Sorry for the long wait, college got in the way! BUUUT we are back for the conclusion of Episode 9! Just a warning, this is a bit of a long one.
Welcome back to Maldives Madness! We have character moments and strategy in this part, as we get on with the top ten round! Who will win immunity and who will be sent to the jury next? Find out now!
—
Vara Tribe: Day 18
Four of the Maracle Men, Dylan, T'Challa, Price, and Wade are soaked and bringing a raft back. "I'll have my boyfriend sign our casts." begins Dylan, who looks at a scratch on his arm. "I feel pretty masculine not going to lie. Is this how you feel?" he asks, turning to Price. "Cause…you know, big beard, muscles, all of the macho stuff."
Price snickers through his nose. "Im not a macho man all the time, Lenivy." he says, turning to the teen. "Glad we still have a sense of humor on the beach though." Dylan shrugs. "It's boring without it. Who really wants to be quiet and brooding…and serious all the time?" With that question raised, Wade answers. "The 'toxic chill' type."
Dylan: They didn't even question why I was bi, they were like "cool" and went on with it. BEST thing that could happen to me, because I don't want to be hated, or known as The Bi Guy. I have hobbies like…quantum physics. It hurts my head sometimes but it's an interesting course.
Dylan turns to Wade. "Toxic Chill is not it." he says. "I know right! I'm just trying to have fun, stop being a shit stirrer and get a personality! If I want to throw it back, I will." exclaims Wade. "That came from the heart." cuts in T'Challa. "You do not have to worry here. Dance all you want, who's going to bully you?"
"The audience."
"Half of them can't 'throw it back.'"
"That's….true."
Price cracks a smile. "Nice group." Wade pats Price on the back. "What's the matter, is this too much relief for you to handle?" Price slaps his back. "Just don't hear about twerking often. Feel like an old man surrounded by you lot." he admits. "You'll feel older when you see what this generation is up to."
"Are the flying cars here yet?"
"No, but they have spontaneous sounds. Farts are always funny I guess."
Price shakes his head, in a little disappointment.
"Can't win them all."
Price: 18 days we've been stuck in the Maldives. I can't blame them for going mad.
—
Dante is running along the shore, kicking the sand below his feet. One Slade Wilson rushes from the forest right to him, but Dante doesn't stop for him and goes along with his jog…he does turn to the side as Slade starts jogging with him.
"Are the women locked in?"
That makes Dante sigh, the happiness on his face fading. "Yeah, they said they are with us TWICE." he says, and his ally catches onto his annoyance. "We need everyone as tight as possible, Dante. It's how we succeeded at the start and it's how we need to succeed here." The Sparda brother huffs. "The five of us are in. Now is NOT the time for you to be going crazy."
"Fighting to stay isn't crazy."
"You'll end up knocking yourself out if you don't relax."
"You and I know the moment we relax, they'll turn on us. This is not my first time."
Dante jogs quicker, but Slade does not let up. "They could use YOU as the split. After all, you are on the bottom of that group." His ally starts to groan. "I'm with you. Five ducks are in a row. Stop bugging me about it and go convince somebody." Slade halts his jogging and watches as Dante runs on. He gives him a dirty look and walks off, but not before Dante turns around and starts running backwards.
When Slade gets further out of view, Dante glares.
Dante: If you want to turn off a sink, just tell Slade to talk to it. He's pushing harder than a pregnant woman to keep the group together, and it's annoying. YES! WE ARE WITH YOU! ..YOU!
—
While Dante and Slade got tangled up, Peach and T'Challa meet up at the well, the Princess with a bucket in hand.
"We can still work together, T'Challa. Hear me out: With us you have a better chance, but with the men you don't. Wade may have your spot, I did see him and Price leave earlier…" she says, trailing off to give her former ally time to talk. "He could be replacing you, so we need to act!" she exclaims, attempting to motivate the Black Panther.
Peach: I'm not scary, but making him feel that way seems like the only thing I can do!
The hero does have a response in mind. "We did work together in the past, but how do I know that you won't boot me at the final five?" he asks, hands to his hips. "You two (him and Dylan) saved us. We will never forget that." she states, with releases tension from T'Challa. "You guys had time away, and those two (Price/Snake) are really smart. They could pick you two off if you go all the way!" she argues.
T'Challa looks to the side, the air blowing past the two. He raises another question. "If I flip, what's the order there? We know the three of you are close, so I would have to win all the challenges just to win." he explains, and Peach immediately comes back. "They are better at challenges."
Peach: I don't actually think we're weak, but there are better challengers out here. Price, Snake, Dante, Slade, and even T'Challa are tough, so i want them to leave so I can win one! If he's smart, he should too.
T'Challa takes a minute to think. She came at him with some good points, maybe discussed among all the women, but he had to answer and give a good one. "It makes sense..but this won't be easy for me."
"I know."
"Maybe it's just time for me flexible again."
T'Challa: Loyalty is important, but there comes a time when I'll have to break a promise. Ever since this merge, it's been less about the four of us and more about Wade and Dante. People want to bring someone they can beat, and maybe Wade, or Dante, or even DYLAN does it for them.
He sets one hand on a nearby tree in the confession.
T'Challa: I want Dylan to vote with me, we've built trust from the start, but if we can't agree I may have to get blood on me.
—
Immunity Challenge
Jeff, in his casual blue and khakis combo, has a multi-step obstacle course behind him.
"Come on in!"
The ten Vara tribe members enter, one less from the last time. Zelda has the necklace around her neck, and all eyes are on Jeff and the necklace stand.
"Zelda, I'll be taking that back."
She unhooks the necklace and hands it over to Jeff. The host reconnects it to the stand and turns back to the remaining competitors.
"Immunity is back up for grabs." he begins. "For today's challenge, you will race through an obstacle course with three stages. On my go, you will race through a 3 story course, made out of a screens. Then afterwords you will climb up a steep hill and slide to the bottom. The first five to make it move onto Stage 2. For Stage 2, you will light a crossbow on fire, and aim it at a target that will unlock a gate ahead. It may look easy, but it will take some effort to get by if you haven't shot one. First two to make it to the end move on to the final stage. For the final stage, the two contestants will step into a small circle and try to rip a pole from the other. Whoever takes it and exits the circle wins immunity, and is safe at tonight's Tribal Council."
With the instructions understood, Jeff tackles one last thing. "Your reward is safety. Treasure it." A few are let down but there is a mission nonetheless. "I'll give you time to prepare and we'll get started."
—
The prep period is up.
Stage #1: Slippin' In The Sheets
The ten Vara are on their marks, set, and ready to go.
"Immunity on the line! Survivors ready? GO!"
The ten take off and dive into the course ahead. Snake, given his military experience, is ahead and followed by Price and T'Challa. While those three pull ahead, there is a big tie for fourth between Zelda, Slade, Peach, Wade, and Dante. Behind them is Dylan and Ripley. Back to the three ahead, T'Challa snatches the lead by leaping up ahead of the other two Mara Men, and picking up his crawling speed.
Snake: T'Challa's speed is impressive. What he may not have in power, he has in skill.
Price and Snake make their way up, and there is a little scuffle behind them! Slade shoves Peach into the side of the screen! Dante snickers as he and Zelda pull ahead.
T'Challa leads on the third level, while Price and Snake are neck and neck. After everyone below approaches the second level, Wade looks at Peach crawling. He looks up as Slade climbs ahead, only to grab his foot! Slade gets to the second level anyway, but Wade holds him down!
"Let me go!"
"F*ck you!"
Wade: I've been waiting to put my hands on this man FOREVER. I may have lost the challenge but my dreams came true in a different way.
While they scuffle, Zelda, Dante, and Peach crawl past them, headed to the third level. Meanwhile, T'Challa makes it out first and approaches the steep sand hill! Snake follows him, and Price follows Snake. Both pick up speed but T'Challa is moving over that hill quick!
T'Challa: I have fought in world ending battles. A hill is nothing to me.
Once he reaches the other end, he slides down!
"T'Challa moves on first!"
Snake advances up the hill quicker, and slides down. "Snake…" begins Jeff, but he doesn't finish as Price slides down next! "..AND Price move on! TWO more spots left!" he exclaims.
Back inside the level, Dylan and Ripley crawl past Slade and Wade, who are still rolling around on the floor.
Dylan: Get a room, signed: everyone.
On the third level though, Peach, Zelda, and Dante are neck and neck. The Sparda brother plays dirty and shoves them both to the side! Already close to the end though, he reaches it and hops out! While the two princesses don't exchange glances, they know what needs to be done.
Peach: Dante is a great ally but he needs to be taught a lesson in respect.
Those two hop out as Dante approaches the hill. He starts to make his way up and hears two pairs of footsteps behind him.
Two hands grab both feet, and they pull back! Dante plants into the sand as the two women rush above him! As they get closer to the top, Zelda grabs Peach and swings her over it! She rolls down the other side, being met by winces from the three men on the other end.
Dante isn't out yet though, and goes for Zelda's foot! She kicks his hand off, but he swipes her other foot and sends her to her knees! In a last ditch effort, Dante tackles her over the other end! The four finishing castaways spot this!
T'Challa: He did not care. He saw his shot and took it.
The two tumble down the hill. Dante rolls down, but Zelda gets to her feet first! She jogs down the hill and reaches the end!
"Zelda takes the last spot!"
The other four contestants applaud her efforts. She reaches a hand out to Dante, who takes it. "I tried." he said, which makes a few of them laugh.
Dante: If my tackle worked, that would go down in history as a great move…I'm already great so why does it matter?
Dylan, Ripley, Slade, and Wade exit the third level. Dylan and Ripley disappointed, while the other two glare at one another.
Ripley: We flopped, but I can only hope my girls can pull this off.
—
Stage #2: Crossfire
The five eliminated contestants sit on the bench to the side, ready to witness the second stage. The five Vara who advanced have a bow and arrow in hand, as well as a fire next to them with a stack of arrows as supply. One small target stands in their way.
"You have to hit the CENTER of the target! All it takes is one shot! Survivors ready? SHOOT!"
Arrows are lit, bows are drawn, and this challenge is back on. Snake, being a sharpshooter, draws his bow back and looks to the center…
…but he BARELY misses!
"Sh*t!" he exclaims. Price, who watched his aim, draws back and adjust just a little…and makes the shot!
"Price hits it on his first try!"
The gate in front of him drops, and he walks through.
Price: I've had to snipe from longer distances. Just happy I got mine before he did.
T'Challa, Peach, and Zelda having missed the small center once, feel the pressure. Peach pulls back and gets close, as does Zelda! T'Challa pulls back, as does Snake..both fire their arrows…
…T'Challa's hits the center first! Snake rubs his beard in frustration.
"T'Challa moves on to the final stage!"
He raises both hands, with a smile on his face. There are claps for him and Price, however only one will win…
—
Final Stage: Pole Wrestling
Price and T'Challa have one hand on the pole, ready to rip it away from the other.
"Only one can win! Survivors ready? GO!"
Price immediately tackles T'Challa and goes to pull back! He gets to a knee and tries to rip it away, but the Black Panther keeps his claws on it! When Price gets to his feet, he gets dragged right back down! T'Challa jumps on Price's back and keeps a hand on the pole. As T'Challa rises, Price does, LIFTING him off his feet!
Dylan: I'm a proud mom of one.
The COD protagonist stomps on his feet, but that doesn't work. He even goes to jump toward the end of the line, but T'Challa keeps him in his grasp! In a last ditch effort to take the win, he dumps Price on his side, and his opponent releases the pole! T'Challa has the pole in hand and leaves the circle!
"T'CHALLA WINS INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!"
T'Challa drops the pole and walks to the necklace stand. Jeff unhooks it, and T'Challa turns his back to him. One hook later, and T'Challa is the second challenge winner of the season. Price dusts himself off and returns to the other castaways. After a long challenge, it was time to reassure them of the results.
"Congratulations T'Challa, you cannot be voted out tonight, and you have a guaranteed spot in the final nine." starts Jeff. "As for the rest of you, someone will become the next member of the jury. Head back to camp, I'll see you tonight."
The ten Vara leave the challenge area, and the winner has something on his mind.
T'Challa: I can take the heat, so camp won't be a problem. What will be is what comes after tonight.
—
Vara Tribe
The Vara hit camp after the immunity win.
"Nice work."
"Impressive."
"Good job dude."
"Thanks." replies T'Challa, who unhooks his necklace and sets it on the shelter wall. While he soaks in the win though, the attention is quickly taken away when Slade clears his throat. One Solid Snake immediately has a bad feeling.
Snake: Slade is a crafty player. But we should have saw this coming.
"Listen." he starts, pulling out the REAL immunity idol infront of everyone! While nobody is really surprised, what he sends next doesn't release any tension at all. "I'm not going anywhere tonight…but if you want to be safe, ill give you a hint who I'm voting for…" he says, before pointing to Wade. "Him."
Wade's brows shoot up. "Oh REALLY? THIS is how we're doing it, huh?" he says, and actually steps closer to Slade. "Are you upset that we took out your friend?"
"No, you're just a nuisance and I want you gone."
"Yeah I'm a petty b*tch but YOU started it all!"
"If you stopped being petty you wouldn't be a target. Don't hold me down in a challenge because THIS is what happens."
"If YOU didn't shove that innocent woman to the side we wouldn't be doing this."
Zelda watches the entire thing.
Zelda: I'm one of two challenge winners, so I'm not surprised they're voting for me…what's concerning is how the others handle his idol.
All eyes are on those two, and Wade starts huffing. "You want me out? Take a shot but you BETTER have the people or else YOUR $$ is grass! On period." he concludes, before stepping away. Slade watches him walk and actually chuckles. "That might be the least petty thing you've said the entire time. Why are you so worried when they'll take you to the end anyway?"
That question makes Wade to a full turn around, but Price puts a hand on his shoulder. "He's ragging you on. The more you speak the more you dig." he whispers, before Wade calms himself down. Still in a sour mood though, he flips off Slade, and walks away with the Maracle Men.
Wade: I HATE, I HATE this jack $$! With how he looked I thought he'd be at least a cool villain but NOPE! He's not even self aware, THIS is what pettiness looks like!
While taking Wade away, Snake looks back at Slade, who crosses his arms at the scene he has made.
Snake: He said we'd take Wade to the end, which is in my plans..but, since it's been made public we have to do damage control, or else he gets what he wants: chaos in our ranks.
—
Slade, Ripley, Zelda, and Peach are gathered inside a cave, as a four. Ripley is in charge of the conversation.
"When we get there, everyone for themselves." she states, pausing after.
Before continuing, Ripley steps away from the cave, and looks around. She sees nobody around, and goes on anyway. "The sooner we pick them off, the better." she states, and there isn't really an objection from anyone.
"All of us to the end?" questions Slade, and receives a nod from Ripley at the end. "If we take out Wade we're going to cause chaos. If the five of us stick together, we can have a smooth ride to the end. No casualties." she says, looking over at the princesses. "He'll be up for it, what about you two?" The princesses don't take too long to think about it. "Anything for our safety. It's better they get picked off than us." replies Zelda, and Peach nods in agreement.
Zelda: Since I'm on the line, if I have to appeal to him, so be it.
Little did the four know, that laying above the cave, out of view, was you guessed it, Snake.
Snake: Let the games begin.
—
With both men crouching in a TREE, Snake reveals that information to Price, who remains unfazed.
"Those four want a fight? We'll give it to 'em." responds Price, with determination in his eyes. "If we're lucky enough to come out of this Snake, you know what we have to do…" he whispers, referring to one Wade Wilson.
"We need to make sure that they don't find us out. If they do, our chances of running this to the end lower."
"That's why we have to make them feel safe."
"I'm aware of that."
Price: We aren't going to the final four, but we still need votes at the end of the day.
Near that tree though, is Ellen Ripley. With this new information attained, that was more ammo against them.
Ripley: Nobody talks in a tree for no reason…something's up. If I can scare them into knowing that Wade's getting taken, and the PLACE they spoke, then we can get out of this.
—
THAT information is brought to T'Challa and Dylan, and while they are skeptical, this still comes as a shock!
"The moment you hit the final five, they'll toss you out one by one." campaigns Ripley, and she looks straight at T'Challa. "I heard they were coming straight for you…and after that performance you had? I wouldn't be shocked if they went at you before." she states, and the king of Wakanda can't do anything but ponder. "Those two have their eyes and ears all around the camp. They always seem to know when somethings wrong." she continues, watching T'Challa's eyesight.
Then she turns to Dylan. "They'll save you for easy pickings." Dylan leans back after that. "Oh, I'm just caught in the crossfire." he says, but Ripley remains stern with him. "This isn't a joke. I get that you have been together since the start but if we don't try to move in now, those two will walk to the end…" the two men continue to listen. "You were good Dante, Peach, and Zelda. They'll take you back without a second thought."
That gets their attention quick. "Dante is in on it?" asks T'Challa, and that's when Ripley pulls out a defense. "I don't know WHERE that man's head is at, but all I know is that all three of you are screwed if you don't try to take a shot at them." she says, staring into T'Challas eyes. Instead of a glare though, T'Challa slowly nods his head, and Dylan looks on from the side.
Dylan: I don't want Price OR Snake gone, because after them guess who's the obvious pair?
Knowing that her words have meaning to him, he interjects himself. "So let's say we go along with your evil scheme. What's stopping you girls from picking US off?" he asks. "Slade and Dante could just join you to get rid of us." Dylan's eyes widen at the bluntness. "Wow.."
"Yeah. What's the better game move now?"
"It's not just that, you just told us how we could get rid of you."
"Slade exists. Who knows what that man will do…"
"…" Dylan sighs. "You're not wrong."
While T'Challa ponders, we get another Ripley confessional.
Ripley: He can't play nice forever. Nobody can stay the same on this island. After we expose Price, then I'll be taking Snake down with him.
—
That's not all the talk going on, as the four Maracle Men meet up at the well. Given none saw Wade or Dante on the trek there, Price decides to go the extra step for reassurance.
"It's top ten, they want us distracted." says Price, who sets his focus on T'Challa. "We said it at the start, we're men of honor." he says, before turning to Dylan next. "Don't let them get to you. It's been a few weeks out here and we're all losing our minds. Just remember we started it, and those two aren't getting anywhere at six. If anyones winning, it's going to be one of us." affirms the captain, patting Dylan on the back.
"Yeah yeah…" mutters Dylan, but instead of going quiet he speaks up again. "If Wade isn't cut by five, then we'll fight." he says with a snicker. Price forces out an uncomfortable chuckle as Snake and T'Challa remain silent. "Nothing works better than a false sense of security boys." adds on Price, and Dylan smiles. "A cool, flashy smokescreen. They'll never see it coming."
"Exactly."
We hear from Snake, who has more to add regarding the pecking order.
Snake: Those two are smart, and it's why we'll be cutting them at six. As long as they don't know what the actual plan is, we will survive.
—
The Panther/Teen duo continue their long night in the sand with Dante. Having gotten info from both sides, the two look to get more from Dante, and maybe get persuaded to change.
"Let's be real, we all know what's happening. Buuut just hear me out." starts Dante, who puts both hands up. "You two and Wade are in the most. I'm not just going to sit here and wait to be cut down." he reasons, and the Panther puts both hands behind his back. "You believe you are on the bottom?" he asks. "It's obvious who is T." No hesitation. "I'm cool, and you two are tight, they're dragging Wade to the end." he says, picking up a breadfruit in the process, spotted by Dylan.
"Are you actually going to eat that?"
"Food is food."
He carries it as their conversation continues. "Look, we can talk about honor, integrity, that cheesy stuff. I'm no rocket scientist, but they brought SLADE in to slash Wesker. He was going to do it anyways, but those two are players and you know what? We should be too." argues Dante. He stops walking and turns to the two men.
"Forget about Mara and let's take OUR spots at the top back. Hell if we're in a corner with Slade we could dial up the princesses and take him out. Then we fight it out. No Wade, no blocks, just the six of us." he says, pointing to T'Challa. "I know you like honor but it's time to take the claws out." He then points a finger at Dylan. "You may want to kick back, I get it. I LOVE to kick back after a long night, but it's going to get intense. Wade probably knows already with the loose lips here, so it's going to be Pitch City tonight." he continues. That's when T'Challa speaks up himself.
"You came at us with a great one. We'll see what Wade does, but New Vulsa was not forgotten." Dante just smirks at that. "That's my man!"
Dante: He didn't say yes, BUT they have brains. They were in a better spot when it was just the three of us anyway, so maybe they'll break bad and dig into the pot of gold I set in front of them.
—
As the sun goes down, the numbers do as well..T'Challa and Dylan are alone, sitting inside of the cave, a decision on their minds.
"Let's do this nice and neat." begins Dylan, who has a stick in his hand. He draws a line in the sand. "Alright, strat time. Ditching Wade…" T'Challa speaks up immediately. "He seems to have our spot. If we are playing for ourselves, then we need Wade to leave. Price has him around his finger, and while I trust Price, I don't trust that Wade will be the swing vote we need."
"Who will be then?"
"Peach. Dante will be a threat later but Peach prefers us to them. We gave them a leg to stand on."
"Ok cool, but when Wade's gone, what are we doing about the other two?"
After that question is raised, T'Challa sets his chin on his knuckles. "…They will understand. They may not like what we do but they are not dumb enough to burn bridges." he explains, which makes Dylan raise a brow. "Dylan, I only want to jump ship to get rid of Wade. That's dirt against us, but Price and Snake will need us to survive. We can get them back in our corner later." he states, and Dylan cuts in immediately. "Ok, buuut let's say we do jump. If we have to take them out, it's us against a team of five."
"That team won't hold up."
"..the women are tight, they trust Dante, and Slade is merciless."
T'Challa sets his gaze on Dylan. "Even though they are all together, it will not hold up. Dante prefers us and Slade is a madman." he explains, and Dylan turns away for a moment, anxiousness on his face.
T'Challa: In politics, bettering your shot at being the champion is a must, and Dylan is my running mate. But you can't get anywhere if the running mate doesn't agree with you.
T'Challa puts a hand on the teens shoulder. "It's ok, we're only going through options." he says, and Dylan takes a deep breath. "I can do quantum physics but strategy gets to me.." he mumbles, before facing T'Challa again. "Alright we're back. I get that you want to do it, but let's think about the bad for a minute."
"What bothers you?"
"Well, what if they don't want to kiss and make up? They could just use this against us and then we're out. Nice shiny boot up the $$." argues Dylan. "We could just take them out in a couple rounds, no problem. The women won't outnumber us, Dante will still be on our side, and we'll have no lunatic to worry about." he states. "It's just safer for us to stay by them, and I can get risky don't get me wrong, but..the women are close and Slade is Slade."
"But sticking with the Mara Men is also a risk. I respect them but it's three against two, and could be four because they have more influence." argues T'Challa. "They could use our bond against us and get more numbers. Now is the time to strike."
Dylan sighs. There is silence for a few seconds, but what's clear is that neither man will change their mind, at least not now. "We'll be here for a while, won't we?"
"Seems so."
Dylan: Back in the first week, it was..a lot easier to pick. We stick with one group and have some coffee together. Now if we make a wrong move, everyone is onto us!
We don't get to see the conclusion to this talk, as that would spoil the result.
—
While T'Challa and Dylan talk it out, Price/Snake/Wade/Dante are all together next to their fire, nobody else in sight. Wade is facing Dante, eyes wide open.
"If any of us jump ship, we are tossing away a chance to run to the end!" exclaims Wade, and Dante nod's unenthusiastically. "You let Slade win if you vote me out, and giving that man ANY more control would be a disaster!" Dante clears some mucus from his throat. "He was a trainwreck, wasn't he?" he asks. Wade spins around to the other two.
"How are T and D? They're still with us right?" he asks, rushing to Price and grabbing his shoulders. Price brushes his hands off. "We just spoke to them. Relax. If you do leave then at least you get some quality food." Wade doesn't laugh at all, and Price breaks his smile and speaks to everyone there. "If we clip Zelda, Slade and Ripley will be the next to follow. Then, it's good luck at the top six." Wade just simply stares at him.
Wade: I'm laying everything out on the line! You either live or die trying!
Dante speaks up once again. "Then we won't have to hear about any more Wade versus Slade $#|T."
"Exactly! So sick of that guy…"
"I'm sick of hearing about it."
Snake jumps in with a comment. "Me too."
Wade: Tonight I'm getting the leg up this war between me and Slade. There's only one Powerade around here, and it's me! This is the Tragedy of Slade Wilson, and Zelda is going to be a casualty!
—
Tribal Council: Night 18
The ten Vara 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. With all of the castaways in attendance, this next Tribal Council is ready to kick off.
"Second Tribal Council of the merge. Wade, how does it feel to make it this far?" asks Jeff, and Wade jumps up! "I would like to say, it feels great since I was balls deep in trouble when we started this thing, but after that swap, I knew I would be here." he starts, before turning to Slade. "I also knew Slade would carry on trying to take me out, BUT what he didn't expect was for that plan to get leaked." Slade isn't phased by his words, but everyone's eyes are on Wade now, who swings back to Jeff.
"Mind if I take over?"
"Go right ahead."
He steps out in front of all nine Vara members, ready to rumble tonight. "I know two people who'll be by my side, but I NEED the other three to listen…Dante. Look, Slade called you out so WHY would you get with him? You aren't the bottom rung dude, you're literally cool with everyone." Dante shrugs. "He said it, not me."
Wade skips over that and faces T'Challa. "You're a safe guy, yes, but Slade will want to you out, and honestly, so will they." he argues, pointing to the women. "You showed up, and I'm just saying, Slade could end an immunity run…" T'Challa remains silent, as Wade points the finger at Dylan. "Dylan, dude, if you jump over to them, they will just pick you off. You're a cool guy, but if T wins a challenge they'll be looking at YOU." he says, which sticks with him. He turns to Slade last. "This man is dangerous, he has a ticket to nine, do you WANT someone like him here? The women are going to stick together, so weakening them NOW will be a good play. Don't ignore what I said, and with a cherry on top, snap them up." he concludes, sitting back down. There is a moment of silence, before Slade speaks up himself.
"You're closer to Price and Snake. If you had to make a call between T, D, and them, you'd choose
them. You wouldn't even consider Dante because what if he grew closer to them?"
"You're just trying to make us go nuts."
"I'm trying to SAVE those three."
"Yeah, by putting them at a disadvantage."
"It's not a disadvantage. They won't let me reach the end, it will be an even 3-3 gap."
Wade starts talking with his hands at this point. "But you're Slade and that's a problem. Why? Here's why: you never stop with the strategy. Never. What if Snake ends up alone? You'll just try to use him too. Oh yeah, and you are good at challenges. If I didn't hold you down you could have won AND had an idol! Yes, THE IDOL…" bickers Wade, who stares at him. "Play it, and maybe you can get some trust."
"That is the plan."
"Oh so it's manipulation?"
"I'm not your target so don't even try, Wilson."
"DEFLECTION?"
"You grate my nerves everytime we talk."
Everyone else is just watching this. "You started it, I'm ending it buster! You better win that challenge next week!" threatens Wade, and Slade just puts both hands on his knees. "You won't be there to stop me." Jeff decides to step back in. "It seems like one side versus the other. Let's draw a line in the sand Zelda, how do the numbers look like tonight?" he asks.
"We're split up. I won the last challenge and the other side wants to get rid of me for it since Slade threatened them with his idol." she begins. "It would make us feel secure if he used it tonight instead of lying." Slade looks at the back of her head. "Even so, Wade did pull out a last minute pitch. I find it flawed but he could continue their run if it works out." That's when Wade cuts in again. "You make us look big and bad Z, but YOU are a threat too."
"Explain."
"You are nice, you win comps, and you might have a good story. That sounds like a winner to me." states Wade, who gets looks from everyone. Jeff just leans back. "Are we finished?" He asks, and there are no objections.
"That is all I need to hear, because it is time to vote. Zelda, you're up first…"
Zelda rises from her stump and heads to the booth.
—
Zelda: It's been fun to be around you, but you also just stress me out. (Wade)
Slade: You've been here 18 days too long. (Wade)
Price: No man gets left behind. Wade's my best shot to win, and you are not. (Zelda)
Wade: I wish things worked out better, but Slade dragged my face across concrete. (Zelda)
T'Challa: They said it's time to pick a side, but I'm doing what's best for me. (?)
—
After all of that voting is done and over with, the ten Vara 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.." Slade IMMEDIATELY steps up, and looks at Wade when he approaches Jeff. He hands the idol in and looks into Jeff's eyes. "This is for me." He heads back to his stump, and Jeff raises his idol for all to see. "This IS a hidden immunity idol. Any votes cast for Slade will not count." he reveals, and nobody is shocked since they knew several hours ago.
"I'll read the votes…" he states, removing the lid from the urn. Zelda and Wade look on, one of their games coming to a close tonight. Jeff has the parchment in hand, ready to reveal.
"First vote…."
— Wade.
— Zelda.
— Wade.
— Zelda.
— Wade.
— Zelda. That's 3 votes Wade, 3 votes Zelda, four votes left…
— Wade.
— Zelda. That's 4 votes Wade, 4 votes Zelda, two votes left…
— Wade.
The Hyrulian princess and merc with a mouth look on, tension growing…
"Ninth person voted out of Survivor: Maldives Madness, and the second member of our jury, Wade. Bring me your torch."
Wade pops up and grabs his torch. "Good game." says Price. Wade turns around and fists bumps Price, then Snake.
"Thanks for having my back."
While he heads to the other side, T'Challa and Dylan look at one another. Dylan tilts his head and has a slight frown. "Why.."
"I'll explain later."
Wade offers a high five to Zelda, and while she's confused, reciprocates it anyway. "Sorry I put that on your back."
"I'll survive, Wade. Go enjoy your feast."
Wade high fives Peach too, but walks right past Slade. The juggernaut slowly shakes his head, one jury vote burned. On his way to Jeff, he looks at T'Challa, Dylan, and Dante. "Curious how you'll explain that one." When he gets to Jeff, he sets his torch right down.
"Take me out, Jeff."
The host raises his snuffer.
"Wade, the tribe has spoken."
He snuffs his torch.
"Time for you to go."
Instead of staying any longer, Wade leaves. Once he's out of view, Jeff turns to the remaining nine players.
"I'm curious how you'll pick up the pieces after that. Head back to camp, have a good night."
The nine Vara pick up their torches and exit the Tribal Council area, a third person on their way to jury in just a couple of days.
—
Wade's Final Words
Wade: Maybe they flipped because of insecurity or something, but MAN I wanted the millions! Right when I was getting somewhere, I get clipped. That is just the worst timing ever!
He sighs, before making one last remark.
Wade: Get ready for a dark finish without me.
—
Votes:
Zelda— Wade, Price, Snake, and Dylan
Wade— Zelda, Peach, Ripley, Slade, Dante, and T'Challa
—
Episode 9(A and B) Confessional Count:
8– Price, Wade
6– Dante, Snake
5– T'Challa, Dylan
4– Ripley, Peach
3– Zelda
2– Slade
—
Total Confessional Count:
42– Price
38– Dante
36– Slade
30– Snake
29– Peach
28– T'Challa, Dylan
27– Ripley
23– Zelda
—
Eliminated Confessional Count:
46– Wade
32– Skarlet
24– Wario
20– Wesker
14– Wii Fit Trainer
11– Ms Pac-Man
17– Penelope
12– Toad
5– Jigglypuff
—
With that, half of the cast is gone! In addition, there are new developments! Price and Snake are in trouble, and Slade is down an idol! T'Challa will have to explain why he decided to take out Wade! All that, and more players…PLAY!
— How will Dylan respond? Price? Snake?
— Did T'Challa make the optimal move?
— What will Slade do next? He has "deals" with Dante AND Price after all!
Those questions will be addressed in Episodes 10A and B! I'm Ticket and I'll see you there!