(Fade into a boat fighting its' way through the ocean, despite a fierce storm. Several hardened pirates are on board, trying to steer the ship to where they want it to go, but the winds and current are pulling it off path. The voice of Light Yagami (Death Note), college student whose hobbies include playing God (and apparently hosting reality shows) speaks over the sounds of the storm.)
Light (v/o): This is the Grand Line the most volatile and dangerous stretch of ocean in the multiverse. It's known as the Pirates' Graveyard. But great treasure can be found to those strong and skilled enough to survive and the same can be said of the game of Survivor. And as such, this is where the first edition of Manga Survivor will take place among the storms and shifting climate of the Grand Line.
(The inside of the ship. Sixteen men and women, some of them very young, sit around and try to pass the time. Some are talking to each other, while others are eating the last food they'll get without having to work for it.)
Light (v/o): These are the sixteen castaways that will spend the next 39 days on a set of islands in the Grand Line.
(The first castaway is the brown-haired walking continuity puzzle that is known as Ryo Akiyama (Digimon Tamers). He's talking with a couple of people.)
Light (v/o): Ryo, Digimon Tamer.
Ryo: I've seen a lot in my life, and I think I'm going to be prepared for whatever the game throws at me. I do believe that I can win this game.
(Next up, a laid-back young man with brown hair who is currently wearing headphones that don't seem to be connected to any sort of audio device and staring into space. He is Yoh Asakura (Shaman King).)
Light (v/o): Yoh, shaman.
Yoh: I'm fit, and though I don't normally work hard I can if I have to. But mainly I came here to have some fun and get away from Anna for a month. Hey, you're not going to air this, right? You are? Can I take that last sentence back?
(Everyone knows the next one... short, blond, and with an automail arm. It's Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist).)
Light (v/o): Edward, a State Alchemist.
Edward: To be honest, I'm here for the money... plus the military thought it was a good idea, for PR. Plus Hughes said I have to get away from my mission before I go crazy, which is bullshit, but I suppose this could be fun. Maybe.
(The first girl is probably the most normal person on the tribe. She's a fairly attractive college student with long brown hair. Her name is Saki Kasukabe (Genshinken).)
Light (v/o): Saki, college student.
Saki: I may not be as physically strong as some of the other castaways, but I think I'm the most mature and I get along well with other people. Not a lot of people my age, though...
(Our next castaway is a football player, although you wouldn't guess it... he's a short kid whose main ability is running really fast. Meet Sena Kobayashi (Eyeshield 21).)
Light (v/o): Sena, high school student.
Sena: I really don't think I'll be too good at this... it was Hiruma's idea, really... but if I try hard, I think I could get pretty far.
(Next up, a girl with a passing resemblance to Tomoyo Daidojo... including orientation if some fans are to be believed... anyway, it's the perpetually cheery Konoka Konoe (Negima).) Light (v/o): Konoka, junior high student.
Konoka: Wow, this is going to be fun! A month on an island with a bunch of new people... sounds like a vacation!
(The next castaway is a twelve-year-old would-be pop idol... but there's a bit more to her than that... this cute young girl is Mitsuki Koyama (Full Moon).)
Light (v/o): Mitsuki, singer.
Mitsuki: I signed up because I found out not long ago that I have throat cancer. There's a treatment, but it involves removing my vocal cords, which is something I'll never do. So I guess I'm here for two reasons. The first is for charity, to invest some money in finding another cure. The second is just to get out and live while I still can.
(Our next girl also has blackhair, but is a couple hundred years older... though she looks just sixteen. Rukia Kuchiki (Bleach) is here, in a brand new gigai.)
Light (v/o): Rukia, shinigami.
Rukia: I'm here to take a break, but also to compete with the others and prove that I'm the strongest. I'm not going to take shit from anyone.
(The next castaway is unforgettable, sporting a green jumpsuit and bowl-cut and showing a couple people his martial arts moves. Yep, it's Rock Lee (Naruto), whose name really ought to be re-ordered like the rest, but that would just be wrong.)
Light (v/o): Lee, genin ninja.
Lee: Yosh! Master Gai, I shall use everything you have taught me to survive and succeed on these islands! As the youngest person here, I will be able to use the power of youth to propel me to victory!
(Our next contestant seemingly has no last name, but he doesn't need one. Leorio (Hunter X Hunter) is wearing his usual shades with black spiked hair, and casual clothes.)
Light (v/o): Leorio, doctor and prospective hunter.
Leorio: I'm not here for the experience or the vacation or whatever. I'm here for the money. And I'm going to do anything to get my hands on that grand prize whatever it equates to in my world's money, it's a lot of moolah.
(This castaway at the moment looks like the youngest, being a white-haired girl that's about four feet high, but appearances can be deceiving. Maya Natsume (Tenjou Tenge) is currently wearing an elaborate robe, and chatting with Mitsuki.)
Light (v/o): Maya, high school student.
Maya: People underestimate me a lot, especially in this form. Their loss. I'm going to win this game before any of them know what hit them.
(Next up is a man in his twenties, who looks strong but arrogant, and looks aren't always deceiving. He has spiked hair and is wearing a sort of gi. This is Sanosuke Sagara (Rurouni Kenshin).)
Light (v/o): Sanosuke, martial artist.
Sanosuke: Unlike the others, I'm from what I suppose is the past, and some would say that's a disadvantage. I think it's an advantage people today are soft, while I had to claw my way up to where I am now... er... 150 years ago... look, I'm just tough, all right!
(The next contestant is also the oldest, and a mother at that. She doesn't look that old, however, wearing her black hair in a bun. She's Nodoka Saotome (Ranma 1/2).)
Light (v/o): Nodoka, housewife.
Nodoka: I'm the oldest here, I'm not that strong, and I don't really know how to survive in the wilderness. But I'm mature and I think that if I can find some allies I'll persevere in this game.
(The next girl is drop-dead gorgeous, in more ways than one. She sits in the corner, looking at everyone else with a small smile. Hide your children, it's Mitsuko Souma (Battle Royale).)
Light (v/o): Mitsuko, high school student.
Mitsuko: I'm going to be the last one standing, I can tell you that. And I don't care what I have to do to get there.
(The last boy is the second sports manga protagonist, and somewhat less cowardly. He's a short, awkward-looking boy with black hair who's trying to make it as a pro boxer. Ippo Souichiro (Hajime no Ippo) is chatting nervously with Sena.)
Light (v/o): Ippo, boxer in training.
(And last but not least, we have the only person from the future. She's fit and has short blonde hair, and is wearing an army vest and pants. Cagalli Ula Atha (Gundam SEED) is the final castaway.)
Light (v/o): And Cagalli, a diplomat.
Cagalli: I was born into politics and used to be a soldier, so I think I'll be successful at the physical and mental aspects of this game. Plus I know how to survive in the wilderness, so I think I've got a good shot at the money.
(The sixteen talk amongst themselves, with some like Mitsuko and Yoh sitting by themselves, as the boat's rocking starts to grow gentler. Most of the conversation is tentative, as nobody really wants to expose themselves too much before the game even starts. The exceptions are Konoka and Mitsuki, who are talking to each other animatedly, laughing and smiling.
Up top, Light is standing by the mast of the ship. The storm has stopped, but the sky is still cloudy.)
Light: These sixteen will need to survive the harsh elements, survive challenges that will test every skill, and survive each other at tribal council. In the end, only one will outwit, outplay, and outlast everyone to become the sole survivor.
* * *
(An overhead view reveals that the ship is sailing between two islands. The sixteen castaways have now assembled and are sitting cross-legged on the deck, the guys on one side and the girls on the other. Light is standing behind sixteen treasure chests set four-by-four and in front of two tribe flags with coloured mats underneath the tribes are Baroque, gray, and Skypeia, light blue. The tribes are both named after powerful pirate groups (and, of course, One Piece villains.)
Light: Hello everyone, and welcome to Manga Survivor: Grand Line.
(Some polite applause, mainly from the younger and more energetic set.
Light: Now, things are about to get a bit complicated, so bear with me. Everyone is going to grab one of the chests in front of me. If your chest contains a buff for one of the two tribes Baroque or Skypeia show it to me and come up here. You'll be picking your tribemates. For the rest of you, the chest will contain either something your tribe will gain or something you'll be able to use for yourself. Don't show anyone what's in your chest until you're picked. Understand?
(Most of the contestants nod, though at least half still seem a bit puzzled.)
Light: Go grab a chest.
(The sixteen each get up and scramble for the chests, with Mitsuki and Yoh left behind in the sudden struggle. Ippo manages to get forced out by people grabbing at chests, and he's the last one to pick one up.)
Ippo: I bet this is the one with You lose now in it.
Light: I don't think there's one of those... though you never know.
(Everyone sits down and opens their chests. Most are discrete about it, as some most obviously Leorio are trying to see other people's items.)
Light: Would the people who got a buff please raise them and walk up here?
(And the lucky winners are Sanosuke, with the Baroque buff, and Sena, who drew Skypeia. They walk to their tribe flags.)
Light: Sanosuke, you are the first member of Baroque. Sena, you are the first member of Skypeia.
Cagalli: So to start off with, our fates were left in the hands of two guys. What a surprise.
Light: At the moment, these tribes consist of yourselves, a flag, a canoe, and a couple of buffs. The items you need to survive including a map to a campsite are in your fellow castaways' chests. How well you do is purely up to the people you pick.
Sena: So basically, blind luck.
Sena: To say I was nervous when picking tribes is an understatement. I was responsible, in some way, for eight people's success on this island. That's a lot of pressure.
Light: Essentially. The way we do this, each tribe has four men and four women. To make things fair, the person who goes first will get one pick, then the other will get the next two, then the first person will get the next two, and then so on. There will also be some special items, but we'll get to that later. Sanosuke and Sena, to determine who'll go first... well, why not roshambo?
(Two seconds later, Sanosuke has scissors and Sena has paper.)
Light: All right, Sanosuke, you go first. You're picking a girl.
Sanosuke: Maya.
(Maya walks over to the Baroque flag. Sanosuke tosses her a grey bufff, which she ties around her arm. Sanosuke is wearing his as a headband.)
Nodoka: I was surprised to see that little girl get picked first.
Sanosuke: When I picked my tribe, I decided I wanted only the strongest on it. And though she looked small, Maya gave off a true warrior's aura, and I knew that she was one of the strongest girls there.
Maya: I'm not going to lie. Getting picked first was a nice little boost to my ego.
Light: Maya, can we see what you got?
(Maya opens the box and inside is a set of pots, for carrying the water in and baking. There's also some crude bowls and plates.)
Light: Maya brings pots and bowls to Baroque. Sena, your turn to pick a girl.
Sena: Er... Mitsuko.
(The knockout smiles as she walks down to Sena's side, taking a Skypeia buff and shoving it in her pocket.)
Light: Mitsuko, could you open your chest for us?
Mitsuko: Depends. What are you paying?
(Some laughter from the crowd, though some of the younger ones don't quite get the joke. Mitsuko opens it up and takes out a laminated purple card with the word TRADE written on it.)
Light: That's a special benefit, just for you. Once all the teams are picked, you have the option of trading places with anyone on the other tribe. Understand?
(Mitsuko smiles and nods.)
Light: Sena, to make things fair, you get the next pick.
Sena: I'm going to have to go for Ippo.
Sena: I talked a little bit with Ippo on the way here, and I think he's a great guy. We get along well, and he's fit and would be good at challenges.
(Ippo opens his chest to reveal a necklace of shells, with a golden coin at the centre.)
Light: Another special item. Ippo, you've received individual immunity, which is also an individual benefit. At any one tribal council, you can give up that necklace before the vote, and you will gain immunity from that vote. Use it wisely.
(Ippo nods, while Sena starts to grow anxious.)
Light: Sanosuke, now you get to pick a guy.
Sanosuke: Rock Lee.
(With a cheer, Lee leaps up into the air and runs over to Sanosuke and Maya, proudly picking up a Baroque buff and wearing it where his Konoha headband normally is. He opens his chest to reveal a sharp machete, which Sanosuke inspects enviously before setting down.)
Light: Baroque now has pots and a machete. Skypeia has nothing. Sanosuke, picking a girl this time.
Sanosuke: Cagalli.
(Cagalli nods and walks forward, joining her tribemates. She opens up her chest to reveal a small barrel of rice.)
Light: Cagalli brings some food to her tribe. Sena, your turn.
Sena: Er... Konoka.
Sanosuke: As soon as he picked Konoka over, say, Rukia or Nodoka, I knew that our tribe would wind up superior. That girl may be nice, but nice doesn't win challenges.
(Konoka smiles brightly and bounces over to the blue mat. Inside her chest is a small bag containing flint and steel.)
Light: Skypeia now has fire. Now you have to pick a guy, Sena.
Sena: Ed.
(Edward walks over and greets his new tribemates by shaking their hands. Unfortuantely, he does it with his metal arm, so they're all holding sore hands afterwards. Edward opens up his chest and takes out three dead chickens.)
Edward: Hey, are you calling me a coward?
Light: Uh... no, those are for food. Less than the rice, but it's meat. Anyway, Sanosuke, back to you, a guy.
Sanosuke: I'm gonna go with Ryo.
(Ryo nods respectfully and joins Sanosuke's tribe. He produces a white-shaded map from his chest.)
Light: Ryo, your item is the Winter Island campsite map. It's a map to one of the two campsites. Unfortunately, as the name suggests, that Island is currently in the midst of winter, and it'll be harder to get food from the other camp. At the moment, that's your tribe's campsite.
Ryo: So, it's winter on that island, and summer on the other one? How does that even work?
Light: Hey, don't ask me. I'm not from here either. Anyway, you're picking again, going for a woman.
Sanosuke: Rukia.
(Rukia nods and walks over to Baroque, wrapping a buff around her arm. The contents of her treasure chest are similar to Ryo's, but the map is done in an orangish colour.)
Light: The summer campsite. That means the Baroque tribe has both campsites.
Mitsuko: So where are we going to stay?
Light: After the tribes have been picked, Baroque will get to trade one of their campsites for any of Skypeia's items.
Rukia: Can I get that immunity necklace then?
Light: Ultimately, it'll be Sanosuke's decision, so I'm guessing no. Sena, make your pick.
(Konoka walks up to Sena and whispers in his ear.)
Konoka: I really like Mitsuki, and I really wanted her on my tribe. So I told Sena that if he picked Mitsuki, the two of us would help protect him.
Sena: Mitsuki.
Sena: I didn't see any reason not to go along with it. I mean, an alliance of three is better than nothing.
(Mitsuki smiles and walks over to the group, hugging Sena (to which he promptly has a minor panic attack) and Konoka. She opens up her chest, revealing flint and steel.)
Konoka: Wow, you got the same thing as me!
Mitsuki: That's so cool!
(Only two castaways are left for each gender. Leorio and Yoh are the only guys remaining, while Nodoka and Saki are the remaining girls.)
Light: Sena, pick your last male.
Sena: I really had no clue who to pick there. But Yoh seemed friendlier, and he's my age, so I thought we might get along better.
Sena: I'll have to go with Yoh.
Light: That means that Leorio is automatically a part of Skypeia
(The man in the suit nods and joins Baroque, while Yoh shrugs sheepishly and walks over to the blue mat.)
Light: What do you two have in your chests?
Leorio: It looks like I've got some fishing gear.
Yoh: A bow and arrow? That's weird.
Light: Both tribes get hunting gear from the last two men. Now Sanosuke, you get to make the last pick of the game. Who's it going to be, Nodoka or Saki?
(The two girls look on, nervous. Saki is biting her lip, while Nodoka is trying not to play with her dress nervously.)
Sanosuke: Nodoka.
(Nodoka smiles and walks over to the gray-buffed tribe, where she is greeted by hugs. Dejected, Saki joins Skypeia.)
Saki: Being picked last was definitely a blow to my confidence. I think that people underestimate me a lot, so maybe I'll be able to go under the radar a bit.
(The two girls reveal the last treasures -- a machete for Nodoka, and pots for Saki.)
Light: All right. The tribes are all set up, but there are two things we have to do before we can leave. First off, Skypeia doesn't have a campsite. Baroque, you get to trade one of your campsites for any of their treasures. If you pick either of the individual items, they will go to the person who got the map you're trading.
Sanosuke: It's a pretty easy decision, Light. I'll swap the Winter Island campsite for flint.
Light: All right. Both tribes now have fire.
(Mitsuki and Rukia walk forward, and make the swap. Mitsuki smiles.)
Mitsuki: It's okay. We don't need this anyway.
Light: There's one more matter to be dealt with. Mitsuko, you have that Trade card. Do you want to switch places with anyone on the other team.
Mitsuko: Yes I do.
(A couple of gasps, as Mitsuko smiles.)
Mitsuko: Essentially, I'm a rat. I admit it. But even a rat knows when to desert a sinking ship.
Mitsuko: I'd like to switch places with Nodoka.
Light: Very well. Nodoka, leave your machete here, it still belongs to Baroque
(Nodoka walks forward, unhappy, and switches buffs with a smiling Mitsuko. They then take their places on the opposite tribe.)
Nodoka: Jeez, nobody wants me on their team, do they?
Saki: Hey, imagine how I feel.
Light: Well then. You each have your own campsites. Use your maps and log poses to get to them. I'll see you in two days' time, for the immunity challenge. Until then, try not to get yourselves killed.
(Mitsuki and Konoka make synchronized gulps.)
Ryo: They should really have called the other tribe Skypeia-ong. They've got a couple of perky girls, a pair of nerds, a war amp, a forty-year-old woman, an ordinary college student nobody wanted, and a lazy weird guy. I expect our tribe to sweep.
Sena: I like our tribe. I think we've got a good assortment of people here, and we should be able to work together as a team. Don't count us out yet.
(The two tribes climb down the ship's ramp into their canoes, and load their items. Skypeia departs first, not having to pack as many things, although their boat doesn't travel very far, and seems to be shifting back and forth in direction.)
Nodoka: All right everyone! We need to be synchronized! When I tell you to, make a stroke forward, all right?
(The rest of Skypeia nods. On the Baroque boat, Sanosuke overhears and gives his tribe the same spiel.)
Nodoka/Sanosuke: STROKE! STROKE! STROKE!
(And finally, moving steadily, the two ships move out, headed to their own destinations and thirty-nine days of hardship, deceit, and adventure...)
MANGA SURVIVOR: GRANDLINE
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(A peaceful place, where the sun shines high on the white sands and the waves gently leap onto the shore. The island is mostly light jungle, with a river running through it. A gray BAROQUE banner is all that stands here as the tribe in question rows their way in.)
Ryo: Nice place!
Mitsuko: It's just like a resort!
Leorio: Yeah, except we have to build our own resort.
(They set all of their stuff on the beach. Sanosuke walks around to the front of his tribe, his posture exclaiming his confidence.)
Sanosuke: All right people. We need to get a shelter built, and we need to get some water. Those are our most important priorities. Lee, you come with me and gather some wood for the shelter and fire.
Lee: Yosh! I shall give this task my maximum effort, and half again! Come Sanosuke, and let us channel the power of youth!
Sanosuke: ...sure. Mitsuko, Leorio, you two can go down to the river and get us some water. Use Maya's pots. Maya, Rukia, try and get a fire going.
Rukia: We don't have any wood.
Sanosuke: There's sure to be some fallen branches, or deadwood on the beach. Just take a look around. Now, Cagalli and Ryo, I don't want to let this fishing equipment go to waste, so you two go down to the ocean to catch us something for dinner.
Ryo: Roger that.
Cagalli: As soon as we reached land, Sanosuke appointed himself leader and told everyone what to do. He didn't even ask people about it, he just delegated like he knew everything. And the worst part was, nobody objected.
(Cagalli apparently doesn't object either, moving off to the sea with Ryo as Lee rushes into the woods energetically. The others disperse to their chores.)
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(Skypeia's home is much less picturesque. A rocky beach stretches along a forest of evergreens. The other side of the island is a jagged mountain range. The whole island, including the approaching castaways, are being buffeted by bursts of wind and assaulted by rain as a storm rages. The Skypeia boat is jerking wildly from side to side, as the tribe has lost control.)
Nodoka: Hang on!
Ippo: It was pretty smooth travel until we got within ten minutes of our island. Then a storm picked up out of nowhere and it was a very vicious storm.
(The younger girls scream as the boat is tilted sideways, causing water to leak in. With a crash, the canoe capsizes, leaving the eight survivors in the ocean a dozen metres from shore. Some of the more athletic castaways, like Nodoka and Yoh, are able to tread water, but that's all they can do in the forceful waves. Most of the others are pulled under by the current, desperately lunging for the surface. The muscular Ippo manages to stay above the tide, and reaches down to grab Mitsuki, whom he holds up and presses tight to his chest.)
Mitsuki (blushing): Th-thank you, Ippo-kun.
Ippo: You're-- grk!
(Edward grabs ahold of Ippo's leg. Unfortunately, Ed isn't nearly as light as Mitsuki, particularly with two metal limbs, so all three of them go down.)
Nodoka: Ippo! Mitsuki!
Nodoka: I remember just trying to stay afloat at the time, and thinking to myself oh god, this can't be happening, what should I do?
(Ed drifts towards the bottom, seaweed clinging to his sweatshirt. Releasing the others, he claps his arms together and press them to the ocean flooor...
Konoka: That was scary!
Yoh: I thought for sure this was it. What a way to go, huh? Death by reality show?
Edward: Look, can we get off of this thing? I just transmuted it, and I'm not sure how stable it is.
Sena: You did this?
Edward: What did you think, it was an act of God?
Sena: Well, no, but... what was that?
Edward: Just some simple alchemy.
Saki: Are you sure you're allowed to do that?
Edward: Dunno. But I just saved all your asses, so you'd better not vote me out.
(Fortunately for Ed, alchemy and other powers are legal outside of challenges in Manga Survivor. Light actually ran down the rules before the show, but Ed wasn't paying much attention.)
Konoka: Can we just get somewhere warmer?
Sena: A-allright! Let's head into the forest!
Sena: I seem to have become the unofficial tribe leader becaues I picked the team. I don't know what to do! I've never lead anything before!
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(On sunnier shores, Cagalli tosses a net into the water, only to drag up nothing again.)
Cagalli: This is getting frustrating.
(Ryo walks up to the shore and sits down, leaning back on a rock. He speaks, facing away from Cagalli.)
Ryo: You shouldn't be using that here. The small fish around the shore can fit through the holes, and all of the big fish are out in the ocean.
Cagalli (angry): Well thank you very much.
Ryo: Hey, no need to get ticked off. It's not like I'm doing much better with the spear.
Cagalli: Well, if you were throwing it properly...
(Ryo jerks his head around angrily.)
Ryo: What do you mean? You see a fish, toss the spear at it, that's all there is to it, right.
(Cagalli looks like she's struggling not to smash her head, Ryo's head, or both against the rocks.)
Cagalli: Yeah, but you've got to take the angle of refraction into account. The image of the fish is displaced from where the fish actually is, because the light is refracted through the water. Simple high school physics.
Ryo: I spent most of my school years fighting monsters, so I'll have to trust you on this one. Give it a shot.
(He hands her the spear. Cagalli adjusts for the refraction, and lets fly with the spear. She grabs it out of the water to find a small tropical fish impaled on the other end.)
Cagalli: Yes!
Ryo: Whoo!
Cagalli: Not too big, but it'll do. (Pauses) For that matter, why are we fishing anyway? We've got plenty food as it is.
Ryo: Cagalli, trust me you can never have too much food.
Cagalli: Yeah, but don't we have other priorities?
Ryo: I'm just trusting Sanosuke on this. He seems like he would know what he's doing.
(Cagalli sighs and rubs her forehead, but tries to talk calmly to Ryo.)
Cagalli: What about you? You've had to survive on your own a lot.
Ryo: Yeah, but that was in the Digital World and it was for myself only. Things are different here. Besides, Sanosuke was in the army. You don't get very far there if you don't know how to survive in the field.
Cagalli: I was in the army. Well... sort of.
Ryo: Really? You didn't talk a lot on the ride over, when we were all telling everyone where we come from. I assumed you were one of the nameless high school girls.
(Cagalli scoffs, overdramatically.)
Cagagalli: I am no mere schoolgirl. I am Cagalli, Queen of the Ocean!
(She laughs and tosses a spear at a fish. She leans in and pulls up a whole lot of seaweed.)
Ryo: Well, maybe queen was a bit much.
* * *
(Elsewhere on Summer Island, Lee is hacking down palm trees with a machete while Lee is taking a less conventional approach.)
Lee: KONOHA HURRICANE!
(With one swift movement, Lee brings down several pieces of even-length bark, cutting them off the tops of trees.)
Sanosuke: Damn... that's one guy I don't want to fight hand-to-hand.
Lee: Do you think we have enough, Sano-kun?
Sanosuke: First off, don't call me Sano-kun. Secondly, I think the only problem will be dragging these all back to the beach.
(Sanosuke points at a stack of wood taller than he is.)
Lee: Oh, this? Not a problem.
(Lee scoops up the entire stack in his arms, blocking his view but not slowing him down as he starts the trek back to the Baroque camp. Sanosuke follows behind him, dazed.)
Sanosuke: Damn... you're strong.
Lee: I train six hours a day, minimum.
Sanosuke: And here I thought I'd be the alpha male... but I'm getting shown up by a thirteen-year-old.
Lee: Thank you, Sanosuke!
Sanosuke: So what do you say to an alliance, kid?
Lee: We are already on the same side.
Sanosuke: No, you know what I mean... I watch your back, you watch mine, that sort of thing.
Lee: I cannot really see anything at the moment.
Sanosuke (exasperated): In case we lose the immunity challenge, we should vote together.
(Lee turns around, stopping on the path.)
Lee: I am not going to make a promise to you about that.
Sanosuke: Why not?
Lee: Because I do not plan to lose.
Sanosuke: Lee is amazing... great physical competitor, not a strategic bone in his body. I don't think he's a threat to me. He can't win every immunity challenge, after all.
(Mitsuko and Leorio approach, carrying buckets of water.)
Mitsuko: Hey, Sano-kun! Going back to camp too?
Lee: He does not like being called Sano-kun.
Sanosuke: Eh, don't worry about it. Come and join us, guys.
(The two come on over to the path. Mitsuko lightly holds Sanosuke's spare hand.)
Mitsuko: As soon as Sanosuke started taking charge, he may as well have put a target on his back. Realistically, I'm one of the weakest on our tribe, so if I want to survive I'm going to have to turn on the old Mitsuko charm and snuggle up with the leader.
(Lee is oblivious, while Leorio looks somewhat annoyed as the beautiful Mitsuko gives Sano an angelic smile.)
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(The Skypeia tribe has set up camp inland, at a clearing in the forest. Sena and Nodoka are trying to get a fire started using some gathered wood and their flint, but the wood is damp so it's slow going.)
Konoka: Say, if this is Winter Island, shouldn't it be a lot colder?
Edward: What, you wanna make things worse?
Mitsuki: Maybe it's a warm winter. See, things could be worse.
Saki: The fact that it could be worse doesn't make it good. My clothes are soaking wet, I'm freezing, I'm sitting in mud, I'm hungry...
Nodoka: Then take your mind off it and get up and do something!
Sena: Let's not get mad at each other...
Ippo: Nodoka's right. We should make a shelter. Let's go and find some more wood.
Saki: To say I'm out of my element would be an understatement. I've never so much as camped out in my life. It's like the Genskinken all over again-- I'm just lost and don't know what to do.
(Reluctantly, Saki gets up and heads into the woods, accompanied by Konoka, Ippo, and Mitsuki. Edward just stares pointedly at Yoh.)
Edward: You know, you have to work too.
Yoh: Actually, I'm fine as it is. I've lived through worse.
(Not taking no for an answer, Ed grabs Yoh and drags him through the mud until he gets up and joins the work party.)
* * *
(Ippo, wielding a machete, hacks at the branches of a tree. There are no palm trees here, only oaks and evergreens, so the branches are much easier to take than the barks. Elsewhere, Yoh and Saki are gathering nuts and fruit, although there isn't much to find.)
Saki: Are these safe to eat?
Yoh: We won't know until we try. *laughs*
(Meanwhile, we see Edward standing in front of a tree. He pauses, clasps his hands together and presses them against the tree. With a burst of light, the tree is transformed into a dozen even sticks of wood. Nearby, Konoka claps.)
Konoka: Ed is just so useful around camp! His alchemy can do pretty much anything we need... honestly, I don't know what we'd do without him.
(Interspersed with her interview, we see shots of Edward using alchemy around camp. He boils water, makes spears and bowls, and starts a fire all using his unique brand of science. He fuses a set of logs together to make a smooth wooden floor for the shelter.
Finally, the sun is starting to set. The camp in the centre of the forest is... well, a camp, as opposed to a clearing. A fire has started, with Yoh laying by it and idly tossing twigs into it. Ed is talking with Nodoka, while Ippo, Sena, Konoka and Mitsuki are in a circle, chatting amicably. Saki is by herself.)
Saki: I don't know about all this... my clothes are still wet.
Yoh: Then take them off.
*SMACK*
Saki: Pervert!
Yoh: Ow... hey, no hammer...
(As Yoh gets used to violence from slightly more realistic characters, Ippo pipes up with a suggestion.)
Ippo: Actually, he has a point. Our swimsuits are dry we can go swimming and have our clothes warm over the fire.
Saki: But the water is cold.
Konoka: Oh, who cares? Let's do it!
Mitsuki: Yeah, live a little!
(Soon, everyone is rushing to get changed.)
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(Night has fallen here too, although it's a lot warmer. There's some kindling, but no fire yet. On the other hand, the shelter is complete with a roof and elevated floor, and most of the tribe are inside here with the exception of Rock Lee, who is still trying to get a fire going.)
Lee: Why won't it light?
Rukia: Just relax and wait until morning. We don't need it yet.
Lee: I refuse to submit! Fire, I SHALL CONQUER THEE!
(As Rukia sweatdrops, Sanosuke is leaning back, his arms around Maya and Mitsuko. Maya has now changed into her adult -- well, at least teenaged -- form. This makes her kimono not goofily big, but tantalizingly small.)
Sanosuke: So he said that if I didn't learn the move in ten days, he'd have to kill me.
Mitsuko (gasps): And you accepted?
Sanosuke: Sure! I knew I could do it.
Maya: You sure are brave.
Leorio (looking on): Some guys have all the luck.
Ryo: I know what you mean...
(Sanosuke sits up suddenly, getting to his feet.)
Sanosuke: I have to go to the bathroom.
Mitsuko: I'll... come with you. To make sure you're safe.
Sanosuke: All right, whatever.
(They depart into the bush.)
Cagalli: Gee, could they be any more obvious?
Maya: I suddenly feel rejected...
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(Night-vision cameras let us see the waterside in the dark, even if we can't see the people swimming. Nodoka and Edward are sitting by, watching as the other six swim.)
Sena: I can't see anything out here!
Ippo: I think I found an octopus...
Mitsuki: Actually, that's me.
Ippo: Ack!
(Nodoka giggles. Even Edward cracks a smile.)
Edward: So why aren't you swimming?
Nodoka: They gave me a bikini. Not too flattering for someone of my age.
Edward: That's not my problem. I'd just sink. Not to mention the water would get into my automail.
Nodoka: How did you get that anyways? Were you hurt in battle?
Edward: I really don't want to talk about it...
Nodoka: No, I'm curious.
(Edward shoots her a death glare. Nodoka frowns and gets up, stomping her way back to camp. Meanwhile, Yoh floats by, slowly bakstroking.)
Yoh: Ah, this is the life...
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(Meanwhile, Sanosuke and Mitsuko are walking back to camp.)
Mitsuko: Sano... can I tell you something?
Sanosuke: What is it?
Mitsuko: I'm scared.
Sanosuke: How come?
Mitsuko: It's just that... everyone here is so strong, and I'm so weak... I've never fought before, I'm not athletic, I'm not that smart... I'm just a teenage girl. I'm afraid that I'm going to be the first one voted off.
(Mitsuko sniffles, tears springing to her eyes. Sanosuke quickly hugs her.)
Sanosuke: You are strong Mitsuko... and I won't let that happen to you.
Mitsuko: Really?
Sanosuke: Yes. I promise.
Mitsuko: So... allies?
Sanosuke: Allies.
(Sanosuke wipes the tears off of Mitsuko's cheek. She kisses him.)
Mitsuko: Thank you.
(Sano seems to realize how closely they're embraced.)
Sanosuke: Uh... we should get back to camp.
Mitsuko: Yeah.
Sanosuke: Megumi will probably kill me when I get home, and she's at least ten years younger than me, but I must say that Mitsuko is a knockout.
(The camp is dark, and quiet.)
Mitsuko: Looks like everyone's asleep.
Sanosuke: Even Lee passed out.
Mitsuko: It's been a long day.
Sanosuke: Yeah.
(They each find a spot in the shelter, and lie down.)
Mitsuko: Um... see you tomorrow.
Sanosuke (blushing): You too.
Mitsuko: Hook, line, and sinker.
* * *
DAY 2
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(It's a chilly morning in Skypeia's camp, but they seem to be doing all right, with most tribe members chatting and laughing. Edward is boiling some rice for breakfast, while Saki is out to get water. Yoh is laid out on the shelter floor, staring up at the sky, while the other teenagers are talking animatedly (no pun intended.) Nodoka is chopping up wood, looking on with a frown.)
Nodoka: The work ethic in this tribe is terrible! The group of four Ippo, Sena, Konoka, and Mitsuki just thinks this is a fun vacation, while other people do all the work. If I was any of their parents, I'd kill myself. Or make them do it. I know there would be ritual suicide involved somewhere.
(Saki emerges from the forest, carrying a small burlap sack in her hand.)
Saki: We have treemail!
Sena: Already?
Ippo: Awesome! What's it say?
Saki: Well, it doesn't really say much, per se...
(Saki dumps the bag out onto the sand. Inside are a foot-long torch, a small vial of water, compass-like device and a small scroll. Konoka grabs the scroll and unrolls it.)
Konoka (reading): The first immunity challenge will take place on Spring Island at noon. Use this log pose to reach the island.
Nodoka: Winning the first immunity challenge is crucial. Especially for me... I was one of the last ones picked, and I'm not sure my position has changed.
Edward: Well, at least there isn't a stupid poem.
Konoka: Yeah... but what are these things for?
Yoh: Maybe they're clues.
Ippo: We should take them with us.
Sena: All right. Now, does anyone here know what a log pose is?
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(The Baroque tribe has already received their summons, and are preparing for the challenge. Most of them are stretched out along the beach, stretching, practising katas, and generally training like they would before a fight. Only Mitsuko and Leorio are sitting off to the side.)
Mitsuko: Wow, they're really taking this seriously.
Leorio: Of course! Nobody wants to go to tribal council.
Mitsuko: So why aren't you getting ready?
Leorio: Why aren't you?
Mitsuko: I'm not trained as a fighter. I would have no idea what to do.
Leorio: Ah, I see... so you're the eye candy of the tribe?
*SMACK*
Leorio: ...okay, maybe not.
(Mitsuko giggles as Leorio tries to get rid of the red mark on his face.
Mitsuko: I'm not trained, but I could still kick your ass.
Leorio: I'm not arguing.
Mitsuko: So how about you? Why aren't you out there with Sano and the others?
(Mitsuko visibly ogles Sanosuke as he does his two hundreth pushup, shirtless.)
Leorio: I just don't need to. My body is already perfectly honed!
Mitsuko: If you insist...
Leorio: Besides, it's not like I need to put that much effort into it, considering the opposition.
(They both laugh, as the rest of the tribe trains.)
Ryo: Did it I think it was okay for Mitsuko and Leorio to sit by and let us work? No, they should have been doing something too. Did I think it was a big deal? Not really. But if we end up having to go to Tribal Council, there are two names at the top of my list now.
(Ryo smiles and laughs.)
Ryo: Not that we'll have to go anyway. With this team, there's no way we can lose.
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(And with those words of possible foreshadowing, we return to Winter Island, where we find Skypeia just about ready to leave.)
Sena: Hey guys, wait up!
Saki: Come on!
Sena: There's one thing I want to do before we go. It's just uh... a kind of chant we do before a game... back home and... uh... if you don't mind...
Ippo: Sure! All right everyone, hands in the middle!
Ippo: Sena reminds me a lot of myself before I took up boxing. He's a great guy, he just needs a little self-confidence. I think I'm going to try to help him with that, as long as we're out here.
(All eight members of Skypeia put their hands together.)
Sena: All right... (in his best Himura impression) WE'RE GONNA KILL THEM!
Edward: ...that's your battlecry?
Sena: Uh, yeah.
Edward: That's awesome.
(The tribe pumps their fists as they leave for their first challenge.)
* * *
Challenge Beach (Spring Island)
(Situated to the west, Spring Island is a verdant, warm place, with lush trees and gentle rolling waves. It also contains Challenge Beach, whose purpose in this game is slightly self-evident. Two floating platforms are set up on the water, with a set of narrow planks connecting them. them. The first platform has two sets of eight torches on it, while the second has two mats.
Light stands on the beach, looking impassive as Baroque's tribe boat coasts onto shore. Sanosuke climbs out first, and the rest of the tribe follows him. All are in swimwear come up with your own fanservice.)
Light: Barqoue, come on in.
Sanosuke: Where are the losers?
Light: Skypeia should be here any minute now.
(Crickets chirp.)
(A tumbleweed blows by.)
45 Minutes Later...
(The Skypeia Boat pulls up to shore, Edward at the helm.)
Edward (proudly): We're here!
(The other tribe and the host are all huddled in a circle on their mat.)
Leorio: You got any fives?
Edward: Hey! Yo! Over here!
(Light immediately snaps up, getting into TV show host mode.)
Light: Welcome to the challenge, Skypeia.
Mitsuki: Okay, how late are we?
Maya: About an hour.
Saki: Well, that's the last time we let Ed navigate
Edward: HEY!
(Light caresses his temple, fighting off a headache.)
Light: If you would just get on the mat so that we can start this challenge.
Konoka: Oh. Right.
(Skypeia steps onto their mat.)
Light: This challenge is simple it's a relay race. As you know, in this game, fire represents life. And I don't know if you've noticed, but there's a lot of water here. Your survival in this game is always in question.
Ryo: Do we actually get eliminated if the torches go out?
Light: No. And no more questions, all right? Today, we're going to light your torches. The challenge is simple basically, it's a relay race that tests your physical strength, balance, and survival skills. When I say go, one person from each team will run out to the water and swim to the first platform. On that platform, they will have to light their torch on fire using flint and steel. They then have to carry that torch across the narrow planks and to their tribe's finish mat. Make sure not to fall in the water, because if you do, you'll have to go right back to the beginning and probably light your torch again too. As soon as one person touches the mat, the next member of the tribe can go. First tribe to get all eight members on their mat and get their torches lit wins immunity, the other tribe has a date with me tomorrow. Understood.
(All of the castaways nod.)
Light: All right. Pick orders and then we'll go. Oh, and one last thing... no magic or other powers during the challenges.
Edward: Damn!
(Eventually, the tribe members get in a line.)
Light: Maya, starting for Baroque. Edward, starting for Skypeia.
Edward: Alphabetical, baby!
Light: Survivors on your marks... get set... go!
(Ed and Maya immediately take off, leaping into the water. Maya takes an early lead, having long and completely nonmetallic legs. Edward is struggling to keep above water, but is moving at a decent speed. Maya reaches the first platform first.)
Light: Maya, taking an early lead for Baroque. Now she's got to light that fire.
(Maya grabs the flint and steel and starts banging them together. Frowning, she frantically rubs them against each other, to little effect. Meanwhile, Edward clambers up onto his platform, dripping wet. He grins.)
Edward: If it's survival, I've got it made.
(Ed immediately lights his torch, with skills honed under Izumi's training. Maya, astonished, simply copies what he did and is quick behind.)
Light: Both competitors on the planks... be careful!
(However, both move with speed and agility, and get to their mats at the same time.)
Light: Next survivors, go!
Maya (breathlessly): You're pretty good, little guy.
Edward: WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!
(The violence will have to wait, however, as Ippo and Ryo are squaring off in the water. The two fit guys make quick work of the water, with Ippo having a bit of a lead. However, as soon as they get up onto the platforms, the boxer struggles with the torch.)
Ippo: Damn... how are you supposed to get this again?
(Ryo immediately knows what to do, making a fire quickly. He heads out along the boards, taking them slowly.)
Light: Ryo, has his fire... taking a more cautious approach.
(Ippo continues to try and make fire, growing more and more frustrated. Eventually, he gets it, as Ryo walks towards the end. He dashes out onto the boards, only to trip shortly afterwards...
...but shifting his body weight so that he still lands on the plank, and the torch remains lit.)
Light: Ippo nearly taking a dip into the water... those planks are only going to get wetter as the challenge goes on.
(At this time, Ryo steps onto the mat.)
Light: Ryo's done! Mitsuko, go! Baroque has the lead!
(Mitsuko, wearing a rather skimpy bikini, runs into the water and starts swimming. However, she's not nearly as fast as the previous survivors were, and is getting tired. Meanwhile, using his best footwork, Ippo makes it across and onto the mat.)
Light: Konoka, you're clear to go.
(Neither of the two is very good at swimming, so the challenge slows down a bit until Mitsuko finally makes it to the first platform only to be stymied by the task of lighting the torch. Konoka, right behind her, has similar difficulty.)
Sanosuke: You can do it, Mitsuko!
Mitsuki: Come on, Konoka!
(Konoka gets it first, and starts out on the path, but Mitsuko is right behind. Once again, it's almost a dead heat, and the next set of racers Mitsuki and Leorio, who take off into the water.)
Light: It's Mitsuki against Leorio, and the tribes are neck and neck.
(Although they at first appear to be even, Mitsuki is expending a lot more energy, and has tos top and tread water. Leorio doesn't stop, making it to the platform easily. He struggles a bit with the fire.)
Light: Mitsuki, taking a breather. This really comes down to experience.
(Mitsuki starts swimming again, but by the time she's made it to the platform Leorio has got his torch and is heading across the planks with near-perfect balance. Mitsuki starts striking away frantically at the torch, but is unable to get a flame.)
Light: Skypeia, falling behind.
(Leorio theatrically slides onto the mat.)
Leorio: Told you I was in shape.
Mitsuko: Yeah yeah.
Light: Cagalli, you're clear to go.
(The pilot jumps into the water, as Mitsuki continues to try everything she can think of rubbing them together, smashing them, circling the torch, etc. She just can't get a fire going.)
Light: Cagalli, looking to lap Mitsuki.
(Finally, Mitsuki produces a flame, just as Cagalli climbs up onto the platform. She takes off, waving her flaming torch above her head... but her dash ends when she slips and falls backfirst into the water, her torch going down with her.)
Light: Big fall into the water! Mitsuki, you've gotta go back and light your torch again!
(The wannabe idol singer surfaces, sputtering water, as Cagalli smirks and calmly lights her torch. She strides across the planks and reaches the mat.)
Light: Rukia, go.
(The near-forgotten Rukia takes off into the water, as Skypeia frets. She makes decent speed, but clearly hasn't had very much experience swimming. Meanwhile, Mitsuki drags her damp torch up to the platform again, and is trying to get a light.
Eventually, Rukia reaches the first platform, but is unable to get a flame going this is the girl who couldn't work a juicebox, remember. She stops and just observes the struggling Mitsuki.)
Ippo: Don't be so quick, 'suki! Keep the flame going a little longer.
Light: Rukia, trying to copy Mitsuki here.
(Using Ippo's advice, Mitsuki gets a flame... but it doesn't light the damp torch. Rukia copies her, however, and manages to light her torch. With slow, deliberate pacing, she walks across the planks, and steps onto her mat.)
Light: Rukia has hers. Lee, go.
Lee: My allies, I shall not let you down!
(Lee immediately takes off into the water, swimming like he's being chased by sharks. Mitsuki can only watch as he flies through the water, gets up onto the platform, lights a torch with practised ease and darts across the board. Baroque cheers at the ninja's speed.)
Light: Lee... wow...
Sanosuke: Does that mean I can go now?
Light: All right... Sanosuke, taking up the anchor position for Baroque... Skypeia has four more to go, they're in serious trouble.
(Sanosuke makes his way through the water with long strides, rapidly coming up to Mitsuki who is starting to cry. She desperately bangs the rocks together, now beyond reason. Sanosuke reaches the platform and starts getting the fire, trying to remember what to do from his army days.)
Ippo: Come on Mitsuki! We're still in this!
Nodoka (bitter): Sure, whatever you say...
(Eventually, Sanosuke gets it, while a hysterical Mitsuki fails to light her wet torch. Raising it above his head, Sanosuke slowly and confidently crosses the bridge, before finally stepping onto the mat with the rest of Baroque.)
Light: That's it. Baroque wins immunity.
(The summer tribe celebrates, cheering and pumping their fists, while Skypeia split between the shore and the platforms just mopes and shakes their heads. A motorboat pulls up to shore, which Light and the remaining members of Skypeia take to the platforms. Light is carrying the immunity idol, a large staff carved like the masthead of a ship. He hands it to Sanosuke, then tosses a flint and steel to Cagalli.)
Light: Baroque, here's the immunity idol. With this, you are safe for another three days. Skypeia... I'll see you at tribal council tomorrow.
(Mitsuki has fallen to her knees and is crying, cradling her torch in her lap. Ippo and Konoka walk across the beams.)
Konoka: It's alright Mitsuki...
(Konoka hugs the idol singer, who starts crying into her.)
Mitsuki: I screwed up... I ruined things for everyone...
Konoka: You just panicked... it's all right, nobody's blaming you...
(A couple of surpressed snorts, but Ippo silences them with a deathglare. He goes over to pat Mitsuki on the bat.)
Ippo: There'll be other challenges. You did the best you could.
(Konoka helps Mitsuki up, and leads her to the boat. The two girls sit together as they leave, and there's very little said on the way back everyone's guarding their words carefully.)
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
Sanosuke: WOOOHOOO!
(It's something of a celebration over at Baroque, as for once everyone is having fun, talking and laughing. They finally have fire, and are cooking some fish over it, but no one's really paying attention as they splash in the water and chat on the land.)
Ryo: That was awesome! It wasn't even close.
Lee: The power of youth is once again victorious!
Sanosuke: I guess that's what that little guy gets for picking cute girls over strong ones.
Mitsuko: I know, did you see that one little girl? That was so pathetic. I almost laughed when she fell into the water.
Rukia: I don't know, I kind of felt sorry for her.
Sanosuke: You're too nice, Rukia. She signed up for this game, she should have been prepared.
Rukia: I guess... still, I can see how she screwed up.
Ryo: Well, we probably won't have to worry about her again. She's a goner for sure.
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(The tribe of eight, dejected and wet, trudge back to their campsite. To make matters worse, it's beginning to snow, and a cold wind shakes the island.)
Saki: Well, I guess we know why they call it Winter Island now.
(The remark floats away as the eight walk silently into camp. Mitsuki slouches over, staring at the ground, as Konoka tries to comfort her. Their fire has been snuffed out, the wood now covered in white.)
Sena: There goes our fire... the snow might have spoiled some of our food as well.
Yoh: Nah. It's just water, right?
Sena: I guess.
(Nodoka kneels by the fireplace and starts trying to re-light it. However, the flint and steel are wet.)
Mitsuki: Um... can I help?
Nodoka: I think we know how good you are at starting a fire now, thank you very much.
Ippo: Hey!
(Mitsuki shrinks back as Ippo marches up to Nodoka.)
Ippo: That was uncalled for.
Nodoka: Says who? She screwed up, and we lost the challenge. I'm not going to pretend like it didn't happen.
Ippo: It was one challenge! You don't have to be mean to her!
Nodoka: This isn't summer camp! This game isn't about being nice.
Ippo: You sure about that? Because the people who are mean and nasty to others get voted off first.
Nodoka: You're going to vote me off? Without me, none of you would ever get out of bed! Maybe if you guys had actually done some work, Mitsuki might know how to light a goddamn fire.
(Nodoka storms off, and Ippo does so in the other direction. The rest of the tribe, who had been watching attentively, quietly sit down somewhere, lost in their own thoughts.)
Mitsuki: I know I didn't do well in the challenge. I panicked, and once my torch got wet it was too hard to light. I just hope I'll have a second chance.
Sena: Ever since we got back, Nodoka's been really hostile to Mitsuki, and to the rest of the younger people well, except for Ed. All of this hostility and division is making our tribe weaker than Mitsuki ever has.
Edward: Personally, I agree with Nodoka. We had the advantage in that challenge, being used to making fire, and Mitsuki lost it for us singlehandedly. Why shouldn't we vote her out? Isn't that what this game is about?
* * *
(Mitsuki is sitting by herself, huddled up against a tree. The snow is starting to fall heavier too. Konoka walks up.)
Konoka: What's wrong, Mitsuki?
Mitsuki: I let everyone down...
Konoka: You didn't let me down, Mitsuki!
Mitsuki: I didn't?
Konoka: Yeah! I've always wanted to go to tribal council! It looks kind of fun... with all the torches and the fire and the annoying questions... and I love voting! It makes me feel important!
(Mitsuki sweatdrops.)
Mitsuki: It's not so great when you're going to be the one voted out.
Konoka: What makes you say that?
Mitsuki: Well, I lost the challenge for us and...
Konoka (counting on her fingers): Well, I'm not going to vote for you. Ippo's not going to vote for you. I don't think Sena's going to vote for you. And there are um... eight people... so unless you vote for yourself, most people won't vote for you!
Mitsuki: Really? You're sure?
Konoka: Yep!
(Mitsuki gets up and hugs Konoka.)
Mitsuki: Thanks, Kono-chan. You really cheered me up.
Konoka: You're welcome... Mitsu-chan.
(Both giggle.)
* * *
(Meanwhile, some more aggressive strategizing is taking place. Ippo, Saki, and Sena, are adding a roof to the shelter, hoping to shield it from any more snow.)
Ippo: Nodoka is just disruptive. Did you see the way she went off on poor Mitsuki?
Saki: Yeah, but she does help a lot around camp.
Ippo: Not as much as she thinks she does. What do you think, Sena?
(Ippo is counting on support from his newfound friend, but Sena is not very sure of himself.)
Sena: Uh... yeah, I guess so... I really want to keep Mitsuki around. She's nice to me.
Ippo: Yeah. We can't win challenges if we're always bickering.
Saki: I guess. I'm still thinking of voting Mitsuki, though.
Ippo: Well, I'm voting for Nodoka.
Sena: Er... me too!
Ippo: It's going to at least be a tie. Why don't you join us?
Saki: ...I'll think about it.
Sena: Saki is a bit mysterious... she's not really reclusive, but I don't know too much about her yet. She doesn't really fit into either of the established groups.
* * *
(Other political bargaining is going on, however. Edward and Yoh are chatting as they go to retrieve more water.)
Edward: Yoh is the wildcard of the group. He's not allied with anyone he just thinks of his own benefit. Mainly how to save himself from doing work.
Edward: Look, all I'm saying is, we'd have a better shot at winning without Mitsuki.
Yoh: Yeah, yeah...
Edward: So you're voting for her?
Yoh: I don't know. I might vote for Nodoka.
Edward: Why? Okay, she's not the most likeable person in the world, but she's better at camp and in challenges than those little girls. Plus, the girls are pretty tight with those two guys. If you vote off Nodoka, they'll have the majority, and then what happens to the rest of us?
Yoh: But Nodoka's always trying to get me to do work!
(Ed resists the urge to bang his head against a rock.)
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(The sun is starting to go down at Baroque, who are enjoying a tranquil day on Summer Island. The entire tribe is basking in the afterglow of their immunity win and, for once, they are united and not scheming.
Sanosuke emerges from the forest, to the beach where the rest of the tribe is relaxing. He's carrying a dead chicken, it's neck snapped.)
Sanosuke: Look what I found!
Lee: Meat! Excellent!
Mitsuko: Way to go Sano!
Maya: Why was there a chicken in the forest?
Cagalli: Maya, do these islands make any sense whatsoever?
Maya: Uh, no.
Cagalli: Exactly.
(Sanosuke tosses the chicken to Ryo.)
Sanosuke: Go try and cook that.
Ryo: I've taken up the unofficial position of tribe chef. I figure it's a good way to keep around nobody wants to get rid of their food source.
Ryo: Can it be tomorrow? We've already had dinner.
Sanosuke: I suppose. But tomorrow... we dine on chicken!
Lee: Yes! MEAT!
Rukia: I see it's business as usual from the alpha males...
(Rukia turns her head and sees Cagalli and Maya salivating like Pavlovian dogs.)
Cagalli/Maya: Meat...
Rukia: I would sweatdrop, but that's starting to become overused.
* * *
DAY 3
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(The sun is now well over the horizon, and a good portion of the tribe is up and moving... however, a couple are stubbornly refusing.)
Nodoka: Hey, you three! There's lots to do around here, let's get a move on!
Konoka: ...gruh...
Mitsuki: ...too bright outside...
Yoh: ...just a few more minutes, Anna...
(Ippo stops by, carrying some firewood over his shoulder.)
Ippo: Eh, let them sleep. I'm used to getting up early to train, but if I wasn't I would definitely be down there with them.
Nodoka: Well, they can't just lay here while we do all the work. That's not fair.
Ippo: I guess not. Come on guys. Rise and shine, beautiful day.
(Konoka rolls over. Yoh braces himself for a beating, but when nothing happens, he relaxes. Mitsuki doesn't respond, not wanting to face the day, knowing she's a target. Nodoka sighs and walks off.)
Nodoka: As much as I dislike them, at least Ippo and Sena work around the camp. Konoka, Mitsuki, and Yoh don't do anything. Yoh might be good at challenges, but as far as the girls go, there's absolutely no reason to keep them around.
(Meanwhile, Ed and Saki are sitting around the campfire, roasting some fish.)
Saki: So let me get this straight, Ed. You can cook too?
Edward: Well, it's basically very simple alchemy, although I still have a lot to work on as far as flavour goes.
Saki: Good god. What can't you do?
Edward: Nothing! I am the complete survivor. Why do you think I came on this show?
Saki: Wow, he's like a miniature Survivor god.
Edward: MINIATURE? YOU THINK I'M SOME SORT OF GNOME SO SMALL YOU CAN ONLY SEE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS BE CAREFUL OR YOU'LL STEP ON HIM PUNY LITTLE SHRIMP?
Saki: Yes, he posesses everything a survivor could have except a sense of humour.
Edward: HEY! I'M STILL HERE! WHAT'S WRONG, CAN'T SEE THE LITTLE INSECT-MAN?
Saki: Oh brother...
* * *
(A bit later on, Mitsuki approaches Nodoka, who is out in the woods hunting. Weirdly enough, she seems to be using the machete as a weapon, holding it like you would a sword.)
Mitsuki: Excuse me, Nodoka-san--
Nodoka: Quiet!
(At the sound of the noise, a small animal a strange rabbit-snake hybrid nervously dashes off into the nearby forest.)
Mitsuki: What was that?
Nodoka: Dinner. Now what did you have to say to me that was so important?
Mitsuki: Um... it's just that I was sorry for sleeping in and, uh, wanted to help out. What can I do around here?
(Nodoka rolls her eyes.)
Nodoka: Honestly, it's just like Mitsuki not to have a clue what to do around camp.
Mitsuki: I decided to approach Nodoka, because I figured I do need to work more, and I didn't know what to do. She still seemed angry at me, though...
Nodoka: Look, why don't you go get the water or something. Something simple, that you can't screw up.
(Mitsuki flinches.)
Mitsuki: All right, I guess I'll do that.
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(Baroque has done much better for themselves over the past three days, managing to construct a shelter and get a decent supply of food. Of course, the sunny weather helped a lot. Now, they must face the greatest test a survivor can face...
...boredom.)
Mitsuko (putting a rock down on the sand): There. I take all your pieces.
Cagalli: No way. I still have an opening there.
(Yeah, the girls are playing go on a makeshift board in the sand, with gathered rocks. Mitsuko is winning handily. Meanwhile, Sanosuke and Lee are sprawled out on the sand, arm-wrestling while Ryo, Leorio, and Rukia. watch. After much struggle, Sano slams Lee's hand into the ground.)
Lee: Ah! You got me!
Sano: That makes it forty-forty.
Rukia: You'd think they'd stop trading wins at one point, but no.
Ryo: I just want to see how long they can keep this going.
Leorio: Eh. (Looks around.) Hey, has anyone seen Maya?
Rukia: She went off into the forest. I think she said she was looking for a place to wash off.
Leorio: You mean she's taking a bath?
Rukia: Uh... yeah.
(Leorio leaps to his feet.)
Leorio: And since she's a Tenjho Tenge character, we'll actually get to see her breasts!
(The two guys march off into the woods, having found new purpose. Over at the go game, Cagalli rolls her eyes into the back of her head.)
Mitsuko: So, I take these?
Cagalli: No! That's a white stone, it's one of mine.
Mitsuko: It's black! It's mine!
Cagalli: Rukia, is this a black rock or a white one?
(Rukia walks away from the 81rst arm-wrestling contest to take a look at the rock in question.)
Rukia: It looks kind of gray.
Cagalli: I give up! You were winning anyway, Mitsuko.
Mitsuko: Yay!
(Rukia smiles, but is uneasy.)
Rukia: In this tribe, I don't really seem to fit in. I mean, it's not like I'm an outcast, but I don't feel close to anyone here either... I haven't thought too much about the social aspect of the game. Of course, I guess that means I can fly under the radar for a bit.
Cagalli: I'm going to go get some water. You want to come with me, Rukia?
Rukia: Uh, sure.
(Cagalli gras the bucket and they head off into the woods, already knowing where the well is. After a bit of walking, however, the pilot reveals that she has a bit more on her mind.)
Cagalli: So Rukia... I'm sure you've noticed what's going on?
Rukia: What do you mean?
Cagalli: Oh, you're smart enough to figure it out. Sanosuke is being a power player... him and Mitsuko are definitely allied, and I think Ryo too.
Rukia: So what? You want to get in on it, or...
Cagalli: You kidding? I can't stand them! They're arrogant, rude, insulting, meatheads!
Rukia: Whoa, okay.
Cagalli: Fortunately, there's only three of them. If we can get everyone together, we'll show them who's really in charge.
Rukia: So, you're saying you want an alliance to turf out the alpha males?
Cagalli: Exactly. Are you in?
(Rukia pauses, before finally nodding her head.)
Rukia: I'm in.
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(Back on the tribe with more pressing politics. It's raining again. Ippo, Sena, Konoka, and Mitsuki are huddled together in the shelter. Yoh lays a ways off, sleeping, while the other three are elsewhere. Ippo and Mitsuki are huddled together especially close, while the other two are just in whispering distance.)
Ippo: Nodoka's trying to rally people to get Mitsuki voted out.
Mitsuki: Guys... I'm scared. I really wanted to win this. Or at least do well. But now I'm just going to be the lazy weakling who was voted off first. Just... wasting my shot. It might have been my last shot...
(Sena seems to pick up on this.)
Sena: What do you mean?
Mitsuki: N-nothing.
Mitsuki: I haven't told anyone about my disease yet. I really don't want to have to use it to get sympathy.
Konoka: Relax, Mitsuki. It's like I said, none of us are going to vote for you.
Mitsuki: Do you promise?
Konoka: I promise.
Sena: I promise... and I promise that I'll try to make sure that the four of us stay together as long as possible.
Ippo: Ditto.
Mitsuki & Konoka: Me too.
(The four hug, affectionately but somewhat awkwardly.)
* * *
(In the forest, Nodoka and Saki both have large piles of firewood and are talking strategy. They've sat down to take shelter from the rain, underneath an evergreen tree. Nodoka is making her pitch.)
Nodoka: Why shouldn't we vote out Mitsuki? She's useless, she's lazy, and she's got too many friends. If we don't get rid of her now, we'll never be able to.
Saki: I see your point. But still, even if Yoh and I go along with it, it's only a tie. We don't have the numbers to take them down.
Nodoka: Well, we'll just have to hope they aren't organized enough to all vote for the same person. They don't seem all too bright.
Saki (frowning): I guess not.
Saki: Nodoka is very forceful, and has very strong opinions. Either you're on her side, or you're a lazy, good-for-nothing primadonna. To be honest, when she gets ranting, she kind of scares me.
Nodoka: Maybe this will be a wake-up call. Maybe the other three will look around and realize that this isn't summer camp. I sure hope so. I don't know how much longer I can stand this.
* * *
Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)
(Once more with Baroque. Sanosuke is in the forest, hacking away at a thin tree and showing off just how he used to be a swordsman. Ryo stumbles onto the area, bruised and battered but with a delirious smile on his face.)
Sanosuke: You find Maya?
Ryo: Yeah. She hits harder than D-Reaper.
Sanosuke: I see. How's Leorio?
Ryo: I think she punted him onto the challenge island.
(Sanosuke smiles, and swings his machete one more time. The tree tips and collapses onto the forest.)
Sanosuke: Was it worth it?
Ryo: Hell yes.
(Ryo nods, a stupid grin on his face. Sanosuke looks away, then turns back to Ryo, businesslike.)
Sanosuke: Ryo, we need to talk game. I want a final four alliance. You, Mitsuko, and someone else.
Ryo: Really? I'm definitely on board.
Sanosuke: Great. If we stick together, we pick up Lee or someone as a fifth and get rid of them as soon as we're firmly in control. Now we just need a fourth.
Ryo: How about Leorio? He seems like a good guy.
Sanosuke: I don't trust that guy as far as I can throw him. He seems like the type who'd sell out his own grandmother if it would get him ahead.
Ryo: Well then, who did you have in mind?
Sanosuke: I was thinking Rukia. She seems loyal, and at this point she's probably desperate to belong in some group.
(Ryo still seems like he kind of wants Leorio in the alliance, but nods.)
Ryo: She's probably the best bet. So, final four?
Sanosuke: Final four.
(They slap hands, in an eerily similar pact to the one the Skypeia kids took. The two then walk off, carrying Sanosuke's tree a nice supply of firewood.
From the top of the tree, unseen, Maya leans back, and drops down. She makes an acrobatic landing on the forest floor.)
Maya: Well, well. How interesting.
* * *
Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)
(Out on the water, Ed is still making the hard sell. He and Yoh are sitting on opposite ends of the boat, holding alchemically-made spears and looking for fish. The boat drifts out, as both boys stare dully into the water.)
Yoh: Fishing is the perfect job for me. You just sit there, occasionally throw something, and get two hours free from Nodoka nagging you. What's not to like?
Edward: So, Yoh... who are you voting for tonight?
Yoh: Not quite sure. I'm leaning towards Nodoka, just to get her out of my hair.
Edward: I wouldn't do that.
Yoh: And why not? Are you still on her side?
Edward: I'm not on anyone's side. From a strategic viewpoint, it makes sense to boot Mitsuki, and since those seem to be the only options people are talking about, that's who I'm going for.
Yoh: All right. Why should I vote for Mitsuki, Ed?
(Edward tosses his spear in the water. It produces nothing, and he pulls it back up. He glowers at Yoh.)
Edward: Look, I'll tell you what. Let's say we vote out Nodoka tonight. The tribe doesn't eat as much, we don't have someone doing as much hard work, and we have two girls don't forget Konoka who are useless in challenges. What's going to happen?
Yoh: You're going to get very angry?
(Ed bashes his head against the side of the boat.)
Edward: No! We'll lose the next immunity challenge, and we'll have to boot someone else. And then we still have dead weight, so we just keep losing and losing. And you know what happens to the guy who sits around camp and does nothing all day if we keep having to vote people out?
Yoh: So what you're saying is...
Edward: If you want to stay in the game... vote Mitsuki tonight.
(Yoh turns away, mulling this over.)
Yoh: I'll think on it.
(Edward collapses.)
Edward: That's it?
Yoh: We should be getting back to camp. We have to leave soon.
* * *
(Indeed, the council of the tribe is soon upon us. The eight have reluctantly gathered at their boat, each holding their torches as they set the log pose to Autumn Island. Nodoka is standing noticeably off from the group.)
Saki: So this is it...
Sena: I guess.
Konoka: Look guys, whatever happens tonight... let's not be mean about it. It's only a game, after all.
Edward: Right.
(Snow begins to fall lightly as the tribe sets off.)
Mitsuki (singing quietly): And it's beginning to snow...
* * *
Tribal Council (Autumn Island)
(The boat arrives at Autumn Island, where the eight members of Skypeia disembark. Walking single-file with their torches raised, they walk up the simple stone stairs to tribal council. Fallen leaves dot the stairs, crunching under the tribe's feet. The actual council is held in the shadow of the remains of a gutted pirate ship, the mast standing out against the moonlight. The tribe arrive and take their seats on the benches. Across the pit of fire, Light greets each one.)
Light: Welcome to Tribal Council.
Saki: Not a cheery place, is it?
Light: That's kind of the point. Before we get to the vote, let's have a little discussion. Sena, have you noticed anyone really step up as the leader of the tribe in the first three days?
Sena: Well, that's kind of hard to say. Nodoka is our organizer she's the one who gets everyone working.
Nodoka: Well, I try to anyway.
Sena: Uh...
Nodoka: Continue.
Sena: On the other hand, I would say Ippo is our spiritual leader. He's the guy we all kind of look up to.
(Nodoka laughs.)
Light: Nodoka, something you'd like to say?
Nodoka: Oh, it's nothing. I just certainly don't look up to Ippo. In fact, if we all tried to be like Ippo, well, we'd still be sleeping in the shelter.
Ippo: Hey! I do plenty of work, you self-righteous--
Konoka: Guys...
(Ippo fades off, still glaring at Nodoka.)
Light: Yoh, let's get a third-party perspective here. Who do you think does the most work around camp?
Yoh: Well, I'm not really one to talk about work, but actually I would say Edward. But after that, Nodoka, Ippo, and Saki all do work.
Nodoka: Do you hear what he's saying?
Light: I'm not sure what you mean...
Nodoka: Half of our tribe can't be bothered to get off their asses and do work! They sit around in their little clique and braid each others' hair or whatever, and leave the rest of us high and dry. No wonder we lost the challenge, nobody was motivated enough to oh, wait, sorry. I forgot. There was one reason we lost the challenge, and she's sitting next to Ippo.
(Sena and Konoka look downcast and guilty. Mitsuki, next to Ippo (of course) is again on the verge of tears.)
Mitsuki: I'm sorry, Saotome-san. I know I haven't done as much work as I should, but I've just been so scared and... I've never had to do anything like this before... please, just give me a second chance. I promise I'll do more after this.
Nodoka: Well, it's a bit late for that, princess.
(A shocked murmur passes through the tribe. Even Light looks affected.)
Light: Well, let's see if you're right. It is time to vote. Edward, you're up.
(Ed goes up to vote, and casts the first vote of the season. He hesitates before writing down MITSUKI.)
Edward: You're a sweet girl... but you're just not cut out for this game. We need people that can compete against Baroque.
(He drops his vote into the urn, before returning to his seat. Ippo is the next to vote, and he scrawls out NODOKA.)
Ippo: Nodoka... how do I say this? You're mean, you're bossy, and you're obsessed with work. Your treatment of Mitsuki has been totally out of line. So long.
(Konoka is next, and we don't see her vote. After her, Mitsuki goes up, making halting steps. She writes down NODOKA)
Mitsuki: I'm sorry... this is the only way to stay with my friends...
(Nodoka gets up as soon as Mitsuki returns, curtly brushing her shoulder as she goes to vote. Unsurprisingly, she writes down MITSUKI.)
Nodoka: You're weak, you're lazy, and you have half the tribe bent around your pinky finger. I can only hope you don't have all of them.
(Saki and Sena vote next, and we don't get to see what either of them have to say. Finally, Yoh goes up, and we can't see his vote... but we do get his comment.)
Yoh: I'm doing this for the good of the tribe.
(The teenage shaman puts his vote in, and returns to the council, smiling. He's the only one the rest of the tribe is solemn and anxious.)
Light: I'll go get the votes.
(Light walks off, and in a moment returns with the votes nicely layered... I mean, in a jar, in their original order. Right. He launches into the Probst spiel.)
Light: Once the votes are read, the decision is final, and the person voted out must leave the tribal council area immediately. I'll read the votes.
(Light is noticably lacking in charisma.)
Light: First vote Mitsuki.
(Mitsuki swallows deeply, and bows her head, praying.)
Light: Second vote Nodoka.
(Nodoka scowls, but doesn't seem deterred.)
Light: Mitsuki.
(Nodoka can't help but smile.)
Light: Nodoka. It's two-two, Mitsuki and Nodoka.
(Mitsuki is still sad, but takes comfort in the fact that somebody didn't vote for her.)
Light: Nodoka.
(Apparently two somebodies.)
Light: Nodoka. Four-two for Nodoka.
(Three. The turnaround in emotions is obvious Mitsuki is hopeful and smiling, knowing that Nodoka is two down. Nodoka is worried, as her best chance is a tie right now. Light takes out the seventh vote, and reads it emotionlessly.)
Light: First person voted out of Manga Survivor... Nodoka.
(The mother nods, and grabs her torch. She briskly walks up to Light, who extinguishes her flame emotionlessly.)
Light: Nodoka, the tribe has spoken.
(Nodoka turns to the seven Skypeians and bows curtly before walking out. Edward looks pissed off. The restof the tribe looks glum, but satisfied.)
Light: Skypeia, obviously this is a tribe with some issues... work ethic, teamwork, whatever. You voted off Nodoka because you thought you could resolve these issues better without her. I guess we'll see if you're right. Head on back to camp.
(The remaining Skypeians pick up their torches and head out. Seven lights bob out into the darkness as the episode comes to a close.)
* * *
Votes
Edward Mitsuki
Ippo Nodoka
Konoka Nodoka
Mitsuki Nodoka
Nodoka Mitsuki
Saki Nodoka
Sena Nodoka
Yoh Nodoka
* * *
Last Words
Nodoka: I kind of feel ashamed of myself for losing so quickly, but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. I was myself, I spoke my mind, and obviously that displeased the younger survivors. I came out of the game with my dignity in tact, and that's more important to me than doing well.
* * *
Author's Notes
Phew! It's done!
This is my first entry into the anime reality crossover genre, after several attempts. I think this one might actually stick. The manga thing is really just to save me from having a new title, although most of thesecharacters are based off of their manga more than anime equivalents. (As I actually consume more manga than anime, for various reasons.) Really, the only character here who couldn't be in an anime survivor is Mitsuko, and I'm actually basing her off the book.
As for the episode, I hope it came out all right. This was a bit tricky since I'm not that familiar with either Mitsuki or Nodoka, and they had centre stage, but I don't think I did too badly. As for Nodoka, she was pretty much cast into the role of first episode villain, because I didn't really have any plans for her and she seems like the combination of unlikeable and bossy that gets people booted first. And hey, considering what she expects of her own son, she's probably going to be hard on random teammates.
That's pretty much it. This was actually surprisingly fun to write, so expect episode two pretty soon.
-Amor
Baroque Tribe
Cagalli Ula Atha Gundam SEED
Leorio Hunter X Hunter
Maya Natsume Tenjho Tenge
Mitsuko Souma Battle Royale
Rock Lee Naruto
Rukia Kuchiki Bleach
Ryo Akiyama Digimon
Sanosuke Sagara Rurouni Kenshin
Skypeia Tribe
Edward Elric Fullmetal Alchemist
Ippo Souchiro Hajime no Ippo
Konoka Konoe Mahou Sensei Negima
Mitsuki Koyama Full Moon wo Sagashite
Nodoka Saotome Ranma 1/2
Saki Kasukabe Genshinken
Sena Kobayashi Eyeshield 21
Yoh Asakura Shaman King
39 DAYS...
16 CASTAWAYS...
1 SURVIVOR!