Chapter Text
We begin this episode on the night of Ivy’s elimination as Zaid stormed to camp, keeping a healthy distance between Benji, Hannah, Jade, and Isabel.
“Zaid…” Benji tried calling out as he walked closer to Zaid but that just made the Chef angrier.
“I don’t wanna hear it!!!” Zaid cried out, still keeping his back facing the Geek.
“But I saved you though. They wanted you to go.” Benji said in his defense to which Zaid turned to face him with a scoff.
“Oh, so I should thank you for backstabbing me and Ivy?” Zaid asked stone-faced.
“Well… I mean… bros before-“ Benji began awkwardly before Zaid interrupted.
“Don’t! Finish that!” Zaid spoke furiously to which Benji’s eyes grew glossy with tears before Hannah patted his shoulder.
“Benji… let him go. He needs time.” Hannah said sympathetically.
“Oh yeah, because you know how I feel.” Zaid scoffed.
“I do. You forget I lost Amelie, Diego, and Tristan. Getting Ivy out wasn’t personal.” Hannah reminded him.
“Well it’s personal to me. Especially considering I know where we stand if we lose another challenge.” Zaid replied bitterly before storming off to which Benji reached a hand out for Zaid but his head dropped down sadly. Soon enough, Isabel and Jade finally caught up with awkward expressions.
Confessional: Benji
“I was between a rock and a hard place last night. Hannah trusted me far before Zaid came into the picture… it’s a simple social economy.” Benji sighed miserably, “But… I do feel awful.”
Confessional Ends
We then cut to the next morning at Blue Team’s camp as Spencer and Logan picking up sticks together, presumably as firewood when Logan picked up a stick that looked similar enough to a gun and playfully pointed it at Spencer who played along by putting his arms up.
“Stick ‘em up, wise guy. Empty your pockets.” Logan spoke with a terrible attempt at an accent before Spencer smirked back in amusement before stealing Logan’s fake gun and pointing it at him instead.
“Hands up.” Spencer replied back, just as playfully.
“How did you-“ Logan began asking before Spencer spoke up.
“My ex was a self defense instructor.” Spencer elaborated, “One of the many practical lessons he showed me.”
“Pretty cool. You two… still talk?” Logan asked with a nervous smile.
“After the first three breakups we did. After the fourth… we stopped.” Spencer answered.
“Oof… sorry…” Logan apologized, clearly feeling remorse for bringing it up.
“I’m not.” Spencer reassured him before putting a bundle of sticks in Logan’s hands, “Here. Don’t quit your day job.”
The two then smiled at each other with Logan blushing as they did so.
Confessional: Logan
“Being with Spencer feels… different than hanging with the other guys on my team… Not Blue Team specifically, that’s pretty obvious since all the guys on that team are older than me, I mean my swim team. And it’s nice in a way that I’m afraid of…” Logan admitted in concern, “I need to talk to Richard.”
Confessional Ends
We then cut to Richard back at the campfire, taste testing a pot of soup and gagging as he did so before Logan walked over to him.
“Hey! Morning Richard!” Logan smiled enthusiastically before sitting down on the log nervously.
“Morning Logan… is something stewing in that head of yours’?” Richard asked in concern as he sat down to face him.
“Uh… you got a lot of wisdom? With your life experience and stuff…” Logan asked.
“Well that’s one way of saying I’m old. What’s up?” Richard asked playfully.
“You ever feel like… like you’re not sure about something that everyone seems to know about themselves…” Logan asked nervously.
“That’s a bit vague… care to narrow it down?” Richard raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t know… people talk about things like they’re so simple. Like… your sexuality, stuff like that. I’m just curious how people figure that out.” Logan explained.
“Huh… figuring things out isn’t as simple as many people make it seem. It wasn’t simple for me.” Richard answered solemnly.
“Really?” Logan asked in shock.
“Well… I never told my parents I was gay… not while they were alive at least…” Richard explained sadly.
“Why not?” Logan asked sympathetically.
“Well… fear’s a funny thing. I always thought I’d have time to find the right moment… in a way that they’d understand. But time has a way of slipping through your fingers when you’re not paying attention. But what hurt most was hiding from myself… to the point where part of myself didn’t matter.” Richard elaborated.
“But… it does…” Logan replied wistfully.
“Yep, but you don’t have to rush it.” Richard reassured him with a smile.
“Okay, so… now I…” Logan began nervously.
“Follow whatever feels right in the moment and you’ll find your truth.” Richard finished happily.
“You’re the best, y’know that.” Logan began brightening up.
“Growing up, I didn’t have someone to help me through this… so it’s the least I can do for you.” Richard explained happily, “You can come up for air now Logan… it’s okay.”
The two then embraced each other as Logan smiled tearfully.
“Thanks Rich… I can tell you’re a good dad.” Logan complimented to which Richard’s eyes grew glossy as he smiled back.
We then cut to the final ten on a pirate ship as Derek stood in front of them in a crewmate outfit.
“Blue Team, getting your first look at the new Red Team. Ivy voted out at the last elimination.” Derek said happily as Blue Team turned to see Jade, Isabel, Benji, and Hannah frowning awkwardly as Zaid looked despondent.
Anastasia and Spencer looked torn between relief and sympathy while Natalia just looked relieved. Richard and Logan just looked at each other nervously.
“Before we start the challenge, I have a surprise.” Derek announced before they looked up to see Trevor in a captain’s outfit on the top of the ship.
“Yarrgh, are you landlubbers ready for a sea shanty?” Trevor asked in a pirate’s accent.
“Not the voice…” Jade sighed miserably to which Trevor just jumped onto the bottom of the ship with a smirk.
“Too bad I’m sticking with it!” Trevor smirked, “It is time me mateys as two teams become one. Drop your team flags, we are now officially merged! And as a bonus for making it this far, you all get pajamas. Courtesy of our sponsor Jakealope.”
The final ten immediately began cheering at the prospect of merging and getting pajamas.
“As for today’s challenge, a treasure hunt. Pair yourselves up and race to find the treasure somewhere at the bottom of this lake. Winning pair wins immunity! Partner up everyone.” Derek announced.
“Logan?” Spencer asked with a playful smirk.
“Don’t have to ask me twice.” Logan smirked back before they high-fived to which Jade looked surprised, even moreso as Isabel whispered her choice for a partner in Jade’s ear but she quickly regained her composure and nodded in understanding which made Isabel’s eyes gleam as she rushed towards Natalia to embrace her.
“Reunited and it feels so good!!!” Isabel said happily.
“Let’s kill it, Isa.” Natalia smirked back as Anastasia rolled her eyes at the friendship moment.
“So… how do we wanna do this…” Benji smiled awkwardly at Hannah and Zaid to which both were surprised that he was so hesitant to choose a partner before Hannah spoke up.
“I… was assuming that you and I were pairing up.” Hannah smiled awkwardly to which Zaid narrowed his eyes before regaining his composure.
“That’s what I was assuming as well. No need to go against the status quo.” Zaid shrugged dismissively before walking off making Benji sigh before Hannah walked up closer to him.
“Don’t worry, this is probably for the best.” Hannah reassured the Geek.
“Let’s hope so…” Benji sighed miserably to which Hannah looked sympathetic but said nothing.
We then see that Anastasia, Richard, Zaid, and Jade seemed a bit isolated and indecisive on who to pair up with until Anastasia’s eyes landed on Zaid. She took a breath before taking the risk and holding out a hand for Zaid to shake to which he did reluctantly leaving Jade with Richard.
“Aw hey sport, I guess the merge means new friends.” Richard said happily to which Jade smiled in amusement.
Confessional: Anastasia
“I’m not thrilled I was one of the last picks, but this could prove useful. Knowing Zaid lost Ivy, this could be a way to gain valuable intel…” Anastasia smirked smugly before her face shifted awkwardly, “And… to hopefully mend bridges after the incident from the dodgeball challenge…”
Confessional Ends
“Here’s how this works. On the sides of this massive pirate ship are five lifeboats where each pair must release them into the water by cutting the ropes. From there, you’ll paddle to a buoy checkpoint where Emily…” Derek began explaining before Trevor interrupted.
“Actually… Emily’s out sick. I’ll be taking her place.” Trevor elaborated to which Derek seemed suspicious but said nothing.
“Okay… Trevor will provide GPSes and diving helmets at the buoy where one of you will stay on the boat and guide the other on an underwater sea adventure to swim down to the cave system.” Derek explained.
“First pair to bring the chest back to the surface wins immunity but that’s not all. We may have another incentive.” Trevor smirked as Derek rolled in a table of ten belongings. Anastasia’s camera, Jade’s stuffed turtle, Richard’s basketball with a signature on it, Zaid’s cookbook, Benji’s HydroWave comic, Isabel’s Bible, Natalia’s pressure valve(I have no idea what that thing actually is, forgive me!!), Hannah’s potted plant, Logan’s blue beaded necklace, and Spencer’s mini-remote control tractor.
“This camp does need some Jesus.” Isabel remarked with a gleam in her eyes.
“Oh that’s SICK!!!” Logan celebrated.
“The winning pair will get a special item to bring alongside them to camp for as long as you remain in the game.” Derek said happily.
“And as some of you are probably not aware, Spencer is immune for this elimination thanks to his participation in the Comeback Duel.” Trevor explained with a smirk.
“Seriously?!” Hannah asked incredulously to which Spencer smirked at her smugly for her complaints.
“Hm, convenient.” Jade smiled, clearly pleased by this outcome.
“So if Spencer’s pair wins immunity, he can give his extra immunity to another player. Are we clear?” Trevor asked with a smirk.
Jade gave a subtle nod at Spencer to which he nodded back before the final ten got in racing positions.
“Are you ready campers? I can’t hear you! Your challenge starts right now!” Trevor announced before the final ten began running to their lifeboats.
We then cut to Spencer and Logan on their lifeboat as they each began cutting a rope on each end.
“All aboard the winning boat! Yo-ho yo-ho.” Logan spoke in a pirate’s accent joyfully.
“Ugh, must we Logan…” Spencer asked in annoyance.
“Ahem, I said all aboard!” Logan said, clearly hoping for the response he wanted.
“Aye-aye, Captain…” Spencer sighed with a fond smile.
“That’s your spirit, lass.” Logan said happily.
We then cut to all five lifeboats being cut down from their ropes and landing into the water before all five pairs began rowing to their destination.
We then pan over to Isabel and Natalia who were rowing together before Natalia spoke up.
“Free from having to deal with Spencer.” Natalia said happily.
“Ugh, I know…” Isabel said in feigned disgust before speaking up, “Now that we’re together again, we can finish what we started.”
“What do you mean?” Natalia asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The Girls’ Alliance. The second I left, it fell apart.” Isabel spoke with feigned sadness.
“Like you weren’t ready to backstab them yourself.” Natalia smirked playfully.
“Because of the constant back and forth between Anastasia, Marissa, and Lynda, but now Marissa and Lynda are gone. Now… we can have a final five locked. What do you say?” Isabel asked with a calculating smirk.
“I’m not sure Isa… I’ve bonded with Logan and Richard a lot, and I… may have pissed off Anastasia by helping Lynda nearly win the duel for the immunity Spencer got…” Natalia explained nervously to which Isabel stared at her in shock and annoyance.
Confessional: Isabel
“Well… that certainly puts a dent in my plans to reignite the Girls’ Alliance. I doubt Natalia is lying to me and… well I hesitate to call her decision stupid since guaranteed immunity is an enticing offer, but it does show me that reforming the Girls’ Alliance is unlikely to work out long-term, but still… I’m not sure if my best interests lie in working with Logan and Richard due to their status as comp threats and being a dynamic duo.” Isabel said in contemplation.
Confessional Ends
We then cut to Anastasia and Zaid towing their lifeboat together before Anastasia decided to break the awkward silence.
“I see the actress was voted out. I doubt you were part of that plan.” Anastasia remarked knowingly.
“Can we not?” Zaid asked in annoyance.
“Relax, the last thing I deserve is to rub salt in the wound about Ivy’s elimination, especially after the dodgeball challenge.” Anastasia spoke reassuringly which made Zaid sour at the memory before sighing.
“I know it was an accident, Ivy made it clear she didn’t want to hold grudges in that regard.” Zaid reassured the model.
“Thank god. I can help you with getting your justice, but first, you must tell me exactly what’s been going on Red Team and I’ll do the same with Blue Team.” Anastasia offered with a smirk to which Zaid smirked back.
Confessional: Zaid
“Okay… Anastasia is the last person I expected to be in my corner… but without allies on Red Team, she’s kind of my only shot.” Zaid smirked, clearly pleased by this turn of events.
Confessional Ends
We then cut to all five pairs at the checkpoint buoy where Trevor threw them all their GPSes and diving helmets.
“Wait… who dives?” Benji asked nervously.
“You get to decide that.” Trevor said happily.
We then cut to a brief timeskip as Anastasia, Isabel, Richard, Logan, and Benji were all in their swimsuits and wearing diving helmets.
“Hey, will you save me if I drown?” Logan asked Spencer with a playful smirk as he put on his diving helmet.
“You were born with gills. If anything should go wrong, I’d be of no help.” Spencer replied.
We then cut to Hannah and Benji as the Geek spoke up after putting his diving helmet on.
“So what’s the plan, Hannah?” Benji asked nervously.
“Like always, follow my instructions.” Hannah smiled with a playful wink.
“I mean… I’m not the best swimmer…” Benji said worriedly.
“Fair, but I imagine you’d be better than me. Besides, you look cute in that helmet.” Hannah smirked semi-flirtatiously.
“Really?” Benji asked happily.
“Of course.” Hannah nodded.
Confessional: Benji
“Of course I trust Hannah… I just wish that went both ways.” Benji sighed miserably.
Confessional Ends
After that confessional, we see Zaid looking towards Hannah and Benji from his boat with an analytical eyebrow raise before Anastasia snapped her fingers in front of his eyesight.
“Divert your attention away from the so-called platonic banter.” Anastasia spoke sternly.
“You think it’s more than platonic?” Zaid asked in shock.
“Anyone but Logan could see the tension between them.” Anastasia scoffed as if it were obvious, “It’s better for you to not come off as too salty. From what you told me, the cosplayer is still willing to make amends.”
“Doesn’t really mean much if I was likely dead meat if we didn’t merge.” Zaid reminded his partner.
“And you’re valid in feeling that way, but right now, we’re not in the best social standings with our teammates. It’s better to fly under the radar for now.” Anastasia explained to which Zaid nodded in agreement.
We then cut to Benji, Logan, Richard, Anastasia, and Isabel all jumping underwater in their diving helmets and swimming to the caves when Richard spoke into his ear piece.
“So… where are we going?” Richard asked Jade nervously.
“Just keep swimming down. I’ll let you know when to stop.” Jade explained bluntly from her headset.
Back underwater, Richard’s swimming was halted by Logan swimming in front of him in loops.
“Yo! Fancy seeing you here!” Logan said happily.
“Guess we’re in your domain now.” Richard laughed playfully.
“Richard! Focus!” Jade spoke through her headset in annoyance.
“Logan, make a right by the reef. You’re gonna see a forest of seaweed.” Spencer instructed.
“Alright Anastasia, the map says to go until you're in the center.” Zaid also instructed his partner.
“How am I supposed to know?” Anastasia asked as she and Isabel swam through the seaweed before the two stopped to navigate.
“Alright… look down.” Natalia instructed Isabel as she looked at her map.
“I see the cave.” Isabel pointed towards the cave happily before she and Anastasia went inside said cave.
Back on the surface, Natalia could be seen turning towards Hannah who was focused on her headset.
“Hannah… do you have a moment?” Natalia asked as she shook her shoulder to get her attention to which Hannah was a bit annoyed but intrigued.
“I hear you and Benji are friends with Jade and Isabel now.” Natalia smirked, “Well Isabel and I have quite a positive history back on Blue Team and I was wondering if I could join your little group.”
“I mean… it gives us like half the numbers so I don’t see why not.” Hannah smiled enthusiastically to which Natalia smiled back but little did they know, Spencer was observing this conversation with a scowl.
Confessional: Hannah
“Called it. Sticking with Jade and Isabel got me into a solid alliance with Natalia. By working with them, I can keep Benji and I safe until the final five.” Hannah said happily.
Confessional Ends
We then cut to Benji and Richard entering the underwater cave as Richard stopped to pick up a clam.
“So what’s this one called?” Richard asked happily.
“That’s a mussel.” Jade answered coldly.
“Ah, so clams have muscles like me.” Richard spoke optimistically as Benji passed him.
“Whatever gets you there pops. Turn right.” Jade instructed in annoyance as Richard continued swimming forward.
We then cut to Benji swimming inside the cave with a scared look in his eyes before noticing a split path.
“So… which way do I go?” Benji asked with his earpiece.
“Uh… the right tunnel is more dangerous but it is a lot quicker…” Hannah said worriedly, “It’s too risky. Go left.”
However, Benji narrowed his eyes firmly and immediately began swimming in the right tunnel instead.
“Benji!” Hannah said angrily but there were hints of worry in her voice.
“I can do this.” Benji assured her as he kept swimming in the path with the jagged rocks on the floor and ceiling.
“I get you’re trying to prove yourself but can you not put your life at risk to do it?” Hannah asked furiously.
“Yo, are you taking the shortcut too, Benji.” Logan smiled as he swam towards Benji, interrupting the argument between him and Hannah as he swam further ahead of the Geek.
“Aw crap!” Benji cried out as Logan maneuvered past the rocks like a pro athlete… oh wait, that’s exactly what he was.
“Nice work Logan. You’re in the clear.” Spencer smirked proudly.
We then cut to Logan swimming out of the pathway and to the area where the treasure chest was with a gasp.
“There it is!” Logan cried out joyously before grabbing the treasure chest.
“Alright captain, now head back to the boat.” Spencer instructed to which Logan nods but before he could get anywhere, he notices Isabel and Anastasia swimming in front of the exit.
“Not so fast, pretty boy.” Anastasia spoke smugly.
“Arrgh. Hand over your loot-“ Isabel spoke before laughing, “It’s like I’m a real pirate.”
Soon both girls began lunging for the treasure chest in which all three swimmers began fighting over it before Benji swam to the scene.
“So Uh… they’re fighting over the chest… should I join in?” Benji asked timidly.
“Hold on. They’ll tire themselves out. Guard the exit.” Hannah instructed to which Benji did as told while Anastasia yanked the chest out of Isabel and Logan’s hands.
“See you later.” Anastasia sing-songed before noticing Benji blocking the exit.
“Ugh! Out of my way!” Anastasia scoffed before pushing the Geek to the cave wall which he bounced off of with his feet and tackled Anastasia, making her drop the chest in which Isabel and Logan began swimming for the chest.
“Where the heck is Richard?” Logan found himself asking in confusion.
We then cut to Richard swimming down the path as he was rambling to Jade.
“Hey expert, was Finding Nemo accurate? I firmly believe clown fish are baloney.” Richard smirked playfully.
“I firmly believe that we’re in last.” Jade facepalmed.
Anastasia and Benji both gasped as Isabel grabbed the chest and began swimming away to which Anastasia pushed Benji off of her.
“Careful girl, you’re gonna run into some tight squeezes coming back.” Natalia informed Isabel before the nun banged into some of the jagged rocks as she swam towards the cave exit before stopping.
“Where to, now?” Isabel asked nervously.
“Hang on… checking the map.” Natalia said before Logan suddenly swiped the chest out of Isabel’s hands and swam forward.
“Well if you want my advice, you should keep searching.” Spencer smirked mockingly at Natalia who glared at him, “Logan, take a shortcut just above you.”
Logan then continued swimming towards the shortcut Spencer mentioned as he noticed a hole just above him but as he tried to swim out of it, he found his upper body getting stuck in between the exit.
“C’mon Logan… you’re nearly there…” Spencer said worriedly but all Logan did was struggle in the hole but found he couldn’t get through.
“I… I can’t!!! I’m stuck!!!” Logan said in horror as he dropped the treasure chest while trying to escape in which Richard noticed the chest falling in front of him.
“Oh, what’s this? It looks like some sort of treasure chest.” Richard said in shock.
“The chest? Grab it!” Jade demanded.
“Say… weren’t we looking for a treasure chest?” Richard asked curiously.
“Richard, I will drown you.” Jade answered coldly before Richard picked up the treasure chest and began swimming back to the surface while murmuring: “Just keep swimming.”
Back with Logan, he continued struggling to get out of the hole before his helmet started blaring red.
“Okay… getting kinda scared here…” Logan gulped as Spencer’s screen showed that Logan was on Low Oxygen.
“What?! Oh no no no… Hang on Logan!” Spencer looked in horror before waving his arms out, “Someone! Help! Logan’s in danger!”
Natalia raised an eyebrow at Spencer’s plea for a moment before gasping in realization that Logan was INDEED stuck in a hole as she looked at her map.
“Isabel, Logan’s stuck! I’m directing you to his location now!” Natalia informed the nun.
“What about the chest?!” Isabel asked, worried for both Logan and her chances at immunity.
“Girl, his oxygen is gonna run out if we don’t do something now.” Natalia reminded her.
“That serious… forget what I said then. I’ll be there in seconds.” Isabel said in determination.
“Anastasia, forget about the chest. We HAVE to do the same.” Zaid said in worry as Jade bit her lip nervously while looking at her own screen to see Richard swimming towards the surface.
Soon enough, Anastasia, Isabel, and Benji all could be seen swimming towards Logan’s location as they all began pulling on his arms to try and release him from the hole.
“He won’t… budge!” Isabel grunted.
“He’s out of air! Hurry!” Anastasia cried out in horror before Logan began holding his breath and closing his eyes.
Soon enough, we see Richard resurface from the water, treasure chest in hand as he smirked.
“Way to go brains, we did it!” Richard said happily as Jade nervously smiled.
“Richard and Jade have-“ Derek began speaking before Trevor gasped in horror.
“Wait, what’s going on with Logan?! Oh god, stop the challenge!!!” Trevor said worriedly.
“Don’t worry, I just checked the footage and the others got him now.” Derek reassured his lover before continuing, “Richard and Jade won immunity.”
“Wait… what’s going on with Logan?” Richard asked in concern to which Jade bit her lip and nervously looked away.
Soon enough, Anastasia, Isabel, and Benji resurfaced carrying Logan in their arms to which Spencer laid him down on the boat and removed his diving helmet as he checked for a pulse.
“He… he’s barely breathing.” Spencer informed his fellow contestants in horror to which they all gasped before Spencer started pressing on his chest to restart his heart before giving mouth to mouth to which both of them opened their eyes in realization at what they were doing before Logan sprung up and coughed up some water as Spencer grabbed his shoulder.
“What the-“ Logan gasped.
“Logan, I’m so sorry.” Spencer softly embraced his friend tearfully, “I should’ve had you take a less risky route.”
“You okay there, bud?” Richard asked in concern to which Logan nodded sadly in Spencer’s embrace.
Confessional: Logan
“Flopping in the swimming challenge… man, coach is never gonna let me hear the end of this.” Logan sighed miserably.
Confessional: Spencer
“If I had been more fucking careful, this would’ve never happened!” Spencer cried out in frustration before wiping tears from his eyes, “I’m really sorry Logan…”
Confessionals End
We then cut back to everyone back in the pirate ship in their normal clothes.
“First thing is first, Jade and Richard, come collect your loot.” Derek smirked as Richard and Jade joyfully ran towards their basketball and stuffed turtle respectively.
“Really wanted that stuffed turtle, huh.” Trevor teased Jade who glared at him in annoyance.
“Oh, my old ball.” Richard smiled wistfully, “Man… this takes me back.”
“So Rich, is that ball worth anything?” Derek asked smugly.
“It’s from my old high school coach Manny. He was more of a hero to me than any NBA player.” Richard explained happily.
“Oh, so it’s worthless then? Good to know.” Derek said mockingly while Trevor looked genuinely touched, “Jade and Richard, you have an important decision to make. Giving one more pair a personal item.”
“This could really help make friends.” Trevor remarked.
“Please Jade…” Hannah pleaded.
“I won’t ask for anything else… within reason.” Natalia begged.
Richard and Jade soon slipped into a brief huddle before Richard spoke up.
“Okay Trevor, we pick Anastasia and Zaid.” Richard said happily.
“Really?!” Anastasia asked gleefully.
“You both played well. Figured you both could use a reward.” Jade smiled back.
Confessional: Jade
“Making good with Anastasia is vital. Based on Spencer’s intel post-swap and how public Lynda’s departure was, she essentially seems like Blue Team’s leader.” Jade explained.
Confessional Ends
“Alrighty, with all that, you’ll be heading to a new campsite so you can all start fresh.” Trevor announced as he threw the final ten a map.
“See you at elimination tonight.” Derek smirked.
We then cut to the sunset hour as the final ten found themselves at their new shelter with Anastasia taking a picture of it with her camera.
“Final ten merge!!!” Natalia beamed excitedly.
“Praise everyone’s success.” Isabel prayed as the mergers began getting settled into the new shelter. Only Spencer, Jade, and Isabel stayed behind.
Marvelous work today, Jade. Glad you got your turtle.” Spencer complimented.
“His name’s Franklin.” Jade spoke defensively.
“May I?” Isabel asked kindly.
Jade hesitated for a bit before ultimately handing the stuffed turtle to Isabel.
“He’s so well maintained. How long have you had him?” Isabel asked happily before Jade snatched it back.
“Since I was born. It was my mom’s before me.” Jade explained before Spencer spoke up.
“Can we address the elephant in the room?” Spencer asked as he crossed his arms.
“Such as…” Isabel raised an eyebrow.
“Two things. One, and most importantly, why did you not warn Richard about Logan’s situation in the challenge?” Spencer asked sternly, though he clearly wasn’t mad by any means.
“Logan was already getting help and Richard was already very close to the surface. I wasn’t sure if he would’ve made it on time and I wanted to end the challenge quickly.” Jade sighed remorsefully, “For what it’s worth, I’m glad Logan’s okay.”
“I suppose I can’t be too mad if that’s the case.” Spencer sighed before continuing, “But are you sure about this alliance you two have with Hannah, Benji, and Natalia. Hannah and Natalia seem like they want my head on a pike.”
“You’re safe tonight no matter what. I can’t promise much about Hannah and Natalia, but me and Isabel have your back.” Jade reassured him.
“On Jesus’ name.” Isabel assured before the girls walked off, leaving Spencer unconvinced.
Confessional: Spencer
“Phe-nom-inal. While I trust Jade to an extent, I can’t sit idly by and let the others in her alliance dictate my fate. It’s time to make a Plan B.” Spencer spoke calculatingly.
Confessional Ends
We then cut to Jade, Isabel, Natalia, Hannah, and Benji having an alliance meeting as Benji spoke up.
“Okay ladies… what’s the plan?” Benji asked with an awkward smile.
“I’m sorry about this Benji, but I think it should be Zaid. He has grudges on most of us and has the strength to survive.” Hannah answered.
“Are you sure we can’t eliminate anyone else… Anastasia‘s pretty aggressive and I don’t really know Logan that well.” Benji asked nervously.
“I think Benjamin is onto something here.” Natalia jumped in, “Anastasia has a pretty big grudge on me for helping Lynda in the Comeback Duel. Admittedly, I probably shouldn’t have helped her but GIRL, immunity is enticing.”
Hannah and Benji both shared awkward looks at that explanation with Jade seeming unamused by this rant.
“Questionable strategy choices aside…” Jade raised an eyebrow before continuing, “Zaid isn’t a massive threat and his grudge with Benji can be mended with time. I cannot say the same with Anastasia.”
“Won’t this vote lead to a tie though? Anastasia is very likely to win a tiebreaker.” Hannah admitted in concern.
“I can convince Logan and Richard to work with us. Trust me, we don’t need to worry about a tiebreaker.” Natalia said smugly.
Confessional: Hannah
“I would’ve preferred to vote for Zaid for Benji’s sake, but I guess no one else agrees with me on that front. Why is Benji so laser focused on making things right with him…” Hannah sighed miserably.
Confessional Ends
We then cut to Spencer meeting with Anastasia and Zaid at a private area in the woods during the night.
“Thank you both for agreeing to meet with me.” Spencer smirked.
“Just spit it out, man. We don’t have all day.” Zaid crossed his arms, unamused by Spencer’s pleasantries, same with Anastasia.
“I’ll cut to the chase. The three of us are not very popular with our fellow mergers right now, but together, we can work together to eliminate a mutual threat to our game, Natalia.” Spencer explained with a smirk.
“Natalia?” Zaid raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Back on Blue Team, her allegiances kept flip flopping left and right with me, Logan, and Richard to the point where I nearly lost my duel against Lynda because of her.” Anastasia elaborated to which Zaid looked shocked.
“Damn…” Zaid spoke softly.
“Hopefully I can convince Logan and Richard to realize how untrustworthy she is due to those past experiences. However, Natalia is in a core five with Jade, Isabel, Hannah, and Benji. We need one of those four to flip or we risk a tiebreaker.” Spencer informed them.
“Benji seems like our best bet. He’s clearly the odd man out in that dynamic.” Anastasia crossed her arms.
“Excellent. I’ll talk to the boys and you two can confront Benji.” Spencer instructed.
“I don’t know… it’s a bit too soon for me to confront the guy…” Zaid admitted with traces of bitterness in his tone.
“Would you rather end this game in 8th to 10th place?” Spencer asked coldly to which Zaid narrowed his eyes before Anastasia intervened.
“I’ll be there with you. It will likely be less awkward to deal with Benji that way.” Anastasia assured the Chef who sighed.
“I guess you both have a point.” Zaid admitted before the three split off.
We then cut to Spencer walking towards Logan and Richard in which they were both in their shelter in contemplation.
“Gentelmen, can we discuss the vote?” Spencer asked with crossed arms to which Logan and Richard stopped playing to address Spencer.
“Oh, hey Spencer. Natalia apparently wants us to vote for Anastasia tonight.” Richard said in confusion, “Kinda weird considering we barely know anyone on Red Team and the girls were once aligned.”
“Yeah, and I don’t know if I can vote for Anastasia. She’s my friend.” Logan said nervously.
“Well, can you consider voting for Natalia tonight?” Spencer asked curiously, “I actually have some vital information about Natalia that I think you should know about.”
“What is it?” Richard raised an eyebrow while Logan also looked concerned.
“Natalia is in a core five alliance with Jade, Isabel, Hannah, and Benji.” Spencer explained to which Logan and Richard stared at each other in shock.
“Wait… Natalia wouldn’t abandon us. We’re her friends.” Logan said in concern.
“Being your friend didn’t stop her from trying to vote me off back in Marissa’s elimination or from helping Lynda win the duel against Anastasia with the temptation of gaining immunity.” Spencer reminded the boys, “I’ll admit that I’m no saint considering I found this out due to my past alliance with Jade, but I do know if those five are allowed to run free together, they’ll dominate the game and do you really trust that Natalia won’t make a hasty decision that screws the two of you over?”
Logan and Richard looked at each other nervously as they took in the information Spencer gave them.
We then cut to Benji and Anastasia walking together through the woods, the Geek looking confused.
“How come Zaid told you to bring me over here with you? Neither of you are planning to murder me… are you? I always meant to apologize for underestimating you back on our first challenge.” Benji asked nervously.
“Don’t be so paranoid. We just needed you away from Hannah so we can talk about tonight’s vote.” Anastasia rolled her eyes before they both reached Zaid standing near a tree.
“Thank god you showed up. I thought you’d never get him here.” Zaid said impatiently.
“Well sorry, Hannah clings to this one like a lost dog.” Anastasia scoffed in annoyance, “They were literally playing some weird version of pattycake before Hannah left to go get food.”
“Uh… it’s called Making Mochi.” Benji spoke dully.
“Whatever, that’s not important.” Anastasia rolled her eyes, “We need to discuss the vote with you.”
“And you left Hannah out of this discussion because…” Benji began nervously.
“Because she would not agree to this plan and from what Zaid told me, I think it’s time you make your OWN decisions to benefit your game.” Anastasia narrowed her eyes.
“What do you mean…” Benji asked in shock.
“Forgive my bluntness man, but after reflecting on Ivy’s elimination, it’s clear that Hannah put you in a shitty position where you kinda had no choice but to vote for her over Jade when you and Ivy both agreed that Jade was untrustworthy.” Zaid explained sternly.
“Well yeah… Hannah was my Day 1 ally…” Benji responded meekly.
“But did you ever get the sense that she actually trusted you in your own convictions?” Anastasia asked bluntly, to which Benji’s eyes widened.
“Not really.” Benji sighed miserably.
“Being honest Benji, we’ve noticed that core five you two have going on with Jade, Isabel, and Natalia and we all know that if you stick with those five, you’ll be voted off by Jade, Isabel, and Natalia for being a loose fifth wheel.” Zaid admitted sternly.
“How did you know about our alliance?!” Benji asked in shock and worry.
“We compared notes when we partnered up. It’s not that hard to figure out.” Anastasia grunted, “Nonetheless, Spencer is working on getting Logan and Richard to vote for Natalia tonight. You weren’t on Blue Team but she was quite the social butterfly… so much so that she was constantly flip flopping on who she was loyal to and nearly got me eliminated so she can gain immunity from Lynda’s return.”
“I’m aware. Natalia told us that when she mentioned targeting you.” Benji admitted before clamping his mouth shut in realization at what he just let loose.
“Ugh, figures she’d pull a stunt like this.” Anastasia growled under her breath, “Well… that should be a demonstration of how untrustworthy she is, along with Jade and Isabel.”
“I don’t want to upset Hannah…” Benji sighed miserably.
“Hannah has been calling all the shots in your friendship. You deserve to make your own move.” Anastasia argued sternly as Benji looked nervous while Zaid looked concerned.
Confessional: Zaid
“Having that confrontation with Benji is making me think about how much I’ve been overreacting to Ivy’s elimination. Yes, I do think Benji could’ve at least warned me about what he was going to do at the bare minimum but maybe I’ve been harsher on him than I needed to be.”
Confessional Ends
We then cut to the final ten at the elimination ceremony as Trevor and Derek stood in front of them.
“Finally reached the merge. Look at this crowd.” Trevor said excitedly.
“That won’t last long. Alright, get voting.” Derek smirked smugly.
Voting: Isabel
Isabel put her vote in the urn with a smug smirk.
Voting: Jade
Jade looked stone-faced as she deposited her vote.
Voting: Hannah
Hannah wrote down her vote in discontent.
Voting: Spencer
Spencer looked smug as he made his vote.
Voting: Zaid
Zaid furiously threw his vote in the urn.
Voting: Anastasia
Anastasia furiously wrote her vote down.
Voting: Richard
Richard looked contemplative as he thought about who to vote for.
Voting: Benji
Benji tapped his head with his quill as he thought about his vote.
Voting: Logan
Logan looked like he was about to cry before depositing his vote and looking away as he did so.
Voting Ends
“Once the votes are read, the decision is final. First vote… Natalia.” Trevor began reading the votes.
Natalia looked smugly in Spencer’s direction while he glared back.
“Anastasia.”
Anastasia looked unamused by this.
“Natalia.”
Natalia rolled her eyes, somewhat expecting this.
“Anastasia. That’s two votes, Natalia, two votes Anastasia.”
Natalia and Anastasia immediately began glaring at each other while Spencer smirked and Logan looked worried.
“Natalia.”
Natalia’s eyes widened with some shock while Isabel looked concerned.
“Anastasia.”
Anastasia glared even harder.
“Anastasia.”
Anastasia growled under her breath.
“Natalia.”
Natalia turned to glare at Benji who looked nervous as Isabel also narrowed her eyes at him.
“Natalia. That’s five votes for Natalia, four votes for Anastasia, and only one vote left.” Trevor spoke dramatically as Natalia, Isabel, Jade, and Hannah began to look nervous while Anastasia, Spencer, and Zaid began to smirk, and Benji, Logan, and Richard looked defeated.
“Ninth person voted out of Disventure Camp…” Trevor announced, “Natalia.”
“Are you fucking serious?! Voting me out when I was making friends with practically everyone!” Natalia said furiously as she turned her attention to glare at Benji.
“You have got some explaining to do.” Natalia glared daggers at the geek before Zaid put a hand in front of him.
“That’s enough! Leave him alone!” Zaid said angrily.
“He’s right, Natalia. Just try to calm down.” Logan said calmly and sympathetically as he and Richard approached Natalia who teared up at their presence.
“Why did you two vote for me?” Natalia asked sadly.
“It’s nothing personal, Natalia. We just couldn’t trust you would make a hasty judgment if you stayed and… we all want to win here and we never know what’s gonna happen if we leave our fates in your hands.” Richard explained solemnly to which Natalia continued crying.
“I understand… I’m sorry I wasn’t a good friend to you guys.” Natalia spoke apologetically.
“It’s just a game at the end of the day. You’re still one of our best friends.” Logan smiled reassuringly with Richard nodding in agreement to which Natalia smiled tearfully before noticing Isabel’s disappointed gaze.
“Isa girlie… I’m gonna miss you so much.” Natalia moved to embrace Isabel who hugged her back before Natalia began heading for the Boat Of Losers to which she jumped on and wore a sad smile as she departed.
Confessional: Richard
“Even though Spencer and Logan have also had moments of being wild cards, they’ve proven to me that more often than not that they’re in my corner. Natalia… sometimes I never knew what she was thinking. I’m sorry Nat, hopefully you get a chance to cool off in the motel.” Richard said remorsefully.
Confessional: Isabel
“Lord have mercy, I’m speechless or as Natalia would say… I’m gagged. She’s gone now and it was all Benji’s doing.” Isabel spoke furiously.
Confessional: Hannah
“I can’t believe Benji did that… I’m not mad at him or anything but what made him decide it was a good idea to backstab our alliance?” Hannah asked solemnly, “Well… hopefully I can mend things between Benji and the girls tomorrow and hopefully get an explanation as to what happened.”
Confessionals End