Previously on, Survivor,
Metal Mario found the idol on Exile Island, and was soon added to the alliance of Sweet Tooth, Harry, and Stepney. They agreed to work on Mikayla to jump ship, and possibly use Ling Ling as a double agent.
At Upolu, Stephen tried to get Ling Ling to join him by showing him the immunity idol, in an attempt to earn his trust. This only made Ling Ling more nervous around Stephen, and planned on telling Savaii.
On Day 19, the two tribes merged into a yellow tribe named Cact-X. Jeff also had a twist. Each tribe member either gained a helpful tool or a bad tool to help them in the game. John, Harry, and Bruce got nothing, Brandon, Ling Ling, and Mikayla lost the right to compete in several immunity challenges, Metal Mario and Stepney got reward passes, Sweet Tooth got a immunity idol clue, and Stephen got an advantage in the first individual immunity challenge.
When the two tribes arrived at camp for the first time, the game immediately began. Upolu wanted to use their idol, while Savaii felt cautious about using theirs.
At the immunity challenge, despite Stephen's advantage, it came to no use, and Metal Mario ended up winning immunity.
Before tribal council, Mikayla agreed to jump ship to Savaii, and vote for John. Ling Ling decided to tell Upolu about this in an attempt to get Stephen to use the idol on Bruce, thus flushing it out. However, Stephen became cautious.
At tribal council, Stephen held onto the idol, and watched as John was voted out by Savaii and Mikayla in a 6-4 vote. 9 are left, who'll be voted out tonight?
Final 9: Brandon, Bruce, Harry, Ling Ling, Metal Mario, Mikayla, Stephen, Stepney, and Sweet Tooth
– – – – –
Cact-X Day 22
Brandon, Stephen, and Bruce sulked into camp, and sat away from the Savaii group.
"Damn..." sighed Stephen.
"I'm glad I didn't use my idol, because it would've been wasted. But even if I do use it at the next tribal council, and get someone out with it, we're not set in a good position afterwards." - Stephen
Bruce patted Stephen's back, "Well, at least we still have the idol."
"Yeah, but Bruce!" complained Stephen, "We will never have majority! Unless Savaii self-destructs or something, we're screwed, even if we use the idol!"
"Stephen is right," replied Brandon, "We cannot hold back any longer. We need to use that idol."
Stephen nodded.
"At this point, there is no way we'll be able to figure out who Savaii will vote for. I mean, Stephen has the idol, they could easily send him home with it. Bruce is our strongest member. As for me, well, I don't know. I don't know why they would target me next. I honestly think Bruce will go next." - Brandon
Silence for awhile, then Bruce said, "Anyone good at spying?"
Stephen raised his hand, "I'm good at pretending to be asleep. But, I'm not sure if that'll work out well."
"Well, try dude. We need to try ANYTHING!" stressed Bruce.
"Dude, I am not ready to be out of this game. I've worked so hard to get this far. If it wasn't for my hard work and determination, I would've been gone a lot earlier. I'm not losing because I'm in the minority." - Bruce
Meanwhile, Metal Mario and Stepney were talking by the river.
"I'm glad I'm in the alliance with you guys," noted Metal Mario.
Stepney smiled, "Glad to hear it!"
"I was added to the alliance with Stepney, Sweet Tooth, and Harry, but I feel on the oust with them, being the last one added to the group, as well as being the physically strongest. Even though I have the idol, I do not feel safe." - Metal Mario
"Am I 100% safe with you guys up to the Final 4?" asked Metal Mario.
Stepney was sort of surprised at this statement, but kept his composure, "Of course you are. Once Upolu is gone, Mikayla will go, followed by Ling Ling."
"How would we make the final 2?" asked Metal Mario, "Together?"
"Well," thought Stepney, "Sweet Tooth will have to go first, he's the next biggest threat, behind you. I don't think we'll be able to split him and Harry up, though. Harry's wrapped around him like a glove."
"I want to go to the end with Metal Mario, because he's been my go-to guy from the beginning, and I trust him more then Sweet Tooth right now. Sweet Tooth has slated for Metal Mario to go out at F4, but where does that leave me? Third Place?" - Stepney
"I just have to win immunity when we get there," noted Metal Mario.
Stepney nodded.
– – – – –
Cact-X Day 22
Sweet Tooth, Mikayla, Ling Ling, and Harry were talking about who to vote off next.
"Like Ling Ling said," replied Mikayla, "Stephen has the idol. He should go home, or get that idol flushed out."
Sweet Tooth nodded, "But I do not like keeping that big guy around long enough. He could beat me or Metal Mario in challenges."
"While Stephen has the idol, Bruce is the biggest threat of Upolu. He is strong enough to win challenges, and we need to deal with that." - Sweet Tooth
"Bruce?" asked Mikayla. Sweet Tooth nodded.
"Vote can go any way! Ling Ling very confused!" shrieked Ling Ling.
Mikayla nodded, "Exactly. The idol can be used on anyone. Who's to say they won't use it on Bruce? Or Stephen? Or even possibly Brandon?"
"Well, why not vote for Brandon, you know..." replied Harry, "Doesn't seem like he matters much to us."
Sweet Tooth perked up, "Harry, you're a genius. I don't see anything in Brandon that stands out, like Bruce or Stephen. If an idol gets used, one of them will receive it."
Harry chuckled, holding his hands up, "Aw, shucks, I get that everywhere I go..."
"Harry suggested voting for Brandon over the other Upolus, simply because he's not much of a threat. Upolu would have to take a great risk in using the idol on him." - Mikayla
Meanwhile, Stephen was laying inside the shelter. Nearby him were Bruce, Metal Mario, and Brandon. They were preparing lunch. Lunch consisted of beans, and leftover bread from the merge feast.
"Aw Man, really?" complained Bruce, "I wanted something better..."
Brandon passed him a bowl of beans. Bruce started complaining again.
"Too cold." said Bruce. This angered Metal Mario.
"Bruce is driving me up a wall with his complaining. He's been complaining since the last tribal council. He could be like this because he knows his time is coming up." - Metal Mario
Metal Mario took the bowl away from Bruce, "Fine, I'll fix it up."
After he left, Brandon fist pumped Bruce.
"Keep at it, my friend." smiled Brandon.
"I'm bad at acting, though..." muttered Bruce.
"I'm trying to make a large target on my back, so that they all vote for me to go home. When that happens, Stephen gets to play that beautiful immunity idol for me, and I'm saved for another 3 days." - Bruce
– – – – –
"Come on in guys!"
The remaining survivors entered the challenge area.
"Guys ready for today's reward challenge?"
Everyone nodded.
"We're going to have a boat war. I will divide you equally into 3 teams of 3. You each will have a boat. Each boat has several plugs that can be removed for water to flow into the boat. Each team must work together to sink the boats of the other two teams. You may not shove or use any special ability in this challenge. You may only use your paddle, or unplug the other ships. Last team remaining wins reward."
"For your reward, you will enjoy a nice breakfast in bed. Eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, coffee, and more. Metal Mario, Stepney, if you do not win this challenge, you will get to use your reward ticket on this one. Let's pick teams."
Boat 1 (Green): Brandon, Stephen, and Sweet Tooth
Boat 2 (Grey): Metal Mario, Mikayla, and Stepney
Boat 3 (Orange): Bruce, Harry, and Ling Ling
"Survivors ready? GO!"
With only two paddles (one for battling, one for actual paddling), all 3 boats set out to target other boats. Boat 3 was going towards Boat 2, with heated attempts from Ling Ling and Harry. Both old Savaii members did not want Bruce to win this one.
Metal Mario saw Boat 3 incoming, and immediately grabbed the battling paddle. He slammed hard on the boat, making it sink very quickly. Bruce was getting agitated with his team.
"Aren't you gonna help?" yelled Bruce.
Both Harry and Ling Ling helped, albeit very little. Meanwhile, Boat 1 was closing it on Boat 2 from behind. Eventually Boat 3 was completely sunk by Metal Mario.
"Boat 3, you are done! We have two boats left, fighting for breakfast!"
Sweet Tooth grabbed the battling paddle, and Stephen reached out to start unplugging Boat 2. Mikayla noticed the water seeping in.
"Metal Mario!" yelled Mikayla, "Behind you!"
Metal Mario turned around, and began to fight back. As he and Sweet Tooth fought it out, Sweet Tooth whispered to him.
"If you want breakfast in bed, just throw the damn challenge." whispered Sweet Tooth.
Metal Mario nodded, but continued to fight back. Eventually he let his guard down, and allowed Sweet Tooth to just barely knock him over.
Boat 2 was soon sunk.
"BRANDON, SWEET TOOTH, AND STEPHEN WIN REWARD!"
Everyone cheered for Team 1.
"Good job you three. You have earned the right to receive breakfast in bed. First, you must send someone to Exile Island. You may not send Metal Mario, as he was the last one who went."
The three thought it over.
"Stepney should go for today." suggested Sweet Tooth.
Stepney nodded, and took a map from Jeff.
"Stepney will return at the next immunity challenge. You three will receive your breakfast in bed early tomorrow morning, as will Metal Mario, who will be using his ticket, right?"
Metal Mario shook his head.
"I had something else in mind." replied Metal Mario.
"What is it?"
"Could I... give up this ticket? And take a punishment?" asked Metal Mario.
"What punishment would you want?"
Metal Mario looked at Mikayla, "I want to give Mikayla the ticket, and let me have the next two immunity challenges off."
Jeff thought about it hard.
"Hmm... I can make that trade. That okay with you, Mikayla?"
Mikayla nodded, "I'm fine with it. Thank you Metal Mario!"
She gave him a nice big hug.
"Okay then. Mikayla now has a reward ticket, which I assume she will use for this reward. Metal Mario is now prohibited from competing in the next two immunity challenges. As for Brandon, Sweet Tooth, Stephen, and Mikayla, I hope you all enjoy your breakfast! See you all later!"
– – – – –
Exile Island Night 22
Stepney didn't care why he was sent to Exile Island, he just accepted it, and he laid down in the shelter.
"Metal Mario has the idol, and it's good that I'm here, and not something like say Bruce. While I bet there are only 2 idols, who knows there could be a third one laying around." - Stepney
Stepney took the clue from the box, and placed it in his pocket, deciding to use it later for when an idol is back in play.
– – – – –
Cact-X Day 23
Early in the morning, Jeff arrived via raft along the river.
"Reward winners!" called Jeff, "Follow me!"
Stephen, Sweet Tooth, Mikayla, and Brandon followed Jeff down the beach, leaving the others behind.
"Man, this is gonna be sweet! Breakfast in bed? I've been giving that to my sister for the first few months of her pregnancy. Now, I get to experience it!" - Stephen
Eventually, they arrived at some large ruins. In the middle of the ruins, were 4 beds, and menus on each on.
"Choose a bed," offered Jeff, "Read the menu, and tell me what you like. I'll be in charge of cooking."
"Ah, sweet Jeff!" smiled Stephen, "I'll have some hash browns, pancakes, and eggs."
"Bacon only for me." noted Sweet Tooth, settling into bed.
Mikayla took some time to read the menu, "Hmm... I'd like some waffles, eggs, and bacon."
"It was so sweet of Metal Mario to give up his ticket to take a punishment. For a guy who's physically that strong and tough to give up something like that, says a lot about his character." - Mikayla
Brandon took a quick at the menu, and placed it down, "I'll just have some coffee, and some hash browns. Not too hungry this morning."
Jeff took each menu, and set to work making each individual meal. There was no strategy talk during this time, probably because of Brandon and Stephen being present.
Took him a while, but Jeff finished all four meals, and brewed up some coffee for Brandon.
"Here you go," smiled Jeff, "All yours to eat!"
Jeff handed each meal to its respective owner; each owner gratefully thanking Jeff.
"If my time is coming up soon, I'm glad I was able to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee surrounded by ancient ruins." - Brandon
Mikayla scanned Sweet Tooth's and Brandon's meals.
"You guys aren't hungry?" she asked.
Brandon shook his head, "Not really."
"I'm not gonna stuff myself crazy with foods I haven't eaten in 23 days." replied Sweet Tooth.
While eating his bacon, Sweet Tooth thought about Metal Mario's move.
"If Metal Mario had some strategy behind that move, I'd say good for him. I need to try and keep Mikayla more on my side, rather then on his side. Remember, Mikayla is worth a lot in this game if one makes the right decisions." - Sweet Tooth
– – – – –
Cact-X Day 23
The four survivors returned from their meal, and Sweet Tooth immediately went to go chat with Harry.
"Keep an eye on Metal Mario, Harry," ordered Sweet Tooth, "That move of his might get Mikayla more on his side. We need her on our side."
"Does it matter?" asked Harry, "I mean, isn't she on everyones side?"
Sweet Tooth sighed, "Listen Harry, there is more to the game instead of just being one single tribe. While Upolu will be out sooner then expected, we need to plan ahead for afterwards, you know?"
"So Mikayla's going with us to the end?" asked Harry, trying to understand. Even if barely.
Sweet Tooth nodded, "She owes us a great deal in jumping ship. I'd say, owe her with a Final 3 deal."
"My plan: to make it to the Final 3 with Harry and Mikayla, and then throw the final immunity challenge. Hopefully, both will choose me to take to the end, because I have literally carried them through the game, especially in Harry's case." - Sweet Tooth
Harry nodded, "Okay... I understand now."
"Sweet Tooth and I have been allies since Day 1, I think. I don't remember all that much. The only thing I recall is a really adorable purple mare. I think that just about covers my Survivor experience so far." - Harry
Meanwhile, Stephen, Bruce, and Brandon were talking, yet again.
"Playing the idol is a no brainer," explained Stephen, "Question is, who?"
"If I were a Savaii, I'd vote for one of you two," noted Brandon, "I'm just saying, you know."
"I agree," replied Stephen, "But... agh! It's a 1/3 chance it'll work! We have no idea who they'll vote for!"
"The only tactic that seems to of worked is Bruce acting like a total douchebag. But at the same time, Savaii is smarter then they look. They have a serial killer, an alien, and a battle monster. What more can you ask for?" - Stephen
"We just have to make sure," reminded Bruce, "That if we DO play the idol right, we vote for someone worth taking out. I'd say Sweet Tooth or Metal Mario. Especially Metal Mario, now that he's incapable of winning the next two challenges."
"Or maybe Ling Ling," suggested Stephen, "Just not Harry or Stepney. Those would be wastes of our votes."
"Man... a few more minutes, and then we get an immunity challenge. I've got to do my best in this one, or I might be going home tonight." - Bruce
– – – – –
"Come on in guys!"
The remaining castaways entered the challenge area.
"We'll bring in Stepney, returning from Exile Island."
Stepney rejoined the rest of the group.
"Guys ready for today's immunity challenge?"
Everyone nodded.
"I'll take back immunity from you, Metal Mario."
Metal Mario did so.
"For today's challenge, you will be running an obstacle course. First stage, you will dig a hole under a wooden fence, and crawl through the hole and under the fence. First 4 to finish move on. Second stage, on a wall in front of you will be a brainteaser. Read the clues it gives you, and then try to remember them as you go through a mini maze. First two to solve the brainteaser move onto the final round. Final stage, you will navigate across a rope bridge, using two wooden planks. First person to cross the finish line, wins immunity, and stays 3 more days in. Brandon, Metal Mario, you may not compete in this immunity challenge, serving your second absence from immunity. Brandon, just a reminder, this is your last absence."
Both Brandon and Metal Mario sat down behind Jeff.
"Lets get started."
Everyone got situated.
"Survivors ready? GO!"
Everyone started to dig a hole under the fence. Ling Ling was going at lightning speed. Everyone else was taking their time.
Ling Ling easily made a hole, and got under it in time. He was moving on.
Bruce and Stepney got stuck in their holes; Bruce because he was too big, and Stepney because he made his hole too small. Stephen and Sweet Tooth were both quickly out of their holes. They were moving on.
It was a battle between Harry and Mikayla for the fourth spot...
…
…
…
"The ones moving on are Ling Ling, Mikayla, Stephen, and Sweet Tooth!"
Bruce, Stepney, and Harry sat down with Metal Mario and Brandon.
Everyone else got ready for Stage 2.
"Read the clues before you go off answering. Survivors ready? GO!"
All 4 competitors were reading through the brainteaser. Ling Ling took little time to read as he sped off. Shortly after he left, Mikayla and Sweet Tooth ran off into the maze. Stephen was taking his time reading the clues.
Ling Ling got to the answering board, and was completely lost in thought. He growled in anger as he ran back to read through the clues. Mikayla and Sweet Tooth arrived to work on the brainteaser.
Stephen was soon on his way through the maze. He passed a rather quick Ling Ling along the way. Sweet Tooth wrote two answers down before he decided to go back and check.
"Jeff!" called Mikayla, awaiting her answers.
Jeff looked through them.
"Correct! Mikayla is moving on!"
Stephen arrived at the brainteaser board, and began placing answers. Ling Ling also arrived, and began writing answers. Both of them called for Jeff.
But only one was right...
…
…
…
"Ling Ling's wrong, but Stephen is right! Stephen will face off against Mikayla!"
Ling Ling and Sweet Tooth sat down with the others.
Both Stephen and Mikayla got ready for the final round.
"Use the two wooden boards to get you across the rope bridge. First one to finish, wins immunity and is safe tonight. Survivors ready? GO!"
Both Mikayla and Stephen set to work on the rope bridge. Mikayla carefully placed her planks down between the ropes. Mikayla carefully stepped on each one, keeping her balance steady.
Stephen was also doing well. However, a strong wind was blowing away at both him and Mikayla. Mikayla kept her balance, but Stephen slipped off, and landed below on the rope net. He had to start over. Stephen growled.
At this point, there was no point in Stephen to even try, as Mikayla was doing her absolute best. Nothing seemed to be stopping her.
"MIKAYLA WINS IMMUNITY!"
Everyone cheered for Mikayla.
"Good job, Mikayla! You have won immunity, and you cannot be voted out tonight. As for the other 8 of you, one of you will be voted off and become the first member of the jury. See you all tomorrow night."
– – – – –
Cact-X Day 24
Stephen was pacing back and forth. Bruce and Brandon were watching him.
"Well, we need to make a decision," noted Stephen, "A really, really, REALLY, big decision."
"I think we know that already, Stephen." muttered Bruce.
"Damn. Mikayla has immunity, and now we have to just pray to the lord that we all stay together for another 3 days. We were together from the beginning, and I'm not ready to be broken up yet." - Bruce
Brandon looked at both Bruce and Stephen, "Like I said; Stephen has the idol, Bruce is the biggest threat, and I pose no threat. All good reasons to vote out OR flush the idol out on."
"You have to play that idol on the person you think is going home," reminded Bruce, "It's so risky right now... but... oh my God. I'm so freaking nervous right now."
Bruce started to chuckle nervously.
"I'm playing this idol, no question about that. Big thing is, you know, who to play it on? If I fail, I'm idolless, and down with only one ally, or both allies without me." - Stephen
"Tonight, put Ling Ling on the parchment," suggested Stephen, "He's a wild card, in my book. Plus, he deserves karma for not siding with Upolu in the first place."
Stephen left Brandon and Bruce alone, and went off thinking about the vote. After heavy consideration alone, Stephen decided on who will get his idol tonight.
Meanwhile, the Savaii group was discussing the vote. They too were thinking about the vote.
"Mikayla won immunity," noted Stepney, "And we have 3 Upolus to choose from."
"And with Ling Ling's help," replied Sweet Tooth, "We know they have an idol. They'd be smart to use it tonight."
"Tonights vote is really not that critical. The idol will be used tonight, no matter what. But, for Savaii, it really doesn't matter if it's used right or not, because we will still have majority." - Sweet Tooth
There was some very heavy discussion on the matter at hand. Eventually, the Savaii tribe agreed on a target. They believed he would make due for right now.
"No matter what happens, mate, we're still solid to the end. If that idol gets used right, then oh well. It's just a lost, and we'll climb right back up." - Stepney
– – – – –
The Cact-X tribe entered tribal council.
"Tonight, our first jury member will be chosen. Sweet Tooth, do you want to be a juror in this game?" asked Jeff.
"Not really Jeff. I don't think any of us want to be a juror. We all signed up to win the million dollars, not jury duty." replied Sweet Tooth.
"Ling Ling, how will the vote go tonight?" asked Jeff.
"Ling Ling really nervous. Ling Ling knows big thing happening tonight. However Savaii still on top. No matter who gets way." replied Ling Ling.
"Stepney, what is it like at Exile Island?" asked Jeff.
"It's dark, interesting, and just plain exciting! I wish we lived at Exile Island. It would fit the atmosphere this game is currently in." replied Stepney.
"Bruce, is the game like Stepney described it as?" asked Jeff.
"I wouldn't say it's dark, but yeah, it's exciting and interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing the votes tonight. Who knows, Big Bruce might be on the parchment tonight." replied Bruce.
"Mikayla, it looked quite clear you had flipped to Savaii. Regrets?" asked Jeff.
Mikayla shook her head.
"Not really. I mean, this game has to benefit the player, not the team. Everyone should know that, right?" replied Mikayla.
"Ok, it's time to vote, Stephen, you're up."
– – –
Stephen's Vote: Please... please... please let us win just this once! (Ling Ling)
Sweet Tooth's Vote: Hopefully, the idol does NOT get used on you. (?)
– – –
"If anyone has the hidden immunity idol, and you want to play it, nows the time to do so."
Stephen stood immediately up, surprising absolutely no one.
"I have a hidden immunity idol," explained Stephen, "And it will be used on..."
…
…
…
…
…
"Myself." finished Stephen, giving Jeff the idol. (A.N.: Not gonna reveal the Savaii reactions, just to add suspense.)
"The rules of Survivor state that if a hidden immunity idol is played, that any votes cast against that person will not count, and the person with the next highest votes will be sent home. This is an idol, any votes cast against Stephen, do not count."
Stephen and the rest of Upolu nodded.
"Once the votes are read, the decision is final, person voted out must leave the tribal council area immediately. I'll read the votes."
First vote...
…
…
…
…
…
…
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Brandon. (Stephen shoved his face between his knees in failure. Savaii smirked in success.)
…
Ling Ling. One vote Ling Ling, one vote Brandon. (Ling Ling sighed with relief, knowing he was not gonna get idoled.)
…
Ling Ling. Two votes Ling Ling, one vote Brandon.
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Ling Ling. Three votes Ling Ling, one vote Brandon.
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Brandon. Two votes Brandon, three votes Ling Ling. (Brandon already had his stuff ready to go.)
…
Brandon. Tied three votes Brandon, three votes Ling Ling.
…
Brandon. Four votes Brandon, three votes Ling Ling.
Tenth person voted out of Survivor Aquatic Ruin, and the first member of our jury, Brandon. That's 5, it's enough. You need to hand me your torch.
Brandon nodded, and patted Bruce and Stephen on the backs, "Very well. Good luck guys."
"Brandon, the tribe has spoken."
He snuffed out his torch.
"Time for you to go."
Brandon waved goodbye as he left.
"Savaii continues to knock out the remaining members of Upolu. I would say that this will continue until it's all over with, but you never know what might happen. Grab your torches, and head on back. Good night."
– – – – –
Brandon's Final Words
"This game has taught me a lot about what I can do out of my element. Usually I'm in an educational environment; helping students succeed and graduate. I do not regret anything I've done in this game; good or bad. I sit on the jury, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the game."
VOTE
Brandon – Mikayla, Ling Ling, Sweet Tooth, Metal Mario, Stepney, and Harry
Ling Ling – Bruce, Stephen, and Brandon
So some websites will be shutting down for 12-24 hours to protest against the SOPA and PIPA bills. I hope Fanfiction isn't one of those sites, like Wikipedia is right now. Luckily, I got the information I need for the following episode, so I'm good.
Will Savaii continue to knock out Upolu? Or will something break them up?