CHAPTER 3

Into the Darkness

The campers spent a miserable night. In the mentors' hut, there were separate sections for men and women, but the distribution of space for men wasn´t precisely comfortable. After all, girls outnumbered them. They would almost have been better staying in the boxes where Chris had locked them before. Alejandro was the first to wake up and, as usual, his radiant complexion hinted that he didn´t belong to such a plaintive environment.

He was analyzing the mentors he had near him. In the men´s section, he had Scott, who snored loudly, unable to hide his farmer essence even when asleep. In a neglected cot next to his, Mike slept peacefully. His calm expression bothered Alejandro, who came closer to him for a moment, uneasily. It seemed fascinating to him that there had been so many people inside a man as harmless as Mike. However, the memory of Mal tormented him; he would have liked to have had revenge against the evil "elf" as he liked to refer to him.

"If you look at him, he really seems incapable of hurting a fly," Alejandro thought.

Out of nowhere, Mike's eyes widened almost out of his head, while inhaling a surprising breath. It seemed as if he was having an attack, so Alejandro got surprised. He wanted to get away, but Mike´s hand took his forearm and forced him to stay there. Without warning, he spoke, and his voice sounded like a ... woman´s voice. A Russian woman´s voice, and a very scared one.

- Help! -. Svetlana yelled.- I cannot take it anymore. He plays with his mind and with all of us! -. Who did she mean? -. I do not have much time left before the others stop me! Tell Mike that ... -. Again, Mike took another breath. His voice was rough and masculine.- Wow Wow Wow, sister, what do you think you´re doing? We'll get in trouble! You're giving a him a route to get out! -.

This was followed by several more puffs. Alejandro stared in amazement at Svetlana struggling to keep talking, as if it were not possible to stay inside for a second, but Vito managed to slowly get her back. He didn´t seemed desperate ... although ... he did sounded dazed and… tired? Alejandro wanted to escape from the grip, until he heard a laugh that he perfectly knew.

- Hey ... "Al". Long time no see.-

Alejandro jumped back, and as soon as he thought he saw Mal, his presence faded, leaving only a dazed and disoriented Mike.

- Oh, good morning. Why is that face for?-. He asked Alejandro. He had to admit that his own expression should have been worthy of a movie clip. Seeing that he wasn´t reacting at all, Mike got worried. - What is it, Alejandro? Is something wrong? -.

- Nothing, I just ... I'm somehow puzzled. That´s all.- Said the Spanish guy.-

Mike did not seem convinced, and was about to ask another question, but was interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Chris from the window of his hut, with his loved megaphone.

- Good morning, contestants! -. He screamed, waking all the other campers.- What an interesting way to start the day! Maybe some of you want to use our new form of confessional? Huh, Alejandro? -. Chris asked with a smirk. Obviously, he knew what had just happened.-

- It would be good to use it, why not? -.

The new confessional, far from elegant, was too similar to those of the other islands the program had had. It only consisted of a toilet cubicle outside the waterfall, near the forest. Resigned, and not surprised anymore, Alejandro entered.

-ALEJANDRO´S CONFESSIONAL-

- I know what I just saw. Those were Mike´s other personalities ! And may I be hit by a truck if that was not Mal.- He frowned, visibly upset.- Does this guy doesn´t know what's inside of him? Wel, this thing of seeing Mike as "harmless" is over. If Mal still lives in that body, he will come out sooner or later ... and I can take this chance to get back at him without any regrets.- He ended as he gathered his hands in a planning gesture with himself.-

-MIKE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Alejandro looked at me like I was crazy, is not like I'm not used to people seeing me that way, but that means he saw something. Arghhh! If only I didn´t lose my memory when I'm not in control. My personalities are finally revealing themselves and I can´t work things out with Zoey yet. At this rate I'll be the worst mentor ever! Well, at least I still have some of the skills of Svetlana, Manitoba and Vito.-

- Good morning, campers! -. Chris yelled while all participants gathered outside their huts.- As you recall, we had the first challenge yesterday, which was won by Jasmine.- He pointed to the huge girl, who seemed to have woken up with a great mood for her previous victory.- Today, you all will be taking the challenge Jasmine created, and your success will bring you a step closer to your special wishes and to the million dollars. Now, if you are so kind, take a step forward if you hear your names! Dawn, Jasmine, Mike, Shawn, Gwen, Zoey.-

The contestants moved a step forward, guessing what Chris was thinking right away.

- Although we´ll still have the main couples, we´ll also have larger teams. The mentors should help their own students, but without putting it above the welfare of yout team. At the end of each challenge, we´ll reward the best mentor and the best student. On the other way, the worst couple will take the risk of one of them being kicked out of here through our new elimination device for this season. For the moment, the other team will have: Heather, Sky, Scott, Topher, Ann Marie and Ella. The first team will be known as "The Climbers Survivors", and the other team will be "The Manipulators Murderers". -

From her position, Heather raised an eyebrow.

-HEATHER´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Where the hell does Chris gets those stupid team names from? From internet fandoms? -. She snorted with obvious sarcasm towards the camera.-

- Hold on, Chris. Why aren´t we on a team? -. Alejandro protested with an exalted, upset expression.-

- As Alejandro and Dave was the last couple to arrive in yesterday´s challenge because of the tricks used by the other teams, they´ll work alone in this one. If they lose, I will have the heavy task of organizing the teams again.- His last remark seemed an earnest threat disguised as a joke.- So give your best effort, leftovers!-.

- Easy, Alejandro, I will not lose to Sky at any challenge.- Dave said, directing his glare towards the mentioned girl.-

- You better keep your word, Dave. However, this arrangement may be surprisingly convenient for us.- He said with an evil gesture.-

-DAVE´S CONFESSIONAL-

- My mentor is ... creepy. Alejandro is an evil thoughts machine, I know it! I don´t know if I'm lucky to be his student, or if he will end up eliminating me as a part of a larger strategy of his. Anyway, I didn´t come here to earn the money, I came for revenge, but I don´t intend to turn my mentor into an enemy in the process.-

- Now, let me explain the challenge. Jasmine had a fun way to include the waterfall in the process. On the very top of it, you will find a two-seater parachute that will allow two members of each team, mentor and student correspondingly, be launched down the mountain to land in one of the canoes that wait for you at the end of the river. Aim well! -. He laughed before he continued.- From there, the students will have to row, following the advice of their mentors to reach the shore, because you will be blindfolded! Once there, the competition will summarize in which couple comes first to the finish line that waits at the end of the road.-

- That's it?-. Scott mocked.-You´re losing your touch, Chris.-

- Since I know that Scott is not easily impressed, I took the liberty of bringing these beauties with me.- He made a dramatic pause before some interns emerged out of nowhere and placed some iron semicircular arches around the waists of each mentor, joined to another arc which rested on the waist of their respective student. -

- Just a moment! This was not part of my idea.- Jasmine wailed, suddenly bothered by the instability she had because of the difference in height between her and her mentor. Their iron arcs made it too difficult for them to move around.-

- I know, your challenge lacked the amazing touch that only a McLean can achieve.- Now, when you hear the signal, courtesy of the Chef´s canyon.- The chef gave a discreet salute to the camera from his seat on a gigantic canyon, obviously extracted from Pahkitew leftovers.- You will have to run to the top of the waterfall, where the race will start. Remember that the last couple to arrive will face the burden of making their teammates run through a tumultuous elimination ceremony tonight.-

- You better not delay me, little princess.- Anne Maria threatened Ella, noticing her non athletic complexion.-

- Oh, don´t worry, my good mentor. I'll give it my best effort.- Ella exclaimed with a theatrical gesture, worthy of a fairy tale series.-

- ANNE MARIA´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Can she be more irritating? -. She cried, spreading his arms up and keeping her eyes closed in despair.- I swear, if she doen´t keep my pace, I'll find another student. That wannabe princess doesn´t have what it takes for me to teach her all my perfection. I mean, just look at me and look at her! -.

- On your marks, get set, now Chef! -.

In a choreographed set of movements, Chef opened fire, launching food residues from the canyon, shooting several participants in the process. Those who managed to avoid it ran as fast as they could to reach the top of the waterfall. Gwen and Zoey were lucky enough to get ahead of the other participants. However, Zoey held her for a moment.

- Wait, Gwen! Chris said that even if we had the couples, we were still teams. Don´t you think we should wait for the others and go together? -.

Gwen glanced at the other members of the "Survivors". Jasmine and Dawn seemed to have trouble running with their shackles, while Mike and Shawn struggled to coordinate. It was obvious that Shawn was used to survive on his own, without carrying extra weight from anyone else. She was not convinced that Zoey´s idea would work.

- Listen, Zoey, I have always been in favor of team work. I played that way from the very first season, but this time things are different. I'll see that we two are the ones keeping the lead. I know you care about Mike ... -.

- Oh no!-. She blushed.- It´s not because he is in the team.- She added, nervously.- It's just that I thought ... -.

- I know what you think, and I respect your solidarity, but now I ask you to listen to your mentor, okay? Mike will understand. He knows that you are a good player.- She soothed her with a quiet smile.-

Zoey seemed to hesitate a little, but finally nodded and continued the difficult race to the top with Gwen. Was it her idea or suddenly Gwen was playing much more seriously? She thought she didn´t want to stay in the competition ... Does the promised money had haunted her again? Or maybe it was not the money...

- What would you ask for if you get the special wish, Gwen? Is there anything more valuable for you than getting the million? -.

Gwen looked nervous for a second, but ignored the question as she told her student they were getting close.

- I see the parachute! -. She shouted, pointing to the objects in front of them.- I hope you aren´t afraid of heights.-

Meanwhile, Heather pulled Sky around with a rabid insistence.

- Come on! Why you got to be so low? I feel that your steps are as short as yourself.- She shouted mercilessly, as if her words were like a whip in Sky´s back.-

- Stop yelling me already! If we don´t agree, we won´t get anywhere together, and Alejandro will certainly win.- When she saw the astonished expression on Heather´s face, Sky finally smiled with a little more confidence.-

-SKY´S CONFESSIONAL-

- From what I understand, Heather has a very tangled history with Alejandro. Her only reason for not leaving the show is that she wants to stay in the game longer than he. And though her methods stress me and mistreat my ears, I must admit that having her as my mentor is an advantage. She's been in four seasons! And she was so close to winning ... money is not what I want, but that wish ... It could be my place in the Olympics! I´ll make sure that I don´t lose, so I need Heather on my side.-

- If you stop yelling and concentrate on unifying our steps, we can get there faster.- Soon they were near the parachute. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and looked at her mentor with conviction.- Let the balance thing to me. I promise you a perfect landing.- To her surprise, Heather seemed satisfied with her promise.-

- If you fail, I will send you to the bottom of the waterfall with the weight of these iron things.- The diva finished.-

Near them, Gwen and Zoey were released into the air, shouting and struggling to find a common direction between the wind´s attacks. It took too much of balance. By comparison, Sky was an expert. Her trained core was perfectly aligned with Heather´s, throwing them in the right direction from the very beginning. They only had to maintain that pace and their victory was guaranteed.

"Goodbye, Alejandro". Heather laughed to herself.

Something told him that Heather was cursing him. Alejandro shook his head to keep his thoughts away from that wicked woman and to concentrate on pulling Dave up. His strength allowed him to climb like a goat on a mountain, while the other boy shouted and shook in fear. However, he was making a great effort to keep Alejandro´s pace.

-ALEJANDRO´S CONFESSIONAL-

- I must admit that Dave has spirit. The moment he saw that Sky was getting ahead of us, he stopped whining and sided with me. If this continues, he may have an opportunity so I won´t have to shake him off as soon as I thought.-

- Are you doing alright, buddy? -. He asked with a melodious soft voice, as if he was his best confident.-

- Yes look! The parachute! I can do this; it isn´t like I´m afraid of heights, or anything like that.-

"He's fighting himself there." Alejandro thought.

- Relax, Dave, I have a master's degree in engineering, okay? Just do as I say and the wind itself will carry us to the finish line.- He finished that sentence with a wolfish grin.-

As they could, Jasmine and Dawn managed to get on their double parachute and jumped into the void. Thus, Jasmine could show her true skills in her own challenge. She admitted that the iron arches were not exactly a pleasant surprise, but she was now in her domain. Dawn kept a calm posture, showing full confidence in her pupil.

- If you keep this up, we will arrive in the blink of an eye. She cheered.-

- Hold on, little mentor, I am going to make us go even faster.- She felt sorry for Shawn, who was having so much trouble to move around with Mike. Their rhythms didn´t combine at all.-

- Oh, come on, man! If I move left, you move your right, So come on! -. Shawn tried to encourage him, but Mike lost his rhythm instantly.- Can´t you even run!? -.

Mike knew it was not Shawn´s intention, but he felt offended. He still retained some of the survival skills of Manitoba, he was not incompetent. But Shawn was so reluctant! He didn´t let Mike mentor him. In fact, he suspected that he saw him as a burden.

- Shawn, I know you are more used to go alone, but this iron arcs won´t let you go very far unless you carry me around, and I don´t think you can do that if we pretend to reach the top.- He pointed.- Now we can stay here, or we can really synch. Let me walk my way and you´ll see we can keep the rhythm ... as you say ... right.- He moved his left.- And left.- Now he moved his right.- Okay, come on! -.

The team that had the most trouble was the "manipulators". Scott dragged Topher as he could, because the student kept complaining that the iron was wrinkling his suit and it was suffocating him.

- I swear! Mine is tighter than the others.- Topher moaned.-

- Now that I see it ... you are right.- Scott noticed.- Why the hell would Chris do that? -.

- Oh, you want a hint? Chris hates me! -.

-SCOTT´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Oh great! I am not only caught as mentor of Vaseline Guy, but he is also Chris least favorite character! How am I supposed to win challenges if the host is against us from the beginning? -.

-TOPHER´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Chris is just jealous because I'm younger, handsomer and a better potential host. My mentor doesn´t trust me, and maybe it's better that way. I don´t intend to stay with him for long. His appearance gives me migraine just by watching him. However, right now, we need to move together.-

- Well, I have an idea.- Topher said.- We'll have to take advantage of the weakest links to win this.- With a quizzical look, he came over to where Ella and Anne Maria were, suffering while climbing to the top with their different paces .- Hello, teammates. Do you need a hand? -.

- Dear Topher, how noble of you to give us your support as a team! -.

- Now what do you want, fools? Can´t you see we're busy trying to bring the princess butt to the top of this stupid waterfall? -. Anne Maria shouted, obviously upset.-

- I propose something to you, dear. The last time, we didn´t get to the huts first because of Heather, Sky, Gwen and Zoey´s advances. We got distracted by them! This time we can stop them from the parachute, but first we have to reach where they are.- Topher explained.- I suggest a more elaborated teamwork? If we use your arcs as a fulcrum for us to climb, we can easily get to the top.-

- And letting you step on us during all the way up? -. Anne Maria threatened him with her gaze.-

- That way, we attack Zoey and Gwen from the air and you can get faster to the finish line.- The handsome boy said.-

Anne Maria kept thinking for a moment, and finally showed a pleased smile. Then she looked at Ella and an evil thought went through her mind. She nodded at Topher, who made a victory pose.

-SCOTT´S CONFESSIONAL-

- I understand why Chris hates this guy. It's like a miniature version of him! Only that he is not so little ... well, you get me. That boy is a sly fox! -.

- Well! There are some mentors who are not acting much like it. If you ask me, this generation of students has pretty much initiative.- Chris said, seated at his monitor in his new control room.- Who will be the first to arrive? It seems that Jasmine, Dawn, Heather and Sky are the first couples to reach their canoes! They have started to row. Dave and Alejandro are following them closely. Gwen and Zoey seem to have trouble maintaining a stable path in the breeze, followed in difficulty by Shawn and Mike.-

Gwen cursed softly to the wind. They couldn´t find a way to land their parachute! And their canoe was just below them. If only they could easily get down…

- Zoey, try to lean a little more towards me.- She told her student.- You are going in the wrong direction.-

- I'm trying, but the wind won´t let me turn around.- Zoey said, alarmed.-

They sweated because of the effort, and at the same time, they were freezing because of the height´s cold. For a moment, they felt they were about to find their balance, until another parachute intercepted them.

- What the hell are you doing?! -. Gwen screamed at Topher and Scott.- We are going to crash into the woods!-.

- Oh, well, sorry! -. Scott apologized with some false innocence. It may have been Topher´s plan, but it was him who maneuvered the parachute with his expertise.-

Soon, the four of them crashed into the grass, away from the river and from their canoes. The girls looked at them with a combination of anger and confusion, as they pretended to have lost control of their own parachute. When they managed to get to the river again, they saw with horror that Ella and Anne Maria were already far away, and had almost reached the shore in their canoe.

- You´ll pay for that, Scott! -. Gwen growled.- Did you think Courtney was grumpy and nagging? Don´t tempt me!-. She shouted angrily, she was scary enough to make Scott jump back with cautious fear.-

-ZOEY´S CONFESSIONAL-

- It ´s obvious that now Gwen wants to win. It's because of the wish, I'm sure. There is something she wants desperately ... but ... what could it be? -. She sighed. - Why did I forget my tarot cards again?-.

-GWEN´S CONFESSIONAL-

- It's not like that stupid wish is tempting me.- Se said with her legs and arms crossed.- I mean, it´s not like it is my only chance to release a teenage convict from prison with parole ... Is not that! - . She pointed towards the camera and eventually her face relaxed, she sighed.- Ah, but if I could do that ... it wouldn´t be bad. Prison is not the same as the juvie, after all ... -. She finished with another sigh; longing to do something for someone she knew very well.-

- We still have a beautiful advantage, mentor friend! We will be the first of our team to complete the challenge!-. Ella said with grace and delight, even with her eyes covered.-

- You forgetting Sky and Heather, silly.- Anne Maria reminded her. That girl's got on her nerves. As soon as they touched the shore, they jumped from their boat and began to run as fast as they could.- This thing is too heavy, I can barely move and I haven´t got much energy left.-

- Look!-.

In the distance, they could see how Jasmine crossed the finish line. She had made it! She had won her own challenge without struggling! Close to them, Heather and Sky arrived.

- We did it! Well, I guess we're safe.- Sky said, relieved.-

- I'm okay just by getting here before Alejandro.- said Heather, with her teeth gritted.-

- Oh, I wouldn´t say that, querida.- She heard a voice behind her.-

Stunned, they noted that Alejandro and Dave had been there even before Jasmine and Dawn. How could it be?!

- I'm as surprised as you, but what can I say? Alejandro managed to fly his parachute and get to his canoe being almost unnoticed by our cameras.- explained Chris, who showed the campers the hidden scenes of Alejandro and Dave from a giant television, images of them both maneuvering their transport and outdoing the other teams without them even noticing.- Is there anything this guy cannot do? -.

- I have to recognize that I couldn´t have done anything without my partner. You showed great skills, Dave.- Alejandro flattered Dave, who smiled with pride and joy, visibly happy.-

-SKY´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Is it possible that now Dave is ... a better competitor than me!? -. Her jaw almost dropped to the floor as an exclamation escaped from her lips.- No! I cannot let that happen! He vowed revenge against me, he now must be thinking about how to use this new advantage of his to harm me during the next challenge. Thank God I didn´t get last ...-.

- At least I'm safe from elimination.- Sky said.-

- Oh, I wouldn´t say that. Alejandro and Dave are the winners of the challenge, but until the whole team comes, one of the "manipulators" can be eliminated tonight.- Chris explained to the horrified Heather and Sky.-

- Impossible! -. Heather shouted.- They better hurry up, those idiots! -.

Mike and Shawn kept their canoe close to Scott, Topher, Gwen and Zoey´s. The six of them were so close that they rowed as if their lives depended on it. The mentors gave them the directions, and soon they could see Anne Maria and Ella at the shore ... but why weren´t they advancing?

- But ... What do you mean by "pushing you"? -. Ella asked with an incredulous expression.-

- That precisely, my friend. I want you to push me into the water. Of course, the weight of these things will make you fall with me, but it's all to distract the other team so we´ll have a chance to win all together.-

- I do not quite understand, but I guess you do it for the team´s sake, right? -. She asked.-

- You can bet on it.- Anne Maria smiled wickedly.- Now push me! -.

Following the order of her mentor, Ella put an effort and pushed Anne Maria so they both fell into the river. The other couples, confused, just thought it was a girl´s fight.

- What do you think has happened? -. Shawn asked.-

- I don´t know, but it is our opportunity to pass them! -.

- Come on, Zoey! Some of their members fell, we have to keep advancing. - Gwen shouted.-

The four "survivors" landed and prepared to run, while the other "manipulators" watched in disbelief the nonsense Anne Maria and Ella had done.

-SCOTT´S CONFESSIONAL-

- That´s it! Those two girls will pay for that stupid prank! What the hell were they aspiring to do?-.

- What do you think you're doing, princess? -. Anne Maria screamed, victimizing herself.- Now you won´t respect your mentor? Did you think that pushing me would help in any way? You have just made us lose!-.

Anne Maria´s voice was so loud that it resounded like an echo throughout the forest, and for a moment, Shawn watched Mike getting paralyzed on his site. He took a deep breath and suddenly looked everywhere, as if he was looking for someone. For some reason, his hair went backwards and his eyes hardened a lot, giving him a tough appearance.

- Anne Maria? -. Mike asked, but Shawn wasn´t sure that his voice had always been so thick and weird.-

- Mike? What's up? Don´t stand there!-.

Meanwhile, two more people recognized that voice. Zoey looked alarmed while a bright smile lit up Anne Maria´s face. The girl made a huge effort to get out of the water, carrying the weight of Ella with her, seeming desperate.

- Vito! I knew it, I knew it! Is that you, baby? -. She said as she continued trying to get out of the water.-

Vito managed to see her, and the same tired expression Alejandro had seen remained on his face. However, a nostalgic smile adorned him. Zoey didn´t understand what was happening. It was Vito! It was definitely him, and he reminded Anne Maria. But why was he there, even when Mike´s shirt was still on?

- Mike! -. Zoey shouted.-

- ZOEY´S CONFESSIONAL-

- I can stand many things, really! But ... Vito and Anne Maria? Again? They cannot expect me to pass through this anguish again. What is going on with Mike now? For some reason ... this Vito looks different. I don´t understand anything! -.

- Zoey, come on, we can´t stay here!-. Gwen urged her.-

Anne Maria, at last, got out of the water with Ella, and ran towards Vito with her arms open. Vito was about to say something, until another breath cut him out. Before Anne Maria could embrace him, Chester's hand stopped her, hitting her face and keeping her away. She groaned in pain at the impact and heard the voice of the old man.

- Stupid youngster! You meant to escape again? Is your turn on the guard! Now go back to your place and don´t make me come after you again!-. Chester demanded.-

Before Anne Maria could even say something, Vito was gone as quickly as he appeared. Mike, however, had returned, and didn´t understand why the girl was looking at him with a hopeful look in her eyes.

- Vito? -. She asked.-

- What? Oh no! Wait ... Zoey? -. Mike turned to her, and Zoey gave him an annoyed look before running away with Gwen. - Not this again, please! Shawn, come on! -.

- Oh, yes, of course.- Shawn, confused, could only choose to follow his mentor, leaving Anne Maria frozen and confused.-

-MIKE´S CONFESSIONAL-

- She said Vito! That means, if Anne Maria was there...- A shocked look appeared on him.- What did Zoey saw? Why the hell do I keep hurting her?! -.

-ANNE MARIA´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Now I feel even calmer with the strategy I built. Soon we'll be together, Vito, darling! Just wait a little longer! -. She said holding her hands with a delighted look.-

- Come on, they are getting closer to the line! -. Scott shouted.-

However, the efforts of the "Manipulators" were useless. They had come in last. Heather gave a loud curse to the sky as the "Survivors" celebrated. Zoey stayed back with her mentor, avoiding eye contact with Mike.

- It was about time! -. Chris complained.- Okay, this means that we will see the "Manipulators" at tonight´s nice elimination ceremony.- He turned to Alejandro and Dave.- Guys, you were the winners of this challenge, so you are safe and also win a portion of what might be your personal wish at the end of the season! Good work, Alejandro and Dave.- He praised them.-

-DAVE´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Yes! I know what Sky´s wish is gonna be: the Olympics, of course. My wish will simply be to prohibit her entry into any sporting event in the country. That definitely will make her cry, don´t you think? I just have to keep winning and my revenge will come true!-.

The night came quickly and the elimination ceremony awaited the team of the "Manipulators". Chris, standing at the waterfall´s top, was holding the famous marshmallows he would give to the lucky campers that would stay in the game. Contestants were waiting with some impatience, they had already voted and they were sure of whom they wanted out of the competition.

- Okay, this first ceremony indicates which pair will be separated. Whether you're a mentor or a student, the partner who stays will have to find another ally if he or she wants to keep aiming for the award. The first marshmallow is to ... Sky, good job with that parachute! Heather, your student kept you safe; next one is for Scott, and Topher.- He mentioned the latter with a marked disgust.- Anne Maria and Ella, you came last, all because of a silly argument that ended with you pushing another into the water? Do you understand how stupid that was? It was a mistake!-. He paused dramatically.- Anne Maria, your guide didn´t help your student to improve as a participant, while Ella only angered her mentor throughout the program ... last marshmallow of the night goes to ... -.

- Oh god, just say it! -. Anne Maria exclaimed, turning her eyes.-

- Okay, calm down! It is for Anne Maria! -. He threw the marshmallow to her lap.- Ella, that makes you the worst pupil tonight and gets you eliminated for this season.-

- I only regret not having understood your wisdom enough, dear Anne Maria. I know it was never your intention ... -.

- Oh, that was my intention, princess.- She interrupted her.- You are not student material for me, and it won´t be difficult to find a new disciple.- She winked at Topher, who remained serious in his seat without reacting. - Have a good trip!-.

- Ella, you will be the first to use our new system ... Oh, Chef! -. He called with a singing voice.-

The Chef took Ella by force and tied her with a thick elastic rope.

- Since there is a huge waterfall, it had to be used somehow. This is our new version of the Drop of Shame! where each eliminated contestant gets to do a bungee jump. With the speed and momentum raised by this elastic band to which they´ll be tied, they´ll bounce straight back home.-

- Goodbye, mentor! I'm sorry things did not work out ...! -. Ella´s voice was interrupted by the push she received from the Chef. As Chris said, Ella soon bounced and parted out of the show, screaming.-

- Who will be the next contestant to be eliminated? Find out in the next episode of Total Drama: Mentors and Students -. He finished with his arms extended dramatically.-

- Zoey? -. Mike called her from outside the students hut.- Zoey, are you there? -.

The redhead girl looked through a small window and gasped at the sight of Mike. Immediately, she frowned and looked away.

- How was your reunion with Anne Maria?-.

- Zoey, please, you know that Vito had not appeared since months ago. - He begged for mercy in his tone.- Did you think I was faking it?-.

- You had your shirt on, after all. And you told me, as you just mentioned, that you haven´t heard of your personalities for months.- There was something more personal in that sentence, and he knew what it was.-

- This is different from that time! I don´t know what's going on now ... I've had ... nightmares.-

Suddenly, that caught the interest of the girl.

- Really? With what?-.

- A lot of darkness, and a cage where he is locked up. - Zoey went out the window and approached him.-

- Mike, about what happened that time... -. She began.-

- I have wanted to apologize to you as you don´t even imagine.- He said.- I don´t know if that was Vito that time… but it wasn´t definitely me. Zoey…-.

- I know it was not your fault! Oh, I've been trying to tell you, Mike, that all this time I thought you were keeping me away…because you didn´t feel the same as me anymore.-

With his mouth wide open, Mike shook his head and took Zoey´s hands.

- I thought it was the opposite. Zoey, you're the coolest girl in the world. Do you really think I would want you away from me? Not that I want to blame my personalities for everything ... but when it comes to you ... they have never listened to me. And what Vito did that time…-.

- It´s okay.- Zoey said.- Let´s forget all about it.- It happened months ago.-

Mike moved a little closer to her; she read his intentions and lifted her face to him, though still a little concerned.

- What if they're trying to tell you something? It may be related to your nigthmares.- She thought in loud voice.- Maybe they want to help. Maybe they are trying as much as I tried, but nothing I've done for you seem to have worked.-

Mike stared sadly at her. How could he make her understand?! Zoey was the only reason he wanted to heal completely from his condition. Couldn´t his personalities cooperate a little with him?

- The last time I tried this, something bad happened. - Mike softly said. - But ... would you like…? You know ... to try it once again? -.

Zoey blushed slightly and finally a melodious chuckle emerged from her mouth. Mike felt a great joy to see her laugh at last. They both looked into each other´s eyes, and in a slow, ceremonial march, they joined their lips. Mike´s sensation ran through him like a lightning and he felt genuine happiness ... almost could not hear the tumult of troubled voices in his head...

"Hey hey hey, what is this; Vito! Aren´t you supposed to be the guard, wild dog?! We must stop this! ; Oh, Svetlana knew she had to ask for help before!; Do you want to shut your mouths, stupid kids? Look at the cage! Look at it! IT´S OPEN!-.

"Now that I think about it, I think I heard that Chester said something about a 'guard' '. Zoey thought, wondering what he had meant. At that time, however, nothing else mattered. She felt immensely happy. Out of nowhere, she felt Mike exerted more pressure on his grip around her waist, with his arms possessively keeping her close to him. His lips seemed to want to join hers more eagerly. Had he always been so ... forceful? Their kiss was turning into a French variant of the term when she obligated him to separate. Something was wrong. Her sweet Mike wasn´t like that. Still caught in the grip, with her face being just millimeters away from his, Zoey saw a pair of eyes that she acknowledged, but also made her feel the purest terror. Mal showed a smiling face as he paced his tongue over his own lips in a gesture of superiority. That can´t be happened! It couldn´t be him!

His deep voice made her want to run, but it was impossible. She was trapped.

- Hello, Zoey.- Mal said.- Does this welcome kiss means that you missed me?-.

Zoey would have given anything to have been able to stop the tear that trickled down her cheek at that moment.

TO BE CONTINUED...

So, that was the third chapter XD If you liked it, by any chance, leave a review :D

See you next time!