The first part of Survivor was written by Mark W, a friend. He has given me
permission to post this chapter so that I may post my part of the story.
Disclaimer: All Joss and associates; Mark Burnett and Associates - I gain absolutely nothing from this but satisfaction. Do not own Survivor or Jeff Probst either.
Spoiler: Some AU. Had to do it to make it fit. Thanks to MeB XanWill4Ever for his input. It's obvious where this story comes from, but I am going to use reader participation to move the bit along.
____________________________
SURVIVE (Epilogue)
"Jeff, I gave you this job, knowing your little secret. That's more of a chance than most people would give you."
"Mark, I just want you to give it a chance. There's a whole other demographic out there."
"What do you know about demographics? All you had before this was Rock & Roll whatsit..."
"Don't remind me. Please just hear me out."
"I'll listen, that's all I can promise."
"I always wondered when I was growing up why there weren't any shows about people like me. Well, I have met this girl wh-"
"This is about a girl?"
"I met a girl who is half-demon. But you wouldn't know it by looking at her. But she knew right away that I was like her. We got to talking and at one time she wanted to be an actress-"
"Is this going somewhere?"
"She had a chance to lead the life she should have had, with her own series and everything, but she gave it up and chose to become part demon to fight for good."
"And?"
"Come on, Mark, don't you see? There are two major demon television networks that are just airing dumb shows like Twilight Zone and stuff. Neither of them have any programming that shows us like we really are, in everyday life. I think we should take one of your shows and do a demon version."
"Maybe. Eco-Challenge? Combat Mission?"
"Um, no. What good would that do me? I'm talking Survivor. I can host. It'd be great."
"I don't know, Jeff."
"How could it go wrong?"
"What kind of contestants would we use?"
"Demons, witches, vampires-"
"Vampires? On a sunny beach?"
"I have access to a spell that blocks the part of the sunlight that is harmful to vamps. It is only good for short periods of time and in fixed places. It requires the approval of a higher power, but I think that with our intentions to provide wholesome entertainment for a supernatural audience, that shouldn't be a problem."
"I'll tell you what, if you can get this spell to work, I'll give this whole crazy idea the green light."
"Thank you! You won't regret this."
"I hope not."
************************************************
"Well?"
"I, um, I think it would have to be discussed with the others, but I would imagine that a month on a sunny beach would be nice."
"Hello, Giles! I have the feeling you've never seen the show."
"Well, to tell you the truth-"
"Forget it. I'll try Buffy again. Bye, Giles."
"Yes, well, goodbye Cordelia."
*************************************************
"You met Jeff Probst? He's so cute."
"Buffy, did you hear anything I just said?"
"Sure. You met Jeff Probst, oddly enough he turns out to be part demon, he proposes a supernatural version of his show, and now you want me to commit to being stuck on an island with not only my friends, but with all the people that I'd rather not remember knowing?"
"Well, yeah. We found your friend Riley and he said he could use the vacation. And we have-"
"Riley's going to play?"
"He said he would."
"I'm in."
"Wow. Ok, then I figure it's safe to include the rest of you entourage."
"Probably. Assume so, and I'll let you know if any of them back out."
"Cool. Well, Mr. Burnett's office will contact you and make the arrangements to get you to the island."
"Cord? Who else have you got?"
"I think you'd rather be surprised. Oops, gotta go. See you there!"
"Cordy? Cordelia, wait, don't hang-"
The hum of the empty line concluded her old "friend's" end of the conversation.
"Well, I guess I better break the news."
*************************************************
PART ONE
Six Weeks Later...
"I wonder what their camp is like," Willow wondered out loud to Buffy.
Buffy, sitting on the ground, was looking at Angel. "He looks like a kid in a candy store out there.
Willow followed Buffy's gaze to where Angel was splashing around in ocean, shirtless. "I never realized what a body he had."
Buffy turned back to Willow. "He's not exactly your type."
Willow giggled. "I know, I know. But I can still appreciate the form." She sighed. "I wish Tara was on our side."
"Do you think you guys are going to get back together?"
"No. I don't think there's any chance. But I just like watching her, you know?"
Buffy started watching Riley Finn, who was deep in conversation with Angel's friend, Fred. "Winifred is pretty. Watch her...oh, that didn't sound right."
"I know what you mean, it's ok. Do you think Riley and Angel are ever going to talk to each other?"
Up until now, thee had been no communication between the two men, both former loves of the slayer.
"I don't know. Riley and Fred seem to really get along and she's pretty close to Angel, so who knows? Did she tell you about that other universe? The one she was stuck in?"
"Boy, did she. She told me and told me and told me and told me."
Buffy laughed. "She's sweet, but, yeah, she can talk."
Willow looked over into the overgrowth where Wesley sat by himself. She then turned to look at Anya sitting by the fire. "What about those two? How long can they sit and mope?"
"Again, who knows? From what Cordelia told me, Wes is in love with Fred, who is in love with the other guy in the agency."
"Gunn. I got to meet him at the airport. Too bad he couldn't come along."
"Angel said someone had to run the agency."
"But what's up with Anya?"
"She misses Xander?"
"Could be, but it's not like she doesn't have other friends."
"I know. I just hope they realize that we have to all be a part of this team if we want to win these challenges."
"Speaking of challenges, it's time to check the 'mail.'"
"I'm going to hunt up some dinner. You go on ahead."
"I'm going to ask Wes to come with me."
"Yeah. You're sweet, you know that?"
"So I hear."
The two friends got up and went their own way. While Buffy headed into the trees, Willow went over to Wesley.
"So, Mister Pryce, wanna take a walk?"
The Englishman sighed. "I suppose." He stood up and stretched.
"You really like her, huh?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"Pretty much."
"Then why didn't she see it?"
Willow put her arm through Wesley's. "Love. A strange thing. I wish it was easy, but it's not."
"It sounds like you've been a little unlucky in love yourself."
"It's a long story. You've heard some of it, but I might as well fill you in. Come on, let's talk and walk."
*****************************************************
Meanwhile, in the other camp...
"Bloody hell! What's your problem, little man?"
Jonathan took two steps back and lifted his crucifix a little higher. "Get away demon!"
Spike laughed. "If I could munch on you, I probably would, but for now, you git, you're perfectly safe. Let me enjoy this sunlight. If you feel you must worry, do it at night." The vamp brushed past Jonathan and continued on his way to the water to play, just as his fellow vampire was doing on the other side of the island.
Jonathan turned around and almost knocked Cordelia down.
"Oh, yeah, now I remember you," Cordelia seethed.
"I'm really, really sorry." He wondered, for the millionth time, why he had agreed to this horrible game. Then he remembered the money.
"Oh, it's alright. I'm not a bitch anymore. Well, maybe a little, but I'm not going to bite your head off."
"Thank you. Thank you. Are you sure it's safe here with...with them?"
Cordelia studied Dru studying Spike. "Pretty sure," she said as she turned and walked away from the young man, who she really didn't remember at all.
Giles looked up as Cordelia approached him. "Cordelia. I really like your new look. It becomes you. You look smashing."
Cordelia smiled at the older man. She remembered that he always was a sweetheart, even when she wasn't. "I just hope you can say that a month from now."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll still be here."
She looked puzzled for just a split second. "Oh! I didn't mean I thought I would be kicked off, I mean that I couldn't bring my shampoos and soap with me, so I will probably look a little scuzzy by the time we're done."
Giles answered without thinking. "Vogue says that mud can be a natural exfoliate if you are sure to thoroughly remove all traces of it after use."
Cordelia laughed out loud. "You read Vogue?"
"I read all of the periodicals. You never know what can be learned. You and I may be the only two clean people on this island thanks to my reading it."
"That's true. As much as I am enjoying our conversation, I need to change the subject. Look at Druscilla."
Giles turned his attention to the sexy vampire. He noticed her line of site was aimed at Xander, then Tara, then back top Xander. "Yes. I see what you mean. It's seems as though...as though she is inventorying a buffet."
"That's what I thought."
"Yes, well, we shall just have to keep a close watch on her."
"It's too bad we signed the agreement against killing her."
"I took are of that."
"What do you mean?"
"I reasonably assumed that we would not have an opportunity like this again to be rid of her. So, I had them add a clause to my contract that it was effective only until she was voted off. Then I can do as I please."
"Rupert Giles, I do admire your sneaky side!"
The watchers face flushed a bit. "If you will excuse me, I'd like to go talk to Xander and Tara."
"Ok. I think I might go try to see if I can really remember that little guy. He's kind of cute, in a dumpy-little-guy sort of way..."
The former librarian headed across the beach to see how the other members of his party were doing.
"She really misses you," the dark haired young man said.
"I miss her, too, Xander. But it just isn't going to happen. I wish I could trust it was just that once, but I must do what I must. I can't adjust to the disgust, and as much as I wanted to stay, I couldn't. I've been through enough in my life. I can't let myself love someone who would use me like that. Xander, what she did was like rape. Can you understand that?"
Xander could taste bugs on his tongue as he recalled being under the control of that infamous vampire. "I understand."
Tara laid her head on her friend's shoulder. "She'll be happy without me someday. She has to go on."
Xander rested his head on top of the witches head. "We all do," he sighed, "we all do."
******************************************************
The group approached the tribal council area. It had been a tough challenge. It had been close, but in the end, their opponents had claimed victory. The vampire knew he would be the one voted off. After all, it was his fault they had lost. And of all things to lose on. He was a vampire for crying out loud. Raw squid should have been no problem, but he just couldn't keep it down. Now they had to get rid of one of their own.
END PART ONE *******************************************************
The teams:
Team Rikamuru-
Buffy
Willow
Wesley
Angel
Anya
Riley
Fred
_________
Team Skrandurak-
Giles
Xander
Spike
Tara
Cordelia
Jonathan
Druscilla
******************
Pre-Council Interviews
Xander - "We shouldn't be here, you know? I don't think we would be here if it wasn't for Mr. Peroxide over there. And what's with the hair anyway? There's no way that's natural. I sound like Cordelia, don't I?"
***
Tara - "I pictured it a little differently. I, uh, I thought Willow and I would be together. This isn't what I wanted at all. We were supposed to get stuck and, and work things out. That's the only reason I came here."
***
Spike - "Bloody hell, look at me! I'm sun bathing! I'll never have another chance like this and tonight those gits are going to bloody kick me off the island...I mean, come on, blood is one thing, raw fish is another. And that thing did things going down that shouldn't be possible. Now, get the hell out so I can enjoy what time I have left!"
***
Dru - "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are..."
***
Giles - "Well, we'll see, won't we?"
***
Jonathan - "I just wish she'd quit staring at me."
***
Xander - "I just wish she'd quit staring at me. And calling me her kitten...Are you sure she can't bite me?"
***
Cordelia - "The only one here that I can trust is Giles. Spike doesn't like me for some reason. Dru doesn't notice me because I'm not male, Tara doesn't notice me because my hair's not red, I'm sure Jonathan wants me gone for not knowing who he is. Yep, I'm gone."
********************************************
Tribal Council
Jeff stood and watched as the tribal members brought their torches and took their places.
"Well, here we are. You'll all become a bit familiar with this place over the next few weeks. Tonight, one of you will leave. It's only been three days. I wonder if there have been any patterns you've noticed forming? Anything that might already influence your vote. Spike, you dropped the ball on today's challenge. How do you feel about that?"
"Stupid git...How do you think I feel, pretty boy? And why in the bloody hell do you ask such stupid questions? Surely you know people run to the restroom when you give your little speeches. I don't care about the damned squid...I'm gone, regardless."
"Alright then. Xander, you haven't seemed comfortable being here. What's up?"
"What's up? Psycho-blooded sucking nympho purrs at me every time I turn around, and you want to know what's up? Come on."
"Ok. Cordelia? Any comments?"
"Well, since you ask-"
"Does anyone have a stake? I can stake myself here, right? Even if they can't?"
Cordelia just glared Spike without finishing what she was saying.
"It's time to vote. Giles, you're first."
***********
"Druscilla. I'm only voting for you because I can't kill you...yet." Giles returned to his seat. Jeff sends Druscilla to vote next.
************
Dru votes for Cordelia. "You're no fun. And I don't like the way you look at my kitten."
************
With Dru sitting with her teammates, Jeff sends Cordelia to vote. Once she returns, Tara votes, follows, and then Jonathan.
************
"They told me to vote for you. I think I would have anyway, but I really don't want them pissed at me, so you're my vote. And I don't like you."
************
Xander is sent to vote, leaving only Spike.
************
The blond vampire sneered at the camera as he cast his vote for Cordelia. "Do you ever shut up? I might have voted for the pup, but you just never shut your yar!"
*************
Jeff tallies the vote. "Cordelia. Cordelia. Druscilla. Cordelia. Druscilla. Druscilla. That's three votes Cordelia, three votes Druscilla. Last vote, Druscilla. Druscilla, bring your torch and grab your bag."
The vampiress smiled seductively at Xander. "See ya on the other side, kitten. prrrrrr"
"I AM NOT YOUR KITTEN!"
"Guys, please, Druscilla, bring your torch."
Dru carried her torch to Jeff. "Druscilla, your torch has been extinguished. Good-bye."
Giles stood up. "Jeff, is she officially out of the game?"
"Yes."
Druscilla looked at the watcher. "Thinking of killing me now, luv?"
Giles only smiled as a familiar voice spoke from the shadows. "No I am...can't neglect my duties just because I'm away from the Hellmouth." Just before the last words were spoken, a stake flew through the air, embedding itself firmly, yet momentarily, in the centuries old vampire's heart.
"Sorry, kitten, maybe in the next life..." POOF
Before anyone could utter a sound, Buffy was gone. Followed by
"I AM NOT YOUR KITTEN!!!!!"
*******************************************************
AFTER COUNCIL INTERVIEWS
Giles - "Well, now that that's out of the way, maybe I can enjoy myself a little." Xander - "Even dying, she still called me kitten!"
Spike - "Well, that was a surprise. I guess these idiots like me after all."
Tara - "I just voted my conscience. I didn't feel like she was pulling her weight. And Willow told me how mean she was to her."
Jonathan - "They did tell me to vote for her. And I really don't think I can afford to be on anyone's bad side right now."
Cordelia - "I know Spike voted for me. And Druscilla. But that means someone else voted for me. Now, what's up with that? One of my so-called friends voted for me. It had to be Jonathan. No, I think it was Tara, or Giles? Why would he vote for me? No, Jonathan. Or Tara...This is going to drive me nuts!"
Xander - "She couldn't have hurt me while we hear...It might not have been so bad being her kitten for a little while..."
*****************
At the Skrandurak Tribe.
"Get- Get- Get away from me, you, you, you vampire!"
"Get a grip boy, I can't feast on you." Spike tapped his head. "The good guys went Microsoft on my head, remember? Just relax. We need to talk."
Jonathan stopped backing away. "Talk about what?"
"Wait one minute...Cordelia! He boy here has a question for you!"
"I DO N-"
"Shut your yip, you bloody wanker! I need her over here. I don't want Buffy's watchdogs getting their ears up!"
They watched the seer approach.
"What?" She tried hard to not be bitchy, but she WAS on a deserted island and now she was the center of attention for this vampire and this...boy.
"Listen, both of you. I want to win this infernal thing. I don't stand a chance. I'm out next, you know that. Then the boy here and then you, sugar."
Cordelia looked at the small male that Spike referred to as the boy. "I think you're write about you and him, but what makes you think that I'm on the list?"
"Oh come on, look at them." He pointed to Giles, Xander, and Tara with his head. The three were in a similar huddle down the beach.
Cordy watched. They were a little intense down there.
The blonde vamp continued. "You aren't part of them anymore. The stutterer may not completely be a part of them yet, but the object of her shagging is, and they won't risk alienating Red, not after what's been going on between the two lately. So you fall third on the list."
Cordelia nodded in agreement. "I was hoping we'd merge by then, but it wouldn't be any better. I'd have Angel's support, and Wes, and Fred, but the rest would stick with the Scoobies. SO what's your plan?"
"Um," Jonathan spoke up, "I was planning on staying under the radar ands sneaking into the end of this thing."
Vampire and demon both laughed. "Just shut up little man and listen and learn. There are six of us left. If we stick together, we can break them down. Problem is, there's three of them. If it came to a tie, seer girl here would go. You have the most votes against you so far. That means one of them has voted against you already."
"I've been meaning to ask about that. I'm a little pissed. I know you and your dusty girlfriend voted against me, but these people are my friends...one of them voted for me."
Jonathan squeaked. "It wasn't me, I swear. I voted for Druscilla. She scared me."
William the Bloody sighed. "It doesn't matter. We have to stick together if we plan on sticking around. That means we have to drive a wedge in there somehow. I can't see a way, but there is a way to split the vote."
"How?"
"Glad you asked. Rupert will vote for me no matter what happens. I have his vote guaranteed. That means you have to piss one of the others off so that they will vote for you. Like the boy here said, he's under the radar. It's up to you m'lady."
"How do I know you'll keep your word? You're, well, you're Spike. When we merge, what then?"
"I figure you will have Wes and the mousy thing on your side. Angel is a tough one. I don't know if he'll follow his heart in the direction of Buffy or if he'll follow it towards you."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
The two men looked at each other in disbelief, then looked at Cordy.
"You don't know?" Jonathan asked.
"You silly girl, don't you see? My grandsire is in love, and not with the slayer."
"He is? Who with? It can't be Win...oh."
"Oh. Yeah, so are we in this to the end or should I pack my bags?"
Cordy shook herself out of her shock. "No. I'm in and Joey here is in, too."
"Jonathan."
"Whatever, and I know just what to do to break the vote."
Cordelia turned on her heel and walked down the beach towards the other group. Spike watched her walk away.
"I can't believe she doesn't know my name..." the boy sighed.
The vampire just laughed.
*************************************************
On the other side of the island, the Rikamura Tribe...
"You mean, like a cow?"
Fred giggled. "Yeah, I had to plow fields and everything."
Riley smiled in disbelief. "Good thing these guys showed up, huh?"
"I don't think my hide would have made very good leather."
The former soldier had to laugh. He didn't understand how this small girl could find humor in her former situation, but she did. She surprised him by putting her arm through his and pulled him with her as she walked.
"Come on, let's go to the pool," she said, referring to the natural spring pond that was located just up the hill behind the camp.
Riley called back to the camp. "Anya, Wes, Willow, Buffy, come on, we're going swimming."
In the camp, Buffy flinched. She was sure the slight wasn't intentional, but she couldn't help but notice that he had left out Angel. She looked at her former lover, who was lying in the sun, wearing a very small pair of shorts and nothing else. He was loving this.
"Angel? Want to go swimming?"
Angel lifted his head and looked up the hill towards Riley, who was almost out of sight. He grinned. "Sure." The sun-bathing vamp jumped to his feet in a fluid-like movement.
Anya, who didn't lift her head, said to whoever was listening, "I don't think we should be swimming in that water. There are things in it, you know. Things that are alive. They really should put some of that chlorine stuff in it."
Wesley started snoring. Buffy shook her head at these people. "You guys are just nuts. Who knows how long we're going to have here. You should enjoy it while you can."
"I am enjoying it," Anya "I'M not working. I'm sleeping. We'll never get a chance to sleep this much again and I think I like it. I know he does," pointing at the snoring man who used to be a rogue demon hunter who used to be a watcher.
"AK, have it your way," Buffy said as she ran to catch up to the handsome, no longer too pale, vampire. "Hey, wait up!"
Angel stopped and waited for his old girlfriend. It was easy, watching her. He used to feel a pain inside if he had to look at her, but now, there was nothing but a fondness, a fondness for an old friend.
"Hey, you're looking good. The sunshine agrees with you."
He laughed out loud. "It does. I think I might try for a sunburn. I haven't had one of those since I was a boy."
"Ouch, trust me, you aren't missing anything."
"I know. I was kidding. But, yeah, I like this. Just lying out here, soaking up rays, not doing anything, just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
"Nothing really. Like just now, before Riley asked us all to go swimming, or all of you, I was thinking about this island. They're filming this. I know they say this little spell of Jeff's will let me, Spike, and Dru will let us show up on the film, but I won't believe it until I see it. Like right now, I picture myself watching it on TV and seeing you talking to yourself."
The Slayer laughed. "It is strange."
Angel went on. "And how interesting is this? I mean it's like the Sienfeld show. It's about nothing. There's no plot. You can't make a book or a story from it. People wouldn't have a clue as to what it was about, because it isn't about anything. It's just something for the producer to get rich from."
"I don't know. Granted, there is no plot, but I think it's about getting to really know people. Getting to see the side you don't normally see, getting to hear their thoughts. And with all of the doom and gloom, and all of the sad and depressing things out there, this will be a little bright spot. I mean where else is someone going to see a friendly vampire get to enjoy himself in the surf and sand?"
"You have a point. Let's race. Last one to the water is a Sulfur Demon."
The two friends, and that's what they were now, ran up the hill, bumping Riley and Fred out of their way, and dove into the water at the same time. Willow, who was already floating about in the cool water, shrieked as the splash hit her. Even Riley was laughing at the sight of so much fun.
**************************************************
Meanwhile-
"And another thing, what's with that red hair? It's so out. No one has hair like that anymore! Is it a witch thing?"
Cordelia knew that Xander and Tara were not happy. That was the point. It hurt a little to know that she was hurting Xander by bad mouthing his friend, but if it made him and Tara vote against her, it would break up that vote with Giles.
"And she never stops talking. I know I talk a lot, but so does she. And her's is always so chipper and perky. God, who wants chipper and perky at eight in the morning? No wonder she became a lesbian."
Xander gasped.
"Oh, I'm sorry. That was mean."
"C- c- Cordelia, you aren't mean anymore, I know you aren't. You must be doing this for a reason."
"You don't know me, Tara. You just know what you've heard. I'm a bitch, baby."
Xander stood up and walked away, talking over his shoulder. "Yeah. You are."
Spike watched. Cordelia was going overboard. It would serve it's purpose here, but in the end, she was casting a vote against herself.
***********************************************
This is where Mark W ends it. The following chapters are where I take over. Who will be the Sole Survivor? Druscilla has received the first vote. Who will be next?
TO BE CONTIUED--
Disclaimer: All Joss and associates; Mark Burnett and Associates - I gain absolutely nothing from this but satisfaction. Do not own Survivor or Jeff Probst either.
Spoiler: Some AU. Had to do it to make it fit. Thanks to MeB XanWill4Ever for his input. It's obvious where this story comes from, but I am going to use reader participation to move the bit along.
____________________________
SURVIVE (Epilogue)
"Jeff, I gave you this job, knowing your little secret. That's more of a chance than most people would give you."
"Mark, I just want you to give it a chance. There's a whole other demographic out there."
"What do you know about demographics? All you had before this was Rock & Roll whatsit..."
"Don't remind me. Please just hear me out."
"I'll listen, that's all I can promise."
"I always wondered when I was growing up why there weren't any shows about people like me. Well, I have met this girl wh-"
"This is about a girl?"
"I met a girl who is half-demon. But you wouldn't know it by looking at her. But she knew right away that I was like her. We got to talking and at one time she wanted to be an actress-"
"Is this going somewhere?"
"She had a chance to lead the life she should have had, with her own series and everything, but she gave it up and chose to become part demon to fight for good."
"And?"
"Come on, Mark, don't you see? There are two major demon television networks that are just airing dumb shows like Twilight Zone and stuff. Neither of them have any programming that shows us like we really are, in everyday life. I think we should take one of your shows and do a demon version."
"Maybe. Eco-Challenge? Combat Mission?"
"Um, no. What good would that do me? I'm talking Survivor. I can host. It'd be great."
"I don't know, Jeff."
"How could it go wrong?"
"What kind of contestants would we use?"
"Demons, witches, vampires-"
"Vampires? On a sunny beach?"
"I have access to a spell that blocks the part of the sunlight that is harmful to vamps. It is only good for short periods of time and in fixed places. It requires the approval of a higher power, but I think that with our intentions to provide wholesome entertainment for a supernatural audience, that shouldn't be a problem."
"I'll tell you what, if you can get this spell to work, I'll give this whole crazy idea the green light."
"Thank you! You won't regret this."
"I hope not."
************************************************
"Well?"
"I, um, I think it would have to be discussed with the others, but I would imagine that a month on a sunny beach would be nice."
"Hello, Giles! I have the feeling you've never seen the show."
"Well, to tell you the truth-"
"Forget it. I'll try Buffy again. Bye, Giles."
"Yes, well, goodbye Cordelia."
*************************************************
"You met Jeff Probst? He's so cute."
"Buffy, did you hear anything I just said?"
"Sure. You met Jeff Probst, oddly enough he turns out to be part demon, he proposes a supernatural version of his show, and now you want me to commit to being stuck on an island with not only my friends, but with all the people that I'd rather not remember knowing?"
"Well, yeah. We found your friend Riley and he said he could use the vacation. And we have-"
"Riley's going to play?"
"He said he would."
"I'm in."
"Wow. Ok, then I figure it's safe to include the rest of you entourage."
"Probably. Assume so, and I'll let you know if any of them back out."
"Cool. Well, Mr. Burnett's office will contact you and make the arrangements to get you to the island."
"Cord? Who else have you got?"
"I think you'd rather be surprised. Oops, gotta go. See you there!"
"Cordy? Cordelia, wait, don't hang-"
The hum of the empty line concluded her old "friend's" end of the conversation.
"Well, I guess I better break the news."
*************************************************
PART ONE
Six Weeks Later...
"I wonder what their camp is like," Willow wondered out loud to Buffy.
Buffy, sitting on the ground, was looking at Angel. "He looks like a kid in a candy store out there.
Willow followed Buffy's gaze to where Angel was splashing around in ocean, shirtless. "I never realized what a body he had."
Buffy turned back to Willow. "He's not exactly your type."
Willow giggled. "I know, I know. But I can still appreciate the form." She sighed. "I wish Tara was on our side."
"Do you think you guys are going to get back together?"
"No. I don't think there's any chance. But I just like watching her, you know?"
Buffy started watching Riley Finn, who was deep in conversation with Angel's friend, Fred. "Winifred is pretty. Watch her...oh, that didn't sound right."
"I know what you mean, it's ok. Do you think Riley and Angel are ever going to talk to each other?"
Up until now, thee had been no communication between the two men, both former loves of the slayer.
"I don't know. Riley and Fred seem to really get along and she's pretty close to Angel, so who knows? Did she tell you about that other universe? The one she was stuck in?"
"Boy, did she. She told me and told me and told me and told me."
Buffy laughed. "She's sweet, but, yeah, she can talk."
Willow looked over into the overgrowth where Wesley sat by himself. She then turned to look at Anya sitting by the fire. "What about those two? How long can they sit and mope?"
"Again, who knows? From what Cordelia told me, Wes is in love with Fred, who is in love with the other guy in the agency."
"Gunn. I got to meet him at the airport. Too bad he couldn't come along."
"Angel said someone had to run the agency."
"But what's up with Anya?"
"She misses Xander?"
"Could be, but it's not like she doesn't have other friends."
"I know. I just hope they realize that we have to all be a part of this team if we want to win these challenges."
"Speaking of challenges, it's time to check the 'mail.'"
"I'm going to hunt up some dinner. You go on ahead."
"I'm going to ask Wes to come with me."
"Yeah. You're sweet, you know that?"
"So I hear."
The two friends got up and went their own way. While Buffy headed into the trees, Willow went over to Wesley.
"So, Mister Pryce, wanna take a walk?"
The Englishman sighed. "I suppose." He stood up and stretched.
"You really like her, huh?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"Pretty much."
"Then why didn't she see it?"
Willow put her arm through Wesley's. "Love. A strange thing. I wish it was easy, but it's not."
"It sounds like you've been a little unlucky in love yourself."
"It's a long story. You've heard some of it, but I might as well fill you in. Come on, let's talk and walk."
*****************************************************
Meanwhile, in the other camp...
"Bloody hell! What's your problem, little man?"
Jonathan took two steps back and lifted his crucifix a little higher. "Get away demon!"
Spike laughed. "If I could munch on you, I probably would, but for now, you git, you're perfectly safe. Let me enjoy this sunlight. If you feel you must worry, do it at night." The vamp brushed past Jonathan and continued on his way to the water to play, just as his fellow vampire was doing on the other side of the island.
Jonathan turned around and almost knocked Cordelia down.
"Oh, yeah, now I remember you," Cordelia seethed.
"I'm really, really sorry." He wondered, for the millionth time, why he had agreed to this horrible game. Then he remembered the money.
"Oh, it's alright. I'm not a bitch anymore. Well, maybe a little, but I'm not going to bite your head off."
"Thank you. Thank you. Are you sure it's safe here with...with them?"
Cordelia studied Dru studying Spike. "Pretty sure," she said as she turned and walked away from the young man, who she really didn't remember at all.
Giles looked up as Cordelia approached him. "Cordelia. I really like your new look. It becomes you. You look smashing."
Cordelia smiled at the older man. She remembered that he always was a sweetheart, even when she wasn't. "I just hope you can say that a month from now."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll still be here."
She looked puzzled for just a split second. "Oh! I didn't mean I thought I would be kicked off, I mean that I couldn't bring my shampoos and soap with me, so I will probably look a little scuzzy by the time we're done."
Giles answered without thinking. "Vogue says that mud can be a natural exfoliate if you are sure to thoroughly remove all traces of it after use."
Cordelia laughed out loud. "You read Vogue?"
"I read all of the periodicals. You never know what can be learned. You and I may be the only two clean people on this island thanks to my reading it."
"That's true. As much as I am enjoying our conversation, I need to change the subject. Look at Druscilla."
Giles turned his attention to the sexy vampire. He noticed her line of site was aimed at Xander, then Tara, then back top Xander. "Yes. I see what you mean. It's seems as though...as though she is inventorying a buffet."
"That's what I thought."
"Yes, well, we shall just have to keep a close watch on her."
"It's too bad we signed the agreement against killing her."
"I took are of that."
"What do you mean?"
"I reasonably assumed that we would not have an opportunity like this again to be rid of her. So, I had them add a clause to my contract that it was effective only until she was voted off. Then I can do as I please."
"Rupert Giles, I do admire your sneaky side!"
The watchers face flushed a bit. "If you will excuse me, I'd like to go talk to Xander and Tara."
"Ok. I think I might go try to see if I can really remember that little guy. He's kind of cute, in a dumpy-little-guy sort of way..."
The former librarian headed across the beach to see how the other members of his party were doing.
"She really misses you," the dark haired young man said.
"I miss her, too, Xander. But it just isn't going to happen. I wish I could trust it was just that once, but I must do what I must. I can't adjust to the disgust, and as much as I wanted to stay, I couldn't. I've been through enough in my life. I can't let myself love someone who would use me like that. Xander, what she did was like rape. Can you understand that?"
Xander could taste bugs on his tongue as he recalled being under the control of that infamous vampire. "I understand."
Tara laid her head on her friend's shoulder. "She'll be happy without me someday. She has to go on."
Xander rested his head on top of the witches head. "We all do," he sighed, "we all do."
******************************************************
The group approached the tribal council area. It had been a tough challenge. It had been close, but in the end, their opponents had claimed victory. The vampire knew he would be the one voted off. After all, it was his fault they had lost. And of all things to lose on. He was a vampire for crying out loud. Raw squid should have been no problem, but he just couldn't keep it down. Now they had to get rid of one of their own.
END PART ONE *******************************************************
The teams:
Team Rikamuru-
Buffy
Willow
Wesley
Angel
Anya
Riley
Fred
_________
Team Skrandurak-
Giles
Xander
Spike
Tara
Cordelia
Jonathan
Druscilla
******************
Pre-Council Interviews
Xander - "We shouldn't be here, you know? I don't think we would be here if it wasn't for Mr. Peroxide over there. And what's with the hair anyway? There's no way that's natural. I sound like Cordelia, don't I?"
***
Tara - "I pictured it a little differently. I, uh, I thought Willow and I would be together. This isn't what I wanted at all. We were supposed to get stuck and, and work things out. That's the only reason I came here."
***
Spike - "Bloody hell, look at me! I'm sun bathing! I'll never have another chance like this and tonight those gits are going to bloody kick me off the island...I mean, come on, blood is one thing, raw fish is another. And that thing did things going down that shouldn't be possible. Now, get the hell out so I can enjoy what time I have left!"
***
Dru - "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are..."
***
Giles - "Well, we'll see, won't we?"
***
Jonathan - "I just wish she'd quit staring at me."
***
Xander - "I just wish she'd quit staring at me. And calling me her kitten...Are you sure she can't bite me?"
***
Cordelia - "The only one here that I can trust is Giles. Spike doesn't like me for some reason. Dru doesn't notice me because I'm not male, Tara doesn't notice me because my hair's not red, I'm sure Jonathan wants me gone for not knowing who he is. Yep, I'm gone."
********************************************
Tribal Council
Jeff stood and watched as the tribal members brought their torches and took their places.
"Well, here we are. You'll all become a bit familiar with this place over the next few weeks. Tonight, one of you will leave. It's only been three days. I wonder if there have been any patterns you've noticed forming? Anything that might already influence your vote. Spike, you dropped the ball on today's challenge. How do you feel about that?"
"Stupid git...How do you think I feel, pretty boy? And why in the bloody hell do you ask such stupid questions? Surely you know people run to the restroom when you give your little speeches. I don't care about the damned squid...I'm gone, regardless."
"Alright then. Xander, you haven't seemed comfortable being here. What's up?"
"What's up? Psycho-blooded sucking nympho purrs at me every time I turn around, and you want to know what's up? Come on."
"Ok. Cordelia? Any comments?"
"Well, since you ask-"
"Does anyone have a stake? I can stake myself here, right? Even if they can't?"
Cordelia just glared Spike without finishing what she was saying.
"It's time to vote. Giles, you're first."
***********
"Druscilla. I'm only voting for you because I can't kill you...yet." Giles returned to his seat. Jeff sends Druscilla to vote next.
************
Dru votes for Cordelia. "You're no fun. And I don't like the way you look at my kitten."
************
With Dru sitting with her teammates, Jeff sends Cordelia to vote. Once she returns, Tara votes, follows, and then Jonathan.
************
"They told me to vote for you. I think I would have anyway, but I really don't want them pissed at me, so you're my vote. And I don't like you."
************
Xander is sent to vote, leaving only Spike.
************
The blond vampire sneered at the camera as he cast his vote for Cordelia. "Do you ever shut up? I might have voted for the pup, but you just never shut your yar!"
*************
Jeff tallies the vote. "Cordelia. Cordelia. Druscilla. Cordelia. Druscilla. Druscilla. That's three votes Cordelia, three votes Druscilla. Last vote, Druscilla. Druscilla, bring your torch and grab your bag."
The vampiress smiled seductively at Xander. "See ya on the other side, kitten. prrrrrr"
"I AM NOT YOUR KITTEN!"
"Guys, please, Druscilla, bring your torch."
Dru carried her torch to Jeff. "Druscilla, your torch has been extinguished. Good-bye."
Giles stood up. "Jeff, is she officially out of the game?"
"Yes."
Druscilla looked at the watcher. "Thinking of killing me now, luv?"
Giles only smiled as a familiar voice spoke from the shadows. "No I am...can't neglect my duties just because I'm away from the Hellmouth." Just before the last words were spoken, a stake flew through the air, embedding itself firmly, yet momentarily, in the centuries old vampire's heart.
"Sorry, kitten, maybe in the next life..." POOF
Before anyone could utter a sound, Buffy was gone. Followed by
"I AM NOT YOUR KITTEN!!!!!"
*******************************************************
AFTER COUNCIL INTERVIEWS
Giles - "Well, now that that's out of the way, maybe I can enjoy myself a little." Xander - "Even dying, she still called me kitten!"
Spike - "Well, that was a surprise. I guess these idiots like me after all."
Tara - "I just voted my conscience. I didn't feel like she was pulling her weight. And Willow told me how mean she was to her."
Jonathan - "They did tell me to vote for her. And I really don't think I can afford to be on anyone's bad side right now."
Cordelia - "I know Spike voted for me. And Druscilla. But that means someone else voted for me. Now, what's up with that? One of my so-called friends voted for me. It had to be Jonathan. No, I think it was Tara, or Giles? Why would he vote for me? No, Jonathan. Or Tara...This is going to drive me nuts!"
Xander - "She couldn't have hurt me while we hear...It might not have been so bad being her kitten for a little while..."
*****************
At the Skrandurak Tribe.
"Get- Get- Get away from me, you, you, you vampire!"
"Get a grip boy, I can't feast on you." Spike tapped his head. "The good guys went Microsoft on my head, remember? Just relax. We need to talk."
Jonathan stopped backing away. "Talk about what?"
"Wait one minute...Cordelia! He boy here has a question for you!"
"I DO N-"
"Shut your yip, you bloody wanker! I need her over here. I don't want Buffy's watchdogs getting their ears up!"
They watched the seer approach.
"What?" She tried hard to not be bitchy, but she WAS on a deserted island and now she was the center of attention for this vampire and this...boy.
"Listen, both of you. I want to win this infernal thing. I don't stand a chance. I'm out next, you know that. Then the boy here and then you, sugar."
Cordelia looked at the small male that Spike referred to as the boy. "I think you're write about you and him, but what makes you think that I'm on the list?"
"Oh come on, look at them." He pointed to Giles, Xander, and Tara with his head. The three were in a similar huddle down the beach.
Cordy watched. They were a little intense down there.
The blonde vamp continued. "You aren't part of them anymore. The stutterer may not completely be a part of them yet, but the object of her shagging is, and they won't risk alienating Red, not after what's been going on between the two lately. So you fall third on the list."
Cordelia nodded in agreement. "I was hoping we'd merge by then, but it wouldn't be any better. I'd have Angel's support, and Wes, and Fred, but the rest would stick with the Scoobies. SO what's your plan?"
"Um," Jonathan spoke up, "I was planning on staying under the radar ands sneaking into the end of this thing."
Vampire and demon both laughed. "Just shut up little man and listen and learn. There are six of us left. If we stick together, we can break them down. Problem is, there's three of them. If it came to a tie, seer girl here would go. You have the most votes against you so far. That means one of them has voted against you already."
"I've been meaning to ask about that. I'm a little pissed. I know you and your dusty girlfriend voted against me, but these people are my friends...one of them voted for me."
Jonathan squeaked. "It wasn't me, I swear. I voted for Druscilla. She scared me."
William the Bloody sighed. "It doesn't matter. We have to stick together if we plan on sticking around. That means we have to drive a wedge in there somehow. I can't see a way, but there is a way to split the vote."
"How?"
"Glad you asked. Rupert will vote for me no matter what happens. I have his vote guaranteed. That means you have to piss one of the others off so that they will vote for you. Like the boy here said, he's under the radar. It's up to you m'lady."
"How do I know you'll keep your word? You're, well, you're Spike. When we merge, what then?"
"I figure you will have Wes and the mousy thing on your side. Angel is a tough one. I don't know if he'll follow his heart in the direction of Buffy or if he'll follow it towards you."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
The two men looked at each other in disbelief, then looked at Cordy.
"You don't know?" Jonathan asked.
"You silly girl, don't you see? My grandsire is in love, and not with the slayer."
"He is? Who with? It can't be Win...oh."
"Oh. Yeah, so are we in this to the end or should I pack my bags?"
Cordy shook herself out of her shock. "No. I'm in and Joey here is in, too."
"Jonathan."
"Whatever, and I know just what to do to break the vote."
Cordelia turned on her heel and walked down the beach towards the other group. Spike watched her walk away.
"I can't believe she doesn't know my name..." the boy sighed.
The vampire just laughed.
*************************************************
On the other side of the island, the Rikamura Tribe...
"You mean, like a cow?"
Fred giggled. "Yeah, I had to plow fields and everything."
Riley smiled in disbelief. "Good thing these guys showed up, huh?"
"I don't think my hide would have made very good leather."
The former soldier had to laugh. He didn't understand how this small girl could find humor in her former situation, but she did. She surprised him by putting her arm through his and pulled him with her as she walked.
"Come on, let's go to the pool," she said, referring to the natural spring pond that was located just up the hill behind the camp.
Riley called back to the camp. "Anya, Wes, Willow, Buffy, come on, we're going swimming."
In the camp, Buffy flinched. She was sure the slight wasn't intentional, but she couldn't help but notice that he had left out Angel. She looked at her former lover, who was lying in the sun, wearing a very small pair of shorts and nothing else. He was loving this.
"Angel? Want to go swimming?"
Angel lifted his head and looked up the hill towards Riley, who was almost out of sight. He grinned. "Sure." The sun-bathing vamp jumped to his feet in a fluid-like movement.
Anya, who didn't lift her head, said to whoever was listening, "I don't think we should be swimming in that water. There are things in it, you know. Things that are alive. They really should put some of that chlorine stuff in it."
Wesley started snoring. Buffy shook her head at these people. "You guys are just nuts. Who knows how long we're going to have here. You should enjoy it while you can."
"I am enjoying it," Anya "I'M not working. I'm sleeping. We'll never get a chance to sleep this much again and I think I like it. I know he does," pointing at the snoring man who used to be a rogue demon hunter who used to be a watcher.
"AK, have it your way," Buffy said as she ran to catch up to the handsome, no longer too pale, vampire. "Hey, wait up!"
Angel stopped and waited for his old girlfriend. It was easy, watching her. He used to feel a pain inside if he had to look at her, but now, there was nothing but a fondness, a fondness for an old friend.
"Hey, you're looking good. The sunshine agrees with you."
He laughed out loud. "It does. I think I might try for a sunburn. I haven't had one of those since I was a boy."
"Ouch, trust me, you aren't missing anything."
"I know. I was kidding. But, yeah, I like this. Just lying out here, soaking up rays, not doing anything, just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
"Nothing really. Like just now, before Riley asked us all to go swimming, or all of you, I was thinking about this island. They're filming this. I know they say this little spell of Jeff's will let me, Spike, and Dru will let us show up on the film, but I won't believe it until I see it. Like right now, I picture myself watching it on TV and seeing you talking to yourself."
The Slayer laughed. "It is strange."
Angel went on. "And how interesting is this? I mean it's like the Sienfeld show. It's about nothing. There's no plot. You can't make a book or a story from it. People wouldn't have a clue as to what it was about, because it isn't about anything. It's just something for the producer to get rich from."
"I don't know. Granted, there is no plot, but I think it's about getting to really know people. Getting to see the side you don't normally see, getting to hear their thoughts. And with all of the doom and gloom, and all of the sad and depressing things out there, this will be a little bright spot. I mean where else is someone going to see a friendly vampire get to enjoy himself in the surf and sand?"
"You have a point. Let's race. Last one to the water is a Sulfur Demon."
The two friends, and that's what they were now, ran up the hill, bumping Riley and Fred out of their way, and dove into the water at the same time. Willow, who was already floating about in the cool water, shrieked as the splash hit her. Even Riley was laughing at the sight of so much fun.
**************************************************
Meanwhile-
"And another thing, what's with that red hair? It's so out. No one has hair like that anymore! Is it a witch thing?"
Cordelia knew that Xander and Tara were not happy. That was the point. It hurt a little to know that she was hurting Xander by bad mouthing his friend, but if it made him and Tara vote against her, it would break up that vote with Giles.
"And she never stops talking. I know I talk a lot, but so does she. And her's is always so chipper and perky. God, who wants chipper and perky at eight in the morning? No wonder she became a lesbian."
Xander gasped.
"Oh, I'm sorry. That was mean."
"C- c- Cordelia, you aren't mean anymore, I know you aren't. You must be doing this for a reason."
"You don't know me, Tara. You just know what you've heard. I'm a bitch, baby."
Xander stood up and walked away, talking over his shoulder. "Yeah. You are."
Spike watched. Cordelia was going overboard. It would serve it's purpose here, but in the end, she was casting a vote against herself.
***********************************************
This is where Mark W ends it. The following chapters are where I take over. Who will be the Sole Survivor? Druscilla has received the first vote. Who will be next?
TO BE CONTIUED--