Jeanette sat atop a sunchair which was strapped to the roof of a moving vehicle.
"Ah, hello," she greeted, "I was just taking the chance to enjoy the simpler pleasures of a post-apocalyptic lifestyle. Now then, last round we had a little shakeup, quite physically, but also in terms of the game as the teams were all swapped. Melania ended up stuck with Niles and despite their animosity towards each other, she was privy to a story from his past. The two will have plenty of time to get to know each other further though as they will be sharing a team now! Damian found a match in Christian, allowing him to enable his destructive nature, and the two of them will have the chance to cause mayhem on the new Mega Mutants. Some things are just meant to be though, such as Wally's concerning obsession with Lana, as the two of them remain unseparated by the swap. Now then, tally ho, let's carry on!"
(Starving Zombies)
Connor was awoken by a blinking red light.
"Huh?" he moan drowsily as he held his hand up and slipped out of his bunk.
He followed the source of the light down the narrow hall and into the main driving sector. He saw before him a row of different monitors and devices with a seat in the middle planted in front of a steering wheel. He walked up to the blinking red screen, as soon as he did it turned to reveal Jeanette's face.
"Good morning, and welcome to the next stage of the game!" Jeanette greeted. "Your new homes have been provided with directions to daily destinations. It is your job to navigate yourselves there, have fun and drive safe!"
"Hm, okay then," Connor said as he sat down. "How hard can it be..."
After searching between button, Connor finally was able to ignite the engine and bring the vehicle to life.
"And we're off!" he announced.
"Well," Melania remarked as she entered the room, "this is certainly different from the bunker."
"You can say that again," Connor replied.
"I don't mind the wakeup call, though," Melania stated. "Will keep everyone in shape and ready for danger."
"I'd presume you've got plenty of that going already," Connor remarked. "Considering how well your team did in the past."
"Of course," Melania replied. "I didn't come here to play around, I came to do everything possible to succeed."
"Very respectable," Connor said, "Of course, I intend to do the same."
"If that is the case, then your best interest would be to stay on my good side," Melania stated.
"Funny you say that," Connor replied with a smile. "I was just thinking that it would be for the best for both of us if we were to combine our forces. I think we both want to lead our team to victory, and we can do that together."
"An admirable proposition," Melania replied. "I certainly think it could lead to some benefits for all of our team."
Confessional:
Melania-Coming to this team, I have Ricko and Tricia who are loyal to me, but that is short-sighted, Connor does seem like a strong, determined individual, and while this makes him a threat, having him on my side would be very beneficial to securing a strong army on my side.
Connor-I like Melania, she seems assured of herself and determined for victory. I think I just have to earn her respect, show that I intend to do the same, and she should come around to trust me.
(Mega Mutants)
Spencer was awoken by the same blinking light that had caught Connor's eye. As soon as he slouched out of bed, though, he found Shelby whisked in his way.
"Aha, finally you're up!" she exclaimed.
"What is...that?" Spencer said groggily as he pointed to the light.
"No clue," Shelby said. "I figured it something important, about 98% sure we're supposed to check it out. The other 2% is that it was some explosive though, and in that case, I wanted to wait till someone else woke up so they could take the lead."
"If you thought there was an explosive on the vehicle, why did you wait around at all?" Spencer asked.
"I said 2%, so probably not!" Shelby scoffed. "But just in case there is, I wanted to be here to say I told you so."
"You make no sense," Spencer sighed as he went to investigate.
Shelby followed behind him timidly. Spencer discovered the same message from Jeanette at the control panel.
"Hm, well alright then," he remarked.
"Alright indeed!" Shelby exclaimed. "You heard her, we're at the next stage of the game, we can't afford to just loaf around!"
"Um...sure?" Spencer agreed. "I still think we're supposed to drive this thing though if we want to play the game at all."
"Keep up!" Shelby said. "Look, we're two from the same team, which means we're in this together, which means we have to work together to get a majority on our side!"
"Makes sense," Spencer said.
"So one of us should stay behind and drive while the other gets a jump on the social game," Shelby said. "Since you're already sitting at the helm, I'll just-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, not so fast," Spencer said as he stood up. "No offense, you're nice and all, but you're also sort of weird and overbearing, just saying! Plus you'd probably get distracted by some conspiracy theory as soon as you hear something rattling in the ceiling."
"There's something rattling in the ceiling!? I have to...wait a minute!" Shelby exclaimed. "I will have you no that I am personable as punch! As a budding reporter you have to have that sparkle touch to make people open up to you and let me tell you I have got it! Look at you, you're like ten feet tall, you'd probably scare them into silence!"
"Or submission!" Spencer argued.
"We don't want slaves, we want allies," Shelby retorted.
"What's the difference?" Spencer asked.
"Okay okay okay, the only way we're going to settle this is a good old fashioned duel of rock paper scissors!" Shelby declared. "Ready...go!"
Shelby revealed a fist while Spencer revealed a flat palm.
"Paper beats rock!" Spencer cheered.
"Jokes on you I was doing dynamite!" Shelby replied.
"No you weren't," Spencer said as he flung her behind him and left the room.
"Fine, you know what, fine," Shelby huffed as she turned to face the control panel and active the craft. "I'll do the responsible thing...I'm sure eventually someone will come by to see how I'm doing and I'll have a lovely social game conversation...anytime now...yep...people are going to wonder who's driving this thing...maybe come to say good job, stick around...have some meaningful talks...anyone...anyone at all...?"
As the vehicle came to life, the others slowly emerged from their beds and stretch out. Kelly made quick effort to slip away from the waking crowd and find some space to herself. However, Liz caught sight of her and carefully followed after her.
"Interesting to see you flee so quick from social interaction, first day on a new team no less," Liz noted. "I take it you're not a people person, feeling overwhelmed maybe?"
"Look I am not interested in being psychoanalyzed," Kelly groaned.
"Only trying to help," Liz replied. "Social game is far from strong suit too, but I do understand the game and how people work in it. We're all feeling the same, anxious, but knowing that we need to make the first move. If you close yourself off from the start you're going to end up on the outs."
"Okay thanks for the wonderful life advice," Kelly said with sarcasm dripping from all edges. "But I did just fine on my last team whereas you never had to vote once, so where exactly are you coming from with this!?"
"Well then in that case, perhaps we could help each other," Liz said, "I maintain faith in my knowledge, but I know that experience is an invaluable source as well. Why not tell me about your team?"
"They all sucked!" Kelly scoffed. "For real though they were all so stupid and it was a headache every day trying to work with them. Christian thinks he's the baddest thing on the planet, but he's just a big poser and I am SICK of trying to appease his ego."
"I see, I see," Liz noted. "As for me, my team was rather complacent I must say. I do feel as though it was mostly just playful camraderie which I suppose is fine, but I simply cannot see myself partaking in when so much is at stake."
"Oh tell me about it," Kelly groaned. "The boys on my team talking about being best buds or finding true love, how stupid can you get, we're either gonna have to send you out the door with nothing or let them send us out, who has time to pretend to be friends here!?"
"Perhaps it is a defense mechanism," Liz suggested. "I suppose it is a stressful and frightful thought for most people and they wish not to have it burden on their shoulder, so instead they seek to substitute reality for 'normality' trying to establish a connection to their former lives at home, allowing them to cope with this new situation easier."
"Yeah sure maybe," Kelly scoffed. "It's still dumb though. I'm not going to pretend like this is any different than what it is!"
"Ah, but you'll have to," Liz said, "Part of working with people is adapting not only your own reality but their perceptions. You're going to have to make people feel like you belong or else they won't have any reason to want you to stay."
"Ew," Kelly gagged.
"If it makes you feel any better, you won't have to pretend with me at least," Liz offered.
Confessional:
Shelby-Spencer and I were never really that close on Mega Mutants, but now is not the time to be petty, the team split for us is 2-2-2...conveniently enough. That means it would be ridiculous to let either one of us fall here and leave the other open and vulnerable. I am willing to work with him and I think with our combined forces we should be able to take over this new team.
Spencer-With the team switch it's time to start all over again, other than Shelby, I'm meeting everyone here for the first time. And I'm not exactly comfortable leaving Shelby up for making all the impressions. I know I'm a cool guy, I had everything going my way on our first team...other than all the challenges we lost. I can do it again!
Liz-I know my weaknesses, but I know others' weaknesses as well. Seeing Kelly trying to avoid people made me realize that she's going to need someone to help her whether she likes it or not. She's the first one I want to win over to my side.
Kelly-Everyone still sucks. At least Liz seems to get me, but she's still a brainy know-it-all and no thanks at that!
(Lasting Legends)
Sashonelle gracefully cascaded from her bed to the floor, running her hands through her hair to give if a smooth wave. With a sudden jolt, the vehicle began to move. Sashonelle maintained her balance, though give a quick look of surprise.
"What is that?" she remarked to herself.
She shuffled down to the front, peeking her head into the control room. She saw Scout sitting at the dashboard.
"Ah, glad to see you're up and keeping busy," she noted.
"We have reached the next stage of the game," Scout said, "It seems as though we'll be in charge of transportation though, the next challenge is already awaiting us."
"Well, I won't keep you from that then, I'll be on my way to check out the rest of our team," Sashonelle said as she twirled around.
She ended up nearly coming face to face with Sway who was approaching from the other side.
"Looking for someone to check out, eh?" he asked. "Well here I am."
"You're uh...so funny," Sashonelle replied, while coiling a strand of hair around her finger.
"Guess it's just our luck, ending up here together after our last fateful encounter," Sway said, trying to get in closer with her.
"I'm the lucky one," Sashonelle giggled, before instinctively shoving him back. "But I have something very important that I must attend to, it's a model thing, morning rituals and all that, let's continue this later!"
"Yeah uh...later!" Sway called.
"Don't sweat it, pal!" Wally exclaimed as he approached Sway from the side. "Not everyone can win a heart in the first swing."
"Heh...what are you talking about?" Sway replied. "She's clearly already enamored with me. Did you see the way she left all flustered? She could barely keep her hands off of me."
"That's not what it looked like to me," Wally said. "Don't worry about it, as someone who has found true love, I am perfectly willing to help out a friend in need!"
"You know what, I appreciate it, but I have already mastered the art of lady-slaying," Sway replied with a hint of irritation. "It's not my fault every girl they cast thinks they're too good for me!"
Confessional:
Sashonelle-I know I need to be making new inroads, and it's lovely to know my allure hasn't worn off...Sway though, just reeks of smugness and desperation all rolled into one disgusting stench. I can't have that around me!
Sway-I've got my eyes on Sashonelle, and believe me I'll win her over. No need to rush things, just keep it cool. She's a fine lady, but I'm not scared, I welcome the challenge!
Wally-I am living the dream with my perfect princess, but I have to remember that not everyone is as lucky as me. Seeing someone else struggle gives me new purpose to help them out and spread the love, so that everyone can be happy!
(Starving Zombies)
Ricko tapped his hand against the steel walls in sync with each tremor that shot through the vehicle as they drove down the bumpy road. He glanced out the window at the ravaged landscape moving past him.
"Kinda nice actually," he remarked. "May I could come up with a song about this place...hmm...On the War-Torn Road...nah, Moving Through the Ashes...sort of grim though...The Apocalypse Adventure...hmm..."
As he continued to ponder, Ricko heard a tapping come from behind him.
"Hey, there's a nice beat," he exclaimed. "Ta-tap ta-tap..."
Suddenly the tapping got more excited.
"Huh?" Ricko remarked as he turned around.
He was shocked to see Tricia hanging upside-down outside the window. She was grinning wildly and tapping her hand on the glass.
"Tricia! What...uh...what!?" Ricko gasped in panic.
He rushed to the window to pry it open.
"Tricia, hang on, I've got you!" Ricko exclaimed as he reached out to grab Tricia's arms.
"Wheee!" Tricia laughed as she took Ricko by the wrists instead and flipped him up onto the roof of the moving vehicle with her.
"Whoa...wha..." Ricko mumbled dizzily.
"Isn't it awesome!?" Tricia exclaimed while lifting her head up to let the wind whip through her hair.
"Hey...you know what, this IS pretty cool!" Ricko laughed. "I-whoa!"
A sudden lurch caused Ricko to roll backwards, but Tricia caught his sleeve before he hit the edge.
"Hehe, careful!" she exclaimed.
She pulled him back to the other side and sat just above the window.
"This is the fun way to ride!" Tricia remarked. "Who wants to be stuffed in there? I want to be freeeee!"
"I can't argue with you there," Ricko laughed as he let his legs dangle over the edge.
Inside the mobile home, Lyndon timidly walked up to the window where she saw the two sets of dangling feet.
"Uh uh...er hi guys...um it's Lyndon...from you know the other team...well you don't know me, cause we've never met so...sorry I don't want to be rude you know but we're on the same team now...sorry I'm being rude I'll stop now..." she said before sighing and turning around.
However, she turned back around again to continue speaking.
"Well, it's not really rude if I'm trying to help right?" she asked. "Uh...yeah...I think that's right. So uh...well I just think being out there is kind of dangerous...guys? You could uh get hurt...you know? Guys? Guys? Sorry...it's not rude...or maybe it is...sorry! It's just I don't want you to get hurt...cause you know we're on the same team now..."
Lyndon continued to receive no response.
"Okay well, uh, now that we're talking," Lyndon continued, "I was just thinking well...uh...maybe we could talk about you know...working together and not...voting for each other...eh? Yeah...it's sort of dumb...never mind, just pretend I wasn't here..."
Lyndon turned around but bumped into Niles.
"Don't even bother with them," Niles scoffed. "As if they're going to turn on their own former team. Right now there are three people from the Starving Zombies original team, and guess what that makes up half this team."
"Oh uh you're right...I was pretty dumb for even trying to talk with them," Lyndon sighed as she walked away.
"Hey!" Niles snapped, grabbing her by the collar and pulling her back. "I wasn't done yet!"
"Oh...I'm uh really rude, sorry, I need to work on that I guess," Lyndon said.
"Just shut up and listen to me," Niles said. "You want someone to work with? Team up with me and Connor, it's the only way we can have a chance against these guys."
"Oh wow, you're so smart," Lyndon exclaimed. "I wish I was as smart to come up with something like that...oh but...that will only be a tie...and I'll probably screw up the tiebreaker anyways."
"You'd better make sure you don't!" Niles barked.
Confessional:
Tricia-I love to be on the move, and fierce and wild creature such as myself has no one home, but a home in the world of adventure waiting to be discovered! Of course I want to share in this with my dear special Ricko too, it makes it all the more worthwhile!
Lyndon-So uh I'm screwed, I'm so screwed uh this could not have worked out worse for me...there is no one from the original Mega Mutants here, and I have no social grace, and I'm not very smart, and I'm terrible at challenges. I am not getting my hopes up, I think the second we lose, which will be right away with my luck, I am out the door.
Niles-Dealing with Lyndon is...frustrating to put it lightly. I want to just smack her across the face with how dense she is, but that would probably just sending her running in the other direction. I absolutely need her on my side due to the team setup here, which means I have to resist every urge in my body right now. Ugh I hate this I hate everything!
(Mega Mutants)
Simpson had gotten up from bed and found himself a corner to be alone with himself. Damian peered over his shoulder and groaned.
"Really? What are you doing?" Damian sighed.
"I just need to make sure you don't make things any worse," Simpson replied. "This is a new team, and a new chance to start fresh."
"Sounds good to me, these people might not know how much of a twig you were these first few rounds," Damian chuckled.
"No, I don't know why you are getting more and more invasive but it needs to stop," Simpson said. "It's hard enough for me to manage people let alone trying to manage people when you're in control half the time!"
"Fine," Damian drawled with boredom. "Fine, you can do things your way and when you realize how futile it is you can beg me to fix your mess and maybe I'll consider it. But do not blow things with Christian, I definitely want him around and on our side, and you know that he's not here for your pansy attitude so don't let him see that!"
"Alright, alright!" Simpson said.
"There you are," someone said as Damian vanished.
Simpson turned to see Christian approaching him.
"Oh uh...yes...hi!" Simpson said.
"What're you doing out here alone?" Christian asked.
"I uh...just had to collect myself a bit," Simpson said lightly.
Stop...please.
"Well, I'm glad I've found you," Christian said. "I definitely felt like we had a good connection going yesterday, interested in keeping that up?"
"Oh uh yes," Simpson said, "I full-heartedly agree, I am in full support of partaking in foul-play and trouble-making."
You could not have sounded any more ridiculous if you tried.
"Well then, I'm all ears," Christian said, "What devious ideas did you have for today?"
"I uh...er, let me think...just give me a moment," Simpson stammered.
Let's find a way to destroy Liz's chances on this team, we already know all her weak spots. She's annoying anyways, it will probably only take a few well-placed words to send her spiraling out of control. Just make sure to remind her how powerless she truly is against us and I'm sure her-
"What!? No no no no, that's terrible!" Simpson hissed at Damian. "We can't do that to Liz! She's our friend!"
Is she? What's one thing she actually did for us as a friend? She's nothing, but breaking her and getting rid of her can help US out.
"Or make us look like total jerks!" Simpson snapped.
"You okay?" Christian asked. "You look like you've been lost in thought for a while now."
"I uh...yes!" Simpson exclaimed. "I was thinking today our plan could be...to take it easy and just get to know everyone!"
"Oh...kay..." Christian replied uncertainly while still maintaining his coy smile. "I must admit, that's not quite what I was expecting."
"Well, you know...I am still very much all for the whole unbridled evil thing that I have going on," Simpson replied. "But I'm just thinking...well will that really help us stay on this team? Does wanton destruction actually win us any favor with anyone?"
"Hey my dude-bros!" Spencer exclaimed as he shoved his way between the two boys. "Who's up for some wanton destruction!?"
Confessional:
Christian-I'm not interested in doing dirty on my own, I just want to sow the seeds of chaos and see what others come up with. Simpson remains such an enigma to me though. One day he was willing to commit acts of villainy with almost mindless abandon and yet now he seems to meek to even squash a fly. This duality intrigues me.
Damian-You botched that so hard. The only reason Christian was interested in us was because we weren't afraid to get some blood on our hands.
Simpson-Well he's not the only person on this team. We need to think about how our actions affect everyone!
Damian-You don't even know anything, stop trying to pretend like you're so smart.
Spencer-I know the main thing to keeping 'cool' is to have a loyal posse, you get dudes to back you up and then no one's gonna mess with you. The last team I was on I was mostly with the girls and a robot, but now's my chance to really get the bro code out and active and set myself up with some real followers.
(Lasting Legends)
Lana awoke to find Wally standing over bed.
"Eep!" she exclaimed as she recoiled.
"No need to fear, it's just me, My Love!" Wally exclaimed.
"Oh uh...nice to meet you, Milove," Lana said uncertainly.
"I hope the rocking didn't wake you, I know a treasure like yourself needs all the beauty sleep she can get!" Wally continued. "Is there anything I can do for you? Perhaps I can hold your bed stable so that the shaking doesn't bother you! Do you need more blankets? Is your pillow soft enough!?"
"You know what, I think there is something you can do for me, sweetheart," Lana said. "Just go over there, right down over there, and stay there and don't talk to me. Thank you so much."
"Anything for you!" Wally exclaimed with a salute before running in the direction.
Lana stretched and stepped out of her bed, she was the last to rise. She soon noticed Sashonelle and Brittany walking by though.
"I like just love your hair so much, it's like magical," Brittany exclaimed to Sashonelle.
"Well thank you, I take care of it," Sashonelle replied.
"Wavy hair is like such a fashion mystery you know," Brittany said while tugging at a coil of Sashonelle's hair.
The model used every muscle in her face to keep up a weary grin as Brittany repeatedly pulled at the strand of hair.
"Look, it's straight..and wavy again as soon as I let go, like how does it do that, what's your secret?" Brittany asked.
"Well, secrets are called that for a reason," Sashonelle replied with a slight laugh.
"True, but good friends share secrets, right?" Brittany said.
"Girls, girls, just who I wanted to see!" Lana exclaimed.
"Everyone wants to see me, darling," Sashonelle replied, with a flip of her hair, spinning it to wind up on her other shoulder out of Brittany's reach.
"Look, okay, I did some thinking and I have come to the conclusion that we are the most beautiful people in the game, right? Right," Lana said. "So therefore it only seems to make sense to me that we would want to align right? Also right! Oh my god, you guys! I am so excited for this!"
Lana quickly hugged the two girls tightly.
"Oh my this is so...sudden," Sashonelle remarked. 'But I've never been one to shy away from spontaneity."
"Yeah, like, spontaneity is my word of the day!" Brittany exclaimed. "This group is gonna be like 45% more fabulous with me in it. You made a good choice!"
Confessional:
Lana-I am totally here to play this game now, but I can only play with people on my level, like I don't think other people understand what it's like being as beautiful as me, and they might hate me for it, so it only makes sense to surround myself with people who would never have any reason to betray me because they know what it's like to be the prettiest girl in the room at all times.
Sashonelle-I can work with this...that is if I can keep my sanity. Both Brittany and Lana seem rather dense, but that means that so long as I can keep them focused they should be fairly easy to control.
Brittany-So like, I don't really believe in the concept of 'beauty' like you know, things and fashion look nice but like that's all aesthetic, and like I support aesthetic, but like everyone is beautiful in their own way right, like I totally believe this with all my heart as soon as I read about it on a Facebook article. Like the only beauty I believe in is Inner Beauty so like it seems sorta like superficial, you know, to create an alliance based on beauty with people you just met. So like either Lana already sees Inner Beauty in me or like she just made this up on a totally material reason so um like you know I am like feeling both really honored and offended and like I'm not sure which one to feel so I'm just combining it into a new emotion called Honfended. #FeelingHonfended
(Later)
The three vehicles arrived at a location with some notable ruins of metal structures. Broken pipes emerged and bent around the ground, some reaching far into the air while others just clung to the earth. Still remaining mostly intact was a large water tower looming over the location. Standing before it all was Jeanette with her hands folded in front of her.
"Ah, you all made it, and just in time too, what fortune," she remarked. "Welcome, welcome, take a look around, this is where your next challenge be happening. Yes, yes, two teams will win safety, the very first immunity of new teams, while the third will be casting someone out, alone, to be ravaged and left for dead in this cruel new world. What fun!"
"Whatever it is, we can handle it!" Melanie declared. "The Zombie name isn't about to be tarnished by this switch!"
"That's where you're wrong!" Wally exclaimed. "The only ones winning this challenge is gonna be me and my team!"
"Well that's just plain incorrect," Liz stated. "There will be two winners, however, with your clear ignorance of detail I'm beginning to doubt you'll do much for your team."
"Guys, guys, before we get to all this smack talk, maybe we should actually find out what this challenge is," Ricko suggested.
"A brilliant idea!" Jeanette exclaimed. "Continuing on, you will still need water, now more than ever in case your engines need to be cooled, or something like that, I don't deal with such menial tasks but our engineers insist it's a serious issue. You will be broken up into teams of two. The first two will need to collect water as it pours out of the tower. The next two will need to transport it across a course we've set for you. And final pair will be ensuring that it gets into the correct pipe to connect it to your storage. The teams that collects the most water by the end of this will be immune and will not be voting anyone out."
"Can we smack talk now?" Spencer asked.
"No! The time for banter is over, it's time to face off!" Melania stated.
Confessional:
Niles-I by no means feel ready to face a vote, so I am going to be doing everything I can to see that we win this challenge and win a little more time.
Sashonelle-All the stress from these votes really isn't good for me, I think it's time to shift the burden to someone else for a bit.
Shelby-Sure I could partake in boasting about my chances, but this is all rigged and predecided anyways.
(Later)
The pairs had been decided and the first set of duos were gathered around the water tower. Liz and Christian had been chosen from the Mega Mutants, Ricko and Tricia had stepped forward from the Starving Zombies, and Wally and Sway emerged from the Lasting Legends. Each player held a large pail in their hands now.
"When I give the word the tower will begin to leak water," Jeanette explained. "You will need to collect as much as you can before it stops and then pass it off to your next team. Ready? Now!"
Suddenly numerous holes began to burst all around the metal structure. Spurts of water poured out, some gushing others just a trickle.
"Gimme gimme!" Ricko exclaimed as he held out his bucket, only to have water pouring down into his face.
"Careful there, buddy," Sway laughed as he caught some of the residue in his pail.
Wally ran for another stream with his bucket outstretched.
"Incoming!" Tricia called as she tossed her pail towards him.
Her pail knocked his right out of his hands and took its place.
"Huh?" Wally stammered in shock as water poured into his bucket.
"Thank you!" Tricia said sweetly as she took it back.
"Oh it's on!" Wally declared angrily.
Tricia tossed her bucket for another stream, but Wally grabbed onto a beam and swung himself over, hanging his pail out just over hers and snagging more of the water for himself.
"This way!" Liz instructed Christian as she pointed to the back.
"There's nothing but small spills leaking over there," Christian said.
"But less people," Liz said. "We're more likely to claim something easier and not run into any foul play."
"What if we want to partake in foul play?" Christian suggested.
"We're wasting time let's go!" Liz ordered.
Confessional:
Sway-It felt bad seeing Ricko on the other team and knowing we're competing now. I still consider him a friend, but right now we're rivals in this game so I gotta fight the urge to help him out.
Ricko-Well uh...that probably wasn't a great starting impression for me.
Liz-I'm doing what I can to mimic Melania's voice of authority to maintain control now. It's not actually in my nature, but given what Kelly told me about Christian, it's probably for the best to establish that I am not someone to be controlled to get anywhere serious with him.
Liz and Christian ran back and forth around the rear side of the tower, catching whatever small spurts of water they could. Everyone was beginning to find by now that flow of water was starting to slow and weaken. Tricia continued to swing along the beams, catching water as it fell, while Ricko followed behind her, gathering what was missed. Sway glanced down at his pail, it was just over half full.
"We need to find a way to catch up," he remarked to Wally. "If we lose too much of a lead now then it won't matter how well the other pairs do."
"I'm doing all I can!" Wally exclaimed.
"Think of Lana," Sway urged. "You know how stressed she'll be if we have to vote."
"Right, right, I can do this!" Wally said as he glanced up at Tricia. "Right...I can do that!"
Wally charged at the tower and flung himself towards it. He clung to the metal supports and continued to launch himself upwards.
"Incoming!" he shouted as he bumped Tricia out of the way and stuck his bucket right against the source of the water.
"Wow, rude," Tricia scoffed, some of her water spilling out of her bucket as she clung to another bar.
Ricko rushed valiantly to try to gather what of the spill he could.
"That looks like it's all your going to get," Jeanette stated as the water flow came to a halt. "Time to see what you've got and pass it on to your next set of pairs."
Tricia's pail was nearly full, well Ricko's came to about halfway. The two handed them off to Niles and Melania.
"We're going to need all of this," Melania stated. "I don't want to take any chances when it comes to a challenge like this."
"Don't worry, I don't have any plans to let the other teams get away with this," Niles remarked.
Wally dropped down from his perch and presented an overflowing bucket of water. Sway's was a little over half full, but he handed it off happily. Scout and Sashonelle were the next two to receive the pails.
"Well done," Scout noted. "I think we're coming out with the lead here."
"Now it's on you guys to keep it," Sway said.
"Oh darling, you have absolutely nothing to worry about," Sashonelle replied.
Liz and Christian returned from their post, each having a bucket about half full.
"Well, that was a waste, as I said it would be," Christian remarked.
"Better safe than sorry," Liz said, "I still think we made the right call."
The two handed their pails off to Simpson and Spencer.
"Good luck, you'll probably need it," Christian remarked.
Confessional:
Wally-Obviously if we lose then me and Lana will be working together, but still she shouldn't even have to go through that kind of stress at all. Besides, I couldn't let her see me getting pushed around by anyone, even a cute girl like Tricia!
Tricia-Looks like the fox has made an enemy, although he's got none of the vulpine grace...more of a coyote if I ever saw one!
Christian-Well I did what Liz wanted and look at where that got us, we've got the least amount of water so we're really starting this off at a disadvantage. I'm sure she likes to give orders, but when those orders are the wrong ones, well that just won't work.
"For your next stage, you'll be carrying the water across this pipes," Jeanette explained. "You'll need to climb the series of pipes and tubes until you can reach the checkpoint to switch out with your final pairs. Do be careful not to spill, if you lose water that's it, there's no getting it back. Ready? Begin!"
The duos clutched their buckets in one hand as they had to pull themselves up along a ladder made of the pipes. Niles and Melania reached the top first and quickly began to shuffle along the walkway.
"Keep calm," Sashonelle remarked to Scout. "It's not a race, being careful is going to win us this one."
As Simpson and Spencer pulled themselves up to follow after the other team, Spencer glanced at their pails uncertainly.
"We're going to need a miracle to win even if we don't lose a drop," he remarked grimly.
"Or...we just need to play a little dirty," Damian replied while rolling up his sleeves. "Can you carry my bucket?"
"Not a problem!" Spencer said as he quickly picked up the bucket and flung it around his other arm.
"Good, just make sure those get to the end, I'll deal with the others," Damian said.
Scout and Sashonelle reached the top and saw the other two teams already moving down the course.
"No need to worry," Sashonelle said. "We've got this."
"I was not worrying," Scout replied.
"Then I'm glad we're on the same page," Sashonelle replied with a smile.
The two made their way along the pipes. Despite taking a leisurely pace though, Sashonelle was caught offguard by a wet patch on the metal. She slipped and risk tumbling over the side. Scout quickly reacted and grabbed her arm, but in doing so his own bucket left his grip and fell to the side.
"Ayeee!" Sashonelle cried as she broke free of Scout's grip, grabbed the bucket while falling over the edge, then used her legs to hook the pipe and spin herself back upright.
She presented the bucket back to him, which had now lost a significant amount.
"Are we worrying now?" Scout asked.
"We're still good!" Sashonelle promised.
Damian meanwhile was running up towards Melania and Niles. Without his burden he was able to catch up with them quickly. Niles heard him approaching, and turned just inside to receive a tackle to his chest. He was knocked to the ground and his bucket flung from his arm, spilling its content. He managed to reach out and stop it from rolling over the edge though. He glanced up and sneered at his attack.
"Oh it's you," he growled.
"It's me," Damian confirmed.
Niles didn't waste any more words, instead he lunged at the other boy, pouncing on him and slamming him against the metal bars.
"We don't have time for this," Melania ordered to Niles.
"Oh I think it's a perfect use of my time," Niles said darkly as he dangled Damian over the edge.
"Heh, you're forgetting something," Damian said with a chuckle.
"What are you smiling about?" Niles snarled.
"I don't have anything to lose," Damian remarked as he nodded as his two arms. "But you do!"
Damian tore Niles' bucket out of his hand, and then let himself fall.
"Ah!" Niles cried.
"Brilliant use of your time," Melania remarked dryly.
Simpson hit the ground and the pail spilled with his impact.
"Oww," he groaned as he lay on the ground. "Was that really necessary?"
Absolutely.
"But it hurt," Simpson moaned.
Even better.
Confessional:
Melania-What has gotten into Simpson? I never saw that level of aggression back when he was on my team.
Simpson-It must be nice to just be a figment of my imagination and not actually feel pain, but I'm the one who has to keep the bruises.
Sashonelle-I meant to do that...obviously. A perfect walk is boring, the crowd demands...(flings her hands in either direction) excitement!
Spencer arrived at the checkpoint first and handed off both of his buckets to Kelly and Shelby.
"Let's win this!" Shelby cheered.
Melania arrived next, passing her one bucket to Lyndon and Connor.
"Only one?" Connor asked.
"Someone screwed up," Melania said snidely.
"More like someone screwed us," Niles scoffed.
"It's okay, I probably would have dropped it anyways, at least now I don't have the pressure on me," Lyndon remarked.
"I think your idea of optimism could use some adjusting," Connor remarked.
"Probably," Lyndon sighed. "Just add it to the list along with my personality and appearance."
Sashonelle and Scout arrived last and handed their buckets to Lana and Brittany.
"Wow, that's not very much," Lana scolded.
"I believe we have the advantage though," Scout replied. "We have two buckets, whereas one team only has one."
"I'm just saying you could do better," Lana replied.
"Like you gotta dress for success," Brittany added.
"I am unclear on what you are referring," Scout replied uncertainly.
"Pretty sure you still have a better idea than she does," Sashonelle remarked. "Now both of you get going!"
The pairs ran further along until they came to three tall, large pipes, each adorned with various smaller tubes around them.
"Looks like we're going up!" Shelby announced.
"Oh we have to climb that...?" Lana said uncertainly. "But...what if I fall!?"
"With any luck we can hope it would at least leave you comatose," Kelly remarked.
"Like sometimes you have to fall before you can get up again," Brittany contributed.
"Wow, that's so deep," Lana gasped as she sat down. "That really speaks to me."
"That makes no sense," Kelly scoffed.
"I appreciate your need to demean others, but can we get a move on?" Shelby said to Kelly as she dragged her towards the vertical pipe.
Connor wasted no time charging at the twisting pipes and pulling himself up with his pail in hand. Lyndon awkwardly followed behind him. Shelby was making quick progress on her course, while Kelly slowly followed. Brittany and Lana both remained on the ground.
"Okay, I can do this, I can do this," Lana told herself while taking deep breaths.
"I am like so inspired right now," Brittany said.
"Me too! Okay let's do it!" Lana announced as she charged at the tower.
She awkwardly flailed her around until she was wrapped around one of the pipes.
"Okay! Now what do I do?" she asked.
"I believe that like you have to keep climbing now," Brittany said.
"Let's not take things too fast," Lana replied.
As Lyndon struggled to keep up with Connor, her hand slipped and she risked falling back down to the bottom. She waved her arms frantically and ended up grabbing Connor by the leg and tugging at him.
"Whoa!" Connor exclaimed as he slipped to the side and some of his water poured out of his bucket.
"Uh...oops," Lyndon said.
The splash ended up colliding with Lana.
"Aeeeeie!" she shrieked. "I can't do this, I can't do this!"
"Hey, you are still good, it's like just water," Brittany reassured.
Some of the water dripped down from Lana and into Brittany's hair.
"Ah! It got into my hair! I'm like melting!" Brittany cried.
"You said it was just water!" Lana shouted back. "You are not inspiring confidence right now!"
"For you it's harmless, but I have like very delicate dye in, it could ruin EVERYTHING!" Brittany sobbed.
"Oh my god," Kelly groaned in pain. "Get me away from those two."
Kelly tripled her speed, quickly scurrying past Shelby and up towards the top. She pulled herself over the edge and was faced with a large grate leading into a dark chute. She dumped her pail into the grate and let it fill the containers. Shelby soon joined her and added her contribution.
"Alright, high five!" Shelby exclaimed to Kelly who just turned away from her. "Or not, just sending positive vibes your way then!"
"The Mega Mutants are the first to fill up their tank," Jeanette noted. "However the others can still win this if they arrive with more water. Let's see how it goes."
Connor pulled himself up next and dropped what remained of his one pail into the container.
"I am not feeling good about this," he remarked uncertainly.
"The Starving Zombies drop their cargo," Jeanette declared. "Now we're just waiting on the Lasting Legends."
"Believe in us!" Brittany exclaimed as she and Lana very slowly made their way up the tower.
The hostess tapped her foot impatiently as the two girls made their arduous climb one step at a time.
"Any day now," she urged.
"Do not rush me, it induces stress!" Lana exclaimed.
Eventually the two girls reached the top and daintily poured their water through the grate.
"Well done, everyone, now it's time to tabulate your scores!" Jeanette announced.
"I hope we won," Lana declared.
"I think like we won more just for the emotional journey and growth we went through!" Brittany added.
"We are winning this, I can feel it," Shelby said as she nudged Kelly.
"Please don't touch me," Kelly replied.
"I dunno, I got a bad feeling about this," Lyndon sighed.
"Same," Connor added.
"In first place," Jeanette announced, "It's..."
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"The Lasting Legends!"
Brittany and Lana both screamed and hugged each other while shaking in tears.
"Okay then," Jeanette said, "just closing out in second place and safe from having to vote tonight..."
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"The Mega Mutants!"
"Yeeeeeaaaah!" Shelby cheered.
"Aw well, I knew we wouldn't win," Lyndon sighed.
Confessional:
Niles-Well great, just GREAT! This is the exact opposite of what I needed!
Lyndon-I'm going home, oh well, bye guys!
Melania-So looks like it's finally time for me to vote someone off. I am ready to get some blood on my hands at last.
(Starving Zombies)
Melania had gathered Connor, Ricko, Tricia, and Niles.
"Alright everyone, this is our first vote as a newly formed team, but I don't see any reason we need to make it complicated," she declared. "Lyndon sucks, I mean she just plain sucks at everything. I feel like she hasn't put any effort into this game. Why even bother keeping someone like that in the game?"
"Yeah man, seems fine to me," Ricko said while rubbing the back of his hand. "I don't think I've even spoken to her."
"I completely agree," Connor added. "We're going to need to keep up strength and that's not going to happen with her."
"Makes sense I guess," Niles grunted before adding under his breath. "For you at least."
"What was that?" Melania demanded.
"Nothing," Niles snapped. "It's fine, sure, whatever."
"And are you good to vote Lyndon?" Melania asked Tricia.
"Hm...I will do whatever suits my instincts!" Tricia announced.
"What does that mean?" Melania asked. "I need to know you're good with the plan."
"I will follow my nose, I don't need any plan!" Tricia replied.
"It doesn't work like that," Melania groaned as she rubbed her forehead.
"The fox doesn't need a master!" Tricia replied sticking out her tongue. "No one controls me!"
With that Tricia kicked open a window and flung herself out.
"Ugh," Melania groaned.
"Er, why don't you let me talk to her," Ricko offered.
Confessional:
Melania-I probably should have handled Tricia better, but I just cannot afford to have blow this all up by being petty and stubborn. It's a simple vote, this is not time to get worked up.
Tricia-I follow my heart, not what others WANT me to do! I will vote the way that feels right to me!
Ricko-Well uh...this is awkward. I think Melania has the right idea here, keep us together and keep the team strong. Seems like sound logic to me. But obviously my primary loyalty is with Tricia, so I need to talk with her about all this.
Niles-Yeah it's a 'simple vote' for Melania and her former teammates to remove Lyndon and leave me and Connor at her mercy, but that's not a position I want to be in at all.
Connor-I might feel more inclination to Lyndon if she gave us a reason, but from what I've seen from her so far, she really just does not have many redeeming qualities.
Niles and Connor walked together on their own.
"What is eating at you?" Connor asked. "This vote should be simple and we're both getting through to the next round."
"Yeah I don't doubt that," Niles replied, "but what then? We just have to hope that those three turn on each other over us? Not happening!"
"Really? I didn't get the feeling they were particularly united just then," Connor said.
"Who cares what they 'feel' like?" Niles scoffed. "They were on a team together, when it comes down to it, they're not going to pick us over each other. We need to try to make a move while we still have the chance."
"The best we can do it tie the vote," Connor said. "If Lyndon loses then all we're really doing is ensuring our fates for the next elimination."
"So we'll just go for Ricko," Niles said, "He was pretty useless in the challenge anyways. Taking a shot is better than just hoping everything will be fine!"
"Well, maybe we should find her first," Connor said.
The two turned the corner to see Lyndon staring at the wall.
"Uh...what are you doing?" Connor asked.
"I've decided to not talk to anyone," Lyndon replied. "I would only make things worse, so I'm not letting that happen...oh great, now I'm talking to you...I suck at everything..."
Confessional:
Niles-You know, Lyndon really could be making this easier on me.
Connor-Honestly, I don't think putting faith in with Melania, Ricko, and Tricia is as much of a deathtrap as Niles thinks it is...but I also don't want to end up regret making the wrong move when I'm out the door...
Lyndon-I'm such a klutz all my attempts at talking strategy just make me look bad so I'm not even going to bother today. If I leave it won't because I said something stupid...it'll just be because I suck.
The team had gathered outside now under the starry night. Jeanette stood waiting for them next to a large crevice in the ground. The other two teams had gathered around to watch from a distance.
"Welcome to your first elimination as a swapped team," Jeanette declared. "And for three of you, your first vote all game. Now then, as you see beside me we have the entrance to a mine. You'll be voting one of your teammates to enter this mine to collect fuel for your transportation, very important you must understand. However its fumes are incredibly toxic and you'll be dead before coming close to escaping, effectively sacrificing yourself for the good of your team. And of course, dead people cannot complete and so you will also be eliminated. Understood!?"
"Sounds lovely," Melania remarked.
"Why is she standing so close to that blond guy!?" Lana seethed to her team. "What is the meaning of this!?"
"Uh...pretty sure it's nothing," Sway assured her.
"Don't tell me that," Lana replied. "I am keen as an owl! I am a master of noting social cues!"
"You don't say," Sway remarked while glancing at Wally.
"Alrighty then let's see some votes!" Jeanette announced. "First vote..."
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"Lyndon!"
"Yep," Lyndon sighed.
"Second vote," Jeanette continued, "...Lyndon!"
"Mhm," Lyndon added.
"Third vote," Jeanette said, "...Lyndon."
"Super," Lyndon sighed.
"Fourth vote," Jeanette read, "...Ricko!"
"Whoa, rude man," Ricko exclaimed.
"Fifth vote," Jeanette said, "is the same as the sixth..."
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"Lyndon!"
"Yep, I had this coming," Lyndon said as she got up. "Mind if I at least get a song in before I go?"
Lyndon turned around and began to tap her foot.
"One, two, three...
Oh, I've been all-"
"I'm sorry we really don't have time for that," Jeanette stated before shoving Lyndon into the crack in the ground. "Well then, congratulations to the rest of you on surviving. Can you keep it up? We'll see soon enough, but until then, take care, dears!"
Votes:
Melania-Voting for Lyndon, this should be clear and simple for everyone
Ricko-Sorry, Lyndon, just the right move for me here!
Tricia-I will listen to my heart...and my heart says it's time to vote out Lyndon!
Lyndon-I vote Ricko...I guess.
Connor-Sorry, Lyndon, don't really feel like I can fight for someone who won't fight for themselves.
Niles-This is stupid, but I'm voting Lyndon.
(Later)
After night had fallen over the stationary vehicles, a mysterious dark figure emerged and approached them. The individual stuck to the shadows, slowly inching towards the homes. They crept along the side of the nearest one, hugging the wall. They reached out and carefully placed something just under the window. They then made their way to the next vehicle. Again they crept towards the window. They reached out. Suddenly someone grabbed them by the wrists through the open window.
"AAAAAAHAAAAAA!" Shelby cried victoriously.
The intruder gave a warbled cry in shock before breaking free and turning to flee.
"Oh no you don't!" Shelby exclaimed as she dove through the window and charged after the mysterious figure.
Shelby lunged at them and tackled them, clinging to their body.
"I got you!" she shouted.
However, the figure fought back, jabbing their elbow backwards into her stomach.
"Oof!" Shelby gasped as she was knocked back.
The intruder continued to flee, but Shelby was able to pursue. The shadowy individual reached a grate in the ground which they pulled up and crawled into a shaft below. Shelby slid along the ground and jammed her foot under the grate before it could close. She then swiftly hopped down into the shaft after her target. She found herself in a white, dank tunnel, crawling through the darkness. Eventually the passage opened up, and she found herself in a tall chamber with a watery floor. Looking up she saw the dark figure standing on a platform above her. He dressed in all black and wore a mask covered in spines over his face.
"Ah, I've been expecting you, my nemesis!" he greeted in a warped voice.
"You have?" Shelby gasped.
"Well...yes, if you count those last few minutes when I expected you to follow after me," the villain replied.
"Wait a minute...you're that guy who was eliminated at the start!" Shelby accused.
"Correct you are," Taylor replied. "But you should know that it takes more than that to stop the forces of evil!"
"What are you still doing here!?" Shelby demanded.
"Would you believe that that nuclear blast didn't kill me, instead if transformed me, giving me powers of an immortal!?" Taylor declared boldly.
"Absolutely not," Shelby replied. "I'd say it's far more likely that this is just proof that this entire game has been staged from the start."
"Mm...you're smart...too smart for your own good!" Taylor barked. "You leave me no option...but to keep fleeing!"
With that Taylor slid down from the platform he was on and rushed to the other side of the wall. Shelby chased after him. Taylor dived down into a channel of rushing water in the next tunnel. Shelby reached out. The boy slipped her grip and was whisked away by the water though. However, Shelby was able to look down at her hand and view the mask which she had snatched off his face.
"Just who are you?" she pondered.
Confessional:
Shelby-This isn't just a hunch anymore, I've got all the proof I need that there's something for real screwy going on here, and I've only just begun to scratch the surface. Sure, I could tell someone, but I've got my eyes on the prize, I don't have a story...not yet, I need to do a little more work, but I intend to get to the bottom of it all!