Chapter 4

Finding your Mentor

- Attention you slackers! Time to go to the meeting point with Chris!-.

The Chef entered the students' hut with a compelling tantrum, opening the door with a kick and throwing a bucket of iced water to the waked campers. After doing the same with the mentors, the students could also hear their cries of surprise because of such inconsiderate awakening. Zoey, soaked from head to toe, went outside to meet an equally soaked Gwen.

-ZOEY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- After what happened yesterday, I am more certain than ever that I want to stay as long as possible in the game. If I get eliminated, not only I won´t get the wish, but everybody will soon be at Mal´s mercy. I can´t let the others know he's back, but I must keep helping Mike.- She sighed .- I just hope to get unscathed from this, I admit that I fear him a little. Can you blame me!? -.

Wet as herself, already at the meeting point, Gwen seemed scowling. She had dark circles around her eyes as big as two soccer balls and yawned repeatedly. Obviously, she had not had a good night. Meanwhile, Anne Maria arrived very rested and radiant. She seemed as she was in excellent spirits; she gave Zoey a confident look and walked off to get close to Topher, who folded his arms when he saw her.

- Why is the relaxed attitude for? You are left without a student, dear..- He said with a model´s polite and hypocritical smile.-

- I wouldn´t say that´s bad news, Didn´t you see that little girl? -. She scoffed.- She didn´t even reach my heels, and wasn´t as fabulous as other student´s prospects.- She concluded looking inquisitively at him.-

-CONFESIONARIO OF TOPHER-

- Oh, I know what "Iron Hair" intentions are. - He moved his hand with sarcasm. - She wants us to form a team because otherwise she will go home tonight. Well, the one who´ll decide if that´s going to happen will be me. Do you think I'm so desperate? -.

- Hey, Vaseline Kid, Chef´s water attack ruined your exquisite hair.- Scott joked near Topher, lifting a little finger in a sarcastic insulting gesture, pretending to be polite. Then, he ruffled Topher´s hair with a hand. - We´ll see if you manage to make a better work in this challenge.- He said before laughing.-

Topher, obviously affected by being touched with so little consideration, gritted his teeth and looked at his mentor with jaded eyes.

-TOPHER´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Well, maybe just a little desperate. That farmer gets on my nerves, and if I have to choose between him and the girl with clown makeup ... -. He placed both hands in front of him, as if they were his options.- Argh! Is not like any of them is exactly good, but at least Anne Maria doesn´t have the manners of a field´s pig ... or smells like one.-

Chris came in a jeep driven by an intern, bringing in the back seat a small set of pouches. The campers assumed they would be useful for today´s challenge.

- Good morning, victims! I hope you had a quiet night. Eh, Zoey, Mike? -. He asked, winking in an obvious attempt to ridicule them.-

Both alluded looked away and tried to ignore the devoted stares their teammates gave them. Shawn thoughtfully considered the situation from his own perspective.

-SHAWN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Okay, we better order some facts. Mike is in a relationship with Zoey. I mean, could they be more obvious? I saw the previous seasons where they were competing, but apparently they were kind of quarrelling at the beginning of this one. You know what I would have done? Make everyone believe that I was still mad with my girlfriend! It would have been the smartest thing. Now everyone knows his weakness.- He crossed his arms in a judging position.- My case is different, of course. Jasmine could never be considered as a weakness. She is the strongest female competitor; she will be focused on the game because she trust her own abilities. She is the survival´s face! -.

- So, Shawn, Catch this! -. Chris threw one of the bags and he nimbly caught it with a hand.-

- What is this?-. When inspecting inside, he felt a twinge of pain.- Ahhh! But what the…?-.

- These bags contain your weapons for today´s challenge: poisoned paralyzing darts! -. He showed a dart in his hand, letting the intern threw the rest of the bags to the other campers.-

Within seconds, Shawn´s hand seemed to disconnect from the rest of his body and gravity made it drop like dead, to the guy´s horror. No matter how hard he tried to move it, his hand didn´t respond.

- Oh come on! We had already used thing like stunning our opponents, Chris.- Heather complained, recalling their unfortunate visit to the Serengeti in the third season.-

- That's right, Heather. Only that this time, the venom is much stronger. The ones we used on "World Tour" had a crippling effect that lasted for five minutes, while this one can last five hours… or an indefinite interval of time.-

- An indefinite time!? -. Shawn exclaimed, now even more horrified.- You mean I could end up not using my hand again? -.

- The Interns who tested its effects are still in observation state by the doctors. At the end of the challenge I will answer your question with pleasure.- Chris excused himself with a diplomatic smile.-

Jasmine frowned and attached her bag to her shoulder. She was upset about not winning the previous challenge, despite it being conceived her, and she was as well getting tired of Chris´s cruelty. Beside her, Dawn looked a little worried.

-DAWN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Jasmine has a very pure heart, but her dominant personality makes her very easy to affect. I wonder how can I help a person like that. So far it hasn´t been necessary to really advise her as her "mentor", but I suspect that her dependence towards Shawn could bring her problems.- She culminated her phrase with a hand on her chin, considering what she had observed about her student.-

- Okay, McLean, explain the challenge to us.- Jasmine urged authoritatively. She gave a quick smile to Shawn like a silent promise to avenge his sleeping hand.-

- As you may have noticed, only students have received the bags full of darts. This is because you will be the participants of a relentless hunt throughout the island, in an attempt to find your own mentors, who will remain hidden in any area you choose, waiting for your student to find you.-

- And isn´t it a little absurd to suppose that we would hide from our own students? -. Alejandro intervened. All the others agreed that it wouldn´t be logical.- In addition, to do it more fair, now the "Manipulators" have more members than the "Survivors." After all, Dave and I joined the team.- Certainly, after winning the previous challenge, the two of them had been able to join the team of their preference.-

- That's why the mentors will receive these cute bracelets.- The intern arranged the objects around all the mentors wrists. A red light flickered on the metal surface of the bracelets.- If any other student that is not your own approaches you within 3 meters, you will receive a mild electric shock.- The term "mild" was recognized to be pronounced as a big fat sarcasm.- That will be to ensure us that you´ll be hiding to protect your own physical well-being. The students can use their darts as they see fit. If you bring more mentors than your own, it will count as additional points for your team. The team that achieves to bring more mentors to the waterfall meeting point will be the winner. The number of member´s difference can be a problem, but that's what will make you use your darts with more care.- Explained the host.- Anne Maria, as you don´t have a partner for this challenge, you can hide as you like. If you aren´t found by any team, you won´t have to give them points. Remember, however, you have until the next elimination ceremony to find a new student.-

Anne Maria smiled to herself and glanced towards Topher.

-ANNE MARIA´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Maybe I´m not being discreet, but is for best. The pretty boy is the only one of this cast which I seem to exert some kind of influence, and since my Vito hasn´t come back yet, I should take any opportunity at hand. Sorry for you, Scott.-

-SCOTT´S CONFFESIONAL-

- I know what Anne Maria is doing; Do you really think you can steal my student like that? I will show her that she´s wrong.-

- Inside the bags you´ll also find the keys to remove the bracelets of your mentor´s wrist, thus you can run together back to the waterfall. Okay, mentors, time to hide in the forest. Students, you must use your knowledge about your mentor in order to find him or her: How do you think your mentor would act? What strategy would he/she use? Where would he/she better hide? You have one hour to find them. Mentors, run! -. The Chef launched the same canyon of the previous challenge, but this time he didn´t take the mentors by surprise. They flashed in different directions. The students, meanwhile, took some darts and went after them in a rush.- Activate the bracelets, Chef! -.

Pressing a button on a remote control, the lights were activated on the bracelets, maintaining a bright color. Almost instantly, Gwen felt a shock that almost makes her fall to the ground, electrocuting her completely. She let out a howl of pain and knew it was because Jasmine was very close to her. She quickened her pace to escape the pain and kept away from the tall girl. Her first reaction was to get on the top of a large tree. At least there would pass a while before anyone discovered her. She gasped and tried to calm down. The bad night she had passed stole most of her strength.

- GWEN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- It may sound somewhat inconsiderate of me, but I haven´t told Zoey why I decided to play seriously. I've already admitted that I want to help Duncan get out of prison. I know from him because we have been in contact through letters… and messages... and calls ... and maybe I went to visit him a few times ... But is not because I think that our relationship can be saved! You had to see how miserable he feels there. But if I tell that to Zoey, she may lose her respect for me. After I insisted her that she shouldn´t become all crazy about Mike... I have no moral to tell her what to do now. I just hope she finds me soon.-

Dave ran through the woods, looking everywhere. Alejandro was very quick and agile. He could be anywhere! He had no idea where he was supposed to look. A movement in the bushes caught his attention and hurried to shoot one of his darts. A female scream emerged; at least he had shot someone. Apparently, it was another student.

- Dave! -. Sky yelled, emerging from the bushes with a dart stuck in her right arm.-

- Sky? -. After the surprise, Dave showed his teeth with a fierce expression. He was about to throw another dart reflexively when the girl begged for mercy with her eyes.-

- Wait! -. She said, raising her arm like a peace signal.- We are on the same team, remember? Since you won the last challenge, Chris placed you with us. If we both find our mentors, we will ensure two points for the "Manipulators".-

- And you really know about manipulation, eh? Don´t even think about kissing me to make an alliance with me.- He almost spat the words before turning over to continue his own way.-

Desperate, Sky ran to reach him and walked besides him. Her arm was no longer in communion with the rest of her body. With this defect, there wouldn´t be much advantage for her. It would be best to go in groups.

- Our mentors are probably the closest to each other in all this show´s history.- She started to say.- I´m sure we'll find them faster if we go together.-

- No way! I won´t fall into your trap again.-

- Wait, Dave ... -.

- Don´t wanna hear you! -.

- Dave! -.

- Didn´t you hear me? Don´t wanna go with ... -. His words were interrupted by the sudden feeling of an upcoming attack.-

Out of nowhere, a flying dart was aiming at his leg, but Sky reacted fast enough to step between it and Dave, receiving the impact. From afar, Shawn made a camaraderie gesture with his good hand.

- Nothing personal, guys! But I must delay the competence.- He said before running away. To his surprise, he passed a strange wooden statue. An invincibility statue! He was lucky. He put it in his bag and continued his way.-

Dave threw some darts at the vest boy, but his aim wasn´t as good as last time. Shawn soon disappeared from their view. A his side, Sky collapsed on the floor. Her right arm and left leg were now asleep. A grimace crossed her face.

- Ouchhhh.- She sighed.- Well, I better find a refuge somewhere while I wait for the paralysing effect to pass.- She said.- If you want to, you can continue searching for our mentors, Dave.-

-SKY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- I know what you are thinking, that I did that just to earn Dave´s trut. But we all know that's not possible. I'm really sorry for what I did last season, and I just hope to fix things, even if I have to protect Dave sometimes. I won´t lose to him, but at least I hope to balance our scores a little bit. Let's say I owed him that.-

Not knowing what to say, Dave watched Sky creep and trying to lean on a tree to stand by herself, but it was impossible. A disgruntled expression invaded his face and seemed to struggle with for a moment. Finally, a little against his will, he took a deep breath and crouched next to Sky to provide her the necessary support to stand.

- What are you doing?-. Sky asked, amazed to see that he lent her his shoulder to lean forward and start bouncing with her good leg.-

- I have no idea where to look for Alejandro, and if you say that Heather might be with him, then I guess I'll need you to help me find them both. In addition, we may use your darts too.- His expression hardened.- I don´t do this to help you. If I throw another dart, you will be my shield, you know? At the end of the day, you don´t even feel half of your body.-

Without leaving her amazement, Sky gave him a smile and nodded as they continued moving forward together.

Mike found a cave that served him to hide for a while. After receiving a shock by being very close to Topher and Jasmine, he was exhausted. He just needed some time to take a breath and continue. If he knew Shawn enough, he knew that he would soon find him, but had to be aware of the other campers. Suddenly, he felt he wasn´t alone.

- Mike? -.

He let out a little scream before realizing it was Dawn. They had chosen the same place to hide.

- Oh, Dawn, what a relief you aren´t another student. I wouldn't bear another shock like that in such a short time.- He said, a little more relaxed. However, her face reflected some anguish.- What´s wrong?-.

- You must feel terrible.- She told him.- That person is so ... malevolent.-

- …Did you notice? -.

- Are you kidding? It's written all over your spirit and corporeity.- She said that as if it was evident.- Have you already told Shawn? -.

- I haven´t ... why do you ask?-.

- Because he will go after him.- She assured him.-

- No offense, Dawn. But Mal made me understand he wants revenge ... but only against me and…-. His face saddened.-… and Zoey.-

- Precisely. How do you think he wants to achieve it? -.

What did she mean? Mike couldn´t understand her until, like a lightning, the same idea that the strange girl had came to his mind. It was so clear! If Mal wanted to get close to Zoey, he just simply had to assure that both of them remained in the game as much as possible. And preferably…

- He wants both of us to pair up as mentor and student, is that what you think? -.

Dawn nodded.

- That's why he´ll want to get rid of Shawn as soon as possible, to force you to find someone else, and he knows that you would certainly look for Zoey within your options to remain in the competition.-

- I can´t allow that! I must tell Shawn immediately ... -.

Suddenly, his bracelet electrocuted Mike strongly. Someone else was close, dangerously close ... and if Dawn wasn´t being affected ...

- It´s Jasmine. – Dawn said.- She already found me, thank God. But, Mike, you should run.-

Unable to speak, Mike pushed himself as he could outside the cave and walked away from there. However, a shot on one leg pinned him and he dropped. Soon he saw Jasmine approaching him with a huge victory smile.

- How good! I found two at once. You are Shawn's mentor, so I can take you straight to him and we´ll have two points in the bag.-

- Wait, Jasmine! -. Dawn stopped her, forcing her back a little to prevent Mike from receiving another electric shock.- Shawn is the one who must catch him, otherwise ... -.

- That can be fixed, little mentor.-

Jasmine fired a pair of darts at specific points of Mike´s body, who, to his surprise, felt it vibrate like an alarm without any pain. Somewhat frightened, he begged for mercy.

- Jasmine, please, I'm sure Shawn is close ... -.

- We can´t take any risks! I won´t let any member of our team go home tonight.-

When the Australian advanced a couple steps, the vibrating feeling came back, and Mike knew that right now Jasmine was more dangerous than any member of the other team. She was so focused on winning that she didn´t care causing him physical harm by the effect of the bracelet. With her hands covering her mouth, Dawn thought of what she could do to help her friend. A daring idea came to her ming and ran towards her student at full speed.

- Now it´s time to listen to your mentor, Jasmine.- She said daringly.- I apology beforehand.- She snatched Jasmine´s hat and threw it at Mike´s head.-

- Hey! -. Her student cried.- What was that for? -.

A strange sound caught her attention. It sounded like someone taking a deep breath. Turning her head, she saw that now Mike could move his hands, he removed the darts Jasmine had pierced on his body and pressed the same points attempting to re-enable them. Astonished, Jasmine saw the boy getting back to his feet and jumping a few steps back, away from her. When he was finally safe, he put his hands at his sides, looking reproachfully at them.

- Hey, Sheila! Did ya´ become insane? -. Manitoba asked, outraged by such a rude welcoming.- Winning isn´t everything, and if ya´ ask me, ya' re helping the team in the wrong way.-

- What's wrong with Mike? -. Jasmine asked, still surprised.-

- Last name´s Smith, and the name´s Manitoba. – He said, shaking his legs and preparing to run.- This poison will do it´s effect more slowly, but it will. I must hurry! See ya at the meeting point, girls, Don´t let the gelatin covered hair monkey catch ya! -. He shouted before leaving in a rush.-

- Gelatin covered ...? -. Dawn started to say.-

- Get down! -.

Jasmine pushed Dawn down and managed to save her from one of Topher´s darts. The boy pronounced a swearing because of his failure. He hurried back; knowing he couldn´t beat Jasmine now that she was alert. He should concentrate on finding Scott.

He thought he heard a woman's scream, it was a voice that he knew. He sighed and continued to swear at his damn fate.

- Help! -. Anne Maria shouted from her hideout in the forest.- Do something about this electric thing! -.

- I'm not your student; I can´t do anything without a key.-

However, Anne Maria pounced on him and managed to take his bag. Then reached inside it and pulled out a golden key. Quickly, she introduced it and got her bracelet removed from her wrist. When the pain faded, she exhaled with relief. Topher looked at her blankly.

- How come I did have your key? -.

- Oh, I took it from the intern when he put on my bracelet. They didn´t have anyone to carry it, so I gave it to the best student prospect. I put it in your bag when you weren´t looking.- She explained it with genuine pride for herself.-

- You´re still with that! -.

- Of course, pretty boy. Don´t you see? Now that you have found me, you have just ensured a point for us. If you find Scott, you´ll have another point, and you certainly won´t be eliminated if you help the team win.-

In conflict with his thoughts, Topher snatched his bag from Anne Maria.

- You have to stop wanting to control me. I will decide what´s better for me. If you are such a valuable mentor, then prove that you can teach me something.- He said with an arched brow.-

- Oh, that will be a real pleasure.- She answered, explaining him what they should do next.-

- I see Alejandro! -. Sky cried, elated, pointing with her good arm at a mountain.-

- It´s him!-. Dave shouted, euphoric.-

However, they only saw a part of him. Alejandro had hidden at the foot of the mountain, where moss and branches made them difficult to locate him. Both students approached a little and could hear two electric shocks from a couple of bracelets. Confused, they watched as Heather walked away from what appeared to be ... a passionate kiss with Alejandro? Dave took the keys from their bags and used them to free their mentors.

- Don´t tell me you both used this challenge to go and ... make out? ... -. Sky started to say without fitting her own amaze.- Do you have any idea all we had to walk to find you? -.

When they saw them carefully, it was evident what they had been doing while hiding together: Alejandro´s hair was messy as his clothes. There was still a passionate blush on Heather´s cheeks! Outraged, Dave and the Sky looked reproachfully at them. Alejandro stood and shook the dust from his shirt away, while Heather escaped to a corner with an angry expression, looking at another direction.

- When you grow up a little more, you will realize that true love conquers all difficulties, don´t you think so too, Heather? -. Alejandro joked, but received a snort as an answer.-

- Yeah right, as if these lovebirds understand any of that.-

-HEATHER´S CONFFESIONAL-

- It's not what it seems! I just decided to hide with him and kiss him in order to make him believe that everything is back to normal. I haven´t missed him, nor have I been fighting my desire to hug him or to kiss him.- She pulled her hair with a desperate gesture.- I won´t fall for him again! -.

-ALEJANDRO´S CONFFESIONAL-

- The spark is still there, I know it, everybody knows it and, most of all, Heather knows it too. That was the most magical kiss we've had in months. Maybe it was the excitement of the moment that made us feel like… you know… preys.-

-SKY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- I can´t believe I have suffered so much to find that pair of ungrateful mentors. They owe me and Dave a big one! -. Her eyes became dreamy.- Dave had been so kind and brave during this challenge.- She focused again.- That´s why I respect him! I know he doesn´t see the same way as before…-.

Dave noted that he was still helping Sky walking. Without thinking twice, he let go of her and she fell to the ground again.

- I don´t have to carry you anymore. Come on, mentors! We have less than twenty minutes to return to the waterfall. - Dave said.-

- But, Dave, look what you do! -. Alejandro called him. - That's no way to treat a lady, and certainly not one of Sky´s caliber, beauty and skills.-

In a gallant and overwhelming act of manhood, Alejandro rose Sky in his arms like a princess, causing both Heather and Dave to observe with their mouths wide open in surprise. Dave forced himself to ignore the discomfort he felt.

-DAVE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- I have the strength to do that too. Does he think I´m a wimp? He just kissed with Heather and now he flirts with Sky, What kind of mentor do I have!? -.

With a high tension between the four of them, the group of "Manipulators" started running towards the meeting point.

Meanwhile, Zoey was getting exhausted. She was running out of time and had not yet found Gwen. She swore that she knew her so well! But lately she wasn´t so sure. What did she really know about her mentor? She admired Gwen and considered her a good friend, but didn´t really know her strategies as well as had thought. She was starting to get depressed when collided with someone running in the opposite direction. A familiar voice brought her back to reality.

- But if it's you, Sheila! -. Manitoba gave her a huge smile.- Nice to see ya. At last I find a true ally. Why ya´ running in this direction? The gothic girl is over there. - He pointed to the other side.-

- Manitoba? -. She asked, impressed. - Jasmine´s hat! So the triggers still work.-

Manitoba raised an eyebrow and accommodated his (Jasmine´s) hat.

- Glad to meet again, too.-

- What? Oh, sorry.- She laughed nervously.- It´s just that everything is been crazy and chaotic with Mike lately.- She smiled at him.- Believe me, right now I'm glad it's you who has come out.-

Manitoba's expression loosened and smiled meekly. Zoey saw he had made a lasso with some branches and leaves he had found. "As skilled as ever", she thought.

- What are you going to do with that? -.

- Me? No, no, this is for you, Sheila.- Manitoba said as he handed it to her. She looked at him, confused.-You´re a smart gal, but the treasure hunter´s me. Your mentor is there, and ya need to use that to climb the tree where she´s hiding right now.-

- How do you know it?-.

- I can detect and track any treasure, wild animal, reward ... or prey, in my surroundings.- He acted a little cocky.- Now if ya´ll excuse me, that weird fella should be here any moment. If I were ya, I would go where I said and begin climbing.-

Cheered and moved, Zoey nodded at him. Manitoba was always very helpful in the challenges, and something told her that he was doing these things for Mike´s sake as well. Unlike Vito, or Mal, she trusted him more.

- Thank you! See you at the waterfall! -.

- Take care, Sheila.- He waved in goodbye, and adjusted the hat that didn´t belong to him.-

In less than a minute, Shawn appeared among some trees, surprised to find Mike with Jasmine´s hat. If he remembered past seasons, that could only mean something.

- Are you the "explorer" personality? -. He asked.-

- Manitoba Smith, at your service, pal.- Both of them shook their hands.-

- The first one that came out caught me off guard when he appeared.- He was referring Vito.- I am now aware of my mentor´s strange behavior. We must go quickly to the waterfall! There isn´t much time left.-

- Then I hope ya´re ready, kid.- Manitoba cracked his fingers and started running, followed closely by Shawn.-

Along the way, both saw Topher and Anne Maria, who were still searching for Scott. Nimbly, Manitoba took some darts from Shawn´s bag and shot the two opponents. One shot reached Anne Maria´s leg, while other reached Topher´s arm. However, it was enough to leave them behind. Surprised, Shawn smiled.

-SHAWN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- This one is a mentor I can respect! He has all the skills that a survivor must have. Oh, well, suddenly I feel more relieved to have Mike as a partner. I´ll make sure that there is always a hat near him.-

A painful cry caught Anne Maria´s attention, who had fallen into a mud puddle. Frightened, she leaned back as she could. Scott emerged covered with mud all over his body, to the Topher´s displeasure.

- It's about time you got here! Take off this thing! -.

Topher pulled another key from his bag and released Scott from his bracelet. He must have imagined ... a character like that belonged to the mud and the dirt.

- Well, don´t just stand there, help me! -. Anne Maria screamed, pointing at her shot leg.-

- I don´t think so, sister. Come on, student, Alejandro and Heather are on their way with the others. We don´t need her to win.-

For a moment, Anne Maria´s face reflected concern. She cast a glance at Topher, who considered his options.

- Wait, Scott.- He said.- Zoey is now heading to find Gwen, we can´t take any risks here. Help me carry her.-

- What?-. Scott replied.-

- Do you want to be the cause of a tie? Or even worse, do you want to make us lose? If something happens to Alejandro or Heather and we fail…-.

- Oh, all right, all right! -. He nodded without excitement.- Let´s go.-

Silently, Anne Maria dedicated Topher a confident smile.

At the top of her tree, Gwen was getting desperate. There were only five minutes left and no sign of Zoey. Suddenly, she heard her voice approaching, searching for her.

- Gwen! Gwen! -.

- Finally!-. Gwen waved her student, who finally glimpsed her in at the top.-

- Manitoba was right! Come on, Gwen, time to come down.- Zoey threw the noose she had borrowed and each girl grabbed one end.- I will hold it from here, tie it up to your waist so you can get down without hurting yourself.-

- Excellent. I´ll be down in a second, Zoey.-

Chris waited at the waterfall, where Alejandro, Heather, Dave and Sky had arrived in haste.

- And here comes two points for the "Manipulators" team! Excellent, Sky, Dave. good teamwork!-.

Jasmine and Dawn came around the same time as Shawn and Manitoba.

- Oh! And we have a draw so far. It seems that now everything depends on the missing couples. Aren´t you getting excited, people?-.

- I hope you hurry up Zoey, If Scott and Anne Maria come first, we are doomed!.- Jasmine said in a lament.-

Oh, right, Zoey must hurry.

- Damn! -. Manitoba shouted. That had felt very close.- Where the hell are you hiding, grungy little rat?! -.

All the others, including Chris and the Chef, looked at him surprised. For them, Mike was just talking to himself, or rather ranting.

Maybe Shawn is safe for this challenge, but there is someone else who is not.

In an unexpected show, Manitoba seemed to struggle to keep control. His body began to contract and obliged him to beat himself at everybody´s sight. Shawn wanted to approach him and help but didn´t know how to defend his mentor from himself.

- Mike? Or ... Manitoba? Whoever you are! What's wrong with you?!-.

The body remained still and, after a few seconds, the head lifted revealing a grim smile. Shawn froze and couldn´t do anything when Mal ran took his bad away from him, getting away.

- No!-. Shawn yelled. This could cost them their victory! -. Come back, Mike! -.

Gwen was almost touching the floor when a dart hit both her legs. She was paralyzed, same as Zoey, who had been attacked the same way. When they turned to see who was it that had shot them, they saw Mal´s figure looking threatening at them from a safe distance. His shots were damn precise. He smiled before returning to run. Zoey gasped.

- No! Gwen, come on, we have to move as we can.-

- But Zoey, I can´t.- Gwen said, frustrated at not being able to stand.-

During the last seconds, Topher, Anne Maria and Scott made it to the waterfall, completing an overwhelming victory for their team. Chris gave the signal and Zoey and Gwen knew they had ruined the "Survivors" opportunity to win.

- It can´t be!-. Jasmine shouted.-

Furious, she approached Mike, ready to fight if necessary. What had he achieved with that? It was obvious that he was the one who would go home that night. She was about to knock him out if that wasn´t for Shawn, who stopped her.

- Wait, Jasmine! He´s coming back.-

Indeed, when he returned to the waterfall, Mal disappeared, leaving Mike back in control.

- What happened?-. The boy asked, oblivious to everything that had happened in the last minutes.-

While the "Manipulators" were celebrating, the "Survivors" prepared for a painful ceremony. However, everyone agreed on who would be out. For now, the night fell as fast as the bad news of their defeat. Seated by the waterfall, Chris held the marshmallows with delighted anticipation.

- I must admit that I didn´t see that coming. What a great way to ruin your team´s game, Mike! -.

The boy, with his head down, just wanted to disappear from the Earth´s surface.

- Well, here I have the votes, and I must say that we all know what will happen ... -.

- Don´t say it, I think everyone will be better off without me.- Mike didn´t want to go through that suffering. He stood up, ready to leave, when the contents of the bag he wore accidently rolled over the floor.- Oh, sorry! -.

- Just a moment…-. Chris said.- You found the invincibility statue!-.

At his seat, Shawn opened his eyes, realizing what had happened. He had forgotten that statue! And Mal had taken his bag. They definitely were dealing with a hell of a character!

- That means Mike is safe.- Chris sentenced.- Well, this puts us in a difficult situation, because the only vote that wasn´t for Mal was for ... -. He made his usual dramatic pause.- Gwen! -.

- What?-. Gwen dropped her jaw.- That can´t be ... no, wait, who the hells voted for me instead of Mike? -. Suddenly, she realized the only logical answer.- Wait ... Zoey? -.

Zoey looked at her desperately, trying to make her understand something that she knew was impossible to forgive. But Gwen found herself unable to get angry, and was now looking at her ex-student begging for forgiveness with her eyes about to surrender to tears of guilt. The team members contained some gasps, and Mike, despite being relieved to stay, felt sorry for Zoey.

I told ya´ she was a loyal one.

Was he going mad, or had he just heard Manitoba´s voice?

- Gwen, I'm so sorry, I have no excuse ... I just ... -.

Gwen stopped her from talking with a hand gesture.

- It's okay…-. She touched Zoey´s arm, despite being visibly affected, managed to smile at her.- I guess that when it comes to a special person in your life, you tend to do crazy stuff in order to protect them.-

Zoey didn´t know why, but now felt that she understood Gwen perfectly, and vice versa. They got into a hug before Chris forced them to separate. Mike, meanwhile, understood what Mal had wanted since the beginning. He had always gone after Gwen in this challenge; He had guessed that Zoey wouldn´t have voted for him too.

Mike clenched his fists helplessly.

- Well, Gwen, it's time for you to take the leap of shame, bungee version! -.

Chef grabbed her as he had previously done with the others and held her with the strap. Gwen was terrified when she saw the height.

- Wait! -. She managed to get a paper out her pocket and looked at Zoey desperately.- Zoey, here!-.

She didn´t need to say more. Just before Chris ruthlessly pushed Gwen to her legendary rebound, Zoey managed to take the paper from her hand, knowing it must have been something important to give it away so insistently. Gwen´s scream echoed throughout the island. Mike approached Zoey curiously.

- What is that?-.

Zoey read the paper´s content and immediately put her hand on Mike's shoulder, visibly excited and moved towards Gwen. However, Chris didn´t let them talk.

- Now! Let's see if there are more betrayals tonight. Team "Manipulators", You are the winners tonight, but one of you had a limited time to find another student. Anne Maria, unless you have good news, you will be the next to leave today ... -.

- I am pleased to announce that I have a new student!.- She said with a triumphant tone.- It´s Topher.-

- Ha! As if!-. Scott said.- Don´t think you can take him so easily. My student will never…-.

However, Topher stood up and, leaving Scott´s side grimly, positioned himself next to the girl with the giant superiority smile. Stunned, Scott was speechless.

- UHHHHH! -. Chris scoffed.- Apparently, there was another betrayal done by a student. Anne Maria, this act saves you and puts Scott on the brink of elimination. Like her, you have time until the next elimination ceremony to find another student. Or you´ll go home! -.

Directing a hatred look at Anne Maria and Topher, Scott grumbled and walked away from the waterfall kicking everything in his path. They would pay, they´ll certainly pay!

- He seems to be angry. Hey, don´t you kick the cameras! -. Chris groaned and sighed. Immediately he put a huge smile directed to the other cameras.- At last we began to see a little more of the student´s nature! They are very clever, aren´t they? Who will be the next contestant to be eliminated? And will we see more alliances and betrayals with tragic consequences in their relationships? Find out in the next episode of TOTAL DRAMA: MENTORS AND STUDENTS!-.

Approaching each other quietly as everyone else returned to the huts, Mike and Zoey returned to talk.

- Hey, thanks for supporting me today ... -. He thanked her.- But now everyone will think badly of you.-

- It can be fixed.- Zoey was too excited to let that affect her.-

- What did Gwen give you?-.

She paused, took the paper and showed it to him. Mike had the same reaction as her when he read it.

- Mike, do you see? It´s Duncan´s cell phone number! Gwen surely had been calling to that number from the island when everyone else was asleep. That´s why she was so tired! The important thing is that we finally have it... the only person who knows about your life at the juvie ... we can now contact him and ask him directly.-

TO BE CONTINUED…

Took me a little while, but I finally translated it XD

Hope you enjoyed it :p