Survivor: Chaos Cove

by Sekaedy

Twenty strangers embark on the adventure of a lifetime. 39 days, 20 people, one Survivor!

6. Day Six

Survivor: Chaos Cove

Day Six

Challenge Beach

"Come on in guys!"

Jeff watched from the base of the hill as the castaways arrived at their mats, drained but still determined.

"How about that storm yesterday?" Jeff asked the cast. "Glad to see you all made it through. Miriam, how was it?"

Miriam stiffly smiled. "I'm still here, and I'm not about to give up now."

"Hell yeah!" Lukas high-fived her. "We're all here to play. Bring it on, Te D-, uh," he paused, searching, "Dinguses?"

Kristen laughed derisively. "Nice one, for the Nuar-asses."

Lukas frowned. "Low blow, dude."

"Looks like Nuara's doing just fine," Jeff said. "Vanessa, can you say the same for Te Dei?"

"Honestly, we're probably doing better than them?" Vanessa answered, uncertain. "I mean, we have the tarp and some great builders." She shrugged. "The storm wasn't fun but I can't imagine they have it better."

Jeff nodded. "I guess we'll find out. Ready to get to today's Immunity Challenge?"

The castaways cheered.

"First things first though. Nuara, I gotta take back the idol."

"'Aight, but just for a bit." Stella handed the golden skeleton over.

"We'll take it off your hands," Anthony said.

"You gotta win first," Jeff said, returning to his spot. "Once again, Immunity is back up for grabs. For today's challenge, both tribes will cooperate to scale this hill by climbing a series of ramps and walls." He pointed up the hill at each respective section. "At the top, two castaways will complete a sliding puzzle, but first you gotta get the puzzle pieces.

"Your tribe will split into three groups to do this. One bag is behind a locked door. One group will need to construct a pole strong enough to retrieve it. Another three are suspended overhead. Group two will throw stones, break the tiles, and drop them." He mimed the actions involved in each branch. "The last three bags are down a waterslide. With good timing the last group can get them in one go. Once everyone's back with the puzzle pieces, two castaways will assemble the puzzle.

"First tribe to finish wins Immunity; a night off, safe from the vote. Losers, Tribal Council where one of you will be the second person voted out of the game. This challenge is all about teamwork. You're only as strong as your weakest link, so plan accordingly. Nuara, you've got one extra person. Who's sittin' out?"

After some deliberation, the choice came down to Miriam and Isabelle.

"I'm really good on a waterslide," Miriam claimed. "I'll do it!"

"That's a weird thing to say, but okay," Marta said, and nobody objected.

"Fair enough," Isabelle said. "I will sit."

Jeff nodded. "Take a spot on the bench." As she did Jeff continued. "I'll give you a minute to strategize then we'll get started."

Miriam: I screwed up one challenge a few days ago and now a bunch of people want me gone. So, hell no I'm not gonna sit out when they tell me to. I'm gonna get out there, rock the competition, and make them feel stupid for even trying to get me out!

xxx

"Here we go, for Immunity," Jeff said, arm raised. "Survivors ready?"

The cast, waiting at the tower's base, nodded their approval.

"Go!"

The castaways sprinted to the first obstacle.

"Both tribes are neck-and-neck out of the gate! First up is the rope grid; you'll have to get on your knees and crawl through it."

They did as he said. The more athletic players found their footing with ease while some of the others struggled to orient themselves.

"Don't waste any time, your tribe is relying on you!"

Ruby shot out for Nuara, followed by Shawn and Mike for Te Dei then Miriam and Lukas from her tribe.

Miriam and Lukas kept running, but Jeff held his arm out. "You wait until everyone's on the mat. Help each other, you're a team!" He reminded the tribes. "You don't advance until everyone's through!"

They huffed and came back to pull people with Ruby.

Shawn and Mike pulled out Kat and Anthony as people approached the exit on both tribes.

"We have a race!" Jeff celebrated. "Te Dei was ahead but now Nuara's pulling up Stella, Alex and Ryan!"

Te Dei pulled up more people until Steve was left. He outstretched his arm. "I'm stuck!"

The tribe piled behind Mike and Shawn to pull him out, and before long he was free.

"Te Dei's done first, go!" Jeff prompted. "Now you're going over the barrel!"

Mike threw himself over the barrel, allowing Shawn to start boosting the others over while the rest of Nuara exited the ropes.

"Te Dei's ahead, with most of their tribe over the barrel, but Nuara is right on their heels! Pick it up!"

Lukas took Shawn's strategy, positioning himself in front of Nuara's barrel to push people over while Shawn took a running start to get himself over.

"Everyone's over, go!" Jeff told Te Dei. "Nuara's still behind, but not by much. Already half the tribe is over, and there's Victor!"

Te Dei came up to the final obstacle, a steep, smooth slope, and approached it with the same strategy as the barrel. Shawn boosted Mike with the others' help, who helped pull the rest up.

"Looks like Te Dei's found their rhythm! You can't climb this alone, it takes teamwork! Nuara's got some catching up to do!"

Just as Te Dei pulled Shawn up, Nuara lined up at the base of the wall. They, too, used the same strategy.

"Te Dei reaches the top first while Nuara races to catch them! Don't celebrate yet, Te Dei, you still need to gather the puzzle pieces. This challenge isn't over!"

Te Dei broke into their groups posthaste. Britney, Kristen and Shawn each grabbed a handful of rocks and started throwing. Shawn hit his first two throws, cracking but not breaking the tile, while Britney and Kristen figured out the trajectory.

"Kat, Mike and Steve are already hard at work tying together the sticks; that pole needs to be long and strong to pull in the bag. Anthony, Madison and Vanessa are at the waterslide, still working out their strategy."

Another one of Shawn's stones connected and the tile shattered.

"Te Dei's throwers drop their first bag!" Jeff checked on Nuara – Marta was climbing the wall with her tribe's help. "All that's left for Nuara is Lukas. You better go!" he told the watersliders.

"I'll go first," Vanessa suggested. "That way, if I miss one you guys can get it."

Anthony nodded. "That works."

"Agreed," Madison said as the entirety of Nuara pulled Lukas up. "Just go!"

"Nuara's at the top of the hill!" Jeff called as Vanessa gingerly went down the waterslide. "They've got some catching up to do but they're still in this!"

Vanessa pulled herself forward and slid faster than she was comfortable with. She oriented herself toward the first bag, reached out, and…

"Vanessa grabs onto the bag! It's tied onto the slide, so you'll have to untie it without letting go."

Anthony and Madison followed, and both grabbed their respective bags. Stella, Miriam and Ryan, Nuara's sliders, raced onto their slide in that order and grabbed onto their bags in that order.

"Te Dei had a solid headstart, but not an unbeatable one! Godfrey, Marta and Victor are building Nuara's pole while Alex, Lukas, and Ruby are breaking tiles."

More ceramic shattering interrupted him.

"Te Dei has their second bag!"

"Think we're ready?" Mike asked, his pole about a meter long.

"I dunno…" Kat replied. "Is it sturdy enough?"

"Only one way to find out!" Steve said.

"Te Dei is satisfied with their pole's length!" Jeff said. "And Nuara breaks their first tile!"

Mike had to reach his hole arm through, but the pole was long enough. He hooked the bag, with some difficulty. Britney

threw another stone at just the right spot.

"Te Dei breaks their last tile and the builders are pulling their bag! It's all down to the sliders!"

Victor cursed. "We have to hurry."

Marta tied another stick tight. "Preaching to the choir."

Godfrey harrumphed, grabbing another one. "We need only another foot. No need for panic."

Another tile broke as Ruby and Lukas threw stones rapidly trying to outdo each other. Alexander tried his best, and failed, to keep up.

"Nuara breaks their second tile…" Jeff said, "and there goes their third! We have a challenge!"

On the waterslides, Anthony untied his bag first. As Anthony slid, Ryan lost his grip and tumbled to the base of the hill bagless.

"Te Dei's sliders have their first bag! Ryan slipped off without Nuara's. A huge time waste if the other sliders can't get to it!"

Ryan and Anthony started climbing the steep, difficult path. At the same time, Miriam and Madison untied their respective bags and slid down. Miriam aimed for Ryan's bag on her way down and…

"Miriam misses Ryan's bag! It's all up to Stella!"

Stella untied her bag, threw it down the slide and let go. She gripped Ryan's knot and slipped but managed to grab it with her other hand and hold on.

The rest of Nuara cheered while Godfrey pulled in his group's bag.

"Nuara has their sixth bag!"

At the same time, Vanessa untied a knot and slipped, losing her grip.

"Vanessa slips! And Stella slides down with Nuara's last bag! Now Nuara is ahead!"

Everyone was climbing back up now. Anthony was the furthest along, with Miriam and Ryan right behind and Madison and Vanessa further back. Stella quickly gained ground on them.

"Anthony's back, and down the slide he goes!" Jeff watched everyone else return while Anthony untied. "There's Miriam; Stella and Ryan. Get started on the puzzle!"

Once Ryan caught his breath, he joined Godfrey on the puzzle. Simultaneously, Anthony finished untying and started the long climb back up.

"Anthony's tank is running low, but that's how this game works. You have to dig deep!"

Ryan and Godfrey slid pieces around rapidly. The rest of Nuara crowded around to help, but they could hardly keep up.

"These two made quick work of the puzzle last time. Bad news for Te Dei if they're on the right track."

Anthony only made it halfway up before Ryan called. "Jeff?"

"Already?" Jeff inspected the puzzle and, sure enough, the wooden image of Nuara's tribe flag was fully intact. "Nuara wins Immunity!" Jeff confirmed, ending the challenge decisively with raised arms. "An absolute blowout!"

xxx

"Nuara, congratulations. Once again Immunity is yours." He walked them the idol while they cheered. "Grab your stuff, head back to camp. Your tribe stays intact."

Jeff turned to the despondent orange tribe. "Te Dei, I'll be seeing you at Tribal again, where someone will be the second person voted out of this season. Grab your stuff, head back to camp. See ya soon."

Kristen: We lost today and I'm pretty sure I'm done for now. I feel bad, 'cause I promised Kat I'd put in the work to stay alive, but I'm pretty sure I didn't do enough. I doubt we have the numbers to do anything, but even if we did it's not like we have a plan. (She sighs.) Well, I'll give it a shot this afternoon. Worst case scenario? I get a free month-long vacation.

Nuara Tribe

Nuara re-entered camp, triumphant, and returned their idol to its spot. The tribe had the whole day to relax and many did exactly that. Some, however, didn't feel the need to.

Godfrey: Fortunately for Stella, I decided not to throw today's challenge. It wouldn't be difficult – my protegee Ryan and I could've easily failed the puzzle had I wanted us to, but no. (He shakes his head.) It's not prudent to squander our tribe's number advantage so early. Even so, things change every day, so I'll provide my confidant in the minority an update on the situation.

Godfrey approached Victor in the shelter, resting his joints. "Impressively done earlier. I tip my hat to you."

"Yeah, you too." Victor nodded. "Not that I was worried about losing."

"Maybe you should have been. The plan for tonight was changed without your knowledge."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Had we lost, Stella would be the one leaving tonight." Godfrey adjusted his glasses. "Everybody except you, Marta, Ruby and Stella herself would be writing her name down."

"Really now?" Victor sat back, taking in the news. "I didn't expect you to pull something off so quickly. Why'd you go with Stella?"

"A variety of reasons, but mostly it was the path of least resistance. I was able to easily assemble a majority against her in time for the challenge."

"Huh, isn't that something." Victor rubbed his stubble. "Interesting plan. Why are you telling me about it?"

"I'm glad you asked. Allow me to explain. I predict that Nuara will split into two factions before our first Tribal." Godfrey stroked his beard as he explained. "Whether they center around Isabelle and Stella or Miriam and Ruby, or some other rivalry in the making, I don't yet know, but I do know this. It'd be ingenious to align with someone from the other side and work together to manipulate them to our advantage." Godfrey extended a hand. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"…Wow." Victor's post-challenge brain had to work to process Godfrey's verbosity. "I, uh, guess I'm in." He rubbed his head then shook Godfrey's hand. "You've clearly gave this lots of thought. What a plan."

Godfrey nodded, grinning, satisfied. "I thought you'd recognize its merits."

xxx

"Lemme get this straight." Stella kept her voice low. "Godfrey got them all to vote me, then leaked the plan to you himself?"

Stella: What the hell is goin' on in this tribe? If I'm keepin' track of all this right: Godfrey, the first person to align with me, is tryna get me out. Isabelle, the person I tried to get out, ratted him out to me. And what's my boy Ryan got to say about all this? Nothing. I gotta get to the bottom of this or it's gonna drive me mad.

Victor nodded. "Yup."

"And he thought with this master plan," Ruby clarified, "that he'd have complete control of Nuara?" She snapped her fingers. "Just like that?"

"That's the impression I got! Your guess is as good as mine."

Victor: I can't stop thinking about Godfrey's plan. I've watched this show for the strategy from episode one, and I'd love nothing more than to watch Godfrey try this crap on TV. But as an actual player? It'd be insane to go along with him. I shouldn't have to explain why it's stupid to put myself in the minority for him, but I'm also, just, not confident he really knows what's going on in the tribe.

"Geez, my head hurts," Marta said. "Why'd he go to you, anyway? Did he just pick you out of a hat?"

"Nah, he seems to think we're on a similar wavelength or something. We're not."

"…So weird. What do you suppose we do now?"

Marta: The way some people think about Survivor is wild! Godfrey thinks about this game on another level, and I'm starting to think Vic does too. Honestly part of me wishes Godfrey woulda picked me instead – imagine me becoming a strategic mastermind! (She laughs.) But that's not the kinda game I'm playin'. And seeing as Vic is siding with me over Godfrey? I'd say it's working.

"Let's just get Godfrey's ass out!" Stella suggested. "Don't see why we'd keep him around if he can't bother bein' loyal."

"Honestly? Agreed," Ruby said. "The only thing he's good for is puzzles anyway. We can do without him."

"Then it's decided," Victor said. "Something tells me it won't be that hard to find a crack in this six-some."

xxx

Ryan sat alone, eating a clamful of rice and waiting in camp. He sighed, exasperated.

Ryan: Godfrey is driving me crazy. He's suddenly pulled together a big alliance to target our ally, Stella, and I'm in it. Why would he do that? He has to have a logical explanation for everything. He's one of the smartest people I've ever met, why would he make such a stupid, unnecessary move?

"Hey there," Stella said from behind.

Ryan jumped. "H-Hey, Stella! Good thing we won, yeah?"

"You bet. Scoot," Stella said, sitting beside him. "What's new with you? I learned a lot today."

"…You found out, didn't you?"

"I sure did." Stella crossed her arms. "You got some 'splaining to do. Godfrey really turned on me?"

"Geez." Ryan looked down. "Yeah, he got people to vote for you, but-"

"But what!?"

Ryan winced. "I don't know, he sounded like he had some kind of secret plan? Saying it out loud makes it sound dumb, but I wanted to trust him."

Stella snickered. "Oh, he did have one!" She told him everything Victor told her. "But whether he's got a plan or not, you tell your allies when someone's gunnin' for them. I thought you and I were tight!"

"Keep it down, okay?" Ryan hushed her. "I'm sorry. I was gonna tell you as soon as possible. I was hoping to get the truth from him first, but I haven't had a chance to yet. I think he's avoiding me."

Stella's expression softened. "Are you really tellin' the truth?"

"I am. I swear I was never going to vote for you," Ryan pled. "Are we still good?"

"I guess so," Stella replied. "I can't stand liars, but I believe you."

"Thank you." Ryan sighed in relief. "Isabelle and Victor told you? That's a shock. Who told Victor?"

"Godfrey did! And now Vic wants him out."

"Really?" Ryan facepalmed. "What a mess…"

Te Dei Tribe

Te Dei re-entered camp and put away their things in silence. While some castaways knew who they wanted out, they still weren't happy about it.

"Sorry everyone," Vanessa broke the silence first. "This one's on me. I thought I could do it but I couldn't."

Vanessa: We lost the challenge today, and I can't blame Kristen for this one. It was my fault through and through. But hopefully I can be a good example for my kids by owning up to my failures and taking responsibility. (She gives a spiteful glance.) You know, the kind of example Kristen really needed growing up.

"It happens," Shawn said. "You tried your best and that's all that matters."

The rest of the tribe gave similar supportive comments.

"Thanks everyone." Vanessa smiled sadly. "We'll get 'em next time."

"That's the spirit," Mike said. "I've been there too. Just live and learn, mate."

Mike: We lost again today, but I'm not worried. In fact, I'm even relieved. She'll be apples as far as I'm concerned, they got no reason to kick me off, and their little alliance wants to vote for Kristen. Works for me. I'm happy with anything, if it'll put an end to this Kristen and Vanessa nonsense!

Eventually everyone dispersed to prepare for Tribal.

"So we're still good?" Vanessa asked once only she and Shawn remained. "Kristen tonight?"

Shawn hesitated. "Yep, nothing's changed." He gave a weak thumbs-up. "Should be a simple night."

Vanessa didn't notice anything. "Okay, good." She smiled. "Thanks for earlier, by the way."

"Huh? I didn't do anything."

"But you did! I screwed up really bad in the challenge, but just one sentence from you convinced me I'd be okay. Thank you."

"I… Thanks?" Shawn scratched his head awkwardly. "You can, uh, always count on me."

Shawn: Well, we lost again. (He sucks his teeth.) And back to Tribal we go. The first one was rough, and that ended up being a unanimous vote. This time, we can't all be united again, and I have a feeling it's not gonna be eight to one either. Last time I talked to Kat, she wanted me to flip with her, but I don't know. We really need to stop losing, and I don't think pulling a big move is gonna help.

"Anyway, I gotta go check in with everyone." Shawn turned to leave. "We'll talk later?"

Vanessa waved. "Of course!"

xxx

Mike went to the other side of camp to chop open coconuts for the tribe. Britney and Anthony joined soon after.

"Hey!" Anthony said. "Good work back there. You thirsty too?"

Britney nodded. "So thirsty."

"So," Britney said over Mike's whacking, rocking on her feet. "We've got Tribal tonight. What are you guys thinking?"

Britney: It sucks having to go back to Tribal, but I feel a lot better about my chances tonight! I'm starting to get the hang of how this works, how to talk to people and strategize. At least, I hope so. You never know when things will go crazy, but I feel like I'm a little more ready for it now.

"That we do," Anthony replied. "I was planning to vote Kristen tonight. Only name I've heard."

"Same here." Britney said. "If that works for you guys, then sure."

"Hey guys!" Shawn joined the group. "What are we thinking?"

"It's still Kristen," Anthony said. "Nothing's changed."

Anthony: It should be Kristen leaving tonight. That's the name I've heard from literally everyone so far, so there shouldn't be a problem. But there was a wrench thrown in the plan last time, so I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious. Hopefully I've put enough into my relationships here to save me if anything goes wrong.

Shawn nodded. "I figured as much. Can I have one?" he asked Mike.

"You don't even have to ask, mate!" Mike replied.

xxx

"So yer still good to vote Kristen?" Steve asked Kat. "That's what everyone's doin' tonight."

"You betcha!" Kat gave a thumbs-up as beads of sweat formed on her forehead. "Like shootin' fish in a barrel."

Kat: I feel bad about lyin' to Steve. Me 'n him are cut from the same cloth and in the real world I reckon we'd be the best of friends! But if I do get my way tonight, it won't be Kristen goin' home. It sucks but it's a necessary evil. He's too invested in the alliance. I'll beg for forgiveness once it's all said 'n done.

Shawn showed up, coconut in hand. "Hey guys. How're we doing?"

"Just peachy," Steve replied. "Where'd ya get that?"

"Mike's giving them out in camp." Shawn took a sip and grinned. "Mother Nature's Gatorade."

Steve ignored him. "We were talkin' about the vote. It's still Kristen."

Steve: If only Kat weren't so close to Shawn. I trust her a bunch, and I'd bring her in on the Shawn plan if I could, but it ain't my fault they're one the tightest pair on the island. We'll have all the numbers we need to get out Shawn once Kristen's gone, so if we gotta blindside Kat along with him so be it. (He shrugs.) She's smart, she'll fergive me.

"I'm hearing the same from everyone else." Shawn glanced at Kat. "It's looking like a cut-and-dry vote."

"Eyup. I'm parched, so I'mma get me a coconut. Later."

"Do I want to know what you're thinking?" Shawn asked once Steve left.

"I think we gotta do Vanessa." Kat said. "You're all about us winnin' challenges, right? Who lost it for us today?"

"…Yeah, it was Vanessa. Can't argue with that."

"I think she's the right move, Shawn. You really think that alliance is gonna survive?"

Shawn: I talked to all my allies and I think I'm gonna be okay. Now I just have to figure out what to do about Kat. She's targeting Vanessa and I don't know what I should do. Vanessa and I are close, but it's true that she's been exacerbating her fight with Kristen. She works hard, but she's still a challenge liability. There's pros to flipping, but there's cons too, so I have a lot to think about.

Shawn sighed. "I'm not gonna lie, you make some good points."

"Yeah I do!" Kat replied.

"There you guys are," Kristen said, joining the pair. Her expression was downtrodden. "I've talked to a bunch of people and I'm not getting anywhere. I don't know what to do."

"Well, we got a name now. We're votin' Vanessa." Kat grinned in anticipation. "You down?"

Kat: It's time to get Vanessa out. I'm sick 'n tired of her attitude. She complains about Kristen's all the time but she's become worse than Kristen ever was! And it's a decent move strategically too. I wanna stop goin' to Tribal, and she's cost us both Immunities so far. Nothin' else really makes sense.

Kristen raised her eyebrow. "Of course I'm down. Can we do that?"

"We can try! All we need is five votes. Us three, then two of Britney, Madison and Mike. Shawn, are you in?"

"Aw, man." Shawn looked away, distraught. "Yeah, fine. Talk to me if you have the numbers."

"Yes!" Kat pumped her fist then turned to Kristen. "You need to get out there and convince people. We need two and we ain't got much time."

"Okay, here goes..."

Kristen: We've got an actual plan in place now. I'm gonna go talk to the swing votes, and hopefully convince enough of them to vote out Vanessa. (She grins reluctantly.) For the first time since I got here, I'm actually excited. She's been the worst part of living here, so maybe this can actually be bearable once she's gone.

xxx

Eventually word about the coconuts spread, and everyone had gotten one. Madison and Steve slurped from theirs in camp.

"Everything's calm today," Madison said, "but I can feel it in the air. This tribe is so oblivious to the incoming storm."

Madison: Steve told me about the big alliance the other day. I can't believe I didn't notice sooner – it was so obvious in retrospect who was running this tribe. But that puts me in an awkward position. Steve told me I'd be safe, and I do trust him, but do I really want to put myself at this alliance's mercy? I don't think so.

"There's another storm comin'?!" Steve asked. "You gotta be kiddin' me."

"No, I'm not talking about the weather. I meant the whole Shawn blindside thing."

"Oh! Course ya were." Steve chuckled. "Eyup, it's gonna be a doozy."

Anthony and Vanessa sat down next to them, each with their own coconuts.

"Heya," Steve greeted them. "I should let y'all know: Madison's in on bootin' Shawn next."

"I think it's a great idea." Madison tapped her chin. "But I wonder if it'd be smart to move that up a round and do that tonight? I sense that the swap is near."

Vanessa shook her head. "I don't think so. I'd feel bad, especially because I already promised him it was Kristen."

Vanessa: I'm so glad that I won't have to live with Kristen anymore after tonight. I was supposed to find myself through Survivor, but how can I do that when the exact thing I was trying to get away from – negativity, cynicism, laziness – is living right here with me? But everything's in place, and it seems like Kristen will be going home. I wonder what her plan is? (She chuckles bitterly.) She's probably trying to get me out.

"Bah." Steve dismissed her. "But as much as I wanna get him out, I do still want him to win us challenges 'n stuff."

"Plus we'd probably need Kristen's vote," Anthony added, "and she wouldn't want to work with Vanessa."

"I see," Madison said. "All good points, I can't deny."

xxx

"Hey, Mike!" Kristen awkwardly greeted the survivalist. "Whatcha up to?"

"I'm trying to fix my snare." Mike squinted. "You mind grabbing me some bamboo to fix it?"

"I… don't really have time for that, but good luck I guess."

Mike grunted and returned his attention to the snare.

"So," Kristen said anyway, "what are you thinking about Tribal?"

"I wasn't. Thanks a bunch."

"Well, I have to ask. Would you vote for Vanessa?"

Mike glared at Kristen. "I'll think about it, okay? I got more important things to worry about."

Mike: Yeah, I get the argument for voting Vanessa off. She lost us the challenge, but is she really holding us back more than Kristen is? I'd rather have someone who tries their heart out and messes up once in a while than someone who barely tries at all.

"Get back to me soon, okay?"

Mike didn't look up.

"Okay, I'll leave you be." Kristen retreated. "I'm so bad at this…" she muttered to herself.

xxx

"Hey Shawn!" Britney said. "Is everything still good? I haven't heard anything but Kristen."

"Oh, Kristen's going for Vanessa now," Shawn said. "She was supposed to talk to you."

"Really? That's news to me. Is that, like, what's happening?"

Shawn shrugged. "It might happen. Kat really wants to save Kristen and, it kills me, but voting Vanessa's would help us win. I told them I'd join them if they got the numbers."

Britney thought about it for a moment. "We should do it," she decided.

"You're in? Just like that?"

Britney nodded. "I'm tired of losing too, and I'm also tired of worrying about blindsides. Wouldn't it be better to pull one off ourselves instead?"

"Oh man, I guess…" Shawn laughed nervously. "We still need one more vote though, so don't get ahead of yourself."

Shawn: I hate being in the middle. It's better than being a target, but it's still a lot of pressure that I'd rather do without. No matter who I vote for, someone's gonna be mad, and that's just more reason to get me out. I need to be careful here. I like Britney and all, but I don't know how much I trust her to be careful with this.

"That's fine, I know just who to ask!" Britney ran off.

Shawn rubbed his forehead. "What have I done…?"

xxx

"Hey Anthony!" Britney ran into the teacher first.

"Good to see you. Nothing's changed," he relieved her concern pre-emptively. "It's still Kristen."

"Actually, something has changed." Britney waggled her eyebrows. "Kristen's going after Vanessa."

"Ooh, good to know." Anthony sighed. "That's no biggie. She has to target someone."

"You don't think it'd be a good move? We gotta start winning challenges."

"We do, but don't forget she won us the reward challenge. And either way, Tribal is soon. People won't want to rock the boat."

Anthony: Just like last time, another name is showing up right before Tribal. First it was Greg going after Shawn, and this time Kristen herself is scrambling to boot Vanessa. I am glad Kristen's not giving up and dying, but that still doesn't work for me. So it concerns me that Britney's aconsidering flipping. She'd end up on the outs, and I want to keep my allies on the same side for as long as I can.

"We'd only need five votes." Britney shrugged. "We could probably do that."

Anthony shook his head. "I don't see that happening. Why are you so gung-ho about this anyway, do you have a problem with voting out Kristen?"

"No, not really," Britney protested. "I dunno, you're probably right that it's a bad idea. Unity and all that."

Britney: Anthony was probably right. Shawn brought up the possibility of blindsiding Vanessa and I got caught up in the excitement. I'm glad I snapped out of it, especially considering how last Tribal made me feel. The last thing I want to do is feed into the paranoia around here!

Anthony breathed a sigh of relief. "You had me worried for a sec there, Britney!"

"Haha, sorry about that…"

xxx

"I was worried we wouldn't have a chance to talk," Anthony said to his alliance. All six were there, though Mike was barely paying attention. "I've got some news."

Kat and Shawn shared a worried glance.

"Uh-oh," Vanessa said. "What's up?"

"Britney came up to me and told me Kristen was voting for you." Anthony pointed at Vanessa.

Vanessa nodded. "I thought as much." She glanced at her allies. "Should I be worried…?"

Vanessa: I suppose tonight's vote is going to be between me and Kristen. I guess it's fitting, I thought she'd want me out. I know my alliance has my back on this, but it's hard not to be a little on edge when someone's targeting you. It'd kill me to be voted out so soon, and over Kristen of all people. I have so much more to offer – these guys have seen nothing yet.

"'Course not," Steve said, "we all got yer back."

"That's right!" Kat said quickly. "Ain't nothin' to worry about."

"Unless she has an idol," Anthony said. "Should we maybe split the votes? We have the numbers to."

"Pfft, no need to." Steve blew him off. "She ain't got an idol."

"It might be a good idea though," Kat said. "Ya never know."

"Split with who though?" Anthony asked. "There aren't many options."

"Madison," Shawn said at the same time Steve said, "Britney."

The group went silent.

Shawn: I believe that, when you're lost and don't know what to do, the universe gives off signs of guidance. I've been so lost as to whether I should flip tonight. And even right before Tribal, I'm still not sure, but I do know this. If flipping is the right thing to do? That alliance meeting was definitely a sign.

Anthony cringed. "…Maybe it's not such a good idea after all?"

xxx

"Anyway, that's my pitch," Kristen said to Britney and Madison. "Think about it?"

Kristen: I've talked to everyone now, so I guess it's in their hands now. Britney and Madison were a little more receptive to me than Mike was, so there's still a sliver of hope, but it feels like a long shot. (She sighs and rests her hand on her cheek.) I thought I didn't care, but I'm not gonna lie. I'm really disappointed.

"Interesting plan," Madison said. "I would certainly be open to getting out Vanessa."

Britney tugged at her collar. "Me too, it's just…" She turned to Madison. "I talked to Anthony, and he didn't want to. So is it still good idea?"

"Is it even possible?"

"Yeah, it is."

Kristen nodded. "Us three plus Shawn and Kat."

"Did I hear my name?" Kat turned up behind Kristen. "Hope it ain't for nothin' bad!"

Kat: I really want this vote to happen. The alliance ain't no good for me, and without Vanessa's cloud hangin' over the tribe this place might be nice again. So I'm happy to see Kristen's out doin' her part for me. But I've been savin' my ace in the hole, and I think I just found the perfect opportunity to use it!

"Kristen here said you wanted to blindside Vanessa," Madison said. "Is that true?"

"Yup. I've actually been meanin' to tell y'all somethin' for a while, and now seems like a great time."

The girls listened intently as she told them about the day two alliance.

Britney: You're telling me there's been a big majority alliance this whole time? And they've all been lying about it? (She stumbles over her words as she collects her thoughts.) Obviously I want to break it up. The Vanessa blindside is back on! Unless Kat is lying to me instead? (She brings her voice back down, bouncing her leg anxiously.) I gotta think about this some more…

"If both of y'all are in," Kat said to Britney and Madison, "we can flip this tribe around. Shawn said he'd vote with us if we had the numbers. So whaddaya say?"

"Hmmm," Madison pondered. "I think we need to talk it over." She took Britney aside and asked, "What do you think?"

"I dunno, how do we know she's telling the truth?"

Madison looked to the sky then shook her head. "The stars aren't out yet. I couldn't begin to discern what's truly going on."

Britney scowled. "Okay, but, like, what do you really think? I don't know what to do!"

"Well, if you must know…"

Madison: (She cackles.) I can't believe Kat sold out the alliance too.All of a sudden they went from an insurmountable, six out of nine monolith to putty in my hands. I get to choose which half of them I want to side with. The best part? They're both good for me! I don't want to jinx it, but this strategy is working so well for me. This is too much fun.

Tribal Council

Once again, the members of Te Dei found themselves on the stumps of Tribal Council. Once again, one of them wouldn't be coming back.

Jeff nodded to the tribe. "Shall we start where we left off? We talked a lot about unity last time, then you all came together to vote out Greg. Steve, how was the vibe at camp once you got back?"

Steve guffawed. "How long after Tribal are we talkin'?"

The tension made the tribe laugh harder than they normally would've.

"What, did something happen?" Jeff asked. "Britney, get me up to speed."

"It was really nice at first," Britney said. "We came back, everyone was happy, and it was peaceful. But then Vanessa said something Kristen didn't like, and then they had a fight. It got ugly but, honestly, I was too tired to follow it."

"Really? Kristen, what happened?"

"I forget what exactly she said, but it was some passive-aggressive comment about growing pains." Kristen strained to remember. "Someone told me I was the target before Tribal, so I knew she was talking about me. And she confirmed it."

Jeff nodded. "So there was some tension between you two. But Kristen didn't even get a vote last night. Vanessa, what's your side of the story?"

"The plan last Tribal was to vote out Kristen. Everyone was down. But then Greg hatched a plan to get out Shawn, and things changed." Vanessa spread her hands. "It turns out I preferred the old plan better."

"So you still want Kristen out."

Vanessa nodded. "That's where my vote is going tonight."

"Where does this leave you, Kristen? There's at least one person who is deadset on voting for you. How do you play around that?"

Kristen rubbed her arm. "It's a challenge. I've settled on writing her name down myself tonight."

"I don't think many would blame you. Shawn, you got a vote last time when guys like you usually aren't targeted until the merge. Where's your head at tonight?"

"I'm happy I'm not on the chopping block today," Shawn replied, "but you're right. I'm just kicking the can down the line. I trust this tribe but it won't take much to turn people against me, so I have to be careful."

"Mike, you haven't been too engaged with the strategic aspect of this game. Where do you stand on the last few days' events?"

"I mostly want it to end, mate," Mike said. "I want to focus on surviving nature, not listening to people bicker back and forth."

"Is that what this vote boils down to, Anthony? Ending the bickering?"

Anthony bounced his head side to side, thinking. "Yes and no. Kristen and Vanessa's fight informed the targets for tonight's vote, but now the rest of us have to decide what we want out of it. And I think we all still want unity."

"Right. Kristen and Vanessa are two out of nine people. But what can the other seven agree on? Madison, where do you fall?"

"You know Jeff," Madison said, "this talk of unity is really funny to me now. I recently learned something that strongly affects my opinion on this. There's a big alliance of six – everyone but myself, Kristen and Britney."

"Wow!" Jeff said.

Steve and Kat's eyes widened.

"Who told you?" Anthony said.

Madison shook her head. "I'm not going to name names, but it should be in the open. I don't see how we have unity if there are any secrets."

"Well, I have to ask," Jeff said. "Does this change anyone's votes?"

Nobody replied.

"Wow. So Kat, was this information in the open already or were you the one that leaked it, or?"

Kat raised her hands in front of her. "I didn't leak nothin'! I just don't see how I can use this information right now. I trust my alliance."

"Vanessa, let's say Kristen manages to flip enough people against you, or maybe play an idol, and you go home. What do you make of your Survivor experience?"

"I'd be thankful but crushed," Vanessa replied. "I started this game at a difficult point of my life. I'm newly divorced, my world's been pulled out from beneath me. I have a chance to reinvent myself here, and I haven't had long enough yet."

"Wow. What about you, Kristen. Your plan fails and you go home. What do these last six days mean to you?"

Kristen chuckled bitterly. "Man, I don't know. I know I sucked that first day, but I've put in a lot of work since then." Kristen shrugged. "At least, I thought so. I guess I'll be glad that I tried, but it'd just be such a waste."

"Yeah. Well, with that," Jeff said, "it's finally time to vote. Kat, you're up."

xxx

Kat: (Voting for Vanessa.) We gotta start winnin' challenges, and despite everythin' you like to say, you're worse for us than Kristen is.

Vanessa: (Voting for Kristen.) I'm done with you. It's time for this tribe to move on.

Anthony: (Voting for Kristen.) You don't seem like a bad person, but this game brings out the worst in you. I think even you'd say you've had enough.

Kristen: (Voting for Vanessa.) Well, I tried. I'm not gonna give up now.

xxx

"I'll go tally the votes," Jeff said. Before long, he returned with the urn. "If anyone has a Hidden Immunity Idol and you want to play it, now would be the time to do so."

When nobody stood up, Jeff continued. "Okay. Once the votes are read, the decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I'll read the votes."

"First vote: Vanessa."

Vanessa nodded.

"Kristen."

Kristen pursed her lips.

"Kristen."

Kristen frowned. Kat bit her nails.

"Vanessa. We're tied; two votes Kristen, two votes Vanessa."

Vanessa raised an eyebrow. Anthony leaned forward, concerned.

"Vanessa. That's three votes Vanessa."

Vanessa glanced at her alliance members. Steve clenched his jaw while Shawn wouldn't meet her gaze.

"Britney."

Britney's eyes widened. Most of the rest of the tribe looked around in confusion as well.

"Kristen. We're tied again; three votes Kristen, three votes Vanessa, one vote Britney."

Kristen gulped. Vanessa held her breath.

"Kristen. Four votes Kristen, three votes Vanessa, one vote left."

Kristen rolled her eyes, sat back and crossed her arms. Britney's pulse gradually returned to normal.

"Vanessa. We have a tie."

"Wait, what?" Kristen and Vanessa said simultaneously.

The rest of the tribe was surprised as well, and some were excited.

"Here's what's gonna happen." Jeff pointed at the girls. "Kristen, Vanessa, you won't vote. The rest of you can only vote for Kristen or Vanessa. We clear?"

The castaways confirmed their understanding.

"Good. But first, I'll give both of you a moment to make your pitch. Kristen, you're up."

"…Okay." Kristen stood up. "Vanessa, were you the Britney vote?"

"Of course not," Vanessa replied.

"I didn't think so. Whoever you are, I'm not sure what you're doing. And I also don't know why you're doing it either, so I'm not even sure what kind of pitch to give you. If you're not in Vanessa's alliance, voting her out is a no-brainer. If you are in the alliance, I dunno." Kristen shrugged. "She lost us the challenge and I'm better at puzzles?"

"Alright," Jeff said as Kristen sat. "Vanessa, it's your turn."

"Thank you." Vanessa stood. "So I guess some of you tried to make a move tonight? I don't know. I respect that, but you made a big mistake. And it isn't too late to make things right. All you need to do is write Kristen's name and we can go home, united, like this never happened." Vanessa clutched her chest. "I'm one of the most loyal people I know and if you keep me tonight I'll repay you tenfold." She sat back down. "That's all."

"Thank you both. It's time to vote. Because there's seven people voting, this won't end in a tie. Kat, if you'd grab the urn?"

xxx

Jeff returned with the urn and wasted no time. "I'll read the votes. First vote: Kristen."

Kristen rested her head on her fist.

"Vanessa."

Vanessa played with her hair, restless.

"Vanessa."

"Kristen. Two votes each."

The castaways watched, stone-still, with bated breath.

"Kristen. That's three votes Kristen."

Shawn put his head in his hands. Distress started to show on Kat's face.

"Vanessa. We're tied again; three votes Kristen, three votes Vanessa, one vote left."

Anthony and Steve shared a confused, disturbed glance.

"Second person voted out of Survivor: Chaos Cove…"

The tribe collectively held their breath.

"Vanessa. You need to bring me your torch."

"Wow," Vanessa said, staring at her tribe in shock. "Just wow." She walked over to Jeff and slotted in her torch.

"Vanessa," Jeff said, "the tribe has spoken." He snuffed her torch. "It's time for you to go.

Vanessa turned back to her former tribe. "Big mistake, guys. But well played. Bye."

Jeff addressed the eight remaining castaways. "So much for unity. Whatever happened tonight, you better clean up this mess, or else I imagine I'll be seeing a lot more of you." He nodded to them one last time. "Grab your stuff, head back to camp."

xxx

Vanessa: I guess that's it for me. I'm not sure why people felt like they needed to blindside me of all people, but maybe Kristen had more allies than I thought. I wish whoever voted with me the best, because I couldn't imagine living one more day with her.

Kristen: Anthony, Mike, Steve & Vanessa

Vanessa: Britney, Kat, Kristen & Shawn

Britney: Madison

Vanessa: Britney, Kat, Madison & Shawn

Kristen: Anthony, Mike & Steve

xxx

A/N: After a wild vote her tribe is going to spend days figuring out, Vanessa becomes the second person voted out of the game. Kristen isn't getting her vacation just yet, and Vanessa's old alliance will have to figure out what happened and how to move forward. As for you readers, you'll have to wait until day seven to find out exactly what happened, but the vote breakdown will give a bit of a clue :)

I think a lot of people are going to be relieved and, hopefully, surprised at Vanessa leaving. A few readers told me they expected her to be a major character of the season and that they were disappointed about it because they found her unlikeable. That for the most part was all intentional. Early Te Dei was always going to be dominated by Vanessa and Kristen's personality conflict, and Vanessa was always going to be blindsided in a surprising and confusing vote.

What I wanted from this round was for both Kristen and Vanessa to have both positive and negative aspects to their characters. Kristen's a bit of a cynic who speaks her mind, and a fish out of water in the Survivor world, and while it may be entertaining it rubs some people the wrong way. Vanessa was in a transitional part of her life, working really hard to escape her old life and overcome her shortcomings, but she was still too fixated on what she was escaping from to look forward. I wanted their feud to be multifaceted enough so that readers could empathize with both sides even if they had a preference one way or the other. Your mileage will vary on if that succeeded.

The thing about Vanessa that surprised me was how easy she was to write for. I'm a young guy in my twenties who's never been married let alone divorced, so I don't have many similarities with Vanessa at all. I'm not really writing what I know with her. But because she was the second boot, I didn't have to worry so much about lining her character up with events from later in the story. So I felt like I had a lot more freedom with her, and that's why she ended up being one of the more visible characters of these first two episodes. In any case, I feel like she served her role well and I hope that people like her effect on the story even if they don't like her all that much.

Thanks for reading, I'll see ya in the next one :)