(We gonna finish this thing right now, guys! I'mma write the finale, get down to the final 2, and write the Final Tribal Council! And then we'll reveal the winner! So let's get this done with! Because I've been putting this off for a while due to a LOT of self-hatred, but I've gotten over it. Now hopefully that won't come creeping back before I have to go see someone about it.)
36 days ago, 16 all new players came out to Apple Woods, all looking to play the game of Survivor and win the million dollar prize! Among the hopefuls for victory were a detective, a ex-con, a baseball player, and a wind vestal.
When they arrived, already divided into two tribes - the blue Ciel tribe and the dark red Obscurite tribe - they were already hit with a twist; Exile Island. For the pre-merge, whoever lost the reward challenge for their tribe would be banished to Exile, but allowed to have someone from the winning tribe go with them. Post merge, the winner of the reward challenge would get the right to send one of the losers to Exile Island.
Speaking of post-merge twists, a new idol had the potential to rock the game, the Idol of Good Will. When this is played, the user can have the immunity from the idol shared with another person. Chihiro Fujisaki found the idol, but as shown at the last Tribal Council, he did not use it.
After a series of events, only four are fighting to the finish!
Lethe.
Chihiro.
Pit.
And Nephenee.
One of these four will walk out of the woods a million dollars richer, the other three will fall short. Who will claim the grand prize? This is the end! Only four are left! Let's stop wasting anymore time and finish this!
Final 4: Lethe, Chihiro, Pit, Nephenee
Jury: Akiyama, Lightning, Sayaka, Celes, Leon, Maya
Estrellas Night 36
Chihiro was happy his final four alliance was intact at this point. In fact, he was happy to still be in the game at this point.
"I'm really pleased with myself that I managed to make the final 4 in Survivor...I think anyone who knows me doesn't know I've been hiding something from everyone, since I didn't want to be pegged as a jury threat. Hopefully it'll all work out in the end. Hopefully the people from my past will see me out here, and see how strong I think I've become." -Chihiro
"Welp, you heard Flash." Lethe stated. "We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Agreed! We'll take whatever he can throw at us down!" Pit exclaimed in excitement.
"A lot of you are probably wondering how I didn't get medevac'd at...any point during all this. Well, I get healed from the food around us, especially on the ground. The fact it's Apple Woods really helped me get through this quite a long way." -Pit
Immunity Challenge Day 37!
"Come on in, guys!" The hosts called. The final four entered the challenge area, which was turned into a large dirt field.
"Okay, so I'm pretty sure this is the moment you've all been waiting for...for the most part." Flash started. "It's time for the final boss! Of course, there's still one more challenge after this, but still! For the final boss, you will be squaring off against Wiggler. Here's how this is going to work. Once we send him in, you've gotta get onto his back and pound on the segments of his back. Every time you do this, you score a point. There is a sweet spot you can hit for 3, but I wouldn't rely on that for the full time. Also, someone didn't cover the field yesterday, so there might be a uh...surprise...in the dirt. But like last time, whoever lands the final attack gets three bonus points. Whoever deals the most damage wins immunity, losers are vulnerable at Tribal Council where someone will be the thirteenth person voted out and become the seventh member of our jury. Guys ready?"
"I know I am." Nephenee nodded. Chihiro was a little anxious.
"Do we have to?" He wondered. "This Wiggler probably has loved ones…"
"Don't worry, we'll make sure he's fighting fit once we're done." Flash reassured.
"Alright, so bae! Do the thing!" Alicia added.
"Got it." He waved his hands around, barriers forming around the remaining players. "This is so we don't have to worry about potential risks and serious injuries. Sweetheart, go get Wiggler in here."
"Alright!" She texted Colette to bring Wiggler in. "You four, get ready." The final four got into fighting stances, ready for battle.
(For this challenge, Wiggler has 34 HP)
In walked in a large yellow caterpillar which everyone would know as Wiggler.
"Battle time!" Flash shouted. "Get going!"
Turn 1
The final four all raced towards Wiggler, all going in for the same purpose, and that was to win. Quickly, Lethe and Nephenee began their pounding right out of the gate, Chihiro joining in when he could. Lethe got in four hits, Nephenee the same amount, and Chihiro landed two. Pit almost got one in, but Wiggler went to the side of the arena before he could, only pounding on the dirt.
Turn 2
Wiggler came back around, Chihiro ready for him. Pit got in three hits, and Chihiro joined Lethe on getting two, but the latter landed four again. It was then Wiggler grew red! And he was mad. He began moving faster, making it harder for the players to hit him.
Turn 3
Wiggler kept moving as fast as he was, causing difficulty for the players. Despite this, Nephenee managed to get in three hits, Chihiro joining her for another two. Pit got in another hit as well.
Turn 4
With Wiggler's health low enough to finish this here and now, everyone made a mad dash to the boss, all jumping up to hit him. They all got in two hits together, but the last hit ultimately went to the Crimean herself by a split second. Once she landed the final strike, Wiggler toppled over, defeated.
"Alright, we'll go tally up the scores!" Flash said. After a quick tally...
"We have a winner! Nephenee! Guaranteed a spot in the final 3!" Alicia announced. Nephenee took it with stride.
The scores:
Lethe: 10
Nephenee: 12
Chihiro: 8
Pit: 6
After Flash gave Nephenee immunity, Alicia said, "Alright, we'll see you guys tonight at Tribal. Lethe, Chihiro, Pit, after 37 days, one of your quests for the million dollars will come to a screeching halt. See you then." And with that, the foursome headed back to camp.
Estrellas Day 37
The final four came back to camp with their heads held high. Pit jumped up to grab an apple from a low hanging branch and quickly ate that.
"So looks like I've won against that giant caterpillar. Plan is still the same, but I wanna make sure that we've gotten everything done that we need to do." -Nephenee
"Hey guys?" Chihiro asked. "Could we, like, make a tribute to all our fellow players before we go to Tribal?"
"Sure thing, buddy." Pit agreed. The other two girls agreed as well, going to work making a totem pole, Lethe carving the names of the others into it. Chihiro got up on Nephenee's shoulders and placed his Idol of Good Will on top.
"I put the idol up there because I didn't have any use for it. Seeing as it'd be one last nice gesture, we decided to make that tribute to the other players who didn't make it as far as we did." -Chihiro
For good measure, they put their own names at the near top. With that out of the way, the four then headed off to Tribal Council.
The final four arrived at Tribal Council, both hosts waiting for them. "We will now bring in the members of our jury. Akiyama, Lightning, Sayaka, Celes, Leon, and Maya, voted out at the last Tribal Council." Flash said. The six jury members all took their seats and discussion began.
"Only two days away from this game ending. Pit, are you excited?" Alicia asked.
"Oh man, am I ever! It's been one heck of a road getting here, and whatever happens tonight? I'll accept it. I'm sure Lady Palutena will be proud of me." The angel answered. "Going for thirty seven days and lasting this long would make anyone proud."
"Lethe, what about you? What has this game done for you?" Flash wondered.
"If anything, this game taught me that not all Beorcs are bad people. If anyone is versed in the whole racism towards us Laguz, and the racism towards them. Coming out here showed me people like the kid sitting next to me, and Nephenee as well even though I already know her, all Beorcs aren't the way I've seen." She informed. "I was more comfortable around Neph at the beginning, and then it went from there."
"Nephenee, you learn anything from being out here?" Alicia proceeded.
"If anything, I started this game off a bit shy about my voice and lifestyle. People can vote you off for even the smallest of reasons early on, and Lethe was one of the few people that I felt easy around from the Mad King's War." Nephenee went on. "As the game went on, I guess I got used to talking around the people I was playing with. It won't be much of a problem once I leave this place, I reckon."
"Chihiro, got anything you wanna add?" Flash questioned.
"Not really. I came out here to get stronger since one look at me would tell you I'm not all that tough." The programmer started, but then, after thinking it for a little while, he then closed his eyes. "Since everyone else is talking about their lives, I might as well share mine. I wasn't strong enough to be outside to play with friends, and I was always told to 'be a man' and that I was 'weak despite being a boy'. So I decided to dress like this as a way to make the bullying stop. I didn't want to initially tell anyone since it would only make the bullying come back…but since we're all friends here for the most part, I might as well be open about it."
"Nephenee, what're your thoughts on that?" Alicia wondered. "Pit said it earlier; lasting this long out here would make anyone proud."
"Chihiro, I think Pit is right. You've made it this far, survived the days, even winning a few challenges for your tribe and yourself." Nephenee told him. "Takes a lot of guts to talk about what you just said on live television." Chihiro held the Crimean's hand.
"Okay, so Chihiro. We're about to vote. There's just one thing I wanna know before we do. If you survive tonight's Tribal Council, does telling about your past give you any sort of motivation for the last challenge of the season tomorrow?" Flash just had to know. Chihiro gave a nod.
"If I survive tonight's vote, the one thing I'd want to do then is to prove them all wrong. I have gotten stronger, and I'm willing to prove it to everyone watching, and everyone here." He answered. "So yes. I do have some motivation for the last push of this game."
"Alright then. It is, time to vote. Lethe, you're up." The Cat Laguz got up to cast her vote.
Pit: I'm only casting this vote for one reason and one reason only: Out of the other three here, I think you have the best chance of winning. Best wishes, buddy. (Chihiro)
Nephenee casts her vote.
Chihiro casts his vote.
Once Chihiro sat back down, Flash said, "I'll get the votes. Be just a moment." He returned with the urn. "Once the votes are read, the decision is final, and the person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I'll read the votes." Flash got out the first vote. "First vote...Chihiro." The programmer blinked at that, but knew it wasn't that big a deal.
Alicia got out another vote. "Pit. One vote Pit, one vote Chihiro." The angel was smiling despite that. Flash got out the next vote, and said,
"The next two votes are for the same person, so I'll read them together. Thirteenth person voted out and seventh member of our jury...Pit. Bring us your torch." Pit got up and got in a group hug with the now final three.
"Good luck you guys!" Pit told them, bringing up his torch to Flash and Alicia.
"Pit, your tribe has spoken." Flash and Alicia snuffed his torch. "Time for you to go." And with that, he left the Tribal Council area.
"Well, I don't believe I've seen this tight of a group before, but there's only one more challenge, and one more vote left for you three. Only two of you will be here on the final day, so I expect there will be a friendly and hard-fought competition between you. Grab your stuff, head back to camp. I will see you all tomorrow." And with that, the last three in the game headed back to camp.
Pit's Final Words: So close to the end! But I think that maybe I'll be back for another game, and if not, I've set the bar for my friends outside of the game. Lady Palutena, I hope I've made you proud out here!
The Votes
Pit- Lethe, Chihiro, Nephenee
Chihiro- Pit
Estrellas Day 38
Chihiro, Lethe, and Nephenee all awoke to see that a note was waiting for them, pinned to a tree by an arrow. Lethe got up and read it. "'Congratulations for making it to the final three! You've got a big day ahead of you, starting with a torchwalk to honor your fallen comrades, along with the last immunity challenge you will ever compete in this season. Finally, the winner of the last immunity challenge will have the power to choose who will be joining them in the Final Tribal Council. We hope you got plenty of sleep, because we think you'll need it. Best of luck, Flash and Alicia.'" She got her things. "You two ready? No turning back now."
"I've been ready since we got back here." Chihiro answered.
"Same here, kiddo." Nephenee agreed. There was also a map attached, with Nephenee took.
The final three went down a winding forest trail, intervaled with the torches of the voted out contestants. First up was Chaz's torch.
"He wasn't really nice to Pit, assuming he could make a fire from being an angel." Lethe frowned.
"Maybe if he wasn't a jerk like he was, maybe he would have made it farther." Chihiro guessed. They approached Junior's torch next.
"Junior was such a good kid, I don't understand why giving us fire was reason enough to vote him out." Nephenee commented.
"Like you said, people can get voted out for anything." Lethe reminded. "Even for the pettiest of reasons." They came to Agnes's torch next.
"I wish I got to know Agnes a little better." Chihiro spoke.
"Ditto." Lethe agreed. Next they strode over to Vaike's torch.
"Now Vaike, I probably think could have made the merge for his strength alone." Nephenee wagered. "I didn't want to waste the idol then, since I was saving it for the merge here."
"My guess is you still have it?" Chihiro wagered, to which Nephenee gave a nod.
"I still do. Holding onto it now for luck." She told him. They came up to Kyoko's torch.
"What I find interesting is how Kyoko was right about Sayaka being untrustworthy. I mean...look at her betraying Celes and it almost working." Lethe commented.
"Well, she IS the Ultimate Detective…" Chihiro mused. "I hope she'll get a second chance one of these days." The next torch they came to was Byakuya's.
"Akiyama betraying him and Celes saved Maya and I from getting voted out. Especially with myself." Nephenee said.
"Did Maya do most the talking, Neph?" Lethe wondered.
"Yeah, she talked to him. Why?" The Crimean asked in response.
"Just curious." Lethe answered. They came to Akiyama's torch next.
"Akiyama was a dangerous player." Chihiro said. "But even though, Maya managed to cause him to drop the straw that broke the camel's back."
"The camel in this case being Celes." Nephenee added. "I wouldn't be surprised if he won had he not gotten voted out." The next torch they visited was Lightning's.
"Lightning was a strong player. I was determined to beat her, and then I did. Look where that got her." Lethe spoke.
"I did say it; challenge winners are threats after all." Chihiro chimed. Next up they came to Sayaka's torch.
"Who would've thought Sayaka could be so deceiving?" Nephenee wondered. "Yeah, I guess you two could reiterate that Kyoko was right in not trusting her."
"And that got her voted out, thanks to me." Lethe frowned. "Sorry I got impatient."
"It's alright, Lethe. It's over now, okay?" Chihiro reassured. They moved on over to Celes's torch.
"Hard not to feel bad for Celes either." Lethe added. "She got betrayed three times this whole game - by Akiyama, by Sayaka, and by us."
"To be honest with you guys, I didn't want to do it, but it had to be done eventually." Chihiro took in a deep breath. They came to Leon's torch next.
"All this guy wanted was publicity." Lethe summarized. "Well, he got what he wanted I suppose."
"Maybe he got more than he bargained for." Nephenee guessed. "Especially considering the hosts for this series…" Next up was Maya's torch.
"Maya could have very well won this game if she split us up and won the last two challenges." Chihiro commented, then smiled. "I wouldn't be shocked if she came back for another season and win that one."
"It's entirely possible, Chihiro." Nephenee agreed. Lastly, they approached Pit's torch, the last torch on the walk.
"Pit was a good kid. Too bad all that stuff happened to him." Chihiro frowned, which turned into a smile. "But he wasn't bitter about his elimination, and gave us a wish of good luck for the final challenge."
"Let's give this challenge our best for him." Lethe stated. "I'm sure that's what he'd want us to do." With a collective nod, the final three arrived at the challenge area, Flash and Alicia waiting for them.
"Hey guys! Ready for the final challenge?" Flash asked. The trio were all ready. "Alright, Lethe. I need it back." She gave Flash immunity. "For the last time, immunity is up for grabs. Here's your final challenge. You're gonna be behind gates, and you'll have to untie a series of knots to get past it, then race up a giant water tower. At the top are keys needed to unlock and recover three bags of puzzle pieces. Grab a key, slide down the water slide, and make your way through a multi-level obstacle course, then you'll use the key to unlock a bag of puzzle pieces, drop it on the table, and repeat the process for the other two. Once you have all three bags, use the pieces inside to solve the puzzle. First person to finish, wins immunity, guaranteed a spot in the Final Tribal Council, and the vote to potentially make a million dollar decision. Losers get nothing and one of you two will not be sitting next to the winner of this challenge. Instead you'll be the last person voted out and the eighth and final member of our jury. Everyone ready?"
"Bring it on." Nephenee responded.
"Alright, we'll get into position, and then we'll get started." Alicia grinned.
Nephenee shedded her armor for this challenge before they began, and she, along with Lethe and Chihiro, were ready to begin. "Alright, this is it! Final immunity challenge! Survivors ready? GO!"
Both hosts started the challenge, all three attacking the knots and getting them untied as fast as they could. They all finished this portion at roughly the same time, Lethe sprinting up the stairs as Chihiro paced himself up the stairs. Nephenee pursued Lethe up the steps, getting their first keys and heading down the slide. Chihiro grabbed his first key and followed them down the slide. The girls were already moving through the obstacle course by the time Chihiro caught up to them. Lethe got her first bag unlocked, heading up the stairs, but slower this time. Nephenee followed, and so did Chihiro. The programmer picked up the pace slightly seeing Lethe tiring herself out, Nephenee keeping pace. The trio had gotten their second key, now neck and neck as they raced to their second bags. They roughly got their at the same time, and it was Chihiro who took the lead, Nephenee right behind him and Lethe close behind. Chihiro grabbed his key and slid down, heading towards the obstacle course with the other two in hot pursuit.
Chihiro got a headstart on the puzzle, what with unlocking the final bag of puzzle pieces first. The two gals were behind him, working on the puzzle as well. All three were looking to blaze through the puzzle, after that coveted final immunity…
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..."Flash! Alicia! I got it!" Chihiro yelled. The two checked, with Flash shouting,
"It's over! CHIHIRO! WINS THE FINAL INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY CHALLENGE! GUARANTEED A SPOT IN THE FINAL TRIBAL COUNCIL!" The programmer fell to his knees, the shock of what he had just done coming over him all at once. He was happy, and yet, he was upset a little. But he didn't let the latter stop him from being pleased with the results.
"Chihiro. What's going through your mind now?" Alicia asked.
"I'm happy I won, but...I have to choose either Lethe or Nephenee to take with me to the final two…" He responded. "It's a tough choice for me."
"True, you do have to decide which of the two to take with you to the last Tribal Council." Flash said. "We could go right now if you want to get it over with right away." Chihiro did have one request to make.
"Can I talk it over with them before we go? Here?" He asked. The hosts agreed. So Chihiro, after having immunity put around his neck.
"Buddy...I'll understand if you take Lethe over me." Nephenee told him, holding him close. "I won't be upset at the questions if you take her over me."
"Me too. I said it last night, you showed me not all Beorcs are bad." Lethe added, joining in on the hug. "I wouldn't hold it against you, kid. You fought hard to get where you are now." Chihiro returned their hugs.
"I have reasons to keep both of them with me, and I'm running both scenarios in my head on which would be the better to take, on a strategic point yes...but mainly, on a personal point. It was a very, very tough decision for me to make...but I'll keep my chin up." -Chihiro
"Alright, you guys ready now?" Alicia wondered.
"One more minute please…" Chihiro responded.
"...We'll go get your torches for you." She texted Colette to get the torches over to Tribal Council and set up. Once the three were done, they followed Flash and Alicia to Tribal Council.
The final three green buffed players arrived at Tribal Council as the sun was setting, Flash and Alicia taking their spots at their podiums.
"We will now bring in the members of our jury. Akiyama, Lightning, Sayaka, Celes, Leon, Maya, and Pit, voted out at the last Tribal Council." The seven jurors took their seats and Flash was the only one to speak.
"Alright, here's how this is going to work. As you know, Chihiro is the only one voting. Lethe, Nephenee, you've already spoke with him on the matter, so I take it neither of you have anything you want to add?" He said. Both ladies shook their heads. "Okay. Chihiro, once you cast your vote, bring the urn to me, and I'll read the vote."
"Got it." Chihiro nodded.
"Alright, go for it." And with that, the programmer got up to cast the vote.
Chihiro: *as he's writing the name* I just wanna say thank you for everything you've done for me, and for being loyal to the end. I'll see you tomorrow. (?)
Once Chihiro put the vote in the urn, he went out and handed it to Flash. "Thank you, Chihiro. Once the vote is read, you know the drill." And Flash drew the vote. "Fourteenth and last person voted out of Survivor Apple Woods and the eighth, and final member of our jury…
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...Lethe. Bring us your torch." The Cat Laguz took the metaphorical pill well, getting up and getting hugged by Chihiro one last time.
"If it were a final 3, I would've taken you too." He told her.
"Obviously." She smiled, ruffling his hair. Grabbing her torch, she added, "You're one of the sweetest kids I've ever met, Chihiro! Don't let anyone tell you different!"
"Lethe, your tribe has spoken." And the hosts snuffed her torch. "Time for you to go." Lethe had left the area with one last salute goodbye.
"Chihiro. Nephenee. Congratulations to both of you, for going as far as you can in this game. Tomorrow you will face the jury, who holds the power to crown the Sole Survivor and gift the million dollar prize." Flash smiled. "Grab your things and head back to camp. See you tomorrow." With that, they left the Tribal Council area.
Lethe's Final Words: One day away from the end, but the distance I went is nothing to shake a stick at. 38 days, third place, final juror. Tomorrow's gonna be a tough choice for me to make, but at least I'm voting for someone I really like as a great friend.
You know what the vote was, but I'm showing it anyway.
Lethe- Chihiro
Estrellas Day 39
Nephenee was awoken by Chihiro shaking her awake, both of them spotting their final day breakfast awaiting to be cooked.
"Welp, this is the end. It's the finale! We're done with the schemin', we're done with the lyin', and we. Have. Officially come to the end of this ride. Now that we've only got one thing to do now, and that's face the jury, I've already gotten myself ready last night." -Nephenee
"We did it, Neph." Chihiro smiled. "I couldn't have done it without you or Lethe...you know that, right?" The Crimean chuckled.
"Oh, don't doubt yourself, little buddy. You had just as much a hand in getting here as we did." She told him. With that, she cooked them both breakfast, feasting like royalty.
"I'm...I'm so proud of myself getting to the last day. This experience has changed me a lot, looking back. I've won at least two individual immunities, I've made some new friends, and I've finally become open about this secret of mine. Safely, I can say I've gotten stronger from this all. It's what I wanted, and I got it." -Chihiro
Once they were done feasting, Nephenee asked, "Hey Chihiro...what's going on in your head right now?"
"All of the other ways this game could have gone." He answered. "Like...what if I took Lethe over you to this day? Would the jury vote differently?" Nephenee shook her head.
"Ah, let's not worry about that. We're here now, nothing can change that." She told him. "Just look forward to tonight, where we'll finish this." They later finished, the Crimean handing Chihiro his torch. "I'm guessing we're ready?" She asked him.
"Yeah, I'm ready when you are." Chihiro responded. Nephenee was indeed ready, and the two headed out to Tribal Council.
"Since the first day, I came out here to get stronger. If these past few days were any indicator, I really have gotten tougher as a result. I won a few challenges, I made it to the end, and I even came out and told of why I dress the way I do. *pauses, and then smiles* Maybe I deserve the title of Sole Survivor." -Chihiro
Chihiro and Nephenee arrived at Tribal Council once night fell, Flash and Alicia at their usual spots. "We will now bring in our completed jury. Akiyama, Lightning, Sayaka, Celes, Leon, Maya, Pit, and Lethe, voted out at the last Tribal Council." Flash said, the jury taking their seats. "Chihiro. Nephenee. Congratulations for making it to the Final Tribal Council. It is here where your past decides your future, and the power shifts over to the jury where they will decide who deserves the title of Sole Survivor and the million dollar prize that comes with it. Before we begin, you will be able to make your opening statements to the jury. Chihiro, you're up first." The programmer stood up, took a deep breath, and began.
"Who would have guessed me making it to the end? From the very beginning, I came out here for one thing, and that was strength. Making it to the merge started that, then I went on through the days, having voted out friends, classmates, and people who I have nothing but respect for. And finally, on day thirty seven, the final four Tribal Council, I admitted to my tribemates, the jury, and national television, why I dress the way I do. To my friends who helped me get to this position, I want to say thank you, and even if you don't vote for me, I won't hold a grudge." He then sat back down.
"Alright. Nephenee, your opening statement." Alicia spoke, with Nephenee standing up.
"Well, this has been quite a ride for me. I came out here thinking it'd be a good idea, it'd be a good time. Boy, how I was right." The Crimean spoke loud and clear, not stumbling over a word. "Well, originally starting out I was pretty shy, thinking my voice would get me ousted, but it became clear to me that wasn't the case. I started opening up to you people more and more as the days went on, and now we're here. I think that challenge wise, I did pretty good for myself, I made myself a group to the end final four wise, and I couldn't have done it without them. I ask that you vote for me tonight since winning would be pretty nice. Elincia's been pretty kind to me, and if I don't win, I've got her to fall back on." And she took her seat.
"Okay. Alright Jury, you've got one job. That's to ask the finalists here something or speak your mind about them, and then we'll vote for who you believe to be more deserving of Sole Survivor and the million dollar prize." Flash instructed. "Akiyama, set it off." The ex-con stood up and faced the finalists.
"I congratulate you both for making it to the end. After seeing what you've done, I'm going to let you know I will remain undecided till it is time to vote for the winner, and I will base my vote on who I think played the better game and who handles this last Tribal Council better." He stated. "I wish you both the best of luck." He then sat back down, focusing now on the answers.
"Thanks Akiyama." Alicia said. "Sayaka, you're next." Sayaka faced the finalists, a smile on her face.
"Hey guys! Congrats on making the final two!" She congratulated, holding two flashcards. "I've got something to ask both of you, and then I'll make choice. Chihiro, I wanna start with you. At camp, I saw you more as one of, if not the, nicest guy in the tribe. My question to you is simple. While you were really sweet, did you have any control in the votes?"
"Um...I guess my control came once Celes was voted off. She did the strategy for some of the voting in the merge, but once she was gone I took her place." Chihiro answered.
"Okay. Nephenee, you were, along with Lethe, the challenge beasts for the most part once Lightning is gone. My question to you is just to confirm something. What is your secret to being strong like you are?" Sayaka then asked. Cue Flash looking at her funny. Nephenee had to think about this for a minute.
"Well, lemme tell you something. During the war, I was recruited into the militia, to be honest." The Crimean answered. "I was taken prisoner by Daein, and I joined along with the boy Ike. Time went on, and I turned out to be quite the fighter. So much so Lethe commented on it in a positive light. Multiple times."
"Interesting. Alright, that's all. Next!" Sayaka took her seat.
"Sure. Leon, you're up." Flash stated. The baseball player got up and faced the finalists.
"Yo guys, congrats on making it to the end!" Leon began. "So uh...when I got to the jury, I didn't have much of a thought train going into this. So I'm just going to give you guys an opinion question. I plan on becoming a musician as some of you know, so my question is what kind of music should I play?"
Nephenee scratched her head at that. "I'd say whatever you feel comfortable with doing, Leon. Not really sure if I'm the best person to ask for that…"
"I was trying to give you an easy one." Leon admitted, frowning.
"Well, maybe you could play Rock?" Chihiro suggested. "I think it'd fit you well personality wise."
"Okay. I knew who I was voting for, and well...eh. Thanks for being a part of this, you two. I won't be an Ultimate Musician like Ibuki, but I can at least make an effort. Whoever wins the money, y'know, spend it wisely, alright?" Leon advised. "Alright hosts, I'm done. Who's next?" He took his seat.
"Thank you Leon." Alicia told him. "Pit." The angel got up to face the finalists, tripping over his feet while doing so, but stopped himself from falling on his face.
"Hey guys! Way to go making it here!" Pit started. "So, I have...no idea who to vote for. I was racking my brain for the past two days thinking of something to ask you both, and this is what I came up with. What are two reasons that the person sitting next to you deserves to win more than yourself? Chihiro, could you start?"
The programmer looked over at Nephenee. "Well, Nephenee is really strong, and that's something I admire in people. Another reason is...well...she means what she says. Not once have I heard her lie to me at all."
"Okay. And Nephenee? What are two reasons for Chihiro?" Pit wondered.
"My first reason is Chihiro is probably the most down to Earth kid I've met, and I don't think there's a single evil bone in his body." Nephenee answered. "My second reason is he's got a good head on shoulders. He's really smart, knew what was going on, and played a great game." Chihiro blushed a little.
"Aw, thanks." He responded.
"Alright, I've got what I need. Thanks for playing!" Pit adamantly closed and sat back down.
"Lightning." Flash said as Lightning got up and stood to face the finalists.
"In front of me I have two people, both very different, and strong for different reasons as well. Chihiro, you played a strong social game by having an unbreakable final four alliance with Lethe, Nephenee and Pit. Nephenee, you played a strong physical game with your multiple challenge wins. My question to you is what was one unique thing you did in your game individually." She spoke. "Chihiro, start for me."
"One thing that I myself did individually was find this idol out on Exile Island." Chihiro explained. "It was this Idol of Good Will, that I could play on myself and someone else until the Final 5. I used that back at camp when Lethe and Pit were still in the game as part of my tribute to everyone who played." The description of the idol caught Celes's attention. "It was my first time out on Exile Island too, and I found it a short while after I got there."
"Interesting to hear. Nephenee, what about you?" Lightning wondered.
"My unique thing was winning the boss immunity challenge on Day 37. I know, I'm not the first, but I won that specific challenge for this specific season." Nephenee answered. "But off-topic Lightning? I'd say you're right in your assessments of us."
"I know I am." Lightning nodded. "Good luck to you both." She took her seat.
"Thanks Lightning." Alicia thanked. "Celes." The gambler got up from her seat, calming herself before speaking.
"Alright, let me start with Nephenee. Back when we had our last Tribal Reward challenge, you spoke to me about your friend's idiot brother. Sometime during that evening someone managed to have Akiyama flip on me and Byakuya, and my guess is that was Maya. Was it your idea to have Akiyama betray us? Yes or no, and please elaborate why." Celes began.
"The thing was, we knew we were on the bottom in terms of pairs, and I knew you and Byakuya were a pair, Maya and I were a pair, which meant Akiyama and Lightning had to have been a pair." Nephenee explained. "She came up to me and asked if I could distract you while she spoke to him about blindsiding Byakuya. And that's what I did."
"Alright, I'm done with you." Celes nodded. "Chihiro. You just admitted to having the Idol of Good Will, yet when I asked you about it, you told me that you didn't find it. Why did you withhold that information from me?"
"...The thing was, I feared what would have happened if you found out you didn't have any power." Chihiro admitted. "So I decided that I had to vote you out...I didn't wanna do it."
"But we did have power." Celes corrected. "You had the votes to keep me in, along with your advantage, and you chose to backstab me. This is your one chance to get my vote, so please give me reason to keep you in consideration for my vote."
"Celes." Chihiro spoke. "You might say I might have had Lethe and Nephenee holding my hand throughout the merge, but they were my allies. They weren't calling the shots for me. I knew how dangerous you could be, and I did take your advice. I adapted to Survivor, and I voted you out. Again, I didn't wanna do it. I felt really bad about it afterwards, I really did." Celes took a deep breath afterwards.
"...I understand. I've said my peace, so I'll let the last two jurors say theirs." With that, she took her seat.
"Thanks Celes." Flash told her. "Maya." Maya went up to speak to the finalists.
"Hey guys! Good job making it this far!" She complimented. "Nephenee, you were my ally back on Obscurite, and I'd like to owe it to you that we both made it to the merge. Chihiro, you were a real sweetheart during the game, and you really did value friendships over all else from where I'm standing. I don't really have anything to ask, I just wanted to say that. Maybe I'll be asked to return, and hey. Maybe I might be sitting where you are. Okay, good luck!" And then Maya sat down.
"Alright then. Lethe, finish us off." Alicia instructed. Lethe stood up and faced the finalists.
"Well, well, well. My two best allies." Lethe mused. "I have reasons to vote for both of you tonight, and neither of them speak ill of the other." She looked at Chihiro. "Chihiro, as I told you, you are living proof that not all humans are xenophobic bullies. You were very respectable during our time out here, and I appreciate that, along with thinking the rest of the jury feels that way too. Neph. You were my ally back during the Mad King's War. You were strong, you were honest to me, and you stayed loyal to me till the end. That I also appreciate. I'm not going to vote out of bitterness, but out of who I feel deserves it more rather than make any rash decisions similar to those I might have made pre-merge. That is all, and I thank you both for making my time out here enjoyable." And with that, she sat down.
"Thanks Lethe." Flash thanked. Then to the jury, "Alright jury, there is one more thing there is to do, and that is to crown the winner of Survivor Apple Woods. For the last time, it is time to vote. Akiyama, you're up." The ex-con got up and went to cast his vote.
Lightning went to cast her vote.
Sayaka went to cast her vote.
Celes: Both of you better not come to the casinos once this game is over. I'll take you both to the cleaners. (?)
Leon went to cast his votes.
Maya went to cast her vote.
Pit: Like I said, out of everyone here I think you had the best chance of winning. Well, this vote along with the last one wasn't a vote against you. It was a vote for you. (Chihiro)
Lethe: I cast this vote not out of what happened last night, but because of us being aligned longer. (Nephenee)
Once Lethe returned, Flash said, "We'll take the votes back to be read, and there we will reveal the winner." He grabbed the urn, and he and Alicia left to head back to the studio to reveal the winner.
(Took me. Long enough. So yeah, this finale took me FOREVER to write, and at the end I feel this was like the finale of the Australian Outback. Hawkins, if you're reading this, could you do the TJB joke you did in YD for me? Tomorrow, I'll finally have the reveal of the winner up, and not be pressured by the universe or my family to get it done faster. I hope. Wish me luck, and thank you all for your patience.
-Flash)