A/N: Okay, as promished, here's the first chapter! I tried to explain the show as best as possible throught the story and I hope you won't get lost with the details.
On this chapter we get to see the first game/match and meet our players. My choices according to the personification of each one are not random and as the chapters come I'll explain why I chose the ones I chose. Once again I want to thank CharitiniCS for being the beta and constant support of this story!
I don't own the show production nor the OUAT characters -obviously. Remember, part of the story is the exact facts as they happened.
Enjoy :)
Once they landed in Santo Domingo they were sent to the hotel they would stay for the night and would leave their staff and luggage.
Emma took a look around the beautiful room. She could totally see herself doing vacation and staying in a room like that. Alas, she was not here for vacation but for surviving. She threw her purse on the large bed and opened her suitcase to get some of her personal stuff and toiletries out.
She would take a long relaxing bath to ease her body and mind, order something generous to eat and then she would head to bed early.
She wanted to be well rested and clean when she leaves her room for the beach. Who knows how long it would be before she could take a bath, or even a shower, again.
Once being refreshed and well fed she went to the very comfortable-looking bed and drew back the covers. A little before sleep enveloped her she had one single thought; who knows what awaits us in the morning.
Tomorrow morning they would depart for the beach where the show was held.
Their only personal things allowed were the clothes, swimsuits, and sneakers they were wearing. The only "extras" allowed were a pair of sweats or leggings and a hoodie for the cold days.
They reached the arranged area by helicopter. Something about being the "celebrities" team.
Emma was looking out to the ground. She could make out the area selected to be their "battle track" for this day, not too far away from where they would land.
Once they reached the ground they disembarked all one by one, and made their way to the beach, walking through a small and shallow pond; backpacks with their very few possessions on their backs. There, they would meet their opponents for the first time. Unbeknown to them, their opponents, the blue team, where making their way to the same spot from the other side of the island. Thirteen more persons with blue bandanas walking across the sand.
Killian was walking ahead the rest of the players. He didn't do it on purpose, he was just so determined that his steps were faster than the others'. His face was glistening; the heat of the morning was already creating beads of sweat on his temple and forehead. His gaze was set and his jaw looking sharp and clenched as ever.
Nothing scared him on this or any island. He came here to win and he would win.
The difference between the "fighters" and the "celebrities" was that the latter team didn't have to pass an audition. They only had to declare their participation, and that was it. Whether they had an athletic history or not that was their problem. On the other hand, the "fighters" had to pass several auditions to be accepted. Only the most qualified would earn a place on the island.
Everyone from the red team knew that they were about to meet with very strong players. And it was a challenge they were willing to accept.
Emma for her part was not afraid. Athletics were a part of her for as long as she could remember. She was a track star during her teenage years, keeping fit for all the years to come, and her latest occupation was pole dancing. She would be a very strong player.
They were told by the production, that as they reached the red ribbon platform they were arranged to stand on, they had to stand in a line next to each other. That's when the blue team arrived.
Emma turned and ducked her head between the bodies of her playmates, trying to get a look of the other team. That's when the director nodded to Arthur, their presenter that they were rolling in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...
Arthur's deep strong voice reached everyone's ears as he welcomed them to Caribbean and the Survivor production.
"Welcome to the biggest, the most fascinating, and by far the hardest Survivor that was ever filmed in America. Since you're already here you must know that you're the lucky ones that were chosen among thousands petitions, given to your special qualities, your strength and personality, so you can be here today."
He was pronouncing the script he was given by the production, about what Survivor really is, and how it is going to be the hardest from all the previous Survivor productions, and how in five months from now the big winner would be the one to return back home with 100,000 dollars in his bank account. The players doing the necessary cheering and clapping hands, every time he was pausing for a few seconds.
"You'll have to learn how to really survive. You'll have to deal with real nature and wild elements, find your own food, learn how to cooperate. This Survivor is different than everything you've ever seen. First of all, it's the longest in duration, which means some of you will get tired. And the one who will manage to make it to the end, that one is going to be the winner who will leave from here with 100,000 dollars!"
Blank faces, stoic and expressionless were staring back at him. It was still a show, a reality where the director was the one giving orders.
"This year your only judge will be the audience themselves, in contrast with the previous Survivor productions, where who would depart from the island was on the team's judgment. Another important element is that the things you will experience here, our viewers would see them almost live and exactly as they happen. And of course, this Survivor has two teams, the red and the blue one. The Celebrities and the Fighters."
Then he addressed the teams.
He began with the red team, to present the participant players to the TV audience and to their opponents. From left to right they were presented.
Robert Gold: 38, father of a boy named Bea, TV presenter, reporter and ex-male model, amateur bicycling history.
Emma Swan: 28, Immersion/Sports journalist, very athletic with successful track history.
James Nolan: 40, ex-actor and successful male model, well-known Casanova with lots of conquests during his younger years, athletic history of amateur basketball playing.
Ruby Lucas: 26, reporter and TV presenter, no history of sports except winning the third place in a dance show.
David Nolan: 40, younger twin brother of James Nolan, actor, history of surfing, yoga, meditation and free camping.
Rob: 37, full name Robin Locksley, singer/rapper/songwriter, history of professional archery during his teenage years.
Belle French: 32, professional singer/dancer, toned body, history of dancing and winning the second place in a dance show.
August Booth: 39, Olympic ex-water polo player.
Regina Mills: 35, professional yoga instructor and TV persona.
Neal Cassidy: 38, international ex-soccer player.
Jasmine Al: 31, Muay Thai champion three years in a row.
One by one they were all presented by name and then applauded by their teammates and opponents.
Then it was the blue team's turn.
Fiona Black: 37, mother of a little boy, gym teacher and personal trainer.
Killian Jones: 33, water ski instructor, amateur sailing athlete history.
Zelena Wick: 33, mother of a little girl, gym teacher.
Leroy Dwar: 37, football manager.
Walsh Ozzie: 32, ex-mercenary soldier, owner of a furniture store.
Anna Frost: 22, economics student, championship track record.
Elsa Frost: 22, older twin sister of Anna Frost, economics student, championship track record.
Jamie MuLian: 29, business woman, history of Chinese martial arts.
Mary Margaret Blanchard: 27; actor and owner of a pub, history of archery, Latin dances, and track record.
Peter Malc: 30, scuba diving instructor.
Billy Gush: 32, owner of his own garage.
Ashley Cinder: 24, professional model.
Graham Humbert: 29, professional ex-bodybuilder, men's physic champ, personal trainer.
Arthur asked some of them to express a feeling or a comment about how they expected their life to pass on these next five months.
"Survivor for me is a test, it's a challenge to see my limits and how far I can reach." Robert was the first one asked about what Survivor meant for him.
"Emma, what about you?" Arthur asked.
"For me it's a brilliant experience, a life experience I'll get to remember for all the years to come. And I want to discover my limits and stamina."
"James?" Arthur kept on.
"I'm here to experience a unique uhmm… experience," James started with a chuckle, "Far away from civilization, from cell phones, and from anything else that messes with us."
"Rob, what do you think about the opponent team?"
"I see they are very fit, and ready to lose." Rob answered with his deep accented voice.
"Neal, you? A thought about the opponent team?"
"They seem pretty ready. They believe in their power."
"You think they'll have the odds in their favor?" Arthur prompted.
"The odds could be in anyone's favor," was Neal's concise answer.
"Ruby, tell me which you believe is your strong suit, that makes you a strong player?"
"The right way of energy management, I believe," Ruby said with a face set with determination.
Emma hid a little laugh by biting her lip. Ruby was not a strong player. Not in the way the others were, at least. But she seemed to believe in herself, so Emma chose to respect that and not comment.
Then Arthur moved to the other team to take some more statements.
"Billy, what is Survivor to you?"
"It's like I'm on vacation in the country side. I already feel at home," said the only dark skinned player of the show.
"Ashley, what about you?"
"I'm here for the rush of adrenaline and adventure." Ashley looked like a very sweet girl. Too sweet actually, almost fragile.
She probably wouldn't last the week.
"Leroy," Arthur said and pointed his finger at the sorter player of the blue team. "I want you to tell me your opinion about the opponent team. What do you think?"
"It's a strong team," came Leroy's slightly raspy voice. "We believe in them a lot, but I think our team's soul is strong enough to beat them."
"I want an answer to the same question from Graham too."
Arthur pointed the bulky player.
"All ten look athletic, but I believe our team would set the bar to the same levels as the Mundial." His answer drew an applause out of the blue team players, some of them ohhhh-ing in approval of this statement, others cheering and whistling, and others with smiles stretching on their faces.
Emma could say she was impressed. The blue team seemed to own some very strong cards. And also good-looking ones. The males of the opponent team were certainly easy on the eyes. Most of them at least. Killian with his jet black hair and those light colored eyes -blue if she could guess-, Peter with that baby face and wriggling eyebrows, Billy with his dark colored skin looking like chocolate of the best quality, and Graham with his bulky yet very attractive body and his sweetly masculine face.
Yes, indeed easy on the eyes. At least on the outside.
After all the presentation was done, Arthur explained the track in front of them. A stool was set next to Arthur; a lid knitted from coco tree's leaves was shielding the prize from their eyes.
Once the lid was off, the miniature of what looked like a pavilion greeted them.
Today they were playing for their sheltering. The hut.
The rules were simple.
Ten players from each team would participate on each day's track.
Two players, boys and girls, one from each team will stand on the start point. They'll have to run the whole length of the track to reach the final aim. The player who scores first wins the race and gets 1 point for his team. They will continue to play in this track, player after player until one of the teams reaches to 10 points. The team that will reach 10 points first will be the one to win the game and the day's reward; which today was the built hut on one of the two beaches. The losing team will have to get the given materials and built their hut themselves.
Emma's mind started spinning around the information. No victory meant so prize, no prize meant no hut, no hut meant no shelter, no shelter meant problems.
The prize was very important. They had to win!
Arthur gave them two minutes to discuss about which players would play today and who they would choose to be their opponents. After the two minutes were over Arthur, informed them that they would flip a coin to see which team would choose an opponent first. He asked Emma to choose between heads or tails. She said heads. The coin pointed tails. The Fighters would choose first.
After the pairs were all set, they were ready to start the game. Robert and Peter made their ways to the start point, as the first players to compete.
Arthur counted inversely from 3 and blew his whistle. Robert and Peter started running through the truck. Between the obstacles, into the pools, under the ropes, over the bars. Peter was faster and reached the final aim first. All the while players from both teams were shouting and giving directions about the track to the running players. Peter got the first shot and threw the first of his three arranged statuettes. He missed the second. Now Robert reached his aim too. He threw his first ball and hit the statuette. He got the second one too. Peter threw his second statuette too. Now they both had one left. Whoever threw his first would get the first race. Robert did.
The red team erupted in cheers and shouts. The players rose from their wooden bench and run to hug and congratulate Robert. They had won the first round, nine more to go.
The second round would be between Ruby and Ashley. The Celebrities won that round too. They also got the third, between David and Walsh. They were going very well so far, and now they had an advantage of three points ahead of the blue's.
On the fourth race the Fighters won. The game was between Regina and Mary Margaret. Regina despite the fact that she's a very fit and toned woman because of her profession she's not fast, a quality that Mary Margaret looks to have herself. The brunet with the pixie haircut is very fast and flexible in a way that allowed her to reach the final aim before Regina, and bring the first victory point to her team.
The game went on with the score altering between the two teams. At some point, during a race between August and Leroy, the second fell on the sand groaning in pain. It seemed that Leroy had managed to injure himself during his first game on the show. The round was called off and the game continued with the next pair of players.
Celebrities 3 – 3 Fighters.
Celebrities 5 – 6 Fighters.
Celebrities 8 – 7 Fighters.
Celebrities 8 – 9 Fighters.
Celebrities 8 – 10 Fighters.
The game was over. The Fighters managed to turn the tables and win. The hut was theirs. They all got together in a group hug, laughing and shouting and cheering about their victory, while the Celebrities stood by their bench, sad smiles on their faces, congratulating each other for their effort half-heartedly.
Once the game was over, they were once again all placed as teams in a line. The Fighters were in a group-hug line, holding by the shoulders, in an attempt to show how close they already are as a team. Proud smiles drawn on their faces along with some smug ones. In was only the first game but it was a huge win and a great boost of confidence for them.
Arthur congratulated both teams for the effort they put on the battle track, and especially the Fighters for their victory. A few questions were asked on both teams, about their thoughts and feelings.
Belle's answer on what see thinks of the blue team now after the game, was one to remember.
"I won't tell you my opinion of the other team, I'll tell you I realized from our first game that… stamina and strength are not enough. It requires mind, calm, discipline. It requires luck. A lot of things are in control."
Arthur reminded them once again that Survivor was the game of plot twists, and that everything is possible to happen. Then he asked if they wanted to ask any questions before they continued. Killian raised his hand and stepped forward. He wanted to dedicate their victory as a team to Leroy since he got injured, and wish him to get better soon.
"Now on more practical issues," Arthur talked once again, "I'll address the pros and the cons. The positive and the negative. The problems and joys."
He pointed with his hand the blue team. "The Fighters for now on will be staying in airy and sunny place; your hut." The blues cheered and clapped their hands.
"The best thing is that this particular hut is built in Santo Domingo and there's no paperwork or government problems for you, so you can keep it," Arthur joked with the Fighters. Of course they laughed.
"On the other hand, you," he said pointing the Celebs, "will have to create your own house, and I recommend you to pay attention and try to make it as good as possible, because no good implementation means lots of problems."
Then he addressed both teams.
"In a sort time you will head to your beaches, where they will be some things and food waiting for you, in order to help you survive."
He explained how both teams will be given some food supplies; two potatoes for each player, one liter of oil for each team, and one pound of flour. He made sure to underline that they'll have to use them with prudence in order to cope for the rest the time here. He also said that whatever the players can discover themselves in their natural environment is theirs to keep and use in whichever way they want. On both beaches they will also find a kit, a box with useful materials that will assist them in what they need to do to survive.
"I have one more surprise for you. I told you at the beginning that there is a little numerical imbalance between the two teams. The Fighters have thirteen players and the Celebrities eleven. Tonight, after you are settled on the beaches, we will have our first council. You can now get to your boats and head for your beaches."
And with that they were dismissed. Once the cameras stopped rolling, both teams headed in different directions, the intercourse between the two forbidden by the production.
What Arthur said caught Emma's curiosity. She knew the concept around the "Island's Council" was that they would all gather, talk about their week and then a player from one of the teams would depart. Perhaps the Fighters will have to send away a player from now?
Both teams reached a truck. The players were instructed to sit on the back tail, so they could be driven to the different locations where their boats awaited.
When the Fighters reached their beach, they started shouting and whistling in excitement. A hut was indeed built fifty yards from where the sea was dampening the sand. A big sack filled with supplies was placed on the hut's clean wooden floor.
Leroy suggested they all take of their shoes, to not get sand in the hut, while Elsa said to first take the sack somewhere off of the hut. They were looking around, studding their beach and shore, and digging inside the tool box to find an axe, hammer, nails, saw and chopper knife. There were also water thermos, dishes, mugs, silverware and one very large pot with a wooden spoon. Inside the sack were also blankets.
When they got settled, they gathered in groups to walk around the beach. Walsh took the girls with him to tell them tales from his time being a mercenary. Peter along with Jamie and Graham searched into the woods for some fruits or coconuts. Leroy was putting their stuff in order and setting the pot over some rocks to be ready for a fire when they decided to cook for the night. And Killian was nowhere to be found.
Killian wondered by himself as the others were making little groups and cliques. He was always a bit of a loner in the heart, "a lone wolf" as his brother used to call him other than "little brother".
He was never a social butterfly. Given his geeky teenage years, he learned to copy all alone since he was too shy to make friends during high school. Not to mention about girlfriends. He was always too nerdy, too slim, too clumsy, and too not perfect.
Puberty was a hard time. It was once he hit his twenties that he started to physically change. His facial hair grew, his cheeks no longer looked hollow but chiseled, and his body became firmer and tauter thanks to sailing.
It was then that girls started looking his way and guys wanted to befriend him. His looks were attracting them but not his personality. It was why he was currently walking down the beach alone. He didn't believe that friendships could be formed in a matter of hours when they were all strangers to each other so he chose to just sit alone and let the night pass.
Some of his teammates found his behavior weird. He wanted to help with everything once they were on solid sand, but the moment they called it a day he isolated.
On the other side of the island the Celebs were making their way across the sand and grass on their beach. The atmosphere a complete opposite to what the Fighters were experiencing. The air thick with disappointment and tension. They tried not to let their mood get them down, so they also started walking around their space to decide where to build their hut. Pieces of wood varying in size, shape and thickness were laid out for them. Once they saw the sack sitting on a wooden platform they run to see what was inside. Once they found that except from food and tools they also had blankets, their joy returned big time.
Women decided that they would leave the construction of the hut to the boys, except the few ones who were good with their hands, while the rest of the ladies would search around the place to find some extra food. There wasn't really anything else besides coconuts, so they tried to knock some down from the coco trees.
The men made the foundation of the house and once the skeleton was ready, they used palm leaves to create "walls". Robert was the one leading and offering ideas on how to build the hut. Emma had a good idea about using roots instead of the small amount of rope they had in their disposal. Dried roots would work just as good. By the nightfall the hut was ready.
She then took Ruby by the elbow and went to take a walk around. They were chatting about their first game and their opinion about their teammates and the opponents.
"What do you think about the Fighters? Was it just luck today?" Emma asked.
"Perhaps. I mean it was the first day. Don't get me wrong it stings that we lost, but I think it was more about their luck and our lack of it."
"And what about the players? Individually?" That Emma asked with a raised eyebrow. Ruby laughed.
"Well, we're obviously not here to flirt, but…" she trailed off.
"Yeeees?" Emma prompted, a hint of a grin forming on her face.
"I'm just saying that it really is a pity to meet them in this game and not in a club or something." Ruby was now grinning like a wolf. "I mean did you see that bulky guy? What was his name again?" Ruby tried to bring his name in her memory but she was too preoccupied ogling his muscles to remember.
"You mean Graham?"
"Yes him! Oh how I would love to be his barbell," she said with a dreamy look.
"Ruby!" Emma started laughing.
"What? Can you blame me? Or this other guy, the one with the dark trunks and killer thighs? What was his name?"
Emma was now laughing hysterically. "You really did not pay any attention to Arthur when he was introducing us."
"I was a bit busy drooling over the blue-eyed's perky ass."
"Killian. His name's Killian."
"What a babe! I'm telling you if I could get him alone after the show is over, I would totally-"
"Alright I'm gonna stop you there! Do I also need to remind you that there're cameras everywhere? What would your granny think is she sees you having the hots for a guy you don't even know?"
"When a guy looks like him, she would be proud!"
Another round of laughter for the young beauties. Ruby had a very special relationship with her grandma. And the widow Lucas was a very fierce woman as Ruby told Emma. She even owns a crossbow!
Emma felt really nice chatting with Ruby. Putting the lack of shelter and the hunger aside, it was like she was talking a walk with a friend in the park. Something Emma didn't have for a long time; friends.
Once the moon was high on the sky it was time to leave for the council. A dark little cave-like space, lighten with hundreds of candles statutes and totems all around. Arthur was standing behind a wooden desk-like surface. The players were sited on wooden stools, once again parted in two teams.
"Welcome to the Island Council. Here, we will gather every once in a week, and each week one of you will leave." He sounded more serious and stern, quite the difference from the way he was shouting in the morning while describing the game. Once again he gave congratulations to all the players and especially the Celebrities, because nobody expected that a team contained by famous people would be so passionate and competitive.
Arthur talked a little with players from both teams. How they feel after their first day on the island, what do they think about that experience, what are their reasons to be here, who they believe are the strongest players of the opponent team. He asked Elsa and Anna how it happened that both twins were here competing.
"Well, enough talking," he said once the conversation was over. "I want to let you know why I asked you here today on the council. It's something we referred to previously, on the beach. As you've already noticed, there's a numerical imbalance. The Fighters have thirteen players. The Celebs only have eleven. Not only that, but you the Fighters" Arthur continued, "Also have one woman extra, since instead of a man Jamie earned the position." That put a smile on the face of the young bi feminist player. "Today we will solve this imbalance and things will be equal."
Arthur proceeded to explain that this would happen by voting. A voting the Celebrities would not participate in. On this voting, the Fighters would have to stand one by one and go to the voting area, where papyrus and a chest were placed. They had to write down the name of the person they want to candidate for departure. Then they would raise their papyrus to show the name to the camera and explain the reason behind the vote, fold it and put it into the chest. The players have the right to keep their vote secret until the chest arrives to Arthur. The player with the most votes would be sent to the red team. He or she will be given a week of immunity, in order to get set and familiarize in the new team.
After all the instructions were given Arthur prompted Leroy to stand, as he was the first one to vote.
Leroy limped to the voting desk, his back at the rest of the players. Without much of a thought he wrote down a name. Then he showed it to the camera. The papyrus wrote KILLIAN JONES.
Then he whispered, "I vote you because I believe you'll be the one who will adapt to the other team better than anyone. I wish you good luck." With that he folded the piece of papyrus and placed it into the chest.
Next in line was Killian. He reached the desk and let out a long sight. After scratching the back of his ear he wrote down ELSA FROST, voting the older of the twin sisters. "Tough decision. I vote you because we have two of you," he said with an attentive smile and then put the piece into the chest.
Then came Ashley. She raised her papyrus. JAMIE MU'LIAN. "I vote you because I think you are a celebrity," Ashley said with a smile.
Then it was Jamie's turn. ANNA FROST. "I have nothing against you. I believe that in this moment you are weakest link."
Then it was Peter's turn. But instead of showing his vote to the camera he just put it in the chest, keeping it be a secret.
Anna was next, and she kept her vote secret too.
Then it was Zelena. Her long ginger hair on the top of her head in a messy knot. BILLY GUSH. "I vote you only because I felt like you asked for it." Her rich accented voice curling around the words.
Then the blond twin, Elsa, rose from her seat. KILLIAN JONES.
"It might be a terrible mistake," her voice almost husky from the whispered tone, "but I vote you because I believe you'll be the weakest link for departure, after the immunity week is over."
Then Graham came forward, soon to be replaced by Walsh, and then Mary Margaret. All of the tree votes were kept in secret.
A secret one was also the vote of Fiona's, the gym instructor placing her papyrus into the chest.
Last one was Billy. He rose from his seat and wrote down a name. WALSE OZZIE. "I vote you because you have too much beard for this team," the clean-shaved player joked and put the final piece of papyrus into the chest.
Once Billy was back on his seat, someone from behind the cameras took the chest and put it on a moving flat area. The chest made its way to where Arthur was standing, and then he took it in his hands and placed it next to him on the desk.
"We're now starting to count the votes," Arthur said as he reached for the first papyrus.
"The first vote says… Elsa Frost." He turned the piece around so they could see the name written on it. Sure enough it read ELSA FROST.
"The next vote… Jamie MuLian." Arthur just kept on unfolding the pieces one by one.
Killian Jones.
Anna Frost.
Killian Jones.
Walsh Ozzie.
Killian Jones. "Killian, you are currently with tree votes on your name." Killian didn't speak.
Killian Jones. "Four votes for you Killian."
Killian Jones. "Five votes."
Emma was staring confused at what was happening in front of her. The Fighters one after the other, were voting for one of their strongest players to leave? What was on their mind?
Arthur kept on announcing the results.
Billy Gush.
Killian Jones.
Killian was smirking nervously by now. It was obvious that the bigger part of his team had voted him to leave. The question was why?
"There's only one more basically, and nothing will change, as this one also reads… Killian Jones."
"Okay?" was all that Killian said while trying to process that his own team had decided almost unanimously to kick him out.
"Killian, the rest twelve players of your team voted you eight times." Arthur was talking like Killian didn't already realize it. Killian only nodded his head. Arthur kept on. "You know it is a very long list with your name on. Why do you think this happened?"
"I think was good on the track," Killian started scratching the back of his head, "and this would be my team's only chance to send me away. I've heard that it's quite common to try and get the strong players out when you have the chance. I don't want to brag about myself, but yeah."
Arthur was fast to answer. "Yes, but on the other hand, everyone saw your abilities and how strong you are. Isn't it just plain logic, that a good player you would want to have him on your team, so it will bring you victories? What you're saying is quite the opposite."
"Uhmm yes, that's what logic says…" Killian was trying to find an answer to give.
"So?" Arthur prompted more, his left elbow resting on the small chest.
"Maybe that wasn't their way of thinking."
"So what do you think was their way of thinking?"
"To…" Killian was struggling with his answer, "to move away a good player now since every departure from now on will be on the hands of the audience. Some of them maybe… Well, if you ask me what happened was wrong, not that I have a problem with the guys," he said pointing the Celebrities, "but it was a track that showed some things. Definitely somebody has to leave, I'm not saying that if I stay it'll be right and if I go will be wrong," he knew he was babbling, "but I believe that I could be a good assistance altogether. Of course, everyone here can say exactly the same," he said while turning his head to point all of his now ex-playmates. "And I wish Leroy will come back soon," he patted Leroy's leg.
"Maybe my way of thinking was different. Not so much on the playing part of the game. But, I would like to say once again that not all people fit together. Maybe that was the way that the result was brought. I for one was not expecting it, but…" he ended with a chuckle and turned to look at his new playmates. Rob was laying back on his seat, a look of indifference on his stance and James had one foot rested on the other.
"Our first day here is coming to an end," Arthur spoke up with a loud voice. "The numbers have been restored; we have a balance as you now will be twelve against twelve. Goodnight. Tomorrow is a new day. You can now go back to your beaches."
With that the players rose from their seats, some of the blues patting Killian on the back, shaking hands or giving him man hugs. They made their way out as the red ones moved next to Killian to high-five and welcome him to his new team; Belle being the first of them.
Killian's mind was currently blank. Any rational thought left his mind. He was thrown out of one team and got tossed to another. Why did they send him away? What did he do wrong? He won in the field, he helped with their stuff back on the beach, he even attempted to search for food. He did his best to try and please everyone, so why was he the one departing? What did he do wrong?
And as everyone was moving out of the dark area and into the studio, Killian was the last one to step out at a slow pace before the cameras stopped rolling.
The night had fallen and the sky was dark as the Fighters returned to their beach. Killian Jones was not with them. They didn't seem to be upset about it, as they attempted to light a fire for the first time.
Leroy was holding stable a piece of wood as Graham was rubbing in twist moves a twig on it, to create friction. When smoke came out of the wood they blew softly on it and a little tongue of fire came up.
"Wood guys, get some wood. Hey, team! Come over we started a fire," Leroy was calling his fellow playmates. Some came and congratulated him and Graham for their first fire in the game.
Back to the Celebs' beach, they were also trying to build a fire. It didn't take much time, as David and James were the ones in charge. David having already his experience from free camping was very familiar with the ways of the nature. Soon Belle's excited voice sounded as she was watching the two brothers carefully.
"It's on! It's on! Well done boys!" The petite but toned brunet didn't know much about how to survive on her own, but she was more than willing to find ways to assist her team with anything they needed. Learning the right way to light a fire was a good start.
"Bring some more wood guys, don't just stand there. Bring some wood," James asked.
After a while their fire could be easily be compared with a fireplace.
Emma and Ruby applaud the accomplishment, both astonished, as they had never seen or done something like that themselves before.
"Bravo you guys! Bravo! Well done," Emma said in a proud voice.
Soon they were all gathered by the fire, with their blankets, chatting away to pass the time until they were tired enough to go to sleep.
Somewhere along the chatting Robert rose and asked from everyone inside the hut to come out and join them. "Guys, gather up a bit."
When he saw they were approaching he continued. "Can I ask you for a favor?"
"Yes sure," Emma answered for everyone.
"Because it's getting dark and it's my sons bedtime, can we all sing him a lullaby so he can hear us and to go sleep?"
Most of them laughed, but no one could deny a father the chance to sing to his son, even if he was at an island in Caribbean and the song would reach the kid through the television.
"Hey Rob! Rob. Could make a remix?" Robert asked the rapper of the team laughing.
"Sure man." Then Rob started singing a beating song, altering it to make it sound slower. Soon most the players joined in the singing as the rest were laughing at the ludicrousness of the moment.
Robert was imitating the holding of a microphone. They erupted in one more round of laughter.
"Guys look at sea," Ruby said at some point. The others were trying to somehow cook the potatoes they had, for dinner. "Look at it, it's great," she said again. The moon was shining over the ocean, leaving its reflection on the sea.
Belle was boiling the potatoes and chopping them in slices with the chopper. Emma was lying in their new built hut, resting on her elbows and considering the others. Today it was their first game and yet they lost. Why was that? They started pretty good, and they also had the head start of sew points, but still they lost. Would every game be like today's? No, impossible. It would totally be at least one game suitable for them.
Once the food was ready they all sat down to eat. It was the worst potatoes they have ever had. With only some sea water and a couple spoonfuls of oil they couldn't really expect much. Still. The worst potatoes ever! They ate them till the last crumble.
While eating, Emma turned her head to address Killian standing to her right.
"Welcome Killian," she said with a mouthful of potatoes.
"Yeah Killian, welcome," some more said.
"Welcome. We are very happy you are with us," Belle said while eating herself.
"Yeah?" Killian asked.
"Me more that anyone, I've already told you," Neal half joked.
James talked at the same time. "If you don't catch any fish tomorrow get ready to be sent back." He said in a serious tone but in fact he was joking. Truth was that Killian and James knew each other outside of the game.
They had met a summer back when Killian was still in Ireland teaching water sports, and James had come by the beach he was working, during a trip. Killian wasn't sure if James remembered him when he saw he was a participant in the game, but in fact he actually did remember him. That filled Killian with joy and a little relief, as he would at least have one familiar face in this new beach.
"I see you as a leader. The protector of the team," Neal kept on joking. Killian laughed out of kindness, but he was feeling that Neal was mocking him. He didn't want to have a conflict with any of the players in his first night so he didn't comment on it.
The conversation was on for some more time and then, after they gathered the dirty dishes in a pile to wash them in the morning, some players said their goodnights and went to sleep.
Emma, Ruby and Regina set their "beds" next to each other. They thought that they could create a kind of friendship the three of them, just to keep each other company and have someone to have their girly talks.
Killian as a night owl himself, didn't go to sleep for a long time, as it was hard for him with all those thoughts passing through his head.
He was now a "Celebrity". A red one. His new bandana resting on his head like a hood. He was staring at the sea to calm his nerves. He always found the sea calming. It was something about it being so large and wide but in the end it did start and end at the same place.
James approached him without his notice. "Care to have some company?" He asked as he took a place next to him on the grass.
"Sure mate, have a seat."
"So Irishpants, tell me, how do you see this going?"
Killian chuckled at the use of the nickname. That's what James called him when they first met. "So you do remember me," he said looking in front of him at the dark sea.
"Of course I do. Those blue eyes of yours are hard to forget," James joked and pumped his shoulder on Killian's.
This time Killian gave a heartfelt laugh. "Sorry to disappoint mate, but I'm not sailing to this direction. I'm more of a ladies man. No hard feelings, I hope."
James pouted at him, "Awww what a pity, and I had so many hopes for us."
They kept a light chat until they both felt tired enough and headed for the hut. Somehow eleven people would have to fit in a hut of 25 square centimeters.
It was going to be a tough night.
A/N: I want to say I don't have an update plan on my mind so I don't know how often my updates will be. I guess all the chapters will have the same lenght as this one, which was long enough. I only hope you won't get tired of me.
Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time! ;)