Time for heart to heart matters with more than one contestant. I needed another non-challenge chapter before the finale to give this fic some diversity instead of just focusing on challenges (that could otherwise get too monotonous), and this felt like an appropriate time to do so. Don't worry, I didn't rush this chapter even if it's only out one day after the previous one; it was just something I had lots of spare time to work on and happened to get done quickly. Let's get more review responses done first.
GlitchWarrior: Nope; Lindsay has more to do here! The 2-1-1-1 vote was intentionally made ambiguous to leave some room for imagination.
SideshowJazz1: Intriguing theory on personas switching places, but remember how Mike was imprisoned within his own subconscious in canon and goes on some journey with his other alters to stop Mal from within (heading for a tower). Another thing to keep in mind about him and Zoey is that they had different votes during the season 4 episode "The Treasure Island of Dr. McLean" even with the main man in control (he votes for Scott, she votes for Dakota), so I wouldn't entirely rule out the idea of that happening again here, though can understand why you'd think Mal cast the most recent vote in his place. This was the last vote of the season as the final four has an automatic disqualification for last place and then the winner gets a sole choice of who to take to the finals. You'll find out in Chapter 17 how that goes. What I can safely say without spoilers is that Mike won't throw the challenge as Zoey wants him to keep going and win first place for them both even when she's now out of the game (much to his dismay). There were at least some romantic Zoke (Zoey x Mike) moments before she left which do help him. As for Courtney in TDA, it definitely would've been tougher for her if Duncan was eliminated before the final four.
That British Guy: You aren't the only one who feels that way.
Phenomenal Ultra Instinct: Lindsay is one of my favorites too and I wanted to give the blonde her best season yet by getting this far (her canon peak ranking was 6th place out of 15 in TDA). Scottney did indeed end on a sour note in canon, and I wanted to give them something better here as I do enjoy the pairing (which I'm sure this fic has already made clear).
TheNoobyBoy: Spicing up indeed! Not giving away now who goes next or who the finalists are. Wait until the next chapter to find out.
acosta perez jose ramiro: Mike will definitely try to maintain more control over Mal following his discovery.
Continuing with our story.
As Mike leaves the docks with his head hanging low, I sense he could probably use a hug, but should that really come from me? Seeing Mr. Multiple Personalities this way really makes me feel sorry for him. Everybody heads back towards campgrounds. On the way, Lindsay sympathetically tells him "As sad as this might be, Mike, remember Zoey would want you to stay strong and win. Not just be depressed for the rest of the game. We know the real you and how you aren't truly a bad guy."
"Thank you, and while I know I can't just let my grief get the better of me, competing will be harder now without the one I love around." He replies with sadness in his voice. "It was nice to win and get another night in the hotel, but today's also been very stressful with discovering Mal has been on the loose plus tonight's elimination just makes things worse. I miss her already and would've loved to go to the finals with her."
He starts to tear up a bit. The multi-personality teen sniffles and quickly wipes his eyes. This is understandable given today's combination of events. In some effort to help, I add "Lindsay's right. We know Mal isn't you, and if it's any consolation, he can't hurt your beloved now."
"In a way, that does somewhat help. I really would've hated for him to hurt her." today's winner responds as his tears stop, or at least seem to. "Though I appreciate the comfort, I need some time to myself. See you later."
Mike then goes into the hotel. He undoubtedly is heartbroken with Zoey gone even if he hasn't burst out crying. I can't blame him for feeling that way. How would you react upon learning you had some evil supposedly-gone-until-recently persona lurking around and that you couldn't be with the one you loved? Some of my guilt subsides after knowing I helped comfort him in at least some capacity, even if it was only a little bit. Let's hope she doesn't have to deal with the same sharks that I did. Either way, thank god those creatures didn't eat me. They were too grossed out for that after sniffing my sundae.
In the meantime, Lindsay, Scott, and I go back to our cabin. Wonder what tonight's dinner will be. I see some burnt swordfish is sitting on a big plate. Seriously Chef, stop burning these meals! Better fill my stomach before I starve, though. We each take some and eat in silence. Nobody is really in a much of a mood for talking right now. The blonde then walks away after finishing 15 minutes later.
After the meal, my boyfriend tells me "Calling today eventful would be an understatement. On another note, making the final four together kicks ass!"
"Quite true." I agree. "Right now, it's the two of us versus one and one. Maybe even three against one if Lindsay teams up with us next challenge. That should help our odds to at least some extent."
"Sounds nice. On another note, no matter who wins, I'd like to thank you for everything we've done this season. It makes this better than the last one I competed on. When you said yes to us being more than friends, that was one of the best things that's ever happened to me. No joke or exaggeration. If either of us win and we split the money, then hopefully the new apartment that you've wanted is closer to my farm than where you live now. Perhaps my folks could also move closer to you unless Albertha needs that to keep the food business open that I hope to start with her." Scott replies.
No objections to that! It makes me smile and smooch him on the lips in response. I tell the ginger "Good thinking. I'd love to move closer to there. Commuting and meeting each other's families would then be easier. You've also made this a better place for me. I now need the toilet, so see you later." before walking over to the communal bathroom.
Once I finish relieving myself within five minutes, I feel like I owe Mr. Multiple Personalities something more than what I gave him earlier. He's had a rather rough day despite claiming another victory. Mal shouldn't have had to fuck things up for him like this. I walk over to the hotel and knock on its door, asking "Mike, do you have a moment?"
About thirty seconds later, he opens it and steps outside to greet me with "Hello Courtney. I'm free to talk now."
His eyes still look a little red. Did he cry more while inside? Regardless, I tell him "Look, I feel really bad seeing your predicament. Not only has some monster had on-and-off control of your body, but also being separated from a loved one is never easy. Feel free to mention anything that would help. You shouldn't have had to suffer like that with Mal taking over. Zoey deserves major loyalty points for sticking by your side after all that's happened, and I know you've been a caring guy with a big heart who's wanted the best for her even before you became a couple. You've been a great boyfriend to her. I watched the last season and know what happened then between the two of you. Both of you have played a commendable game this season and she'd want you to keep that up. Sure, I hope to win the money myself, but I'd like a fair game no matter what happens. Cameron and Sam also see how you can be a good pal and undoubtedly appreciate being friends with you. I know this won't be easy, but can you promise you'll at least try to keep your demon from surfacing too often? It would benefit everyone. Hopefully some professional help after the season ends will sort him out if he isn't already dealt with by then."
The multi-personality teen thanks me with "Much appreciated. Keeping Mal contained is far easier said than done, but yes; I'll do what I can to keep him at bay. Even Vito popping up is better than him on the loose. I was serious when I said you could take my shirt off to bring that guy out instead of having the evil one in control. In a single word, I feel conflicted about today. It's been a mental rollercoaster for me with so much stress. Things will surely get better without that demon around. As for what could help right now, I guess a hug would be nice."
We hug a bit and then release. His spirits seem to have lifted already. I add "Remember, you're the main man, not Mal. Do whatever it takes to beat him. If nothing else, do it for yourself and for your girlfriend. She's rooting for you."
"Of course. I really needed that. See you at the challenge tomorrow." He replies and then heads back into the hotel, shutting its door.
OK, that makes me feel better too. He won't just mope around all day tomorrow. That would probably drag the rest of us down. To kill some time, I take a walk around campus for about an hour, and then head back to the cabin to get my toiletries and pajamas. Time for bed soon. Once I reach the communal bathrooms, I see Lindsay is also brushing her teeth and has changed into her sleepwear. I go into one of the toilet stalls to get my pajamas on as she finishes that. Once that's done, I brush and floss my teeth before returning to the cabin. As we climb into different beds, I say "With the final four approaching tomorrow, Scott and I are hoping to defeat Mal and I thought maybe you'd like to join forces with us. I know that also means Mike goes home, and this is nothing personal against him, but it's ultimately for the best that his evil persona is away from campgrounds."
She responds with "Nice idea, but who's to say Chris will allow teams? It still is nice to get this far. This is my best season yet! I feel really bad for Mike with how much he's had to suffer."
"Me too. He doesn't deserve such agony." I add.
"Anyway, I'm really tired now and need rest. Thanks again for the apology earlier." The blond says as she goes to sleep.
I finish with "Of course. See you in the morning." and then try to get some shuteye of my own.
As I drift off, I realize I'll probably have to put in extra effort tomorrow to make sure Mal goes home. Sorry Mike, but we can't just let him run loose more than he already has. Sleep then takes over me within ten minutes.
The final four is approaching. Mike is still stressed, though does feel better after some much-needed consolation. Stay tuned to find out who goes next and who wins it all! If I don't have Chapter 17 (final four challenge) up before February 2019, then it's probably due to my offline schedule taking priority and/or having a hard time coming up with ideas for how the game plays out.
Elimination Order:
Sierra (14th place), Lightning (13th place), Jo (12th place), Duncan (11th place), Heather (10th place), Alejandro (9th place), Cameron (8th place), Gwen (7th place), Sam (6th place), Zoey (5th place)
Remaining Players:
Courtney, Lindsay, Mike, Scott
Chapter posted: January 7, 2019.