Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

EPISODE FOUR: FRUIT-CUTTING LIKE A GREEK SCULPTOR

[Don] - Last time on Last Resort…

[Don] - Last time… on Last Resort. Huh, I didn’t notice that. Well, previously, on Last Resort!

[Don] - We saw every team fighting each other on the resort’s most beloved sport, swordplay! In a tournament bracket, we saw the teams face off as they dastardly attempted to knock their opponents off.

[Don] - When it came down to the final two teams, Team Yellow and Team Blue, a fire broke out and switched the game up completely! The champion, Matt, was bested by an influencer of all people. Haha! I can’t think about it without laughing.

[Don] - Team Yellow went to Last Resort for the first time and after a nerve-wracking tiebreaker, Doofenshmirtz was sent packing.

[Don] - It’s another day on Wuhu Island. Who will trip and fall down into the deep waters today? Find out on… Last Resort!

INTRO

DAY 5

Team Yellow & Team Green

After the elimination of Doofenhsmirtz, Doraemon was feeling quite worried about the fate of his game. Now that it is clear Susie, Catra, and Matt were in an alliance, if they were to lose again either him or Komi would be voted out next.

When it was morning, Doraemon was planning to do some more digging for the Don Totem, but was surprised to see Komi doing chores around the camp. Susie watched by the charred firepit as she did.

[Doraemon] (curious) - What’s gotten you so fired up?

[Susie] - I asked the same question, then I realized I was talking to a wall.

Although startled by the voices, Komi turned to them both and started scribbling in her notebook.

[Komi] - It’s a weird feeling. I feel as if I need to pull my weight.

Confessional - Komi

Komi wrote calmly in her book, showing what she had written to the camera.

[Komi] - I have to prove myself to this team that I can be useful! 

She flipped the page…

[Komi] - Not only so we don’t lose, but to avoid possibly being eliminated! And, I’ll make sure to stay on Doraemon’s side.

She flipped the page again to show a small doodle of Doraemon and Doofenshmirtz with smiley faces around it. She looked at the doodles again, before drawing an X on Doofenshmirtz’s face.

Confessional - End

Doraemon let Komi continue doing the chores before sitting next to Susie. She sensed the mood shifting to something unpleasant and groaned.

[Susie] - Are you here to blame me for Doofenshmirtz? I don’t regret it.

[Doraemon] - No, nothing like that. It makes complete sense.

[Susie] (surprised) - You… understand?

[Doraemon] - Hey, it’s not like he died or anything. But, it wouldn’t really work in your favor to flip on your alliance.

Susie was relieved that Doraemon wasn’t mad at her. She tapped her nails on the wood, and nodded in response.

[Doraemon] - Speaking of which, where are those two?

Susie shrugged.

Matt was actually at the basketball courts waiting for Kel to arrive. He practiced some free throws. Catra watched beyond the courts, as if she was waiting for something to happen. After a bit, Kel stepped into the cage and greeted Matt, confirming Catra’s suspicions.

Confessional - Catra

[Catra] - I was right! He’s going off and making friendships with people from the other teams!

[Catra] - He probably thinks he’s so smart for thinking ahead in the game, so when the merge begins he’ll have allies from the other teams. What a snake!

[Catra] - …What? Of course I’m not being paranoid.

Confessional - End

Catra continued to stalk the two guys a bit more to see what they were up to. She wouldn’t let a traitor survive on her team. Matt quickly pumped himself up to play some basketball, but Kel had another idea in mind.

[Kel] - For someone who survived an elimination last night, you seem tense.

[Matt] - I don’t wanna think about it. Let’s play some pick-up, I feel like I should get my mind off of it.

[Kel] - But… Weren’t you telling me about strategy yesterday?

[Matt] (apathetic) - I was strategized against last night. Would’ve gone home if I didn’t win a tiebreaker.

[Kel] (shocked) - Seriously?! You obviously did the most for your team last challenge, yet you still got votes?

[Matt] - That’s what I thought. It’s what I was warning you about, Kel. This game isn’t very nice, to put it in non-dramatic terms.

[Kel] - Wow… That’s unbelievable. I have to start making some allies quick!

Matt, changing his tune about the conversation topic when it became Kel’s turn to talk, listened with intrigue.

[Matt] - Don’t you have friends on your team? Why not start from there?

[Kel] - Frankly, I consider all of my teammates friends. It’d be impossible for everyone to be in my alliance, right?

[Matt] - You have to start planning soon. What if your team loses the next challenge and you’re on the outs? It would be an easy vote.

[Kel] - I know, I know. Way to be harsh though… I’ll try to do some strategy, hehe…

Catra spying was somewhat ineffective since she was too far from the court to hear what the duo was saying. She planned on getting closer, but when she turned to look around her, Lucio was standing right next to her.

[Catra] - …What?

[Lucio] - Um, I think I should be asking you what you’re doing.

[Catra] - I’m… doing nothing. You should mind your business.

[Lucio] (amused) - Wait, you’re the girl I styled on the last challenge!

[Catra] (annoyed) - I’m leaving.

Catra walked away with her tail behind her legs and Lucio grinned widely. He looked over at the basketball courts and saw Kel and Matt chatting, so he decided to join them.

[Lucio] - What’s up, party people!

[Kel] - Lucio! Hey!

Matt watched as Kel and Lucio greeted each other with a strong handshake. He nodded to acknowledge Lucio’s presence and he recognized him.

[Lucio] (approving) - Yo, Kel, this is the guy you’ve been hanging with?

[Kel] - Yeah! We just play basketball in the mornings most of the time. I know he’s on a different team but he’s cool, I promise!

Lucio skated to Matt and gave him a quick fist bump.

[Lucio] - I believe we haven’t had a proper introduction yet. I’m Lucio, but man, your performance in the last challenge was stupendous! Too bad you couldn’t clutch up.

[Matt] (satisfied) - Thanks, man. The name’s Matt.

[Lucio] - So, what were you guys chatting about? Since you aren’t playing ball at the moment. It must be important since Catra was listening in.

[Matt] (dismayed) - She was what?

[Lucio] - Yeah, she was hiding behind a palm tree around over there.

Lucio pointed to the area Catra was at.

[Kel] - Well, honestly, we were chatting about alliances.

[Lucio] (curious) - Are you two in an alliance?

[Matt] - No. But, I was suggesting to Kel that he takes a more strategic approach to the game.

[Lucio] - Oh, really? What exactly were you suggesting?

Matt shifted a bit, dribbling the basketball he held in his hands.

[Matt] - Nothing specific. Just… maybe lookin’ at the game from a grand scheme of things.

[Lucio] (understanding) - Ooh, I see, I get what you’re putting down.

Lucio skidded back to Kel and whispered into his ear.

[Lucio] (curious) - So what plans were y’all discussing?

Matt squinted his eyes, before sprinting off to play ball.

[Kel] - Can’t lie, can I now? Matt was suggesting I make an alliance, to keep myself safe.

[Lucio] - An alliance? I can’t say that’s a bad idea. Why don’t we… y’know.

[Kel] - Do you want to form an alliance?

[Lucio] - Exactly! I myself am in need of some allies. Let’s agree to it.

Kel and Lucio gave each other another firm handshake, locking their alliance in.

[Lucio] - Now, weren’t you and Matt gonna play some basketball? Lemme in!

[Kel] - Oh, alright, let’s go then!

Lucio and Kel sprinted to where Matt was shooting some free throws to join him.

Team Blue

As the morning quickly passed and noon arrived, Carly eagerly awaited outside of an electronics store in Wuhu Town. There was a TV playing on the window, and she heard rumors that the first three episodes of Last Resort would be airing soon. Trapper arrived with two bags of popcorn and gave one to Carly.

[Carly] - Thanks. I’m excited to see the premiere of the show we’re competing on. Do you think they are filming us on Last Resort while we watch Last Resort?

Trapper was busy figuring out how to fit the popcorn through his mask. When the vendor said “jumbo” size he didn’t think it meant jumbo popcorn.

[Carly] - Just take off the mask.

Trapper shook his head no. Carly rolled her eyes and watched as the premiere began.

Confessional - Carly

[Carly] - I didn’t see myself getting along with Trapper. Dude is real quiet, but he’s a great listener.

[Carly] - I wonder what his real name is, cuz I wouldn’t want my real name to be “Trapper”.

Confessional - End

Nicole and Jecka soon came to join them. However, they seemed to be empty handed, without popcorn.

[Jecka] - They ran out of popcorn when it was our turn in line.

[Carly] - Um, but they still have like caramel popcorn and stuff.

[Nicole] - Any type of popcorn besides buttered is for fat people.

[Carly] (startled) - O-Oh, really…?

[Jecka] - Nicole’s got a point. When have you seen a skinny person eat caramel popcorn? Gross.

Carly looked away and towards the TV, a bit offended.

[Carly] (mumbling) - I like caramel popcorn…

[Nicole] - Oh. That’s strange, you’re not fat.

Trapper stopped for a moment and attempted to communicate to his teammates through charades.

[Jecka] - Um, “where is Chef?” He said he went to go look for fruits or something.

Jecka accidentally stepped on a piece of popcorn. When she looked down, she noticed some kernels scattered around Trapper. He was still attempting to fit the kernels through his mask, but he would occasionally drop some when attempting to eat a handful.

[Jecka] - Hey, do you think we could have some popcorn… Um, you’re kinda wasting it, on the floor.

Trapper heard Jecka’s request and happily complied, handing her the bucket.

[Jecka] - Wow, I think this is the first time a guy has done something for me out of pure kindness. Not like, flashing a titty or something.

[Nicole] - Bitch, give me a kernel.

[Jecka] (irked) - Is that how you ask?

[Nicole] - Bitch, you aren’t Emily, just give me one.

Trapper focused his attention onto the screen. It seemed like the premiere was about to begin.

[Carly] - It’s starting, it’s starting! Shh!

[Nicole] - I hope they got a good angle of my—

[Jecka] - Nicole, seriously, shut up.

[Nicole] (annoyed) - Fine I guess I’ll kill myself.

[Carly] - Shhh!!!

Carly and Trapper were satisfied with their portrayal and the amount of screentime they got. Carly was most excited for episode three since she could rewatch herself beating Matt.

[Carly] (enthusiastically) - And, wam! The reigning champion defeated by yours truly. The fans will love this.

Trapper applauded Carly and continued to watch Last Resort eagerly. Jecka and Nicole were not happy with their portrayal in the episodes. They complained half the time about how their lines were cut and censored.

[Jecka] - I’m pretty sure there’s a law in the constitution that give you free speech and freedom from the press.

[Nicole] - How do you know that?

[Jecka] - The only time I paid attention in history class. Huh. I didn’t think I would actually apply something I learned in school to–

Trapper pulled out his rusty cleaver (signed by Lucio) and threatened the girls with it.

[Jecka] (surprised) - Woah, you don’t need to pull that thing out! We’ll be quiet.

[Nicole] (whispering) - Lucio? Who the fuck is Lucio?

Trapped unequipped his cleaver and continued to watch peacefully, the girls itching to get their edgy quips in. They reached the end of episode three, the most recent episode.

[Jecka] - So, Doofenshmirtz was eliminated? 

[Carly] - Hm, that guy didn’t leave a huge impression on me. What did you think of him?

Trapper shrugged, shoving popcorn through his mask.

[Nicole] - It made sense. What did he do besides suck, a lot.

[Jecka] - Uh, yeah, I guess he did suck a lot.

[Carly] - It’s easy to see why he went. I wonder what everybody thinks—

[Sou] - Hey, you.

[Carly] - Ah!

Carly jumped back in fright while the others turned to Sou casually. 

[Carly] (disappointed) - Oh, it’s you. What are you doing here?

[Jecka] - You know this guy?

[Nicole] - Yeah, he tried hitting on me in that boba shop.

Sou glared at Nicole, before facing Carly.

[Sou] - I was also watching the premiere with you guys.

[Carly] - So you were standing behind us this whole time?! Did y’all notice him?

Trapper shook his head no.

[Nicole] - It’s really easy to ignore something as insignificant as him.

[Sou] (annoyed) - Wow, insignificant, that’s a big word for you. Eh, it doesn't matter. I heard you were curious how the fans perceived you?

[Carly] (curious) - Uh, sure. Do you know?

[Sou] - I actually went touring the town after the challenge yesterday. Townsfolk couldn’t believe Matt was defeated by the likes of you.

[Carly] - What? What are you saying to me?

Trapper looked back at the TV screen and saw the Last Resort logo; a disclaimer under it stating it was a Reality TV show.

[Sou] - They believe it was scripted. The viewers couldn’t fathom you possibly won against Matt.

[Carly] (upset) - What?! That’s BS! You saw me take him down fair and square! Everyone at the stadium did!

[Sou] - I’m just the messenger, of course I believe you. It’s just what people believe. 

[Carly] - Ugh, that is so annoying! Can’t a woman win anything?

[Sou] - Do what you will with that information. I must go back to my team. Bye.

Carly paced back and forth, anxious about fan perception online. She ate her popcorn frantically. Trapper stood and watched Carly spiral, unable to add anything of comfort.

[Jecka] - I was kinda fighting for my life in the ocean, so I didn’t really see what happened.

[Nicole] - It might’ve been scripted, I think.

Confessional - Carly

[Carly] - This show is not scripted! It’s called reality TV for a reason. I know I run a scripted show, but that doesn’t mean I would participate in another one to make myself look better!

[Carly] - …Okay, yes I would, but I promise everyone this is 1000% real!

Confessional - Sou

[Sou] - I spread the rumor that this show is scripted around town.

[Sou] - If people took a moment to think, they would realize I’m lying. Imagine how stupid it would be to script your island’s most famous alumni to lose at his best sport by a corny internet celebrity?

[Sou] - Then again, people love scandals. Also, I heard from Don that Last Resort wasn’t supposed to air on the island, so I’m using what I watched to my advantage.

Confessional - End

Team Green

Chiyo was studying peacefully in the girl’s room at the Cocoba Hotel, attempting to finish the last bit of her homework. She heard a knock on the door, and went to open it.

Don stood beyond the doorframe holding his finger to his ear, supposedly talking to the producers.

[Chiyo] - Hi mister Don!

[Don] - Chiyo? Are you by yourself?

[Chiyo] - They all went to do their own thing. I stayed back to do homework.

[Don] - Oh, alright. I’ve just come to tell your team your stay at the hotel expires in two days. So don’t forget to pack.

[Chiyo] - Okay! I’ll tell my teammates when they return.

[Don] - Thank you— No, I don’t care about the viewership on Wuhu Island! If they want to watch Last Resort, they can watch it unfold in real time!

[Chiyo] - Goodbye, mister Don!

Chiyo closed the door on Don and continued doing her homework. She told herself to not forget about what he told her. Sometime later, Chiyo heard a knock on the door. She got up from her desk and opened the door to see Kapi on the other side.

[Kapi] - Yo, Chiyo! Just the person I wanted to see.

[Chiyo] - Hi Kapi! 

Kapi strolls into the hotel room and shuts the door behind him, locking it too. He looked around the room and eventually the desk where Chiyo was doing homework.

[Kapi] - So this is what a girl’s room looks like. What are you doing?

[Chiyo - I was finishing the last of my homework. I don’t want to fall behind.

[Kapi] -  Why worry? You’re like thirteen, I’m pretty sure multiplication can’t be that hard.

[Chiyo] - Multiplication is straightforward! But I’m not learning about multiplication.

[Kapi] -  First working as a bellboy… bellgirl? Now doing homework? What aren’t you doing…

Kapi skimmed through the work, surprised at the high level of math and reading Chiyo was able to accomplish.

[Kapi] -  Uh… I don’t recognize this. What grade are you in again?

[Chiyo] - I finished high school already, I’m in college, studying in America currently.

[Kapi] -  What? I didn’t even finish high school…

[Chiyo] - Didn’t? How old are you, Kapi?

[Kapi] -  Nineteen… Doesn’t matter! I came here to ask you something very important. Extremely important!

[Chiyo] - Is it a secret?

[Kapi] -  Uh, yeah! It’s a secret too! I’m forming an alliance, and I want you to be a part of it!

Chiyo almost forgot she was on a reality show. She viewed the challenges as fun events rather than something to be nervous about. Since her team hasn’t been close to losing, the idea of strategy hadn’t crossed her mind.

[Chiyo] - Really? I would love to be a part of your alliance, Kapi!

[Kapi] - Score! If you’re wondering, I plan on asking Kel and Lucio to be on our side, too.

[Chiyo] - Why not Ivy or Caramel Arrow Cookie?

[Kapi] - Uh, I don’t think they like me very much. But I think the other two are cooler anyway. 

[Chiyo] - Okay… I don’t want to vote anyone out, though; it scares me.

[Kapi] - I’m confident we aren’t gonna lose any challenge, but just in case we do, my alliance will be safe!

[Chiyo] - Okay. Thank you Kapi.

[Kapi] - Ah, don’t mention it. You know me, thinkin’ about ten steps ahead. Imma head out now, see ya!

[Chiyo] - Okay, goodbye!

When Kapi left, Chiyo returned to her homework. A few minutes later, the door rattled before opening. Ivy and Ca had returned from wherever they went and approached Chiyo.

[Ivy] - What’s up Chiyo? Still doin’ homework?

[Chiyo] - Yup! I should be finished with it soon.

[Caramel Arrow] - Before you can do that, do you mind entertaining us for a quick moment?

[Chiyo] - Uh, okay. Is there something wrong?

[Ivy] - Nah, nothin’ is wrong. Caramel Arrow and I have been chatting for a while and have begun strategizing. We made an alliance, but two people can’t exactly take control of a team of six.

[Caramel Arrow] - We decided to recruit you as our third member. Would you be willing to join us?

[Chiyo] - …What?

[Caramel Arrow] - Although it doesn’t guarantee safety for any of us, it will force a tie if the others also decide to ally.

[Ivy] - C’mon Chiyo, us girls gotta stick together.

[Chiyo] - Um, um… I’m not sure--

[Caramel Arrow] - What’s there to debate? We’ll make absolute sure to protect each other so we can advance in the game.

[Ivy] - And even if we haven’t lost yet, we’re preparin’ for the worst just in case. The boneheads on our team probably haven’t considered any form of strategy yet.

Chiyo was nervous. She had already agreed to an alliance with Kapi, but Ivy and Caramel Arrow were proposing that she join their alliance. And she couldn’t reveal Kapi’s alliance to them.

[Chiyo] - Um… Okay. I-- I’ll join your alliance.

[Ivy] - Awesome! You won’t regret this, Chiyo.

[Caramel Arrow] - We’ll cover you if you cover us in return.

[Chiyo] - Okay.

The other two lounged in their room while Chiyo was unable to focus on her work. She had to hope that her team would be able to carry out more wins, or else she would have to pick a side.

Team Red

Team Red had run out of food and realized around evening. They delegated the duty of buying more to Kitty and Hilda. While they traversed down the mountain, Maya and Xenomorph had left to deal with some private matters. Sou, unconvinced at the pairing’s excuse, decided to secretly follow Maya and Xenomorph. He followed them to a secluded part of the forest and hid behind a tree while the two spoke.

[Xenomorph] - Are you sure this is necessary? It’s just-- It’s not-- He’s just--

[Maya] - I’m going to stop you right there so you don’t further embarrass yourself. And of course, this is necessary, it’s the concept of love!

Sou chuckled to himself, continuing to listen in.

[Xenomorph] - I don’t know if I would say that.

[Maya] - Nonsense! The way you stared at Trapper last night, I saw the desire in your eyes, the thought of having him to yourself!

[Xenomorph] - Don’t make such ridiculous assumptions! I just find pleasure in staring at him.

[Maya] - By the way you talk about this, it seems like this is your first time crushing on someone. Does your kind love…?

[Xenomorph] - Since you’re the expert, I suppose so. I’ve never felt so needy to stare at someone. I’m still unsure of it myself. What if I’m just making it out to be a bigger deal than it is?

[Maya] - Everyone is like this when it comes to falling in love for the first time. At the beginning, you’re in denial, then you accept it, next you become obsessed, and finally you confess!

[Xenomorph] - I don’t think I’m the type to do that. Can’t I just suppress these emotions?

[Maya] - Of course you can’t. You’ll torture yourself mentally if you do. Let me assess you! We have to confirm if you really like him! First question, why?

[Xenomorph] - Why? You mean, why I like to stare at him?

[Maya] - Yes! Tell me!

Xenomorph thought about it for a moment, his tail waving in the breeze.

[Xenomorph] - When it comes to the staring, he’s just nice to look at. I’m aware his clothes are dirty, and the mask covers almost the entirety of his face, but his build is quite muscular. You can see it in his arms. Strangely, I haven’t heard him speak yet.

Maya listened intently, unable to contain her visible excitement as she learned the details of Xenomorph’s crush. It made Xenomorph more awkward, but continued to explain.

[Xenomorph] - I think it goes deeper than his appearance. During the challenge yesterday, Trapper wasn’t afraid of me. Although I threatened him in the previous round and caused their team to lose in the first challenge--

[Maya] - Who could forget you throwing a kid off a plane…?

Xenomorph snarled, causing Maya to jump back a little.

[Xenomorph] - Apologies. He grabbed me and convinced me to stay in the challenge. I felt obligated to stay, but… He treated me like a person. Despite everything I did and what I look like, he didn’t seem afraid. It was brave.

[Maya] - Hilda isn’t afraid of you, though…

[Xenomorph] - What are you implying? Hilda is a child, and she has never even grazed my skin before.

[Maya] - Right, my bad. But that’s really sweet! I think we’ve found the reason for your obsession.

[Xenomorph] - I wouldn’t call it an obsession…

[Maya] - Whatever the word, you like Trapper! Admit it!

[Xenomorph] - I-- Um. I like… Trapper. I suppose.

[Maya] - Yay! You’re making progress! Now let’s come up with a codename for Trapper, so no one finds out. What about… Trap? Overalls? Mask?

[Xenomorph] - No, those are too obvious. What about… Bravery?

[Maya] - Oh, yes, yes! I like it. Let’s go with that!

Sou was starting to become quite bored with the minor details and wandered back to camp. He heard everything he needed.

Hilda and Kitty were in Wuhu Town buying food, specifically fruits and vegetables. Kitty glanced over at the Swordplay Stadium and smirked, remembering the memory of yesterday.

[Kitty] - I can’t lie, yesterday’s challenge was fun.

[Hilda] - Really? I think so too! Falling into the water stung a little, though.

[Kitty] - I didn’t feel it that much. But being able to swing a sword around and actually hit people without consequences was so relieving! 

[Hilda] - Relieving? Do you have a lot of pent up anger?

[Kitty] - Maybe. All I know is I can get super competitive. It could be that.

Hilda looked over at the food stack in piles. She began picking cucumbers out and putting them into decomposable bags, since Wuhu Island didn’t have plastic straws or bags.

[Hilda] - I enjoyed knocking that girl off the platform. It felt empowering, like an ego boost. Side note, these cucumbers seem high quality.

[Kitty] - I wonder where they import them.

When Kitty and Hilda exited the small market, a watermelon as tall as a fridge rolled past them and made a huge crash near the water fountain.

[Hilda] - What–

Before they could comprehend what they had just seen, Chef passed them, screaming as he was being chased by a rolling giant orange which was also as tall as a fridge.

Confessional - Chef Hatchet

[Chef] - I told my team I was gonna get food while they watched the premiere of this reality show. I don’t really care how I present myself here, but now that I think about it I probably shouldn’t tell my plans if it’s being premiered here…

[Chef] - But anyway, I was searching the town for the Don Totem, just in case anything were to flip on my head. I searched every small shop, every building, even the port and nothing. I even took a little swim and there was only ocean for miles.

[Chef] - But, once I had changed out of my swimsuit, I was strolling around and I see some gigantic fruits rolling around without explanation… Then one started rolling towards me tryin’ to crush me! Every turn I would make it would follow me! This island is freaky, why couldn’t this be a normal vacation…

Confessional - End

ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL TEAMS!

[Don] - Wuhu Island has just imported some of its delicacies, it’s quite the big haul! …Is it their delicacy if they import it? Eh, it doesn't matter.

[Don] - Meet at the water fountain in Wuhu Town for today’s challenge, it might seem a bit familiar, too.

All Teams Included

The fountain, or the plaza and center of Wuhu Town, was quite spacious and calm. Behind the water fountain was an incline that led to the runner’s circle, a circular patch of grass where many runners meet to do their daily cardio. The water fountain flowed calmly, beautiful spouts created by the fountain’s mechanisms. Old coins were scattered at the bottom from people hoping to make their wishes come true. Nicole bent over and picked coins under the water to pocket.

[Jecka] (appalled) - Nicole, what the fuck.

[Nicole] - It’s not like the people who threw the coins in here remember doing that.

Nicole stood up and flicked her hand to dry it off. 

[Nicole] - People who make wishes like this are either under the age of ten or pathetically heartbroken. I’m doing them a favor by freeing them of delusion.

[Jecka] - Literally what can you do with a few quarters besides put them in a gumball machine.

[Nicole] - Shit, might as well.

Trapper and Jecka gave each other confused glances. Carly was kneeling over Chef, who was on the ground shaking.

[Chef] (terrified) - Those big fruits coulda ran me over and, and, who knows! I coulda died today! Over a rogue gigantic fruit!

[Carly] - There there, you big baby. Those balls of death aren’t here to hurt you anymore.

[Komi] - This time, there is no chance we lose! We’ll make a comeback, and I’ll do my best to achieve that!

[Doraemon] - That’s the spirit! Are you guys on the same page?

[Catra] - Uh, sure.

Matt and Susie nodded. Their nonchalantness hurt Komi’s pride a bit, but her fervor was unwavering. She was determined to win!

[Maya] - I don’t see any of those “big fruits” you two were talking about…

[Hilda] - We’re serious! They chased that man over there and were about the size of him too!

[Sou] - And you didn’t happen to take a photo?

[Kitty] - It happened on the spot, I’m not a person who snaps photo finishes, I had no time to react!

[Xenomorph] - If they were that huge, do you think I could eat them?

[Chiyo] - Oh, Don wanted me to tell all of you that our stay in the hotel is over soon!

[Kel] - Shoot, I forgot that our stay there wasn’t permanent!

[Lucio] - Man, you forgot? I’ve been dreading the day it comes.

[Kapi] - Isn’t there a way we can snag a bit more time there?

[Ivy] - If you want to pay the bill, sure.

It seemed like the teams were waiting for Don to arrive, again. This time, they were more bothered by Don’s lack of punctuality.

[Kapi] (impatiently) - Yo, where’s Don?

[Ivy] - Beats me where the guy could be.

[Caramel Arrow] - For the host of a show, he lacks punctuality.

[Chef] - There better not be any more fruit rolling around.

[Carly] - I’m pretty sure that’s a was a one time thing–

[Doraemon] (yelling) - Falling fruit!!

Giant fruit, specifically humongous oranges, cantaloupes, and watermelons, fell from the sky and landed around the water fountain area. Unfortunately, a giant orange struck bother Carly and Chef, crushing them both.

[Carly] (angry) - What the hell?! Where did those even come from?

Everybody else ran away from the area to avoid being crushed. The raining fruits bounced around the plaza and continued to pour until it finally ended with the last object, a giant diamond. When the gem made contact with the ground, it shattered and Don emerged from the inside. 

[Don] - Huh, I didn't expect that to work so well.

Don looked around the plaza filled with dented fruits, wondering where everyone had gone off to. They exited the building they used as cover and reentered the plaza, confused by the sudden appearance of a diamond.

[Don] - There’s no need to worry anymore, that’s all the deliveries that will be made today.

[Hilda] - Are those the delicacies you mentioned?

[Don] - I’m glad you made the connection! Yes, and they are a core aspect of today’s challenge.

[Doraemon] - These could feed a whole town’s worth…

[Jecka] - Don’t tell me we have to eat these.

[Xenomorph] (excited) - I wouldn’t be against it!

[Don] - Funnily enough, these modified fruits weren’t created for just consumption. In fact, they were made for another sport local to Wuhu Island, speed slice! A sport in which you’ll have cut your designated fruit in the correct way as fast as possible.

[Matt] - This’ll be a cake walk, I’m a champion in this sport too.

[Catra] - Hopefully that champion status means something this time around.

[Don] - Unluckily for you, we aren’t doing a challenge based on speed slice since that would be boring to watch.

[Matt] (annoyed) - Are you for real?

Don stepped to the side as a sculpture of himself made of separate materials fell from the sky and landed next to him.

[Maya] - Seriously though, how is he doing that?

The sculpture consisted of four parts. The head piece was made of orange. The torso and arms were made of watermelon. The legs and feet were made of cantalope. Finally, the base was made of diamond. The sculpture had the same obnoxious grin Don beared. Don pulled out the swords from the previous challenge and tossed one to each team. However, instead of the plastic glowing blade, it was replaced with an actual thin blade.

[Don] - For this challenge, you’ll be sculpting this replica of me using the fruits scattered around the plaza. Once you’re done, you’ll turn it into me and earn immunity.

[Caramel Arrow] - Is that really all there is to the challenge?

[Don] - Nope! You will notice I have given each team only one sword. And, another thing…

Don was silent for a moment. Suddenly, all of the fruits began to roll around and completely scatter across the town. The competitors yelped as they tried to move out of the way of the rolling giants. At the same time, four forklifts were brought into the plaza by the locals, with a pallet attached to each of them.

[Kitty] - Maybe give us a warning next time?

[Don] - I’ll take your offer into consideration. Anyway, for the explanation, every team will have a Driver and a Sculptor, everyone else are runners. The Driver will drive the forklift assigned to your team, obviously. They are forbidden from stepping out of the vehicle. The Sculptor will stand on the pallet the forklift is carrying and use the sword given to them to sculpt the Don Sculpture using the same fruity materials. The sculptor is also not allowed to dismount the vehicle. The runners can help load the necessary materials needed to complete the sculpture, but they are also allowed to obstruct and sabotage other teams’ sculptures and forklifts as much as they please. However, direct damage to other team’s vehicles is not allowed.

Confessional - Sou

[Sou] - As I was listening to the rules of the challenge, I realized how easy this challenge was going to turn out. 

[Sou] (cocky) - All we need is Xenomorph on the offense and no other teams will make progress.

Confessional - Lucio

[Lucio] - Although I am an artist, I think I’ll find myself more comfortable as a runner. Physical media, especially 3D, might be out of my range…

[Lucio] - But, I know my team has the abilities to fill in all the gaps! Maybe Kapi could find his place in this challenge too.

Confessional - End

[Don] - Take your time to decide who will take what roles, the challenge will begin shortly.

Team Blue

[Chef] - I elect myself as the driver! Any objections?

Chef glared at his teammates as they said nothing.

[Chef] - Good. Now, who’s good at sculpting?

[Jecka] - Not a talent I possess.

[Carly] - I wish my brother were here, he would complete this sculpting challenge easy-peasy.

[Nicole] - Your brother can sculpt?

[Carly] - Well, more or less…

Trapper raised his hand and stepped beside Chef to indicate his acceptance of becoming a sculptor.

[Chef] - Uh, you sure you wanna sculpt? We should have you as a runner, these ladies aren’t exactly the type to get their hands dirty.

[Nicole] - Who said we won’t? Plus, I don’t want to do anything artsy. Not my thing.

[Jecka] - Agreed.

Chef pondered slightly, not having too much faith in his teammates. However, he shrugged it off.

Team Yellow

[Komi] - I volunteer to be a sculptor!

[Doraemon] - If Komi can be a sculptor, may I be the driver?

[Matt] - I don’t see a problem with that, the rest of us can be—

[Catra] - Doraemon, you’re better as a runner. I’ll be the driver.

[Doraemon] (surprised) - What? Who are you to tell me what role I’ll be?

[Catra] - I’m most fit to be a leader for this team. We already lost a challenge, so someone needs to step up. I’ve seen what those gadgets can do.

[Doraemon] - We don’t need a leader! All we need is cooperation and—

[Catra] (fiercely) - And I need your cooperation so we can win this challenge. I will be the driver.

[Matt] - She’s right. If you can create a fake fire, what can’t you do?

Despite not saying anything, Susie nodded her head in agreement. Doraemon was going to say something else in retaliation, but Komi stopped him by tapping his shoulder.

[Komi] - Our only option is to listen. If we cause more problems, and we lose…

Doraemon frowned, knowing Komi was right Doraemon gave up and agreed.

All Teams Included

All the teams had chosen what roles their teammates would take up. For Team Blue, the driver would be Chef and the sculptor would be Trapper. For Team Red, the driver would be Kitty and the sculptor would be Maya. For Team Green, the driver would be Ivy and the sculptor would be Chiyo. For Team Yellow the driver would be Catra and the sculptor would be Komi. Once everyone was loaded onto their vehicles, Don stood in front of the fountain with an intrigued look.

[Don] - Your team will win immunity once your sculpture is completely finished, no need to turn it in to me. 

All the teams looked at each other with a nervous desperation to obtain immunity.

[Don] - Of course, the team who is unable to complete their statue will be sent to Last Resort.

[Don] - On your marks, get so, GO! GO! GO!

Team Red

Kitty and Maya were growing close and decided to stay together during the challenge. Instead of going on the offensive immediately, Xenomorph and Hilda offered to help load the fruit onto the forklift, which bothered Sou. They had secured their first item, the watermelon.

[Maya] - What did the Don’s sculpture look like again?

[Hilda] - What?! You already forgot?

[Maya] - I’m just kidding, of course I didn’t forget. Hm…

Maya sliced the watermelon in half with the sword, a bit startled by how clean and seamless the cut was.

[Kitty] - That is one shaaarp blade.

[Xenomorph] - Be careful not to cut yourself, Maya.

Sou stood bored as the team watched Maya carefully carve the torso of the statue. He looked on as other teams were progressing without much issue.

[Sou] - Remember when Don said runners can sabotage? We should begin now.

[Hilda] - What? Who will help load the fruits?

[Kitty] - Yeah, we can’t exactly waltz out of our roles, Sou.

[Xenomorph] - Wouldn’t it be better if we took a defensive approach? If we prevent other runners from sabotaging us, it keeps our statue safe and wastes their time.

[Sou] - Playing defensively isn’t necessary when we have a powerhouse on our team. Xenomorph, you’re aware of your strength yet refuse to use it.

[Hilda] (frustrated) - You are beginning to sound a lot like Jesse! We agreed to play close with our forklift, and that’s that!

[Sou] (offended) - When did we agree to that? I don’t recall there being a group vote.

As Hilda and Jesse bickered, Kitty called Xenomorph over as Maya attempted to concentrate with the noise.

[Xenomorph] - What is it, Kitty? I don’t feel inclined to join the arguing—

[Kitty] - I don’t either, so I’m asking you, please, use your strength to sabotage other teams.

[Xenomorph] (surprised) - What? Are you sure?

[Kitty] - Your power is no joke, dude. How could I forget you flailing that scientist guy around like it was nothing?

[Xenomorph] - But what about you two? Won’t you need some assistance?

[Kitty] - Trust me, I’m good behind the wheel. I need you to take initiative and go do something. If sabotage is allowed then…

Xenomorph nodded and crawled back to Hilda and Sou who were still fighting. Maya let her hand slip and accidently sliced an arm off.

[Maya] (bitter) - Ugh, can you two make up? Now I need a new piece of watermelon!

[Hilda] - Maybe if Sou wasn’t being such a—

[Xenomorph] - You two can stop. Sou’s strategy has some merit. Let’s execute on it.

[Sou] (satisfied) - Thank you. You do realize Xenomorph has his own opinions too, right?

[Hilda] (flustered) - I— That’s—

[Xenomorph] - It’s fine. I appreciate her speaking out for me. Let’s just go.

Xenomorph and Sou went to look for another team’s forklift, with Hilda slowly following as if she were ashamed. Maya and Kitty drove off to find more pieces to their sculpture.

Confessional - Hilda

[Hilda] - Usually I don’t let people’s words get to me. Especially words from those who I don’t like. But…

[Hilda] - I’m not being too overbearing am I? Why do I feel so inclined to defend Xenomorph whenever I can?

Confessional - End

Team Green

Ivy told the team she was a fantastic getaway driver and would be willing to show off her skill. She also wanted Caramel Arrow by her side, so she encouraged her to be the sculptor, but Chiyo rose to the challenge instead. Caramel Arrow was helping lift the fruits onto the forklift, while the boys left to sabotage.

[Caramel Arrow] - Here, the cantaloupe. 

[Chiyo] - The sword is a bit heavy…

[Ivy] (encouraging) - C’mon Chiyo, you got this!

[Caramel Arrow] - Out of curiosity, why did you want to be a sculptor, Chiyo?

[Chiyo] - I realized I didn’t provide much utility last challenge, so I wanted to step it up today.

Chiyo made a clean slice with the sword despite it being almost as tall as her. In a few cuts the legs were completed in an instant.

[Ivy] - I never took you for an expert at carvin’!

[Chiyo] - It must be all those high school festivals that helped me with this moment— Ah!

Before Chiyo could finish talking, Team Yellow’s forklift rammed behind Team Green’s before speeding away, at least, as fast as a forklift can speed away.

[Ivy] (angered) - Hey! Watch where you’re goin’!

[Chiyo] - I’m okay, the legs are too.

[Caramel Arrow] - Let’s hope the others are doing their job.

Team Yellow

Komi scribbled quickly in her notebook as she attempted to stay on the palette. Once she finished writing she lifted her notebook so Catra could read it.

[Komi] - Slow down! We aren’t saboteurs, so please help me by guiding me to the fruits.

Catra rolled her eyes and slowed down, stopping at a nearby orange.

Matt, Doraemon, and Susie stalked Team Blue as they were carving their torso. Trapper cut quickly and happily; it’s like he was in his zone.

[Susie] - So, what’s the plan?

[Matt] - Don’t look at me, Doraemon has all of the gadgets and tools.

[Doraemon] - Oof, I guess I don’t have a choice.

Doraemon dug around in his stomach pouch attempting to look for something that could aid them.

[Susie] - What do you have in there? Bombs? Knives? Guns?

[Doraemon] (disrespected) - Who do you take me for?

[Susie] - Uh, do you want me to answer that?

[Matt] - Hurry, it looks like they are about to take off.

Doraemon pulled out a propeller hat and placed it on his head. The blade’s spin was so powerful it lifted him in the air and he flew above Team Blue’s forklift.

[Matt] (shocked) - How is that possible?!

Chef made sure to keep a look out for any saboteurs. However, he didn’t account for looking up. As Trapper finished his piece and showed his pride by putting his hands on his hips, Doraemon flew unexpectedly and latched onto the legs. Trapper tried swatting at Doraemon as he hauled it away.

[Chef] (flabberghasted) - What?! Where did your legs go?!

Trapper pointed frantically at Doraemon as he searched for his team’s forklift. It wasn’t long before he fluttered to Komi’s palette and placed the legs gently on it.

[Catra] (awed) - Wow, good work. Keep doing that and we’ll be first in no time.

Komi nodded excitedly as she watched Doraemon soar away. As they continued to drive around the plaza, Catra heard some commotion behind her. She turned back and saw Lucio, Kel, and Kapi chasing them. 

[Lucio] (yelling) - Here come the uninvited guests!

[Catra] (sarcastically) - Oh great. The loser’s brigade is on their way.

Catra tried driving faster, but Lucio’s speed was far too great and he eventually caught up. Catra tried to claw at him, but he luckily dodged. Kel and Kapi soon caught up too, both of them teasing Catra with raspberries. 

[Catra] - Grow up you two!

[Kel] (mockingly) - I’d rather throw up!

Kel, who had been dribbling a basketball the whole time, threw it at Catra’s face which caused her to veer off course. It had landed in her lap, too. The forklift rammed into a watermelon, which halted all momentum it had. Komi had been panicking this whole time, but instead of warding off the invaders, she stood frozen in time. Kapi eventually jumped onto the pallet and pushed the legs they had secured off of it. He looked at Komi, bowing all gentlemen-like.

[Kapi] - My sincerest apologies… Not! Haha!

Kapi leaped off the pallet to then crush it under his feet while Catra drove away.

[Lucio] (disappointed) - Aw man! Why did you do that? We could’ve used those legs!

Kapi stopped mid-stomp, realizing that yes, they could’ve used those legs.

[Kapi] (guilty) - W-Woops, you’re right… My bad.

[Kel] - So I lost my basketball for nothing?

[Lucio] - Not necessarily, now that Team Orange has lost their only bit of progress, they should be last.

[Kapi] - Not gonna lie, that was pretty fun! Let’s go sabotage some more.

[Kel] - Yeah! But not Team Maroon, I don’t wanna deal with Xenomorph…

[Lucio] - Right on. Let’s move people!

Little did they know, they already had a set of legs.

Team Red

Maya had just finished the head of the sculpture and remade the torso. Now, her team just needed to secure the other two parts. Albeit, it looked a bit wonky.

[Maya] - Do you think it matters if it looks good?

[Kitty] - Hm… Hopefully if it’s just done it counts.

Whilst looking out for a cantaloupe, Kitty spotted something in the sky diving straight for them.

[Kitty] (panicked) - Maya! Watch out!

Maya was confused and instead of ducking, looked up. She saw Doraemon with his propelling hat aiming at the sculpture. Maya finally ducked when he got close, but fortunately for her he missed the sculpture.

[Kitty] (defensive) - Back off! This is our work of art!

[Maya] - Yeah! I’ll defend this with my life.

[Doraemon] - We’ll see about that.

Doraemon attempted to dive for the sculpture multiple times, but Maya held the sword up and waved it around anytime he got close. Not wanting to be severely harmed by the sharp blade, he hovered over the moving forklift.

[Doraemon] - Ugh, where’s your teammates when you need them?

Meanwhile, Matt and Susie were chasing down Team Blue’s forklift to further prevent them from any progress. During the chase, Trapper was carving out the head of the sculpture since they were able to get their hands on an orange before the chase.

[Chef] - You might wanna swap targets, I ain’t lettin’ up! You doin’ alright there, boy?

Trapper gave Chef a thumbs up as he continued to carve carefully, which was hard due to how fast the forklift was moving. At this moment, Xenomorph, Sou, and Hilda saw the many forklifts going around and wondered who to target first.

[Sou] - It would be optimal to target the team with the most progress so far.

[Hilda] - What about preventing a team from progressing at all? It ensures they stay in last.

[Sou] - Hm… Not a terrible idea.

[Hilda] - Xenomorph, what do you think—

They both turned to where Xenomorph was, but he was no longer there. They searched with their eyes, and eventually spotted him going towards Team Blue’s forklift.

[Hilda] - We have no choice but to follow him!

[Sou] (disappointed) - Any sense of plan is lost on these people…

Xenomorph had noticed Team Yellow attempting to sabotage Team Blue, and he wouldn’t let that slide! After all, Trapper was on that team, and he wouldn’t want him to go home. So, he had to eliminate anything that could cause him to lose. Once the distance between the forklift and Susie and Matt was great enough, Xenomorph jumped in and halted them from their pursuit.

[Matt] (annoyed) - Jeez, not you again. What do you want?

[Susie] - Yeah, we’re kinda in the middle of doing something—

Xenomorph roared and pounced toward them, causing them to yelp in fear and run in the opposite direction. Sou and Hilda watched with surprise at Xenomorph’s strong reaction. Hilda was confused at why he would chase other saboteurs instead of the forklifts, but Sou knew.

[Sou] - I wonder how long he’ll be willing to chase them for.

Confessional - Xenomorph

[Xenomorph] - I feel conflicted. *Scoff* When do I not?

[Xenomorph] - I nag about wanting to be seen as “human”, I suppose. But then I act like a primal, violent animal. In my defense, it was to protect someone else!

[Xenomorph] (embarrassed) - What I am doing…

Confessional - End

Team Blue

Behind the fountain, was a ramp that led to the runner’s circle. At the top, Carly, Nicole, and Jecka had pushed a cantaloupe, watermelon, and orange there. Their idea was to gather all of the materials necessary to complete their sculpture and then call their forklift to retrieve them. They chose the runner’s circle since nobody else seemed to be there. The only piece they were missing was the diamond for the base.

[Carly] - I’ll go find Trapper and Chef. Make sure nothing happens to them.

[Jecka] - Actually, I’ll keep looking for the diamond. There’s no way it isn’t nearby.

[Nicole] - Guess I’ll wait here.

Carly descended down the ramp while Jecka walked east. Nicole stood bored as she waited for them to return. She heard footsteps and streaks coming from another nearby ramp and assumed it was her team. So, she was surprised to see the boys from Team Green appear once they reached the top. They saw the scene in front of them, all of the materials necessary (besides the diamond) to complete the sculpture, and Nicole being right in the center.

[Kapi] - Are you hoarding these?!

[Nicole] (startled) - Shit. Uh, no.

[Lucio] (suspicious) - I sense a lie. Why are all these here then?

[Nicole] - Uh, I’ll tell you if you guess correctly.

[Kapi] - You’re hoarding them so your team can get the easy win once they come up here!

[Nicole] - Nope, guess again.

[Kel] - She’s lying!

[Nicole] - That’s not right either, guess again.

[Lucio] - You know you’re not foolin’ us, right?

Nicole took the orange and rolled it near the ramp.

[Nicole] - The correct reason these fruits are here is so I could use them as… as a trap.

Nicole saw Team Red’s forklift nearing the ramp. Doraemon was still harassing them, so their main focus was trying not to crash. As that vehicle got close to the opening of the ramp, Nicole pushed the cantaloupe and sent it rolling. It rolled quickly, crashing with Team Red’s forklift at the bottom. The impact was so strong it knocked the head of Team’s Red sculpture off and onto the ground.

[Maya] (despairing) - No!! My art!

[Kitty] (frustrated) - Agh! Where did that even come from?!

As Kitty and Maya were concerned by their unexpected collision, Doraemon took this opportunity to snatch the torso and flew off with it.

[Maya] (infuriated) - You’ll pay for this!

At the runner’s circle, the boys were awestruck by Nicole’s accuracy.

[Kel] - I guess sabotage also looks like this.

[Kapi] - They’re like boulders! Lemme push one down!

[Nicole] - Fuck off you have your own pair of balls, go play with those.

[Kapi] (humiliated) - H-Hey! Why would you say that?!

[Lucio] (angered) - Who are you speaking to him like that?

At this moment, Jecka had returned with nothing. Coincidentally enough, Carly had also returned with their forklift.

[Jecka] - Nicole, where the fuck is the orange?

[Nicole] - Down the hill.

[Chef] - We already got the headpiece, no need for another orange.

[Carly] - Why are the dudes from Team Green here?

[Kel] - She was lying! I knew it!

[Kapi] - Well, more like we knew it, but yeah! Get those fruits out of here!

Kapi, Kel, and Lucio ran towards the cantaloupe and watermelon to push them down the hill. Jecka and Carly rushed to push back. Nicole had a different idea.

[Nicole] - Run them over.

[Chef] (appalled) - What?! Are you crazy?

[Nicole] - …Do you want me to answer that?

[Chef] - Either way, I’m not running nobody over!

[Nicole] - I thought men would drool at the idea of being given an excuse to hurt someone. Just do it, or they’re going to get rid of our hard work.

Trapper didn’t seem very fond of the idea, but held on regardless. Chef sighed and began to drive forward. The sound of the tires on the ground was enough of a warning to get Team Green to stop pushing and run.

[Kapi] (out of breath) - You’re psychotic! You were gonna run us over!

[Lucio] - Better thing is that he didn’t. Even though you got the fruits now, doesn’t mean we aren’t gonna stop our sabotage!

[Kel] - Yeah, you aren’t getting rid of us that easily!

A shriek from the bottom of the ramp was loud enough to capture everyone’s attention. It was Xenomorph, again! He ran up the ramp as fast as he could and set his eyes on Team Green. Hilda and Sou watched curiously from the bottom.

[Kel] (petrified) - Um…

Xenomorph let out his usual deafening screech, and it made it very clear he was not friendly towards them.

[Lucio] (frightened) - Fall back! Fall back!

Team Green’s runners were chased away. Sou and Hilda ran after Xenomorph, but Hilda rammed herself into the watermelon, causing it to teeter on the ramp before rolling down the hill.

[Jecka] (frustrated) - Hey! You little—

[Hilda] (running away) - Have fun getting that back!

[Carly] - Ugh! Now I have to push it up here, again!

[Chef] - Don’t worry about that, just get it back while Trapper cuts up this cantaloupe.

Team Yellow

Doraemon fluttered back to his team and realized the legs were being sculpted again by Komi. He placed the torso next to her and asked Catra who still had a basketball in her lap.

[Doraemon] - Were you two sabotaged? What happened to the legs?

[Catra] - Doesn’t matter, we’re sculpting the legs again.

[Doraemon] - Okay… Where are Susie and Matt? They didn’t return to help you two?

[Catra] (sarcastically) - What do you think?

After recuperating from being chased by the Alien, Susie and Matt got back on their feet and ran around the streets of the town to find a team to sabotage.

[Matt] - That alien… What’s it’s beef with us? It can’t be from yesterday’s challenge, right–

[Susie] - Wait. Look.

Susie and Matt heard talking and peeked around the corner of a building. Caramel Arrow Cookie was loading the orange onto her team’s forklift. Currently, they were on the road that bordered the port. The waves softly crashed against the walls that supported the road. Their team had been unbothered for most of the challenge, so naturally they were able to complete the legs of the sculpture as well. Finally, the orange (the head) was the second to last piece they needed.

[Chiyo] - Wow, this challenge has been pretty easy going, no saboteurs have bothered us yet!

[Ivy] (concerned) - Don’t jinx us, Chiyo. I sense somebody nearby.

[Chiyo] - Oh, I’m sorry!

Chiyo halted her cutting to lean down and knock on the wood the pallet was made of.

[Caramel Arrow] - I find it a bit… strange that nobody has bothered us yet. Are they really that occupied with the others?

[Ivy] - Let’s hope so.

Matt and Susie finally saw an opportunity to participate in the challenge, and took it. They appeared in front of Team Green’s forklift with cocky looks. They strutted along the road and made their presence known, with Chiyo quickly calling them out.

[Chiyo] (nervous) - L-Look ahead! Those are people from the enemy team!

[Susie] - That’s right. Ahead of us is a losing team.

[Ivy] - You really wanna talk about losin’ when we decimated your team in yesterday’s challenge? You got a big head on your shoulders, that’s for sure.

[Matt] - It was a fluke. There’s nothing your team should be proud of.

[Caramel Arrow] - Hm. As the so-called champion of that sport–

[Ivy] (smirking) - –Are you proud that you were beaten by a team of flukers?

Matt’s face shriveled in rage at the comment. He rushed at Caramel Arrow Cookie and Susie ran for the vehicle.

[Ivy] - That’s our cue to leave!

Ivy attempted to back the forklift, but immediately halted when Team Yellow’s forklift appeared from a corner and blocked her from escaping. Matt didn’t really know what he was doing running towards Caramel Arrow, since he was blinded by some type of rage. So he braced himself to ram into her. She reciprocated and readied herself as well. They bounced off of each other with considerable force.

[Catra] - I was wondering where you two were.

[Matt] (sarcastic) - Yeah? Thanks for worrying.

Ivy, upon realizing her exit was blocked and seeing Susie rapidly approaching Chiyo sculpture, she had no choice but to hit the gas forward. Susie, realizing the forklift was slowly threatening to run her over, stepped out of the way unable to sabotage Team Green’s sculpture. 

[Susie] - Jeez, trying to run someone over without a second thought…

In that same moment, Kel, Lucio, and Kapi turned the same corner that Matt and Susie had peeked over earlier, still being chased by Xenomorph (and technically Hilda and Sou). 

[Chiyo] (terrified) - H-Hey! Look out!

Ivy didn’t have the time to stop the vehicle but still made an attempt to halt it. Chiyo watched as the forklift skittered right into Kapi, violently sending him to the ground. Xenomorph stopped chasing at the sight of Kapi practically being run over.

[Kel] (concerned) - Kapi! Did he just get hit by the forklift?

[Chiyo] (scared) - Oh no…

[Hilda] (surprised) - Woah, is he okay?

[Ivy] - Oops…

[Lucio] - Give him some space, people! I got it.

As a small crowd of contestants formed to check Kapi’s condition, Team Yellow stood behind watching.

[Susie] - Should we… I dunno, help?

[Catra] - What? Of course not. Actually, this is a perfect time to sabotage…

[Matt] - Oh, right. I got it—

Catra immediately took it into her own hands to sabotage Team Green instead of letting the runners do it. She drove forward slowly, creeping up on Team Green’s parked forklift. Komi scribbled frantically as she realized what her driver was doing.

[Komi] (frantic scribbles) - We shouldn’t engage in this! Let Matt and Susie handle this! We need to find the head for our sculpture and we win!

[Catra] - Uh… Sorry, can’t read chicken scratch.

When their forklift got close enough, Catra firmly held the basketball in her cockpit and grinned as she aimed it at Kel. She launched it and hit him directly on the head, which bounced off onto Kapi’s face, who was seemingly passed out.

[Kel] (angered) - Ow— Hey! What was that for?!

[Catra] - Aw… If you can’t handle a basketball how are you supposed to handle losing?

[Kel] - Those two aren’t even related!

[Caramel Arrow] - Have some respect for the critically injured.

[Ivy] - Speaking of, where is he? Surely there's medical staff nearby…

[Catra] (smuggly) - Oh? And why do you suddenly care? You were the one who ran that pathetic cat over.

[Ivy] (defensive) - It was an accident!

[Lucio] - Also— Pathetic?! Now you’ve crossed a line!

Hilda and Xenomorph backed away as the two teams bickered. Matt and Susie also joined in on the bickering, but it was mostly directed at Catra and attempting to convince her to leave.

[Hilda] - I hope… Kapi? Is okay.

[Xenomorph] - The forklift collided with him quite hard… At least from what I saw.

[Sou] - Uh, you guys do realize we’re still in a challenge, right?

[Hilda] - Obviously. So?

[Sou] - Then let’s sabotage them! They’re completely distracted fighting amongst themselves.

Hilda looked back and realized, yes, they were still arguing. Chiyo and Komi both looked like they were on the verge of tears.

[Xenomorph] - Right… Then let’s get on with that.

[Hilda] - Hopefully Maya and Kitty are pulling through!

Xenomorph snuck up to Team Green’s sculpture while Sou and Hilda did to Team Yellow’s sculpture. In unison, they managed to push both sculptures off the pallet they sat on. They crashed with a wet sound, the juices of the fruits leaking onto the stone floor of the plaza.

[Ivy] - Wait, huh?!

[Chiyo] (despairing) - My hard work!

Komi squealed in agony at the sight of seeing her art being destroyed so ruthlessly. Team Red’s runner scurried away to avoid dealing with the fallout of their sabotaging. 

[Lucio] - Look at what y’all caused! Now we both have to start over!

[Catra] - What? Me? You all were distracting me!

[Susie] - We were all distracted…

Matt watched as his team and Team Green continued to argue. He rolled his eyes before walking off to do his own sabotaging.

Confessional - Matt

[Matt] - Pointless arguing, is that all my team is goddamn good for?

[Matt] - And anyway, both of our teams were launched into last place, so might as well continue to do something instead of standing around.

Matt thought about the implications of Team Green being close to elimination. Hmm…

Confessional - End

Meanwhile… Team Blue had almost completed their sculpture entirely. Trapper had made quick work while the others watched with expectancy.

[Jecka] - Do you think if people who are good at art could kill, they would?

[Carly] (offended) - What? Absolutely not, my brother wouldn’t even hurt a fly! At least, not on purpose…

[Nicole] - Yeah no, they definitely would. Take our sculptor for example.

[Chef] - Hey, leave the boy alone. He’s taking the mantle since none of you would’ve dared touch that sword.

[Jecka] - What about like… 2D artists?

[Nicole] - They’re even worse. I would be surprised if all of them tried talking to kids in their freetime–

Trapper stabbed his sword into the pallet to announce his masterpiece was done, interrupting Nicole.

[Jecka] - Oh shit. 

[Carly] - That actually looks really good!

[Chef] - So, we won right?

[Don] - Not yet!

[Chef] (surprised) - Not yet?! What do you mean not yet? You said once we finished the sculpture we were done!

Don appeared in front of them and analyzed the sculpture Team Blue was going to turn in. His eyes widened, surprised at how good the statue looked.

[Don] - Woah, mind if I store this for safe keeping? I didn’t expect you to be the artsy type, Trapper.

Trapper became abashed at the compliment.

[Nicole] - Okay you have an ego to stroke who cares, how do we actually win?

[Don] - Oh, yes.

Don pulled out his intercom and spoke into it very proudly.

[Don] (into intercom) - Attention all teams! Team Blue is almost finished with their objective! Might help to sabotage one of them.

All the teams took notice and became worried. Kitty and Maya attempted to hurry their sculpting, but Team Green and Team Yellow continued to argue uselessly. Kapi had awoken from his short coma, hearing the squabble between the teams.

[Kapi] (confused) - What… What’s going on?

[Caramel Arrow] - Nothing important, just keep resting

[Kapi] - Oh… ‘Kay…

Back to Team Blue…

[Carly] (panicking) - What the hell was that for?!

[Don] - It’s only fair! At the water fountain, there are four podiums of diamonds, each under a carpet of your team color. Once you place your sculpture there, you’ve officially won. 

Without another word, Chef revved the vehicle and drove towards the center of the plaza.

[Don] - That’s the hustle I expect to see. What are you three still doing here?

[Jecka] - I’ve already done enough running today.

Nicole, Jecka, and Carly watched as the forklift bounded down the ramp for the diamond podiums near the water fountain. Doraemon heard the announcement and saw Team Blue’s forklift heading towards their final goal. Trapper held onto the sculpture as it darted down the hill to prevent it from sliding off. Using his propeller hat he swooped to attempt a last minute sabotage.

Chef Hatchet noticed the flying blue cat and was determined to finish the challenge. The vehicle bumped when it reached the bottom of the incline; Trapper and the sculpture jerked in an upward motion, both balancing on the rickety pallet. Doraemon fell faster in an attempt to intercept.

[Chef] (yelling) - Get ready! I’m going to break hard!

Trapper readied himself to throw the sculpture onto his team’s podium, and himself too if he had to. The wind blew in the opposite direction for Doraemon as he dove.

Chef slammed on the breaks and Trapper shoved the sculpture onto the diamond podium above the blue carpet. Trapper happened to teeter and fell onto the rock ground.

[Chef] (surprised) - Woah, you did it! No need to restart after all.

[Nicole] - Thank god, I wasn’t going to help make another one.

[Don] - Blue Team finishes in first place! 

Carly celebrated while everyone else was neutral about the accomplishment. Well, Trapper did try to celebrate too but there isn’t much celebrating to do when you’re mute.

[Don] (unamused) - You guys seem absolutely merry! Just go back to your camps.

[Chef] - Don’t have to tell me twice.

[Don] - With Blue Team immune from Last Resort, three teams remain for the fight to not get last. I wonder who it could be…

Doraemon was actually diving for Team Red’s forklift, disregarding stopping a team from winning to keep Red Team from gaining immunity. Maya was working on another head piece, the pith of the orange being tossed aside as she cut them off the orange. Kitty drove slowly, before hearing the whir of the propeller hat and looking up.

[Kitty] - Ugh, you again? Go bother another team!

[Doraemon] - Sorry, no can do! Mind lending me your head?

[Maya] - No! Shoo, shoo! How could’ve I predicted a flying cat would be bothering me today?!

It wasn’t long before Team Red’s runners regrouped with Maya and Kitty. Doraemon begrudgingly backed away, but still watched them from afar.

[Maya] - Phew! Thanks for the backup! Now I can concentrate… Shoot!

[Hilda] - It doesn’t seem like you two have much progress, what happened?

[Kitty] - DORAEMON happened! He kept chasing us for a good amount before we were suddenly hit by a rogue cantaloupe. Our luck hasn’t been in our favor in the least…

[Sou] - If it makes you feel any better, we sabotaged both Team Green and Team Yellow’s sculptures.

[Hilda] - Mhm! They both have to restart completely.

Doraemon’s eyes widened at the reveal. He flew back in search of his team’s forklift.

[Xenomorph] - They’ll have to get through me if they want another shot at sabotaging us.

[Kitty] - Oooh, right on! Let's take back our lead!

[Sou] - Well, technically we are in the lead..

[Maya] - Could you guys start by finding us the next fruit we need? I need a watermelon and cantaloupe stat!

[Hilda] - I got it! I’ll be back in a giffy.

[Sou] - Guess I’ll go help too.

Team Yellow

The arguing had ended bitterly, both teams left in an agitated state. Well, Catra had done most of the arguing on Team Yellow’s side, and was the one left most frustrated.  Team Green rushed off to get back on track after Caramel Arrow Cookie was able to snap her team out of it. Komi was overwhelmed by the constant arguing and was crying softly.

[Susie] (concerned) - You okay?

[Catra] - What is she crying about? She didn’t even contribute anything. Also, you let them sabotage us! What is wrong with you?

Komi’s fear was redirected to Catra, causing her tears to fall more freely. Catra looked into her terrified eyes. Her hair that flowed like a river and almost purple like a prune. Her soft fair skin shone in the tropical beams and stood out amongst even people with unusual skin tones. Catra noticed Komi’s quivering lips and finally looked away in shame for yelling at such a divine being.

[Susie] - That was harsh. You wanna yell at her some more?

[Catra] - No, it doesn't matter. Let’s just get this stupid challenge over with.

Before Catra could move the vehicle, Doraemon landed in front of it, an unhappy expression painted on his face. He took a glance at the pallet, only Komi stood atop it, and then the ground, stained by the juices of their Don sculpture.

[Doraemon] - What happened? How did you guys manage to lose the entire sculpture while I was gone?

[Catra] - Why does it matter, it was bound to happen. Just bring us more stolen pieces and we’ll be back in first place.

[Doraemon] - Do you know how much effort it requires?!

[Catra] - Not much more than that propeller takes to carry you.

[Doraemon] - Why you–

Doraemon glanced at Komi’s face and her face had softened to more of a silent plea. Doraemon took a deep breath and regulated his anger, before nodding.

[Catra] - Uh, is there a reason you’re sighing cuz I’m pretty sure that the propeller is doing most of the work…

Doraemon flew off, very ticked off at Catra but still determined to win today’s challenge.

[Susie] (unnerved) - Were the jabs necessary? Felt even more harsh.

[Catra] - I was doing it on purpose… Where’s Matt?

[Susie] - I dunno, do you expect me to keep tabs on him all the time?

[Catra] - I was just asking, don’t be so emotional.

Susie was irked by the comment, but refused to engage in further arguing. Komi had taken in the conversation between Doraemon and Catra, and this time was extra determined to win. She felt like a burden, a coaster, and there was no way she was going to let her fears take over.

Meanwhile, Matt was looking for an opportunity to sabotage Team Red’s sculpture. He didn't exactly want to go for Team Green out of fear of Kel getting voted out, so his plan was to get his target (Team Red) to lose. Xenomorph stood guard at all times, so he just had to find the perfect window and strike. Maya seemed to be making quick progress, at the cost of it looking a bit sloppy.

Team Green

The wind had been blowing on Kapi’s face as the forklift rolled cautiously around town. He had been lying on the pallet for sometime now, his hip still aching from earlier’s collision. He lifted only his head up, staring at Chiyo who was working precisely on the legs of the sculpture, so precisely she had her tongue stuck out. He put his head back down, groaning.

[Chiyo] - Do you feel any better, Kapi?

[Kapi] - Uh… Yeah, a lil’. Still hurts a ton.

[Ivy] (guilty) - My bad, bro. I seriously didn’t expect ya to pop outta that corner like that.

[Kapi] (strained) - It’s fine, I guess. I know it’s not your fault but–

[Caramel Arrow] - Kapi, you’re fine, right? You should rejoin Kel and Lucio. They’re on their way to sabotage.

Kapi sat up, looking at Caramel Arrow Cookie with disbelief.

[Kapi] - Are you kidding? I was hit by a forklift of all things! Give me some time to recover, man…

[Caramel Arrow] - It’s been enough time already, we need all of the manpower we can get now that we’ve been thrusted into last.

[Kapi] - How did that even happen…?

[Ivy] - Team Red’s runners snuck up on us.

[Kapi] - Uh, how? Wasn’t Caramel Arrow supposed to be protecting our–

[Caramel Arrow] - There was a massive argument between us and Team Yellow.

[Kapi] - And you guys were so concerned about arguing you let Team Red get us? What were you guys arguing about–

Ivy stopped the forklift and took a deep breath, before speaking to Kapi with an irritated tone.

[Ivy] - You ask a lot of questions, but I suppose that makes sense since you miss out a lot in the challenges.

[Kapi] (bothered) - What’s that supposed to mean?

[Ivy] - Just go! I’m sure you’re fine now, ya?

[Kapi] (defeated) - Uh, yeah. I feel better all of a sudden.

Kapi slowly stepped off the pallet and watched as the girls drove away. Chiyo gave Kapi a sympathetic look as the vehicle took off. Chiyo attempted to maintain a calm mindset, but was bugged by Ivy and Caramel Arrow Cookie’s passive aggressive edge when it came to Kapi. She couldn’t help but ask.

[Chiyo] - Ms. Ivy, Ms. Caramel Arrow Cookie? May I ask something?

[Ivy] - Hm? What’s on your mind, Chiyo?

[Chiyo] - I-I know you just want the best for the team, but don’t you think the way you spoke to Kapi was a bit mean…?

[Caramel Arrow] - Do you believe so?

[Chiyo] - He looked really sad. I just felt bad seeing him so upset.

[Ivy] - I get whatcha mean Chiyo, I do, but sometimes you gotta push somebody a little bit so they’ll start tryin’ harder. Kapi… I’m sure he’s a fine guy but he doesn’t really do much.

[Caramel Arrow] - Everyone else but us has lost a challenge so far, and I’d prefer if we’d keep it that way. Kapi has to try harder.

[Chiyo] - Does that mean you’ll vote him out if we lose?

[Ivy] - Probably. Nothing’s for sure though. We won’t have to think about it if we never lose. You with us?

[Chiyo] (uncertain) - Y-Yes… I think I get it.

Chiyo resumed her chopping, now a bit distracted by what it meant for her agreement to align with Kapi. She doesn’t have to team up with Kapi and instead side with the girls, but that would make her a traitor. She didn’t want to be a traitor! The thought of being considered one horrified her, and she picked up the cutting.

INTERMISSION

Although only three teams remained, they were taking longer than expected to even attempt at finishing the challenge. With each ounce of progress came a thwart in the plans as each team was forced to restart time and time again. The sun was beginning to set, and the locals were becoming frustrated seeing all of the torn up fruits left behind by the contestants. Not only that, but the constant danger of being run over by a forklift was always present. Don stood on the edge of the fountain, simply observing as teams passed by with an almost complete sculpture, then when he’d see them again they were restarting again.

Teams were becoming exhausted at this point, so Don felt like he had to try and speed up the process like he did before; but he didn’t want to cut any part of the challenge out as he saw it as removing the charm of the challenge. As he paced on the rim of the fountain, he noticed some members of Team Blue approach.

[Don] - Uh, what are you doing here? You already won.

[Chef] - Man, y’all are still at it? I thought the challenge ended hours ago!

[Don] - Clearly it hasn’t, but seriously why are you two back?

Carly got on the water fountain’s rim with Don and began to prepare herself for… something.

[Chef] - This girl was goin’ stir-crazy about how the fans were perceiving her back at home. She told me the locals were beginnin’ to dislike her so now she’s worried the whole world does too or something.

[Carly] (frantic) - It’s just a precaution, y’know? I gotta keep my likability up, and my bad side down. Are the cameras on me? Are they watching?

[Don] - They always are. And I’m sure you don’t have to worry about fan opinions–

[Carly] - HELLO everyone! I’m pretty sure you all know me as Carly, from iCarly of course, because I’m a contestant on this show… Hah, anyway, I was feeling a bit homesick from not streaming for my fans, so this one is for all of you!

Carly gave a sort of crazy smile to every camera lens she saw and then began to dance to some imaginary music playing her head. Afraid of Carly’s current mental state, Don stepped down from the rim and watched from farther away. Chef crossed his arms as he continued to watch, expecting Carly to embarrass herself in some way.

[Chef] (smug) - This ‘oughta be good.

[Carly] - Tch, tah, oh yeah, hitting that groove, wiggling these moves, totally not making up, for beating that grownup, in his little sword game…

Sou, who was sort of just meandering the town saw Carly dancing on the water fountain and laughed knowing he was the one who caused this.

[Carly] - Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh YEAH!

Carly finished her mediocre dancing with an equally lame pose, before jumping off the water fountain attempting to land a backflip. She didn’t get much airtime at all and fell on her face. Don stared with widened eyes, a concerned facial expression even a face mask couldn’t hide. 

[Don] (flabberghasted) - Has she lost her mind? Do we need to escort her out?

[Carly] (struggling) - No… I’ll be fine…

[Chef] - The first sign of insanity is denial… Let’s get you outta here, I think you’ve done enough rebuilding.

[Carly] - What? But I was gonna eat some of the large fruits too…

Don watched as Chef dragged Carly away.

[Don] - I thought a place like this would be akin to a vacation than something to stress about—

Before Don could finish his thought, Team Red’s forklift zoomed by, the wind caused by it blowing in his face. 

[Don] - Ooh, finally, something exciting!

Xenomorph galloped nearby the forklift, watching the sky as Doraemon, Susie, and Matt all hovered towards them. Doraemon had given extra propeller hats to Susie and Matt to help their sabotage. At this point in time, Team Red had both the legs and the torso, with Maya carving out the head. However, with much pressure and constant swerves it was hard to do.

[Maya] (anxious) - Kitty, do you think you could slow down a bit?!

[Kitty] - There’s a hoard of flying yellowheads trying to take us down! I don’t think I can! Xeno-dude, how is it looking?

[Xenomorph] - They seem to be following us, they aren’t getting close for now.

In the sky, Team Yellow’s runners were discussing a strategy to stop Team Red.

[Susie] - This would be ten times easier if we went to sabotage Team Green. They have a good driver and that creature protecting them.

[Matt] (worried) - Targeting Team Red is the smarter choice, the sooner we can eliminate the alien the less competition we have.

[Doraemon] - You say that as if Team Green doesn’t have competent members on their team.

[Susie] - I can name a few.

Matt wasn’t keen on Team Green losing. He couldn’t risk a potential ally on an enemy team in Kel being eliminated so early. Matt watched as Team Red was getting close to finishing their sculpture again, so he decided to strike now.

[Matt] - Let’s all dive in at once. They can’t take on all three of us.

[Doraemon] - It’s worth a shot. We all go in 3… 2… 1…

They descended quickly and came within arms length of Team Red’s moving forklift.

[Kitty] (panicked) - Incoming!!

Xenomorph tried to prod his tail at Doraemon, but he quickly maneuvered around it and focused on the sculpture. Maya noticed the three attempting to grab at it and swung the sharp sword above her frantically.

[Maya] - A little help? All I have to do is carve Don’s pristine face and we’re done!

Xenomorph heard the tip and galloped a little extra harder. He ran beside the pallet and set his eyes on Matt. Instead of aiming his tail at Matt, he aimed at the propeller helping him fly. It only took an accurate, rapid shot to take him down. Matt was too busy trying to invade Maya’s personal space and damage the sculpture to notice Xenomorph. A swift jab hit the propeller, breaking it and causing Matt to take a tumble in the ground.

[Kitty] (excited) - Woo! Nice going!

[Doraemon] (angered) - Hey! Do you even know how much those are worth?

Doraemon switched his focus to distract Xenomorph, entrusting Susie to hinder Maya’s progress. Kitty noticed an alternate path she could take instead of continuously driving in a straight line.

[Kitty] - Maya! Hold on!

Maya nodded and held onto the sculpture as tight as she could, the juices from the fruits lightly dampening her clothes. Susie was growing frustrated at her incapability to do something, so she called Doraemon.

[Susie] - Do you for sure know you got anything destructive in that pouch?

[Doraemon] - Ugh, fine! Let me check!

Doraemon dug in his pouch for just a moment. At this moment, Kitty took a sharp right, everybody following her except for Doraemon, who was still busy digging. Before he could find something useful, Doraemon violently crashed into the side of a building like a fly to a windshield. He slowly slid down to the ground, the wind knocked out of him.

[Susie] - Looks like I gotta handle this myself…

Whilst Team Red continued to hoard off something attuned to flying pests, Team Green and Team Yellow were participating in a high speed chase with each other. Catra was insanely angered by the earlier argument and decided to take the sabotage into her own hands. Komi by this point knew she wouldn’t be able to get through to Catra, so she continued to sculpt and pretend she wasn’t bothered by her teammate’s unnecessary efforts. Komi was close to completing the sculpture, only needing the legs. Ivy was used to the constant pursuit, but was annoyed that Catra legitimately refused to let up. Her team’s runners were tailing Team Yellow, but they could barely catch up to Team Yellow.

[Kel] (exhausted) - There isn’t a… better way to do this?

[Caramel Arrow] - What happened to the music you played for us on our first day here, Lucio?

[Lucio] - I’ve been had it turned up!

Kapi ran a bit behind them, dejected from his earlier conversation with Ivy and Caramel Arrow Cookie. Ivy had been keeping a steady eye on Team Yellow’s forklift, making sure it didn’t try anything too funny. She looked away to check on Chiyo.

[Ivy] - Chiyo? How’s the sculpture goin’?

[Chiyo] - I just need a bit longer and it’s done… Please don’t let them sabotage us again, my arms feel like they are about to fall off!

[Ivy] - You got it, sculptor!

In the small moment Ivy had taken her eyes off of the forklift trailing her, it managed to catch up and drove parallel to her. 

[Catra] (smug) - Hey princess. You’ve been trying to avoid me this whole time, you scared?

[Ivy] - Far from it! Why dontcha go bother the other team instead?

[Catra] - It would be boring. I like the thrill.

Catra rammed her forklift into the side of Team Green’s, shaking the pallets they were both attached to. Komi and Chiyo yelped in panic, before looking at each other and realized this was no time for such shenanigans. They cleaned up their act as their two drivers clashed.

By that point, dusk was rapidly approaching and the moon would soon overtake the sun. Sou and Hilda, the only two runners not currently occupied, were setting up a trap down one of the streets using the discarded fruits from earlier. Hilda gathered the fruits while Sou squirted out as much juices as he could out of each scrap.

[Hilda] - Are you sure we can do this?

[Sou] - Don said nothing was unallowed. This is fair game by all means.

The loud drivers of Team Yellow and Team Green passed by quite loudly. The runner of Team Green lagged behind just a bit.

[Hilda] - No, I meant the townsfolk. I doubt they would appreciate us dousing the floor with wasted food.

[Sou] (surprised) - Is that really at the top of your concerns right now?

Kapi, who felt too exhausted to keep running, finally reached the point where his team had passed Sou and Hilda’s trap. He noticed the giant puddle and the pieces scattered all around the ground like confetti. 

[Sou] - I’m sure they have… a janitorial team to clean this mess up when the challenge is over.

[Hilda] - And if they don’t? Are we really just going to leave sticky juices and fruit to rot on the ground for the sake of a trap?

[Sou] - It’s recyclable, I don’t see the issue.

Kapi's eyes widened at the word, “trap”. He looked ahead and sprinted his way back to his team, just in case.

Returning to Team Red, Xenomorph continued to take charge by lunging his tail as Susie whenever he could. However, due to her free mobility thanks to the propeller hat (and awareness) she successfully continued to dodge that sharp tail.

[Kitty] (teasing) - You might wanna give up. Maya’s almost already done!

The taunt made Susie’s competitiveness flare. She dove for the sculpture and grabbed a hold of it. Maya was surprised, taking a step back before yelling.

[Maya] (angry) - What are you doing?! Put that down now!

[Susie] (mumbling) - Why didn’t I do this before…

Susie used the headpiece she grabbed onto as a shield from Xenomorph’s attacks. Maya wanted to swing at Susie’s legs with her sword, but knowing how sharp it was she avoided her intrusive thoughts as it could lead to some catastrophic results.

[Kitty] (panicking) - What are you doing?! Do something!

[Xenomorph] (stumped) - I-I would but I can’t risk damaging our headpiece!

[Maya] (stressed) - Hey! Put it down! I’ll give you a free palm reading if you do!

Susie was already several feet in the air with the sculpture’s head. It was rather jarring seeing Don’s head made orange flying so high. She grinned so wide the moonlight glared off her teeth, before flying towards the center of Wuhu Town, the plaza.

[Kitty] (curious) - …You do palm readings?

[Maya] - Not important, follow that rogue!

Kitty raced towards where Susie was headed, both her and Maya determined to get that headpiece back. Xenomorph would’ve followed, but out of the corner of his eye (dome) he took a glance at Trapper from afar. He slid on the floor trying to quickly change his running direction, stumbling, then galloped to where he saw him.

Kitty accidentally almost crashed into Team Green and Team Yellow’s vehicles, seeing they were paying more attention to each other than the road. Susie hadn’t noticed where her team had gone, loosely holding onto the almost complete Don headpiece. She searched, then noticed the team she had stolen from approaching her. Susie knew she was safe in the air, so she hovered to taunt them.

[Susie] - You’re not getting this back, why bother? It would be better to make a new piece.

[Maya] - For your information, I worked really hard on that! That was my 7th attempt!

[Kitty] - Yeah, just give it back girl.

[Susie] - Oh, I’ll give it back, since you asked so nicely.

Susie stuck her arms out, threatening to let the fruit crash to the floor. Maya became determined, looking back at Kitty. Her facial expression was nothing short of resolute. Kitty nodded, prepared to follow up whatever Maya was going to do next, her trust of the spirit medium at an all time high. Maya held the sword she had been using to painstakingly cut the Don sculpture time and time again with both hands. She held it high, raising it above her chest before throwing it as hard as she could towards Susie. At the fear of getting cut by the sword, Susie dashed away, with the consequence of letting the headpiece go. Kitty hit the gas pedal, letting the forklift jerk forward. In the knick of time, the headpiece landed perfectly on the headless sculpture, finally completing the damn thing.

[Maya] - We got it! Go go go!

[Kitty] (proud) - Oh yeah!

Susie watched in awe as the forklift drove back to the fountain. Maya nervously pushed the completed sculpture onto her team’s diamond podium. Don inspected the sculpture closely, giving the two girls a smirk.

[Don] - You do realize this sculpture is missing a defining nose, right?

[Maya] (hopeful) - Is that enough to disqualify us…?

Don shrugged, giving the sculpture the thumbs up.

[Don] - Team Red has carved their way into 2nd place! Their team is safe from Last Resort!

Kitty and Maya jumped off the forklift, grabbing each other and jumping up and down excitedly.

[Kitty] - Eeek! You did it!

[Maya] (proud) - WE did it!

[Don] (over intercoms) - Team Green, Team Yellow, it seems your competition has become scarce, as Team Red just pulled off the win! Despite it being basically night, this challenge will be nowhere near done until one of you completes your sculpture and turns it in.

[Hilda] (relieved) - Phew, I knew I could trust them.

[Sou] - No need to stay here anymore then, I want to get back to camp.

[Hilda] - Really? But…

Sou was already walking away.

[Sou] - If you want to stay and clean up, be my guest.

Hilda looked at the fruits and its juices. She would clean it up, but she had to talk to Xenomorph first before anything else. She ran away, leaving the trap unoccupied. Meanwhile, Team Green and Team Yellow had been duking it out in their forklifts, constantly crashing into each other, attempting to throw each other off their game.

[Catra] (frustrated) - Where’s my team when I need them?

[Ivy] - Surprisingly, I can agree for once!

Ivy looked behind her, seeing her team trailing behind them loosely. She waved her hand, signaling to them that she needed help. Catra rammed the side of her forklift into Ivy’s, focusing on messing Chiyo up. Both parties in Komi and Chiyo were being extra precise, making sure one of the sudden nudges didn’t cause them to mess up.

[Kel] - I think Ivy needs help.

[Caramel Arrow] - You… think.

[Kel] - Uh, Ivy absolutely needs help!

[Lucio] (unsure) - Wonder if there’s a way to get to them quicker…

[Kapi] (frantically) - Hey! You guys!

[Lucio] - Wassup, Kapi?

[Caramel Arrow] - Where have you been? Did you fall behind?

[Kapi] - Uh, kinda, sure, doesn’t matter! Team Red set a trap down one of the streets and I think both of them are heading straight for it! Including our Ivy and Chiyo!

[Kel] - A trap? Made of what?

[Kapi] - Well, it’s not like a trad-trap, it's like just a bunch of spilled juices and what else…

[Caramel Arrow] - I’ll go notify Ivy! Lucio, please lend a hand.

[Lucio] - I gotcha! Turning it up to maximum destruction!

Lucio and Caramel Arrow Cookie sped up, running faster than they had before.

[Kapi] - Woah, where was that energy like a few minutes ago?

[Kel] - That would’ve been helpful… Wanna show me where this trap is?

[Kapi] - Say no less! Follow me Kel!

Susie had finally spotted Catra and Komi rolling across the town, constantly colliding with the enemy’s team forklift. She had wondered where Matt and Doraemon had gone, hovering above the moving vehicles to provide some air support for her team.

[Catra] - Finally! Go get them! We will lose if you don't try to get them!

[Susie] - I’m going… You don’t need support, yourself?

[Catra] (annoyed) - Did I ask for help? Sabotage them!

Komi watched for a moment as Susie slowly approached Chiyo’s statue without her noticing, when suddenly Lucio jumped in front of her and booped her using his Sonic Amplifier. Susie was immediately disoriented and crashed into a side of a building, much like Doraemon had. 

[Catra] - Well. So much for that…

Confessional - Ivy

[Ivy] - Before we came onto this island, I left my drone Little Red at home instead of bringing it here at the fear of her getting confiscated.

[Ivy] - Guess I should’ve brought her if Lucio can run around carrying his boombox gun…

Confessional - End

[Ivy] - Thank you! I was worried she was gonna do something bad.

[Lucio] - Well I got some more bad news to tell ya. Kapi informed us there’s a trap.

[Ivy] (worried) - What?! Where?

[Lucio] - That… That he did not mention. You’ll just have to be on the look out.

[Ivy] - Thanks for the warning. Now, do me a favor and get that enemy forklift!

[Lucio] - Don’t have to tell me twice.

Caramel Arrow Cookie latched onto the back of the forklift, watching readily at the enemy forklift. Lucio skated his way closer to Komi’s sculpture, ready to knock it over with a singular sound wave. However, Komi looked directly into his eyes, the vulnerability and fear etched into her sudden glimpse. He hesitated, allowing enough time for Doraemon to swoop in and grab Lucio’s weapon. Doraemon was a little scratched up from his tumble from earlier, but just as determined to win immunity.

[Lucio] (mad) - Aye! Get your paws off of what’s mine!

[Doraemon] - Ugh, what is this, a gun or a speaker? Too complicated.

Caramel Arrow Cookie constructed her bow and aimed it directly at Doraemon to get Lucio’s property back. Before she could make the shot, he threw the gun at Caramel Arrow’s direction, striking her in the face. The gun bounced away, with Lucio chasing it.

[Caramel Arrow] (irritated) - You’ll pay for that one!

Doraemon was ready to continue fighting off Caramel Arrow, but…

[Catra] - Took you long enough! Get them!

[Doraemon] (annoyed) - Why must you always add your two cents? I was literally just distracting them so Komi can finish her sculpture! I don’t need you to tell me what to do when I’m already doing it–

Caramel Arrow shot him down with ease.

[Catra] - Jeez. Talk about touchy.

[Ivy] - You must’ve struck a nerve, not surprising since you seem insanely annoying to be around.

The two forklifts took turns crashing into each other, Caramel Arrow Cookie offering some of her own shots at Team Yellow’s driver and sculpture. In a few moments, Chiyo and Komi dropped their swords at the same time and turned to look at their drivers.

[Chiyo] - Done! The sculpture is finished!

Komi waved a paper and pencil made finish flag to signal to Catra she was done.

Both forklifts made a beeline for the plaza, finally ready to turn in the sculptures. Now it was a matter of who turned them in first.

[Don] (over intercoms) - Both remaining teams have finished their artwork! All that remains is a final dash to the fountain where they can drop off their fruitful me’s.

Matt overheard the announcement, still stumbling about the town searching for where everyone had gone after he took that nasty fall. He quickly made his way towards the fountain, knowing he could help his team there.

The moon shone strongly, finally ending the sun’s reign for today. Ivy and Catra stopped ramming into each other, now focusing on getting to the plaza first. Caramel Arrow Cookie made an effort to still try shooting at Catra, but to no avail. They both took a sharp turn to the left, the final road before entering the fountain area. Unfortunately for both of them, that is where the trap Team Red had set from earlier. Kapi and Kel were standing in front of the trap to warn their team, but were caught off guard by their sudden appearance. They waved down to Ivy to get her to stop, catching the eye of her and Catra’s. Fearful that Ivy didn’t have enough time to react, Caramel Arrow made the rash decision to shoot the tires of her team’s own forklift. This slowed down the forklift rapidly, stopping just before the slippery floor.

[Chiyo] - Phew! I was afraid we were going to slip!

[Kapi] - Heh heh! Good thing I spotted it before–

Catra however, didn’t immediately realize what Kapi and Kel were standing in front of was a trap, and ran full speed ahead through it. The forklift immediately lost traction and began to spin about. Both her and Komi screeched as the vehicle was uncontrollable. Don watched as the forklift crashed into a nearby stand, finally stopping the twister.

[Don] - Ouch! Uh, we’re not paying for that, are we?

Catra didn’t waste a moment getting her thoughts back together once she crashed. Komi was fine, just petrified in her fear like normal. The sculpture laid a few feet away from the crash, still intact.

[Catra] - Where is our team?!

Team Green watched the crash with excitement, but still knew the challenge wasn’t over.

[Ivy] - So, the tires are popped, now what?

[Kel] - Don told us we couldn’t slash the tires of the forklifts though! Won’t we get disqualified for this?

[Chiyo] - I think he said “another team’s” tires, not our own.

[Ivy] - Either way, smart thinking Caramel Arrow, you saved us a large doozy like Team Yellow’s.

[Caramel Arrow] (bashful) - Seriously, there is no need.

She hopped off the back of the forklift and walked to the pallet, grabbing a hold of the sculpture’s legs.

[Caramel Arrow] - What are you two doing? Help me get this sculpture to our podium!

[Kel] - Oh, you’re right! Yes ma’am!

[Chiyo] (encouraging) - You guys got this!

Kel threw the basketball he was holding aside and helped Kapi and Caramel Arrow Cookie carry the piece. Chiyo’s childlike enthusiasm was enough to inspire the likes of the runners (except Lucio) to carry the Don statue to the finish line. Unfortunately, they also had to traverse the slippery ground to get their first. Around that time, Doraemon and Susie had finally arrived at the water fountain and made their way to the crash site.

[Doraemon] - The statue!!

[Catra] - It’s fine! Just sit it up straight and turn it in! Hurry up!

While they reassembled the sculpture, Team Green’s runners tiptoed across the slick ground, being careful not to trip. Kel, who was facing the fountain area, saw Doraemon and Susie picking up the statue and heading their way to their podium slowly.

[Kel] - We should pick up the pace!

[Kapi] - Ack, if we do we’ll trip and drop the sculpture, then we’re completely done for!

[Caramel Arrow] - No, he’s right. Move out! Fast!

[Kapi] (mumbling) - Always gotta go against me, huh…

Lucio and Matt had also just returned to the center of the plaza, emerging from different sides. While Lucio dashed to help his team, Matt crept away from his team to take a look at Team Green’s progress. Judging from the distance, there was no way they would make it on time before his team did. Great! So, why was Matt having second thoughts? Matt really didn’t want to lose, especially after the last challenge’s embarrassing loss. But… There would be no consequences for him if his team were sent to Last Resort again, he had an alliance. But Kel? He was unsure. Matt had a soft spot for Kel, as much as he didn’t want to admit it since they had only known each other for a few days.

Matt watched as Kel delegated his carrying to Lucio, cheering from the sidewalk as the other three continued to persevere through a lost battle. It wasn’t close to being a photo finish, Susie and Doraemon were only a few feet away from their podium while Team Green were still several feet away. Matt saw a piece of cantaloupe lying on the ground, discarded since it had no more value. Then, he saw Kel’s basketball not far away from him. He picked the ball up and aimed for the feet of his teammates. Without a second thought, he disregarded the win he so badly wanted, and threw the basketball.

Doraemon immediately tripped on the ball, tumbling and causing the statue to fall on the ground. Kapi, Lucio, and Caramel Arrow Cookie’s efforts weren’t in vain, as in the next seconds, before Susie and Doraemon could pick their statue back up, Team Green’s podium was now occupied by a completed Don sculpture, made with 100% real fruits. Don made his way to the sculpture, giving it a quick runthrough, everyone waiting for the final verdict. Matt had done it.

[Don] - Team Green, you are the third team to complete the challenge, meaning you are safe from Last Resort!

[Kapi] (hurrah) - Booyah! In your faces!

[Lucio] (excited) - Gimme five everyone!

Ivy and Chiyo rushed from the forklift to join in on the celebration. Kel however, saw what Matt did and was shocked. He rushed to speak to him, confused and worried.

[Kel] (concerned) - Matt? Did you snag a bite of those fruits and they turned out to be expired? Why did you do that?

[Matt] - You shouldn’t worry about it. I did it for strategic purposes.

[Kel] - But–

Matt lightly pushed Kel away, nodding his head towards his leaving team.

[Matt] - Go on with them. Get outta here.

Kel wanted to press, just wanted to know why Matt would toss away the win like that. He tried speaking again, but was interrupted by Catra’s yelling. Matt left Kel in confusion as he went to see what was going on. Komi and Susie watched from the sidelines as Doraemon and Catra argued in front of the decimated Don sculpture.

[Catra] (infuriated) - I would absolutely love to know why and how you tripped when it counted most! Tell me! Tell me how you screwed up so badly!

[Doraemon] - How was I supposed to know that a basketball would suddenly appear in my direct path? There was nothing there until I took that step!

[Catra] - A basketball?! That’s just a lousy excuse, clearly someone threw it at you on purpose! You failed!

[Doraemon] - I failed?! We could’ve been done so long ago if you hadn’t spent so much time arguing and causing trouble with the other teams! If you wanted to do that, why weren’t you a runner?

[Susie] - …Because she wanted to be a driver?

[Doraemon] - Exactly! Now that I think about it, why weren’t you a runner? Because all you’re good at is arguing and causing problems!

[Don] - Woah, looks like someone is turning up the heat here, it’s getting a bit hot. Team Yellow, unfortunately you have turned in no statue, which means your team has lost the challenge. You know what that entails, right?

[Komi] - Last Resort…?

[Don] - Spot on! Now we know there is at least one person who isn’t a hothead on this team. I’ll be seeing you soon.

Don walked away, Doraemon and Catra glaring at each other with much dismay.

Team Red

Hilda had spent minimal time searching for Xenomorph, as he was only a few minutes away from Wuhu Town. He stalked from behind a rock monument. In front of him was a large waterfall that sprinkled a tiny bit of rain onto the cavern’s entrance right beneath it. There stood Trapper, admiring the gorgeous sight. Xenomorph watched, not expectantly, but with a soothing sense.

[Hilda] (curious) - Xenomorph, what are you doing?

[Xenomorph] - Nothing. Just observing.

[Hilda] - The waterfall?

[Xenomorph] - No. Bravery. Standing right there.

Hilda took a quick glimpse.

[Hilda] - Bravery? Where did you get that name?

[Xenomorph] - It’s a codename. Maya helped me come up with it.

[Hilda] - Oh…

Hilda assumed she knew what was happening, and decided to speak without further questioning.

[Hilda] - Hey, so listen. I’m aware I haven’t been the most mindful of your feelings. I tend to speak first and listen second.

[Xenomorph] - It’s okay. No need for an apology.

[Hilda] - Really? It seems like I speak for you without you giving your own input at times.

[Xenomorph] - Your intentions are pure-hearted, there is no reason for me to be mad at that. I… appreciate it, actually. I learned I shouldn’t be too passive, but not too aggressive either. I must regulate my…

[Hilda] - Regulate what?

[Xenomorph] - It’s nothing. I’m getting ahead of myself, is all.

Xenomorph finally stopped peeking at Trapper to look at Hilda, trying a smile again. Hilda was less creeped out this time, smiling back.

Team Green

Team Green returned to their suites once the challenge ended. The thought of Matt sabotaging his game had been plaguing Kel’s mind for the last hour. Who would ever risk their chance at immunity? Kel had also realized he was the only other person who knew, who knew what Matt did. He continued to ask himself why, Matt told him it was for strategic purposes. What strategic purpose would involve putting yourself at danger?

[Lucio] - Yo, Kel. You good man?

[Kel] - Huh? Oh, yeah, super!

[Lucio] - Uh, yeah. You were kinda just sitting there with your eyes wide open, so I just wanted to check.

[Kel] - No need to look out for me, I got it all under control.

[Lucio] (skeptical) - Uh huh…

Kel was silent for another few moments. Kapi was showering so it was just Kel and Lucio in their room.

[Kel] - We should rope in another person into our alliance.

[Lucio] - Well! Is that what’s been buggin’ you?

[Kel] (unsure) - Hehe, more or less… Hey, I got an idea, we should blurt out the person’s name we want to rope into our alliance.

[Lucio] - Alright, bet! Gimme a name in 3, 2, 1!

Kel said Kapi, Lucio said Ivy.

[Kel] (surprised) - What?! I thought you and Kapi were close!

[Lucio] - You could say that, but Ivy is a strong competitor. We need her if we wanna keep winning. And I’d say it’s pretty obvious Caramel Arrow would tag along if we brought Ivy in as a number.

[Kel] - But what if the girls already have an alliance underway? What if we need Kapi as a number instead?

[Lucio] - I like the dude, but strategy comes first Kel. If we ever do need Kapi, we’ll recruit him, but I already got my eyes on the woman. Sorry Kel.

Kel thought about what Lucio said. He racked his brain for a specific response. He thought more about what Lucio’s words meant, rather than what he said to him.

[Kel] - No apologies necessary, you’re right.

Confessional - Kel

[Kel] - Even if Matt’s reasons are still waiting to be discovered, I can’t wait until he tells me. I have to try harder!

[Kel] - Lucio told me it would be smarter to rope Ivy into our alliance, but is it really smarter?

[Kel] - I can’t leave anyone out of the equation, so I might have to convince Lucio to bring in Kapi instead.

Confessional - End

Team Yellow

Komi and Doraemon opted for a peaceful walk on the beach while the other three went straight for camp.

[Catra] - I want Doraemon gone! There is no reason why we should have such a liability on our team!

Susie and Matt watched as Catra paced angrily around, a little uncomfortable by her rage.

[Catra] - Why so quiet? Are we voting for him or not?

[Matt] - I-I don’t have any problem with that. What about you, Susie?

Susie stayed silent. She remembered the offer Doraemon had made with her and realized she couldn’t throw away a potential ally. Especially not after today, she was a bit turned off by Catra’s explosive reaction.

[Susie] - To be honest, I am mad he tripped and lost us the challenge, but I don’t want to vote him out.

[Catra] - What?! Are you insane? Who else are you proposing we vote out? Me?!

[Susie] - …I never said that. And I was thinking Komi anyway, the girl doesn’t do much.

[Catra] - Which is a good thing, because at least she doesn’t try to purposefully get under my nerves!

[Matt] - I agree with her.

[Catra] - Finally, somebody on this team with a brain–

[Matt] - I meant Susie. Doraemon’s doodads helped a lot. There isn’t a reason to throw away such a valuable asset.

[Catra] - You’re just saying that ‘cause you got to fly around in a silly little propeller hat, what did you actually do that challenge?

[Matt] (angered) - Are you seriously doubting me now? I will get the votes to send your ass off this island. And let me tell you, it wouldn’t be hard.

The pair stood face to face. Neither of them faltered for a moment. Catra turned on her heel and dashed away, her tail in between her legs.

[Susie] - So… Are we voting for Komi?

[Matt] (dejected) - Huff, I dunno.

On the beach, Doraemon was giving a delightful pep talk to Komi, knowing he was the one probably going home tonight.

[Doraemon] - Come on Komi, don’t look so sad! Just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

[Komi] (teary eyed) - But how will I survive once you’re gone? I have no allies besides you.

[Doraemon] - Then… Then make new ones! Unlike me, you haven’t broken any bridges with anyone. I’m just as explosive as the next cat, but you? You're calm and collected, sly yet beloved!

[Komi] - I’m none of that. I’m really just an anxious girl, incapable of making new bonds. They come to me, I make no effort.

[Doraemon] - Don’t speak such nonsense! You’re more than that, you’re just wrapping yourself up in a tiny little box and giving yourself to the mailman. Make the mailman come to you!

[Komi] - I don’t understand.

[Doraemon] - Anxiety is tough to beat, shame and all of those bad feelings. But everyone knows it isn’t unbeatable. One day, you can have all the friends and allies you want, just put your mind into it! And guess what, that day could be… today!

[Komi] - My dream is to make 100 friends.

[Doraemon] - Then go for it! Once I’m gone, promise me you’ll do it!

Komi was uncomfortable at the fact Doraemon could be going home tonight, but she nodded in confidence.

[Komi] - I will make 100 friends.

Doraemon smiled proudly at Komi’s newfound bravery. A local stumbled towards the duo, accidentally tripping on the white sand. They got up, yet again distracted by Komi’s beauty. They let them know the ceremony was about to begin.

The bonfire seemed to crackle louder tonight. It didn’t rage like the competitors from earlier, but its presence was undeniable. Doraemon looked up at the sky and realized the moon was waning. He questioned it, moon phases didn’t change so rapidly. Yet, this detail was not important. The ceremony before them was about to begin. When Team Yellow took their seats, it was clearly noticeable the empty seat before them. Doofenshmirtz had occupied that seat, and now another one of their kin would be eliminated again.

[Don] - Hello Team Yellow, I didn’t expect you to see you back so soon! Did you miss me?

Nobody responded, all of them painted with a worried or angered expression.

[Don] - Not chatty today, huh? I expected some more… spunk. I saw how you guys were after the challenge ended, did we make up?

[Susie] - No.

[Doraemon] - We went our own ways, no apologies we’re made.

[Don] - I appreciate the honesty. I know all of you are dying to vote, but I have a question to ask. Regarding the basketball that Doraemon tripped on…

Matt stiffened at the topic. Doraemon and Catra’s facial expressions wrinkled in anger. Komi became concerned at the mention.

[Don] - Did anyone stop to wonder how that ball got there? Nobody thought it was an act of… sabotage?

[Doraemon] - What are you suggesting?

[Don] - I’m saying, one of your team knows about it.

[Catra] (excited) - I knew it! What did I tell you? 

[Susie] (curious) - Who did it?

Matt was starting to get worried, he couldn’t let his act of betrayal be leaked and be voted off on a whim. He spoke up, deciding to weave a lie.

[Matt] - I saw who did it.

[Doraemon] (shocked) - You did?! Why didn’t you say anything until now you dingus!

[Matt] - I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but I’m pretty sure the kid from Team Green did it.

[Catra] - Which one? There’s multiple of them.

[Matt] - Kel. The one in the basketball fit.

[Susie] - Really? He did it?

[Matt] - Absolutely confident. No doubt about it.

[Catra] - Of course, that was obvious. He threw a basketball at my face and got the last laugh…

Catra’s angered expression softened, but she still held firm. Don smirked, looking away to prevent giving away what he knew about today’s loss. 

[Don] - Seems like a loose end was tied up tonight, but that doesn’t cancel the vote. Susie, you’re up first.

When it was Doraemon’s turn to vote, he wrote the vote enthusiastically and showed his unapologetic vote for Catra to the camera. Catra also wrote her vote passionately, but was more angry about it. She didn’t show any remorse, but didn’t show her vote.

[Don] - All the votes have been cast. The person with the most votes tonight will walk to the Starboard Harbor where the Queen Peach will pick them up and take them home. Now, let’s begin.

[Don] - First vote…

Doraemon smirked knowing he at least got a vote on someone he didn’t like. Catra rolled her eyes, tapping her seat. 

[Don] - Second vote…

Catra refused to make eye contact with either Komi or Doraemon, and kept her focus on Don.

[Don] - Third vote…

[Doraemon] (confused) - What?

Komi grasped at her notebook tighter.

[Don] - Fourth vote…

Komi loosened her grasp on the notebook. Doraemon looked at her with great sadness.

[Don] - Final vote and fourth person eliminated from Wuhu Island…

[Don] - Komi, I’m sorry, but that’s three votes, that’s enough.

[Doraemon] - What?! How did that happen?

Komi stood up, her facial expression frozen. Susie and Matt watched with a bit of sympathy, but knowing they made the correct decision in their minds. Catra was pouting, but refused to say anything. Doraemon diverted her attention back to Komi, who was still.

[Doraemon] - You okay?

Komi took a step forward and stood in front of everyone, giving them a bow. She wrote slowly in her notebook, showing them the page after a quick moment.

[Komi] - It was nice getting to know all of you. I hope you consider me a friend.

Everyone smiled warmly, nodding in agreement. Catra was more reserved about what she was feeling. Doraemon nudged at Komi’s leg.

[Doraemon] - Let me walk you.

Komi’s pretty face broke from stoic to delighted. The walk was short, but heartfelt. Once at the dock, Doraemon bowed back at Komi, showing his utmost respect for her. Komi, for the first time, had the courage to finally speak.

[Komi] - Th… Th— Thank… you…

Doraemon was surprised by hearing Komi speak, but made sure to not show off any disingenuous emotion. He watched as Komi gracefully boarded the Queen Peach.

[Doraemon] (shouting) - You’ll reach your goal soon!

The boat’s horn went off as it departed from the port. Komi watched from the bow, seeing Doraemon getting smaller and smaller as the boat floated away from the island.

Exit Tape - Komi

[Komi] - The sendoff was an unexpected twist. Admittedly, I am not surprised it came to be this way.

[Komi] - My original plan wasn’t to win, but to break out of my shell. Although my expectation wasn’t met, I’m taking the steps to get there.

[Komi] - I’m happy I got to participate. I give thanks to my friends for giving me strength.

Exit Tape - Over

The camera panned back to Don, a mock sad tone possessing his voice.

[Don] - A friendship separated so early on… How depressing! Yet, it’s the name of the game baby!

[Don] - Maybe they aren’t for me, but the silent types have never left a giant impact. This elimination just proves my point.

[Don] - Four down, twenty to go, our first number divisible by ten, wow! Our next elimination, it’ll be a prime number. I’m Don, and this is…

Last Resort!