Disclaimer - I've been feeling generous for you guys recently...that's why I've been making the Sims 3 crash so that the author doesn't waste his free time on it!
Eh - I really don't care. You've been due some quick updates.
So...this is it! The transitional episode between the pre-merge and the merge, where the fifteen eliminated contestants will compete for three spots to get back into the game!
This was definitely fun to write - especially since I hadn't a clue over who was going to do well. I have said several times that I don't eliminate people solely based on plot relevance - if I did, people like Anton and Alma would still be in the game.
With that, let's get on with the episode.
Euro-Drama Farmyard - Episode 17, Part 1 - Create Your Own Challenge
"Welcome back to Euro-Drama Farmyard!" Adrijana announced. "Today, I am joined by Dani to do the recap."
"What's up?" Dani greeted.
"So…last time on Euro-Drama Farmyard, the final 21 were all knocked out with sleeping gas, and found themselves in a challenge where they all had to find plastic discs.
And let me tell you, there was a lot of bumping into each other this time round. And I mean a lot. In Petros' words, it was like a bumper car ride."
Dani giggled at this, "That's so bad.
Anyways, in the end, the Zebras won, the Felines came 2nd, and the Mantises had to send someone home.
In the end, Vincenz left because…er…because…"
"I can't tell you," Adrijana stated. "Otherwise you'll be out of today's challenge."
"Okay…Vincenz left, and we have idea why," Dani giggled. "Only twenty people remain…wait, what challenge?"
"Only twenty people remain – but that will soon become 23 – because today, 15 of the eliminated contestants will be given a second chance, but only 3 contestants will get it!" Adrijana announced.
"That's today!? Excellent!" Dani cheered. "Well…I'm going to do my best, whatever the challenge is, and if I don't make it, at least I have Hadi to win."
"Well, the challenge will be revealed soon – for now, just go back to the cabin and tell everyone the news," Adrijana told her.
"Will do!" Dani exclaimed, and she ran off.
"Hey, I didn't mean…" Adrijana protested before groaning. "Find out who gets back in today on Euro…Drama…Farmyard!"
The fourteen other eliminated contestants were hanging out outside the intern's cabin.
"Ah, it's good to finally be out of the kitchen," Aleksander sighed as he sat on the ground.
"That must have sucked," Mirzo, who was sitting beside him, stated.
"Oh, it did, but my troubles are far from over," Aleksander groaned. "It sucks that I didn't get to go any further. After getting to the final 3 last time…I really thought I could win this time."
"At least you didn't go first," Mirzo said.
"Yeah, I feel bad about that. It sucks how people always prefer brawn over brains," Aleksander groaned. "Unless it's Marios, of course. He managed to become the audience favourite."
"To be honest, he's a spitting image of the show's hardcore fans. Believe me," Mirzo sighed.
"And you know what's worse than being out? That bitch, Sveda, is still in," Aleksander growled.
"Why do you hate her so much? She's pretty harmless," Mirzo said, raising an eyebrow.
"She is not harmless, believe me! I know her kind – you think Amanda is manipulative? You don't know Sveda – she's practically a deity – heck, she's already got Finn under her thumb," Aleksander said bitterly.
"What makes you think that you're right?" Mirzo asked.
"I'm able to read minds…a bit like Dawn, but not in exactly the same way," Aleksander stated.
"Right," Mirzo nodded, looking unconvinced. "I'm thinking of a number between one and ten."
"Nice try. Six and a half," Aleksander said almost immediately.
"Wow," Mirzo said, looking rather impressed. "Okay…I'll take your word for it…you know, if I do get back in."
"Hey there, nerds!" Shay exclaimed as he sat beside them. "What are you two on about?"
"What a brilliant entrance," Aleksander said sarcastically, earning himself a glare from Shay.
"Aleksander says he thinks Sveda is evil," Mirzo stated.
"That's stupid," Shay said bluntly.
"Oh, I don't think, I know. Just like I know you lost six and a half stone 'cause you thought it would impress Rikard," Aleksander said smugly.
Shay's mouth went wide open. Mirzo tried his best not to laugh, but a snort came out.
"You! How dare you!" Shay roared. "You think I like that…that f****t! You have some [Russian swear word] nerve! GET LOST!"
"What he said," Mirzo added in a bored tone.
"Whatever," Aleksander shrugged, walking off.
Estrella was lying on a deckchair with Tia and Alma sitting in deckchairs on either side.
"Ah, nothing like a good sun tan - isn't being Latin just a blessing?" Estrella sighed.
"I'd say the same thing about being Slavic…I don't think I've been sunburnt in my life," Alma added, before sitting up. "So, who do you guys want to win?"
"Obviously my Beni," Estrella giggled. "It's good to see him still going strong after I left. Other than him – hmm, Lou, maybe?"
"I'll obviously go with Symon," Alma stated. "But Rikard would be a good winner too. Who do you want to win, Tia?"
"Hmm…I guess Katerina would be my first choice," Tia stated. "Other than that – there's Sanna and Marios. Agnessa is pretty cool as well."
"Let's not forget ourselves," Estrella stated. "You guys already know about the second chance challenge, right?"
"Of course - I've been really excited about it ever since Lara accidentally announced it," Alma sighed.
"Lara – completely forgot about her," Tia sighed.
"Yeah, she's still got the flu. Sadly, she'll be better in a couple of days," Alma groaned.
"I can wait. Very patiently," Estrella said dryly.
"Hmm…" Anton said thoughtfully as he sat on the cabin steps with a pencil and paper. "Rikard…what rhymes with Rikard. Liquor? Quicker? Sticker? Vicar? Slicker? Flicker?
Oh, I got it! Rikard…your eyes…so cute how they flicker."
"Sounds like a great poem," Dawn stated as she sat behind him while meditating with Vincenz. "I can't wait to see it."
"Sounds like you and Rikard have a great thing going. I think I've just about given up on love," Noah sighed.
"Don't lose heart, Noah," Zeferino, who was still strumming on a rubber band, stated. "I'm sure you'll find someone."
"I can't see very far into the future, I can see a potential light source for you, Noah," Dawn stated. "I must say, love is an excellent thing once you find it. B and I have been happily dating for over a year."
"That's comforting," Noah said sarcastically, before glaring at Zeferino. "Can you stop that? It's getting really annoying."
"Sorry, I'll move somewhere else," Zeferino replied, looking rather irritated, before he walked into the cabin.
"Olá," Zeferino greeted as he walked inside the boys' side of the cabin.
Luko was sitting at the far end, watching anime with Intern #3.
"Hahaha," Luko chuckled as he gazed at the screen. "Wait, what did he just say?"
"He said, go f*** yourself," Intern #3 told him.
"Oh, that's funny," Luko said.
"What are you two doing in here? It's a really nice day," Zeferino stated.
"Gee, I'll be out in a minute, mother," Jessie said sarcastically. She was lying in a bottom bunk and carving messages into the wall.
"What are you doing in here? This is the boys' side," Zeferino asked.
"Yeah? Got a problem with that?" Jessie snapped.
"No," Zeferino replied simply.
Just then, they heard banging and screaming from inside the bathroom.
"Er…who's that?" Zeferino asked.
"It's Anka. She was being annoying so I gave her a timeout," Jessie stated.
"I see…" Zeferino replied. "So…I think I'll be leaving…"
With that, he left the cabin.
Luko and Intern #3 still had their eyes glued to the TV screen when they heard a particularly violent bang. A small dent was made in the door.
"Let's let her out," Intern #3 whispered to Luko.
"Yeah – before she breaks the door down," Luko whispered. He swiped the chair which was under the door handle and pushed it open.
Anka quickly came rushing out.
"I'll get you for this, Jessie!" she screamed, before crashing into the wall. "Ouch…my head."
"See – that's what happens when you literally smoke pot," Jessie said, looking at Luko as she pointed at Anka.
"I'm okay!" Anka exclaimed, before she ran out of the door.
Amanda was fidgeting about uncomfortably as she lay on a deckchair. This was probably because her skin was going red from sunburn.
Johannes walked by, and Amanda said, "Hey, could you rub some sunscreen on my back?"
"Hm?" Johannes said, walking back over.
"I'm burning out here," Amanda stated. "Come on, fellow Scandinavian!"
"Yeah…I'd rather not lose my free will than not help you," Johannes stated, before walking off.
"Huh?" Amanda said in confusion, before flopping down on her chair.
"Well, well, well, the master manipulator – burning for her punishment," Aleksander said snarkily as he walked over.
"Get lost," Amanda snapped at him.
"Thankfully, I was born with Albanian skin," Aleksander beamed, kneeling down beside her. "Now…"
Amanda did not hear what Aleksander said next. She was too busy gazing into his eyes.
In her mind, everything was slow motion.
"Amanda? Amanda!?" Aleksander exclaimed, waving in his face. "Hello?"
"Huh!?" Amanda said, her eyes widened.
"You seemed to lose focus for a few seconds," Aleksander noted. "I wonder why…"
Sweat dripped from Amanda's forehead as he said this.
"Do you want me to put lotion on your back?" Aleksander offered.
"That would be…nice," Amanda replied, looking rather surprised that Aleksander said that.
[Confessional: This plot is weeeird…
Aleksander (Albania): I knew it. She likes me. No other explanation!
Amanda (Sweden): I don't know what keeps happening to me…
Aleksander is such a pest, but…it was nice of him to rub lotion on my back.]
"Guys, guys!" Dani exclaimed as she ran towards the cabin. "It's official! The returning challenge is today!"
There was a lot of cheering at that.
"So…when is it on?" Zeferino asked.
"I don't know. Adrijana should be here any minute," Dani stated.
[Confessional: You asked for it! Well…you would have if it hadn't been announced so early.
Amanda (Sweden): Yes! It's finally here! Okay – I'm going to need to try very hard if I am going to make it!
I'm a pretty skilled person…throw whatever you want at me, Adrijana!
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): This is it…I can't afford to screw this up. I need to prove myself. To all those f***s back in my hometown. This is it!
I think I'll mostly be fine with the mental challenges. Thank goodness Marios and Hadi are still in the game – my only real worry is Alma.
Alma (Croatia): Excellent! I really hope I make it – Symon could use the morale…also, I haven't given up on a season in Croatia.
Jessie (Italy): This shouldn't be too hard – I am a strong player. Still – I can't 100% count on it.
Perhaps I need to play a little dirty…]
"Okay, I am here!" Adrijana announced as she walked over. "And it is time for me to announce the challenge!
Here's what's going to happening – all fifteen of you have to come up with a mini-challenge which will be used in today's challenge.
The top 10 best performers in each challenge will earn 12, 10, 8 and 7 – 1 points – basically Eurovision style.
Also, you will not be competing in your own challenge. I want to make that very clear.
With that said…all of you need to write down your challenge on a sheet of paper, and then post it in a ballot box in the confessional.
Also, if you want to do something which requires video games or board games, don't worry – Lara bought a lot of that stuff with her share of the million, so we'll likely have it."
[Confessional: Let's get this party started!
Johannes (Iceland): [posts his challenge in the box] Here's my challenge. Even if I don't get back in, this will still be enough of a laugh.
Amanda (Sweden): [posts challenge] I'm sure if they'll able to do this challenge, but anything similar will be a laugh to watch.
Tia (Bulgaria): I had a bit of trouble coming up with one, so I just went with something that would be amusing to watch.
Vincenz (Switzerland): I believe my challenge will be a healthy challenge for the others. Here it is…
[places it in box]]
"Okay, all 15 challenges have been posted, and possibly adapted," Adrijana replied. "We'll start with Mirzo's challenge, and work our way to Vincenz's.
Before that, I want you all to give a welcome to the winners of the last challenge…the Zany Zebras."
There was some cheering as the seven members came over and sat in some of the deckchairs that were set up nearby.
On their way over, Symon snuck Alma a quick peck on the cheek, as did Marios with Adrijana.
"Ah, good to see you again," Adrijana giggled as she faced him. "Now, come on, sit down."
"Yes, hun," Marios giggled as he parted with her and sat down.
"As part of their reward, they get to watch this up front," Adrijana explained.
"Isn't still being in the game reward enough?" Aleksander muttered.
"With that, we can go onto the first challenge – Mirzo's challenge – maths solving."
There were a few groans at that.
"I knew you'd enjoy it," Mirzo chuckled.
Once Adrijana had announced the challenge, the other six interns (the four anonymous ones plus Noah and Dawn) came in dragging wooden desks along with them. Each desk had a sheet of paper with maths problems printed on it.
"Wow, they got that prepared quickly," Alma commented, looking rather impressed.
"On this show, surprises are to be expected," Johannes stated.
"Okay, you guys have to complete these 10 long multiplication sums," Adrijana announced. "Once you are done, hand up your sheet, and hand it to Noah.
He will correct them, and if you get one wrong, you have to go back and do it again.
The first 10 people to complete and get all 10 correct win.
Ready, set, go!"
The fourteen participating contestants quickly sat down at a desk, grabbed a pencil, and got started.
[Confessional: What a boring way to start : (
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): [looks at the camera smugly] It's so simple, yet so effective.
Alma (Croatia): This is my kind of challenge! When you're serious about studying medicine, you need to be super fast at maths equations.
Tia (Bulgaria): I'm not great at maths…I guess slow and steady wins the race…maybe…]
After three minutes, Alma got up from her desk and handed her test to Noah, who quickly checked over it.
"Amazing! You got all of them right!" Noah exclaimed. "You get the first twelve points!"
"Yes!" Alma squealed.
The Zebras started applauding, but Symon was by far the loudest.
"Thank you!" Alma exclaimed.
After a couple more minutes, more people started finishing.
Next was Johannes, who was swiftly followed by Dani, Aleksander and Anton
"Hmm…hmm…mm-hmm," Noah nodded as he looked through the tests. "Anton, you got all ten right – take ten points! The rest of you made a couple of errors which I will not point out – go back and re-check them."
Johannes, Dani and Aleksander all groaned as they sat back down.
[Confessional: I know someone who will be very happy…
Symon (Ukraine): Yes! Alma got the first 12! She's on her way back! YES!
Emilia (Netherlands): I would like to say on Rikard's behalf…
Anton got 10! Eeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii!]
Vincenz was the next to stand up, with Dani right behind.
"Mm-hmm," Noah nodded to himself as he looked through the tests again. "Both correct – take 8 and 7!"
Vincenz nodded politely, while Dani pumped her fist.
"Pick up the pace!" Noah shouted at the others. "We don't have all day."
A few more seconds had passed – Amanda, Aleksander and Johannes were standing with the other winners, having received 6, 5 and 4 respectively.
Just then, Zeferino and Tia both stood up, looking rather uncertain.
Noah looked over their tests, only to conclude, "You both succeeded! Zeferino, you get 3 points – Tia, take two!"
"Ah well, better than nothing," Tia shrugged as she stood with the others.
"Only one more point up for grabs!" Adrijana announced. "Who will make it?"
A few more minutes later, and the six remaining contestants – Jessie, Luko, Estrella, Shay and Anka – appeared to be struggling greatly.
"It's been 10 minutes," Adrijana sighed as she held a stopwatch. "Come on!"
"Okay, finished!" Jessie exclaimed brashly as she stomped over with her test. "I looked over it too."
"Alright – no need to shout," Noah sighed as he looked it over. "All of them are correct – you get 1 point!"
"Yes!" Jessie cheered, pumping her fist.
Symon in particular looked concerned.
[Confessional: Personally, I would have expected Luko to make it
Jessie (Italy): I may be a flunk, but I'm not braindead. Unlike Anka.
Symon (Ukraine): [sighs] Aw no…if Jessie can get one point in a maths quiz, who knows how well she can do in physical challenges?]
"Okay, here's the scoreboard!" Adrijana announced as Interns #2 and #3 came out with a large chalkboard. "As you can see – it's a bit more primitive this time round – but it'll do. People in bold…I mean, red chalk are the top 3."
Vincenz - 8
Jessie - 1
Anton - 10
Tia - 2
Luko - 0
Alma - 12
Estrella - 0
Johannes - 4
Amanda - 6
Shay - 0
Aleksander - 5
Anka - 0
Zeferino - 3
Dani - 7
Mirzo - 0
"Okay, onto the next challenge – Dani's challenge. Rubik's cube solving!" Adrijana announced. "But, we decided that would take too long, so we have instead decided to use the Rubik's sliding puzzle…things…I don't actually know the name because the packaging is gone. Anyways, the interns are passing them out right now."
The four interns plus Noah and Dawn came back out and cleared away the maths tests, only to replace them with sliding puzzles.
"You all need to solve this puzzle above you!" Adrijana announced, pointing to a 3x3 grid of Rubik's squares. "Ready…set…go!"
The 14 players of this round all quickly began unscrambling their puzzles, and it wasn't long before someone finished first.
"There, that was easy!" Mirzo exclaimed as he stood up almost immediately.
"Mirzo wins 12…" Adrijana began, but she was interrupted.
"You said it," Alma agreed as she also stood up and left her table.
Mirzo couldn't help but groan at this.
[Confessional: We have an early lead! Well…it sure didn't help Aleksander the first time…
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Whew, that was close. Still, Alma wasn't far behind. I need to get some additional points in the physical rounds – that should help me through.
Alma (Croatia): A 12 and a 10! Yes! I was an early baby, an early bloomer, and now I take an early lead!]
Zeferino, Amanda and Vincenz were standing beside Mirzo and Alma. Numbers on the screen noted them as '8', '7' and '6' respectively.
"Alright!" Aleksander cheered as he stood up.
"Five points for Aleksander," Adrijana sighed. At that moment, Johannes also stood up. "And four for Johannes!"
"Not again," Johannes sighed as he walked over to the others.
"Oh my gosh! Yes!" Luko cheered. "I did it!"
"Surprisingly enough, Luko gets three," Adrijana announced.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Luko frowned as he also walked up.
"I am also finished!" Estrella exclaimed.
The remaining contestants at the table were struggling with their puzzles. Anton looked particularly annoyed.
[Confessional: That hasn't happened in a while…
Anton (Poland): I really don't like puzzles. I've gotten headaches over them! No…no…]
"There, finished!" Tia exclaimed.
"And Tia wins one point!" Adrijana announced. "And with that, we are on to round 3 – but first, here is the updated scoreboard!"
Vincenz - 14
Jessie - 1
Anton - 10
Tia - 3
Luko - 3
Alma - 22
Estrella - 2
Johannes - 8
Amanda - 13
Shay - 0
Aleksander - 10
Anka - 0
Zeferino - 11
Dani - 7
Mirzo - 12
There was a mixed reaction to this.
[Confessional: More description? [raises eyebrow]
Shay (Russia): Nothing so far!? UGH! This is so unfair!
[shakes about in the confessional]
Vincenz (Switzerland): Yes! Still in the top 3! If I keep this up, I'll be back to Eloise in no time!
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Okay, round 2 and I'm in 4th place! I can keep this up – hopefully!
Amanda (Sweden): Third place…what a pleasant surprise. I may return after all…hopefully Sanna won't get in my way this time!]
"Round 3!" Adrijana announced. "Zeferino – you will be sitting out for this! You will all be playing a variation of Guitar Hero – which has been reprogrammed by one of our technicians to support fourteen players."
[Confessional: On Tour Decades for DS is awesome – even if it gives your wrist a cramp
Zeferino (Portugal): I love Guitar Hero! After years of playing an actual guitar, a plastic one is nothing – I've mastered every song on medium.]
The fourteen participants of this round were lined up around a large television screen, each one armed with a plastic guitar.
"This song only lasts one minute – so every note counts," Adrijana stated. "You may begin…now!"
A rock instrumental started to play as they started to copy the controls on the screen – some struggling and some having the time of their lives.
The camera slowly panned from right to left, showing each contestant individually.
It started with Luko, who was doing decently, followed by Aleksander, who was lazily hitting every few notes.
"I am a rockstar," Aleksander said monotonously.
Next was Estrella, who was missing a lot of notes, and looked rather frustrated, followed by Dani, who looked rather bored as she followed the notes.
Alma was struggling to even hold the guitar proplerly, while Jessie was going for it 100%.
Mirzo was finding it a little difficult, but overall seemed to be keeping a good rhythm. Shay was next to him, and didn't seem to be doing too badly, while Anton was absolutely hopeless.
Tia and Amanda had their heads turned towards each other, clearly battling it out for victory. Both of them were hitting almost every note.
Anka was beside them, and was shaking her head hysterically, but somehow got most of the notes.
And at the far left were Vincenz and Johannes, neither of whom appeared to be doing very well.
Once the camera had finished panning around, the song ended. With that, Anka flung her guitar against the ground. It bounced for a bit before flopping on the grass.
"That was disappointing," Amanda commented, to which Tia laughed.
"Time is up!" Adrijana announced, pressing a button on a video-game remote. The scores appeared on the screen, from best to worst –
Tia – PERFECT! 95/95 notes
Jessie – 93
Dani – 89
Amanda – 87
Anka – 75
Shay – 68
Luko - 66
Mirzo – 52
Estrella – 41
Vincenz – 30
Johannes – 22
Aleksander – 20
Alma – 10
Anton – 3
"Hell, yes!" Tia cheered, pumping her fist.
"So close," Jessie sighed.
"I'm screwed," Anton groaned.
"Don't give up! I believe in you honey-buns! Eeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii!" Emilia exclaimed.
"Huh?" Anton said in confusion.
"I'm speaking on Rikard's behalf," Emilia stated.
"Alright," Anton nodded uncertainly.
"Okay! Now that we have the points – here are the new scores!" Adrijana announced as the interns unveiled the scoreboard once again.
Vincenz - 15
Jessie - 11
Anton - 10
Tia - 15
Luko - 7
Alma - 22
Estrella - 4
Johannes - 8
Amanda - 20
Shay - 5
Aleksander - 10
Anka - 6
Zeferino - 11
Dani - 15
Mirzo - 15
"As you can see, Amanda and Alma are still on track for returning," Adrijana stated. "Also, there 4 people tied with fifteen points – but under tiebreaking rules, Tia is in third place."
"Yes!" Tia cheered, pumping her fist.
[Confessional: Three more girls? There's a slight gender inbalance so that's fine.
Alma (Croatia): I didn't do so well there…main thing is I'm still in the lead. I can do this!
Amanda (Sweden): Yes! Second place! I am so coming back!
Vincenz (Switzerland): Damn…I've gone down a bit…oh well.
Estrella (Spain): Last place!? LAST PLACE!? THAT MAKES ME SO ANGRY!
Okay…I need to do better from here. Me and Beni will be reunited! WE WILL [Catalan swear word] BE!]
The seven members of the Zebras were still cheering as Adrijana was about to announce the next challenge.
"Yay, Anton!" Emilia cheered.
"Alma forever!" Symon exclaimed.
"Go Anka!" Sveda cheered.
Emilia looked at her weirdly.
"What? No one else was gonna do it," she said in defense.
"What a good heart," Finn chuckled as he cuddled up to Sveda.
"It's time for the challenge!" Adrijana announced. "Anka's challenge was…cliff diving."
Anka nodded at this proudly.
"Yeah, we don't have a cliff so…here's the backup challenge…"
[Confessional: I'm surprised she managed to get the pen on the page.
Anka (Montenegro): Psh, what a buzzkill. I hate Europe.]
The fourteen participants of the round were all standing on a wooden step. Below them was a black mat.
"Here's the aim of this challenge!" Adrijana announced. "All of you have to do is jump off the step onto the black mat. The mat has a special technology in it which records when you land on it. This is a test of your reaction time!"
With that, a lot of the contestants leaned farther off the side, looking determined.
"Okay, you may jump…NOW!" Adrijana yelled, and the contestants all quickly jumped off.
"Alright, time's up!" Adrijana announced. "As I speak, Noah and Dawn have received the results, and…here are they are!
Tia, 1 point
Jessie, 2 points
Alma, 3 points
Zeferino, 4 points
Johannes, 5 points
Dani, 6 points
Mirzo, 7 points
Amanda, 8 points
Vincenz, 10 points
And
Estrella, 12 points!"
"WOOWOOWOOWOOWOOWOOWOOOO!" Estrella screamed before doing a backflip in excitement.
Vincenz - 25
Jessie - 13
Anton - 10
Tia - 16
Luko - 7
Alma - 25
Estrella - 16
Johannes - 13
Amanda - 28
Shay - 5
Aleksander - 10
Anka - 6
Zeferino - 15
Dani - 21
Mirzo - 22
"Here's the new scoreboard!" Adrijana exclaimed. "Amanda, and Alma are still on track to win, but Vincenz has snuck back in! Still, things can change."
"Not all of it!" Symon cheered as he stood up in the bleachers. "Woot!"
[Confessional: Synamon Rolls!
Vincenz (Switzerland): [breaths deeply with his eyes closed] Okay, I'm back at the top again. I can keep this up…I can do it…for Eloise…
Estrella (Spain): My first 12! YES! Being an acrobat requires very fast reactions…and it paid off! Hell yes!
Amanda (Sweden): I'm a top-of-the-pyramid cheerleader. Jumping on time is second instinct!
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Fourth place…kind of good…but a little frustrating…here's to another mental challenge. Aleksander is next…that's good?
Alma (Croatia): I have very good reactions. Had this been one of those games where you had to press a button, I would have done a lot better.
Still, three points. I'm still in the top 3!]
Marios patted Symon on the back as he continued to shake about in excitement.
"I'm sorry," Symon said in a high-pitched tone. "I just really hope it happens. I hope she makes it."
"At least your girlfriend has a chance. Mine is illegible," Marios sighed.
"At least she's guaranteed a pay cheque," Symon stated.
"I know Adrijana. She stopped caring about earning money ages ago. She'll probably give it all away," Marios replied.
"You know me so well," Adrijana giggled, before turning back to the camera. "Anyways, we're onto challenge number 5 – Aleksander's challenge – a cooking challenge!"
"I left it vague for a reason. Feel free to be creative," Aleksander stated as he sat on a rock.
"Thanks for the advice, but here's the actual challenge," Adrijana stated as the six interns came in with a long firepit.
Once they'd brought that in, the four unnamed interns started lighting the fire, while Noah and Dawn gave the fourteen contestants a raw sausage on a stick.
"You're welcome," Aleksander said sarcastically.
"All of you have to cook a sausage on this fire – each sausage will be rated out of one hundred, and the people with the most points will score higher. And it will be judged by…Aleksander."
Aleksander groaned loudly at this.
[Confessional: Renkiiiiiiiiiiiim
Aleksander (Albania): I made it to the final 3 just by cooking - the rest must have all been terrible if they were desperate enough to keep me around.
This should be fun…]
The participants were all finished cooking their sausages as Aleksander walked over to them with a clipboard.
"Okay…here goes," Aleksander sighed as he started off with Anton.
"Not bad – kind of depressed," Aleksander commented as he tried it. "61 points."
"Er…thanks…I think," Anton said in confusion.
"Okay, who's next?" Aleksander asked, before taking Anka's charred sausage. He immediately spat it out. "Awful! Horrible! Horrible! 10 points."
"You have no taste…literally," Anka snapped at him.
"Did Anka just say something remotely witty?" Noah asked Dawn, raising an eyebrow.
Aleksander had just finished trying Alma's sausage, "Hmm…solid. Could be a bit more interesting. 67 points."
"Thank you…" Alma nodded uncertainly.
He moved onto Jessie, whose sausage was shining with perfection.
Aleksander gave it a try, and smiled briefly before spitting it out.
"Not as bad as Anka, but still awful!" Aleksander gagged. "19 points."
"Are you kidding? That was cooked perfectly!" Jessie protested.
"I very much agree," Aleksander nodded, before moving on.
"What!?" Jessie screamed in confusion.
He tried Vincenz's next.
"Hmm…seems alright. Not bad, not great – 56 points," Aleksander stated.
"Not the end of the world," Vincenz commented.
"Hmm…looks amazing," Aleksander commented as he gazed at Amanda's sausage, even though it was slightly burnt.
He chewed it for a bit, and raised his eyebrow.
"Beautiful! Absolutely stunning. 91 points!" Aleksander announced.
"Really? I mean…er…thanks," Amanda nodded.
"THIS ISN'T FAIR!" Jessie screeched.
[Confessional: How can a sausage be depressed?
Jessie (Italy): That was so rigged! Aleksander only did that because he likes Amanda, and he hates me!
It was a cooking contest, not a personal one!
Amanda (Sweden): Wow, 91 points? It looked pretty burnt to me…
Nice try, Aleksander! You won't get to me that quickly! I mean…at all! Yeah…at all!
Still…it gives me a further lead. That's a plus.]
"Lacks substance," Aleksander said to Luko. "34 points."
"Could have been great, but you had to blow it," Aleksander sighed at Tia. "54 points."
"Very hit and miss," Aleksander said, handing Dani her cocktail stick back. "49,"
"Mmm…a lot of potential!" Aleksander beamed as he finished Mirzo's effort. "86 points!"
Mirzo smiled and nodded as Aleksander moved onto Shay.
"HOW IS POTENTIAL A GOOD THING!?" Jessie roared.
Aleksander ignored her as he tasted Shay's burnt sausage.
"Yuck – terrible!" Aleksander exclaimed. "But…you know, there's an interesting aftertaste. I'll give you 55."
"Meh," Shay groaned as he stared at the ground.
"Pretty rubbish. 29," Aleksander said to Estrella before moving to Johannes.
"Useless," Aleksander sighed. "37. And finally…"
He grabbed Zeferino's stick and ate some of the sausage before gagging.
"There is so much wrong with you…er...it. 20 points," Aleksander snapped.
"What do you mean…me?" Zeferino asked, putting his hands on his hips.
"I mean, the challenge is over. Get over it," Aleksander sighed.
"Did you just give points based on you much you liked them!?" Emilia exclaimed.
"Oh my God! He called Alma uninteresting!" Symon said sourly, folding his arms.
"Calm down, Symon. She still gets 8 pojnts," Aleksander shot back.
"Someone you think is boring came 3rd? That says a lot about your social life," Symon commented.
"Puh-lease. You're the one who wears a mask over your head," Aleksander said, rolling his eyes. Symon's mouth went wide open at this.
"Aleksander is correct – not most of the stuff he said but, yeah, Alma does get 8 points," Adrijana stated. "Here are the rest, by the way.
Luko, 1 point
Johannes, 2 points
Dani, 3 points
Tia, 4 points
Shay, 5 points
Vincenz, 6 points
Anton, 7 points
Alma, 8 points
Mirzo, 10 points
And
Amanda, 12 points!"
Vincenz - 31
Jessie - 13
Anton - 17
Tia - 20
Luko - 8
Alma - 33
Estrella - 16
Johannes - 15
Amanda - 40
Shay - 10
Aleksander - 10
Anka - 6
Zeferino - 15
Dani - 24
Mirzo - 32
"As you can see, Amanda still takes the lead, but Mirzo has snuck into third place," Adrijana commented. "It is still anyone's game – mostly."
[Confessional: If you ever see quotation marks that have a space before or look different, that's because Microsoft Word sometimes decides to switch to French or Swedish :-»
Luko (Serbia): I can't believe I'm second last. I thought I'd at least do okay...
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Yes! I'm in the top 3! Okay, Mirzo, keep this up…
Amanda (Sweden): Seven points ahead! I'm feeling confident…thanks again, Aleksander.
You finally used your head for once. Your small, little…tanned…smooth…chiselled…
Vincenz (Switzerland): I seem to be a wildcard at the moment…I keep going from third to fourth and back again]
"After that, a much simpler challenge from Shay – weight lifting!" Adrijana announced.
"Damn…" Mirzo groaned, looking at his skinny arms. "Of all the times…"
"Yes…here's hoping this isn't rigged," Jessie nodded as the interns came out with bench presses and 40 kilo weights.
"To get the points, you need to do 10 reps as fast as you can," Adrijana stated. "You'll need bend and straighten your arms properly for it to count. Now, choose a bench and we can get started."
"Er…shouldn't we warm up first? You know…for safety?" Alma asked, raising her hand.
"Everyone give your arms a shake for a minute. That should do it," Adrijana sighed.
"But…" Alma protested.
"You can shake, or pull a muscle. It's your choice," Adrijana sighed.
"Hey, don't talk back at her like that!" Symon yelled. "And I still remember when you stabbed her eye!"
"Heh, stabbed in eye," Lou chuckled, giving Pavils a nudge.
"You need help," Pavils sighed, but he couldn't help but smile.
A minute later, everyone had chosen a bench.
"Okay, ready, set, go!" Adrijana exclaimed.
The fourteen contenders immediately started using all of their might to push themselves to the…
"One, two, skip a few, nine, ten," Aleksander said as he barely bended his arms. "Done! Can I go now?"
"If you want, but 0 points," Adrijana shrugged, and Aleksander nodded and did so.
"Hooh! Hooh! Hooh!" Anka screamed as she quickly pushed her arms up and down. "Nine…ten! Done!"
She stood up and dropped the weight on the ground. She bent it slightly.
"And Anka takes the twelve! Go her…I guess," Adrijana sighed.
"Yes! Hell yes!" Anka screamed. "The burn! I live for it!"
"Go you," Adrijana said sarcastically. "12."
"Done!" Jessie roared as she did her last rep.
"10 points to Jessie," Adrijana sighed.
"Me too!" Estrella roared. "I get eight!"
"Seven for me," Vincenz stated after a few more seconds.
There was a static cut before the screen showed Luko, Tia and Amanda next to the others, with '6', '5' and '4' in front of them on the screen.
Those who were left were clearly struggling.
"F-f-five," Alma gasped before she lay in defeat.
"You can do it, Mirzo," Mirzo sighed to himself as he continued to push himself. "Just remember…what would your sixteen year old self do? Unlock yourself…UN…"
The camera switched to Zeferino, who had just finished his ten reps.
"Three points," Adrijana commented, to which Zeferino nodded.
"I am also done," Dani commented as she also put down her weights. "2 points for me!"
The camera cut to a minute later, where sweat was dripping from Mirzo's forehead.
"T-t-t-t-t-t…" Mirzo screamed. "C…c…c… "
Zeferino rolled hi seyes at this, before Mirzo screamed – "TEN! TEN!"
"And Mirzo gets the final point!" Adrijana announced. "Here are the new scores."
Intern #3 coughed as the chalkboard was revealed again. She had chalk dust all over her face.
Vincenz - 38
Jessie - 23
Anton - 17
Tia - 25
Luko - 14
Alma - 33
Estrella - 24
Johannes - 15
Amanda - 44
Shay - 10
Aleksander - 10
Anka - 18
Zeferino - 18
Dani - 26
Mirzo - 33
"Once again, we have a tie for third, and this time, the tiebreaker rules state that Alma is third," Adrijana announced.
"Damn," Mirzo groaned.
[Confessional: 12 points go to Kosovo! :P
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): So close…okay, there's still time.
Alma (Croatia): Still 3rd! I can do this! I just need to believe in myself!]
"It is time for part 7!" Adrijana exclaimed. "Amanda's challenge which is…surprisingly enough…Singstar!"
A few of the others looked over at Amanda with weird expressions.
"What? It'll be fun," Amanda said in defense.
[Confessional: That game is a lot of fun, actually.
Aleksander (Albania): Thanks a lot, Amanda, for returning the favour. You know I can't sing!
Amanda (Sweden): Heh, this should be a good laugh.
Tia (Bulgaria): I did okay in the last singing challenge, so maybe I can catch up here.]
The fourteen participating contestants were all lined up in front of the same large TV with wireless mics.
"I hope you're all ready! By the way – it's the Abba edition – so get ready for Waterloo," Adrijana announced, before pressing play on a remote.
As the first few bars played, some like Tia and Alma started moving their hips about, while others like Aleksander and Anton looked at the ground in regret.
As the song started, Luko was the first shown at the far left, and didn't appear to be trying too hard. Alma was beside him, and was trying way too hard as she swivelled her hips.
Johannes was next, and was at least trying to make some sort of effort, while Zeferino was going all out.
Anton, Shay and Aleksander were all in a clump and all of them looked like they wanted to be dead, while Tia was to their right, and making them all look stupid as she bopped her head and completely gave it her all.
Anka (for some reason) was trying to do a heavy metal style, and it sounds like she was constipated, while Mirzo was just trying to sing in tune.
Dani also seemed to be focusing as much as Mirzo.
Vincenz had a very calming tone, while Jessie was rolling her eyes with every note (though she didn't sound that bad). Finally, there was Estrella, who was loving every moment, but sounded awful.
The camera cut to the point where the song had just ended.
"Okay, that's that! I now present the scores!" Adrijana announced, pressing a button on the remote –
Zeferino – 7700
Tia – 7190
Jessie – 7070
Dani – 6730
Mirzo – 6700
Vincenz – 6310
Johannes – 6070
Luko – 5690
Alma – 5420
Anton – 4960
Shay – 4900
Estrella – 4750
Aleksander – 3120
Anka – 190
"What!? How did I do so badly!?" Estrella screamed.
"Yes, 12!" Zeferino cheered.
"Eh…" Mirzo shrugged.
Vincenz - 43
Jessie - 31
Anton - 18
Tia - 35
Luko - 17
Alma - 35
Estrella - 24
Johannes - 19
Amanda - 44
Shay - 10
Aleksander - 10
Anka - 18
Zeferino - 30
Dani - 33
Mirzo - 39
"Mirzo has made it to third, while Alma has gone down a bit, and Vincenz and Amanda are still going strong!" Adrijana announced. "See you after the break when our eliminated contestants compete against each other in the last 8 mini-challenges!"
The seven members of the Zebras all started cheering at this.
The final shot showed Intern #2 holding a cardboard sign which read 'Applause'.
[Confessional: That's part 1!
Amanda (Sweden): Halfway through and I'm in first place! I am so returning!
Vincenz (Switzerland): It would be excellent to come back, and it looks to be that way at the moment.
[he puts his hands together to pray]
Please, for Eloise's sake, help me succeed in the second half of the challenge. She could use the morale.
Mirzo (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Okay, now I'm getting somewhere. I was on the fence before, but I'm a few points ahead of Alma now – I think I have a good chance at the moment.
Alma (Croatia): I'm down to fourth place now. [sighs] I hope Symon doesn't get too disappointed if I lose.
Tia (Bulgaria): I'm close enough to making it, but I don't really care at this point. I made it far last time, and I might have just had enough.
Still…if I make it, I may as well try.
Symon (Ukraine): Alma is fourth! [starts breathing heavily]
Dani (Hungary): I'm not in the top 3 at the moment, but I'm only six points behind. I can still make it through…I can't believe Amanda is winning though.
Jessie (Italy): Yeah…this is harder than I thought…I'm not that far behind, but…ugh…ALEKSANDER CHEATED!
Zeferino (Portugal): I've made a rough start. [groans] Still, I just got a 12. I'm still in with a chance.
Estrella (Spain): [growls] I really thought I'd do better! I can't believe I did so badly at Singstar! I am a star!
Johannes (Iceland): I'm not doin' too well…oh well, the money would probably corrupt me…[shudders]…again.
Anton (Poland): [groans] Who cares at this point? I'm not cut out to win. Let's face it – Rikard is the real star out of us.
Emilia (Netherlands): I feel bad that Anton isn't doing too well…he could really use the self-esteem.
Anka (Montenegro): 18 POINTS! 18 POINTS! EEIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGHTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEENNNNNNN!
Luko (Serbia): I wasn't really expecting to make it, but I never thought I'd be behind Anka. That's just embarrassing…
Also, how is Pavils still in the game? That's a real question.
Aleksander (Albania): 10 points. Am I shocked? Not even slightly.
Shay (Russia): LAST PLACE! LAST PLACE! THIS IS RIGGED I TELL YOU! RIGGED!
Pavils (Latvia): Watching them battle it out for the 3 spots makes me wonder…how the heck am I still here?]
Amanda - 44
Vincenz - 43
Mirzo - 39
Alma - 35
Tia - 35
Dani - 33
Jessie - 31
Zeferino - 30
Estrella - 24
Johannes - 19
Anka - 18
Anton - 18
Luko - 17
Shay - 10
Aleksander - 10
I hope you enjoyed this first part of the Second Chance Challenge. As you can see, Amanda, Vincenz and Mirzo are the top 3 as of now, with the best chance of coming back, but nobody can be ruled out as of now.
Please review whatever your opinion - I'd love to know whether or not you're satisfied with this :3
Come back next time we'll know once and for all who will be in the merge.
Don't miss it! :D