Previously on, Survivor,
With Rheneas being blindsided at the last tribal council, there was a clear majority and a clear minority in the brewing. However, Soi Fon was still under the impression she had a true extra vote idol, and planned to use it to gain favor in the game.
Ion tried to get Pepper back on his side by potentially giving her information about the extra vote idol. Pepper immediately told Ion that it was a mere fake and that nothing good would come from it for Soi Fon or him. Meanwhile, Hyde was thinking about making a move against Shulk and Serena, but tried to get Lucina on his side. Lucina was undecided.
At the immunity challenge, just like in Prison Island, Pepper pulled out a victory in the only immunity challenge she ever won in Survivor history, leaving Soi Fon completely vulnerable.
Before tribal council, the majority alliance immediately agreed to vote off Soi Fon and send her home. On the flip side, Soi Fon, Vyse, and Ion wanted to vote off Hyde, and use the extra vote idol to their advantage. Even though Ion knew the truth, he tried to get Pepper to see sense by offering her his help to sway the jury in her favor should she force a tie between Hyde and Soi Fon.
At tribal council, Soi Fon was publicly humiliated by some laughter after she was told her extra vote idol was a fake. As Josiah flipped her the bird, Soi Fon was flipped an even bigger bird when everyone including Vyse voted her off in a 7-1 decision, making her the fifth member of the jury.
After they returned to camp, Vyse felt bad about voting Soi Fon off, but he knew that it was going to happen. Serena and Shulk were talking about how well they've done in the game, while Lucina was still thinking about Hyde's offer, but did not want Shulk gone, but rather Serena since she did not trust her at all.
Hyde told Pepper about wanting to bring Lucina into the fold, and make the Final 3 the three of them. Pepper, however, did not trust Lucina at all as she feared Lucina was too closely aligned with Shulk to not keep her mouth shut about any blindside plans. But Hyde reassured Pepper that he would manage to get Lucina on his side to make a blindside happen.
At the immunity challenge, it came down to Shulk, Hyde, and Pepper. For the second straight time Pepper won individual immunity and was guaranteed a spot in the Final 6.
Before tribal council, the Fogorote/Halo alliance agreed that Ion was the bigger threat over Vyse and planned to send him home tonight. After another conversation between Hyde and Lucina, Lucina said she would only flip if they voted against Serena instead of Shulk. Hyde was not keen about that idea, as he wanted Shulk out, but he agreed to the deal regardless. Hyde later told Ion, Vyse, and Pepper about this plan, and was totally unsure if Lucina was even going to make the move. After giving it some thought, Hyde knew what he needed to do.
At tribal council, Hyde apparently aborted the plan and voted against Ion. However, Ion was spared when Lucina wrote down Serena's name, and it was enough to send the completely shocked Pokemon trainer home in a 4-3 decision. 6 are left, tonight one more will go...
Final 6: Hyde, Ion, Lucina, Pepper, Shulk, and Vyse
Jury: Sub-Zero, Gadget, Josiah, Rheneas, Soi Fon, and Serena
– – – – –
Foloropura Day 34
Last night saw a big blindside in the form of Serena. This left Shulk completely caught off guard about where he stood in the game.
"Last night, Serena was voted off, and I have no idea what just happened. Either Hyde or Lucina flipped on the alliance, and I can't figure out why one of them would do it. I'm leaning on Hyde being the culprit, since, well, he wasn't fully in the main Final 3." - Shulk
More interestingly, despite everything, Lucina appeared to be even more upset than Shulk was.
"I can't believe what just happened last night..." muttered Lucina angrily, glaring over at Hyde.
Hyde raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean, man? You mean, like, how you finally decided to make a big move? Yeah, good for you."
"Hyde betrayed me last night. He promised me that we would vote as a pair if we both decided to flip. In the end, he chickened out, and now I look like the bad guy since he voted Ion and I voted Serena. It just... infuriates me that he has to play the villain and lie and deceit like that. It's disgusting." - Lucina
Shulk sighed, "Could just... one of you explain what happened?"
"Gladly," nodded Lucina, pointing at Hyde, "He wanted to flip on the alliance and vote you off tonight. Got me involved in his little scheme."
"Oh, and did she mention that she was the one that wanted Serena to go. You're only here Shulk because she had bigger blood with Serena." Hyde finished for Lucina.
"Shut up," snapped Lucina, "I didn't want to betray either of them, but I really took your words to heart, Hyde! I want to win this game, but you're making me look bad!"
Hyde shrugged, "Dude, what am I supposed to do? You give me a lot of impressions that you never want to make a move, so I chickened out, man."
"For some reason I don't believe you." muttered Lucina. Shulk sighed once more, shaking his head.
"Here's the truth man, of course I voted Ion on purpose. I was set up perfectly so that no matter how Ion, Vyse, and Pepper voted, I could send either Serena or Shulk home. I was sure Lucina would write down Serena's name, so for once my assumptions are right. But, now it's time to play friendly." - Hyde
Hyde looked back towards where Ion and Vyse were, and shook his head, "Listen. Both of you. We cannot afford to #%#% around right now. We betrayed you Shulk, but we need those two out. Vyse is going to Final 5. If Ion loses immunity, he needs to go."
"Hyde, I understand what you're saying," nodded Shulk, "But you got to admit, you can't expect me to trust you right away. Same goes to you, Lucina."
Lucina shook her head, and walked away, choosing to ignore both of them, as she was that angry at Hyde.
"I'm going to do everything in my power to take Hyde out of this game. I have the special idol in my hands, so if I can get Shulk back on my side, and get Ion's trust, we can put an end to the backstabber that is Steven Hyde. I came here to win a million dollars, and I won't let him ruin it." - Lucina
Meanwhile, down by the beach, Ion and Vyse were having a quick talk.
"This is exactly what we wanted," grinned Vyse, "A division among the majority alliance. Hyde's in trouble, Lucina's in trouble, and Shulk's in trouble."
Ion nodded, "Absolutely. I believe sending Serena home was the best option for us."
"Last night, Hyde really didn't give us a final target, so Vyse, Pepper, and I needed to decide if we were sending Serena or Shulk home. In the end, we believed that if Serena stayed, there would be a higher chance of that alliance reforming. So, with a heavy heart, we voted her off, and I think it's working out." - Ion
Ion continued to talk, "Here's what I think, we should send Hyde home next, and split him and Pepper up. Then we can make the Final 3 you, me, and Pepper. Is that a deal?"
Vyse smirked, nodding as he shook Ion's hand firmly, "Deal. Sounds like a plan, my friend."
"I still have the tribal council pass, and I'm definitely going to use it so I can guarantee myself a spot in the Final 5. At this point, I have high hopes that Ion can survive the next vote, so hopefully we can send Hyde out next, and then Shulk and Lucina. Then one of the two of us will win this game." - Vyse
– – – – –
Foloropura Day 34
Sitting down within the shelter, Shulk and Lucina were having a conversation about what happened at the last tribal council. This time Hyde wasn't around to contradict Lucina's points.
"Okay, start from the ground up, Lucina," said Shulk, "What happened?"
Lucina nodded, "Okay. Hyde comes up to me and tells me that I should be thinking about how I can get myself to the end of this game and win. He points out that you and Serena were likely big jury threats and that if I went to the end with you I would lose like I did against Aladdin."
Shulk blinked, "Seriously? I mean... I think it would be close between you and me. Don't you remember that Soi Fon had a grudge against Serena for being too passive and not willing to make any moves? I don't think she would have done very well."
Lucina sighed, "Yeah, I know. I should have thought about it a little more."
"Between Lucina and Hyde, I trust Lucina a little bit more. She did outright cause Serena's elimination, but I know she did that to keep me in the game, since she trusts me, I think. Hyde is trying to weasel his way back to the top, and I would like to bring him down a few notches." - Shulk
"What happened then?" asked Shulk.
"Right before tribal council, Hyde approached me with the intention of voting you off," explained Lucina, "But I really didn't trust Serena, and I felt better if she left instead of you. I had no intentions of writing your name down. If he didn't give me a choice, I would have voted Ion like we planned."
"Well I appreciate that, Lucina." smiled Shulk.
"I don't care what Hyde says. I'm sure that he wanted me to get the blood on my hands and potentially gain Serena's ire. I expect Serena to not be bitter, but she was someone that really took our alliance to heart and worked hard to get us to the Final 7. So I'm worried if I make it to the end." - Lucina
"I want both of us in the Final 3," explained Lucina, smiling back, "You, me, and Pepper. Screw Hyde. Both of us stand a strong chance if we take Pepper to the end."
"I like that idea," nodded Shulk, "We just have to hope the next vote goes according to plan."
Both Shulk and Lucina shook hands firmly.
"I think Lucina and I are back on the same page, but it's hard to tell what she's thinking. For all I know, this whole conversation means nothing and I'm the next one voted off. But I think Lucina's anger at Hyde is genuine, so I think if we can get the votes, we'll be set for the Final 3." - Shulk
Meanwhile, walking around in the forest, Pepper and Ion were having a chat about what's to come in the last five days of the game.
"What do you think about you, me, and Vyse in the Final 3? I mean, I know you think you can't win, but that's 50 thousand dollars you can win from that alone." suggested Ion.
Pepper rolled her eyes, "Do you have a plan on how you and Vyse intend on getting there? Like, you guys understand that you're the two biggest jury threats right now being the underdogs, right?"
"Oh of course," smiled Ion, "But that's not going to stop us. I am aware of the divisions among the Fogorote and Halo alliance. We haven't made up our minds yet, but we're going to vote off Shulk or Hyde at the next tribal council."
"I've been giving it a lot of thought, and then it dawned on me; what if Hyde or even Pepper has a hidden immunity idol. Hyde might feel threatened to play it if he has it, so maybe we can let him think he's going home, and then vote off Shulk instead. It would get rid of an idol and a threat." - Ion
"I mean, based on what we could all hear from that fight this morning?" replied Pepper, "I think Hyde's going to be less of a threat to win now, don't ya think? I say Shulk goes home next. He should have went last night, but whatever."
"Well, do you think Hyde has a hidden immunity idol?" asked Ion.
Pepper shook her head, "Nope. I doubt it. He hasn't said a word about idols since we started working together after Josiah got the boot."
"He could always be hiding one," suggested Ion, "But what I was thinking is if he has one... we convince him that he's going home. Then he uses the idol, it's gone, and we just keep with the plan to vote Shulk."
"That might just be crazy enough to work! I'll have to ask him about the idol, Ion, since I think he'll tell me if he does or not." grinned Pepper.
"I'm probably in the best spot possible right now! Like, I think everyone wants to take me to the end for the simple fact that I betrayed my alliance and played the flipper card that screws over most flippers at the end. I think I'm in everyone's Final 3 plan, and if I'm not then they're darn crazy!" - Pepper
– – – – –
"Come on in guys!"
The remaining players arrived at the challenge area.
"Guys ready for today's reward challenge?"
Everyone nodded excitedly.
"For today's challenge, from Survivor Edenia, you will start off on opposite ends of a square grid. After establishing an order, you will move one at a time. Once you have run out of moves, you are out of the game. Last person left standing wins reward."
"After 35 days of playing this time, I'm sure the one thing you miss more than food or entertainment is love from home. So we're going to give you just a little taste of what's coming ahead for you today. Vyse, here's your girlfriend Aika."
The young peppy pig-tailed girl in yellow bounced out from behind the bushes to pounce Vyse. Vyse grabbed Aika and hugged her tightly against him, kissing her softly.
"Pepper, here's your boyfriend, Sunil!"
Sunil Nevla was a contestant from Survivor Blood vs. Water, and was Pepper's loved one and partner that season. The young and nervous mongoose appeared from behind the bush, and hugged Pepper tightly, kissing her on the lips, "I missed you Fluffytail.."
"Shulk, I'm sure you're ready for some love. Here's Fiora, your girlfriend."
Fiora walked out from behind the bushes and embraced Shulk as he hugged her tightly against him. He calmly stroked her hair and said loving things to her as they stood there in that loving embrace.
"Okay Lucina, here's a little love from home. It's your father, Prince Chrom."
Chrom was a contestant in the same season as Lucina; Survivor Lake Hylia. He embraced his daughter tightly as he stroked her hair and nodding his head confidently, "You've done so well, and I'm proud of you."
"Hyde, time to see your girlfriend. Jackie come on out!"
Hyde stepped forward and held his arms open for Jackie to fall right into his arms. Keeping a smile on his face, he embraced Jackie and held her close for the time Jeff gave each loved one pair.
"And finally, where are we to end without a visitor for Fon Master Ion. Come on out Anise Tatlin!"
Big name three-time Survivor contestant Anise Tatlin raced out from behind the bushes to jump into Ion's arms, exclaiming out loud, "Wow! Amazing! You're so close Ion, so don't give up you hear me! We need that money!"
"Okay, here's what's at stake. If you win today's reward you will get to share the reward with your loved one and... someone else from home. That's right, two loved ones for the winner! You will enjoy a picnic of sandwiches, barbeque, wine, drinks, and a lot more!"
Everyone cheered loudly.
"Here's the twist... loved ones.. you will be competing in today's challenge. You will be competing in the challenge to earn time with your loved ones, so I hope you're ready to win. We'll draw for spots on the board, and let's get started."
After talking with their loved ones regarding strategies and who to help win or lose, all six loved ones randomly chose an order and got on their respective spots. The board was an 8x8 grid of squares.
"The order made was Aika, Anise, Sunil, Chrom, Fiora, and Jackie. Aika gets to make the first move."
Aika started at A1. She moved down to A2.
Anise started at E1. She moved down to E2.
Sunil started at H1. He moved down to H2.
Chrom started at H8. He moved up to H7.
Fiora started at D8. She moved left to C8.
Jackie started at A8. She moved left to B8.
"This is going to take quite a while..."
– 4 moves later... –
Aika and Fiora worked together to ensure Jackie got stuck in a corner, but Jackie was clever enough to anticipate this and managed to block off Aika. Aika still had a lot of moves to make, despite this. Sunil was playing careful and away from other players, while Anise was trying to play aggressively. Chrom was off on his own, avoiding others and trying to win.
Aika was at C4. She moved up to C3, her only option at this point.
Anise was at E4. She moved down to E5, snickering as she completely blocked off Jackie from making many more moves.
Sunil was at F4. He moved right to G4.
Chrom was at G8. He moved left to F8.
Fiora was at D7. She moved right to E7.
Jackie was at C5. She moved right to her last spot; D5.
With the turns reset, Aika moved left to B3. Anise moved right to F5, trying to avoid a block from Fiora and Chrom. Sunil knew he was about to be crowded and moved to H4. Chrom planned out his next move and went up to F7. Fiora wanted to last as long as she could, so she moved from E7 to E6. Jackie had no more moves and she was the first one eliminated from the game.
Aika moved up to B2, giving her plenty of room after being blocked off by Jackie earlier in the game. Anise moved right to G5, and eventually found herself face to face with Sunil, whom moved down to H5. Chrom moved up to F6, and blocked off Fiora from making another move, and she was eliminated from the game.
Due to the fact that Aika had three more moves, and Anise, Sunil, and Chrom were all moveless, the competition ended just then after Aika moved up to B1.
"Just like that, this competition is over. AIKA WINS REWARD FOR VYSE!"
Vyse ran over onto the board to hug Aika tightly as the others clapped and cheered for them.
"Great job Aika, you looked like you were in danger earlier, but that's when you never give up and proceed to make the best of your situation! Thanks to you, Vyse wins reward and will get to spend the day with not only you, but also Gilder. Vyse, you now have a difficult decision. Choose two people to spend time with you on this reward. They too will get to spend time with two of their loved ones."
Vyse crossed his arms, and took a while to think about his decision.
"Alright... I'm going to share this reward with Ion... and Lucina."
Ion smiled warmly, and joined up with Vyse and Aika with Anise. Lucina also thanked Vyse as she and Chrom joined them.
"Sadly for Hyde, Shulk, and Pepper, I've got nothing for you. You three can head back to camp, while you guys can enjoy a great picnic with your loved ones. Gilder, Sync, and Gerome will be waiting for you there. Have fun guys, and I'll see you tomorrow for the immunity challenge!"
– – – – –
Reward Day 35
Eventually the reward winners and their loved ones arrived at the picnic area. There they found Gilder, Sync, and Gerome. Gilder is Vyse's good friend; Sync is a clone of Ion; and Gerome is Lucina's boyfriend.
"Hey hey! Welcome to the party, we were just about to get started!" grinned Gilder.
Ion noticed Sync up ahead, looking over at Anise, "Sync? That's a surprise."
Anise scoffed, "Please! They basically begged him to come on with me. They really wanted to see one of your twins on the show!"
"Twin isn't the best word to describe us." remarked Ion.
Sync approached both Anise and Ion and held a hand out to Ion, "Good to see you again, Fon Master."
Ion smiled at him, and shook his head, "A pleasure to see you too, Sync."
"Sync and I are both replicas of the original Fon Master Ion. Two of seven, actually. He sees himself as a failed experiment, as he wasn't chosen to take over like I was. I think we're polar opposites because I feel more positive about the world, whereas he sees things only in a negative light." - Ion
Lucina hugged Gerome tightly, resting her head on his shoulder, "It's good to see you again. What's life like back at Ylisse?"
Gerome smirked, "Heh... let's just say you and Chrom started the craze of Survivor.. nearly everyone's trying to get on now. My lunatic father.. Miriel's kid.. and I heard from Nah that her dad got rejected."
Chrom chuckled a little, "Yeah well, when you think about it, Frederick can be a little too.. err... strange. Especially since his only reason for going on is because I went on, of course."
"Mother still isn't interested in applying?" asked Lucina, looking over at Chrom.
Chrom shook her head, "Afraid not. Robin fears that she will be an immediate target due to her strategist nature. Probably for the best, if you ask me."
"My parents, my brother, and my boyfriend are just about the only important people that matter in my life. I want to win this game for them. After what happened at the last vote, and having seen my loved ones, I know that it's do or die, and I'm not going to die now." - Lucina
By the picnic table, Vyse was sitting with Aika and Gilder. Gilder was looking around at everyone else.
"I gotta say Vyse, third time's definitely the charm huh?" grinned Gilder, "Gonna bring back the million dollars to the Blue Rogues this time?"
Vyse nodded with a smirk, "Of course. I'm guaranteed the Final 5 with a tribal council pass I have in my pocket, so I just need to win the next two immunity challenges, and I have a fair shot to win."
Aika smiled brightly and hugged Vyse tightly around the waist, "Please do, Vysey! I really, really, really want to do something fun with you with all the money! We can go explore and visit really exotic locations with that!"
Vyse chuckled, kissing her cheek, "Definitely going to be one of the first things on our to-do list."
"I took Ion for obvious reasons, and while I could of taken Pepper on this reward, I really wanted to bring Lucina along for the ride just to see where her head is at. We need to get information out of her regarding the next vote, and hopefully Ion can make the right decision come next tribal." - Vyse
After everyone had gotten what they wanted to eat, Vyse, Ion, and Lucina were given a little bit of time from their loved ones to strategize about the game.
"I'm glad you brought me here, Vyse," explained Lucina, "I was looking forward to having a private meeting with you and Ion regarding the next vote. Are you still using the pass?"
Vyse nodded, "Unless I win immunity, I'm using it just to make sure I'm safe."
"Fair enough. Listen, Ion, if I tell you you're safe with Shulk and I, will you write down Hyde's name?" asked Lucina.
Ion nodded firmly, "Absolutely, but my fear is a hidden immunity idol. I haven't seen any of the idols that were told about at the merge once. I think Hyde might have one."
"Ion brings up a point that even I didn't think about. Hyde and Pepper both found hidden immunity idols before in their past seasons, but so have I. I hold the special idol in my hand.. and regrettably if Hyde has the other idol it's more powerful than mine. We'll have a lot to think about..." - Lucina
"Not to mention if he doesn't have it now, he has all the time in the world to go looking for it now." reminded Vyse.
Lucina sighed, before looking up at Ion, "Okay... for now, we're voting for Hyde still. Trust me, once we get back to camp and talk to Shulk, we'll have a plan set up to fall back on. If I were you, Ion, I'd win immunity."
Ion nodded, "Oh of course, I knew that."
"If Hyde has the hidden immunity idol, I am very likely going home as the unfortunate pawn. I don't really want to sacrifice Pepper or tell Lucina directly that Shulk is our fall back plan, so for now I'm just going to follow Lucina's instructions, and play it my way." - Ion
– – – – –
Foloropura Day 35
Hyde and Pepper were walking along the trail talking about the next vote.
"I'm worried Pepper," noted Hyde, "Did you see how they blocked off Jackie like that, man?"
Pepper nodded, "I noticed. Fiora, Aika, and Anise were all trying to knock her out! What gives!?"
"Today at the reward challenge, it seemed like everyone was trying to ensure I didn't win the challenge. I mean, three of the loved ones were intentionally trying to block Jackie off. Man, that just pisses me off. Based on that, I really think Lucina and Shulk are trying to lose the game, man." - Hyde
"Don't they see that we need to take Ion and Vyse out of this game?" exclaimed Hyde, before sighing, "Pepper, if I get the boot tomorrow night, take those morons out for me, dude. Give 'em karma."
Pepper snickered, "Don't worry. I was already approached for a Final 3 deal by Ion, so that's totally covered dude!"
Hyde shook his head, "Man... and all this time I felt for Lucina in her season. Deserved more votes... but now I can see why she didn't get those votes. Her game is beyond terrible."
"I have no idea what's going on right now on that reward picnic! All I know is that there's a plan to flush out an idol from Hyde and blindside Shulk. Anything can change once they return tomorrow. What I need to do is figure out if Hyde's even GOT an idol to begin with." - Pepper
"All I'm gonna say dude is if you got an idol you better play it to stay safe. We have no idea what Lucina's telling Ion or Vyse." warned Pepper.
Hyde nodded, sighing a little, "Yeah I know, man, and I've been looking all over the damn place for it... no luck, dude."
Pepper frowned, "Ah shucks, that sucks. We're going to have to get Ion's vote for sure now..."
"I'm not telling Pepper about my idol because with the position she's in now, she can do whatever the hell she wants, man. She's going to the Final 3 no matter what, since she's not getting votes, so.. if she starts to distrust me, they'll know about my idol. Don't want that, man." - Hyde
"But what I can tell you is that Lucina has the special idol," explained Hyde, "She told us all when we were still all on the same page. If we can find that other idol, we're golden, man."
Pepper grinned, "Hah! If she tries to save someone with that, it's such a waste of an idol! We'll just vote her off or someone else!"
"Exactly, man. This is why she should have just kept her mouth shut and her motives quiet." smirked Hyde.
"Listen, I'm just playing the game, man. Why do I have to be called the bad guy and victimized just because I'm playing a slightly villainous game, man? Josiah's absolutely right, just because you play like a villain but don't act like one doesn't mean you need to be looked down upon." - Hyde
Meanwhile, Shulk was sitting down in the shelter, waiting for the call to go to the immunity challenge.
"I need to win today's immunity challenge. I haven't won individual immunity once, and today's the day it'll change. If I don't win immunity I'm prepared to see my name written a few times and it could be the fatal votes. I just hope Lucina can get Ion's vote tomorrow. He's our last hope." - Shulk
– – – – –
"Come on in guys!"
The remaining players arrived at the challenge area.
"We'll now bring in the players returning from the reward."
Vyse, Ion, and Lucina walked out from behind and stepped onto the mat.
"Guys ready for today's immunity challenge?"
Everyone nodded excitedly.
"I'll take back immunity from you once again, Pepper."
Pepper did so.
"For today's challenge, from Survivor: Cuties, you're going to be using this slingshot, and you will try to knock out all 3 of your targets. First three players to do so move on to the final round. In the final round you will attempt to knock out all 5 of your targets. The winner of that round wins immunity. However, plan your aims, because you can miss at anytime. Every hit counts."
Everyone got situated at a station.
"Ready, aim, fire!"
Hyde hit Ion's first target.
Ion hit his second target.
Lucina hit her first target.
Pepper hit her first target.
Shulk hit his first target.
Vyse hit his first target.
"Ready, aim, fire!"
Hyde hit his first target.
Ion hit his final target, making him the first player to move on to the final round.
Lucina hit her second target.
Pepper hit her second target.
Shulk hit his second target.
Vyse missed.
"Ready, aim, fire!"
Hyde missed.
Lucina hit her final target.
Pepper hit her final target.
Shulk hit his final target.
Vyse hit his second target.
Jeff had to re-watch the tapes to determine which two out of Lucina, Pepper, and Shulk would move on to face off against Ion.
…
…
…
"It's going to be Ion... Shulk... and Pepper! Ion, Pepper, and Shulk are moving on to the Final Round!"
Vyse nodded, comfortable about not winning the challenge. Hyde wasn't too happy about the win, while Lucina was satisfied to know Hyde wouldn't win immunity.
"In this round you have five targets. The first person to get all of their targets knocked out wins immunity and is guaranteed a spot in the Final 5. Let's go. Ready, Aim, Fire!"
Ion hit his first target.
Pepper hit her first target.
Shulk hit Ion's second target.
"Ready, Aim, Fire!"
Ion hit his third target.
Pepper hit her second target.
Shulk hit Ion's fourth target.
"Ready, Aim, Fire!"
Ion hit his final target.
Pepper hit her third target.
Shulk hit his first target.
"And it's over! ION WINS IMMUNITY! GUARANTEED FINAL 5!"
Everyone clapped and cheered for Ion.
"Great job today Ion! Definitely a sharp shooter out there in the fields, and I give you credit for it. Because of that, you will once again have a spot in the Final 5. As for the rest of you, tonight one more player will be going home and become the seventh member of the jury. Vyse, just a warning, tonight is your last night to play your pass. See you all tonight."
– – – – –
Foloropura Day 36
Vyse immediately crawled into the shelter to take an early nap, knowing full well he wasn't going to go to tribal council.
"I'm not going to tribal council tonight. I know that with Ion winning immunity that I think it's very likely if I went tonight and something went wrong that I would be the victim. So I'm not taking that risk, and I can only hope Ion makes the right decision tonight." - Vyse
Down by the beach, Ion was having a talk with Hyde and Pepper regarding the vote tonight.
"Look at it this way, Ion," explained Hyde, "You're safe tonight and you're not going anywhere. I can guarantee you that with our three votes we can send Shulk home. It's a done deal."
Ion nodded, "I know what you're saying. I'm happy to be safe tonight, but it doesn't make my decision any easier."
"Look it should be easy for Ion to see what needs to happen tonight, man. Vote Shulk off, and then we'll be strong to the end. Course, we're not making a Final 3 deal, but we need him to see that Shulk is a bigger threat socially than say... Pepper or I. Definitely the smartest play, man." - Hyde
"What do you say Ion? Can't hurt to get rid of that Monado Boy, huh?" grinned Pepper.
Ion nodded again, "But I must ask... what do I gain from voting Shulk off?"
Pepper held her paw up, "Shh, Ion, we'll talk about that later, okay?" She looked up and winked at Hyde.
"Ah, I see. Alright then, I'll give it some thought then. Thank you." smiled Ion before leaving the area.
"Right now, I believe if Hyde has an idol he will be playing it tonight. Which makes my intended vote for Hyde pointless. At least that's what I'm hoping for. If I made my agreement too obvious, then he won't play the idol and Shulk will go home without the idol being played." - Ion
After he left, Pepper looked up at Hyde, "Do you believe he'll vote with us?"
Hyde sighed, crossing his arms, "Wait and see what Lucina does with her idol, man. I swear if she saves Shulk with it..."
"I don't think Lucina would use her special idol on Shulk. I mean, like, what would be the point? You would be going home instead, don't you see what the point of the so-called 'special' idol is? Lucina can't be that blind or oblivious. I'm bringing my idol tonight just to be safe." - Hyde
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Lucina and Shulk were talking about the vote. Lucina had exchanged some notes with Shulk from what she heard from Vyse and Ion on the reward.
"Wait, they think Shulk has the hidden immunity idol? The special one?" asked Shulk.
Lucina shook her head, "Not the other one, the actual one. Because my idol is the special one. I know I could have told you, but... to be fair it's not very special, so I didn't see the point in telling everyone."
"While I am glad Lucina has the special idol, I don't know how we're going to play this tonight. I mean... if she saves herself, I'm in trouble. If she saves me, she's in trouble. It's a double edged sword, and the only way we're safe is if Hyde doesn't have that idol." - Shulk
"You know.. what's the harm in splitting the votes between Hyde and Pepper?" asked Shulk.
Lucina shook her head, "Because if Hyde plays the idol and Pepper goes home, we lose our potential goat."
"Lucina, we may not have a choice. I mean Ion won today's immunity challenge." warned Shulk.
"I know that," sighed Lucina, "It's just... I want Hyde out tonight. I don't care what it takes. He doesn't deserve to be here after what he tricked me."
"Tonight I'm definitely going to be voting against Hyde tonight. He's the biggest threat left in the game, and after how he made me look bad by chickening out and leaving me to be blamed for Serena's ouster, if he wins the game that way... I'll be sick to my stomach. Ughh... I want him out." - Lucina
Shulk shook his head, "I'm sorry Lucina, but I'm going to vote for Pepper tonight. We need to have a back up plan if he plays an idol, and I'm not going home tonight."
Lucina looked over at him, before sighing softly, and looking away, thinking to herself about what to do.
"Ion's voting against Hyde," explained Shulk, "So if you vote Pepper with me, and Hyde plays his idol, then we tie 2-2. We can easily boot Pepper on the revote. Hyde's too selfish to give her an idol."
"...give me some time to think, Shulk. Please?" asked Lucina.
Shulk nodded, and left the forest to give Lucina some time to think about the vote.
"I have the special idol tonight, and Ion's convinced Hyde has a hidden immunity idol. I don't want to have to send Pepper home tonight, but... it might have to be our only option. I might need to make a drastic move tonight in order to keep both myself and Shulk safe tonight." - Lucina
After planning everything out in her head, she walked out of the forest to join the others minus Vyse in the trek to tribal council.
– – – – –
The Foloropura tribe arrived at tribal council.
"We'll now bring in the members of the jury..."
"Sub-Zero,"
Sub-Zero wore the latest rendition of his blue ninja outfit, sans the mask.
"Gadget,"
Gadget wore a teal t-shirt and blue jeans, smiling at the others.
"Josiah,"
Josiah wore a red-pink collared shirt and blue jeans.
"Rheneas,"
Rheneas wore a dark greenish conductor's suit without a tie or hat.
"Soi Fon,"
Soi Fon wore her black captains robe once again. She looked a little less angry today.
"And Serena, voted out at the last tribal council."
Serena had on her newest outfit from her journeys in Kalos, along with shorter hair.
"From what I can see, Vyse did not show up for tonight's tribal council and used up his pass. He is now safe from the vote and cannot vote or be voted off. We're close to the end, and with blindsides flying left and right, I'm sure nobody's ready to quit now. Pepper, can you see yourself in the Final 3 again?" asked Jeff.
Pepper nodded with a big grin.
"Yuh huh! I mean, I know I can't win the game because of the way I played the game, but for me I think it's just best for me to get as far as I can and be proud of the way I played the game. I won't be bitter if I lose." replied Pepper.
Josiah and Rheneas both smiled warmly.
"Shulk, with Vyse and Ion both safe tonight, there's no holding back tonight for the original alliance now. What do you do tonight?" asked Jeff.
Shulk chuckled.
"Well Jeff, I think our alliance wasn't holding back at the last vote when Serena was blindsided. Right now, I'm feeling very nervous and I feel like I'm going to be seeing my name written down. I hope it's not me tonight." replied Shulk.
Lucina sighed, looking over at him.
"Hyde, how about for you? Feeling like tonight's your last night, or do you still have some fight left?" asked Jeff.
"Well Jeff, I think I've been trying to play the game the best I can, man. I think the jury may respect my game, but some won't. Like Shulk, I'm also expecting to see my name on the parchment tonight." replied Hyde.
Lucina laughed quietly, speaking up, "That's funny of you to say Hyde... because if I was on the jury, I wouldn't respect your game at all, and I would make sure they see it my way."
Hyde shrugged, "If you say so, man."
"Hyde, there's nothing you can do tonight," continued Lucina, "You're by far the most untrustworthy player left in the game right now. You've lied to me, you've lied to Shulk, you've lied to several of the jury members. I wouldn't be surprised if you lied to anyone else."
"Like how I wasn't the one that got Serena voted out? That's cute." retorted Hyde.
Serena, on the jury side, shook her head, now knowing exactly who got her out of the game.
Lucina reached into her pocket, and pulled out her hidden immunity idol, "Hyde, the reason you're screwed tonight..."
…
…
…
"... is because I'm playing this idol on Shulk. It's the special idol." confirmed Lucina, standing up to walk the idol over to Jeff. Everyone was shocked to see this happen, including Shulk.
"This is indeed the special idol. The rules of this hidden immunity idol are that the user is safe before the votes are cast. That means Shulk, you are safe tonight. You cannot be voted out. That leaves Lucina, Hyde, and Pepper as the only ones vulnerable." explained Jeff.
Lucina sat back down, while Hyde shook his head, "Really, man? Really?"
Lucina nodded, "Yes, really. If you have that idol you better play it tonight. Because we have three votes coming your way, and that's a fact."
Ion was thinking about the vote silently, trying not to get involved. Pepper was panicking a little, paranoid since she didn't think Hyde had the idol after what he told her.
"Very well then. Guess my fate is sealed, man," noted Hyde quietly, "Let's get to the vote, Probst. Just to get it over with."
"Very well. It's time to vote, Lucina, you're up."
– – –
Hyde's Vote: No words can describe how I feel tonight, man. (Lucina)
Ion's Vote: Based on your response, I don't think you have the idol.. sorry. (Hyde)
Lucina's Vote: I hope that wasn't a mistake... (?)
Pepper's Vote: Darn it... sorry! (?)
– – –
"If somebody has the hidden immunity idol, and you would like to play it, now would be the time to do so."
Nobody did anything. All of a sudden Hyde stretched out his limbs and stood up.
"You know what Jeff.. let's not bother with the votes man," said Hyde, "I know it's me. Let me just do the job for you, dude."
Everyone looked confused, watching as Hyde grabbed his torch and walked over to Jeff.
…
…
…
After Hyde got to where Jeff would normally snuff his torch, Hyde pulled out his immunity idol, "Sike. Play this on me tonight, Probst."
Jeff had the snuffer in hand, and was shocked himself at Hyde's fake out. He put the snuffer away and took the idol from him. As Hyde sat back down, Pepper was in total shock, clenching onto her knees.
"The rules of Survivor state, that if someone plays the hidden immunity idol, all votes cast against the person will not count, and the person with the second most votes will go home. This is indeed a hidden immunity idol. Any votes cast against Hyde, will not count."
"Okay, once the votes are read, the decision is final, person voted out must leave the tribal council area immediately. I'll read the votes."
First vote, Hyde. Doesn't count. (He smirked. Lucina rolled her eyes, looking away from his smug grin.)
…
Hyde. Doesn't count. (Shulk nodded his head, looking over at Lucina.)
…
…
…
Lucina. One vote Lucina. (She closed her eyes.)
…
…
Pepper. One vote Pepper, one vote Lucina, one vote left. (Pepper blinked, once again shocked at seeing her name come up.)
Nineteenth person voted out of Survivor Battle Royale, and the seventh member of our jury...
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
...is Pepper. That's two, that's all I need tonight. You need to bring me your torch.
Pepper rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she grabbed her things and her torch, giving it to Jeff, "Man! I blame myself for that, but really? You're voting me out?"
"Pepper, the tribe has spoken."
He snuffed out her torch.
"Time for you to go."
Pepper shook her head as she ran out of the tribal council area. Hyde shook his head, taking a deep breath.
"Congratulations. You have made it to the Final 5. For some of you, it's a new feeling. You're three days away from potentially winning this game. You have two more immunity challenges, three more tribal councils, and at the end only one winner. I can't wait to see how this shakes up. Grab your torches, and head on back. Good night."
– – – – –
Pepper's Final Words
"Like seriously! Who does split votes in this series! That's why I voted against Hyde tonight! I figured if he's going home, I better vote with the tribe, and if he doesn't then Lucina goes home! Nope! Split vote, and I'm gone. Now that I'm gone, that Final 3 will definitely become one of closest endings yet!"
VOTE
Hyde – Ion and Pepper (didn't count)
Lucina – Hyde
Pepper – Lucina and Shulk
One of the first and few times in the series where a split vote plan actually is carried out and SUCCEEDS!
So who will be crowned the winner of Survivor Battle Royale? The fierce princess Lucina? The 70s stoner Hyde? The airship pilot Vyse? The Monado geek Shulk? Or quiet Fon Master Ion? Find out this week or next week!
If you enjoyed what you read, why not follow me, or write up a review about the episode or predictions about what might happen next? Every review helps me learn who is well liked, who is hated, and what the general consensus is. I try my best to update regularly, so if you enjoy my Survivor series, follow me for more adventures.