Chapter Text
Episode 3- Volca-no You Don’t!
“So how’s the island treating you?” Emily calmly sits next to Dunia, giving her a moment to respond. “There was a team swap, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer for proper company.”
“A team swap this early?” Dunia chuckles, adjusting the positions of the items on her now completed altar. “Please tell me that wasn’t your horrible idea.”
“It wasn’t.” Emily rolls her eyes. “The producers thought they had a better idea how to keep things interesting, and since I’m new at this I got overruled. But considering the fireworks it caused, maybe they weren’t complete idiots.”
“I do like fireworks.” Dunia smirks a bit. “That’ll make it a fun watch once I’m off this island, that’s for sure. But for now, I’m rather enjoying it here.”
“Enjoy the quiet while it lasts, there will be an elimination next time.” Emily closes her eyes with a sigh. “All things considered, I think I’m doing a decent job for my first time. I jumped on the opportunity, but I won’t lie. It’s a lot of pressure.”
“Mhm.” Dunia nods slowly, finally looking at her. “You’re not killing the wildlife, though, so that already puts you above the first hosts.”
“Or exposing personal secrets like Kristal did.” Emily laughs a bit. “I’m not nice nor do I want to be, but I have standards.”
“The same standards that made you release those scorpions in All-Stars?” Dunia looks at her questioningly.
“I….” Emily sighs, her calm demeanor sliding away as she speaks emotionally. “Look, we all make mistakes. Do things we regret. At least it ended up working out for me.”
“I’m not denying it did.” Dunia smirks, reaching out to pat her shoulder. “Just maybe think before you act if another situation like that comes up, hmm?”
Emily pauses a moment, looking at her in thought before finally smiling slightly. “You’re a good person, you know that?”
Dunia chuckles heartily, smiling brightly at her. “Oh I try, and if people treat me with respect they’ll always get this side of me.”
“And if they don’t…” Dunia glares at the camera. “Let’s just say I have words for those people who voted me out over a simple mistake.”
“Exiled from my team… to a camp full of incompetent losers who stumbled into success…” Finn’s eyes light up as he sees a groggy Riya emerge from a tent. “Riya Sharma, it is you! I had a momentary lapse of sanity and forgot you were in this game.”
“Should I know you?” Riya rubs her eyes, dressed in an orange robe that reeks of money. “I’m afraid I can’t remember every single person in the entertainment industry.”
“Well I’ll have you know I will be one of the greats someday.” Finn dramatically flips his hair. “The name’s Finnian Alcott, proud Australian and man of the threatre.”
“Ah, so you’re a pompous twat.” Riya scowls, shaking her head. “Charmed I’m sure.”
Finn’s mood drops immediately, a frown forming as he sighs in disappointment. “What got up in your ass? Where did the villainess of TV run off to?”
“Oh don’t get me wrong, I love the gays.” Finn smirks cockily. “But Riya was something of an inspiration to me. Seeing her run away with the game in All-Stars was glorious, she showed that villains can have it all in this game. So you could say this team swap was something of a good omen. Getting to meet the one who sold me on this show, what a dream come true… oh Ara? She’ll be fine. There is so much dead weight on that team, they won’t be coming for her soon at all. I’ll be reunited with the idol and Ara given time, of that I have no doubt.”
“... The villainess is no longer taking calls.” Riya pulls up the hood of her robe, resembling a Buddhist monk in some ways as she slowly but steadily walks into the forest.
“Riya, was that… oh, it’s you.” Isabel wanders out of the tents with a half asleep Nick following her, her expression shifting into realization after a moment. “Wait… no. Was there a team swap?”
“Number one rule in not looking suspicious: pretent to be shocked.” Isabel goes wide eyed with her hands to her cheeks, somewhat resembling a certain painting for a moment. “Gasp, a team swap?! Who could have seen this coming? Surely not me who knew about this before we ‘voted out’ Lake. A harmless little white lie really, nothing I need worry about.”
“Ah, so Lake is just on a team with a bunch of newbies?” Nick shrugs, looking for any food laying around. “Cool I guess. I’m totally not jealous…”
“Those newbies can outplay you any day of the week, Milton.” Finn rolls his eyes, looking around the camp. “This place isn’t completely dreadful at least. You seem to have some level of talent.”
“I’m beginning to wish we hadn’t triggered Lake to such an extent that she sent this buffoon to torment us.” Nick stares deadpan at the camera.
“You are a curious soul.” Isabel looks at Finn for a moment before wandering into the jungle. “But alas I have matters to attend to and cannot continue this conversation.”
“Huh, I didn’t know you could get burned by a nun.” Nick laughs, finally finding some stray fruit. “Ugh, oranges. Such a mess for so little reward. Unless you eat them without peeling them, what nutjob would do that?”
“For once I can agree.” Finn sits down against a log with a sigh. “This is going to take some getting used to.”
“So we traded Lake for a fellow Australian?” Anastasia looks at the camera skeptically. “He seems… full of himself. But I may be able to relate to him to some extent… or he can serve as an easy elimination. Either works.”
“Ugh, what’s with this jerk?” Fiore scowls. “Sorry, the Favorites have enough pompous asshats, try again next time.”
Hunter shrugs noncommittally. “Didn’t see enough of Finn yet to judge him. Hopefully he can hold his own in challenges.”
“A man of the theatre?” Spencer snaps his fingers with a smirk. “Splendid. I can work great things with this.”
Alec rubs the bridge of his nose in frustration. “While I appreciate the gaining of a new teammate without much desire to be a hero, Finn is… hardly someone I could see being a worthwhile ally. He’ll make for good fodder if nothing else.”
Ashley grimaces. “Yikes, Finn is a right lot of useless. A jerk and awful at the game. Can we press undo like right now on this swap?
“I’m… cautiously optimistic on Finn.” Rosa looks at the camera wearily. “I’d hate to misjudge someone from the start but… he does not give me much hope.”
Alessio laughs triumphantly. “And just like that, Lady Luck has blessed me with another marvelous ally! This Finn is perfectly suited to be an agent of chaos, and will slot in nicely with the Italian child and British librarian. Soon my colors will have covered the whole team in their brilliance, and it will be too late for anyone to stop us! At the Carnival I made the mistake of isolating myself, but no more! The new Alessio Castelli will be the center of power, and it will be glorious!”
“Humph, your attempts at a shelter are laughable.” Lake marches into the Fans camp early in the morning, scowling at the colorful but lackluster structure. “Do you want a palm frond to fall on you as you sleep?”
“Ugh, who invited Miss bitch?” Ara walks out of the shelter, rubbing her eyes and barely flinching at the sight of Lake. “Oh it’s you. Weren’t you a goodie two-shoes on your old seasons?”
Lake shakes her head, her posture rigid as she scans the camp. “That got me nowhere. Besides, you’re not the type to like nice girls, aren’t you?”
Ara takes a moment to respond, a slight flush washing over her that she quickly pushes down. “As if! You just took away my closest ally and… I liked Finn okay? We matched each other’s fire.”
“Whew, almost blurted something I shouldn’t.” Ara pats the idol in her pocket. “Good thing I was on idol duty last night. We were going to alternate but Miss general over here blew a hole in that plan. Her with her perfect posture and cute glare and… I AM NOT CRUSHING ON HER! You saw nothing!”
“I get that.” Lake nods in understanding, a slight smirk on her lips. “But you got me now, and I’m here to play. And when I’m serious, you’d rather have me on my side than not.”
“Morning starshines!” Aubrey emerges from the shelter with somehow perfect hair, cutting off Ara from responding. “That was surprisingly good sleep for being on a bunch of twigs…. Oh right, Lake is here. Yay. I’d have preferred Rosa if we’re being real. I’d loooovee someone to talk astrology with.”
“Rosa is fine without you, star girl.” Lake looks at her unamused. “Word of advice, telling your new teammate you wish they were someone else is not wise.”
“Oh, I don’t mean it like that.” Aubrey shrugs, walking into the woods. “I know what you’re like, you’re a kind soul. Loyal to a fault. So as much as I’d like to talk to Rosa, I know you’ll be beneficial to us.”
Aubrey sits in a yoga pose in a meadow, her eyes closed as she relaxes. “I maybe shouldn’t have said it like that, but I think I recovered? I’m not really used to big crowds, or high stakes, or… anything beyond a simple home and nature. But I have to give this a try…” She clutches her hand in her pocket, gripping something that can’t be seen. “For you mum. I’ll be strong and not let them know there’s a frightened girl hiding behind this bubbly exterior. They can’t know, or they’ll just take advantage. Like everyone else.”
Ara watches her leave, rolling her eyes. “Star freak is a nuisance, but hardly the biggest one on our team. We need to go after-”
“Are you making breakfast out there?” Evie calls out of the shelter suddenly. “I’ll take waffles! With lots of whipped cream and strawberries!”
“Coming right up.” Sam grumbles as he walks by carrying a bucket of crabs. “Oh Lake’s here, was wondering why Finn vanished off the face of the earth. Welcome to the team Muller.”
“Oh, we got Lake now?” Evie wipes the lens of her glasses. “I don’t really have much of an opinion on her. And I liked Finn, he was a funny gay guy! Humph, talk about a downgrade!”
“NO WAY!” Ren squeals in excitement. “Lake is here! And we lost Finn for him! What an upgrade, I can’t wait to talk to her! She’s such a diva!”
“Hmm, so we’ve acquired Lake.” Ernesto strokes his beard thoughtfully. “She is a good worker, unlike that Finn. I see this as a positive.”
“I was NOT expecting a team swap this early!” Bruno looks wide eyed at the camera. “And we got Lake out of it! There’s certainly some other Favs who’d have been more fun, but she’s certainly a legend in her own right. I wonder if she needs a personal assistant?”
Oliwia looks a tad conflicted. “Oczywiście, że musiał to być Niemiec. (Of course it had to be the German.) My people don’t particularly like those sausage eaters… but I know I can’t afford to be picky in this game. Especially when I have a hard time making friends as it is.”
“Wooo, we got one of the nice people.” Manu cheers. “We could have done a lot worse with a swap, imagine if we got Alec or Spencer. Yikes, that would have been real nasty!”
“Oh joy, a team swap, who cares?” Nura rolls her eyes. “Whatever, at least it got rid of one of the overly loud members. Small mercies.”
“Lake, now that is interesting.” Sam reclines on a tree, looking relaxed. “Losing Finn isn’t great, I think he’d have sided with me. But Lake, something seems different with her. She’s here to play, I can tell.” He flashes a grin. “And that sounds like something I can work with.”
“These Fans… seem incompetent.” Lake smirks. “Perfect. I will lure to my side the most gullible, and quickly snuff out the ones who won’t work with me. I know a thing or two about efficiency. Soon this team will be running like a well-oiled machine, with me at its helm.” She sharpens a bamboo shoot on a rock, forming a sharp edge that she pockets. “Mom and dad, you sucked ass, but I’m going to put your forced lessons to good use for once. You taught me how to lead, and lead I shall. I will lead these idiots to the slaughter.”
“Hey there mister carving man!” Ren approaches Ernesto from above, swinging down next to the man who doesn’t react quite as strongly as before. “Saw you back in that challenge, you were pretty cool there.”
Ernesto chuckles, slowly carving a log, its figure not clear yet as he chips away with his knife. “It’s but a hobby, much like you are a wonder. Even when I was your age I couldn’t go jumping in trees like that.”
Ren grins, idly performing a handstand. “What can I say, I’ve always loved flying through the air. Nothing can keep me down, and I wouldn’t want it to. Normal life is booooring!”
“Oh I wouldn’t say that.” Ernesto forms a clear leg on his figure. “It’s more a matter of how you look at things. Take our team for instance. It is filled with a number of loud personalities trying to take credit for themselves. People trying to find a lay of the land so they can know where to strike. But despite all this, everything telling me I should be playing differently or hating my time here? I simply said no and am enjoying my time here.”
“Oh yeah yeah, I can totally get that.” Ren nods a couple times while walking on his hands. “You’re pretty cool for an old dude. Never really had any old peeps in my life but met quite a few travelling. Maybe I’ll tell you about that sometime.”
“That sounds most enjoyable.” Ernesto smiles, or at least seems to with his beard making it hard to tell. “There are not many others on this team I see myself liking.”
“Yeah?” Ren finally stops moving, sitting crosslegged near Ernesto. “What about that Lake girl, wasn’t she a good ally to have? Something about being too loyal?”
“She did lose All-Stars because of her morals, yes.” Ernesto nods, carving thoughtfully for a moment. “So you would not be wrong, gaining her on our side could be beneficial. People you can properly trust in this game are few and far between.”
“And I certainly don’t trust Ara.” Ren grimaces. “Or Finn but he’s not our problem anymore.”
“Indeed, he’s someone else’s nuisance now.” Ernesto chuckles, setting down his carving to inspect it. “We’ll see who we can lure to our side Wonder, don’t worry.”
“Wonder?” Ren tilts his head curiously. “You called me that earlier, no? Not that I mind being called that, but what do you mean by that?”
“Oh well…” Ernesto looks at Ren curiously, nodding in affirmation. “You remind me of a certain Boy Wonder. I simply chopped off the inaccurate part and I think it fits quite well.”
Ren laughs, swaying back and forth a moment before jumping up in the tree again. “I don’t mind being your Robin. Guess that makes you Alfred and we’re down a Bruce.”
“Oh I wouldn’t worry about that.” Ernesto taps his head with a glint in his eye. “People underestimate the sidekicks far too much. This time we’ll be stealing the show.”
Ernesto chuckles heartily. “This is my plan as such: lay low. Let others take the blame, and strike when the iron is hot. I do think it will work quite nicely.”
“Oh hi… Ara was it?” Oliwia says hesitantly as she approaches Ara in her chair on the beach.
“Ugh, what do you want?” Ara glares with obvious disdain. “Here I was moderately enjoying myself and YOU of all people have to show up.”
“Did I… do something to offend you?” Oliwia timidly holds two of her fingertips together, looking down to avoid her glare. “We only voted out one person and I wasn’t even in on it!”
“Wow, how oblivious can you be?” Ara smirks, taking far too much pleasure in her discomfort. “Why would you think I would care about that annoying witch woman? Please, you’re just an insufferable creep I don’t trust to not skin me in my sleep.”
“I don’t trust someone who stuffs things.” Ara shivers a bit. “That girl unsettles me, and it's just her horrible fashion sense.”
“Oh, you… certainly have a way with words.” Oliwia grimaces for a moment, awkwardly rubbing her arm. “But Aubrey told me to look for people to work with and…”
“Hold up, you’re with star girl?” Ara looks up, suddenly interested. “Why didn’t you lead with that? I looooveee going where the numbers are.”
“I am!” Oliwia beams, looking a bit misty-eyed as she speaks. “She’s so wonderful when you get to know her. Well her treating me like a human really helped, but she seemed genuinely happy to have me around her and…”
“Gonna stop you right there freaky girl.” Ara interrupts with a raised hand. “But leave finding more allies to me, okay? I think I’ll be the better judge of character.”
“Oh thank you!” Oliwia smiles happily, rushing to hug her but stopping when Ara holds out her arm as a blockade. “You have no idea how much pressure that takes off me!”
“I have quite an idea.” Ara checks her nails. “I definitely don’t like Oliwia, and star girl isn’t much better. But I do like numbers being on my side, so I’ll suck in the torture for now. And come on, Oliwia is sooooo gullible. I couldn’t ask for a better ally to follow my every whim. I just got handed the game on a silver platter.”
“Why hello there.” Sam sits next to Nura in the cave, noticing she is sketching and drawing in a notebook. “I don’t think we’ve had much of a chance to talk yet. A travesty we simply must go about fixing.”
“Pass.” Nura doesn’t even look at him, focused on her notebook. “I’m not into men and I don’t want to talk. Therefore, there is no reason to continue this conversation.”
“Yikes, someone woke up on the wrong side of the rock.” Sam grimaces but quickly smiles again. “Guess you’re not much of a people person. Makes me wonder why you’re here.”
“I have my reasons.” Nura gives him the barest look of acknowledgement. “And they do not involve getting chummy with people I find aggravating.”
“Is that not everyone?” Sam smirks a bit. “Given how you’ve been acting.”
Nura laughs slightly, forming the slightest smile. “Not bad. I like it when people get right to the point.” She sketches for a moment before continuing. “People who like to pry into my business bother me most though.”
“So she does have something to hide.” Sam strokes his chin thoughtfully. “Curiouser and curiouser. This calls for further careful investigations into what little miss goth has to offer.”
“I can respect that, we all have our demons.” Sam leans back, a barely perceptible sad look passing over him. “But if you want to do well in this game, you can’t go around treating everyone like the plague. You need to let some people in. Even if they may annoy you.”
“And why do you care?” Nura looks at him before sighing, returning to her writing. “If I say I’ll consider it, will you leave me alone?”
“If that is what the lady wishes.” Sam jumps up immediately, chuckling a bit. “Just give it a try. I sense potential in you, Nura.” With a final smile and backwards wave he does leave, walking briskly out of the cave.
“He is… a character.” Nura taps her pencil on her notebook. “He’s probably not wrong, but I’m never telling him that. I have my reasons for not wanting to deal with people, he has no idea what I’ve gone through. His life was probably peaches and cream in comparison, he has no right to tell me to suffer through the pain. People like him are why I don’t like people… but still, he is right. I need to not pull an Alessio. I’d never live that down.”
“Watcha doing there?” Manu asks as he sees Bruno knitting some vines together in a weird shape.
“Ah! Well Sam was asking for some help with catching some crabs. Though I said I wasn't an expert on that, but said I took a course on underwater basket weaving for my boss one time. And he said “that could do.”. Bruno said with pride, mimicking that last part in Sam's voice. “And I made a basket for the crabs he was collecting! Care to help me?”
“Uh… sure!” Manu said with a confused but supportive tone, as he lends a hand and follows Bruno's lead. “I…. Thought that was just a joke course someone made up?”
“Oh no! Very real! As a proud assistant, I sharpen all of my skills to give someone the help they need. From underwater basket weaving, to filing taxes in less than an hour, to driving with my feet and managing emails simultaneously, to brewing coffee, to knowing how to harvest organs with a plastic knife.” Bruno lists off as Manu stops and looks at him with a baffled look.
“What was that last part?” Manu said as Bruno looked at him nonchalantly.
“Brewing coffee?” Bruno said with a curious look as Manu shrugs and helps Bruno put together a basket with his instruction. “Could really go for a coffee right now. Helped me a lot in college?”
“You went to college too?” Bruno said with interest as Manu gave an eager grin.
“Heck yeah! Mostly there for fun, and because mom and dad told me to, but it was a good time! Got to meet some good people, have some fun parties, and such!” The chills guy said with a laugh as Bruno looked with interest. “Part of the reason I'm here too! Cause I love this show and wanna have some fun here!”
“Well, can't go wrong with that! Hoping to get to know some of the other competitors here too! Especially ones like Lake, she was so cool in Season Two!” Bruno said with eagerness as he finished up a basket.
“Well I hope you get that chance to know them too! Though don't be afraid to have some fun for yourself too, try not to stress about everyone else here. Live for yourself and have some fun!” Manu says as the assistant gives a grateful smile.
“Thanks! Though part of my happiness is being able to give others a hand and know I've done a good job!” Bruno says as Manu nods in understanding, giving him a hand with the basket.
“That Bruno kid seems like a good guy. A bit too eager sometimes, but seems well meaning enough. Hopefully the others don't take advantage of him! Maybe it's good to help him and make sure he looks after himself sometimes too.” Manu says as he scratches his head in thought.
“You gave me quite the jump last night.” Aubrey rubs the back of her neck as she sits next to Lake at the campfire. “I tend to not take well to surprises, so good thing you made it clear who you were right away.”
“Your chosen sleeping place was merely the most convenient way to approach your camp.” Lake says simply as she adjusts the fire. “I did not mean to give you a scare, although it does suggest you need to pay better attention to your surroundings.”
Aubrey chuckles, watching her closely. “You’re really remarkable. I usually do pay attention, I’m quite observant… most of the time. I simply get lost in my thoughts when I’m gazing at a beautiful night sky.”
“I did catch some of the others call you star girl.” Lake looks her over and nods. “I can see you’re not doing anything to deny that name.”
“It’s a passion of mine.” Aubrey smiles fondly, touching a star pattern on her sock. “I’m a full time psychology student, but in my free time I’m fascinated by the stars and their meanings. Astronomy and astrology offer different perspectives, although I try to keep the latter to myself when I can. People can be quick to jump to assumptions about astrologists.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a little hobby. Rosa has talked to me about the thoughts of the stars many times.” Lake takes a moment to slightly smile. “She’s been shockingly right about her predictions at times. Got myself a free cookie once from following her advice.”
“That’s ignoring all the times her readings were off, or so she claims.” Lake smirks a bit. “Whether that’s her predictions being off or the whole thing being a sham, I have no idea. But hey, I’ll act like I buy in. Might come in handy later.”
Aubrey’s eyes light up in a smile. “See! The stars were shining bright on you that day!”
“True, it was a good cookie.” Lake stands up, brushing wood dust off her hands and clothes. “You seem like a good person, Aubrey. Even if your first reaction was less than kind.”
Aubrey grimaces, awkwardly rubbing her arm. “Yeah… sorry about that. I just wanted a chance to talk to Rosa. But you really are cool too!”
Lake pats her shoulder as she walks past her. “Glad to hear I’m cool. Just hang in there and maybe you’ll meet her at merge.”
“Oh I hope so!” Aubrey beams brightly, watching Lake leave.
Aubrey is still smiling as she sits on a stump. “Lake seems genuinely happy to meet me! I hope she’s not tricking me by pretending to share my interests… nah! She’s so genuine that it's impossible! I know Lake from her past seasons, that girl couldn’t lie if her life depended on it. Something something morals. But works for me!”
“So I’m just going to be behind this tree, okay?” Isabel ducks behind a palm tree, smiling optimistically at Rosa and Riya. “I’ll interrupt if I feel I need to, but you two just talk this out.” She flashes two thumbs up. “Good luck!”
“Rosa…” Riya rubs her arm as she looks down, averting her gaze. “I’ll be upfront: I voted for Lake. But only because I knew this was a swap and frankly I don’t trust Fiore on a team of newbies. She could repeat her control from season one.”
“... You’re not wrong.” Rosa lets out a long sigh, also avoiding her gaze. “I can understand where you’re coming from this time, but I still couldn’t bring myself to vote for her. And seeing how she reacted…”
“I’ve never seen her that angry.” Riya has clear fear in her voice, no longer the woman who feared no one. “I don’t know what to expect from her. What is the extent of her wrath?”
“Can’t be any worse than yours.” Rosa says with some bitterness. “We all survived your numerous attempts on our lives and reputations after all.”
“I…” Riya’s voice cracks, a few tears falling from her eyes unseen by Rosa due to their positions. “I was tunnel visioned, I can admit that now. I thought winning would change my life, bring me happiness.”
“You’ve been in a lot of movies since All-Stars.” Rosa has a slight bit of pride in her voice despite her anger. “Hollywood loves you.”
“Yes, they do.” Riya wipes a tear from her eye. “And for what? I feel like a hollow queen atop her empty castle. I have all the money in the world but no one to spend it on. You can only buy yourself so many cruises or fancy cars before they start feeling worthless.”
“I won’t say I don’t feel for you.” Rosa finally looks at her, her voice softening as she sees her condition. “But the wounds you caused are not easily healed. You made me look like something I wasn’t. Do you have any idea what kind of damage that caused to my life?”
“I know, and I am truly sorry.” Riya looks at her for a brief moment before turning away in shame. “I can’t expect you to forgive me just like that but… can we call a truce? For the benefit of those we care about?”
Rosa looks at her in surprise, her gaze flickering to Isabel. “You want to work together, just like that? After everything you did? How can you possibly expect me to trust you?”
“That’s why I’m here!” Isabel suddenly interjects, walking between the two and glancing at both. “It’s in our best interest to pick off the other alliances on our team, and how can we do that? With an alliance of course! And Rosa, before you say it, do you really think Ashley and Nick will pick you over each other? Or Hunter the challenge beast?”
“... Why do you have to be right?” Rosa groans in annoyance. “I still don’t trust her, and I feel I have every right not to.”
“That’s okay, just trust me!” Isabel beams, looking between a skeptical Rosa and a grateful Riya. “I’ll be in charge of our little alliance and decide who we vote for. Without Lake on the team I feel you’ll have no issues with that right?”
“Correct.” Riya nods, hoping Rosa agrees to this.
“For the most part, yes.” Rosa sighs, reluctantly nodding. “Fine. I’ll play along, if only because I refuse to be made a fool of again. But if I catch one whiff of you lying to me….”
“We’ll just cut her, easy as that.” Isabel makes a throat slitting gesture. “No harm done, and we’ll figure it out from there.”
Isabel rubs her hands together gleefully. “What can I say? I love making alliances of volatile personalities. Cause when it inevitably blows up, it’s never going to be on me. They’ll be focused on each other and I can coast on by. All I need to do is not make a ridiculously petty move like last time and this girl is golden!”
Riya reaches out with a slight shake to her, gripping Rosa’s hand that takes longer to outstretch. The two shake hands wordlessly and part after but a moment. With final nods they turn and walk away in opposite directions, leaving Isabel alone in the clearing.
Rosa shakes her head. “This is purely strategy. I do not trust her and I’ve made that perfectly clear. But Isabel is right, my previous alliance would not have saved me. I need to do what it takes to make a better life for Sofia. She deserves the world and then some.”
Riya sighs, looking down glumly. “I can’t say I expected Rosa to be friendly again this soon but… this hurts. She’s a good person, so getting such venom from her feels unnatural. But perhaps I’m simply getting a taste of my own medicine… karma is truly a bitch.”
“Figured you’d be moping alone somewhere.” Finn approaches Alessio in one of the island’s caves, where the Italian is painting on a wall with crushed berries. “You know we could be eating those right?”
“Ah, but is art ever truly a waste?” Alessio chuckles, glancing at Finn before returning to his work. “The Carnival provided me with blue, the island gives pink. A strange curiosity, and what colors might I find elsewhere in the world?”
“Poison perhaps?” Finn chuckles, looking at the slowly forming depiction of the island’s volcano. “Just don’t go eating every berry you come across, the world is short of actually good artists.”
“I did not take you as one to care.” Alessio remains focused on his work but his voice is curious. “From what I saw and heard of you, no one aside from the Ara girl ever received a kind word on your team.”
Finn blinks in surprise, taking a moment to respond. “You noticed all that from two challenges? How bloody observant are you?”
“For the record, I feel the world severely undervalues the arts.” Finn scowls in annoyance. “So whenever I see a starving artist floundering in the world, I feel a margin of a need to be sympathetic. Believe it or not, I was there once. Yes, the great Finnian Alcott, struggling to make his name known! Truly no greater travesty has ever been known to the world!”
“The eyes of an artist notice many things.” Alessio taps his head with a smirk. “And they include you not being liked by much of your team, much like you disliked them. A fate that will repeat here if you do not play wisely.”
“That’s rich coming from a first boot.” Finn rolls his eyes. “Why’d they even bring you back anyway, and what makes you think you know all the answers?”
“Did you not witness my journey of self discovery with one Ted Gordon?” Alessio places his free hand on his chest and closes his eyes. “A man can change when he realizes where he’s gone wrong. And I’ve already survived two rounds of gameplay, so I think I’ve made an improvement.”
“Guess there’s something for not making the same mistakes as last time.” Finn shuffles awkwardly, taking a moment to continue. “Must be nice having absolutely no target on you cause of that flop of a performance.”
“Precisely so.” Alessio’s eyes gleam mischievously behind his glasses. “With such a low threat level and such a large team, I have practically a blank canvas in front of me. Waiting to be covered in the paint of my victory.”
Finn chuckles. “I admire your confidence. And your ability to come… to not make a total fool of yourself a second time. So on that note, as two of the most artistic people here, why don’t we join forces and destroy these losers?”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” Alessio nods at him, remaining focused on his painting. “I can certainly agree to that, but we must not make ourselves obvious. To that extent, I rather think you should leave.”
Finn’s smile fades before he leaves with a laugh. “You’re a loon. Better not catch you around the beach at night, that would be so awkward.”
“Finn is smarter than expected.” Alessio rinses off his brush with a small cup of water. “That is much a blessing and a curse, but for me I welcome not working with an idiot. But you’re sloppy. How obvious can you make it that you have trauma of past failures? Learning to overcome mistakes is crucial in this game, and if you cannot do that you will flounder. And if you do… don’t expect me to save you. I can and will sever all ties with baggage. So as a word to the wise, don’t let me down.”
“Talk about a real mess…” Ashley said as she and Hunter are fishing for some game as Nick sits there with them.
“Yeah, poor Lake. Kid didn't deserve to be basically spawn killed episode two like that.” Hunter mumbles as he solemnly looks at the body of water, trying to keep an eye out.
“Poor her, sure. But poor us as well! We got stuck with that blonde mustached snot with an attitude!” Nick says as he grabs a fish Ashley handed him and put it in a bucket.
“Say that as if you aren't blonde either?” Hunter said with a laugh and a smirk as Nick shrugs.
“Never said I wasn't. Just saying he is. Besides, you should try it sometime.” Nick suggests to which his ally shrugs.
“Not sure about that, tried a few different hair colors and probably better as a brunette. Maybe with a highlight though…” Hunter said, pulling in another fish, pondering before turning his attention to Ashley. “Thats not the point though. I think we need to talk about our next step moving forward.”
“Exactly. Which is why I wanted to bring you two along! We need a way to manage damage control and find ourselves a new ally.” Ashley explains as she looks at the two of them.
“I mean, could use Finn maybe? He may not be the best skill wise but is a possible vote and meatshield to keep off our backs. Worked before in other seasons,” Hunter says as Nick looks offended.
“Ugh, and have to hear his annoying voice and incompetence? Pass.” The British man says grabbing another fish Hunter passed to him. “What about that Spencer guy? He at least knows a few things.”
“And considering how hated he was in his season, not sure on that one. He was more trouble than a rattlesnake in a pickle barrel.” Ashley says with suspicion. “Still, we'll call that Plan B or C. That is if he's not getting buddy buddy with anyone else shady.”
“Well the only ones for sure so far are Fiore and Alec, and it seemed like Rosa was getting along with Anastasia…” Nick says as Ashley looks with interest, as she turns to Hunter.
“We'll you and Rosa are friends right? Could be worth pulling her in for help and could get Anastasia as well.” Ashley says a lightbulb flickering in her head as Hunter looks a bit unsure.
“Gotta say, I feel pretty good about our chances.” Ashley tips her hat with a chuckle. “Sure we lost Lake, but the villains are making targets of themselves. Ain’t no way the others will want to work with them. This will be easy as pie.”
“I mean, we could try. Though with her working with Riya at that last ceremony, that leaves me a bit worried. Hopefully neither of them are going aggro.” The gamer guy says as the cowgirl nods in understanding.
“I get that, though we need to be willing to be a bit flexible when working with others sometimes. Could be worth it for you to try to talk with Rosa and I could try to talk with Anastasia perhaps.” Ashley suggests to which Hunter nods.
“Sounds like a plan, we can try to talk with those two. In the meantime, maybe we can see if Lake still wants to work with us? And maybe make a few friends on the other side to help.” He says. “Thankfully that extra life didn't force her to be AFK.” The gamer guy adds to which both of his blonde companions raise an eyebrow. “Away from keyboard.”
“Man, I gotta remember who is and isn't familiar with gamer terms. Though it could be fun to introduce that stuff to some people here.” Hunter scratches the back of his neck awkwardly with laughter and nostalgia, before giving a sigh and frowning.
“AFK? Extra life? Are these more of those weird game references?” Nick says in confusion as Hunter awkwardly laughs.
“Uh hehe, yeah. Life of a gamer does that to ya. Heck, could teach you guys how to play some if you'd like after this show.” He offers with a smile.
“Well not too familiar with that kinda technology, but it could be fun!” Ashley says as Nick shrugs in interest, to which she feels a strong reel from her line as she tries to pull it back but struggling before the other two men help her and heave a slightly larger fish that knocks all three of them.
“Oof. I think that's enough fish for the chips.” Nick says as the three of them gather what they've collected and head back to camp.
“Thankfully I can say that Ashley and Hunter are a more tolerable duo compared to some of the other members on the camp or even back then. Aside from maybe Alec too, if he didn't have that little troublemaker alongside him would have almost considered working with him too. But Ashley is a familiar face and friend and Hunter is at least more competent amd well rounded than Will. No offense to you lad but that season was a rather shoddy performance. Though he was still right about Fiore at least.” Nick says as a fish from the bucket he's holding flies up and gives him a light slap across the face, knocking him back. “Ugh! Bloody sea demons!”
“That was a good play back there.” Alec approaches Spencer as he’s gathering oranges. “A shame Lake’s not out of the game, but she’s out of our way at least.”
“Perhaps.” Spencer looks at him curiously, positioning the basket for Alec to also dorp oranges into it. “I expected more of you after your prior seasons, but there is something to be said for holding back.”
“I don’t expect my same strategy to work for a third time.” Alec shakes his head, plucking an orange. “And for you as well, your previous run ran into a wall of animosity. I can admire your strategy but you lacked much socially.”
“We do have options now.” Spencer glances toward the camp. “Finn, Fiore, that’s two right there. If the goodies can’t tolerate us, we don’t give them the opportunity.”
“Someone’s quick to close off his options.” Alec raises his brow curiously. “You know my reputation, and Fiore’s. If you openly align with us, you’re risking your odds of ever working with anyone else.”
“Who said anything about publicly?” Spencer adjusts his glasses with a slight grin. “I came into this game planning to work in the shadows, and I know you can do that. Fiore certainly can.”
Spencer chuckles, crossing his arms. “I plan to leave all my angles open. And not to openly antagonize anyone this season. I swear if another Hannah goes off on me…..”
“You do realize that’s not the most useful offer for me, correct? “Alec takes the other handle of the basket as it grows heavy. “You stand to gain from us working together, whereas I… would never be able to gain the favor of my old castmates. I only see something working with the ones from your season.”
“I wouldn’t count on Anastasia.” Spencer shakes his head. “You’d hit too close to home for her. Isabel and Alessio though, you have a shot there.”
“... So we play the long game.” Alec thinks for a moment. “Do you see yourself able to turn people on each other and make them think they’re bigger threats than us?”
“The ruse of there not being an alliance where in truth we make up a third of the team.” Alec counts on his fingers. “There are 12 of us. Fiore and I are two. Alessio makes three, Finn feels an easy addition as well. And Spencer makes five. And Alessio has a certain advantage that will force a tie at the very least. This game is looking up. Never count me out, that’s a mistake few get away with making.”
“Trickery, I love it.” Spencer smirks, shifting to properly carry the full basket of oranges. “In that case, to a succession of delicious blindsides that see us rise to the top.”
Alec looks at Nick’s spare shirt sticking out of his bag as they return to camp. “And I have the perfect idea which alliance to start with. I can always go for a bit of irony.”
“You’re seriously still using that antique camera?” Fiore approaches Anastasia on the beach, where the Russian is currently snapping several pictures of the horizon.
“It was the first camera I bought for myself.” Anastasia speaks softly, watching her most recent photo come to life as she pulls it from the Polaroid camera. “A newer one may be more efficient, but there’s a certain beauty in something that’s not easy.”
“You really talk like an old woman sometimes.” Fiore rolls her eyes with a smirk. “But hey, you were pretty badass last time you played. Was kind of rooting for you a bit there.”
Anastasia turns with a laugh, looking fondly at the photo before slipping it in her pocket. “And you still don’t hold back a single thing. Good, never let people restrict who you desire to be. Seeing you lose your childhood to vile excuses for parents… I must admit I feel some sympathy. Even if I cannot fully agree with your actions.”
“Hey, it's not like you were little miss perfect yourself.” Fiore grins. “The discourse over the ‘shoulder incident’ is still going strong, you know.”
“That… was a misplay.” Anastasia sighs, looking over the horizon as she speaks. “My world was dark growing up, and I developed a rather twisted view on morality. Simply because I had to.”
“Whatever, I don’t really care.” Fiore shrugs, glancing at the horizon as the sun is rising. “Just something a bunch of whiny morons made a big deal about I guess.”
“No, it was something I shouldn’t have done… and my indifference after only made it worse.” Anastasia turns to her with a slight smile. “I’m glad Ivy took my apology after the show as well as she did, and I can consider her a friend now. I would hate to have lost such a potential source of light in my life in such a way.”
“I was blinded in many ways during the Carnival.” Anastasia grips the sleeve of her jacket loosely. “From love, from fear, from a desire to succeed. And it led to many mistakes and unwanted attention. The comparisons to Riya were unpleasant to say the least….”
“If you say so.” Fiore rolls her eyes again. “I’ve never been one to care about that stuff too much… even if my own life has been a mess. Just no real point in wasting time complaining, you know?”
“I do actually.” Anastasia smiles, holding up her camera. “I realized that after my run at the Carnival fell apart. That wasting time agonizing over the sins of the past is not worth it. It’s better to move on, to apologize where it's needed, and to follow the future and hope it's bright.”
Fiore blinks for a moment, unsure what to think, before smiling a bit. “You know that’s not a terrible way to look at things. I knew I was right for liking you. Yeah, screw all those idiots.”
“And on that note…” Anastasia points at a rock near the water. “Allow me to take a picture of you. I quite like the idea of collecting photos of people I meet in this game. At least the ones worth remembering.”
Fiore smiles in happiness, looking at a photo of her sitting on a small rock with the rising sun illuminating her. “You know, this might be the first time someone wanted to take a picture of me, and only me. And Ana’s got talent, don’t really know all the jargon but this looks professional. Is this what it feels like to have good people in your life? It’s kind of… nice.”
“Welcome back teams! And with our swap, say hello to the new Fans and Favorites teams!” Emily says as both teams gather in the challenge area, which appears to be near a volcano-like area.
Lake gives a neutral look over to her former team, barring a few such as Riya and Rosa. The latter tries to give an apologetic smile towards her, but Lake returns that with a glare to which Rosa flinches. Alessio seeing this almost hides a chuckle at this silent but deadly display of intense emotions.
“I’m really glad Lake is safe! I know she’s mad at me, but if I can just try to explain to her later maybe she’ll understand. Even if she doesn’t, at least I can live with the idea that I was able to help her.” Rosa says as she looks a bit sad, but with some relief. “I just hope Riya was being genuine in wanting to help us. And I especially hope Lake is doing well on the other team. At least has someone that can help her out.”
Meanwhile, some of Finn's former teammates give him some mixed response or greeting to which he rolls his eyes, until he sees Ara give a smirk and wave, to which he returns that smirk and wave.
“The tension is really thick, I can tell. Hope you lovelies adjust well with your new teams, cause this is where your teamwork and cooperation with strangers will be tested. Today's challenge will be two parts. Both teams will race up a volcano to the summit, gathering as many rocks as you can carry! First team to the summit wins an advantage for the next round of the challenge. The next round will have both teams pick two players to throw the rocks at the other teams targets. The first team to knock all of the targets down wins immunity for tonight! Any questions?”
Some of the players think for a moment before a few of them raise their hands and Manu speaks up.
“Yeah… so can we-” Manu speaks up before he gets cut off by Emily speaking through the megaphone again.
“It was a rhetorical question! The challenge is simple: race up the volcano, gather rocks, and pick two people to throw rocks at the target. Don't fall in the volcano and don't kill each other. Simple as that!” Emily said into the megaphone as a helicopter pulled up. “Oh, also one of the players from the Favorites has to sit out!”
“No need to worry, I'll take this blow for the team!” Nick says as he raises his hand before a few of them glare at him. “And I don't wanna scuff up these hands.”
“Are you just trying to sit out of every challenge!?” Fiore says annoyed as Nick rolls his eyes.
“What, are you trying to do the same? You tell me to pull my weight, which I did before, how about you pull yours?” Nick speaks back.
“You're complaining about ruining your soft yet delicate hands. But she's a ten year old with noodles for arms. Granted your arms don't look that much better. But what do you expect her to do!?” Finn speaks back to which the British man rolled his eyes. “Then again, maybe your flop ass would be better sitting out, since she made it further than you. So you got my vote on that one.”
“She’s got all sorts of ideas in her head for someone who made it far in Season One. Use them!” Nick says, his eye almost giving a twitch, before Fiore opens her mouth and thinks, before she stays quiet and nods.
“Okay fine! I can probably think of some ideas.” Fiore mumbles before the team nods and Nick makes his way to the helicopter to sit out for the challenge as he and Emily fly off.
“Much as I hate to admit it, he's kinda right. If I sit out too much then it'll make me look bad. Just gotta stay safe until we can find some additional numbers to vote alongside Alec and I.” Fiore says in annoyance.
“Gonna have to start clocking some new allies. It's clear alliances are forming even more with some of them and we're gonna be sitting ducks.” Alec says as he carries Fiore on his back as the two collect some rocks while climbing up the volcano, with Fiore reaching some from higher points.
“Our two votes along with Alessio’s will only go so far. At least one more can be a bit more effective compared to three. And losing Lake may be a blessing in disguise, one less vote for some of them.” Fiore says as she pockets a few rocks.
“Finn could shake things up for the others to get a target on his back. But we're still only at best buying time. And were inevitably going to the elimination ceremony before the merge.” Alec grimaces before Fiore nods, grabbing a few more rocks in some hard to reach places.
“Maybe a reason to keep him around, if anyone can take the heat off our backs for a bit then it would be him.” Fiore says before Alec shrugs before the two make their way up the volcano.
“Ugh, bullock! Times like these where I almost wished I was back on the Yellow Team in Season Three… almost. We may have had the numbers, but then again too much arguing and too much Yul for one lifetime.” Alec says rubbing his temples.
“Alright, I think my pockets are getting pretty full! How are ya doing Evie?” Ren says as they stuffed their pockets with some remaining rocks and seeing said teammate was casually strolling along with only one rock in her hand. “Uh Evie?”
“What? I got a rock? And a real pretty one at that. Wonder if this volcano has any gems or any of that beautiful stuff.” Evie says holding one up as Ren opens their mouth trying to think. Then suddenly Evie sits down. “Ugh, walking up this place is killing me. Shoulda brought my fancy hiking boots.”
“Well we're gonna need more than just one rock considering we're hitting targets with them and will need quite a few.” Ren says matter of factly to which the older lady shrugs.
“Cant afford to damage my dress with all of them rocks in my pocket. Tell you what, any rocks I find I'll pay you to carry for me. How does that sound darling?” Evie offers to which Ren frowns and looks at the camera. Even with their hair covered, one could tell they were giving a deadpan look.
“Honestly, what does this lady expect? This is a show where we're gonna have to get a bit rough and tough. If she doesn't put in the leg work, it's only gonna get worse for us and the challenges…” Ren says in slight annoyance.
“Hey Oliwia, think my hands are getting full, how are you doing?” Aubrey says stuffing her pockets before noticing Oliwia near the wall of the cliff carving into the side of the volcano with a sharp rock, drawing what looked like to be animals.
“It kinda looks like a skinning knife!” Oliwia says as she holds it out for her teammate to see as she looks a bit weirded out.
“Are you okay?” Aubrey says in confusion and slight concern before the taxidermist laughs a bit creepily.
“Oh yeah! Just fine! Despite the fact it’s been days since I’ve gotten to stuff an animal! Not used to not doing this for so long!” Oliwia exclaims. “Even when my parents told me to take some time off, I’d always find something to stuff or even just a plushie would keep me happy. I miss my little buddies!”
“Okay okay!” Aubrey says as she takes the rock from Oliwias hand and stuffs it into her pocket. “Maybe it's nice to try to focus on something different. Find another way to keep the hands busy! Like rock collecting!”
“Yeah, I guess.” Oliwia says with an awkward smile as the two continue to gather some rocks, they even tried to make it into a little game to gather some different shaped rocks as they continue making their way up the volcano.
“Oh man! We are so… high up!” Oliwia says, chuckling a bit nervously as she and Aubrey are walking.
“Are you afraid of heights?” Aubrey said with concern as Oliwia gave an awkward look in return.
“Don’t know if I’d say afraid of heights. Just more afraid of falling down and landing on the ground, splattering, or even into lava…” Oliwia starts as she shakes a bit before Aubrey responds.
“It’s okay! It's more common than people think! It can help to not look down, just focus on collecting the rocks and climbing up.” Aubrey says as Oliwia calms down slightly with a smile.
“Just don’t look down. Got it!” Oliwia says as the two climb up a bit higher and collect a few more rocks. As Oliwa notices one near the edge, she on impulse reaches down to grab it before noticing a few jagged rocks down below before her mind starts spinning again. “Aubrey! I’m looking down!”
“Oliwia!” Aubrey hurries over and pulls her back as she is still shaking, with Aubrey putting a hand on hers. “Just breathe, follow my breaths.”
Oliwia does so as Aubrey gives her a breath pattern to follow, this time calming down again, before Aubrey offers her a hand up, to which the Polish girl gratefully accepts. Aubrey thinks for a moment on something to help before an idea pops into her head.
“Hey, weren’t you telling me earlier that this time you stuffed a raccoon and put it in some silly outfit? Did you wanna continue that story?” Aubrey said to her ally as Oliwia eagerly nodded and started talking with her as the two continued to head up hand in hand, with Oliwia almost forgetting about her frightful experience. As Nura is a bit behind them but notices this exchange and gives a soft yet curious look.
A montage plays of the Favorites in their respective groups climbing their way up the mountain, such as Rosa, Isabel, and Riya. Along with Ashley and Hunter. And especially Alessio and Finn starting to talk a bit, with Fiore noticing their interaction with curiosity. Successfully collecting rocks and gathering stones, with no real weak players among each other. Though some thick tensions in the air, between the arrival of Finn and some of the alliances having formed and worries among certain players. A competent and experienced, yet potentially fragile team.
The Fans mostly do well in gathering their stones and climbing up the mountain, with Lake continuing to study some of her team's dynamics as well as strengths and weaknesses. Especially curious in some such as Sam, Ernesto, Aubrey, and Manu. Ren hurriedly makes his way up the mountain as they had eventually decided to give up on getting Evie to move. And some give vocal disagreement like Ara towards the others or Manu struggling to make his way up the mountain. This team being mostly inexperienced, but slowly and surely finding their places and footing.
Eventually, most of the players arrive at the summit of the volcano with Emily waiting there for them.
“Welcome teams! Seems like a close one, just gotta make sure everyone is here and…” Emily counts them before noticing a missing player. “Oof. Fans… looks like you're missing someone?”
“Not my fault! She was being too stubborn to move!” Ren says as the other Fans look around at the recognition of Evie being absent. Emily talks into a walkie talkie before a helicopter arrives with Evie, with half of the team giving the older woman an annoyed look as she tiredly sits down.
“Alright then, with that it looks like the Favs have won part one!” Emily announces to which the Favs cheer and the Fans groan. “And now for part two of the challenge! You will pick two players to use the rocks you’ve gathered to knock down these plushies of your opponents teams. The first team to knock down all of the opposing teams' plushies wins immunity for tonight as well as a prize!”
“Creepy…” Isabel says as she looks over at the plushies of the cast in a bit of discomfort to which Rosa looked in curiosity.
“Didn’t you have some of these from the greetings?” Rosa asks, to which Isabel shrugs at her teammate.
“I mean yeah, they’re cute, but a little weird too, just having plushies of real people you know.” Isabel responds.
“Man! I hope we get to have some of these to keep! I mean, we get to do greetings and all that. OH I wonder how many I’ll get!” Buno says excitedly before Ara rolls her eyes in annoyance.
“Moving on! Favs, since all of your team made it to the summit first, you get to not only choose your duo, but for your advantage, choose the Fans duo to compete. Which I imagine will probably be the weak links of the team!” Emily says with a chuckle. “You have two minutes to decide the duos, then we’ll get the challenge underway!”
“Alright team!” Ashley says as the team gathers in a circle. “We’ll need two of not only our strongest but most sharp eyed competitors. I may not have had much experience with rock chucking, but I have had sharpshooting practice.”
“So who’s our second thrower?” Riya asks as some of the others mumble among themselves, before Spencer speaks up.
“I think Anastasia could be a good help!” Spencer says as Ana gives him a curious but suspicious look.
“Hm, why do you think that?” Ana says with a raised brow as Spencer speaks up.
“Well I feel between your quick reactions and your notable strength from last season could give us the advantage.” Spencer says with an air of innocence.
“I mean, he’s got a point, didn’t you save a person with one hand and hold them during that merry go round challenge? That's a great feat if I’d say so.” Hunter says with a chuckle as Ana appreciates the compliment. Though can't help but feel a bit suspicious of Spencer or any plans he has. She studies him for a moment, between the other vocal support from the team and Spencer's supposed innocent look, before relenting.
“Very well then. I shall gladly carry the team to victory then alongside Ashley.” Ana says as the others nod.
“Honestly, I was giving our team the best advantage to win this with suggesting Anastasia.” Spencer says, trying to hide a smirk. “Though… if she does cost us this then it could be a good way to put her in the limelight and off of me. So either way, a winning scenario.”
“So with that, we need to pick our opponents, preferably the weak links.” Ashley says. “The first one should be obvious considering her late arrival.”
“Evie.” Everyone says in unison, as if they could either read each other's minds or could feel the negative aura off of said contestant.
“And for our other choice, it seems like we could pick Manu maybe. He seemed as if he was struggling up the volcano, so it could be too worn out to do the challenge properly.” Hunter suggests to which they all split off as Ana and Ashley prepare for the challenge and tell the hostess of their decisions. Fiore tugs on Finn's arm to pull him aside.
“Psst.” Fiore says as Finn looks down at the kid with an amused look.
“Well I’ll be… the Demon Child herself wants to talk with me! If Riya wasn’t my favorite you’d be my number three favorite! Since Grett knows how to slay as well and Tom is just Tom. But fourth isn’t bad either.” Finn says with interest as Fiore resists the urge to roll her eyes at the nickname.
“Flattered. Listen, how good are you at keeping secrets?” Fiore asks as the blonde man gives a grin.
“Pretty good at them… so long as it’s in my favor of course. Spill the deets kiddo.” Finn says as Fiore gives a nod.
“ I saw you talking with Alessio and since you two seem like you're getting chummy, so long as you’re willing to vote alongside us, since we’re all practically the outcasts of the team.” Fiore says as Finn gives an exaggerated hum and taps his chin.
“Hmmmmmmm, maybe. I’ll agree so long as Ara can join in on our secret alliance too. Especially when we get to the merge. Oh! And I get to decorate the campsite how I want. Your layout is so bland, need some more life.” He says as the child grins, another ally to the mix for the merge should go great.
“Sounds like a deal!” As Fiore nods and the two shake hands.
“And the challenge begins now!” Emily says giving some commentary. “Looks like Ashley and Anastasia got a strong head start. Knocking down the first few plushies with ease. Oof looks like they went extra hard on the Finn one! And the Bruno one! As for the Fans… sheesh, a real struggle for these two. Looks like Manu got one! And Evie… is she even trying? Well now the Favs got another three down! There goes Ren’s plushie getting cooked by the lava! And Manu just got another two! Oh, Evie finally got one! Though it looks like her minimum effort, if even that, was in naught since it seems that the Favs have knocked down the remaining ones! Winning them the challenge! Congrats on your second win Favs!”
The Fans all look disappointed, as the Favs cheer as Ashley and Anastasia high five and give each other a smile.
“Nice work there partner! Looks like you got a strong arm there after all.” Ashley says to which Anastasia blushes in flattery.
“Well, thank you all very much. Might I say you have a strong sense of accuracy as well. Hardly missed any there.” Ana says as the cowgirl smiles in gratitude. The teams gather back around as Emily finishes her announcement.
“Favorites, congrats on your immunity! Fans on the other hand… you got a date with the elimination ceremony tonight. Don't be late!” Emily says with a smirk as the helicopters come to pick them up and return them back to camp.
“Well that couldn’t have gone any worse.” Manu mumbles annoyed, before taking a deep breath. “I think it should be obvious who among us is likely to go tonight. Sorry but this game seems like too much for you.”
“Well great, here we are again.” Nura groans, assembling with her team in the Fans camp. “I’ve had longer lunch breaks than this.”
“I think we all know why we’re doing so terrible.” Ara glares at Evie. “I still question if she even signed up for the right show, the snack bar is not on this island.”
“Oooo, do they have drinks?” Evie chimes in, not paying much attention until she heard bar.
“Hmm I cannot object to this plan.” Ernesto nods in agreement. “It is not a personal slight, but we simply need to win challenges or we’ll be back here again.”
Lake suddenly lets out a dry laugh, capturing it with her cupped hand, before shaking her hand and standing at attention. “No, that will simply not do. There are much bigger blights on our team. Such as…” She scans the Fans, looking for the right target. After a moment her gaze and finger points at Manu. “You.”
“For all these idiots know, I came into the game with my new mindset.” Lake smirks confidently. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them.”
“Me?” Manu blinks in confusion, glancing around fearfully, hoping no one listens to her. “But why? I’m the one everyone likes, wouldn’t hurt a fly!”
“How kind of you to lay out exactly why you need to go.” Lake marches over to look Manu dead in the eye. “You are a social glue. This team is new, and I cannot have someone like you amongst us. We all remember Logan.”
“I’m listening.” Sam suddenly speaks, his attention bought by Lake’s claim. “We’d be terrible fans if we didn’t try to prevent a repeat of history.”
“But Manu’s my friend!” Bruno bursts out in alarm. “And one of the strongest people on our team! Why would you want to vote out someone like that?”
“Please, as if that excuse is worth anything.” Ara waves her hand dismissively. “I am aware its early, but we simply can’t hide behind ‘oh no, we can’t vote him out or we’ll lose challenges!’ If we keep doing that and he merges, we’ll have a massive pain in the ass to deal with.”
“Very aptly put.” Lake nods in agreement, earning a barely noticeable blush from Ara. “And on that note, I am leaving to attend to a few matters before the vote. There should be nothing more to discuss.”
“Oh no…” Bruno clutches his head in fear, shaking visibly. “Oh no no no… all my years of being a personal assistant could never have prepared me for this: an angry German. How am I going to get out of this…..”
“I’ve caught Aubrey glancing my way a few times…” Nura looks down with a sigh. “I don’t know how that girl can do it. How can she be so positive so often? The world hates our happiness, and yet she greets it with a smile…. I’m not ready for her prying yet though. I have secrets I don’t need people knowing. Not yet…. maybe someday.”
“Alright team, very good to see all could make it!” Ren looks around with a chuckle as Bruno arrives with Manu and Ernesto and Aubrey and Oliwia walk in with curious expressions. “Welcome to the first meeting of the Wondrous Misfits! Who just so happens to be the team’s majority.”
“Now that’s more like it!” Manu cheers with a grin, pointing at himself with both hands. “This guy is not going anywhere!”
“This vote could not be more simple.” Ernesto looks around with a nod. “We’re voting Evie. The others may be more openly against us, but with her gone we significantly lower our chances of losing again. It is worth the risk.”
“Wait, Evie?” Bruno looks up in alarm, hesitating for a moment to speak further. “As a personal assistant to a batty old lady I…”
“The stars are telling me you’re being incredibly shifty right now…” Aubrey narrows her eyes at Bruno.
Oliwia nods quickly. “Yeah! Even I can tell you’re being weird!”
Bruno lets out a sigh. “Ugh. I’ll have to let her go, I could walk myself into a pit if I can trying this. Guess I’ll never get to find out if she knows my boss. This suspense is going to kill me….”
“Nothing!” Bruno breaks out laughing, waving his hand to hopefully defuse the situation. “I just got a little distracted with something but its no big deal! You’re all right, we should vote Evie!”
“.... Okaaaay then.” Ren chuckles, unfazed by the situation. “As weird as that was, glad we’re on the same page. So let’s get Evie out of here! Lovely person, absolutely horrible teammate, am I right?”
Ernesto laughs heartily, looking fondly at Ren. “Couldn’t have put it better myself. Now let’s show that veteran not to mess with these newbies.”
Oliwia tilts her head curiously, adjusting her glasses as she does so. “Now this is strange. The others brushed it aside so quickly, but what is Bruno hiding about Evie? My desire to uncover that mystery is immense. What could possibly connect a Peruvian personal assistant to an American heiress? Oh yes, I do know things, I’m a good listener. And people often don’t care about the weird girl’s presence. But hmm, what to do with this…”
“You there.” Lake’s authoritative tone snaps Oliwia to attention, turning away from the others heading to the elimination ceremony to face her. “A quick word. Very quick, we do not have much time.”
“Huh?” Oliwia turns around like a deer caught in the headlights, her expression turning to mild annoyance. “What do you want, we’re going to be late.”
“Very simple.” Lake glances at the retreating Manu and Evie among the rest of the team. “Evie is hiding an advantage she obtained during that journey with Alessio. And Manu is too dangerous to keep around. I’m sure you know what I’m getting at.”
“I…” Oliwia hesitates for a moment. “Evie has…. Manu’s nice though… this is a lot to take in.”
“I’m sure it is.” Lake walks past her with a slight nod. “I hope for your sake you make the right decision.”
Lake briskly writes Manu’s name, her expression cold. “Playing nice got me nowhere in this game. I quite think eliminating the Fans social glue will make it clear I am here to play. You will not be missed.”
Ren shakes his head in annoyance, holding up a vote for Evie. “As a queer human, I love you. But as a teammate? Yeeeessshhhh, no, get out. We don’t have the need for you here, and I think you’ll like the motel better anyway.”
“Fans, nice to see you all here again.” Emily smirks, looking over the assembled team. “Way to go losing again when the Favorites only had to swap someone.”
Lake clears her throat loudly. “I’m right here, and I frankly don’t care to drag out this nonsense. We all know who’s going.”
“Someone’s confident.” Ernesto casts her a glare. “We’ll see if you’re still laughing in a moment.”
“And on that note….” Emily grins, pulling the lid off the urn. “We got a lot of votes here, so without further ado….” She pulls out the first vote and begins to read.
Manu
Evie, that’s one vote Manu, one vote Evie
Evie
Evie
Manu
Manu
Evie
Manu
Evie
Manu
Emily pauses as she pulls out the last vote, looking at the concerned Evie and the unfazed Manu. “We’re tied at fives votes Manu, and five votes Evie. If you’re smart this next vote will be for Evie.” Evie scowls as Emily opens the final vote. “But you’re not. The second person eliminated from Fans vs Favorites is Manu!” She turns the final vote with a mischievous smirk.
“HUH?!” Manu’s eyes go wide in shock. “But we had majority, some had to…”
“Flip?” Lake smiles in satisfaction, looking around at the Fans. “Yes, someone did, but to that person I have a simple request: remain silent. If you expose yourself, you are simply pinning the name target on a very obvious suspect.”
Oliwia shakes nervously, taking a gulp to steady her nerves. “I’m just gonna… not say a word. I know if I try to talk I’ll blow it, and Lake’s right. Aubrey’s probably the only one who’d have my back if I speak up.”
“Manu, no!” Bruno glares at the team, trying to look angry but not able to pull it off very well.
“We weren’t supposed to have a blindside until the new moon.” Aubrey looks paler than usual, her calm demeanor shattered as she frantically looks for any sign of someone being less than truthful. “I… need a minute. This is a lot to… sorry this happened Manu, good luck in life!”
The Fans watch curiously as Aubrey runs off, her hands clutching her clothes so hard they’re turning white.
“... Well, that was awkward.” Ren laughs, attempting to defuse things. “Sorry about this, big guy. Promise we’ll figure out who did this and get them real good. Say hi to Dunia!”
Manu rises with a hearty chuckle, looking fondly at Ren, Bruno, and Oliwia. “Thanks guys. I really wish I could have been here longer, but being blindsided is pretty dang cool for a fan like me! I just know my little bro is gonna have a good laugh over this.” At that he turns and walks to the boat, leaving without another word.”
“Well now, isn’t star girl awfully suspicious?” Nura tilts her head curiously. “Running off like that when everyone could notice… I might have to keep a better eye on her. As annoying as the idea of getting to know someone is.”
“I see you there Bruno.” Sam chuckles, leaning back against a tree. “You think no one would suspect you just because you were Manu’s friend? Oh no no, its not that easy. That could be a cover, if you’re smart. Now, do I think you’re that smart…. that remains to be seen.”
Aubrey reaches into a large pocket of her dress, pulling out a small star patterned blanket. She unfolds it slowly and carefully, her expression pained as she opens the locket found within. “Mom… I need help. I thought I had a handle on things, but this game is more confusing than I thought. People are better at hiding things than I thought, and the stars are silent lately. I wasn’t close to Manu, but still… I’ve been on the backfoot too much in life and I’m sick of it…. I need to figure out what happened. I know human psychology, and its time to put that to use.” She clutches the locket tightly in her hand, a tear falling from her eye. “I’ll make you proud mom. And maybe someday I’ll find out who Cassiopeia Summers really was.”
“Rescue Island?” Manu reads the sign as he approaches it, grinning broadly as he takes the torch and heads down the path to the island. “Sweet! I wonder how Dunia’s holding up….”
Remaining voting confessionals:
Manu votes:
Ara votes for Manu with a yawn. “I can’t remember a single thing about you now and I doubt I will when you’re gone. Boring!”
Evie writes Manu’s name slowly in elegant script. “Is this right? I could have sworn your name was Maui… now where did I hear that name?”
Sam votes for Manu with a shrug. “You’re hardly my first choice, but I don’t care to stir the pot too much here. Besides, I’m sure your little brother misses you.”
Nura blankly votes for Manu. “I have other plans in this game, but this round needs to go smoothly first. Which means you need to go.”
Oliwia votes for Manu, looking incredibly guilty. “I really hope this isn’t a mistake… but Lake had such a good point! And I am kind of jealous of how close Bruno and Manu are…. Sorry!”
Aubrey votes for Evie with a giggle. “Sam’s still here being a shady ass, but he’s not dragging us down. I’ll deal with him later. Maybe if there’s a blue moon you’ll actually have a good shot at this game… bye starshines!”
Bruno lets out a long sigh as he votes for Evie. “Welp, there goes any chance at any answer. But I really can’t afford having my team mad at me….”
Manu votes for Evie with a grin. “Well its you or me, and I really don’t want it to me. I think you’ll like the motel!”
Ernesto quickly votes for Evie, scowling. “You are the most useless idiot I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. Oh I’ll never say this to your face, but here? I simply cannot stand your presence here. So good riddance and you cannot leave soon enough.”
Emily giggles, sitting on the boat near the Fans camp. “And there goes another. We’re holding off on viewer feedback due to lack of content, but there will be time to ask questions later, so no need to fret my dear viewers! Next time, see if a Favorite actually gets eliminated or if the Fans continue to suck. I bet it’ll be the latter.”
24th- Dunia
23rd- Manu
Favs- Alec, Fiore, Ashley, Nick, Rosa Maria, Riya, Hunter, Anastasia, Spencer, Isabel, Alessio, Finn
Fans- Ara, Aubrey, Bruno, Ernesto, Evie, Nura, Oliwia, Ren, Sam, Lake