CHAPTER 5

Jealousy?

Scott was in such a bad mood that had barely been able to sleep during the night. Whenever he was about to relax, the Vaseline´s boy and the frame of human hair´s image came into his head. He had perfectly imagined Anne Maria´s intentions, but had neglected to believe that Topher could leave him.

-SCOTT´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Well, you know what? I don´t care what those two do from now on. Luckily for me, there´s a person available for me to team up with.- He seemed to hesitate for a moment.- However, it´s obvious that Zoey doesn´t really trust me since the fourth season. But if we don´t work together, we´ll both go home! -.

The dining room, which consisted of a separate hut with two long tables and fourteen chairs (two of which would never be filled again) was quite lively at breakfast time, despite the disgusting food Chef had given them. Shawn studied his mentor carefully, wondering when he would see another sample of his survivor´s skills and agility. No matter how much he looked at Mike, he seemed so silly and clumsy that, if it weren´t for what he had seen yesterday, he wouldn´t have believed that Mike could had personalities like Manitoba, Vito, Chester or Mal, who had been the only ones he had seen in public until now.

Jasmine, sitting next to Shawn, shared his interest about the boy, but not with the same enthusiasm. She had felt outshined during the previous challenges.

-JASMINE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Someone´s got to tell Mike that the only one who can wear this hat is me.- She exclaimed, pointing at her own fedora.- And worst of all is that Shawn is dazzled by the things he had seen him do. The Australian accent and the survival skills are supposed to be my trademarks. Do I also have to be a burly Italian guy and a crazy maniac for my boyfriend to recover his interest in me? -. She finished with a annoyed look in her face.-

- It wasn´t that impressive.- Jasmine whispered.-

- Are you kidding? Manitoba managed to evade the poisoned darts! -. Shawn exclaimed excitedly, pointing at his mentor.- When did you learn to do that? -.

Mike stopped his spoon, filled with strange edible contents, halfway to his mouth and shrugged when Shawn asked.

- I don´t know. I never knew where my personalities got their abilities from. I keep some of those skills on my own, but now I have checked that it's them who really have them. Manitoba surely was the one to learn on his own about survival´s stuff.-

- Fascinating.- Shawn answered while, at his side, Jasmine scowled and grumbled in another direction.- And you never have been able to control when your personalities go out? I´d really like to discuss some things with Manitoba ... -. He seemed to think better about it.- But the other one, the insane one, don´t let him out, please.-

As Mike explained that it was impossible for him to control, Zoey, who was sitting a few seats away, felt Scott´s hand resting on her shoulder.

- Tonight any of us could be expelled. The best we can do is to form an alliance, don´t you think? -. Told the red-haired guy.-

Zoey looked at him with disgust and shook off his hand from her shoulder. However, she didn´t say anything. Scott smiled to himself.

- Ha! You are so convinced that I´m right that you can´t even deny my offer!-.

- This could end up being a reward challenge.- Zoey said, staring at her dish.-

- Or it could be an elimination one and we´d be the joyful jumpers of McLean´s Waterfall.-

Zoey finally looked at him and wrinkled her face; with her eyes transmitting that she could pounce on him and kick him up until she got tired if he dared to play dirty on her. However, Scott did not flinch. His smile deepened as he extended a hand.

- You don´t have to accept right now for good.- He told her.- We only have to announce the happy news tonight at the slightest sign of danger at the ceremony. If it is a reward, as you said, I won´t force you to do anything.-

- All right. You better don´t be tricking me, be honest.- Zoey said as she shook, reluctantly, the extended hand before her.-

-SCOTT´S CONFFESIONAL-

- As if playing fair was one of my qualities! -.

-ZOEY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- It's my fault for getting Gwen eliminated. Oh, the things I do for Mike! And now with Scott chasing me to save his own neck, I have no choice but to ally with him so I don´t end up the same as my mentor.- She sighed like she was already defeated.-

For a moment, her eyes met Dawn´s, who looked dazed for some reason. She approached her and whispered to Zoey as if she was afraid of being overheard by a police guard or something.

- I wouldn´t recommend you to do that.- She urged Zoey.- Scott´s not one to trust.-

- I don´t have many options, Dawn. Scott is the only one available right now.-

- But…-.

Her sweet voice was cut off by the speakers.

- Good morning, campers! I hope you enjoyed your breakfast, courtesy of our talented Chef Gourmet ... -.

Anne Maria snorted with sarcasm. Beside her, Topher could not help chuckling.

- But right now it´s time for today´s challenge. Run to the new, recently armed and extremely evident platform that our interns built!-.

Everyone rushed to the call, but Alejandro took his chance and dragged Dave to his side for a moment.

- Wait, my friend, there´s no rush.- Dave looked at him, puzzled.- I would like to give you a few tips. How could I consider myself as your mentor if I fail in that duty? -.

- What are you talking about? what advice? -.

Alejandro directed his gaze towards Sky, who was now following Heather, both decided to exit the room. Normally, Dave would have reacted with his natural, throaty growl. But this time, he just shrugged and looked away, ignoring the girl. Alejandro, however, would not be deceived by his attitude.

- Whether is for revenge or for other reasons ... I want to help you get your way with Sky.-

- We completed the challenge together once, that's all. What do you mean by "get my way"? -.

- Oh, come on, Dave, for me it´s clear that Sky is completely and madly in love with you.- He expressed himself with such certainty and confidence that Dave could not help to surprise.-

- Yes of course! That's why she betrayed me last season ... -. He said with sarcasm.-

- Only fool men live in the past.- He coughed.- But I´m not saying this because I want you to forgive her ... it´s rather for strategic reasons.- He crossed his arms proudly.- Obviously you're not the gallant type, but you should take advantage when you are of a lady´s liking.-

- I'm not like you, Alejandro ... -. Dave started to say, pointing himself with resignation.- I'm not exactly a Casanova.-

- You don´t need to be one. I like to think it's all about attitude. Want to get Sky manipulated this time, or would you rather remain to be the desperate heartbroken boy chasing a vengeance like a dog chases his bone? I offer you the chance to win not only the loyalty of Sky, but to get her to play for you.-

Dave didn´t know how to respond. The idea didn´t sound bad at all.

-DAVE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Alejandro promised to help me win. Even if I can´t fully trust him, what he is saying sounds tempting. Getting Sky to do what I want! -.

- Okay. I can follow your advice, mentor. Let´s do this.-

After smile to celebrate his success, Alejandro leaned to whisper his ideas into Dave´s ear. He paid much attention, even if his face showed an indecisive expression.

- You sure these things… work? -.

- Dave, I have Latin blood, romance is in my veins, like cunning. Now go.- He sent him away with a wave of his hand.-

Dave ran swift as an arrow before Sky left the dining room and stretched out the door for her. Surprised, the girl hesitated slightly.

- Um ... it's the least I can do after, you know, after you helped me out with the previous challenge. Yeah… that!-. He laughed nervously. - I have been an ogre with you, but I pay my debts. If possible, I will help you this time.- He smiled and was surprised to see how Sky looked in all directions, as if wondering if that was real.-

- Oh, well, then I'm glad. I hope that we can get along again.- She said slowly.-

- Well, you can´t blame me for wanting to be around you, since you've always been fantastic ... -. His stupid habit of speaking too much would condemn him. He could see how Alejandro ran a finger across his neck, telling him to cut the conversation.- I mean, no problem.- Then he continued on his way without waiting for another response from Sky.-

- SKY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- What was that all about? For a moment I thought the old Dave came back! The one who was always behind my back and cared for me ... but as soon as he could, he just took off without waiting. It's so strange, as if he wanted to reconcile with me and also wanted to stay away. What am I supposed to think now? -.

-ALEJANDRO´S CONFFESIONAL-

- There is no better way to get yourseld into a girl´s head than sending confusing signals.- He explained with pride.- Hinting that he doesn´t hate her, but also that he is no longer crazy about her, is the ideal way to get Sky fight with herself in order to draw Dave´s attention again. Reminds me of Heather, in a way.- He laughed.- They can´t stand being ignored or not being stared at by the guy they like.-

Heather gave Dave a suspicious look and scolded Sky with a brow gesture. She wouldn´t even bother to forbid them anything. As long as their flirting didn´t get in the way of winning the challenges, she didn´t mind Sky having a romance with that weakling, even if she didn´t understand what her student had seen in him. Alejandro walked beside her for a while on their way to the platform.

- Young Love, almost as pure as ours. - He joked.-

- You have to be kidding me. If that's what you call "love" .-

- A fairly poisonous observation coming from someone who kisses with such passion.-

Heather almost lost her balance, but she controlled herself and clenched her teeth at the Spanish guy with disdain.

- You're on thin ice with me, Alejandro. I will never trust you when there is money or prizes at stake. We can only be together when one of us gets eliminated.-

- Then I'll assure that you get eliminated soon, my sweet flor.- He blew a kiss towards her, who looked at him angry.- It´s the best for both of us, believe me.-

As the entire group came to the platform, a general exclamation of horror was heard. It didn´t only looked like it would fall at any time, but was built specifically at the edge of a tremendously high cliff, and the possible fall from there promised a deep dip in a dark watered hole surrounded by jagged rocks. When they looked up instead, the platform also had a set of worryingly installed trapezes (one fell just as they arrived) that extended until the other side of the ravine. Chris greeted them with a broad smile.

- In case you have not guessed, the today´s challenge is quite simple, if you ask me. All you have to do is get to the other end of this ravine.- He explained as if it was a piece of cake.- No tricks, no traps, just a simple challenge of strength and agility.-

- Oh please!-. Scott shouted.- The other end is, at least, 700 meters away. Let me guess, swinging on trapezes this time?-.

- Very clever, Scott.- Chris joked.- The main goal is to get across, but if you don´t trust the strength of your arms ... the couples have the option of taking another path. In this challenge, you can use the trapezes or you can swim across until the other end! I have prepared these aquatic equipment and oxygen tanks for those who prefer the last option. When you reach the other side, you will have to climb the vertical ladder installed for you to use. Each option is perfectly valid, but has it´s restrictions: if you choose using the trapezes and you fall into the water, you must restart the tour again. And for divers, do not waste your oxygen, because otherwise it won´t be enough to complete the journey. Because of that, you can always come back to seek for more tanks here at the starting point if needed.- The host explained.- The first team to get all its members complete the challenge wins. "Survivors" and "Manipulators", are you ready? -.

Scott pulled Zoey near him, implying that they would work together. Chris looked at them reproachfully.

- Teams have not merged yet, Scott. You cannot work with Zoey.-

- We wouldn´t be working "together" exactly.- He explained.- She would get to the other side of the cliff for her team and I would get there for mine. But we can support each other as a gesture of solidarity, right? I mean there´ll be a team who is going to lose a member tonight anyway, right? So one of us surely will have to switch teams.-

- Well, that's true.- Chris thought considering the idea.- Don´t press your luck, but I´m letting you work as you like this time. At the end of the day, that only means there´ll be more pain for me to enjoy.- He finished with a bright and sadistic smile.-

- Did you hear that, mate? -. Scott felt Mike´s gaze burning his back. Turning over, he found that, indeed, the guy was looking at them in disbelief. Mike knew how much Zoey hated him, but now she wasn´t scolding him for all that familiarity. Scott dedicated him a pearled and cocky smile as he walked away with a disgusted Zoey.- Let´s go, girl.-

-MIKE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Are you serious? Dang it! Before I was relieved for not being eliminated instead of Gwen, but without her here, Scott can do almost whatever he pleases, and he´s already using Zoey as a shield. He knows that none of us can mess with him without damaging the team. - He crossed his arms.- He´s just as sneaky as always.-

- I think we can go by the well ... -. Scott grabbed her strongly by the arm, forcing her to look at him.-

- ´ . .-

- Do you still have that phobia because of Fang? We don´t even know if he's here! The island vanished, remember? -.

- I´m not taking any risks.- He remained firm in his resolution.- The island didn´t disappeared, it sank! Where do you think that sharks live? -.

Zoey sighed, resigned.

- Okay, you win. We will go by the trapezes.- She looked down and felt a slight fear.- Is not that I doubt of my strength, but ... -.

- Girl, you don´t need to do anything. Consider it as a gift this time, I will help you cross. Don´t forget that I am the only one with the confidence to remain hanging longer than anyone ... most of the time.-

-ZOEY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- About Scott wanting to help me out in this challenge ... I don´t know if I should be happy about it or better have a deadly fear. Would he be able to let me fall on purpose? -.

Mike almost didn´t hear Shawn, who got him out of his trance, forcing him to stop watching Scott with hatred.

- …What do you think?-.

- Huh? Well ... yeah, whatever you say.- He answered.- What were you saying? -.

Shawn hit his own hand against his forehead in anguish.

- From above! I think we can get there faster if we use the trapezes.- He repeated his idea.-

- Oh, I get it.- Mike looked down again and swallowed soundly.- I guess it's okay, it's just a task that requires much physical skills.-

- That's perfect for you, bro! Come on, let´s go!-.

Jasmine clenched her fists and almost dragged Dawn to follow the pair of boys.

- We'll go with the trapezes too! -. She shouted, hoping for Shawn to hear her.-

- Jasmine? I thought you were going through the water ... -. Said the boy.- I thought it would be the most logical choice for you.-

-JASMINE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- What does he means by "the most logical choice"?! Does he think that Mike does have what it takes to use the trapeze but not me? This situation is beginning to tire me.-

-SHAWN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- With the fragile partner she has, I thought Jasmine would decide to guide her through the water. After all, she is the strongest and smartest competitor. I guess she must have a planshe always does.- He said with admiration.-

- Jasmine, given our lack of synchrony lately, I´d advice for us to take the other route.- Dawn said calmly.-

The Australian girl contemplated her mentor, not having any intentions of discussing with her.

- No. Going from above means going faster, so we will reach the other side faster, gaining points to our team.- Her tone left no room for discussion. However, Dawn pouted and insisted.-

- Wanting to do this just to compete for Shawn´s attention is not the most intelligent strategy.- She told her.- If you paid a bit more attention, you would realize that he's just ... -.

- Don´t need your advice on these things! -. She cut her off.- This is not about Shawn, or his stupid fascination about Mike´s personalities. As if that was something good and interesting! I´ll show him ... -. She said, moving away from her mentor.-

Dawn looked down, sighed and prayed that things would go well. Jasmine´s jealousy took her by surprise.

-DAWN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Jasmine´s love for Shawn completely blinds her at times. As if she wanted him to admire only her. Doesn´t she realize that he loves her? Mike isn´t a threat to their relationship at all. However ... Mal could certainly be... -.

- As much as I hate getting my hair wet, we´d better go by the well.- Said Anne Maria and Topher at the unison.-

Their own sync surprised both of them.

- I know! I mean, none of us would hang on those trapezes for more than two seconds.- Anne Maria said.-

- The sooner we finish this challenge, the sooner we can go rest and take care of our looks. It shouldn´t be too difficult for you, being the makeup expert you are.-

Whether it was a flattering compliments to soften her or not, Anne Maria gave a gentle tap on Topher´s shoulder, thanking the gesture.

-TOPHER´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Okay, maybe I was wrong about the girl after all. She has proved that she thinks like me, and we all know that great minds think alike. The closer we are, the less likely it´ll be that she betrays me.-

- All right, guys! Start! Let the slaughter begin!.- Announced a funny Chris.-

The first to take the diving equipment were Alejandro and Dave, who had to get down from the cliff through hanging stairs. They would definitely be taking the long way, but Alejandro wasn´t going to risk and wait until Dave fell into the water because of his weak arms, forcing them to start again for (who knows?) an unlimited number of times. When they saw that Heather and Sky had made the same decision and they took their own equipment, Alejandro nudged Dave.

- What…? Oh, I get it.- The boy said.- Sky, allow me.- He said before helping the girl putting the oxygen mask on her diving suit.- You also did this during the first challenge. You must be very good at swimming.-

- Hey! Hurry! -. Heather cried, and half her body was already on the hanging stairs.-

- Yes, I'm coming!-. She gave Dave a tender smile, thanking him, and followed her mentor.-

Alejandro winked at Dave to congratulate him and the two of them began their way down too.

- All right, let's see if I still have the touch like when I practiced with my cousins.- Scott said, taking a jump that took him to the first trapeze, hanging from it.- I knew it! -. He looked at Zoey.- What are you waiting for? -.

- Well ... I do not know if your idea is ... -.

- Heavens! That I can stay here long enough doesn´t mean you should let me do it. Come on! Aren´t you Commando Zoey? -.

She seemed offended, and thereafter, as nimbly as she jumped, she grabbed Scott´s feet and pushed herself to the next trapeze, advancing faster than him. Scott looked surprised. Zoey could not help smiling cynically.

- Yes, yes I am.-

-SCOTT´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Hmph ... show off ... -.

- I know you said you'd help me, but I´d feel bad letting you do all the work. – Zoey continued, advancing to another trapeze.- Instead, we should move forward this way. You go one, I´ll go one ... it´ll be safer that way.-

-ZOEY´S CONFFESIONAL-

- There´s no way I´d trust my life to Scott! I prefer to complete the task by myself.-

They managed to advance a few more trapezes, starting to feel a strong burning sensation in their arms. It would be a tiring way. Shawn was launched after them, taking the first trapeze smoothly.

- Come on, Mike! Hurry up! -.

Before Mike could even jump after his student, Jasmine pushed him aside, showed a magnificent pirouette in the air and caught holding on the trapeze that was even ahead of Shawn´s. Both of the boys stared at her in amazement.

- Sorry, Mike, I didn´t notice you were there.- She excused herself with false modesty. She winked at Shawn at smiled at him.- I´ll see you at the other side, strong boy.-

She moved quickly, leaving them behind. Dawn approached them sighing.

- Weren´t you supposed to ... you know, go together? -. Mike asked her.-

- Yes, I guess.- Dawn answered, sighing again.-

But Jasmine had not gone far when a flying object almost hit her. She screamed in fright and lost her grip, falling into the void. Other similar shots almost got near Zoey and Scott, who held strongly at their ropes in order to not fall like the tall girl.

- But what was that!? -. Zoey shouted.-

Then they heard the speaker, answering that question.

- Remember when I said it would be a trap less, easy challenge? -. Chris said.- Well, I lied! Right now, our trained interns will be shouting some innocent arrows at you to make things a little more… interesting.-

- Gotta be kidding me! -. They heard Jasmine shouting before she hit the water.-

- Jasmine! Are you okay?-. Shawn shouted for her.-

He saw her emerging from the well and sighed with relief. But now she would have to start over again. Heather walked past the big girl and showed her tongue off at her slightly in sneer.

- See you later, loser.- She said before leaving Jasmine behind.-

Heather´s tranquility did not last long, because after a while they saw her swimming wildly from side to side. Sky worried.

- What is it, Heather? -.

- Shark!-. The girl cried, trying to escape from Fang.-

From his place above them, Scott trembled in fear.

- I told you! I knew it!-.

- Oh, I forgot to mention. Oxygen may not last much for the divers if you consume it trying to escape from the sea creatures.- Chris said, as if was a minimal detail.-

- We can´t keep wasting time.- said Alejandro.- Move, Dave.-

While Sky was trying to help Heather, the other pairs of divers went ahead. The viewers allow them to see what was in front of them under water, while their oxygen tanks gave them peace of mind. There were too many rocks below. Almost like a maze. When Anne Maria came to see, she had separated from Topher. She rose to the surface to see if she could find him easier.

- Hey, pretty boy! -. She screamed, but instantly had to dive again to avoid an arrow directed at her.- Hey! -. She complained.-

- They´re just doing their work.- said Chris.- Well done, intern.-

Topher grabbed the girl´s foot and pulled her down again. He helped her to adjust the mask of her suit and gave her signs to continue. They were going at a good pace and, if they maintained it, they´d be the first ones to arrive. They met a huge stone wall that they had to surround, but after that, they easily returned to their road. Anne Maria could almost see the other end when she had trouble breathing. She was running out of oxygen! At her side, Topher seemed to guess the situation; he took her arm and dragged her with him forward as hard as he could. There was no way he would return to the startpoint all over again! Anne Maria was already at her limit when they came to the surface, holding onto a solid rock on the other side of the cliff. They had arrived!

Anne Maria coughed loudly and Topher helped her to take off her empty oxygen tank.

- Thanks for the help.- She thanked him.-

- No problem. Anyway, now we have to climb up there.- Both of them sighed when they looked at the long way up waiting for them.-

Zoey had had enough. Her arms were burning as if they´d caught fire inside. She took a deep breath and forced herself to move forward another trapeze. Behind her, Scott had just dodged another arrow.

- Hurry up! There are only three more trapezes! -.

- I am trying!-.

A little further back, Shawn insisted to Mike to hurry up too. The boy was too far back.

- Come on, friend! You can do it! -.

- If I look down, I don´t guarantee I´ll be able to continue. - Mike excused himself, a little frightened.- Just let me go with my rhythm, okay? -.

He hardly noticed when Jasmine overtook him again. The girl sighed relieved and looked happily at Shawn.

- Nothing that I couldn´t easily fix. - She said.-

- I see.- He smiled at her.- And your mentor? -.

- Come on, Jasmine! -. They heard Dawn´s voice.-

Shawn's eyes widened in surprise and everyone else let escape some other exclamations of similar nature. Dawn was already on the other side!

- And Dawn is the first one to cross! I suppose these are the advantages of acting and taking chances when no one is watching you, huh? -. Chris said, between lively and slightly scared by the girl´s achieving.-

- How could she pass us? We were firsts ahead! -. Scott complained.-

A giant screen appeared out of nowhere and showed the recordings of Dawn scurrying between Scott and Zoey´s feet while they were discussing about going faster. The redhead cursed with his teeth clenched.

-SCOTT´S CONFFESIONAL-

- I swear it! I will do everything in my power to eliminate that witch!-.

- I can´t believe it.- said Jasmine, more ashamed than ever for have fallen before.- To think a little doll so fragile could cross so easily… -.

New shots rang out in the air, this time courtesy of a cannon loaded with sacks of flour that the interns treacherously fired. They succeeded at shooting at Jasmine's and Shawn´s backs, and they fell leaving a flash of white flour behind that made the other contestants sneeze. They heard the water splashing and Jasmine´s cry of anger for having fallen again.

- Shawn! -. Mike shouted.-

- Don't worry!, continue! -. Shawn insisted.-

- I don´t think l can hold on much longer ... -. Mike said.-

Without holding on his urge to annoy the campers, Chris intervened.

- Really? Intern, please load the gun and point in that direction.- He indicated.-

Mike looked terrified and could almost see himself falling.

- If only we had the prodigious skills of the unique Russian gymnast...! -. Dawn started to say from her position.-

Automatically, Mike took a deep breath and jumped right before the sack impacted; he rose in the air, gave five incredible spins and landed gracefully on one of the trapezes, maintaining a perfect balance without even swinging.

- ... Svetlana, the most gymnastic of all! -. He finished the sentence with a fine and loud feminine voice.-

Instead, the sack hit Scott, who also fell into the water while throwing a cry of helplessness.

The intern that failed reiterated with some more shots, always failing due the infallible jumps of Svetlana. Like a flying acrobat, the Russian flew over Zoey and landed effortlessly in the ground besides Dawn, who could not help but give a round of applause for that demonstration of physical prowess.

- Thank you, dear audience! -. Svetlana welcomed with her arms raised. - It has been a pleasure! -.

Realizing that Zoey was slipping when she was so close to the end, Svetlana smiled and extended her a helping hand, which Zoey gladly accepted. Soon, the redhead also accompanied them at the finish line.

- It's good to see you again. Thanks, Svetlana.- Zoey said in a thin voice, due to her tiredness.-

Jasmine and Shawn returned to the start line, while Shawn was amazed by what he had seen.

- Did you see that? What a display of skill! -. He laughed loudly.- That Mike is a whole box of surprises.-

Jasmine could take no more.

- Would you stop praising him? It´s not even him who makes those things, but his personalities! And I could also do that! -. Shawn´s puzzled expression only infuriated her more.-

- What do you mean? Why are you so upset? -.

- Arrrghhh! You don´t get it. Okay, maybe you think your mentor is more skilled than I, but I'm still much more skilled than you are.- She said before starting the challenge again, leaving him more than worried.-

-SHAWN´S CONFFESIONAL-

- I don´t understand what happened to Jasmine. More skilled than me? What is it now? -.

- Anne Maria and Topher reached the top! -. Chris announced.- Oh, Alejandro just came without Dave! -.

- You left your student behind? -. Topher reproached him.- Not cool, bro.-

- Dave knows I did it for a good reason.- Alejandro smiled.-

Meanwhile, Heather had to return to refill her oxygen tank, but Sky had believed her own tank was fine. In consequence, she had to come to the surface being almost at the vertical ladder. When Heather started going up without her, she looked jaded.

- Don´t tell me you're going back ...we are so close! -.

Sky thought she could wrestle until the end, but there were so many rocks at the surface and her suit was heavy…

- Sky, catch! -. Dave yelled at her.-

Sky received Dave´s tank, which had a little oxygen reserved yet. Grateful, she looked at the boy who was now beginning to climb, leaving Heather behind. Before continuing, he dared to wink at her and looked, very surprised, how Sky blushed.

-DAVE´S CONFFESIONAL-

- Well, I have to admit that Alejandro´s advices do work.-

Heather snorted and continued on her own. Sky placed her new tank on her suit and went underwater, decided to catch them up soon.

- Jasmine, please, just tell me what´s going on.- Shawn implored her, following her in the trapezes.-

- I don´t wanna talk right now.- She answered angrily.-

- Don´t you like Mike? Is that it?-.

- You seem to think he's so great, a real survivor ... -.

- Well, he succeeded escaping from you in a hunting competition.- That was said without any intention to offend, but that was precisely what he achieved.-

- Oh, just leave me alone and shut up!-.

- Hey, you two, move! -. Scott urged them.-

- Dave reaches the top, followed by Heather! There´s only Sky and the other two left!-. Announced Chris, adding drama and urging the players to hurry.-

- Cannot let the boy getting eliminated.- Svetlana said.- That's just what Mal wants.-

Zoey, who listened, turned to her.

- What? What did you say, Svetlana? -.

Ignoring her, Svetlana jumped back and, without warning, managed to land on Jasmine´s shoulders.

- Perfect shape and posture! -. She celebrated.- Come up, dear partner.- She grabbed Shawn by the arms and raised him along with her in the air, much to Jasmine´s anger and surprise.-

- Wait! What are you doing?-.

It was too late. Svetlana had returned to earth, this time with Shawn. She returned after a few seconds and did the same with Scott.

- Wait ... no, Don't touch meeeeeeeeee ...! -. The farmer cried as he was lifted in the air.-

Soon, everything depended on Sky and Jasmine. Both understood the urgency of completing the challenge.

- Tied teams, everything will be decided by who comes first to the finish line! -. Chris announced.-

- Do the same with Jasmine! -. Shawn shouted in urgency.- Let Mike carry you, or Svetlana, whatever! -. He told his girlfriend.-

- Let´s go.- Svetlana said from the trapeze in front of Jasmine, offering her a hand.-

- I can get there by myself.-

- But you would get there much faster if you were helped by me, the greatest of all.- That comment ended the last trace of patience Jasmine had.-

- Stay away from me!-.

By slapping Svetlana's hand away, Jasmine lost her grip and, once again, fell into the water. The "Survivors" cried out in frustration. A minute later, Sky had reached the goal.

- And the "Manipulators" win for the second time! -. Chris yelled, focusing on the big screen while Jasmine was stunned, knowing perfectly well that she had lost, and had been the cause of her team´s defeat.-

Shawn shook his head in disbelief. The last thing he´d have thought was that Jasmine would finish last. Dawn seemed extremely disappointed. She´d have been a better mentor for Jasmine she had listened to her.-

Still on the trapeze, Svetlana disappeared in a deep breath and Mike returned, but had to hold on tight for his live. He didn´t understand how he had got there.

- What just happened? -. He asked.-

That night, at the elimination ceremony by the waterfall, Chris started with important announcements.

- "Survivors", that teamwork was very unsatisfactory. Also, we have an extra guest tonight.- He said staring at Scott, who hadn´t separated from Zoey´s side.- Should I assume that you´re both willing to become mentor and student, Scott and Zoey? -.

Mike glared intensely at Scott, as a warning, but Scott only smiled in return. Zoey, without realizing any of it, sighed with resignation.

- Yes, that´s it.-

- I knew you´d finally accept.- Scott said.-

- Okay, that makes things easier.- Chris admitted.- Given today´s events, and having already counted the votes, the following players of the losing team are safe: Dawn, Mike, Shawn and Zoey ... -.

Jasmine clenched her teeth, scared, and Scott seemed to worry.

- Wait a moment! I told you I got a partner! why I am in danger? I´m not even on this team yet!-.

- Silence, Scott. - Chris demanded.- Mentors who are left without a student are always at risk before the next elimination ceremony. And today you weren´t exactly the most useful player, so you're in danger. However ... by majority ... I must say that tonight´s loser is…-.

There was a dramatic pause, as usual. Shawn felt a sudden chill all over him.

- Jasmine!-. Chris sentenced.- You made your team lose the challenge. They have voted for you to go home.- He threw the marshmallow at Scott, who swallowed it with relief.-

Jasmine said nothing. She stood and watched her team with an apologetic expression. After a few moments, she turned to Mike.

- I´m sorry I was so rude to you.-

- What? Ammm… Sure, don´t worry about it. - He didn´t remember any of that, but accepted the apology anyway.-

However, Manitoba and Svetlana also did hear Jasmine´s apology and accepted it gladly.

- Forgive me, Dawn, I should have listened to you more. You were a good mentor to me, only that I did things as I thought it was better. Obviously, I was wrong.- She apologized. Dawn looked at her with a little smile, letting her know that everything was forgiven.-

Then, Jasmine looked at Shawn with watery eyes.

- I understand it if you voted for me.-

- I didn´t vote for you.- Shawn corrected her.- Actually, I voted for myself.-

- What?-. She said, unable to believe him.-

- That´s right. I don´t want you to go, I swear. I would have preferred to win with you.-

Without giving him a chance to say anything more, Jasmine gave him a kiss that left him impressed, but that was equally corresponded. They´d have wanted to have more quality time together. He already missed her!

- It´s a family show, people, family show! -. Chris shouted, visibly annoyed.- Chef, separate them!-.

The Chef took Jasmine and tied her as the other contestants previously eliminated. Before being pushed, Jasmine genuinely smiled at her boyfriend.

- I´ll continue to support you, Shawn! -.

Then the Chef pushed her by the waterfall and after a few more moments, Jasmine bounced and darted back home, out of the program. Shawn sighed.

- Scott, as "Survivors" have lost a member tonight, you´re now on their team.- Chris told him.- But I must warn you, because Zoey achieved higher ranks than you in the past seasons ... she will be your mentor! - .

- What!?-. Zoey and Scott exclaimed at unison.-

- Yeah, good luck getting along together.- The host joked.- Who will be the next competitor to go home? Could Shawn now concentrate without his girlfriend? And will Dawn find a new student before getting eliminated in the next episode? Find about it here, in the next episode of TOTAL DRAMA: MENTORS AND STUDENTS!-.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Just so you know… in the next chapter I´ll include a little bit of Gwuncan XD The cell phone number is for something, after all…

I hope you liked this chapter!

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