Dracumo Tribe (Night of day 28)

Having just voted out Dagur, the remaining 7 head back to camp where Heather immediately sits down and puts her head into her hands.

(Heather confession) "I…I don't know what to say. The last true ally I had in this game is now gone. Now I'm completely alone against 6 other people that I know want me out of here." She begins to cry. "I don't know what to do. I…I need a miracle, of any kind, I just…I-I'm scared."

The others were looking to Heather with the same look of concern that she had.

(Astrid confession) "As much as I want to say that I'm glad that Dagur is gone and that I'm in the final 7, I just can't help but feel bad for Heather. The worst part was that she did actually work with me tonight but then Barf decided to play her idol on Belch so it really was out of my control."

Hiccup sits down and wraps an arm around Heather. "It wasn't us that voted for him, you know that. You did everything right, it's just that we got outsmarted by Barf, of all dragons."

Heather wipes the tears and says, "I know you guys didn't mean that but still…I just feel lost now."

It was nearly impossible for Heather to sleep that night as she was way too worried about what her game was going to look like from then on.

Reward Challenge (Day 29)

With yet another summon from Jeff, the final 7 contestants head off for their next challenge. The challenge is set up somewhere in the middle of a grassy plains and seemed to have a series of ropes and loops tied to poles with colored bags of balls along the way of each rope path plus a table for balls to roll on.

Once all the contestants had arrived, Jeff begins. "Alright, it's been 29 days since you all started this journey of Survivor. Since then, eleven of you have been voted out in order for you 7 to be standing here. So today, I thought I'd give you all a little reminder of how far you've come by inviting some people back in. Come on in, guys."

They look to the other side of the plains where they noticed some familiar faces walking up. A purple haired boy, a long blonde haired boy, and two black haired boys. "That's right." Jeff says. "It's the guys who were voted out pre-Merge. Fanghook, Tuffnut, Sleuther and Snotlout. Meatlug couldn't be here as she is still recovering from her surgery and Fishlegs just wants to be there for her, but we do send them best wishes."

The four of them step onto a mat set up right next to Jeff. "So, Sleuther, looking at the final 7, is this what you imagined it would look like?"

Sleuther replies, "Well, I imagined myself being over there, of course, but I do think that it's a unique bunch."

Jeff then asks, "Fanghook, as the first person voted out you barely had any time to get used to being on Survivor. Can you imagine these guys having to do this for almost a month?"

Fanghook replies, "Honestly, the three days that I was here were pretty brutal, to say the least, so I actually have a lot of respect for you guys."

Jeff nods. "Snotlout, you were voted out just before the merge. Do you think you'd make it this far otherwise?"

Snotlout replies, "Uh, of course I do. I mean, look at some of those guys compared to this guy." He flexes his arm.

Jeff nods again. "And Tuffnut, both your sister and both of your dragons are still here, you wish you were over there too?"

Tuffnut nods. "Uh, yeah, for sure."

Jeff nods. "Well guys, I have some news for the four of you. What if I were to give you a shot at second chance at this game?" They all look to each other with amusement. "That's right. Today's reward challenge isn't for you seven, but instead for you four.

Here's how this will work. The four of you will be tied to a rope and will have to go through a series of ropes, collecting bags of balls along the way. Once you make it across, you will untie yourselves and maneuver the balls on that table to put them into the holes. First person to finish will get to rejoin the game, you will pick up where you left off and will have the shot at winning $1 million once again.

Final 7, have a seat on the benches, you four, we'll draw for spots and we'll get started."

So the four pre-merge vote outs stand in the following order from left to right: Snotlout, Sleuther, Fanghook, Tuffnut. All of which looked as determined to get back in the game as the next one.

Jeff calls go and they begin. All four of them get to quick work on moving around the tied up ropes that they were attached to. Snotlout, the biggest of the group, had a bit of a tougher time with some of the tighter spaces, but did not give up for one second.

Sleuther and Fanghook got off to a really quick start, getting to their first respective red and green ball bag quickly and getting to work on untying it while Tuffnut had to pause to figure out just where he needed to go on his yellow rope.

Sleuther and Fanghook get their bags untied and move on to the next phase of the ropes which involved a series of hurdles that they had to climb over and under to get to their second bags.

Snotlout was just a minute behind the first two and untied his blue ball bag so he could move on to the hurdles. Tuffnut had finally figured out the ropes, but was at least two minutes behind Snotlout so he had some time to make up as he unties the first yellow bag.

Fanghook ended up getting around the green hurdles first and got to his second ball bag, but Sleuther wasn't too far behind and Snotlout ended up catching up to them as they both started untying their second bags as well.

Just as Fanghook had untied his bag, Tuffnut had just gotten to the hurdles and had to work quickly to get over them. Sleuther and Snotlout get their bags untied as well, so all three of them head to the third stage which involved digging into a pile of sand under one last hurdle with their third bag buried underneath.

Sleuther digs into the sand like a Whispering Death, finding his third red ball bag in no time, so he gets hit and digs himself under the hurdle so he can untie himself and get to work on the table.

Fanghook and Snotlout weren't too far behind as they too got their bags and made their way to their tables.

The tables were about 10 feet long and were loose enough so they could be moved by bars on the ends. There were channels on both sides so that if the balls drop, they can be rolled back to the front.

So Sleuther, Fanghook and Snotlout get their first balls out of their bags and onto the table where they use the bars at the end to maneuver the balls around the obstacles lined throughout the tables. Snotlout, having underestimated how difficult it would actually be, ends up having his ball drop after about 30 seconds so he had to start over.

Fanghook and Sleuther had similar luck, but Fanghook's ball ended up rolling just too much to the side and drops while Sleuther's ball kept on moving up until it reached the first hole, so Sleuther gets his second ball rolling.

Tuffnut had just gotten his third ball just as Sleuther got his first into the hole, so Tuffnut really did have a lot of ground to make up, but there was still a small chance for him.

As the four of them were going, the 7 still in the game watched with anticipation. Heather knew that if she were to have any chance at staying in the game, she needed Sleuther to win. Ruffnut, Barf and Belch wanted Tuffnut to win just so they can have that one extra ally to help them out. Hookfang wanted Snotlout to win, just so he at least had his own partner back while Hiccup and Astrid were curious to see if Fanghook, the guy voted out day 3, could come back as the ultimate underdog.

Despite his best effort, Snotlout just couldn't keep his ball on the table long enough to get it into the hole. Tuffnut was having just as much luck. Fanghook had eventually gotten a groove and had managed to get his first green ball into the hole, but Sleuther was already halfway through with his second.

Sleuther chose to slow down and make sure his ball stays on the track, but Fanghook had a bit of a speedier approach so he ended up catching up quickly and it was now a showdown between Sleuther and Fanghook.

Sleuther could see that Fanghook was catching up, so he had to speed up and get his second ball into the hole as soon as he can.

Tuffnut and Snotlout never gave up hope as they continued to roll their balls along their tracks, but could only get about a third of the way across each.

Both Sleuther and Fanghook end up getting their second balls into their holes at the same time, so it was now down to who could get their final balls in.

Having finally gotten some sort of momentum going, Snotlout manages to roll his first blue ball across the table and into the hole, but he was still very behind so he got his second ball on quickly.

Tuffnut was feeling the pressure now as he wasn't even thinking about it anymore and was just trying to get his first yellow ball across, but that kept on ending in disaster as it kept on dropping.

In the end, Both Sleuther and Fanghook get to the very edge of the table and were inches away from getting that third ball in. It was the closest challenge call of the season, but Sleuther went for it and got his third ball in just seconds before Fanghook, so he throws his hands up in victory.

"Sleuther wins! He is now back in the game and is part of the final 8!" Both Fanghook, Tuffnut and Snotlout hung their heads in defeat as Heather runs up to hug Sleuther tight.

Once all was said and done, Jeff asks Sleuther, "Sleuther, you were the fourth person voted out of this game and now you basically got a free pass to the final 8. How does this feel?"

Sleuther replies, "It feels amazing, Jeff. I had a feeling that I left too early so this works perfectly for me."

"Alright." Jeff says. "Sleuther, other finalists, grab your stuff and head back to camp." Once the 8 of them had left, Jeff says to the remaining 3, "Fanghook, Tuffnut, Snotlout. While you three aren't coming back, this isn't the last time we will see the three of you. You three are going to be part of our jury and will help us find out who will win Survivor." They all seemed pretty happy with that. "Grab your stuff, head on out, we'll see you at the next Tribal Council."

Dracumo Tribe (Day 29)

The 7 finalists with the addition of Sleuther head back to camp where they congratulate him on his return.

(Sleuther confession) "I. Am. Back! It feel so good knowing that I now have a second chance at this game. I am going to take this opportunity and take it on full force."

Sleuther says to the rest, "Well, it's good to see you guys are still here. Though, there is one person that I was hoping would still be here."

Hiccup rolls his eyes. "Yes, Dagur did leave last Tribal, but that was in their hands." He gestures to Ruffnut, Barf and Belch.

Sleuther nods. "Gotcha. So now I know who to gun for."

Belch replies, "Hey, don't give us a reason to get you out again."

Sleuther shrugs. "Fair enough."

Later on, Sleuther and Heather were alone in the jungle where Sleuther says, "Ok, I'm just going to cut to the chase. Who is working with who around here?"

(Heather confession) Sleuther was voted out just before I joined the Draco Tribe from Exile Island so I literally have not spoken to him since coming here. Heck, he's one of the dragons so I really have never spoken to him at all. But, I'm sure that he knows that I was close to Dagur and would like to work with me.

Heather replies, "Well, we've got the power Berkian alliance of Hiccup, Astrid and Hookfang and then last few votes, Belch had broken from that group and had Ruff and Barf join him."

Sleuther nods. "And that leaves you all alone. Now, didn't you have a thing with Astrid or something?"

Heather nods. "Yep. I do still think she's a strong competitor but, I don't know. The whole Belch thing has really shaken things up lately."

Sleuther nods again. "Then let's get Belch out as soon as we can. If not, we can send him a message by going for Barf or Ruff."

Heather thinks for a second. "Might be easier to go for Ruff since Barf is so close to him that if he does have an idol, he'd be more likely to play it on her."

Sleuther nods. "Sounds like a plan. Speaking of which, what's the scope on idols?"

Heather replies, "Well, Barf played one last night so there might still be one out there."

Sleuther smirks to that. "So, why are we wasting time talking?"

Heather smiles. "Good point. I mean, Toothless was probably one of the best idol searchers around here but he's gone so there is a chance."

So Heather and Sleuther set out on another classic Survivor idol hunt.

(Heather confession as they were searching) "Sleuther coming back could not have happened at a better time. Just last night, I was feeling completely alone in this game and now, with him here, I now have a fighting chance once again. Heck, I could even level the playing field by taking out someone from both of the other alliances."

Both Heather and Sleuther search high and low for an idol or something, ending up at the beach at one point where Sleuther spots a coconut with a purple tribe symbol on it, hidden in a mess of branches. Sleuther grabs it and smashes it against a rock, opening it and finding the idol inside.

The idol itself looked like a purple dagger attached to a string. Heather hugs Sleuther and says, "This couldn't be more perfect!"

Sleuther nods. "Now we can control this game without the other six knowing."

Meanwhile, Hiccup and Astrid were sitting on a rock on the opposite end of the beach when Hiccup says, "You know, Sleuther coming back kind of worries me. We've seen what Heather and Dagur can do, who can even say what Sleuther could accomplish out here?"

Astrid nods. "I agree, we haven't seen the guy since the Tribal after the Tribe Swap, who knows what sort of revenge he could be hatching?"

Hiccup nods back. "So we get Sleuther out as soon as we can. Sounds like a plan to me. Let's go tell Hookfang." The duo goes off to let Hookfang know what's going on.

(Hiccup confession) "Of all the people or dragons to come back, why did it have to be Sleuther? If it was say, Tuffnut or Fanghook then I could handle it but Sleuther? Sleuth is literally in his name, he could be spying on some of us and trying to figure out our moves and how to counteract it. He could have found an idol already. Bottom line is that Sleuther needs to leave as soon as possible."

Immunity challenge (Day 30)

The 8 contestants, after yet another summon from Jeff, head out for their next immunity challenge.

The challenge itself was set up in the middle of the ocean with 8 pyramids of different colors that had 3 areas for feet at different sections.

Once the guys enter the challenge, Jeff takes the immunity necklace back from Hookfang and says to the rest of them, "Once again, immunity is back up for grabs. For today's challenge, you're going to stand on those pyramids with narrow footing, and at some point you will go up a level, making it more difficult to stay on. If you should fall off the pyramid, you are out. The last human and…" He pulls up a second immunity necklace. "…the last dragon standing will win immunity. Safe from the votes, guaranteed a one in 7 shot at winning this game. Losers, go to Tribal Council where someone will be the eleventh person voted out of this game. We'll draw for spots, and we'll get started."

As per usual, they draw colored rocks and stand in the following order from right to left: Astrid, Ruffnut, Heather, Hiccup, Sleuther, Barf, Hookfang, Belch. Once they all get in position, the challenge was on.

All 8 of them stood with their feet planted on the first step on the pyramids, which was positioned about a third of the way up. If either of them touch the tops of the pyramids with their hands, then they are out as well.

Sleuther knew that since he just came back, he had a big target on his back, so he needed to win pretty badly, but quite frankly all of them needed to win as they did just have a taste of the final 7 and wanted to experience it full force.

The waters were fairly calm so it was really up to their own personal levels of balance. That first stage of the challenge proved to be quite easy as 5 minutes later, all 8 of them were still standing strong and it was time to move to the second stage of the challenge, the foot holders about 2/3 of the way up the pyramids.

That second stage proved to be much harder as it was now much more narrow and harder to hold onto. This also proved to be harder as Hiccup's metal leg slips and he drops out of the challenge, followed by Ruffnut and Barf.

It was now down to two humans and three dragons on the second stage of the challenge. Both Heather and Astrid were as determined as the other to survive the rest of the challenge for the humans while Sleuther, Belch and Hookfang did the same with the dragons.

It was another tough 5 minutes for the 5 remaining challenge goers when it was time to move to the very top of the pyramids where their feet were the closest together and it was the hardest to stay on.

Belch's legs were now shaking from the pressure of needing to win the challenge, and that pressure got the best of him as he drops into the water, leaving Sleuther and Hookfang to battle it out for the dragons.

Astrid, Heather, Sleuther and Hookfang could smell and taste the final 7 at that point, but if they wanted ensure that they can get to that point then they need to win this challenge.

10 more minutes pass, giving a total time elapse of 20 minutes, and all four of them are still holding on strong on this final stage of the challenge. One little slip from either of them could cost them the challenge and, quite possibly, the game entirely.

Just then, Hookfang takes a small glance over to see how Sleuther is doing, but that ends up causing him to lose his concentration as he falls into the water, giving Sleuther the immunity and leaving Astrid and Heather to battle it out once again.

Astrid and Heather stand like statues on their pyramids, holding on as if their whole lives depended on it. Just then, Jeff calls out, "Ok, let's up the stakes a little, shall we? Astrid and Heather, I'd like you to try performing this challenge with just one foot on the pyramids. It can be any foot you want. I'll count you down to lift. Three, two, one."

So both Astrid and Heather lift their left legs into the air and hold on tight with their right.

Hiccup jokes, "Now you two know what I have to deal with."

Those out of the challenge chuckle to that while Astrid and Heather were too focused to even hear the joke. Just then, the wind picks up just a little bit and causes Astrid to lose her balance and fall into the water, giving Heather the immunity and making her safe from the vote.

Once Both girls swim back to the dock with the others, Jeff gives the immunity necklaces to Heather and Sleuther, securing their spots in the final 7, and meaning that one of the other 6 will be voted out that night. So, they all swim off to a waiting boat that takes them back to camp.

Dracumo Tribe (Day 30)

The 8 contestants get back to camp where Heather and Sleuther hang up their necklaces on a tree in camp.

(Heather confession) "I know I said it earlier, but I do think that Sleuther coming back is the best thing that's happened so far this season. Not only do both of us have an idol, but we just won a dual immunity challenge and now we have the power to choose who in the two alliances are going home."

While those two felt great that they were safe, it did leave the remaining 6 to wonder what they needed to do now so, as usual, they split off and get to talking.

Hiccup, Astrid and Hookfang gather on the beach where Astrid was the first to speak up and say, "Ok, with both Berserkers immune, who's our next best target?"

Hookfang lays down on the sand and replies, "Well, our only real options are the Zippleback and one of their riders. Question is, who would be the smarter move?"

Hiccup replies, "Think either of them have an idol?"

Astrid replies, "I don't know. Belch has been kind of unpredictable lately so there's a chance there. Barf could work, but say he tries saving her again."

Hookfang chuckles a little. "Well then, the choice is obvious right? Get Ruffnut out. At least then we can split the last human/dragon duo out here."

Astrid nods. "Ruffnut could work. Ok, but how can we know that Heather and Sleuther aren't going for us?"

Hookfang sits up and says, "Look, clearly they know the battle line is between the three of us and the three of them so it's really up to both Heather and Sleuther to decide which side is the greater of the two evils. I can try talking to Sleuther later, see if I can figure out where his head is at."

Astrid and Hiccup nod, so Hookfang gets up to do just that.

Meanwhile, Ruffnut, Barf and Belch were talking in the jungle where Belch says, "So, Berserkers are safe, let's hatch up our old plan and get out Hookfang."

Barf nods. "Sounds good to me. So, think we can get the Berserkers to vote with us?"

Belch sighs. "It's hard to say. I mean, Berserkers are hard to predict but if we give them a good, solid explanation then maybe."

Ruffnut replies. "Ok, but who of us is talking with who of them?"

Belch blinks. "Which. It's WHICH of us is talking. I'm a dragon and even I knew that. Anyway, clearly I'll have to speak all of us. Just…stay put." So Belch goes off and finds Heather alone in a nearby part of the jungle.

"Hey!" Heather says as he spots Belch. "I was just coming to look for you."

Belch nods. "Oh really? Well, I was coming to look for you too."

Heather nods. "Great! Ok, here's the thing, Sleuther and I have been talking and we want to work with you guys to help take out the power alliance."

Belch's eyes widen. "Perfect! Ok, we were thinking of going for Hookfang tonight."

Heather raises a brow. "Hookfang? Ok, why?"

Belch replies, "I just feel like he's kind of been coasting along lately as far as making moves or getting advantages goes and I'm not sure a guy like that deserves to be in the final 7 and beyond."

Heather nods. "Ok, fine, I'll go tell Sleuther." She then walks off.

Meanwhile, Hookfang finds Sleuther and he begins talking, "So, I don't know where you or Heather are at but I do want to let you know that me, Hiccup and Astrid are going for Ruffnut as a way to send a message to Belch that he does not have as much power as he thinks. You in?"

Sleuther seems to think about it for a moment before replying, "You know what? I like that idea. I'll go tell Heather."

Hookfang nods. "Great, thanks."

With that, Sleuther walks off to find Heather.

(Sleuther confession) "I know it seemed like Heather and I were pretty quick to jump to either ship but the truth is that we were just seeing what each alliance wanted so we could make an easier decision. It's either one or the other so we needed to get to the bottom of things soon and, well, that's just what we did."

Sleuther and Heather meet up where Sleuther begins talking, "Ok, Hiccup's group is going for Ruffnut. Belch's group?"

"Hookfang." Heather replies.

Sleuther nods. "Ok, interesting. So, which do you want out more?" Both Sleuther and Heather talk for about half an hour trying to figure out the best person to vote out. In the end, they did make a decision and by that time it was time to go to Tribal Council.

Tribal Council (Day 30)

The 8 finalists arrive at Tribal Council with their torches blazing and proceed to sit down.

Jeff calls in the jury of Stormfly, Gustav, Windshear, Toothless and Dagur who were all surprised to see one extra person sitting with the contestants. Jeff explains, "Jury, as you can see, yesterday there was a Pre-Merge vote out redemption challenge in which Sleuther won and he is now back in the game. In addition, the jury is also not complete."

Jeff nods and, coming in where the rest of the jury came in, was Fanghook, Tuffnut and Snotlout who all sat down with the jury.

Jeff sits down and Tribal Council begins. "Ok, Sleuther, voted out day 10 and have come back on day 29 for a second shot at this game. Did you feel like you were a target at any point?"

Sleuther nods. "Absolutely. I had a gut feeling that the Berkians of the tribe were still voting against the Berserkers so I felt the need to 'get things going' as soon as possible."

The others weren't too sure what he meant by 'get things going' but they moved past that. "So, moving up to today, the two Berserkers won a dual immunity challenge. Astrid, did this cause a stir in the dynamic at camp."

Astrid nods and replies, "It did. Of course with the target that Sleuther has from coming back and the one that Heather has made for herself early on in the game, I thought that tonight would be that night to take one of them out but I guess I was wrong."

Jeff nods again. "Ok. Ruffnut, obviously the vote tonight depends on what the Berserkers decide upon. Do you have anything to say to them?"

"Actually, I do, Jeff." Belch says. "Heather, Sleuther, while we were responsible for voting out Dagur the other night, we do think that you can trust us from here on out."

Jeff nods then says, "Hookfang, same question."

Hookfang replies, "Guys, if you vote with us then we can guarantee you two the final 5. You can trust us on that."

Jeff nods. "Heather, what is this decision based on tonight?"

Heather replies, "Put it simply, Jeff, Whichever one of us can truly help us stay out of water and get us to the final 5 and beyond."

Jeff nods. "Well then, it is time to vote. Heather and Sleuther cannot be voted for, everyone else is fair game. Hiccup, you're up." All 8 contestants get up one by one and go to vote.

Once they were done, Jeff gets the votes and announces, "If anybody has a hidden immunity idol, and you'd like to play it, now would be the time to do so." They all sit in silence for a moment as no one moves. "Ok, I'll read the votes." He opens the urn and pulls out the first vote.

"First vote…Ruffnut." Then proceeds with the remaining votes.

"…Hookfang, that's one vote Hookfang, one vote Ruffnut.

…Ruffnut, that's two votes Ruffnut, one vote Hookfang.

…Hookfang, we're tied at two votes for Hookfang, two votes for Ruffnut.

…Ruffnut, that's three votes Ruffnut, two votes Hookfang.

…Hookfang, we're tied again at three votes Ruffnut, three votes Hookfang." It was now clear who the targets were that night. It was now a matter of the Berserker votes.

"…Ruffnut, that's four votes Ruffnut, three votes Hookfang, one vote left."

Jeff pulls up the last vote and announces, "Eleventh person voted out of Survivor: Humans vs Dragons…Ruffnut." Ruffnut looks to the Berserkers in shock before getting up and grabbing her torch before presenting the torch to Jeff. "Ruffnut, your tribe has spoken." Jeff says as he snuffs the torch. "Time for you to go."

So Ruffnut says goodbye to the others and leaves Tribal Council. The remaining 7 then get their things, get up and walk away, heading back to camp.

(Ruffnut confession) "Dam. Guess you really can't trust a Berserker. Barf, Belch, this game is now in your hands. Make it count."

Once again, we are down to 7. Thank you for reading this story up until this point, I hope you've enjoyed it. Who will be voted out next? Find out in the next exciting chapter.