Chapter Text
“Previously on Disventure Camp!” Trevor begins. “Ted and Anastasia immediately start arguing despite the very obvious alliance of three that was against them. Talk about rivalry of the season!”
“Really? I prefer whatever Marissa and Spencer have going on.” Emily suddenly chimes in, grinning to herself.
“Marissa quickly bonds with her new team and establishes herself as a semi-leader, integrating well and managing to place herself nicely in the middle of two opposing alliances. Lynda, well... not so much. She bonded with Ted over being old, though.” Trevor exclaims in excitement.
“Jade continues to flop after she eliminated Benji for some reason, being cold to both Isabel and Tristan who are currently her only remaining connections on this team. Sheesh, girl is not doing great.” Emily fans herself.
“It’s challenge time! And this one is a personal favourite of mine. Or, would have been, if not for the lack of sabotages the whole time.” Trevor rolled his eyes, crossing his arms and looking down sadly.
“Nevertheless, Lynda’s pie would’ve won had it not been for those sabotages, crowning the red team as the winners. No surprises there, really.” Emily smiles innocently.
“In the end, the blue team were sent spiralling into the most chaotic vote discussion yet, with the target shifting multiple times.” He adds on, giggling a little. “See what I did there? Chaotic?” Trevor snickers. Emily ignores him entirely.
“...Eventually, Alessio’s lies he’s been spreading throughout the whole season caught up to him, and he was eliminated before he could avenge his, ugh, ‘starlight’. Do I really have to read from this script?” Emily scoffs.
“Eleven are left. Who will be voted out tonight?” Trevor says.
After the elimination, the only remaining players from the team were antsy.
It was pretty intense for some. They weren’t exactly thrilled about what had happened last night, especially with the loud confrontations.
Anastasia was very pleased with herself. She doesn’t bother talking with anyone and happily skips off to their shelter.
Ted and Lynda looked at each other quietly and gave a subtle nod. Both smiling timidly.
Hannah and Spencer? They were walking alongside one another, but neither were giving the other a second glance.
“Hannah.” Spencer finally cuts the tension as the others walked away.
“Spencer.” She replies back quietly. She didn’t really want to give him a lot of attention.
“You flipped on our alliance.” Spencer states. He didn’t want to faff on about any unnecessary details.
“Yeah, I know.” Hannah scoffs. “Not like you helped with that.” Hannah crosses her arms and looks away from the man.
“Hannah, look-” Spencer pauses, quickly losing his words. He clears his throat. “I’m sorry that I was so harsh yesterday. I understand you aren’t quite as competent as I am, so you needed the extra footing to understand. I’ll be sure to help more in the future.” Spencer offers awkwardly.
“Do you mean that?” Hannah looks up, frowning.
“Of course. We can talk in the morning too about your possible strategies and-”
“That you’re sorry, I mean.” Hannah corrects, tilting her head and giving Spencer space to change his answer if he pleased.
“I...” Spencer looks back. “I shouldn’t have to be sorry.” Spencer groans.
“Why not? Because it’s a game?” Hannah scoffs. “Yeah, that’s getting really old. Just because it’s a game, doesn’t mean it won’t hurt people’s feelings.” Hannah explains.
“Well, it shouldn’t.” Spencer scowls.
“And why not?” Hannah crosses her arms and gives him sass.
“Because-” Spencer stops. He looks down at the floor, waiting for a long while. Finally, he sighs. “I don’t know.”
“See?” Hannah walks over and pats him on the shoulder. “I get you’re just playing. But, like... be self aware sometimes, dude.” Hannah grins.
“Right. Of course.” Spencer nods. He doesn’t give her a smile, but he at least appears as though he’s being honest for once.
“Come on.” Hannah stretches. “That vote seriously took it out of me.” Hannah begins to walk away.
She is suddenly stopped by Spencer as he grabs her shoulder in return.
“Hannah...” Spencer’s voice trails off.
“Yeah?” Hannah gives him a warm smile, wanting him to feel welcome.
“I did mean it.” He explains. “That I was sorry for how I spoke to you.” He adds.
Hannah gives him another nod, and they exit.
-----
Confessional: Spencer
“I, umm...” Spencer sits up straight. “Those were all lies, of course. I-I was, uh...” Spencer coughs. “Manipulating her, of course! That’s all part of my strategy.” Spencer tries to say, although isn’t at all convincing. He may as well be throwing rocks at you.
-----
Morning came around rather quickly. Nobody wanted to stay up and chat, particularly.
It was a gruesome night. The rain was falling heavily, and there wasn’t much positivity to go around the contestants.
Luckily, the shelter for blue team was protected.
After many of them arose, the sun came back out once again to boil them alive in the rainwater. How kind.
Anastasia awoke from her slumber with a grunt. She was not amused about the previous night’s weather.
Stretching, she exited the shelter with a grunt and looked outside. Ted and Lynda sat at the campfire, chatting away happily.
“And then Randy thought it would be hilarious to spill his milk all over the pram. Oh, he was only a small boy back then.” Lynda reminisced quietly.
“For real, you never get a break with kids. As babies, they spend their life shitting, crying, and eating. When they grow into kids, they become full of themselves.” Ted rolls his eyes.
“Am I interrupting something?” Anastasia butts in, eyes narrowed.
Lynda gives her a short scowl for a moment before settling back and allowing herself to calm down.
“No, we were just chit-chatting.” Lynda smiles.
“Why? Did you want to talk about something?” Ted sits back also, imitating Lynda’s sitting position.
“The vote yesterday.” Anastasia grins. “The three of us are allied, correct?” Anastasia gives the other two a grin.
“Well, I figured. We all voted together.” Ted mumbles.
“What about that Hannah girl?” Lynda suggests. “She was votin’ with us too.” Lynda glances around.
“No, no. She’s volatile. In the sense that we can’t trust where her vote lies.” Anastasia crosses her arms.
-----
Confessional: Anastasia
“I only really require two people out of this game; Lynda, for obvious reasons. She is Lynda.” Anastasia scoffs. “And Spencer, for thinking he can get away with blindsiding Marissa like that. I don’t care if it was Alessio’s move; Spencer voted for her! That’s not even to mention the shared elimination where Natalia got out.” Anastasia yells.
-----
“Right, right. Just us three.” Ted frowns.
“I’m sure we can trust lil’ ol lesbian over here to not flip on us after what she’s done during the pre-swap.” Lynda scoffs.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure the Wicked Witch of the West would be willing to work with us.” Anastasia then feigns a surprised gasp. “Oh, wait! That’s you.” Anastasia growls.
“Well, why don’t we leave it up to chance, then? Just blindly guess whether Goldilocks is willing to vote with us, eh?” Lynda points a finger to Anastasia.
“Ah, right, because Ursula over here is clearly competently trustworthy with her vote.” Anastasia fights back with her words, biting aggressively.
“Girls, please...” Ted yells, placing his face in his hands. “I get enough of this fighting shit at home. You both can cram it.” Ted scowls.
The two girls look at him in shock, glancing at each other for a second.
“If we want to ally with each other, we need to not fight. That’s how Spencer gets to you. He gets under your skin.” Ted places a finger to his head.
“Well tell her that.” Lynda scowls. Anastasia doesn’t reply but glares back.
“Ugh, whatever. Both of you, just... shut up.” Ted blows them off, walking away from them and wandering somewhere towards the forest.
-----
Confessional: Ted
“These girls are impossible. What the hell even happened for them to hate each other this much? At least I find Lynda more tolerable, I guess. She’s surprisingly welcoming for someone who can be nasty like that.” Ted shudders ever so slightly.
-----
Ted had wandered off solemnly, not speaking a word.
Lynda had quickly followed in pursuit of him after he’d run away as their conversation was cut short.
“Uh, - Ted!” Lynda calls out. The Ted in question turns to face her.
“Oh. Hey, Lynda.” Ted waves. “Were things like that between you two the whole time, or...?” Ted scratches the back of his head, trying to brush off the awkwardness.
“Well... yeah, mostly.” Lynda sighs. “We used to have Logan to break us up, but... he’s stuck on the other team. I was taken from him during the swap.” Lynda stands next to him, laughing shyly.
“I feel you. Losing Marissa was kind of a blow.” Ted looks down at the ground solemnly.
“All I can say is, thank God it wasn’t an elimination.” Lynda laughs, punching Ted on the shoulder. He was surprised by the physical teasing.
“Heh, yeah.” Ted grins. “I did meet Logan once. He was having a crisis over the hot spanish guy, or something.” He shrugs, not too interested.
“Hot, you say?” Lynda says with a teasing tone.
“No! Not like that. He’s just, like... conventionally attractive, y’know? He’s got the package deal! Did you see him without the hat on? Like-” Ted clears his throat to stop himself from talking.
“God, Logan talks exactly like that.” Lynda sighs. “Him and Diego, they... remind me of my boys back home.” Lynda smiles.
“What? Do you have sporty boys with half a brain to spare?” Ted teases.
“No. Well...” Lynda doesn’t continue that sentence as it was likely her family was watching this programme. “I just... I feel quite lonely.”
“Oh.” Ted hums. “I’m sure your boys are rooting for you.” He reassures her, patting her on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure they are.” Lynda mumbles. “I hope.” She sighs.
-----
Confessional: Lynda
“They never really cared for my shows. Always thinking I was wasting my time watching them while I was doing all their dishes for them.” Lynda growls. “Lazy bunch. I love ‘em, but I sure do wish they’d help out once in a while.” She rolls her eyes.
-----
“They just think I’m a bit silly sometimes.” Lynda says to Ted.
“I see.” He replies quietly. “Don’t worry. They’ll be extra proud once you come home with a million.” Ted grins. “You just have to go through me first.”
“Oh, you’re on, buster.” Lynda says accusatorily. “I watch these shows religiously.” Lynda brags. Isabel can be heard cheering in the distance.
“I won’t be backing down, trust me there, at least.” Ted grins. He rubs his hands together like a supervillain.
-----
Confessional: Ted
“Sure, why not? I’d love to have started on a team with Lynda. She’s so fun. She sounds super harsh when she’s arguing with Anastasia, but... I’d never have these kinds of conversations with my wife. She’s a little boring.” Ted exclaims joyfully. He then looks suddenly horrified.
“Joking, of course! Promise.” Ted makes a heart out of his fingers at the camera.
-----
Confessional: Lynda
“I originally thought I’d just manipulate my way onto this team, but... this is much easier. Ted’s honestly someone I didn’t think I’d get along with. He seems more the type to rip his shirt off and flex his muscles he doesn’t have.” Lynda laughs.
-----
The red team appeared a lot happier than the blue team. With one more member to spare, that was sure to engage them kindly.
We can very easily see Isabel standing outside with her new signature square rock that she held as a phone.
Standing before her was the tall Colombian tour guide, with Jade and Tristan sitting quietly in the background.
“Hola mis bible besties!” Isabel, Tristan, and Jade yell at the camera.
“I’m standing here today with a very special guest. Introduce yourself, sir!” Isabel holds her hand out to Diego as if she were holding a microphone.
“My name is Diego Olivo.” Diego introduces, waving smugly.
“And...?” Isabel prompts him.
“Oh! A-And I'm a tour guide. In Colombia.” Diego smiles. Jade is visibly distraught at the stupidity of this in the background.
“So, how are things going at camp for you? It seems you focus a lot more on certain boys than the actual game.” Isabel waggles her eyebrows at Diego.
“Well, I...” Diego laughs shyly, face turning red ever so slightly. “I’d like to refute, but I admittedly get distracted by some.” He admits.
“Anyone in particular? Maybe some like Loooogan?” Isabel teases, getting in Diego’s face with the rock phone.
“Stop!” Diego pushes her away gently, laughing to himself. “He’s just cute, you know? Can’t help but love how bubbly he is.” Diego describes, in awe.
“So, are you saying you’d never vote him off?” Isabel asks, still smiling innocently.
“Nope. I could never vote for him.” Diego sighs dreamily.
“Well, that’s certainly interesting.” Jade mumbles from the background. Tristan looks at her in confusion.
“Indeed, Jade. And what would you say your biggest fear is? I’m sure the audience will love this one.” Isabel stands up slyly, standing very close to Diego.
“Erm... I guess I’d say waterfalls.” Diego murmurs. “They’re beautiful to look at, yes. However, they... make me uneasy, sometimes.”
“Well, that’s boringly unexploitable.” Isabel grunts to herself. “I-I mean, uh... that’s all we have time for today, folks. Until next time, -” Isabel pauses and looks back at everyone.
“Hasta luego!” The four shout, waving goodbye at the rock phone.
“This is certainly a fun reoccurrence.” Tristan laughs at the bit.
“I think it’s highly informative.” Jade grins.
-----
Confessional: Isabel
“Originally, that little joke started to make Tristan laugh since he knew about my internet fame. But Jade’s comment on it gave me a little idea.” Isabel grins. “Why don’t I use it to get info out of people?” Isabel smiles to herself maniacal.
“Hmm... I sounded a little evil when I said that. Can we do a retake?” Isabel requests, her grin becoming shy.
-----
“See, Jade? Fun!” Diego exclaimed joyfully. Jade seemed reluctant.
“I’ve already done my interview.” Jade noted, not keen on repeating the process.
“Yes, but... you can’t dwell on the downsides of life constantly. Be a positive girl.” Diego informs her, smiling.
“I...” Jade takes a deep breath. “Thank you. I should get going.”
Before Diego can protest, Jade has stood up and walked away. Like she had done many a time before that.
“Jade! No, I...” Diego’s eyes widen and he looks over in solace.
“I’m sure she’s okay. Maybe she’s not used to everyone bombarding her with good vibes like this.” Tristan suggests.
“I hope not.” Diego murmurs. “I’m going to go and see if I can find Logan. He wasn’t around when I woke up. Usually he’s next to me.” Diego frowns.
He then gets up and walks away himself.
-----
Confessional: Diego
“I do wish Jade would open up more. She only seemed to be doing so with Benji. Now that he is gone, I am not entirely sure that Jade will do the same with others. One can only hope.” Diego frowns, leaning down with his chin in his palms.
-----
Isabel and Tristan were left by themselves.
“You wanted to know his worst fear?” Tristan asked, half perplexed and half curious of Isabel’s intentions.
“Wouldn’t hurt. I thought the waterfall thing was a bit random. He seems as though he’d fear, like, rejection, or something.” Isabel shrugs.
“Is that what you usually post online?” Tristan asks.
“No, mostly Jesus support. Doesn’t hurt to spread a good message.” Isabel smiles. “I know that no matter what happens, the road I take is the one that was meant to be.” Isabel places her hands together.
Tristan stops speaking for a moment.
“God, my buddies are gonna be stoked when they watch us talking on TV.” Tristan grins.
-----
Confessional: Tristan
“You don’t really get the vibe from Isabel that she’s all that chill on camera when she’s talking loudly and making friends. But looks can be deceiving. Like how people think I’m some psycho murderer because I have eyeshadow.” They laugh. “I still don’t completely trust her after Benji’s vote. Would I vote her out too?” Tristan pauses.
They then shrug indignantly.
-----
Diego had run off on his lonesome, jumped away to attempt hanging out with some other people.
He approached the beach and expectedly found Logan sitting there. He was dripping wet, probably just from getting out of the water.
“Hey.” Diego greets Logan. He walks forward and stands behind him. Logan turns his head and smiles.
“Hi, Diego.” Logan says back graciously. He then faces back towards the see, taking a deep breath.
“What are you up to? Just some seagazing?” Diego asks.
“Seagazing? Is that a real word?” Logan asks, shocked there was something about water he didn’t know. Which was a lot, honestly.
“No, I made it up. Just thought it was fitting.” Diego explains, placing his hands in his pockets and look down.
“Yeah, doing some seagazing. It makes me feel more confident, somehow.” Logan says, eyes shrunken as he looks out. “Like Jade does. She thinks she’s being secretive but I’m pretty sure we all know.”
Diego hums and nods.
“You look good in your swimsuit, you know.” Diego compliments out of the blue. “Especially from this angle.”
“H-Huh?” Logan turns around again, this time more frazzled.
“Was that too forward?” Diego grins. He finally walks forward and sits down next to Logan. Logan was flustered.
“Just a... weird thing to say to a dude.” Logan shrugs, wanting to brush it off and move onto something else. “I have more things to talk about. Like my hair, or...”
“Your eyes?” Diego points out,
-----
Confessional: Diego
“The mistake I made with Spencer was... not being forward enough. If I want to communicate how I feel... I need to say it out loud.” Diego punches his fist against his chest firmly.
-----
“Logan, I...” Diego smiles. “I think you’re sweet, you know?” Diego says. “A little adorable sometimes. Especially when you get shy like that.” Diego tilts his head as he notes Logan shying away from the kind words.
“Stooop.” Logan whines. “Don’t joke around like that, bro.” Logan laughs.
“I’m not joking.” Diego states.
An awkward silence ensues, where Logan attempts to come up with a feasible solution to what he just heard.
“Umm...” Logan’s voice falters.
“Logan, I...” Diego sighs. “I don’t understand what I did. You seem so unsure around me sometimes. Is it something I said?” Diego asks.
“No! No, of course not. You did nothing.” Logan murmurs. “I’m just dumb.”
“You’re not dumb. Well-” Diego clears his throat. “Albeit you are a little naive sometimes.” Diego shrugs. “I’m the same.”
“No, not about that. About... my feelings.” Logan shudders at the word. “I’ve been getting these... I dunno, emotions, n’ stuff. They’re... they’re weird.” Logan sighs.
“About anyone in particular?” Diego asks suggestively, smile turning up a little bit in cheek.
“I...” Logan’s voice breaks a little. “I really shouldn’t be talking about this. Not with...” Logan looks behind him at the camera. “Not with people watching.” His breath shakes.
“Woah, Logan. You’re getting upset. What’s wrong?” Diego asks, not knowing what to do as Logan’s emotions suddenly spiked.
“It’s nothing, really. I get like this sometimes. Ignore me.” Logan stands up, taking a deep breath. “Sorry for disturbing you. I should leave.” Logan says.
Diego looks on, a little heartbroken, but accepts it.
-----
Confessional: Diego
“He’s never been like this before. Usually, he’s awkwardly stuttering or we’re having a good time! I...” Diego sighs. “I ruined it. Why is romance so complicated?” Diego groans. “Maybe I should’ve tried Love is Blind.”
-----
Confessional: Logan
“I’m not into him like that.” Logan exclaims. “Listen, I’m on the gay show, I get it. But that’s not me.” Logan waves his hands in front of his face in a display of denial. “I’ve had girlfriends.” Logan adds as an explanation.
-----
After Jade had walked off, there was a moment where they considered running back and rejoining the group.
However, she put it off. It would look weird if she’d just moped away from everyone and then suddenly reconvened like nothing had happened.
Jade simmered in her loneliness for a few instances before she found Marissa. She was standing still near the campfire, holding two rocks.
She was attempting to start a fire.
-----
Confessional: Marissa
“Okay, time for the better part of the team swap. If Hannah isn’t a big fat liar and blatantly lied to Anastasia about giving her clue away, then Jade’s the one with the clue. Meaning that Jade is the one with the idol.” Marissa smiles mischievously.
-----
“Hey. What’s up?” Marissa greets with a wave. Jade turns back but quickly returns to her task.
“What do you want?” She greets back. She isn’t rude with her tone, but moreso dismissive.
“Just wanted to see what your deal was. We haven’t really spoken at all yet.” Marissa reasons.
Jade sighs.
“Well, what did you want to know?” Jade grumbles, continuing to try and light the fire.
“Anything, really. Or we could just hang out, y’know. I’m not super picky.” Marissa shrugs.
“Trust me. I’m not really a ‘hanging out’ type of person.” Jade responds dryly.
“Well, I’ll be the judge of that. Need any help with that?” Marissa walks over to the campfire, picking up two loose rocks from the ground.
“I’m... doing perfectly fine, thank you.” Jade grunts.
“Yeah? Doesn’t seem it.” Marissa smirks and begins shedding the magnesium off of the rocks. Eventually, she manages.
The campfire erupts into flames, making half of the duo smile.
“How did you do that so quickly?” Jade exclaims. “I’ve been here for so long.”
“Just something someone from my old team taught me. She was pretty good at lighting up those fires.”
“Anastasia, I assume?” Jade guesses, rolling her eyes.
“Yep. I loved the time I spent with her, as short as it ended up being. She’s very pretty.” Marissa smiles shyly.
“I see.” Jade replies. Marissa frowns at the short responses she was getting.
“She’s quite a good friend, too. She has anger issues, but therapy can fix those, probably.” Marissa smiles.
“That’s nice.” Jade shrugs. “I wouldn’t know.” She mutters under her breath, but Marissa immediately picks up on this.
“You haven’t made many friends yet?” Marissa prompts.
“I haven’t made any friends, period.” Jade sighs. “Have you seen my face? At all?” Jade scoffs.
“What? I think you look pretty.” Marissa compliments kindly.
“Look, I’ve heard that before. It’s not gonna work.” Jade rolls her eyes again, somewhat imitating Marissa’s sad expression.
“No, really. It makes you look kinda badass.” The militant says expressively, giving Jade a bigger smile in hopes that she’d imitate that instead.
“Vitiligo isn’t pretty or badass. It’s a bitch of a condition.” Jade sighs.
“I mean... I don’t disagree.” Marissa sighs. “But I don’t agree either. I think beauty is subjective.” Marissa explains.
“Yeah? And what do you know?” Jade stands up, discarding her rocks to the side of her.
“Maybe not much. But I’d like to think I’m mature enough to know people can have different opinions.” Marissa explains.
“Well, people seem to have a bigger consensus on what they think of me.” Jade scowls. She then storms off, not even giving a goodbye.
“Wait, I-” Marissa pauses, and sighs.
-----
Confessional: Marissa
“Damnit. I was hoping I could transition from a bonding emotional conversation into asking about the idol. I think it’s safer to assume she has it just in case. But...” Marissa takes a breath. “She was super defensive. More than Ana.”
-----
Later in the afternoon, Logan once again found himself roaming around the beach. Sand came up to his ankle, so it was safe to assume he’d never really left.
He was quietly pacing, kicking around and not really doing much.
“Hey, dude.” Tristan’s voice rung. They walked up, also wearing their swimsuit.
“Oh! Hey, Tristan. How’s it going?” Logan said with a happy introduction.
“Just looking for where the party’s at. Mingling with the crowds, you get me?” Tristan laughs to themself. Logan does the same.
“Yeah, I do the same. Especially when my mom takes me along to those lavish parties she’s always invited to.” Logan says.
“Is she rich? Sounds expensive to me going to so many parties.” Tristan says with surprise.
“Nah, we aren’t rich. She just has friends who are.” Logan explains. “We’re not poor either, though. Does that make me rich? What’s the middle class of Poor and Rich?” Logan mumbles.
“...Middle class is the middle class.” Tristan deadpans with a smirk.
“Oh, right.” Logan hums.
“Dude, you sound super sheltered. Is this an act, or...?” Tristan smiles to themself.
“Nope! This is the true, authentic, and honest Logan Bell!” Logan whoops, punching his fists into the air in excitement.
“Huh.” Tristan says, observing Logan’s movement. “Am I cheering you up, then?” They ask.
“Cheer me up? I’m doing fine, man.” Logan raises an eyebrow.
“Then why are you moping on the beach?” Tristan crosses their arms, waiting for Logan to crack.
“I’m not moping!” Logan says defensively. “Just went for a swim, that’s all.” Logan explains hopefully.
“I mean... your hair is dry.” Tristan points out.
Logan shies away, a little bit guilty that he’d been caught.
“Trust me, man. I have plenty experience with fake smiles.” Tristan mentions, almost tragically. “I’m a bit of a liar, too, though.” They admit.
“What? Do you not like parties?” Logan asks naively.
“H-Huh? No, I... just wanted to say the real reason why I came over here.” Tristan shrugs. “Diego seemed upset after his chat with you. Felt like cheering you up, since Diego has Marissa, and you...” Tristan sighs. “Well, outside of Diego, not anyone, really.”
“I-I mean... I get along with the team.” Logan murmurs. “I had Lynda. But she, umm...” Logan’s voice trails off.
“Nah, I get it. I’ve been losing a lot of my friends lately. Zaid? Benji? It’s been rough.” Tristan sighs.
“Thanks for looking out for me. I appreciate it.” Logan gets out of the way, giving an honest and appreciative expression.
“Don’t sweat it.” Tristan grins.
“Usually, I’m the peacemaker on my teams.” Logan mumbles. “Lynda, Anastasia, Natalia. All getting into fights.” Logan reminds himself.
“Arguments? Eh, ignore them. If it gets too bad just remove yourself.” Tristan explains, thinking from experience.
“Hard when it happens all around ya.” Logan murmurs. He clears his throat, not really wanting to go down that path of conversation.
“Either way, don’t worry about Diego too much. He’s reasonable, he’ll understand whatever’s going on.” Tristan reasons.
“You think so?” Logan looks up solemnly.
“I’m sure it can’t be too bad. You and Diego are generally nice people. I can’t imagine there’d be much to argue about anyway.” Tristan chuckles.
-----
Confessional: Logan
“I’m grateful for Tristan. They came up to me for support even if I didn’t need it.” Logan smiles. “I gotta talk to Diego. Maybe... maybe after the challenge, though.” He frowns, suddenly tensing up.
-----
Repeating once again; challenge time.
Everyone had been collected at their beach and put into their swimsuits, with several poles on either side of a sports-Esque field.
Derek and Trevor stood in the centre of the campers, both looking quite pleased with themselves.
“Red team, getting your first look at the new Blue Team.” Derek begins. “Alessio voted out at last night’s ceremony.” He announces.
Logan looks on with a frown, and Tristan pats him on the shoulder.
“Wow. Everyone looks devastated.” Derek says sarcastically. “Anyways, time to explain today’s challenge.” He yells.
“Today’s challenge may bring back some childhood memories!” Trevor grins. “Anyone ever done a beanbag toss?” He yells.
“Beanbags? Oh, what a blessed day.” Isabel crosses her heart.
“Please stop.” Jade facepalms.
“Wonderful, because this challenge has nothing to do with beanbags. We’ll be doing an endurance challenge!” Derek celebrates.
“Aw, man.” Tristan pouts.
“Each member of both teams has a pole with their face on it. Only you are allowed to climb on that pole.” Trevor says sternly, not wanting any rules broken.
“Once you are on that pole, your only goal is to keep holding on. Again, this is a test of endurance, so let’s hope you’ve been working out since you’ve gotten here.” Derek taunts, looking at how some people have obviously lost weight due to the survival aspect.
“If you touch the ground, then you are out of the challenge. Slipping is fine, but as soon as any part of your body hits the floor, then you’re unfortunately eliminated.” Trevor sighs, but everyone knows he’s probably hiding an evil smile under there.
“Last team with members still holding onto the pole wins immunity. However, there are going to be a few more stakes to this. We’re not sitting here for hours while people just hang on for a while.” Derek rolls his eyes.
“That’s right, Derek.” Trevor exclaims. “We’re going to occasionally offer a few temptations up to all of you. What those are? You’ll find out eventually.” Trevor rubs his hands together.
“Could be some survival gear, could be an advantage; anything.” Derek points behind them, and tension grows.
-----
Confessional: Spencer
“I don’t think anything could convince me to get off that pole. This immunity is crucial, especially after Hannah flipped on me. Perhaps I’ve gotten her back to my side, but I need more allies. Perhaps Anastasia is desperate.” Spencer hums.
-----
Confessional: Logan
“Dude, I do this stuff in my free time. My coach said it would help work my brute strength up when I was doing laps for the actual Olympic competition, but it mostly felt like I was just holding onto a pole.” Logan mentions. “I-I mean, I was. It just felt useless at the time.” He thinks.
“Coach? Sorry I ever doubted ya’.” Logan cheers.
-----
“Since red team has an extra member, someone will volunteer to be out of this challenge. Who’s it gonna be?” Trevor calls to them.
“I... feel like this doesn’t need discussion.” Tristan quickly says, seeing the team give them glances. “I’ll sit out.”
“Perfect! Everyone, get poled up.” Trevor gestures behind the group at the large poles protruding from the ground.
Once he gave the command, everyone walked up to the poles, not quite hanging onto them yet.
“Campers ready?” Derek glances around, people readying up to hold on.
“Go!” Trevor shouts.
As he does so, the contestants all consecutively climb up their poles, resting at where they felt most comfortably.
Anastasia, Spencer, Hannah, Lynda, and Ted (holding on in that order) all seemed relatively comfortable.
Diego, Jade, Logan, Isabel, and Marissa were also sitting quite nicely on their poles. At least to begin with.
“Of all challenges, and they chose this one?” Jade scoffs to herself.
“Hey, cheer up, friend.” Diego smiles from the pole next to her, shifting himself around in order to face her properly. “It’s only been a few seconds. And I have good grip strength.” Diego reassures her.
“Yeah, the basketball challenge sure let us know that.” Jade says sarcastically to him.
“Well, uh...” Diego coughs. “That was a fluke, of sorts. I can tell you right now, all my muscle is upper body strength.” He claims.
“I don’t know if that’s a good thing either.” Jade replies.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Diego attempts at reassurance again, and Jade just looks in the other direction.
When she does, she sees Logan smiling at her.
“Yes, Logan?” She eventually says, narrowing her expression.
“I’m strong too.” He holds onto the pole tighter as if to prove his point.
“I can see that, Logan.” She says with a dry tone, not keen on humouring him.
“We can do some working out later if it would make you feel better about not having as much muscle as us.” Logan nods, gesturing to himself, Diego, and Marissa.
Jade scowls.
“Muscle is a hinderance here too, you know.” Jade informs him. “You’re a swimmer, right?” She asks him.
“W-What? Swimmer? I, uhh... well, not full-time or anything. Just-Just... just a little, yeah.” Logan’s grip tightens again.
“Yeah. Swimmers train in order to swim for short periods. It’s only a matter of time before your disproportionate torso gets too heavy for you.” Jade explains to him scientifically.
Logan tilts his head.
“What?”
Jade groans.
“Okay, fine. In Layman’s terms; you only train to be strong for shorter periods. You have a high strength, not endurance. You’re going to do bad at this challenge.” She tells him bluntly.
Logan readjusts his head.
“Oh.” He frowns.
“If anything, Isabel has the best chance at success in this challenge.” Jade nods her head towards the nun, who had her eyes closed.
“... Grant us such strength and protection, to support us all in danger, and carry us through...” Her voice fades out as Jade quickly turns back to Logan.
“What about Diego? He’s basically not wearing anything, so he has the best skin grip.” Logan points out.
Jade doesn’t even bother turning around to see Diego in the speedo.
-----
Confessional: Jade
“It’s not just me that sees this, right? Everyone here is insane.” Jade scoffs.
“Somehow, Marissa is the most normal one here outside of me. Even if she’s a newcomer to our team.” Jade shrugs. “At least Benji could tell when I wasn’t interested, as peculiar as the guy was.” Jade reminisces. She frowns for a moment and then shakes her head.
-----
Marissa is intensely focused.
She would be extremely zoned into the challenge. She would be doing amazing and keeping a cool head while wrapping her entire body around the pole like a koala.
She would be fine, except for one thing.
The praying.
“...are always faithful to rescue and protect me from evil...” Isabel’s voice fades in and out as Marissa attempts to tune the voice out.
“Isabel-” Marissa clears her throat.
Isabel turns her head.
“I’m not trying to be rude when I say this, but...” She takes a breath. “Could you whisper?” Marissa requests with hope.
“What!? God’s all-knowing, not all-hearing.” Isabel explains. “If I pray too quietly then how is he going to get my message? Heaven is pretty far up, you know.”
Isabel claims and unintentionally removes an arm from her pole. She lets out a yelp as she almost slips down, but catches on, trembling.
“S-See!? As soon as I stopped, I began to lose the balance.” Isabel complains. “...people who want to harm my loved ones or me. Guard my...” Isabel goes back into her meditative state.
Marissa frowns.
-----
Confessional: Marissa
“Listen, I’m not...” Marissa opens her mouth to speak again but pauses. “Wait, what’s the word for people who are against religion? I- Whatever, that’s not the important part.” Marissa scoffs. “I don’t hate religion. But did it have to be in the books that prayers must be out loud?”
-----
The blue team was having surprisingly more success, considering the imbalance of strength.
Anastasia was holding on best of all, looking around.
She looked up, not able to see at the top of the pole. That’s when a grin appeared on her face.
She slowly, but surely, began climbing up the pole.
“Hey.” Spencer’s voice called from below. “Don’t climb too much. All that matters is not touching the ground. Save your energy.” Spencer requests.
“Save your breath.” Anastasia replies with snark.
She reaches the top, only to find...
...
It was pointed at the top. Nothing there.
“Блядь!” Anastasia exclaims to herself.
“And what exactly was the goal?” Spencer asks upwards.
“To see if we could hold onto the top. But it is pointed, so there is no use.” She scoffs.
But before she begins to climb all the way back down, she notices something.
Just before the wood reaches the top, there is a small black line running across the pole. Almost as if the top of it were detachable.
“Hm.” Anastasia pauses in thought.
-----
Confessional: Anastasia
“Okay, so those hosts plan on releasing something onto us. I would be concerned, however the worst they can do is water. Anything sticky and that would help us, and anything expensive is out of the question.” Anastasia grins. “I am not worried.”
-----
“Why don’t you take your shoes off? That’s what I did.” Hannah says to Lynda, who was seemingly struggling with her grip.
Lynda was attempting to grab the pole with her feet, which was proving difficult since she still had shoes.
“Well, I’d love to. Problem is, if I take my hands off this pole, then I’m out.” Lynda scoffs.
“Kick ‘em off.” Ted yells, cheering his fist at the sky.
“I...” Lynda grunts, struggling for a few moments as she awkwardly unwraps one of her legs from the pole.
Lynda then kicks her legs. She wobbles on the pole but had successfully removed on of her shoes.
“Okay! One more. You got this.” Hannah says supportively.
“Ho-ho, nope. Fat chance, missy. You see how I almost fell? Not taking that kinda risk.” Lynda waves her hand.
“Well, alright. Suit yourself.” Hannah shrugs, not bothered at all by Lynda’s brashness in her tone.
Lynda herself is surprised but turns away.
“Okay, campers!” Derek’s infamous voice screeches through the megaphone he carried, looking around at all the campers. “Now that you’ve had a few minutes to warm up those gains, let’s take out our first temptation.” He grins.
Trevor walks up like a butler, carrying a silver tray with a tinted lid.
He lifts it, revealing a small white box with clips on the front that made it look almost like a briefcase, just smaller.
“A med kit! Equipped with bandaging, antibiotics, and more.” Trevor announces with enthusiasm.
Marissa turns her head.
“Bandaging?” Marissa whispers, eyes sparkling at the red cross that was placed on top of the briefcase.
“Marissa, don’t.” Diego calls out, somehow noticing her from across all the poles. “I know how to bandage using outside tools. We will not require a med kit.” Diego reassures her.
Marissa reluctantly nods.
“...why do you need a med kit?” He asks.
She doesn’t give him a response, acting as though she didn’t hear what he had said.
-----
Confessional: Diego
“Well, that’s a new concern I didn’t know I needed. Marissa is obviously hiding some kind of injury, and she’s not willing to tell anyone.” Diego places a hand to his chin. “Maybe, it should be, uh... a woman asking, instead.” Diego theorises.
-----
Derek seems displeased with Marissa changing her mind.
He instead turns his gaze to the blue team, who seemed utterly unbothered by the presence of the med kit.
“No takers? Well, looks like nobody will be getting the med kit.” Derek sighs but ultimately does not care. More for him.
After the initial offer, twenty minutes pass.
This is the first time that a proper struggle can be scene amongst the contestants, coming from both sides.
“You surprise me once again, Spencer.” Anastasia says to him, still not struggling up the near top of her pole.
“I’m not usually this awful at endurance. I’ve survived enough lectures as is.” Spencer groans.
“No, I was moreso thinking you’re doing better than I thought. Congratulations.” Anastasia grins.
“Oh, of course you would say that.” Spencer scoffs.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Anastasia clenches her fist at the sudden retaliation.
“I’m just saying. Models such as yourself aren’t typically depicted in a light where you have proper strength. So, congratulations.” Spencer turns his head up.
Big mistake, as he catches wind of Anastasia’s glare.
“What is this? Just pulling Alessio’s tactic of enraging me, just with harsher words and more manipulation?” Anastasia calls him out.
“No, far from it. You started this dispute. For me, it is merely fighting to defend myself. We all want to win.” Spencer shrugs.
“That is not what I meant.” She scowls.
“I know. But you clearly don’t understand anything I say either, or you’d have understood to back off by now.” Spencer glares back at her.
She is unphased, and they simply stare at each other.
Hannah looks on from the side, thinking.
-----
Confessional: Hannah
“Woo-Hoo!” Hannah yells out. “Spencer told me about this exact situation. I’m the sting vote.” She grins.
“They’re both my allies, but I get to choose who goes home! Either Spencer, or Anastasia. Hmm...” Hannah hums to herself, not noting that her team did also have two whole other members she hadn’t accounted for.
-----
“Urgh...” Jade grumbles.
“Come on, Jade! You can keep going!” Logan says supportively.
“No, I-I can’t.” Jade strains. At a certain point, the pressure gets too much, and she lets go of the pole, falling backwards and landing harshly on the sand.
“Oh! And Jade is the first one out. Didn’t take as long as I thought it would.” Trevor sighs.
“I say this calls for another temptation. One that might please some of our foodies.” Derek turns around.
“Food?” Hannah’s ears perk up.
Emily walks up to the crowd with her own silver plate and tin.
“Chicken wings, with some extra condiments on the side if you’re craving some spice in your life.” She says quirkily. However, she drops the happy-go-lucky expression as soon as the camera pans away.
“Yep, that’s me done.” Hannah instantly calls out.
She drops down from her pole willingly, kneeling down and putting her shoes back on.
“E-Excuse me!? What are you doing?” Spencer yells down at her.
“Listen, man. I’m not surviving this whole challenge. Anastasia’s our best hope right now. Best for me to take an offer while it’s there.” Hannah shrugs.
Hannah jogs as fast as she can over to where Emily is standing. She tackles Emily out of the way and snatches the tray before it hits the ground.
She then walks over to the bench where Tristan and Jade were sitting with her food.
“Hm.” Tristan reaches out a hand to nab one of the wings, but Hannah slaps his hand away.
“Mine.” She growls, rabidly eating the wings.
“Okay, okay. Gotcha. Yours.” Tristan waves their hands in front of their face.
Forty minutes passes.
Somehow, all the contestants that hadn’t dropped yet are still hanging on tightly.
“Is God real?” Logan asks.
“I think you’ve just been listening to Isabel ramble for too long.” Diego replies.
Logan turns his head towards Diego, who smiles shyly. Logan looks away, still remembering their earlier chat.
“Logan, I’m sorry.” Diego calls out to him.
“I know, I know. I think it would be better to talk when we’re not... you know.” Logan looks at his pole.
Diego nods solemnly.
The hosts approach the stands after the long wait, still smiling.
“How do we have eight people left? I didn’t think we’d need to set a time limit.” Trevor sighs. “No matter. We have our next temptation.”
“Stop being dramatic. Give it to us!” Lynda exclaims.
“If you insist, Ms. Lynda.” Derek rolls his eyes.
“That’s Mrs to you, sir.” Lynda yells back, tempted to wave a finger in disappointment. She avoids this as she would fall.
“Whatever. We will shortly be releasing a fluid onto your poles. We will keep the flow going until four people have been removed from the challenge.” Trevor laughs maniacally.
“A fluid? From where?” Ted yells back.
Anastasia hums, looking up.
-----
Confessional: Anastasia
“And this is where being nosey comes in handy.” She notes.
-----
Anastasia scurries a little bit upwards and wraps her hands around the top of the point. She ensures her hands are right above the line.
After a few seconds of pause, a gushing sound is heard.
A yellow substance begins flowing like water from the top of the poles, rushing down the wooden surface.
They’re immediately slicked, making the entire surface slippery.
Except at the very top of the poles where Anastasia kept her grip.
“Oh, God... I’m not going to...” Spencer exclaims before getting washed away by the substance.
“What the hell is this? It looks like piss!” Ted shouts.
“I think we’d smell if it were piss, Ted.” Lynda calls back from next to him.
“Don’t you worry your pretty old heads. It’s just vegetable oil.” Derek shrugs.
“Why don’t you just get normal oil like regular human beings!?” Marissa shouts from the sidelines, before promptly sliding down the pole.
“You think we have that kind of budget?” Derek crosses his arms.
“Well, the prize is literally a million dollars. Last season it was triple that.” Isabel raises an eyebrow.
“Well, that’s on you for raising your standards too high. You’ve been sleeping on the floor in tents, and this is where you draw the line? Vegetable oil?” Trevor asks incredulously.
“Just some decency would be nice.” Marissa grunts.
She tries to climb her way back up, but her hands just slip and she falls backwards.
“Yeah, I’m not doing this. I’m about to break my back.” Ted grunts similarly. He allows himself to slide down the pole slowly so that he doesn’t lose his grip and fall backwards.
He stands up straight and hears a crack.
“God, nevermind. Back still decides it wants me dead anyways.” Ted winces, having been in the same position for an hour.
Lynda looks on in sorrow.
Logan on the other side of the field is doing somewhat alright. He’s occasionally slipping down but manages to keep tight enough of the pole that he isn’t going to fly down.
The same can’t be said for others.
Logan hears a yelp to his left. He looks over to see that Diego has toppled onto the ground, covered in the oil.
Logan stares for a moment. If Natalia were here, she’d make fun of Logan for being atrociously bisexual or something.
“Aaaand fun’s over.” Derek grins. Somehow, the flow turns off by itself as there were four eliminations to turn it off.
Anastasia is uncomfortably, still, gripping the pole but doesn’t want to touch anywhere else as the oil slick remained on the poles.
She turned to Lynda.
“Ugh, of all people left, and we’re stuck with you. Looks like I’m our last hope.” She scowls.
“Excuse you. I’m doing my best over here!” Lynda yells back.
“And who would be surprised if that was our downfall? Certainly not me.” Anastasia goes to check her nails but stops before she accidentally releases her grip of the pole. Challenge now, diva time later.
“This isn’t the type of support I’d expect from a teammate. We’re supposed to be…” Lynda pulls herself up with a grunt. “…working together!” She exclaims.
“You never reached out to me. You were quick to cast me aside as a free elimination. Funny how the tables have turned, hm?” Anastasia grins.
“Because I didn’t like you.” Lynda says bluntly.
“I was very aware, and the feeling was quite mutual.” Anastasia growls.
“Glad we have that sorted.” Lynda scoffs. “Now, let’s focus on the challenge. We hate each other, but we both want to win.” Lynda lets out a loud yelp as she slips but keeps her balance.
Anastasia looks away.
-----
Confessional: Anastasia
“Lynda. Lynda, Lynda, Lynda.” Anastasia taps her chin delicately. “Sometimes I avoid her as I’m not in the mood for a catfight. Sometimes I want to crush her skull; this is one of those times.” Anastasia clenches her fist.
“Our differences will not be put aside, but I can tolerate not speaking to her if it means we will both be focused on the win.” Anastasia grumbles to herself reluctantly.
-----
Another twenty minutes passed since then.
Out of the players left, all four struggled. Anastasia, Isabel, Logan, Lynda.
The members of the red team were having a surprisingly hard time.
“Isabel, do you… need some water?” Logan asks her. She was still rambling on quietly.
“Logan, not now.” She replies, throat clearly dried up.
“You haven’t stopped talking the whole challenge. Doesn’t that make you feel exhausted?” Logan whines, feeling his own tiredness taking over.
“If I don’t focus on the fatigue, then there is no fatigue to feel.” Isabel smiles.
Suddenly, Isabel slips.
Before she can land all the way, she grips as tightly onto the pole as she can, stopping short right above the floor.
The oil had somewhat been wiped away, leaving what can’t be considered dry, but certainly wasn’t as slippery.
“Oh my Gosh! Are you okay!?” Logan exclaims loudly at her.
“I’m okay! I’m fine.” Isabel trembles. “Keep holding on, Logan. You may be our last hope. I’m not sure how long I can carry on.” Isabel suddenly breaks.
“What? But you’ve been killing it this whole time. Come on, remember our concert? We’re resilient.” He says with a kick to his tone.
“I’d love to agree.” She grunts, attempting to pull herself up again.
“Well, I’d say it’s time we butt in once again.” Trevor says through the megaphone, earning a lot of eyerolls.
“We know how much people might miss each other after the many team swaps we’ve put you through. So, we’re scheduling a meeting.” Derek offers gracefully. “One person from each team can take this reward. Those two will convene right after tonight’s elimination for a shared dinner. Spaghetti, anyone?”
Emily approaches with another tray that had two plates of spaghetti hung on top.
“If only one of you takes it, then the reward is null. So, choose wisely.” She taunts, giving the remaining contestants a wink that most of them could not even see.
“What if they get eliminated tonight?” Tristan pipes up nervously.
“They’ll get it anyway. We’re not that cruel.” Emily says, offended.
“Oh, man.” Logan murmurs.
“Don’t do it. I need you up here, Logan.” Isabel pleads.
“I mean…” Logan sighs. “It probably doesn’t look it, but I’m really struggling right now.” Logan explains to her.
“No, it does show.” Isabel raises an eyebrow. “But you’re twice my size. I’m going to fall soon too!” Isabel yells back.
“Come on, Isabel. Remember, resilience. Channel your inner… Jesus.” Logan says floppingly.
“Logan, no-“
And Logan jumped off the pole.
“Ow, god!” Logan wails, rubbing his forehead and standing up off the floor.
“That didn’t take too long.” Emily grins. “Lynda? Anastasia? Any takers?” She wanders towards the left of the field.
“Logan’s down? Oh, I see.” Lynda sighs.
Anastasia scoffs.
“If you want it, then take it. Save yourself the trouble.” Anastasia bites with her words.
“I can still do this!” Lynda cheers. “We’re both in this. I’m not gonna let some noodles tell me what to do.” She exclaims.
“Suit yourself. I’m going to outlast you anyway, but we can just let Logan go without.” Anastasia brushes off.
“Oh, right. He gets nothing if I don’t…” Lynda looks back. Logan was already staring up to her.
His hopeful expression almost seemed as though he was about to beg on his knees, which Lynda wasn’t particularly fond of seeing.
“Alright! Fine.” Lynda resolves.
She reluctantly lets herself slip down, feet landing on the floor with a gentle thud.
“Hey, Lynda!” Logan waves in excitement.
She runs over to him with a smile, waving back at him fondly.
“Hiya, Logan. Been holding up well?” She asks, interlocking her hands together.
“Sure have!” Logan exclaims.
“Save the chit-chat for later. We’re now down to our final two!” Trevor announces with excitement.
-----
Confessional: Anastasia
“Win-Win situation. I am lasting longer than Lynda anyway, so her being out isn’t a drag. I can use this reward to my benefit.” Anastasia proclaims. “Lynda will obviously tell Ted about this conversation they had. Therefore, I can manipulate this information out of Ted, and it will all be for me, also.” Anastasia sighs with relief.
“Also, this will give me a good opportunity to gain leverage on Lynda. I can threaten them to give this information to Hannah, who will give it to Spencer. Ah, what a loop I am in.” Anastasia smiles.
-----
“I’m one of the last two!?” Isabel exclaims. She looks around at Anastasia, who was still balancing nicely at the top of the pole.
Isabel, however, was at the very bottom of her pole.
“Go on, Isabel! You got this!” Tristan cheers from the side.
“For sure!” She says to herself. Internally, she was shaking her head in a very violent ‘no’.
The two remaining girls looked strained. Isabel much more so, considering she was hanging on by a thread.
“I’m the last player on my team?! I’m literally the skinniest one here.” Isabel yells, looking over in shock at Marissa, Diego, and Logan who had all gotten themselves eliminated.
“Good luck, sister.” Anastasia taunts from across the pitch, not turning her head to glance.
“Don’t fail me now, Jesus.” Isabel mumbles.
All in all, the last moments of the challenge were relatively close.
Isabel was continuing to struggle in her position close to the floor, just short of touching the ground.
Anastasia was actually starting to sweat a little bit, despite the initial comfort up on her pole.
The duo held for as long as they possibly could. There were no offers to go anymore, as all people involved could tell this was going to end quite soon.
And then,
.
.
.
“Ow.” The voice of Anastasia called out. She had gotten a splinter in her hand.
“OW.” Isabel’s voice rang louder as she landed on the floor with a painful thud.
“And with that, the blue team has won immunity! Looks like we’ll be seeing red team at elimination later tonight.” Trevor announces.
“Hey, yeah! Good job, Ana.” Hannah cheers. Anastasia finally drops herself down, walking over.
“I’m not sure it was worth it. I ache... everywhere.” Anastasia stumbles a little.
“Come on. We’ll get you seated.” Hannah offers, guiding Anastasia off to the side.
-----
Confessional: Isabel
“Clearly, Jesus was taking his day off. I guess even lords needs to have a summer break.” Isabel sighs to herself.
“Hold on, are we even in Summer? You can’t be slacking off like that!” She yells at the sky.
-----
After the challenge, there were some short discussions happening outside the shelter.
Isabel and Jade had immediately run off together, convening to scheme with one another.
“Okay, so... Logan is contender number one, right?” Isabel scowls. “Threw the challenge, and... for what? Some stringed wheat?” She scoffs.
“Tell me about it. He wouldn’t stop blabbering in my ear that whole challenge.” Jade grumbles.
“I see...” Tristan suddenly says. They had brought them along the journey, and Tristan was mostly standing on the outskirts awkwardly.
“The question is... how are we going to get another person with us?” Isabel hums.
“Tristan, you’re good friends with Logan, right?” Jade suddenly asks with a grin, lightbulb shining above her head.
“Uh, as of recent... why?” Tristan replies awkwardly, not liking where this was going.
“Perfect!” Jade exclaims. “You can go to Logan, and by proxy Diego, and get them to target Marissa.” She requests.
“Oh, I see what you’re putting down.” Isabel hums. “And then us two will go try turning Marissa against the others.” She adds.
“Exactly.” Jade nods.
“Doesn’t that seem a little... malicious? What do you mean ‘turn them against each other’?” Tristan pipes up.
“Not in a negative way. Just to get them to vote each other.” Isabel explains. “Think of it like a famous person’s controversy. We can just... ignore it and pray it goes away.” She jokes, nudging Tristan on the shoulder.
Jade seems amused.
“Sure. What she said.” She replies. “We’ll need to vote one of them anyway. And it’s not like we’ll be lacking in strength afterwards.” Jade attempts to think.
“Right, I’ll... see what I can do.” Tristan gives an awkward thumbs up.
-----
Confessional: Tristan
“Okay, so... would it be better for me side with them or not? Jade’s... closing herself off. I like cheering people up, but sometimes people just need to be left alone. And Isabel...?” Tristan sighs. “I’m still thinking about if she got Benji eliminated. I don’t know if I can trust her to stay with me either.”
-----
Confessional: Isabel
“Marissa is one smart cookie. That’s what I know from green team.” Isabel sighs. “All we need to do is give the illusion of choice. If she thinks it’s her idea, she will be more likely to follow in our path.” She continues.
-----
After that, Jade and Isabel walk along together.
They search around the shelter and their grounds to find the militant but do appear to be having some issues in that regard.
Eventually, they stumbled upon Marissa Xulu herself, sitting by the campfire and eating a papaya.
“Marissa. Do you have a minute?” Jade asks.
“Oh! Hey, Jade; Isabel.” She greets, tipping her hat politely. “Here to discuss the vote, can I assume?”
“Precisely.” Isabel responds. “We thought... you’re a newcomer to this team. We’ve been on a team together before...” Isabel begins to speak. “What say you? Girl power?” Isabel opens her arms for a hug.
Marissa does not reciprocate.
“Sure. Any terms we need to follow? Or can I assume it’s just a ‘vote together’ pact?” Marissa puts a hand to her hip.
“No strings attached. Consider it a thanks for approaching me earlier.” Jade replies kindly. Marissa is puzzled at this.
“Alrighty. I can get behind that.” Marissa nods. “Any plans about our target?”
“Well, we were thinking Logan or Diego. Having so many brute force characters leaves no room for brain power. And those two? Well, we certainly don’t need them if we’re solving a jigsaw, that’s for sure.” Isabel grins “Who do you prefer?”
“Logan. I’m okay with voting him.” Marissa accepts. “Also, uh... Isabel? Could I chat to Jade alone, please?” Marissa requests.
“Of course. I’ll see if I can get Tristan on our side.” Isabel lies, wandering off in another direction.
-----
Confessional: Marissa
“I don’t like this. Not at all.” Marissa sighs. “Jade was so indifferent to me this morning. Now she’s suddenly eager to talk alliances? This reeks of dishonesty.” Marissa pinches the bridge of her nose.
“They’re both smart, I’ll give them that. But they might be too smart to keep under my belt. Maybe I only need one lady on my side for now.” Marissa moves her palm down to her cheek.
-----
“Do you have the idol?” Marissa blurts out.
“S-Sorry?” Jade takes a step back, completely taken aback.
“The immunity idol. Do you have it? Hannah, basically... told on you, for lack of better phrasing.” Marissa grins.
“I didn’t even...” Jade looks down, annoyed. “Fine, yes. I have the idol.” Jade mumbles. “But keep it on the downlow. Not even Isabel knows.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Marissa nods. “See? You can be smart too.” She compliments, reminding of the earlier conversation.
“I make in brain for what I lack in brawn and beauty.” Jade replies dryly.
“I think you have plenty beauty.” Marissa smiles.
Jade doesn’t know whether to take that as a compliment or an underhanded insult.
“Right, well...” Jade lets out air. “Is that everything?” Jade asks.
“Basically. Unless you wanted to chat about normal stuff?” Marissa suggests.
“I’m alright, thanks.” Jade rejects. “Goodbye.” She waves, finally walking off side-stage.
-----
Confessional: Jade
“I didn’t want to have to do that. But I’m not a good liar. It’s better to have Marissa think I trust her with the info, rather than blatantly withholding it from her when she said she already knows.” Jade then scowls. “Thankfully, I now know that Hannah is still as oblivious to the game as usual, and I can’t trust her with shit.”
-----
Confessional: Marissa
“Well, looks like Jade is worth keeping around. Perhaps that idol could be important on my end too, especially after I’ve already technically been voted out.” Marissa smiles. “Isabel, though? I wouldn’t call her a snake, but there’s definitely some slithering going on.”
-----
Meanwhile that was happening, Tristan had wandered off to find the boys on the team.
They didn’t have to travel far, although there was clearly something strange still happening.
“You said we could talk after.” Diego’s tone was sorrowful.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. I just didn’t want it to be awkward again.” Logan replies in a shy tone.
“Am I... interrupting something?” Tristan emerges from the shrubbery, glancing between them as they chatted.
“Tristan!” Logan’s tension dissipates quickly as Tristan enters the scene. Logan runs over, giving a short side-hug.
“Heya, dude.” Tristan greets. “Is that an idol in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” Tristan jokes.
“What?” Logan flushes. Diego snorts with amusement.
“Sorry, had to.” Tristan laughs. “Anyway, have you guys sorted yourselves out yet? We still kinda sorta have to vote someone out.” They reason.
“I mean... Marissa got lucky before. Maybe the person we vote out won’t get eliminated at all!” Logan offers as an idea.
“That’s a little wishfully thought.” Diego walks forward also.
“J-Just an idea.” Logan says sheepishly, crossing his arms almost timidly.
“Come on, dudes. No need to go on like this. Just... talk it out. Express yourselves.” Tristan gives them both thumbs up.
Logan and Diego look up and at each other.
“I guess talking a little wouldn’t hurt.” Diego thinks.
“Alrighty, then. I’ll leave you both to do that.” Tristan celebrates quietly. They then walk away from the two with a smile and discreetly hide behind a bush.
“So...” Logan murmurs.
“Are your feelings a sensitive topic?” Diego tilts his head to look at Logan.
“They can be.” Logan says after a long pause. “They’re not really that important.” Logan folds his arms.
“Is it the feelings about other people?” Diego asks again.
“Well, yeah. I-I guess.” Logan lets out a sigh.
“I’m sure whatever you’re feeling is valid.” Diego reassures him, taking a step closer. Logan steps back.
“You wouldn’t understand, Diego.” Logan relents. “Not in a mean way, you just wouldn’t.” He adds.
“I can probably guess what’s going on. And I can assure you; I’m one of the only ones who would.” Diego mentions.
“Boys.” Marissa’s voice interrupts the meaningful conversation.
“H-Huh?” Logan lifts his head from his short trance.
“We need to discuss the vote. It’s important.” She mutters. Logan looked surprised, as she had never spoken to him much before.
“Oh? We were thinking of targeting Jade, since she doesn’t do great in challenges.” Diego suggests.
“No can do. Isabel and J-” Marissa pauses. “Isabel is preaching for Logan to be voted out after he threw for the reward.” She corrects. “No pun intended.” She says, pun intended.
“Seriously!? Come on, I was gonna be out anyways. She can’t seriously be thinking that, right?” Logan exclaims, scared of his soon-to-be-potential-elimination.
“They probably just said that since Tristan is buddies with both of them and they know I wouldn’t vote Diego.” Marissa theorises.
“Tristan did come up to us just now to talk about the vote, but... disappeared rather quickly.” Diego hums, glancing around the area.
“Oh, shit.” Tristan exclaims, suddenly popping out of the bush they’d hidden themselves in. “I totally forgot to talk about the vote.”
“OH MY-” Logan falls backwards, horrified at the person appearing out of nowhere.
“So, ummm...” Tristan looks between Marissa and the boys unsure.
-----
Confessional: Tristan
“Man, how do I convince Diego and Logan to vote Marissa while she’s standing there?” Tristan hums. “And how do I get her to just leave without being suspicious? Uhh...” Tristan chuckles awkwardly. “Isabel and Jade might be a bit screwed. We could still tie it, but are either of them really going to lose a tiebreaker to Logan?” Tristan sighs.
-----
“Listen, Tristan.” Logan pipes up, brushing dirt off his legs. “I know Jade and Isabel are your buddies. But I learned that... you gotta choose someone.” Logan sighs.
“I know, I know. Choosing which friend must go? That’s... that’s rough, man.” Tristan glances away.
“It can certainly be challenging.” Diego admits. “But we have the majority. And we can’t keep too many strategists around. That’s dangerous.” He continues.
-----
Confessional: Logan
“I feel for Tris. I know Nat’s gone now, but she was totally right. You have to choose between friends a lot. Eventually, I gotta choose between Diego and Lynda for who’s going home. Hey, I’ll throw Tristan in there too. And that? That’s gonna hurt.” Logan frowns.
-----
Later, the vote time had almost begun again.
Tristan was wandering around for the umpteenth time, looking through benign locations around the carnival.
There were a few rundown places. They mostly consisted of abandoned carnival games and small remains off food trucks.
Eventually, there was a person in one of them.
Isabel could be seen sat by herself. She was sitting on a stool, eyes closed, hands pressed together.
“I’ve never seen you here before.” Tristan notes.
“That’s because I’m the only one who ever comes here.” She replies quietly.
Silence ensues. It’s comfortable.
“Speak to me, my child. Something’s troubling you again.” Isabel mentions.
“You can tell with your eyes closed?” Tristan proclaims.
“Your tone.” She replies matter-of-factly.
“Ah, right.” Tristan chuckles sheepishly. “I think I’m ready. T-To talk, that is. About the stuff I said before.”
“Vent away.” Isabel goes silent, eyes still closed.
Tristan takes a deep breath.
“I could never compete with the bottle.” They say suddenly.
Isabel’s demeanour notably falters, but she remains intact in the end.
“Dad still calls me a girl. Says that I’m... possessed, or whatever ancient ramble he goes on whenever he’s been drinking.” Tristan says. “Mom’s disappointed. Says I’ll never get married. Clearly me and her have different priorities, and she can’t accept that.” Tristan scoffs.
Isabel nods.
“Why should I be the one that has to change my ideals because of their beliefs? What about my beliefs?” Tristan’s tone picks up. “I stopped listening to them a while ago. Finding my own meaning and my path? That... that’s kept me going.” Tristan sighs. “I smile through it. I’m surviving. But they... they were part of my life, man.”
Isabel smiles.
The environment suddenly goes quiet, and Tristan looks over to the sister expectantly.
“Want to know something?” Isabel asks, piquing interest of Tristan. “That’s how my parents feel, similarly.” She notes.
Now it was Tristan’s turn to be quiet.
“They’re atheists. We were born that way, of course. I was told that believing in a God was a silly idea. An ethereal man in the sky goes against everything they believed in.” Isabel explains to them.
Tristan looks on with curiosity.
“They didn’t detest my decision. They were just hesitant.” She smiles. “But I could tell they were upset deep down. We don’t talk much anymore, see.” Isabel finalises, looking up at Tristan to signal the end of her speech.
“Wow.” Tristan replies.
“Like I said; I certainly can’t understand the extent of your pain. But I can relate on a smaller level.” She notes.
Tristan sniffles a little, before rushing forward and giving Isabel a huge hug.
“Sorry for bringing this up. Just wanted to get it out before you were gone.” Tristan laughs away the tears.
“Gone? I’m not even thirty yet. I’ve got a few years on me.” Isabel laughs in response.
“No, voted out, I mean.” Tristan replies.
“What? Is Jade flipping on us!?” Isabel scoffs. “Wouldn’t be her first time, I guess.” Isabel grumbles.
“Uhh... she’s not flipping. But... Marissa told Logan and Diego about your plan. She’s onto you.” Tristan reveals.
“Oh, of course she did. Well, looks like we’re in for a tiebreaker.” Isabel sighs.
“Against Logan? Isabel, you... I don’t think you’re going to survive this.” Tristan mentions.
“Tristan, come on. I’ll be fine. We just have to make sure it’s not a strength-related tiebreaker.” Isabel affirms.
“But you’re not stronger than him. You said it yourself. He’s all upper body.” Tristan says.
“That was Jade. And... I beat him in the challenge today! I can do it again.” Isabel pumps her fist.
“That’s because he forfeited for the reward. Isa, please. I don’t think you can...” Tristan frowns.
Isabel lets out a sigh.
“Okay.” She relents. “Just... do what you think is right. I can’t control your vote.” Isabel admits. “I’d prefer you stuck by us. Make the right decision here, Tris.” She requests.
“Thank you. Again.” Tristan smiles, giving a second hug. “I’ll consider what you said.”
The voting will begin.
Red team had gathered to their usual spots, sitting amongst the fire and the two wonderful hosts. Well, one that’s okay, and one that’s rubbish.
“Hello, hello, hello. One red team elimination coming right up!” The okay one announces. “Third time’s the charm. Let’s see if this one is better than the ones before it.” Trevor cackles.
-----
“And I save an idol perfectly. Whether or not we go to a tiebreaker, my idol wil be safe and sound.” Jade grins as she holds up her vote for Logan.
-----
Marissa does not say anything. She holds up her vote for Isabel quietly.
-----
Tristan anxiously writes down a name.
-----
Isabel crosses her heart as she places her vote into the ballot box.
-----
Logan frowns while placing his vote, albeit nervously.
-----
Diego frowns while placing his vote.
-----
“Once the votes are read, the decision is final.” Trevor says as he places the ballot box down in front of him. “It’s time to read the votes.” He adds.
Tristan looks away nervously.
“First vote...” He flips the paper. “Logan.”
Logan is surprisingly surprised, as he knew this would happen.
“Second vote...” He flips the paper. “Logan. That’s two votes for Logan.”
Logan tenses.
“Isabel.” Trevor reads, looking at the campers.
Isabel frowns.
“Next vote...” He flips the paper. “Isabel! We are tied with two votes Logan, two votes Isabel.” He grins.
“Marissa!” Trevor reads. “That’s one vote Marissa, two votes Logan, two votes Isabel. One vote left...” Trevor announces.
Marissa turns her head, puzzled.
“Eighth person voted out of Disventure Camp...”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
He flips the paper.
.
“Isabel! Sisters don’t last forever, unfortunately.” Trevor tuts.
“I foresaw this.” Isabel stands, eyes closed.
“Did you, though? I would’ve appreciated a heads up.” Jade scowls, turning to Tristan, who didn’t make eye contact.
“To all of you, I wish you good luck. The lord works in mysterious ways. Clearly, the path he intended for me was not the winning one, and that is okay.” Isabel explains.
The others look very confused.
“I hope not to see any of you anytime soon. I pray that all of you survive many future eliminations.” Isabel gives a wink to Tristan.
Finally, she turns to leave.
“I’m sorry, Isabel.” Diego mutters.
“Don’t be. My time was nigh. It’s only a game, yes? I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” Isabel comforts him.
She then turns towards Tristan.
“Tris.” She calls them over. Tristan immediately stands up and runs towards Isabel, giving her a huge hug.
“Can we have a revote?” Tristan begs.
“Don’t cry, my child. You must keep the fight inside of you.” Isabel explains. “Use that drive. You have what it takes to win. You just need a guiding light, like the lord has been with me. Your guiding light can be your passion and determination.” She continues as a suggestion.
“Isa...” Tristan’s voice trails off. They sniffle. “Thanks.” They murmur timidly.
“Anywho, it’s now that I must depart. Good luck, all.” She smiles and turns away to leave.
She approaches the dock, hopping onto the boat where Emily was waiting in the doorway for her.
Then, she sails away. She can only smile with delight as the boat drives.
-----
Confessional: Tristan
“I mean... two sides of the same coin. On one hand, Isabel’s not here and she might’ve betrayed me up the line. On the other? Diego, Logan, and Marissa are super close. Yeah, I voted for Marissa. Umm... it probably wasn’t a good move. But... at least my vote didn’t matter much anyway?” Tristan chuckles awkwardly. “God, I messed up, didn’t I? Maybe I should’ve voted for Logan.” Tristan facepalms.
-----
Confessional: Jade
“A notice would have been nice. Not only did Tristan flip on the vote, but Isabel knew this was going to happen and didn’t think to tell me? Trust is being more misplaced than I thought. Looks like Tristan isn’t as friendly as they try to come off as.” Jade scowls. “Figures. Fake friends. Again. I can’t escape them in and out of the game.” She scoffs.
“Looks like I’m turning to Marissa, who voted against me, and probably knows what I did. Ugh, of course.” Jade facepalms. “Focus, Jade. Focus.”