Loved Ones Challenge
Day 35
Back where we left off..
Almost all of you got some love..except for you, Cyrax."
All eyes are on the cyborg, but he crosses his arms. "Are you sure?"
"Everybody gets one. Come on out, Bihan!"
Everyone looks towards the entry.
Nobody comes out this time.
Jeff winces, and has to give the bad news. "Sorry Cyrax. It looks like he bailed…" Nobody behind him is ok with this.
"Are you serious?!" Daisy asks. Luigi just runs a hand up his face, disappointed in the decision.
"Ugh..it seems so." Li responds, glaring at the empty space between Cyrax and the entrance. Ryu closes his eyes, trying to connect what the cyborg said, to this.
Rocket grits his teeth. "Who needs him anyway? You got here without him."
"Fuck that guy!" Daisy's shout doesn't do much to help the cyborg. He saw this coming, and hands that head low. A few shakes and a mutter tell them everything.
"I knew it."
Cyrax looks Jeff in the eyes. His own eyes aren't as bright as before. "This is the consequence for my actions. My clan won't care why I made the move I did, all I know is they see me as a traitor. Either Sektor broke his contract, or a production member told our grandmaster. In their eyes I didn't show them their twisted way of love. So they won't show me theirs."
Before Li can speak up, Ryu does instead. "You're better off without their toxicity. If they truly cared, they'd drop everything to visit you. It says a lot about your clan."
"I am Groot."
"Fuck 'em." Rocket adds.
"They treat us like soldiers." Cyrax admits, clasping his hands together. "I'll show them a soldier when I do this alone."
He gets some applause from everyone in the back (minus that Metroid Prime). This is a rare time that someone is excluded from the visit. No videos, no letters, nothing. An ink of black starts to drip down, but the cyborg flicks it away. Now's not the time to mourn.
It's time to fight.
Jeff has his hands on his hips. "Enjoy the love while you have it..because we're getting into todays challenge."
Everyone looks on, determined to earn more time with their spouses, friends, family, and even themselves. Most of these loved ones are about to compete in their first challenge in this series.
"For todays challenge, you'll be divided into pairs. You'll race under an obstacle, through sand pit, where you will dig up a ring of keys. You will use those keys to release two balls, then attempt to land them on a narrow perch."
Looks like "Ringo Starz" is back, from David versus Goliath.
"The first pair to finish, earns more time with their loved on, and a feast on a Yacht. Sound good?"
Loads of "YES" get dumped on him.
"Take your spots, and we'll get started."
Teams:
Monty/ (Glamrock) Freddy
Dark Samus / Dark Samus
Chun-Li / Ryu
Daisy / Luigi
Rocket / Groot
Cyrax / Himself
The pairs are tethered together, with water beneath them. They have their eyes on that obstacle, ready to bolt under it and start digging.
"Here we go, for the yacht..survivors ready?"
.
.
.
"GO!"
They take off, splashing water to the side. It's even so far, but Jeff's narration could throw a few people off. "For the first time in a while, a challenge has started even!"
"Cool!" Freddy responds, but that Gator scoffs at it. "He can't leave me alone.."
"Has he bullied you? Tell me where it hurts."
"It's Jeff, bullying people is kinda his thi—"
The gate plants into the water, but Freddy's there to pull him up. They aren't far back, but they've lost some time.
"Monty planted on his face. That's his story this season."
"Jeff never shutting up, that's YOUR story this season!"
No love lost.
The Dark Samus', and the Street Fighter duo are close to the end, with Cyrax on their tail. Daisy/ Luigi are making some progress, and Rocket/Groot are lagging behind for…reasons.
"Groot!" Rocket shouts, trying to pull his tree friend forward. That trees holding a butterfly on its finger, locked in on the cute creature.
"I am Groot…"
"You can pet it later, we've gotta go!"
It's close for now, because that water can slow anyone down. The Dark Samus' actually hit shore first, while Li/Ryu and Cyrax get to it next.
"You've gotta crawl fast, and dig deep!" Jeff shouts, finding another way to say those two words.
Daisy/Luigi and Monty/Freddy reach the shore. That plumbers soaked, but Daisy just dives under the obstacle, forcing Luigi down there too. She's crawling, while he has to try keeping up. As for those animatronics, they actually go at an even pace. Freddy's specially unaware, and gets some sand in Monty's face.
"Come on, Fred! You know better.."
"There's nowhere else to throw it.."
The Dark Samus', Li/Ryu, and Cyrax are digging for that key collection. Nobody will have much time to throw without someone else showing up, so time is money. Sand is getting hurled aside, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
That Samus finds her ring of keys!
Li finds her ring of keys!
Cyrax finds his ring of keys!
The three take off to unlock both balls first. Luigi actually finds that ring of keys and hands it to Daisy who drags him along to those balls. Monty snatches his key from the sand, and those animatronics move in unison.
Behind them, Groot's still admiring the butterfly. Rockets just sitting there, accepting that he can't do anything.
"I can't even cut ties?" Rocket asks the host.
"Do it and you're disqualified."
Groot moves that finger over to him, getting a close look at the creature. "Yes, it looks great."
"I am Groot."
"I do care. I also want to win."
"I am Groot."
"We can't love nature if we lose! They're gonna take you back when we're done."
"I am Groot."
"What do you mean you don't care?"
Monty looks back and laughs at it while Freddy unlocks the balls. It's like a standstill right now, five out of six pairs are stuck on the same thing…
Daisy's balls pop out first!
"Daisy, Luigi, you're good!"
While they move onto the last stage, Dark Samus' balls are free!
"Samus, you're good!"
Li, Ryu, and Cyrax almost have the last lock done. If powers were allowed during this challenge, the pair and the pairless could be in the lead.
Li's balls are free! She and Ryu take one each. Cyrax's balls are free. It's four at the end, about to be five because Freddy unlocks those balls! The animatronics head to the end, and balls are being thrown all over the place.
Daisy has one ball on. Luigi tries, but overthrows the second!
Dark Samus has one ball on. Her copy underthrows her second!
Cyrax gets his first ball up. His ball almost gets on..but it's not enough and slips from behind!
Li gets her first ball up!
Monty misses his first ball! No time, and little aim cost him some catch up time.
Daisy and (Dark) Samus go to throw again…
.
.
.
They BOTH miss!
"We could have had a winner right there!
With that miss, Ryu tosses that second ball up, and…
.
.
.
It lands!
"LI AND RYU WIN REWARD!"
Daisy scoffs, but somehow sucks it up and shakes Li's hand. "You got it."
"Don't worry, If I get to pick you're first."
The princes shakes Ryu's hand next. Not everyone's this grateful though. Monty kicks his perch so hard the balls come flying down, while Freddy seems disappointed. "What did we tell you about your anger?"
"Lose, lose, lose! I'm suffering man!"
Freddy goes for a hug to console him. "Just think about the fame you'll get.."
Everyone manages to regroup, even Rocket and Groot. Jeff gives credit to the winner. "Congratulations Li, you've earned more time with your loved one. Now choose one person to join you."
"Oh." Li looks at the field, and it's an easy choice. "Daisy."
"Yeah!" She and Luigi join their side, and have to face the rest. Four people are getting robbed from time with their loved ones.
"Now Daisy..YOU pick one person to join you."
The princess wiggles her finger around. "I love all of you, but someone didn't get any today. Cyrax, come with us."
The cyborg heads to their side. He's slower than the rest who have. "I can't eat."
"That doesn't matter, you need to get off that miserable island for once." She says with a smile. "Come here." He ends up joining the three, and Jeff doesn't lean towards him this time.
It's the final group.
"You five enjoy the cruise. It's waiting for you, head on out." Those three leave. The women wave goodbye, while Cyrax keeps to himself. That just leaves the three left, about to lose some love. "Rocket, Samus, Monty..say goodbye to your loved ones."
Monty adjusts Glamrock's little hat. "Don't worry Monty, there's always a way to the money!"
"I need whatever you're having."
Rocket pets that butterfly on its back. It flutters the best it can, and Groot watches it fly. "See you around."
"I am Groot."
"I'll only be skinny for a week."
Dark Samus' clone just speeds away, nothing to say. Jeff tilts his head watching this. "To some of you it won't make a difference. Head back to camp. I'll see you tomorrow."
Those three make the trip back, and while one..doesn't really care, another really does.
Monty: It sure is fun losing out on everything! Auction! Rewards! Now the Loved Ones! I dunno how Freddy keeps his head on straight in a cruel world like this.
This experience is breaking him in half.
Merged Tribe
Dark Samus, Montgomery Gator, and Rocket Raccoon
The three get back to camp, and that raccoon gets to work on the fire. No reward, more rice.
"Can you burn mine a bit?" Monty asks.
"You feeling bad?"
"Nah, I just need to CRUNCH on something!"
Rocket watches that fire start to grow, and grabs the pan. "Give it ten min—" He turns around..and they are already gone. "..these people."
Rocket: They just snuck off. Didn't even tell me they were "getting water." Flip flopping is an average Monday for 'em. I'll tell ya what happens. If Li wins immunity, they try turning against us again because let's be real: those girls won't lose sight of us. If Li loses, they'll ditch us next round. They are the most unreliable swingers I've ever met. Flip flop, flip flop.
He could be right because (Dark) Samus and Monty are crouched behind a bush. They really think they're in Assassins Creed. Or Metal Gear. Depends on what stealth game you like.
"If Li wins, split up the other machines. There's another seat and we can't afford to bring a threat there." That hybrid says, ripping a leaf off. "Stupid production.."
"We can't hog the final no more. Who we bringin'?"
"Daisy. She's the easiest to beat by far. The others need to go if we even want a chance to win."
"Ok, we got it, let's go back, we don't got all day. Rockets gonna know we're out."
"That won't stop him from targeting the girls.."
"It won't stop me from what?" They look up and nobody's there! "Down here…" Rocket says, revealing himself in the bushes. "I shoulda known you'd be coming for us again."
Phazon's rep looks him dead in the eye. "You saw this coming."
"It was obvious."
The awkward silence that follows makes everyone uncomfortable. Nobody really knows what to say. Rocket caught them with their pants down, but he shares the same sentiment as almost everyone else. There's bigger fish to fry though, so they could get off without consequences.
"..are you leaving?" She asks.
"Do you have something to say to me?"
"This talk didn't concern you. Instead of spying on us you should be cooking."
"Who made you the leader?" Rocket asks, and Monty already sees where this is going. He just kicks back.
"If being the leader means telling others what's best for them, then yes I am."
"Don't care."
The hybrid crawls closer to him. "You should. We're the ones in charge, and you know the women want you out. What will you and your friend do without our votes?"
Rockets glaring. "Get new material."
"Answer the question."
"I don't gotta answer to you. None of what you just said is getting you any votes."
"I'll swing a few over when I'm sitting at the end."
Rocket chuckling, but it's not because it's funny. "You're only gonna be at the end because everyone knows they can beat you. That's the reality, get back in before you lose everything!"
The hybrid just taps Monty and turns her back on Raccoon. "This conversations done."
"Bye." Rocket waves bye bye with his middle finger, showing his spite as she leaves him behind. A fight this late doesn't bode well for either.
Rocket: Who does this jackass think she is? She's not the boss, she's not even a threat. She's easy money.
Dark Samus: That pest gives me more ammunition. He and his failure of a cyborg are in my line of fire..I'm smiling at the thought.
She removes her mask and has a look of glee.
Dark Samus: They were going home anyways, but Rocket has sealed their fates.
Loved Ones Cruise
Chun-Li, Cyrax, Daisy, Luigi, and Ryu
The five get on the Cruise, and there's a variety outside and in. Pools, food, sporting areas, game rooms, it's heaven for all rounders.
"Pasta.." Luigi's mouth is watering at the thought, and he heads to the table. That man is a pasta fiend.
That leaves the rest. Daisy turns to Cyrax and explains herself. "You know I couldn't let you go back there."
"I'm aware, you already said that. But thank you for considering me."
Daisy gives him a smile and follows Luigi to that table. She has an appetite of her own.
Daisy: He would have been ghosted over there. Getting treated like that AFTER a rejection like that? I don't know how he could have recovered. At least he gets to have a little fun before running the numbers again. Cruises are fun, there's so much to do. I've been on like, seven. I even own one.
While that pairs occupied, Cyrax strikes up a conversation with Li and Ryu. "What martial arts do you practice?"
"Ansatsuken. Imagine a variety of Karate."
"I'm not surprised. You caught my eye. Speaking of.." the cyborg looks down at Ryu's feet. "Are you always barefoot?"
That gets a friendly laugh from Ryu. "It builds character. If you get everything you want, you'll end up being ungrateful for what you have. Like shoes."
"So it's spiritual.."
"I'm always on my feet so feeling the smooth grass is comforting."
Cyrax takes in what he's saying. Ryu's perspective is something he hasn't really thought about on the island.
In confessional..Li and Ryu are on the cruise itself.
Ryu: Cyrax is a patient man. I don't blame you for trusting him.
Chun-Li: That was then. We aren't on the best terms right now, but if I had to pick someone to say: it's Cyrax.
Ryu: What did Rocket do?
Chun-Li: Less patience, more abrasive. I don't know what he's stirring up.
After that talk, the five sit together. Those with actual flesh eat up, while Cyrax gets a spot. Even though he can't eat, he catches Luigi staring at him.
"What bothers you?"
"..you an Axiom Ranger?"
"I don't know who they are."
Luigi sighs in relief. "You almost gave me a heart attack."
"Seems you scare easy."
"Ugh..yeah…" Luigi says, but his girl chimes in. "We're trying exposure therapy. He thinks too a lot and it's worse in his head. Not all the time but it's the little things."
Cyrax nods. "Whatever makes him healthier."
"Mhmm."
The next confessional has Daisy and Luigi leaning on a rail.
Daisy: I told you he's friendly.
Luigi: He's not built to be..
Daisy: Hey! Open the book. He looks like a killer but he's not like that. Anymore.
Luigi pushes himself off the rail.
Luigi: ..anymore?
Daisy: I'm not gonna lie to you.
Daisy raises a glass. "To Survivor!" Everyone clinks theirs in the middle, even Cyrax who just hands his to Ryu. Unfortunately for one group, they've missed out, but the one here doesn't regret it.
It doesn't take long for people to split off, there's so many places to be after all. Cyrax is left alone though, not barging into anyones conversation. It's his time to reflect on the days events.
Cyrax: Devastation sums up the first part of this day. Elation is the second. Getting to know these new people has given me more perspectives on life. I'd love to live like Ryu if I ever get out of this suit. These women know how to play the social game, and genuinely care for their partners. If my group are sitting on the jury, it will be a fight to see who truly earns the money.
Li and Ryu are right where they were before their first confessional together. Li's chosen to share some information with her friend, looking for a second opinion.
"There's not much we can do." Li admits. "Forgive one traitor, or forgive two others. This is a brutal game, where morals don't matter..except for the jury."
"It's a grey game. You can either a hero and keep your word, or be a villain and ditch it..but it may not be enough. If you want to continue, you'll have to put the little trust you have in another pair." Ryu states.
"One pair has a snake, and the others can beat me in the end."
"Does the jury like the snake?" Ryu asks.
"..I don't believe so."
"Then you may have to vote with her again."
Lo sets a finger on her chin. "If our agendas align.."
Chun-Li: This merge has been messy. After all these blindsides, I see why nobody's has a number two. It's a game of agendas. If we want the same deal? Let's work together.
In the pool, Daisy's also looking for a second opinion from Luigi..who has a frown on. "..she sounds mean."
"She IS. I haven't told Li how I feel about her, because..we don't think the jury has her back. So it's an easy win. But oh my gosh, she is so rude!" Daisy, kicking up another rant. "
"Does-a Li want anything to do with her?"
"She's smart..but I wonder when her plans will turn the tables on us. Our girl JUST went home because of Samus, she
Luigi adjusts his hair. "You should-a start leading. Your place is great. What makes this-a island so different?"
"I did a couple times and it worked..but there's threats all around me and I need someone I can trust. She's that girl." Daisy explains, sliding her gloves off. "I'll get with her and see what's up later. Right now, it's me and you.."
They swim closer together, but a Daisy confessional scares the audience.
Daisy: I swear..if Samus lies for the hundredth time, I'm tearing her up at the end. I'm not above being petty. You can lie, but doing it too much just kills any respect people have for you.
It's been a long afternoon for the five, but it's almost refreshed them. Li and Cyrax have their heads on straight again, Daisy's gotten some anger out of her system, and this journey is almost over.
The ship gets closer and closer to shore, as they can see the three losers in the distance. They are in the middle of a conversation though, as a certain cyborg on the ship has taken this time to discuss what's next.
"If you both spare me this round, I'll work with you on the next one."
"And?" (Daisy)
"We'll vote out Samus. None of us have any trust in her. She's flipped on all of us, and has a bad attitude to boot." Cyrax explains. "If Rocket leaves before me..we have a history of our own. I trust the both of you over her at this point in the game."
"Spot on." Daisy admits. "I don't know what to do with her.."
"We'll see what happens when we get back." Li chimes in. "We don't even know if she's getting along with the others"
"Reasonable." Cyrax doesn't push anymore, even though he really wants to.
The last confessional of the chapter goes to the reward winner herself.
Chun-Li: The only one i trust is Daisy. That's it. I used to trust Cyrax, until we found out he was playing us. Our tribe likes him, and his friends liked him, that's almost SIX jury votes. Even if we do work with him again, he needs to be cut down at the final four.
Rocket and (Dark) Samus didn't have the best relationship already, but after Rocket caught her in action, it's probably about to get worse. The reward winners are in for an earful. Speaking of, we got some background on why the winners like their loved ones, and what the loved ones like to do themselves. A little personal look.
Next chapter features the aftermath of this reward, plus an immunity challenge and Tribal Council where players fight for their life! Ticket out, and I'll see you there :)