Welcome to the conclusion of Episode 4! It's challenge time once again in the Maldives, but first we have some nice camp life. Let's get right into it!
—
Vulsa Tribe: Day 8
Rain pours and waves roar at camp. With no tarp to shelter them, the tribe sits inside their shelter. Even though the weather is miserable, they are not.
Skarlet: It is raining but it could be worse. Penelope could still be here.
"That's enough doom for one day." says Dante, who exits the shelter. He stands in the rain, and points at Wario. "You called yourself a dancer?" Wario rubs his hands together and exits the shelter himself. "Trained by Jimmy T." Dante steps back, giving both space to settle this. "Show me what you got."
Wario accepts that challenge, and starts busting down. He does the Twist, moving those joints around. He slides closer to Dante, and hits the Dougie right in his face! He almost trips once but manages to keep his balance. He throws both hands up, to some applause from Vulsa.
Wario: Funky Wario came to town! He has no care about what they think, Wario killed it!
Wario does a crotch chop at Dante! "Oooo.." starts Dante. "You're asking for it." He picks up his half-coconut bowl from near the fire. "How's my form?" he asks, before moonwalking! He comes to a stop and thrusts into the air!
"Do a flip!" shouts Wade. Dante obliges and does a backflip! That gets applause and Dante ends his dance by sliding close to Wario and hitting a crotch chop of his own! He gets more applause, and the two turn to their tribe mates.
"Who wins?" asks Wario. "You had a decent Dougie but he pulled the backflip out." answers Wade. "Dante wins." says the Trainer.
Dante: Michael Jackson is an icon. I'm an icon so I decided to take his move away.
—
Mara Tribe: Day 8
Rain hits the Mara tribe too, but they are covered with a tarp. Price turns to his team and makes a simple statement. "I'll go snag some fruit. Be right back." He slides out of the shelter, and makes his way out. That leaves the seven other Maras by themselves.
"Breadfruits cool. Could go for Peanut Butter though." says Dylan. "Cake for me." replies Peach. "Oh my, I'm getting hungry.." After that, Ripley cuts in. "We'll be eating soon anyway. Might as well spill about food." Ms Pac-Man and T'Challa sit up. "Cookies are underrated." responds Ms Pac-Man. "I'll feast on fruit and fit protein in. Junk food would harm me just a little." Everyone looks at T'Challa. "I have to stay in shape."
Snake and Wesker look on at this discussion, but eventually cut in themselves. "I'm open to eat anything. T'Challa isn't the only one who needs to stay in shape." says Snake. "Everyone here will probably overindulge, and I can't blame anyone for that." he finishes. Wesker "pats" Snake on the back, adding to that statement. "Yeah, pizza sounds great about how."
Ms Pac-Man: Look, we may be going at eachother but at least we can just…relax. Thank Pac we aren't a toxic tribe!
—
Meanwhile, Price has a giant stick in his hand. He's looking up to a tree with a few breadfruits on it. The fruits are jabbed and swiped at from below, but none drop off yet.
Price: Those women may be enemies in the game, but I'm not leaving them behind on food. Nobody gets left behind.
He drops the stick, and steps back…he rushes for at the tree, kicks up and grabs the branch beside him! He takes a few seconds to catch his breath, and climbs on to the branch above him. He jumps onto the third one, and reaches out for the breadfruit. He takes one in hand, and tucks it in his shirt! He grabs the other and tucks it beneath his armpit.
Price: Who do you take me for, a d*ckhead?
The commander makes his way down the tree. When he touches the ground, he heads straight for the camp, food for two but ready for more.
—
Immunity and Reward Challenge
It's less of a storm and more of dribbling as Jeff stands in the challenge area. The empty space that is in front of him is about to get filled.
"Come on in!"
The Mara tribe enters first, facing Jeff as they enter. "Welcome back Mara. Get a look at the new Vulsa tribe.." Vulsa enters next, no Penelope in sight. "Penelope voted out at the last Tribal Council." There's not much shock there, as Vulsa faces Jeff next, one less member able to do so.
"It's a gloomy day. Too bad there's still a challenge." Some muttering goes on due to this remark. "I'll go ahead and explain the rules." He scans the castaways once more. "For todays challenge, three people from each tribe will move through beams, over and under. Afterwards you'll fill a bucket with water and pass on the responsibility to two others. They'll have to make their way over a giant teeter totter, and fill a container with water. When it has enough, the gate in front of them will drop. Then the remaining tribe members will put a puzzle together. First tribe to finish wins immunity and reward."
With the rules understood, Jeff gets on with it. "Wanna know what you'd playin' for?" Another big "yes" later, and he reveals the reward. "A feast of sandwiches will be waiting for the winning tribe. The losing tribe will get nothing and see me at Tribal Council, where someone will be the fourth person voted out of this game." He points out Mara next.
"Mara, you'll have to sit someone out. Decide who it's going to be." Mara huddles for a minute, but eventually comes to a decision. "I'll sit out." says Dylan. He heads for the bench, and with Jeff not needing to say anything about that, he moves on. "Alright, I'll give you a minute to prepare, and we'll get started."
(The puzzle is basically the Maldives flag)
—
Runners/Bucket Fillers: Peach, T'Challa, Wesker / Skarlet, Dante, Slade
Teeter Totter/Gate: Price and Ms Pac-Man / Wii Fit Trainer and Wade
Puzzle: Snake and Ripley / Zelda and Wario
—
The runners for each tribe are on their marks, getting set, and ready to go.
"Immunity and reward on the line! Survivors ready? GO!"
With that, they are off. Both tribes are even, with T'Challa showing off his speed. Skarlet, Dante, and Slade save time for themselves by jumping OVER the beams! Peach and Wesker take the slide option on a few, and while they are doing well, Vulsa has the lead. Mara is still in it, as T'Challa pulls grabs his teammates and brings them over the beam! Vulsa gets past their last obstacle and heads for the water…
Mara has one beam left as Vulsa's runners fill their bucket. They pass the duties to the Trainer and Wade, who make their way up the teeter totter. Mara gets to their bucket and loads that baby up, as Price and Ms Pac step in.
Wade and the Trainer make their way up. It trips them up at the start, but their balance is good enough to where the water stays in! The Totter tips over, as Wade and the Trainer jump down! The gate is in their sight! Price and Ms Pac begin to tip there totter! Ms Pac hugs the bucket, as they head down and get to advance to the next step.
Not before Vulsa, as the Trainer dumps water into the container…after a minute the gate tips over! Those two tag in Zelda and Wario, who get to work on that puzzle! Mara follows suit, but are in a crunch. Their gate eventually falls! Afterwards Snake and Ripley step in and get to work on that puzzle, looking to bring Mara back!
Zelda directs traffic for the puzzle. "That goes on the bottom left." Wario swears under his breath, but doesn't talk back out loud.
Zelda: I looked into the Maldives before I left Hyrule. Red and Green stood out to me on the flag, and when I saw the pieces, I knew what to do.
Vulsa manages to keep their lead as Zelda's calling boosts the puzzle. As for Mara, Snake and Ripley aren't slouches, both giving information to each other. "It's all red on the bottom." states Snake. "If red are the borders then the center is green." replies Ripley. "This moon has to be the center.."
Time passes, as Mara begins to catch up! Wario re-arranges a few pieces, as Zelda puts together the center herself, with the red outs pretty much done. She's almost done, but Ripley and Snake get to the center too. Wario gets his pieces together, as it's a race to the finish…
One that Zelda finishes first! "Jeff!" she calls, and Jeff comes over. Scanning the puzzle, he comes up with his verdict.
"VULSA WINS IMMUNITY AND REWARD!"
There are cheers on Vulsa, as the tribe comes together. A few don't get in on a group hug, but nonetheless they got their pay off after the unfortunate start in the morning. Snake and Ripley stop their building.
"We'll get 'em next time, Ripley."
"Third times the charm."
Mara comes together, no group hugs in sight. After the others are done celebrating, they turn their attention to Jeff. "Congratulations Vulsa, you are safe. Head back to camp and enjoy the reward." Vulsa departs from their cast members, but not Jeff's gaze. "Mara, I've got nothin for ya. Head back to camp, I'll see you tonight." With that declaration, Mara heads back to their camp, with a tribe member getting the last confessional of the segment.
Dylan: Well there you have it, Dylan and T'Challa are about to p|$$ someone off. This is going to be one of the most stressful evenings of my life.
—
Mara Tribe
Mara arrives back, with no sandwich feast. That's in the rear view mirror, as someone would be leaving, and talks would have to ensue.
Ms Pac-Man: Me and my girls are bringing every reason to the table. Politicking has never been more important for me…
Price stretches his shoulder, and takes a seat. He grabs a bucket, and sets it by his foot.
Price: Snake is taking the swingers tonight. If we cook the numbers, consider us KIA.
—
First, Dylan and T'Challa meet with Snake out in the forest, hearing his pitch out.
"The women are way too tight for you two to go far." he begins. "The moment they reach final five, they'll cut you immediately or get more numbers to send you home." Dylan cuts in. "Aren't you and Price tight too?" Snake locks his sight on Dylan. "We are allies, but we have some trust with you already. Trust those women may not have. T'Challa is also strong, and we wouldn't cut you prematurely to piss him off." T'Challa picks up his walking pace. "I respect that."
"And…" starts Snake. "Wesker may not be as close as you think. The women are a trio and would have the numbers. There would be five of us and you would have a chance to fight back. The endgame with us is better. A tight alliance can be deadlier than a big one. Price also as a loyalty code so he won't stab you in the back anytime soon." states the Metal Gear protagonist. "Price did mention his loyalty. He needs to hold himself to it." replies T'Challa. Their conversation is halted when a voice is heard in the distance. It's the voice of Ms Pac-Man.
"Hey T'Challa!" she shouts. "We need your help with something!"
"I'll be right there."
He turns to Snake and Dylan. "I must go. Good luck with the talks." He takes off, and after he's out of view, the two guys get to talking.
"So…" begins Dylan. "He trusts you." Snake runs a hand through his hair. "Do you trust us?" the mercenary asks. "After hearing that I WANT to, but T'Challa seems more on board with it. Do you have anything for ME?" he shoots back. Snake points out in the distance. "Not only will we give you guaranteed protection, I can also show you one of my hiding spots."
"You play Hide and Seek?"
"Hide and Seek information. It's a helpful strategy. I'll bring you there tomorrow, but you have to vote with us."
"Ooo.."
Snake: Even if Dylan rats me out, I have people to protect me. He's also the weakest on the tribe so if the women are desperate enough to stay, we can kick him out immediately. That's IF he goes against me. If he doesn't, that's a relationship I can work on. It's said he's had talks with Ms Pac-Man, and that's exactly who we are gunning for. Sure Ripley's smart and Peach is liked around here, but she can slide under the radar. If she's talking to Dylan she could be in charge too, which is why she needs to go.
—
Next, Dylan and T'Challa get with all three members of the womens alliance, at the well.
"Here's our problem with the guys." begins Ms Pac-Man. "They are ganging up on US, but are scary in their own way! Price is the classic leader, Wesker could slip under, and Snake is…kinda sketchy." she states, then Ripley jumps in. "They could also be lying to you. They'll call us a tight trio and then turn around and be even tighter." Dylan and T'Challa take that in. "Do you actually believe they'll keep their final five deal THIS early?" she asks. "We have no clue. That's why we came to both of you." replies T'Challa.
Peach sets her sights on Dylan. "Remember, they are about strength Dylan. If you do make it to the final five they could send you out first." T'Challa sets a hand on Dylan's shoulder. "I will not let that happen." he says. "It will be better to join us." starts Peach. "The three of us may scare you guys but that doesn't mean we're villains." Ripley chimes in again. "They could be covering for themselves. Deflection is a #€|| of a tactic."
Ripley: The only thing we CAN do is campaign our butts off, before and after Tribal. Getting to the top is hard but staying there is harder.
Dylan takes a look around and speaks up. "Ok, let's say it's top five. Am I favored over T'Challa? If I am wouldn't it be the..exact same thing?" he asks. "Top five is too far away." says Ms Pac-Man. "They are using the finals to scare you. Snake is the shadiest so we should target him for that alone." cuts in Ripley. "He's smart and stealthy." Ms Pac-Man thumbs up that plan. "I'm up for it!" The women turn to the swing voters of the night. "What about you?"
"I'm game."
"If we must do it, we'll do it."
"Great!" (Ms Pac-Man)
Ms Pac-Man: Snake has to go tonight! I hope we did a good job, cause if we didn't I'm going to flip!
—
After a busy day, T'Challa and Dylan stand alone by a tree, a decision needing to be made.
"Ok, let's sort out the details." says Dylan. "Reasons why we should go against the women…"
"Price's loyalty code. They are too tight, and there is no room for us to manuever." answers T'Challa. "Snake also said I had guaranteed protection. It's just more reassuring." states Dylan. "Alright." he clears his throat "Reasons why we should go against the men…"
"They could be lying and making us paranoid, they could be closer than we think, and what they care about doesn't align with you." answers T'Challa. "It seems that one of us will be more favored than the other, Dylan. I do not see the women letting me near the end."
"I don't see the guys bro'ing out with me yet."
"I will keep you safe with the guys. If we side with the women, I believe they'll favor you more."
"I'm keeping you safe too dude."
T'Challa: We are being torn in both directions. I would like to protect Dylan, but the guys may think differently. I do also trust the guys more, so it may be a last minute decision.
Dylan: Being the weakest is a drag, and yeah, the guys could pick me off. The women though never GUARANTEED me safety like Snake did…then again, that sneaky guy could be lying….so, this is what swing votes go through.
—
Tribal Council: Night 8
The eight Mara members arrive to the Tribal Council area with their torches. The fire pit is there, and so is Jeff sitting in front of his podium across from the stumps.
"Dip your torches into that fire. Fire represents your life, and when it's gone, so are you."
With that noted, they set their torches in the slots located next to the stumps, and take a seat on those stumps. Mara's second go around is about to begin.
"Welcome back to Tribal Council. The last time I had you, I could barely get a word in because of a certain someone." states Jeff. "We took care of him." gloats Price, who fist bumps Peach. "Great. Let's begin." The host points out Wesker first. "Wesker, what's going on back at camp?" he asks.
"There's no scapegoat tonight. Clear division: men versus women." he answers. "So it's a GENDER split. Why do you think that is?" asks Jeff. "It's not gender warfare. We found people we though we could work with that happened to be the same. It's coincidental." Jeff just stares dead at him. "Sure." A few laughs later, and the topic changes. "Peach, give me your take."
"More than half of us are in alliances and going at each other. It's really obvious, and we are trying to get two votes for our sides." she answers. Jeff puts his hands on his hips. "Do you want to tell everyone who they are?"
"Everyone already knows." After that, Dylan speaks up. "They want me and T'Challa. Before this we chatted about it, and I'm confident to say we've made our choice. Black Panther remains silent. "T'Challa, get in on this, have you REALLY made your choice yet?" asks Jeff. "Anything can happen, maybe we'll have a live tribal, maybe someone will say something to change your mind."
"I'm confident enough to say we've made our choice. Someone will be on the right side of history, while others will not be happy. That's how this is." Snake and Ms Pac look his way, as Jeff scans the castaways. No questions he can ask entices him. "We'll see how this is tonight, because it is time to vote. Snake, you're up first."
Snake rises from his stump and heads to the voting booth.
—
Snake: Your group has potential, that's why I won't let you live up to it. (Ms Pac-Man)
Ms Pac-Man: You bring the least positivity to camp. I just had a feeling you would be a strategist..(Snake)
Dylan: Someone won't be happy, and it's going to be you. (?)
—
After all of that voting is done and over with, the eight Mara tribe members get to their stumps, taking a seat during their wait.
"I'll go tally the votes.." With those words, he leaves his podium and goes straight to the booth. He takes the voting urn, and heads back to his podium. Setting it down, vote reads are about to begin.
"If anyone has a hidden immunity idol, and they would like to play it, now would be the time to do so.." Everyone looks around, but nobody steps up. With nobody stepping up, Jeff gets on with Tribal. "I'll read the votes…" Snake leans forward, while Ms Pac-Man leans back. "First vote…"
Snake.
Ms Pac-Man.
Snake.
Ms Pac-Man. That's 2 votes Snake, 2 votes Ms Pac-Man, four votes left…
Snake.
Ms Pac-Man. That's 3 votes Snake, 3 votes Ms Pac-Man, two votes left…
"Fourth person voted out of Survivor: Maldives Madness, Ms Pac-Man. Bring me your torch."
She gets to her feet with her torch. "It was great playing with you." she says, her next stop being Jeff. Peach frowns, while Ripley looks around at all the men. As for the eliminated member, she sets her torch down in front of Jeff. He raises his snuffer..
"Ms Pac-Man, the tribe has spoken."
Her torch is snuffed.
She turns around with final words to her tribe members. "Just because I'm out doesn't mean it's over. Keep going." She leaves the Tribal Council set, everyone watching her leave. When she's out of view, Jeff turns to the now seven Mara tribe members. "One side was satisfied, while the other wasn't. Let's see what happens. Head back to camp, I'll see you tomorrow."
Mara grabs their lit torches, and leave the set. Dylan looks puzzled at the last word. "Tomorrow.." he mutters, as the tribe gets further from the set, ready for a new day.
—
Ms Pac-Man's Final Words
Ms Pac-Man: I guess they just didn't feel it with us. I'm not down though because we tried to get them with us. It just didn't work.
—
Votes:
Ms Pac-Man: Snake, Price, Wesker, T'Challa, and Dylan
Snake: Ms Pac-Man, Ripley, and Peach
—
Episode 4 (A and B) Confessional Count:
5– Dante
4– Ms Pac-Man, Wade, Slade, Price, Snake
3– Dylan
2– Slade, T'Challa, Ripley
1– Skarlet, Zelda, Wii Fit Trainer, Wario, Wesker, Peach
—
Total Confessionals:
17– Wade
16– Dante
15– Price
14– Slade
12– Dylan
11– Skarlet, Peach, Snake
10– Wesker
9– Wii Fit Trainer, Wario, Zelda
8– T'Challa, Ripley
—
Eliminated Count:
11– Ms Pac-Man
17– Penelope
12– Toad
5– Jigglypuff
—
No zeroes in this count! With four people down hopefully people like T'Challa, Ripley, Wii Fit, Zelda, and Wario can get more confessionals. Given that a twist could be coming, counts for the lower echelons could rise!
So, Price and Snake did more of the heavy lifting convince T'Challa and Dylan to flip. T and D of course had to talk it out themselves, but the campaigning was good enough to send out Ms Pac-Man. RIP to her, she could have gone far if she was playing with different characters.
I'm moving to school in six days, so I'll try to get Episode 5 out COMPLETELY before then! Gamepace will also pick up, if the "possible" twist is what you think as a Survivor fan.
Ticket out, have a good one!