Heyy people
Hope you all had a great week. I've been more chill than ever after having my first ever uni exam and final assignment, allowing me to take a break from my stress, school wise and personal wise
I'd like to thank everyone who wished me luck on my crush situation. I'll pull through, I've decided to focus on myself for a while and cut back on taking initiative. Gotta forget about her one way or another
Back to the story, we're approaching the end of the game and also of the story. I think you'll appreciate this chapter, it's quite cute, I think.
Austin and Ally hadn't exchanged a single look after their meeting, which was absolutely necessary to keep the others oblivious. The last ever selection was in less than an hour and the tension was noticeable. Just like every night before a selection, the nerves cut off all the conversation as the four packed their bags, just in case the odds were not in their favour and they had to leave the island at once. Silently, the duo kept their eyes on the other two candidates.
Rebecca kept sending hidden looks of distrust to Drew, who luckily did not pick up on them. After hearing Austin's lie, she was too busy thinking they had made a pact against Drew to even second guess the sudden twist in her original plan of casting her vote on Ally. Drew, on the other hand, was already convinced of his spot in the finale. Ally had rather not found herself battling Drew, but she knew that manipulating Rebecca was the safest choice. Drew was too smart even to consider jeopardizing his chances.
Once they arrived at the same spot they had spent many anxious nights, Rebecca and Drew took place on the little bench in the first row, causing the secret couple to be placed on the one behind them. As soon as everyone sat down, Austin presses a hasty kiss on Ally's cheek. She has to mask her gasp with a cough, before sending Austin a warning look. Soon after, though, she realizes the only one who could see them, were the presenter and the cameras, who were both very aware of their little secret. When connecting eyes with her boyfriend again after the realization had hit her, she grabs his hand and keeps them connected between them.
"Treasure this moment, candidates, as this will be the last time you'll be here," the presenter starts his speech, looking at the group. "Today's selection will determine who are the final three candidates and who will be the one who misses the boat." Drew smiles cockily, assuming he's already got the win in the bag, causing Rebecca to raise a knowing eyebrow as she thinks the night will be going according to her plan. "Even though there are just four of you left, the game isn't over yet. Anything can still happen."
In no time, all votes have been cast, also Ally's extra one that was a secret to most others. As the presenter collects the chest with the votes, he waits a few more seconds to add suspension, enjoying the faces filled with distress. Then, one at the time, he reveals the votes. Already after he shows the second vote, Rebecca and Drew notice something is wrong. They exchange a quick look, helpless, as the damage is already done.
As soon as the chest is shown empty, Rebecca realizes her loss. Ally has two votes, one caused by her last place and one from Drew. Drew, himself, has one from Rebecca and Rebecca received three, from Austin, Ally, and Ally's extra vote. Rebecca's eyes fall, recognizing her oblivion that had resulted in elimination.
"I can honestly admit that I've never seen more and better plans, allies and manipulations as in preparation for this particular night. And there's one person that suffered most from this." All eyes land on the blonde girl, pitying her before they can celebrate their win. "Rebecca, it's time to say goodbye."
The three got sent back to the island, together with some energy bars that the cameras didn't record, of course, without exchanging any words. As soon as Drew managed to lead the other two away from the cameras, he had told them this 'act', as he had called it, would change nothing for him. "Whether you two are clawing each other's eyes out or make out in front of me, I will win that finale," he had attempted to sound the tiniest bit dangerous. Austin and Ally had simply shrugged.
At least he hadn't shown any offense because of the twist of the evening, not that they would've cared if he had. He probably was just content they hadn't come after him and instead chose Rebecca. To be safe, the couple hadn't spoken of any tactics they would use the next morning. Not that they had any idea what they could expect or how they would deal with it.
Less than 12 hours later, the three stood on a beach they had never set foot on before. The smooth, white sand lacked the pebbles and twigs other beaches had had, which had caused some awful cuts and bruises. It was safe to say the finalists were surprised the toughest test would take place on this comfortable surface.
"Drew, Ally, and Austin," the presenter starts. "You have spent nearly a month on this island. Beating nine other candidates." The three take a moment to let it sink in. They had truly been stronger, smarter, sneakier than nine other men and women who had trained for this competition just as hard as they had. Those candidates had been just as fierce and determined to win and yet, had faced the moment they realized it had not been enough.
"The Expedition Robinson finale has always been among the final three candidates. Except for this year." Ally is being pulled back to reality as the presenter voices this sudden twist. The two men beside her also look surprised. "The last four people that got outvoted didn't get sent home. They got sent to another deserted island, not too far from yours."
"There they had to battle each other in order to stay in the race. In secret. One candidate was strong enough to beat the rest in small tests and survive on their own," the presenter smiles at their faces of disbelief and gestures to the woods behind them. "And this candidate will join you in the finale."
Ally is first to look over her shoulder and sees the mystery candidate already walking behind them. She looks stronger, somehow, more confident and packed with determination to win, something the fragile girl had lacked the time she had been in the race. There was one thing that was unmistakable, the anger on her face shining through her satisfied smirk.
"Rachel," Ally whispers, her jaw dropping. Rachel had kept her eyes on Ally the whole time like the girl was enjoying being in charge for a chance. The fire in her eyes seemed to be there just to show Ally she hadn't forgotten about how she had been tricked to leave the island.
"I'm back, bitch," Rachel said in a tone that could not be mistaken as teasing in any way. "And this time I won't let you get rid of me that easily."
The presenter had explained the course of the long and difficult test, but Ally had not been able to focus on his words, rather kept glancing at Rachel, who looked calmer than ever. The dirty looks she had sent Ally's way had made place for complete and utter attention and fanaticism. Ally's awakened from her trance by Austin, who grabs her hand.
"You okay?" He asks as everyone makes their way towards the first element. A small nod doesn't reassure him. "Look, don't focus on her, okay? She's just trying to get in your head. We still have the advantage. Together, we're twice as strong. Just focus on the challenges, you can do it." Planting a kiss on the back of her hand, he manages to calm her down. A soft scoff behind Ally makes her turn around.
"I was right after all," Rachel laughs bitterly, letting her know she had seen them together. "I hope you'll feel satisfaction from winning unfairly, if you do, Ally. Was betraying others worth it?" She scoffs after glancing at Austin shortly. "Don't think you'll see him ever again after you hand him that title."
There was no time for Ally to shut down her prejudices as everyone was told to get in place. The anger that started to build up inside her nearly threw her off her game, probably the result Rachel had hoped for, but the loving wink from a now even more determined Austin turned the irritation into energy and passion. She had to beat Rachel. That was what was important right now. Rachel might look tough, but there was a big chance she still was the weak, unbalanced girl she knew. Forcing herself to take her eyes off the girl she despised, she looks at the first challenge, trying to remember what they were supposed to do in a few seconds.
That's when she remembers; they were supposed to build a raft and reach the island on opposite of them. The other island wasn't far, but building a raft was something she had never done before. The other's hadn't either, luckily, judged by their puzzled looks as they were trying to figure out how the hell they would be able to make an actual floating raft out of these few thin logs and some pieces of string. Before they could speculate any further, the starting shot sounded.
The four candidates started to drag the logs over each other, hoping to find the perfect way to tie them together. They had been told they were not allowed to look at the others, to prevent cheating, so everyone kept their eyes on their own work. Not that there was anything to see, everyone seemed to struggle as much as the others. Though, that was not the case. Austin knew exactly what he was doing as he neatly tied a few strings together. Not only was it frustrating to have no idea if you're doing the right thing, but the logs also weren't exactly small, nor light. This was definitely the toughest test they had encountered, and it was just beginning.
Then, in the corner of her eye, she sees Austin trying to get her attention by patting the sand between them. Looking at the cameras, she quickly decides she's not doing anything wrong. As long as she doesn't look at his work, she's not cheating. Subtly, she lets her eyes fall on his hand. There, she finds, Austin had drawn something that looked like a simplistic blueprint of how the raft was supposed to look like. Apparently, the key to a good raft was tying six logs together, before attaching the other four on a row on top and the bottom alternatively. Scared to look at him, guessing that wouldn't be appreciated by the presenter, she drew a small heart as thanks next to his drawing.
Even with a plan, it took quite a long time to tie everything together in the right way. Though, it seemed like no one had noticed their little exchanged. After ten minutes, Austin stands up and pushes his neatly looking raft in the rising tide. This gave him a huge advantage and he started paddling in the direction of the opposite shore. Soon enough, Ally was satisfied with her work as she wiped the sweat from her forehead, admiring her acceptable looking raft. While picking up her paddle, she shoots a quick look to the other two who had already been in the water a few times, only to find out their excuse for a raft would sink as soon as they would stand on top of it. Still puzzling, they tried to find correct tactic.
It took Ally quite some time to reach the island, the muscles in her arms not being the strongest ones she possessed. By the time she reaches the coast, she sees Austin bent over a table. When running to the table beside him, she finds one of Austin's weaknesses.
"How's it going?" Ally asks, eying the slide puzzle in front of her. The numbers one to fifteen were placed in squares in the table. Only when they managed to place them in order, they could grab the key in the square that would remain uncovered.
"Shit," he answers shortly. Even though Ally was usually the one to help Austin in puzzles, not only was this particular one very difficult to help someone else with, it took little to no skill. Just luck. Which was, still, something Ally hated. Without saying another word, Ally starts moving the wooden squares. Only a few minutes later, Drew appears by her side and soon enough, also Rachel arrives. The lead they once had, had disappeared completely, all because of a stupid puzzle they were all equal again. Just the sound of wood edges hitting each other could be heard as everyone tried their best to beat the game.
Then, out of nowhere, Ally saw the solution. In just a few moves, the satisfying sight of all fifteen numbers lying in the correct order was lied out. Grabbing the key, she's about to sprint to the next part when her eyes fall on Austin. She knows there's very little she can do to help him, but, nevertheless, she takes place in front of him. Two pairs of eyes see more than one, after all. They're lucky neither Drew nor Rachel seem to be any closer to finishing than Austin, so the pressure of having to catch up with them is missing.
Ally lets out a happy squeal when she points at the last few numbers that have to be moved. Austin looks at them confused, before finally seeing the way they have to be arranged. With one hand he grabs the key off his table, with the other, he grabs Ally's hand before he's being dragged to the following element.
The path leads them upwards, which is a good thing, Ally reckons. She guesses the final part must take place on the top of the hill. Once they arrive at the top, though, they see nothing more than four familiar, black cooking pots and the subjective is clear. Though, Ally doubts that a task as easy as making fire could be the final part. There is no time for her to ask Austin, as he's already taken place in front of one of the pots. With just a few reminding indications, Ally helps Austin to start his fire while she easily lights hers. Just a few moments later, his fire burns through the tiny string. This is the moment Ally looks around confused.
"So, what now?" She asks Austin as he gets up.
"The cliff," he speaks slowly as he wonders why she didn't remember what they were supposed to do. By nodding towards the abyss, Ally's eyes widen in fear. "We have to jump off of it."
"Wha-what? You're kidding, right?" Her voice shakes audibly.
"It's just a cliff, they wouldn't have included it if it was dangerous," Austin reminds her before looking at a point behind them. "Besides, our lead is getting smaller."
Ally glances over her shoulder to see Rachel running towards the pots, Drew on her heels. She wasn't sure how fast they were in making a fire, but it definitely wasn't the hardest test, meaning their lead was definitely in danger.
"You've done it before, remember?" Austin grabs her hand once again just as Ally remembers exactly how she had stood on the edge of a cliff like this a few weeks ago. Though, this jump might be just a few feet bigger. It seems so long ago, yet she recalls how safe she had felt beside him. That feeling hadn't changed a bit. "I'm right here, just like then. I'm not letting anything happen to you."
"Alright." She nods, accepting her faith. There really wasn't any other option to choose from.
"We'll jump together if you want." Austin squeezes her hand. Nodding, she takes a deep breath. During Austin's countdown, they look down on the flat surface of the ocean, no rocks or waves to break their fall. And they jump.
In a matter of seconds, they reach the surface and quickly let go of each other's hands to safely land. Ally can't help but break out in ebullient laughter, feeling her nerves disappear. Austin gestures they have to continue immediately, knowing either Rachel or Drew are about to jump off as well.
The final test is placed on a platform right before the coast of another island. Luckily for Ally, it's something she excels at. One balance beam for each candidate is all that separates them from victory. Though, that's not all. Right above the beams, a few enormous wrecking balls swing from side to side, making trespassing a little bit more difficult. Besides the danger of losing your balance, the slow swinging balls had the opportunity to sweep you off if you lingered too long at one point. Climbing on the platform again would cost a lot of energy.
After giving each other an encouraging nod, the two step on their beam. Legs and bodies shake as they try their best to remain as much balance as they possibly can. There are three wrecking balls total, two in the middle of the two beams and one sneakily placed above the resting spot that connects the two beams, invalidating the name 'resting spot'. Both fall off as they try to duck the first ball. While swimming back, they see Rachel approaching. Logic, as Drew has never been talented at making a fire.
Quickly, Ally jumps on the beam again. Ignoring whatever happens beside her, she focusses on just herself. If Rachel beats her, she'll never be able to stop blaming herself. Surprisingly, she finishes the first beam in her second try. Calming her breathing, she stops her pace in front of the resting spot, where the second ball is swinging steadily. She has less than a second to step onto the platform and put her foot on the second beam before the ball comes swimming back, she estimates. If she fails to find a good position for her food on the narrow beam, she will surely fall off.
After watching the ball swing by a few times, she takes her chance. Thinking she has more time than she actually does, she is hit on the shoulder as she's about to step off the platform. Even though the ball isn't as heavy as anyone would suspect, it does throw off her balance. Using every muscle, she manages to stay put. Quickly setting her other foot on the beam, she moves out of the course of the wrecking ball. She lets out a shaky breath in relief but also knows she can't mess it up now, or she'll have to start all over again. Refusing to check on the others, she keeps going.
The last wrecking ball, she succeeds in avoiding after studying its movements carefully. With just a few more steps, she lands on the large platform at the end. Completely out of breath because of the exertion and disbelief that she arrived at the end first, she immediately tries to catch Austin's eyes.
"Austin, we did it!" She yells, but fails to spot the man. Instead, she sees Rachel approaching in a dangerously fast tempo. Almost past the resting platform, she's only seconds away from standing in the same spot as Ally. And then Ally remembers she's not quite there yet.
"Ally!" She hears Austin's familiar voice. He had most likely just fallen off one of the beams as he was in the process of climbing on top of the first platform. He didn't seem in a hurry, though. Pointing behind her, he raises his voice. "Light the fire! You have to light the fire!"
At this point, Rachel was almost halfway the second beam and Ally knew time was running out. Quickly turning around, she finds four torches, all being lit. Grabbing the one with her name on it, she's about to light the fire in the wok when she hesitates. Something about it doesn't feel right.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry!" She hears Austin yell. He had helped her through this competition. She wouldn't feel like it was fair to win this by herself. They had spent so much time together, helping each other that it felt like they could win together. Somehow, it had never crossed her mind that, in the end, only one could win. And, seeing how the situation was now, it would be her. Though, she didn't know if she truly deserved it more than Austin did.
"But, Austin-," she protests weakly when he interrupts her angrily.
"Do it!" He yells. "Now!"
Just as Rachel steps on the final platform, Ally lights the fire. It's over.
Hope you guys enjoyed that! I'm off watching TATINOF again, probably. See you next time!
Guest chapter 8
This story is amazing. I've loved ALL of the chapters. I wonder if Drew will try to "persuade" Ally to help him. That would set Austin on fire. - WOW, I can't believe I didn't think of that, what is a story of mine without jealousy, eh? That would've been absolutely awesome, can you imagine?
jcarter692 chapter 8
This chapter was so amazing, definitely one of my favs so far! I love that she apologized & he felt comfortable enough to be honest with her. I really loved that they made up & are moving forward I building a relationship. They're so good together, everything was written so perfectly beautiful! Thanks for the update, can't wait for the next! :) Also, I hope everything goes well with your situation. I've dealt with that a few times. It took time for me to let my feelings go completely, but eventually I did. - Thank you for all those lovely compliments! Thanks :) I'm glad it turned out okay! I hope you haven't suffered from that too much, I'm still in the process of letting go and I know how much it hurts
ocean chapter 8
I'm sooooo sorry about the deleting of feelings for your crush you were talking about at the beginning! Its really hard to lose such a strong relationship and I hope you are alright.
This chapter fulfilled and exceeded all of my Ausally needs.
Roles of a lifetime was actually the first Raura story I read and I would love a sort of sequel, but I also would just love another Raura story (an au yo your au of sorts).
I can't wait for the last few chapters and I am beyond excited for the epilogue.
Until next Sunday.
PS. I am also posting comments under the name EverAfterforLife when I read thus fics on my phone. That is why is didn't comment under the name ocean last week. - Thank you so much, that means a lot xx I hope I'll be able to create an idea for a sequel at some point in the future, I'll keep you posted, though. Ah, I think that's the case for a lot of people. It's still the story I'm most proud of for personal reasons. Don't worry, I always see your reviews, and they make me very happy :)
