis (Guest) on Chapter 1 Fri 14 Nov 2025 07:42PM UTC
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