Well here we are! Starting off the brand new year with a bang as we get set to crown a new winner a few chapters from now! Can't remember if i said this before, but i've enjoyed writing up to this point. By Thanksgiving season, it was looking dim, but about thirty chapters have been released, rapid fire! If i had to rank my own seasons, it'd have to compete with "Fight for Fiji."
But thats last season. Stay tuned THIS season for the winner, finalists, and news on the next season!
We're in the end stretch :)
CBS Television City
Hollywood, Los Angeles
We open to a live crowd, cheering as Jeff stands front and center on the stage. One half of the stage has hieroglyphics on the wall, and a nice stone wall in front. It's back in the days of ooga booga. The other half is more futuristic, a steel wall with weird symbols on there.
"Wecome to the live finale of "Man versus Machine!" We've had a great cast, interesting players, and a lot of betrayal this time around! Since we have a new final format in this series, here's what's going to happen tonight.."
Take it away, Jeff!
"Since we have five left, there will be two immunity challenges, and three Tribals Councils. Someone will be voted out in two of those, and you already know what's that third tribals all about: its for all the marbles, where we will crown the next Sole Survivor! I have to say, might be the most volatile Final Tribal Council we've ever had. It gets nasty."
The crowd applauds, knowing they are in for a looong night. That's a hook for them.
"BUT that's not all we have. After the show, you'll be getting a sneak peak..at Season Five!"
Another season coming in 2024!
"All that, and more tonight, on the season finale!"
The camera zooms out, capturing the whole audience! One last round of cheering, takes us back in the show…
This season, we headed to Borneo, the original location to find out which side is better: Man? Or Machine?
Tensions rose out of the gate, which each side wanting to prove they are better…
"I rally my team, and the Gator starts being offensive. Of course I'm going to crap on those machines. I'm not shaking hands with our enemies. Not him." —Drax
"No regrets. That guy killed my vibe..and his shot to win." — Monty
The start of the game was disastrous for Man, who lost four people in a row, including a first in this series: an evacuation…
"EVERYBODY STOP!"
Megatron drops Sackboy, and all eyes are on Jeff, who heads over towards the circle. "MEDICAL!" In no time, the medical team on standby attends to Sackboy, who's arms are just swinging around.
"The sack stays silent and as the boat starts, he looks back at Borneo one last time. That's when tears flow down his skin. It's like his heart was torn in two."
The Machines had a great divide, and it seemed alliances were ready to clash, with Cyrax in the middle…
"We've never agreed on the initiative. He thinks it makes us better. It only makes life worse." — Cyrax
After Megatron ruined his reputation, he was a prime target at the swap. Man and Machine teamed up to target him…However, Man's camp was cursed, and the other tribe of seven lost twice in a row. Clank and Sektor risked it all TWICE to get the numbers..
"Any votes cast for Samus will not count…"
"Gazelle, the tribe has spoken."
In the end, Sektor put Clank down in a tiebreaker…
"Clank, the tribe has spoken.."
At the merge, Megatron was taken out immediately. From there, rivalries developed. Like Silver Sonic and Ulala at the merge feast, or Sektor and Cyrax who had a BIG breakup…
"I know Mega sucks, but Silver getting into fights makes me trust him less.." — Ulala
"The more you hate, the longer I stay." — Silver Sonic
"We mean business, and a defection will kill both of our chances." — Sektor
"Nobody respects you." — Cyrax
"I don't care." — Sektor
From there, two trios battles it out, with a pair flipping back and forth. The likes of Silver, Ulala, and Rocket went home by one, until we've gotten to this point…
Now…only five remain!
Chun-Li. She started this game honorable to her alliance, and called the shots with Rick early, before getting the final say at the mid-merge. She made some notable bonds, being a mentor to Daisy, which got her to this point. She was also given final say on blindsides.
Daisy. The student of Li, who isn't afraid of conflict. At times, her heart led her to make moves.
"Drax..the tribe has spoken."
"Sektor..the tribe has spoken."
Cyrax. One of the most out-of-the-box thinkers this game has seen. Throwing away his own vote to cover himself, and sacrificing Silver to keep a huge target in the game another round led him to five. Keeping Rocket benefitted him when Rocket was voted out over him. If he kept Silver, he may not be here.
"Rocket..the tribe has spoken."
He also got the support to send Sektor out, using Sektor's own idol against him.
"Will you stay loyal to the clan? Or put on a rebellious facade?" — Sektor
"Don't be a coward. Do what's right." — Sektor
"…I would if i had it." — Cyrax
"That sucks, cause I do." — Rocket
"You shill." — Sektor
Samus, aka Dark Samus. She played under the radar up until Sektor's downfall, where she cut both alliances down until they were dead even. Now she wants everyone dead even..without the "even."
"I owe these players nothing."— Dark Samus
Her tactics were flawed, as her game AND demented personality have rubbed people the wrong way.
"Jury's not gonna vote for you." — Rocket
Monty, seen as her second in command. He started the game abrasive, and made an enemy out of Drax. He got his karma for the antagonizing, when the game itself turned against him. He got nothing at the Auction, and didn't perform well in the challenges.
"What did I do?""
Can people break their perception? Will anyone make one last move?
WHO will have what it takes to outwit, outplay, and outlast all the rest to earn the title of Sole Survivor?
Final Five: Chun-Li, Cyrax, Daisy, Dark Samus, Montgomery Gator
Jury: Rick, Drax, Sektor, Silver Sonic, Ulala, and Rocket
Merged Tribe
Day 37
The five remaining are relaxing at camp together. There wasn't much to talk about last night, everyone and their mother knew that Rocket would go home.
It's all about what's coming. Just three days and three nights left until someone is crowned the winner, and since it's three at the end, everyone has to consider that extra number.
One of the five know, that nobody wants to sit with him.
Cyrax: This is the first time I actually need immunity to survive. Rocket was a bigger name than me, now I'm exposed. If I can't win, I'll suffer a death from the firing squad. It's not my first time.
Go back.
Since there's a challenge later, nobody's down for long. The pace has picked up again, and everyone wants to get to three.
Cyrax approaches Li, who's throwing palm fronds away. She doesn't turn him away, still remembering what he offered on the cruise. "Will you accept my offer?"
"I will…on one condition."
"What is that?"
Li slides her hand on his Metal shoulder. "You need immunity. I can't get the votes if you don't."
"If I do, you'll still write Samus?"
"I'd have to. Daisy's getting sick of her." Li reveals. "She's chomping at the BIT."
"Then it's settled."
Cyrax: You could say voting with her is a mistake. I don't believe that. There's still one more chance to vote her out before the finals. She and Daisy are the only ones who are even open to working with me. Samus wants nothing to do with me. She burnt that bridge long ago. If I want to crush someone at the end, I'll take Monty with me.
The last member of that..very shaky trio is roaming by herself from the water well. There's a big container in her hand, and some water spills out from the side.
"This isn't stressful at all."
Daisy: I couldn't sleep last night. I was thinking about something devious. You know..
She brushes her hair aside.
Daisy: I love Li. She has been my bright spot, and I've learned so much from her. She's taught me more about patience..and talking to people I can't stand. If we lost every challenge, no swaps, it would be the two of us to the end. You couldn't ask for a better friend..I mean ally. Hehe, it's blurring for me.
Aww.
Daisy: But…somethings just not right about this. Everyone really thinks she's the boss, and I'm her brainwashed follower. I'm not brainwashed, I know what I've been doing! If we're at the end..she's going to crush me. My heads saying I should just vote her out by my heart's been playing since we got here…
It's not a fun conflict.
Daisy: Made it this far. Can't choke now…
She has another session with Li. "You remember what I said last time.."
"No predictable, no rushing, all that."
"Yes. Come at me from a different angle."
They circle around each other, and close in, keeping an eye on what the other will do next. Daisy goes low, and Li just has a dead look on her face, not understanding why she keeps doing that. She gets an arm on the Princess..
..but Daisy about rocks her with an uppercut! Li catches her hand at the last second. Imagine if that hit, poor Li.
"You almost caught me by surprise."
Daisy tries to lift Li over her shoulder, and actually GETS her up in a show of strength. Li just wiggles out, and looks for that Legsweep..Daisy jumps over the first leg, but gets tripped by the second!
Her mentor you could say, looks down at her. "You've improved since our last session."
"..why are those sweeps so quick?"
"Your reflexes will grow in time."
Cut to a Li confessional. She's sitting on the sand, a breeze blowing her hair back.
Chun-Li: My mentor brought me to a new path in life. It was for the better. I'm glad to help someone as determined as Daisy find a new spice in life.
While that pair spares on shore, the other is deep in the woods. That rigid clone and "her" gator if someone asks her what she thinks of Monty.
"Li or Cyrax." She demands. "Last night we wondered, nows our moment of truth."
"Quite a way to say it but yeah."
"Would you prefer a 'yee-haw'?"
Monty throws his hands up. "Can't even talk without you stereotyping.."
"You think I'm a psycho and talk to me like one."
"Because you are…what you want me to lie to ya?"
She gives him a cold stare. "We'll see who they like more."
Dark Samus: He's my pet. Montgomery may think he has a chance. I'll let him swim in his delusions.
Monty: I think that girl sells me short. I might not be the mastermind but I don't gotta be. I just got to make them like me, and guess what, I am. After this is all done, I'm cutting that toxicity off. Freddy's better anyway.
Immunity Challenge
"Come on in!"
The final five enter, getting a good glimpse at the next challenge.
Daisy: I'm already freaking out. This is the most Cyrax challenge I've ever seen! He's literally good at everything, it's like trying to kill a god!
It's penultimate challenge of the season! Jeff watches as one lines up after the other, and locks in on Li with that necklace around her.
"Li, I'll need to take that back."
She unhooks it and hands it to the host. He gives his thanks and hooks it back on the stand. "Alright. Immunity is back up for grabs. For todays challenge, you'll stack a series of blocks on an angular platform. You'll have to crawl through a series of nets, and if you set them off…your whole stack drops and you'll be forced to start over. You'll also be forced to start over if they don't fall in a row."
This seems like an annoying challenge.
"Once all your blocks are knocked down, it will send a ball flying into a tile."
It's the Domino Challenge! Reoccurring in other of the CBS seasons.
"First persons ball to crash into a tile, wins immunity, and has a guaranteed spot in the final four. Take your spots and we'll get started.."
The five have their blocks in hand.
"For immunity. Survivors ready?"
.
.
.
GO!
They get to stacking their blocks..and it's not even a normal start because Cyrax is already up to his shenanigans. He moves through those nets, and starts stacking his blocks at the end.
Why?
Cyrax: One fatal mistake will send your dominos down. That's not happening to me. By setting them at the end, I can get used to the ropes, and lose nothing. Stacking too much at the middle, or even the start knocks down much more blocks than the end. Less trips equal more time to lap these players.
Daisy spots his strategy..and starts picking up her blocks and moving through those nets. She's looking to cash in on his success.
"Ok.." she mutters, not wanting to let him win again.
Daisy: Thats THE challenge hacker of course I'm copying him!
While those two work on the end, everyone else starts upfront. They take their time going down the middle, the most sensitive part of the whole platform. Hiccups can blow a lead, and set someone back even further.
"Two different strategies at play. Starting from the front and the back. Cyrax always finds new ways to do things, and Daisy has taken note." Jeff narrates, smiling at these new strategies getting put into place.
Everyone gets their dominos lined up at least the first time. On the way back, they get through those ropes and are ready to push. Except Monty, who's going slower this time around.
"Monty, taking his time.."
The Gator shuts him out.
Monty: That man's cruel, he gets off to my pain.
The four give their dominos a push…
Dark Samus' doesn't make it all the way, crashing
Neither does Li's, she has to restart.
Daisy and Cyrax get their dominos going. For a while, it seems we'll have a photo finish…but one domino slips off Cyrax's platform! Does Daisy have it?
.
.
She does not!
"Aww!"
Everyone gets back to the stacking board, as Monty has an opening for his first try. He pushes…and a few blocks slip in the middle!
"Nothing for Monty!" Jeff shouts.
"I can SEE that you—rrrrrrgh."
"Don't focus on me, focus on the challenge."
Monty: I'm at the end of my rope with him! I'll strangle him with it!
Calm down, or else another lawsuits headed your way.
Cyrax and Daisy are ready for second runs, their strategy working. Most of the blocks are in one place, so it's helped cut a little time off. Dark Samus and Li are still gathering their blocks, having to make up for some serious time to win.
"It could end as quickly as right now. One final push."
The strategists push their blocks. One by one they fall like an ancient civilization. Cyrax versus Daisy. Who will take that necklace for a second time?
.
.
.
Cyrax's ball crashes through first!
"CYRAX WINS INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!"
He immediately walks over to Daisy, who lost by seconds. "I noticed you copied my strategy."
"Anything for the win."
"You tried."
Despite her flat response, he heads to Jeff and that necklace is wrapped around a second time. His small adjustment has worked out again, seeing things some players may not.
"Congratulations Cyrax, you've earned your spot in the final four. You know what that means?"
"Twenty-five percent chance of winning."
"Exactly." Jeff's demeanor stiffens with everyone else. "Everyone else, still vulnerable, and one of those will be sent to the jury. Head back at camp, I'll see you tonight."
The cast makes their journey back to camp. The easiest vote on the board is off, and now one of the pairs has to go.
Music to his ears.
Cyrax: I have no mouth, yet I taste the prize. It's two nights away, final three. If things keep going this way: I'll be the final one.
Merged Tribe
The cast gets back to camp, and Cyrax gets his due.
"I don't know how you do it." Daisy says, staring at the necklace.
"I process these challenges in a different way. My goal isn't just to win and do what Jeff says. It's about 'how' and if there's any shortcuts." Cyrax reveals. "You were wise copying me."
"Could have won too if it wasn't for the hacker!" Daisy playfully punches his metal chest, but holds her fist after! "Ouch.."
"I would not advise that."
Daisy: Well now I have to have this…dramatic turmoil.
A smile grows.
Daisy: Ugh Mister perfect's so annoying!
Li and Daisy sit across from each other.
"Cyrax said he's with us. Are you?" Li asks.
"Yeah. Can't turn against my day one." That princess has a smile on, but there is some pain in those eyes. She's all about blindsides until it comes to someone she seems to genuinely care for.
"We can finally get her out.."
"Love it!"
Daisy: Li always told me that sometimes I should keep my emotions out of it. Well Li..I see what you mean.
The princess..pulls (Dark) Samus aside at the well. After what that clone hears, she actually has some shock in her voice.
"Are you serious?"
Daisy just shakes her head.
"Fascinating. You're really willing to turn on her?"
"If I don't..we're all losing."
Dark Samus: Knowing who this woman is, this could be a mean spirited plan to make me look stupid. That's what I would do in her shoes. You know..I could run to Li and split this pair up regardless. Keep two threats in so nobody looks at me at four..but i have to win the approval of fools who couldn't make it here. There's a few routes left, and the one I pick could be a million dollar decision.
After that talk, Sarasaland's rep looks at the camera.
"Getting into bed with the devil could end me…"
Daisy: I'm not trying to make her look stupid. Yeah she could rat me out, but I really don't have the energy to confront Li. She can work her magic, and crush me under her thumb.
She wipes something from their eye.
Daisy: I didn't think it'd sting this much. *stiffens* But no crying! They can't see me break down over it, I need to own this! It's out there, there's no going back..let's lock in.
Tribal Council
Night 37
The five castaways enter Tribal Council. Jeff's waiting for them in his usual spot at the podium. They've got their torches in hand and hit the fire pit, where they light them up.
"Dip your torches in the fire. Fire represents your life, once it's gone…so are you."
They take a seat on the stumps provided and set their torches in those holes. The fifth tribal of the merge is set to begin, and someone's going to be joining Rick, Drax, Sektor, Silver Sonic, Ulala, and the newest member of the jury: Rocket on that bench across from them.
The raccoon grins when he sees his pal. "Called it."
Cyrax gets seated along with everyone else, and Jeff kicks off this Tribal. "Alright. Day thirty-seven, two away from the Final Tribal Council. This is where some big decisions will be made. Samus, what do you think the best move is?"
"I wanted Cyrax..but since one threat won we need to exterminate the other. Li has the most to show off, and that jury will act like her rabid fangirls."
Jeff nods along. "You are really verbose, in this hateful way."
"Whether I'm hateful or not doesn't matter. I need Li gone."
"So everyone should play your way?" Daisy asks.
"It's hard to trust someone this obvious. You turn on people so much it has to be a habit." Li chimes in. "You'll lie to someone else's face next round. Mark my words."
"It's the last vote, if I lie nobody should be surprised."
"If nobody's surprised you lie, how is anyone supposed to keep you? Daisy and Cyrax could make a pact to get you because you've pissed them off enough."
Rocket and Rick pump their fist, while Drax has a huge grin.
"It seems straightforward. Li, Samus, it'll be one of you." Jeff cuts in. "Cyrax, you're the safest one here. What will it take to get your trust tonight?"
"I could give up the necklace."
Jeff does a double take.
"That was a joke."
The host slaps his chest. "Ok, for a second I was questioning your whole game."
"No need. It was just…dry humor.
Jeff takes that for an answer. "Alright. Humor aside, it is time to vote. Samus, you're up first."
She heads to the voting booth…
Dark Samus: Leave. (Chun-Li)
Chun-Li: You've left us standing on the shards of broken promises. (Dark Samus)
Daisy: I'm pissing someone off. This is for a mil, and i have to play like it. (?)
After voting, they get back to their stumps. It's Jeff's move.
I'll go tally the votes…" he goes to retrieve the voting urn. Li and that Samus watch as he hits the booth. Someone will be the first to leave this finale, an unfortunate fate awaiting them.
Once Jeff fetches that urn, he heads back to the podium, and places it there.
"If anyone has a hidden immunity idol or advantage they'd like to play, now is the LAST time to do so…"
The jury watches each player look around. Nobody steps up to the plate, so Jeff moves on. "Once the votes are read, the decision is final. Person with the most votes will be asked to leave Tribal Council immediately. I'll read the votes.." he says, removing the lid and pulling out that parchment.
"First vote.."
.
.
"Samus."
.
.
"Chun-Li."
.
.
"Samus."
.
.
"Chun-Li. That's two votes Samus, two votes Li, one vote left…"
It's their first time getting their names written, but for one, it's their last. Li looks at Daisy and Cyrax. The cyborgs looking straight at the votes, while Daisy looks away.
That's when it hits her.
"..really?"
Rick's eyes widen. "Hold on a minute…" Drax and Ulala are hanging onto each other, waiting for that last vote.
Jeff flips that last parchment.
"Fourteenth person voted out, and the seventh member of our jury…Chun-Li. Bring me your torch."
#Betrayal
She grabs her torch, but before she can get to Jeff, Daisy steps in her way. "I couldn't stay in your shadow. Sorry."
"Don't apologize. It's the nature of the game." Li gives her a side-hug before getting to Jeff. Even though she does know why Daisy did it, there's a little pain in her squinted eyes, squinting to cut some of it off.
"Li…"
Jeff raises his snuffer.
"The tribe has spoken."
SNUFF…
"Time for you to go."
Li leaves the Tribal Council set. Her time started with Daisy, and now her time has ended because of her. She seems a bit taken aback by it. Maybe she thought she could predict where Daisy went. Today, Daisy wasn't predictable. She has to settle for fifth.
Once she's out of view, Jeff turns to the remaining castaways. One of them taking a deep breath. "Congratulations on getting one step closer to the end. Tomorrow is our last immunity challenge, and one of you will be the last member of the jury. Head back to camp, good night.
The final four grab their belongings and leave the Tribal Council set. With one challenge left, some big decisions will have to be made.
—
Chun-Li's Final Words
Chun-Li: She actually turned on me. Five weeks of trust, and she cut my throat. Wow. I thought we had the votes, but she blindsided me. It stings to be snaked like this, but I see why she did it. I may have done the same in her shoes. I still HAVE to root for my day one, and I wish her the best.
Swallowing the pride.
—-
Votes:
Chun-Li: Dark Samus, Montgomery Gator, and Daisy
Dark Samus: Chun-Li and Cyrax
—
That's all for Li. She had a lot of control to start, and even though she lost it because of Rocket, it didn't take long for Drax to get the axe, and Li to get right back in a better spot. She always had the final say, whether it was her own calls, or Daisy's. That might be why Daisy put the dagger in her back. Everyone left called Li a threat, since she was seen as the ring leader. Daisy didn't like it, but she didn't want to be the sidekick anymore.
With Li out, there's four left, ONE immunity challenge, and more left! Tune in next chapter, for the final four!
