Reward Challenge
Day 16
"Come on in!"
The tribes enter, headed straight for their mats. A new day, a new challenge. As they walk Donne though, someone's absence is surprising to a few.
"Get a look at the new tribe, Gazelle voted out last Tribal Council.."
Silver Sonic turns his head. "There must have been an idol."
Jeff jumps on his guess. "So Silver, you think something went wrong?"
"Knowing the personalities of my fellow machines, i could see a split." He admits. "Gazelle was a casualty of the war over there."
Sektor speaks up. "His strategy backfired."
The host turns his attention to him now. "Sektor, you are a blunt player."
"We don't need to hide what he did. He sold me down the river, and caused his own demise." Sektor explains. "He could not let it go."
"Funny.." Daisy mutters.
"So the past went back to haunt him. Unfortunate for Gazelle, but that goes to show we're in a new phase of the game. It only gets harder from here." Jeff sums up. "Today you could get a reward for your risks."
"Whatcha got?" Rocket asks, and the host obliges. "For today's challenge, you'll start in the ocean and race to shore. One at a time, you'll toss a ball onto an overhead track, and try to catch it on the other end. Once all four of you are across, you'll take one of those balls and toss it into a net, which will raise three targets. To top it all off, you'll use three rings to hit your targets. First tribe to finish reward." Jeff explains.
"Here's what you're playin' for. A free trip to a resort, with massages, hot tubs, and a good nights rest." A classic one from Cook Islands getting brought back!
"Woooo!" Ulala's a happy camper.
Ulala: I've been waiting to leave this place for DAYS. I love my people, but I'm not passing a massage.
It's a sweet reward, but there's one more catch to this challenge.
"I only need four competing on each tribe. Who's sitting out?"
Before anyone can blurt something out, Cyrax steps forward. "My tribe is strong enough without me." Jeff gestures to the bench, and Cyrax heads right over.
Megatron looks at the mess inside the track. "I'm bound to trip up. I won't be participating."
Rick steps forward. "I'll take one."
"Alright, you two can join Cyrax on the bench."
As those two walk over, the new man are in a huddle.
"Someone has to volunteer. I'll do it." The darker Samus says.
"One more.." Sektor mutters, before setting his eyes on Clank. "You should sit out."
"It won't kill me to compete." He hits back, looking him in those blue eyes.
"It won't kill you to sit out, this is just a reward challenge." Sektor, the best of all time. "Daisy and Drax are better suited for this, size matters."
Clank sighs. "He does have a point.."
Daisy's seen enough. "Don't take shit from him. Compete if you want to, I'LL sit out."
"..no no, height matters. You are better suited." Clank admits. "I appreciate it though." Clank ends it at that and heads to the bench with Dark Samus. The odds may be even, despite how bad people want to compete.
Sarasaland's own glares at Sektor. "Can't you be nicer?"
"I'm brutally honest. If he dislikes that, he can voice it." Sektor responds, leaving the huddle. Her eyes are locked on him though. "Okay."
Drax ushers her towards the starting mat. "Remember what you told me…"
"It's so hard to resist."
"Same here."
Jeff has to comment on what he just saw. "There seems to be some conflict."
Montgomery Gator opens his mouth. "When isn't there? You got me and Drax yappin all the time, you got those two goin at it, the fun never ends."
"Huh, fun." Daisy mutters.
"Let's hope this reward can help with that tribe unity. I'll give you a minute to prepare, and we'll get started."
Sitting Out:
Cyrax, Megatron, and Rick
Dark Samus and Clank
After the prep period, the four participants on each tribe are ready to run.
"Here we go, for reward. Survivors ready?"
.
.
.
"GO!"
They go racing for that track. Neither tribe really knows the order, but that's something they have to tackle when they get there.
"Watch your feet, you trip once it could be all over!"
Silver Sonic's taking off the quickest. "Dramatic…" he tosses that ball on the track. As he maneuvers through the ropes holding him back, he trips over a couple..but picks himself up in time. That balls rolling down hot.
Sektor has his ball on the track and uses that footwork to pass those ropes. He closes in on the Silver Sonic, who's at his end and reaches a hand out..he catches the ball!
"Silver went too fast and it almost got him!" Jeff points out.
"I'd like to see you try." he responds.
"My old legs can't take it."
At the same time, Sektor's at the end and beats his ball to the end! He snatches his from midair and Daisy enters the labyrinth next. As her ball rolls down the track, she's keeping pace. Her athletic background seems to be helping her out here, especially Rhythmic Ribbon.
While Daisy's keeping pace, Rocket is next and a bit behind due to the tricky footwork, but he's not a slouch either as he's only a bit behind his ball. The more it rolls down, the more he picks his ass up.
Daisy gets through first and gets her ball, and Rocket's not far behind! As Drax starts his run, Rocket makes it to the end and has his ball! But they have time to make up for.
"Drax and Chun, you're good!" Jeff shouts.
Drax has an easy start first, but his foot gets caught on a rope and he teeters.
"That rope's not shit!" Daisy shouts.
As Drax continues for his team, Chun-Li's having an easier start. She's making up for some lost time, and that experience she has is helping her out. While she closes that gap, Drax's ball is almost at the end. Drax decides to make a leap of faith..
.he jumps out and catches it!
Chun reaches the end and grabs her ball, as it's dead even.
"Monty, Ulala, you're up!"
Monty has a head start, but starts to trip up. His ball's getting further from reach, and it gets worse when he falls on his metallic ass. That lets Ulala pull ahead, actually on pace with her ball. She reaches the end, and grabs it!
"Your good!" Jeff signals to the team ahead.
Monty has to pick up his ball and head back, and he's not thrilled. "Fuck!"
"Watch your tone and power through." Sektor advises.
"Thanks master." Monty spits, giving it another go. He has a solid start, but the middle portion is a pain in the ass. The ball's getting ahead of him again, so Monty practically plays hopscotch and reaches the end! The balls coming down and gets caught in his teeth!
"Incredible!" Drax shouts, smacking Monty on the back. It causes the ball to fly out, but Sektor just catches it!
They're still behind, cause Chun threw her ball in the net, and Silver has a start on the ring toss. Sektor looks to close the gap by raising those targets. A throw into the net later, and it's up! Silvers still ahead though, as his first ring's already on! He grabs the second and takes a shot…
It's a miss!
Sektor lands his first ring!
Silver gets his second ring on this time!
Sektor gets his second ring on, and has a third ring ready to go!
"One more shot for the resort!"
They toss their rings, it's a race for which ring hits first. Silver Sonic versus Sektor, who's going on that reward?
.
.
.
.
Silver's BARELY hits first!
"MACHINE WINS IMMUNITY!"
"I am strong!" Silver shouts, and his group is elated. Ulala jumps at Chun for a hug, and it's good times all around. Cyrax, Megatron, and Rick rejoin the group. On the walk back, Megatron just has to open his mouth. "He's useful for once."
"Not now." Rick says.
"I'll say what I want."
Rick rolls his eyes as they join the group. Megatron may be judgy, but everyone else is still looking forward to their trip. The other team isn't remotely happy. Daisy's just looking at the clouds, and Drax has his eyes on the sand. Sektor just gazes at the other team. How dare they get the win?
In confessional, Silver S doesn't care about his feelings. Funny. He's all about that win.
Silver Sonic: That win should show those who doubt me I AM good at a challenge.
The tribes meet with Jeff again. "Congratulations to the new machines, you've earned your trip to the resort. A boat will be at your camp to take you there. Enjoy the night off."
He gets his "thanks" from the ones with emotion as they head back. That just leaves our host with the six stuck at the man camp. "I've got nothin' for ya. Head back to camp, I'll see you tomorrow." With that, they head on back, and someone's not thrilled about the decision.
Sektor: I finally understand why the humans are so frustrated. If I was a second faster, we'd be getting to leave this island. The small novelty already wore off. It's not all negative. If I'm prepared to lose, I can plan ahead to eliminate my enemies.
Man
Day 16
Clank, Daisy, Dark Samus, Drax, Montgomery Gator, and Sektor
The six walk back to camp, and the two humans immediately head to their makeshift seat. Just a couple pieces of bamboo lumped together. Before Clank can join them, Sektor gets in his way.
"We need to talk."
"Sure, one thing.." Clank heads over and hands the leftover rice to Daisy and Drax. "Don't go without your second meal."
"Thanks.." Daisy can barely get it out, opening the lid. Luckily, there's not much of it stuck to the bottom.
"She's in the dumps. We do appreciate it." Drax responds, not to make the shortest bot feel bad.
"I'll leave it all to you." Clank says, leaving them to journey in the woods with Sektor.
Daisy's stomach let's a little grumble out, while Drax has a BIG one. It's so big Daisy jumps. "I know we're hungry but damn."
"These shortcomings are annoying." Drax admits, scooping rice into his mouth. "We're in for another rough stretch."
"That's awesome, but could you finish chewing?" She asks.
"Yes." He swallows the rice and continues. "But we could go to every Tribal."
"It's the story of our lives."
"I didn't know you're a loser."
"I'm talkin' Survivor, not real life. This camp is cursed." Daisy explains.
"Oh. I misinterpreted, my family tells me every time."
"It's ok Drax, it's ok.."
Cut to her confessional.
Daisy: This place has bad voodoo, because our people can go to another camp and be fine. We don't get that privilege. I'm happy for 'em, I really am cause it sounds like I'm bitter, but..can you blame me?
While those two suffer, Dark Samus and Monty look on from behind an oak tree. The gator can't keep his mouth shut. "They're unbreakable."
His ally turns to him. There is nothing in those eyes, but her tone lowers. "If there's a merge at eleven, we can throw the challenge before."
"Ahhh..you were lookin at me like this is some big plan."
"I'm not done." Uh oh. "After we dispose of Clank in the tiebreaker, I'll cut off their food supply. They can't fight back if they're exhausted."
Monty's jaw hits the floor. "…"
"Gator?"
"You're somethin else."
"What took you so long?"
She gets a confessional.
Dark Samus: There's no shame in psychological warfare.
She starts to laugh.
Cut to Monty's confessional.
Monty: I'm surrounded by nutjobs. Nobody passed the psych eval.
Elsewhere, Sektor and Clank are leaning on a slab. It's time for that talk.
"There's no risk if you join us. No tiebreaker that puts you in jeopardy." Sektor pitches.
"Are you voting me out if I don't?" Clank asks.
"If you're not with us, you're against us." Sektor channeling his inner Rob.
Clank gasps. "If you're threatening me, then I'm not interested in working with you. I don't work with people who play that way."
"Are you willing to throw your game away for two people you just met? Why not stay with us. It's in our best interests."
"I actually like them..and besides, it's only yours. You can't manipulate me when you targeted us last time."
Clank gets up and leaves Sektor behind. That red bot looks on, and utters two words. "Suit yourself."
In confessional, Clank stands by his choice.
Clank: Sektor already took Gazelle out, he's out of his mind! Am I risking it by sticking to those two? Yes, but wouldn't you do the same?
The Resort
Chun-Li, Cyrax, Megatron, Rick Grimes, Rocket Raccoon, Silver Sonic, and Ulala
The seven stand in front of the resort, taking it in. It's not at all a mesmerizing house, but compared to what they have, it's raw beauty.
"Oh my gosh!" Ulala wraps her arms around Rick and Chun. "Let's hit the massages first!" Her allies chuckle at the excitement.
"My back's been killing me.." Chun admits.
Chun-Li: I get why she's excited, because I am too. This is the break we've earned. It's sad that our other people can't be here, but I hope they can get the break they deserve too.
Those three don't waste much time, and the first thing they do is get their free massages. While the masseuses prep, that hot tub's still single, and Rocket slides right in.
"Ooooh..this is the LIFE." His pleasure is palpable, and he gets joined by Cyrax. "What's up bud?"
"Haven't been here in many years."
"They got no hot tubs over there?" Rocket asks.
"I haven't had the time to visit one."
"Oh..well that's until now."
In Rocket's confessional, he isn't lashing someone.
Rocket: Cyrax is the type of guy who doesn't usually stop and see the flowers. Not gonna lie, it gives me a warm feelin' down here.
He points to his heart.
Rocket: He's been stressed forever, and for once he gets to be happy.
Back to the massage table, Ulala's getting her back beaten like a drum. She lets out a sigh, this is just heaven to her.
"Keep going."
Rick chuckles. "You havin' fun over there?"
"The most I've had."
Ulala: We have the massages to help our bodies, the hot tub to help our soul, and the sleep to help both. I can't name anything else I'd need more right now.
Chun's just silent as she gets worked on.
"I don't know how y'all aren't moaning." Ulala says, getting a snicker out of Rick. "Don't need to moan, my masseuse gets it. They're doing great."
"Thanks." His masseuse says, giving his leg an extra squeeze.
.
.
.
After the massage, Rick decides to join Rocket in the hot tub. Cyrax must have left earlier.
"You aren't burnt are ya?" Rick asks.
"Doin' just fine. Did they beat you up back there?" The raccoon hits back.
"Best beating I've ever taken."
The two laugh about it.
In confessional, Rick's very much dwelling on something.
Rick: Brandon, I didn't forget about what you said. We got a merge comin', and if the coon and Drax are as tight as you say? We're gonna deal with that. Enjoy the drama while you have it, folks.
Away from all that action, is Silver Sonic in the dining area. He's got a Turkey leg and mashed potatoes on his plate. He hears some footsteps and turns around.
"Hi Silver!" Ulala's got a smile on. "I couldn't find you anywhere. You ok?"
"I've been waiting for the dining to open." He responds.
"Well it's gotta suck to just be here all alone. Know what? I'll eat with you."
"Oh…"
She grabs a plate, and for once, Silver Sonic will have to talk about something not in the game.
Silver Sonic: I'm not used to being approached like that. I would have declined, but the energy made me accept.
The two sit down and Ulala starts her carrying session. "So, where you from?"
"Mobius."
"Oooo, so is that all animals or a mix?" She asks.
"All animals. The one person we have there can be considered one."
"..wow. That's kinda depressing. Um..what's the fashion like?"
Ulala: He's not a butterfly, he's a moth..but moths have beauty too.
There's a new person in the chat, as Chun-Li sets her plate down on the other side of him. "Your world's interesting."
"Surprising you didn't join the hot tub."
"Don't feel like getting soaked. But tell us more, we don't know half of what you do." Chun and Ulala working the social part.
Chun-Li: I still don't trust him, but I had to see if he talked anything but strategy. Maybe strategy is all he knows, he's not an open book. It's better crack the door instead of shutting him out.
These past couple of chapters have been longer than usual, and honestly..it's for the better. I've been enjoying writing scenes that aren't based all on strategy, and it's why this season may be close to the top of my personal rankings already. It's just the pre-merge though.
Next chapter's coming out soon.