It took me a little while because of some thesis and work issues XD but I´m back and certainly thank you all for reading this

CHAPTER 7

LET´S TALK A LITTLE

- Hey, dude… You still mad about last time?-.

Vito scratched the back of his neck with downcast eyes, walking down some passages of Mike´s brain. He was following Manitoba closely, who walked without looking at him and maintained a rather austere expression. A couple of nights had already passed and they were still inspecting Mike's mind in order to find Mal´s hideout; but they had to admit that it had been quite complicated ... and quiet. Vito was distressed by the cold treatment the others were giving him. Svetlana wasn´t even talking to him, and Chester kept calling him "Salami head", usually accompanied by a stroke of his cane. Manitoba, meanwhile, was strictly giving him sharp comments and didn´t let him alone most of the time, denoting the he couldn´t trust him now.

- I said I was sorry, right? -. Vito insisted.- I was angry, and Mal also took his chance with the kiss to escape on my watch, and everything was so crazy that ... -. He paused and wrinkled his mouth, unsure how to proceed. He took a drowned sigh.- How long are you all going to be upset? It´s bad enough not coming out this place, and if I can´t speak with anyone, I´ll go mad, I swear.-
- I know how much it costs you to keep your mouth closed.- That indirect struck right into Vito´s Chest.-
- I'm not like you. Mal irritates me more than "scare" me. - He crossed his arms.- The guy is insane, still don´t understand how he could survive that long. Maybe we´re all crazy.-
- Speak for yourself, mad dog.- Manitoba laughed briefly.- I know exactly why I haven´t gone yet. It´s getting clearer every day, but don´t worry ... it won´t be long for the true Finale.-

That made Vito open his eyes with surprise. Fear ran him down gently, but steadily, so he became even more difficult to keep quiet.

- You wanted to be free before. When did all this love for Mike begin? -.
- Mike´s not perfect, and obviously doesn´t have much style with girls as I do.- He said boastfully.- But he has many reasons to live.- He smiled to himself.- In fact, right now he has a very good reason for wanting to be a normal guy.-
- The pale chick again?! -. He exclaimed. - Why is it that all of you think she´s so great!? She bothers me.-
- And why is that? Is it because she cares about you? -.
- She doesn´t give a damn about me, she hates me, remember? She hates the part of Mike that I represent.-
- I wouldn´t say that. Maybe you're the part of Mike that resists to love.-He laughed again.- Although we already have Mal for that department; he hates everything. Anyway, I won´t get too philosophical with ya, I know you don´t have that much brain for your own.-
-Is our brain, dude.-
- Then you could say it's our body that we are trying to take care of, as well as our girlfriend.-

Dammit! Manitoba was already playing with him again, confusing him. He hated when he made him think so much. The explorer stopped when he reached a dead end. He let go an audible expression of disappointment, he clicked his tongue and turned around.

- Here is no other way. The hideout must be somewhere else. - From his pocket, he pulled out a map, unfolded it and crossed out with a red mark the route they were using. – Maybe we haven´t been successful yet, but Mal can´t escape from me forever. I know this place as much as he does.-
- You're the treasure hunter.- Vito said, raising his hands in a sarcastic gesture, but was ignored as the two of them went back.- Maybe Svetlana and Chester have found something.-
-They will tell us when we get back.-

Some known noises reached their ears. The walls began to flash and both felt that dawn had come. Mike was waking up.
- I warn you, I feel like coming out today.- Vito said.- I´ve some things I wanna say and do.-
- With the Sheila with the clown makeup? You really never learn, Do´ya?-.
-Maybe you're wrong… and I´m not as fool as you think.-

Manitoba was surprised by the serious tone with which that phrase was said. They returned to the room where they would meet with the others and waited to find out what new challenges Chris McLean would make them do today...

The campers felt a little scared when they found their selves in the dark again. For a moment, they thought they were locked again in other boxes, but found out it was simply something blocking the light. They were in a spacious place. They were inside a cave, and now were tumbling, crashing against each other.

- They moved us while we slept! Again! -. Topher screamed.- Typical trick from a host who runs out of ideas.-
- Can anyone see anything? -. Asked Dabe, who had his arms extended in front of him. He collided with Anne Maria´s solid hair, who gave him a push.-
-Hey, hey! Keep your distance, shrimp.-

Some soft torch lights lit on the roof of the cave in a ghostly way, causing some cries of surprise. Later, they saw a huge screen coming up with the smiley face of Chris watching them closely.

- Good morning, I see that you are already touring the "Cave of Doom" .- He said with his hands together with an evil gesture.- Although it's six in the morning, it seems like it was night. There is not a single hole in here that allows light to pass, Interesting, huh? -.
- Don´t you think you are abusing a little the resource of locking us in dark, enclosed places? -. Mike asked with a frown, showing his inconformity.-
- No, nothing at all.- Chris smiled.- Today´s challenge will last for a long, long time, so I hope you feel comfortable and have lots of energy with several topics of conversation. Because you will be stuck in here until you find a group of objects.-
- Another search?-. Zoey asked.- But if we can´t see nothing here! -.
- And that's not the best part, Zoey.- Chris continued.- The objects you´ll search for are belongings of those contestants who have already left the show.- The screen showed some of the objects: Jasmine´s hat, a lock of Gwen's hair, Ella´s ribbon ... among many others who the contestants barely glimpsed.- The team that finds the most objects wins, and to make things more interesting, every couple mentor / student will deal with some restriction.-
- Restriction?-. Alejandro arched and eyebrown.- We are already locked in this filthy cave. I'm dying to know what else you thought for us, Chris.-
- I'm glad you ask, Alejandro. As an additional part of the challenge, each partner will be deprived of an essential comfort. One of you won´t have permission to eat at all during the challenge and the other won´t be allowed to fall sleep. If a partner withdraws or fails this condition, the objects found will not be included in the final counting for your team. On the other hand, the couple that follows both restrictions won´t have to attend the Elimination Ceremony for the loser team.-

There were some cheers of joy.

- That will be a breeze! -. Scott shouted, quite cheerful.-
- Oh, did I forget to mention that the challenge will last until tomorrow at this same exact time? -. Chris said, placing a counter on the screen that set the start for the 24 hour challenge. The cheers ended abruptly. – Now you understand why you weren´t given more dinner than a little and hearty nuts soup last night? Which, incidentally, was a kind of soothing herbal dose that will make your body feel a tremendous need to lean back to sleep and rest more quickly.-
- You enjoy this, McLean! -. Heather shouted.- I guess at least we'll get a clue about where to find the objects.-
- You guess wrong, Heather. In this challenge there will be no maps, no hints, and no clues. Go through all the cave and look where you can. The mentors left with no students will continue under my special attention, as there is no way to obtain immunity without a partner this time.- He looked with narrowed eyes at Dawn and Heather, who were visibly concerned.- Courage, campers! Decide which member of the couple will do what, and then we will start. The clock is already ticking. - Then, Chris´s image faded and the only remaining thing left was the counter with large red numbers.-

Shawn looked pretty worried. He hated that dark and quiet cave. He felt he could be attacked by a Zombie at any time. Or worse…

- Hey, Shawn. – He was called by a shadow that extended itself towards him.-

Shawn jumped backwards and hit his head against the wall of the cave. The shadow took another better shape and became Mike, causing a strange but comforting relief.

- You okay? I just wanted to know how we would divide the restrictions Chris mentioned.-
- I can handle being up for pretty much time. It is part of being alert against a zombie attack.- He said in a hurry.- So if you feel sleepy, feel free to relax, mentor.-
-Well, that's great.- Mike smiled at him.-

-SHAWN´S CONFFESIONAL—

- Okay, maybe I'm a little worried since Mal said "I'm coming for you" with that psychopath´s voice. Where am I supposed to hide? I have no security bunker and, in addition, Mike is my mentor. I have to be with him in every challenge! -. He clung his hands over his head. - This is worse than a horde of hungry zombies! I don´t even know what Mal has planned for me, but I must be more alert than ever. I will not sleep to give that crazy dude the opportunity to appear out of nowhere. - He sighed.- Oh, man… I miss Jasmine a lot. If only I knew that Vito, Chester or Manitoba would come out instead of Mal ... I would not worry so much, but this is bad for my health.-
- Would you rather stop eating or sleeping? -. Zoey asked Scott.-
- Frankly, none. But obviously, you're much better seeker than me, Commando Zoey.- Said Scott with a cynical smile.- If you don´t sleep, I'm pretty sure you'll find more objects. I won´t eat, okay?-.
- At least that way I´ll make sure you won´t get fleeing in terror if you find sharks nearby. - Zoey answered him with sarcasm.-

Both mutually frowned at each other.

- SCOTT´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Unfortunately, there is no way to persuade Zoey, and I have nothing to use as a blackmail so far. I'll have to endure some insolence, though I´ll willingly wait for a nice revenge for her jokes. For now, I worry a lot more about the creepy girl... Dawn.-

-HEATHER´S CONFESSIONAL-

- It's amazing to see me forced to team up with the strange girl for this challenge. Her style is the worst I've seen in my life ... but I should make her believe that I can be her best friend ... and mentor. I´m one generation older, so she would have no choice but to obey me. – She said with dignified and confident posture.-

- Well, I think you and I will have to form a new team, Dawn.- Heather greeted her with a deep false smile.- I actually never got along very well with Sky, but I bet it´ll be easier if it´s you. After all, you're a lot smarter and capable than she ever was.-
- It´s sweet how you try to flatter me, Heather.- Dawn said.- I don´t have any trouble teaming with you for this challenge, although we will have to see how to fix the issue of us belonging to opposite teams.-
- Chris will resolve that matter later. The important thing is we don´t get eliminated because we lack students, don´t you think?-.

-DAWN´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Heather is a "Manipulator" in the literal sense. But none of us has another option at this time. Her determination has lessened somehow by the presence of Alejandro. I even feel a little sorry for her and her current state of indifference. Maybe her loving relationship has made her grow up and realize that money isn´t everything.-
- All I ask is that, unlike Sky, you don´t ruin the challenges. I made a promise to win against Alejandro. Right now, that's all I care about.-

- DAWN´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Or I might be wrong and she´s still as crazy as always.-

- I won´t sleep so I can keep an eye on the others.- Heather said authoritatively.- Can you handle the restriction without eating? -.
- No problem.-

A few meters away, Alejandro smiled to himself, watching Heather´s attempt to control Dawn.

- ALEJANDRO´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Heather is digging her own grave with that action. She fell right into Chris´s trap to match the mentors left with no students. The only other option to remain safe is finding an Invincibility Statue, and what is a better chance to hide it than during a challenge like this one? The way I see things, I won´t be a mentor much longer.- An enigmatic expression covered his appealing face.-

- Well Dave, I'll stop eating, so please stay awake and alert.-
That seemed to surprise Dave.-
- I thought you'd want to stay awake to keep an eye on Heather´s strategy.-
- I could guess Heather´s strategy with my eyes closed, amigo.- He said with no doubt.- I have everything under control. Furthermore, knowing the fierce competitor who you have become, it would be better to intimidate the other´s a little. After what you did to Sky, everyone will turn against you.-
- What do you mean? I finally had my revenge! Everything is going smoothly. - He smiled in a childish way.-
- Dave, Dave, Dave ... what do you think will happen now? You played dirty tricks towards a teammate. The others won´t trust you.- He said in a tone of tragedy. His words had the expected effect.- If I were you, I would guide all my efforts to find as many objects as you can and help the team. Don´t let them strength themselves too much and give them time to rest... They´ll thank you that way.-

Somewhat stunned by Alejandro´s words, Dave was ready to start his object´s search with his mentor.

- I need my beauty sleep, Anne Maria.- Topher told his mentor with a dramatic pose.- You may not believe it, but all this perfection takes time and effort. I prefer, obviously, to stop eating.-

Annoyed, Anne Maria rolled her eyes. Not all men could be as great and manly as Vito, apparently.

- Well, pretty boy, do what you want, but find objects. We have to win and maintain our rhythm. We've done pretty well so far.- Her gaze focused on Mike for a couple of seconds.- I want to win that wish for reward when we get to the big Finale.-
Topher watched her curiously.-

- TOPHER´S CONFESSIONAL-

- I'm no psychologist, but Anne Maria shows a surprising foolishness when it´s about Multiple Mike. If I remember correctly, she didn´t hesitate to leave the program when she thought she had found a diamond back in the fourth season. At that time, she didn´t care at all about leaving "Vito" behind-. He said.- But now all her efforts are focusing at stealing Zoey´s boyfriend.- He seemed to meditate for a moment.- It´s not that I'm complaining, this situation is making her play very well. I consider this as a good percentage of drama! -.

The search started rapidly. It was a large space and the teams were distributed by various sectors, although that didn´t made the searching more enjoyable. Dawn was the first to spot something hidden on a landmass. She thought she saw Ella´s ribbon and she bent to take it, but Dave appeared out of nowhere to pick it up.

- Ha! Very slow, weird girl. - Said Dave before running off. Dawn was concerned with the expression of madness that accompanied his face.-
- Why did you let him go with the ribbon?! -. Heather scolded her.-
- Well, aren´t we technically in the same team...-?.
- Forget the teams, Dawn! -. She was forced to calm down and return to smiling. - I mean, even if we want to help, for now it's just you and me against the rest, remember? -. She deepened her smile. - Furthermore, here between us, so far they have only eliminated female players. I think men may have a secret alliance.- She added with a low voice.-
-You really think so?-.
- Yes. Just look at what Dave did to Sky! It was a betrayal. Alejandro has taught him well. I think we girls should unite and eliminate one of them before they kick us all from the show.-

Heather chuckled when she noticed she had left Dawn thinking. After all, she was telling the truth. Dave had behaved as a traitor.

- Jasmine´s hat!-. Shawn shouted a couple of meters ahead.- Got it!-.
- Crap!-. Heather complained.- I´m going to look elsewhere. Think about what I said... student.- She gave Dawn a gentle tap on the shoulder before leaving and searching for her own.-

Meanwhile, Shawn celebrated his first success. The hat was practically glued to the ceiling of the cave and he managed to lower it with an acrobatic leap. Mike whistled out of surprise and gave him a brief applause, to which Shawn smiled to his comrade.

-MIKE´S CONFESSIONAL—

- I must admit that Shawn is a better student than I thought. In fact, I see him more as a partner. We have done very well despite our differences. He also has some aspects that remind me a little of my own personalities: he has moments when he´s agile as Svetlana, has enough force to equal Vito in adrenaline´s situations, is a survivor as Manitoba and sometimes it's as grumpy as Chester.- He laughed.- Maybe we can move forward well as a team, after all.-
- Take this, Mike, put it on.- Shawn passed him the hat.- This way we´ll find more objects in no time! -.
- Yes ... ehmmmm.- He seemed to think hardly about it.- Shawn, actually I really want to stay a while longer in control, if you don´t mind. My head has been a mess lately and I´m trying to avoid my triggers.-

Shawn listened carefully and calmed him with a carefree wave of his hand.

- Don´t worry about it. Come to think of it, I think it's better not to let anyone out... -.
-Wait, what do you mean? -.
- Look, I think I saw another object! -. Shawn ran away at a rapid pace, leaving Mike thinking.-
- I found Gwen´s hair lock! -. Zoey celebrated, contemplating her find. It had not been easy to find something so dark in a place like that.- There must be more than an object that belongs to an eliminated player. We must be cautious... Scott? -.

Her companion was a couple of meters away from her, staring at the floor with an analytical eye. Zoey was about to call him back when Scott scratched the ground with his hands and pulled out a tiny package. When he removed some dust, he found that it was mascara´s case. He showed it to Zoey triumphantly.

- Another article of your ex - mentor.- He said moving the small box in his hands.- Bet you think I'm very skillful now.-
- Well, actually, this is something that will be very useful later on.- She congratulated him with a tap on his back.- Well done, Scott! -.

- ZOEY´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Scott may be rude and disgusting, but he has made it into the final three twice. Coincidentally, both times I was the cause of his elimination... -. She said that with a tiny voice. - Perhaps this experience of having to work together will make us a good team for a change. I will do my best to prove him that he´d be better if he cooperated with me instead of betraying me.-

As hours were passing, fatigue took hold of the participants. Occasionally they looked at the big clock. Eighteen hours left ... then were sixteen ... then twelve hours left ... At six o'clock, everyone was hungry and exhausted. They had not eaten in quite some time and hadn´t stopped moving searching for objects.

So far, each couple had their own findings. Dawn and Heather had a couple of bracelets and a slipper from Ella and Sky, respectively; Alejandro and Dave had the other shoe of that pair, the ribbon and Jasmine´s vest; Mike and Shawn had her hat and a gym blouse that had the right size to belong to Sky; Scott and Zoey had two of Gwen´s artifacts and, last, Anne Maria and Topher only had been able to find a pot of hair dyer, that also seemed to be Gwen´s.

- I'm exhausted!-. Anne Maria complained. - There must be something else that can be found here. You go, pretty boy! I'm exhausted…-.

Topher forced her to stand when he saw that she wanted to sit down.

- Not yet, Anne Maria. Remember that you are the one who can´t sleep.-
She pulled off her hand roughly.-
- I already know that! I´m not a fool. Keep looking and I´ll wait for you. I won´t sleep. I intend to get immunity, remember?.- However, she had a couple of big bags under her eye´s makeup. Topher looked worried at her.-
- I won´t be long.- He said before continuing his search.-

Anne Maria wasn´t the only one tired. Those who could not sleep began to nod with despair. For them, the interns had arranged a table with some horrid and tasteless sandwiches. They didn´t help much, but they sure were envied by his hungry companions. Their stomachs growled every minute, burning and begging for some food. At ten in the evening, Mike started a fire to avoid the cold. The cave wasn´t helping the competitors with its grim appearance. The giant screen turned on and Chris looked at them from a table stocked with any number of delicacies, accompanied by the Chef. Both seemed to be enjoying a great experience.

- They are inhuman. – Said Zoey.-
- What did you think? Would not surprise me that this challenge was an excuse for not feeding us and keeping for them our lunches budget.- Scott said, visible upset because of how hungry he was.-
- Don´t worry, Scott! We will leave you the leftovers ... if the Chef and I don´t get tired of this juicy and soft piece of high quality meat.- Chris said as he swallowed a big chunk of meat.-

The choir of several stomachs tortured the ears of the campers.

- Congratulations, you all have endured long enough without breaking the rules.- Chris raised an eyebrow.- But everyone knows that from midnight is that things get interesting. Don´t forget to make some nice confessions! -.
-What did he mean by that? wondered.-

Near him, Dawn was resting in some Indian position. She seemed highly concentrated and unbeatable, as if she did not feel hungry at all. Near Dave, Alejandro was sleeping peacefully; he didn´t look overwhelmed by the stress of not being able to eat either. Dave was surprised that he felt so tired ... he really wanted to sleep. He needed to talk to someone ...anyone would do! Even the weird girl...

- What would you ask as a special wish, apart from the million dollars? -. He asked Dawn.-

She opened one eye and then closed it again peacefully.

-Actually, I'm not interested in the wish.-
-Seriously? And what about the money?-.
- If I won, I would donate it to social projects or green organizations. - She explained with a smile.- But I know I won´t get to the Finale.-

Dave looked puzzled. She seemed very sure of what she said. While he didn´t believe her to be a competitor able to survive the likes of Heather, or Scott, or Alejandro, he seemed surprised to find out about Dawn´s pessimistic attitude.

- If you know you won´t win, why are you here?-.
-Oh, I had to be here.-
-I don´t understand.-
- The universe put me in this show for reasons unknown to myself ... but now I understand a little better.- Her eyes opened at last and Dave followed the direction they indicated. In the distance, Shawn talked for a while with Mike and Zoey.-
- What about them? -. He didn´t seem to understand yet.- Why are they important? I know they are Finale material, but my mentor is the best competitor. They don´t stand a chance against him.-
- Money isn´t always the most important thing, Dave.- Dawn whispered, as if speaking to a five years old kid.- You yourself realized you were willing to burn a million dollars just to get back at Sky, whom you´re still madly in love with but don´t want to recognize it.-

How the hell could she say that ?! Dave almost choked with his own saliva and felt a desire to get away from the creepy girl as soon as possible.

- I do not love Sky! Didn´t you see how I eliminated her? I hate her for what she did to me! -.

Without warning, Dawn took one of his hands into hers.

- I understand the pain of betrayal. It must have been awful. However, when you saw that she was sacrificing herself for you in the challenges, your heart faltered a bit. I think that when you two manage to overcome this obsession with revenge and money, you would become a great couple. Your lack of self-esteem can be a problem, but you are still in time to solve it.-

Dave got his hand back and stood up. He had a nervous tic in his eye. That should be the lack of sleep affecting him.

-You are crazy!-.
-I'm sure Sky will forgive you.-

He didn´t want to hear her more. He walked away steadily. He passed Topher and Anne Maria, who were also talking to distract themselves from exhaustion. Was that what Chris meant by confessing? Tiredness would make them confess their darkest thoughts without realizing it? Of course not! Because he didn´t love Sky ... he was just confused by the sleepiness he felt...

Some participants were so absorbed in their conversations that they had neglected their objects ... Dave felt his eye twitch increasing. He was not going to lose. He could not lose Sky was surely watching him in television. His hands slid quickly ... an object or two, no one would notice and he would be helping his own team with the most points, right?

Mike was nodding too. Although sleeping wasn´t his own restriction, he had promised to endure some more time out of loyalty to Zoey and Shawn.

- Mike, you can go to sleep now.- Zoey told him.- You must be exhausted. Why don´t you relax a little?-.
- Zoey's right. We have eaten at least a little ... but you can´t. Try to distract the hungry with a little nap.- Said Shawn.-
- Really? Doesn´t it bother you? -. Later he added with suspicion. - What about Scott? -.
-He is sleeping over there.-Zoey pointed out.-

A look of relief spread across Mike´s face and almost instantly fell on his back with a mild, tired snoring. Shawn saw how Zoey was staring at him with an almost motherly feeling and felt enormous desires to have Jasmine beside him.

- He´s a good mentor.- He said.- I know I didn´t treat him very well at first, but we have made a good job together. He sure works hard.-
Zoey smiled.-
-I know that. - She said, stroking Mike´s hair gently.-
-Aren´t you afraid of him at times?-.
- I'd be lying if I said I did not feel scared before.- She admitted.- But I suppose I love him enough to forget about it. Mike is the best boyfriend in the world.-

-SHAWN´S CONFESSIONAL-

- Oh, dear. - He shed a brief tear. - They´re such a beautiful couple.-

For their surprise, Mike suddenly opened his eyes, and there wasn´t the slightest sign of fatigue on them. In fact, he looked as fresh as newly awakened. Both of them understood that someone else had come out. Zoey pulled her hand away when she realized who it was. Shawn took a little longer to understand, but after hearing the Italian accent and seeing how his hair had settled well back, he had an idea of why Zoey didn´t feel so comfortable anymore.

- Who turned off the sun?-. Asked Vito.- Those suckers trying to ruin my perfect tan?-.
-Vito...right?-. Asked Shawn.-

The guy looked him up and down and spread his arms with smug gesture.

- The only and the best! You´re that crazy student of us, eh? We hadn´t talked before.-
-Why did you come out? I thought the shirt... -.
- There can be exceptions.- Vito said quickly. He looked right beside him and seemed to notice Zoey sitting nearby.- Hey.-

She nodded her head slightly, trying not to talk. Shawn looked at them and felt extremely uncomfortable.

- But the triggers ... -. The sleepiness was starting to affect him.- I don´t understand anything, I´m thinking more slowly. But it´s rare that Mike has a tough dude as one of his personalities.- He laughed.- You look like they brought you from an Italian TV drama.-
- And you look like they brought you out of a hole in the mud.- Vito took a look over the whole cave. The three of them were far enough away so that no one noticed he had changed. Oddly, that seemed to calm him. - How long before dawn? -.

He had asked to Zoey, but she still didn´t deign to look at him. In fact, she seemed to be making a great effort to stay sitting there. Shawn could almost hear her telling herself: "Is Vito inside Mike's body, it´s Vito inside Mike's body ...". Given the silence, he dared to answer him that there were only six more hours before they finished the challenge.

- Perfect. - Said Vito.- That´s enough time.- Then he glared at Shawn.- You, get lost.-
-What?-.
- I need to talk to the pale sister here. – He pointed at Zoey.- Go away.-

Zoey finally reacted to that and her eyes seemed to plead Shawn not lo leave. However, he felt it was right to give them some privacy. He didn´t know why exactly though, He sensed that the conversation of them both could be important. He walked away and sited close to Dawn, who was still meditating.

- Have you ever thought about tanning, pale chick? -. Vito asked her out of nowhere.-

Maybe it was not the best way to start a conversation, because Zoey crossed her arms and stood upright in place, still quietly. Vito felt how his blood was starting to burn through him with rage. How desperate he found her!

- Now you don´t speak? You wouldn´t shut the hell up before and now that I´m trying to talk to you, you don´t want to.- He also crossed his arms.- Everyone seems to be against me lately.-
-...me.-Whispered Zoey.-
-What?-.
-…told me.- She repeated.-
-WHAT?!-.
- THE HORRIBLE THINGS YOU TOLD ME! -. She finally shouted. Her eyes were trembling and had increased in size by the sensitivity of the moment.- Don´t think I've forgotten the horrible things you said to me ... it was the last time we talked. And I remember very well how you focused in how I will never be good enough for you.- She looked fiercely at him.- What do you need to talk about with me now, Vito? Anne Maria is right there. Frankly, at this point, I would prefer you to go with her before having to hear you again. When Mike comes back, he can always come back to me. Mal is already problematic enough...-. -.

Vito covered her mouth with his hand as he begged for silence with the other. Zoey had to admit that it was the first time he saw Vito acting like that. He seemed to be fighting hard against his own nature to make up a proper conversation.

- Okay, okay ... listen, I don´t wanna talk to Anne Maria right now. Maybe later… -. Zoey nearly spoke.- Right now I need to talk to you! Okay? I got permission from everyone else to come out when Mike went to sleep... And the only reason they agreed to this was because I really wanna… -. He seemed to bite his tongue as he spoke these words.- I really wanna apologize to you, Zoey.-

Stunned, Zoey thought that that must be the first time Vito called out her name.

- Smith said something that was true ... you have never left Mike by himself. You love him very much, I suppose.- He spoke slowly and awkwardly, thinking through what he really wanted to say.- That's good, I mean, obviously is a good thing. And while you're not exactly the kind of gal I like ... you're still here. I told ya all these things to drive you away. I actually really wanted you to go away.- He looked up at the ceiling of the cave, avoiding making eye contact with her.- But once I calmed down, I realized I was wrong. So please, please don´t compare me with the likes of Mal.-

As Zoey didn´t know how to respond, Vito took his chance to continue.

- What I said is partly true: I want to live, and I am part of Mike. Now, that thing I said about Mike not considering you good enough, it wasn´t him speaking. It was all me. Damn! It´s complicated, because sometimes we don´t even know who feels what. I guess what I'm trying to do is to ask you for a favor.-

-A favor?-.

- Yeah.- He breathed deeply to gain the courage he needed and went back to make eye contact with her.- I've already apologized, now the other thing that I came to tell you is that I know you can help us.-

-Help you? You mean the personalities?-.

- I mean Mike.- Vito smiled.- After all, it's all Mike ... And you love him. I won´t ask you to love me, that would be ... weird. But I do want to ask you to hear us ... and ask us questions about us. We want to beat Mal and, above all, we want to end this problem.- He tapped his head.- I talked to the others and we all agree ... we'll tell you how we were born and you will help us to disappear for good. Do you accept? -.

-ZOEY´S CONFESSIONAL—

- I feel very confused right now ... -. She said staring at nowhere.-

-

- Vito, I'm not a psychiatrist... maybe when the show is over and we all go home...-

- It must be soon.- He urged her.- And it has to be you. It took me much thinking to admit that you are the only one in whom we trust to do it all ... my only concern was for you to accept helping everyone but not me. I know I'm not your favorite.-

It must be the first time it happened. Zoey smiled at Vito and he put back a pleased grin.

-Is that a yes?-.

- Thanks.- Zoey hesitated, not knowing how to touch him.- Ehmmm ... is a deal, then? -. Finally she decided to extend her hand towards him, expecting him to shake it.-

- More than that, red head.- Vito accepted the handshake and, with half a smile, he winked at her.- It is a promise and a date. Don´t forget it. I'll come back inside now before someone notices me... -. Still holding her hand, he said goodbye. – Sorry again, see ya soon.-

Vito disappeared as abruptly as he had come, leaving the sleeping Mike back in control. Zoey was left pondering about what had just happened, but a cautious and earnest emotion took hold of her. Vito had apologized! She could hardly believe it! In all her mental dilemma ...she felt her eyes closing…

Shawn looked at his watch after a while. Only a minute left. Thank God! He was about to fall sleep. Looking around, he noticed that some contestants had given up. Near him, Anne Maria, Topher, Dawn and Heather had fallen asleep. Meanwhile, a frantic and sickly Dave walked back and forth like a caged lion. It was worrying jus looking at him. Alejandro woke up, stretched quietly and watched his student with a strange expression that Shawn could not read. That was... satisfaction?

- He looks pretty bad.- Said Shawn.- What happened to him? -.

- Whatever it was, we'll know in a few seconds.- Alejandro said, pointing at the five seconds left of challenge.-

A loud alarm sounded throughout the island. The sleepers awakened. Zoey felt how Scott shook her by the shoulders.

- You fell asleep! Well done, girl, now we won´t get inmunity.-

- What? I... I´m so sorry.- She apologized, but Scott looked merciless at her.-

- Hey! That´s enough, don´t blame her.- Mike appeared, now also awake.-

- Good morning you all! I saw some interesting things that happened in the cave.- Chris said quite enthusiastic.- How about if we count the objects you found, eh? -.

None of them was entirely satisfied with the number of objects they had found, but they were even more surprised when they noticed some of the objects were missing. Heather almost shouted at the sky when she noticed that someone had stolen their things.

- We have Jasmine´s hat and Sky´s sport blouse.- Shawn said, delivering the named articles.- From our team ... -. He received the things that Zoey and Scott had collected.- There is this mascara´s case and the hair lock.-

- Excellent! These items make four points for the "Survivors" team.- Chris said.- As Mike and Shawn kept with their restrictions, I announce that you two are safe this time.-

-Great!-. Shawn yelled before dropping asleep on the floor.-

- Eh... I´ll help him.- Said Mike, who made Shawn lean on his shoulder to lift him up.-

-What do you have for me, "Manipulators"? -. Asked Chris.-

- We have this adorable pink ribbon, this shoe and this Australian vest.- Said Alejandro, showing Chris their objects.- How about you, teammates? -.

- They stole from us! -. Topher shouted.- We had Gwen´s hair dyer! -.

- We also had Ella´s other shoe, and some of Sky´s bracelets! -. Dawn said, alarmed by the disappearance of their things.-

- Well, it sure seemed like a secure victory.- Chris said with amusement.- Anything you have to say, Dave?-.

- In fact, yes, I do.- Dave said. His deteriorated appearance by insomnia made him look like a little scared mouse.- Here are all the things! -. He did such a strange laugh that made everyone except Alejandro take a step back.- I took them so my team wouldn´t have to worry at all, I took care of them, I´m reliable, I won´t betray anyone else.-

- If you didn´t want to betray us, you should have stolen from the other team! -. Heather shouted him.- Anyway, we still won, so it doesn´t matter.-

- I wouldn´t say that, Heather.- Chris suddenly got serious.- Stealing objects is not allowed between members of the same team. Because of Dave, all these items count as a single one.- A smile shone through his face.- So Heather is right about that you should have stolen from the others, Dave ... We have a tie! But because Heather and Dawn were an independent team just this once, the "Manipulators" only managed to collect three points ... the "Survivors" win! -.

The winning team shouted exclamations of happiness, while some furtive and upset glares were focused on Dave, who now seemed to understand the consequences of his stupid act. Heather looked at Dawn and, although with some guilt, the blond nodded her head, fully accessing to a temporary alliance with Heather during tonight´s eimination ceremony. Alejandro looked extremely pleased with the outcome of the challenge.

-ALEJANDRO´S CONFFESIONAL—

- As I said ... always one step ahead, even with my eyes closed.- He showed an Invincibility Statue for the camera.- This was a pretty successful hunt indeed ... now I just have to keep winning. I will keep this baby for the moment when it´s really necessary.-

Because of the sleepiness all the contestants had, the elimination ceremony was held earlier on that occasion.

- I see Dawn and Heather have allied as a student and mentor ... that was the smartest, girls. You won´t be eliminated by that, but because Heather fell asleep, she may be in danger along with Anne Maria and Dave...-.

The last three looked at each other with nervous glances. Chris gave marshmallows to the ones who were safe and looked at them like lambs going to the slaughter...

- Anne Maria, you might have fallen asleep, but you didn´t receive any votes tonigh.- He threw the marshmallow at her and Anne Maria sighed relieved.- So it all comes to Heather or Dave... -.

- HEATHER´S CONFESSIONAL—

- Dave and Alejandro voted me for sure ... I know I can´t trust that make up clown girl, but I have no idea who she voted for ... same as the host aspirant ... If Dawn knows what´s best for herself, she surely didn´t vote for me -.

- And the last marshmallow is for ... Heather! -. He threw it at her and Heather felt how her soul came back into her own body.- Guess this is goodbye, Dave. Dude that was a very silly mistake! And just after getting your revenge on Sky... -.

The mere mention of that name made Dave throw himself into a fetal position. His eyes met Dawn´s and he recalled the conversation they had.

- Don´t say it out loud! I won! I may be eliminated, but I won over her! I won against Sky! -.
- Chef, be sure to cover his mouth when you throw him down the waterfall.- His tone was unfriendly and tired.- I´m sick of his craziness.-

The chef wrapped some tape around Dave´s body, even covering his mouth and face.

-Much better, thank you, my friends.- Said Chris.-

Then, they threw the small competitor down the immense waterfall. Seconds later, Dave was a tiny point that disappeared in the distance. The "Manipulators" had lost twice in a row... They had to recover soon.

- In order to keep things leveled, Dawn is now in the "Manipulators" team with her mentor, Heather.- Chris explained.- Good luck finding a student, Alejandro.-

Although Heather looked victorious, she worried when she saw Alejandro so calmed. He looked so confident that he even blew a kiss towards her, causing her to worry even more. What the hell was that guy planning now?

- Well, I think we better take Shawn to his bed.- Said Mike, who was helped by Zoey bringing his student back to his hut.-

- There are only nine competitors now! Who will be next to lose his mind like Dave? What new challenges I´ll design to make that happen? -. He laughed evilly. - Find out in our next episode of TOTAL DRAMA: MENTORS AND STUDENTS!-.

TO BE CONTINUED…