ANIME AND VIDEO GAME SURVIVOR: CHAPTER 9
BRAINS, BRAWN, BEAUTY AND BIDS
And now the most thrilling chapter of this fic since…er, the last one. (If there was one to begin with.)
* * * *
(As the lights of Tribal Council dim down, another light has vanished.)
Akito: At the last Council, Ulah made a universal decision to make Akane Tendo the first member of the jury, deciding to remove the risk of her increasingly popularity with the female members of Ulah compared to the more physical risk that Gohan Sonn has. However, the next three days bring new ideas, and new opportunities. The tribal loyalties continue to be shown despite Helang being more accepted than what was expected. But does it matter, or is it not a lost cause for Helang?
(Shot of the beach, now morning)
Day 23: Time 7.38am.
(Shot of Gohan up, looking at the sky as he’s collecting material for a fire)
(Gohan: Last night, when Akane was eliminated, it was a sense of relief that I was still on, but a sense of dread knowing that I need to win every immunity to survive here, and doing that may also finish off my other two comrades and friends as well. It’s a no-win situation.)
(As Gohan comes out of the jungle with the firewood, he smiles as Sakura is standing at a place, breathing deeply. She then runs a little bit, and does a series of gymnastic manoeuvres across the beach, a series of backflips ending in a back somersault, landing on her feet, as she breathes deeply out.)
(A small sound of clapping is heard as Julia and Chun-Li smile)
Chun: Wow, that was very impressive!
Julia: Sakura, you’re surprising me every day,
Sakura: (bows) Thank you guys, I thought I was a little rusty, I haven’t really been practising since I’ve arrived on the island.
(As Julia, Chun and Sakura talk, Gohan walks out)
Gohan: (to himself) Keep at it Sakura, you’ve probably got the best chance of Helang to survive. (to the others) Hey, she’s keeping you amused?
Chun: Yep, still not as good as me though…
Gohan: Yeah, but you’re 5 years older and a kung-fu expert, she isn’t. (to Julia) The firewood my ladies!
Julia: Thank you Gohan dearest! (Gohan chuckles)
(Shot as Nene gets up from the sea, wiping the water from her in a red swimsuit.)
Nene: Damn. It’s not so much fun without Akane.
(Nene: One of the things that me and Akane did together was as breakfast was cooking, we take a dip in the ocean and just talk. It has been a long time since I’ve done that in a while, and the way me and Akane were like, it was great having her on the island. Now, however, it’s become more difficult.)
(Shot of Duo and Shinji)
Duo: Nene seems…I dunno, a bit more out of it now.
Shinji: I see what you mean, without Akane, she feels alone. (sigh) I know exactly how she feels…
(Gohan walks up with Tenchi)
Gohan: Hey guys, why don’t we cheer her up a bit then?
Shinji: Sure, but how…
Gohan: (evil smile) Well…
(Shinji: Don’t ask me why, but I feel drawn to Nene, she now feels alone in this world, and with Helang’s numbers drawing thinner by the council, she has to feel a bit helpless, which is a shame for a smart bubbly girl like her.)
(Nene gets herself dried off as Gohan goes up to her)
Gohan: You O.K?
Nene: Yeah…I guess, but it seems like everyone has someone now, and I’m all alone. Akane gone, it feels so helple..HEY!
(Gohan has picked up Nene and whistles. Sakura, Julia, Duo, Tenchi and Shinji begin to enter the camp and begin the dreaded, most feared move in the world…the tickle attack.)
Nene: (in between giggles) Hey…guys…cut…it…out…oh, you’re…too much!
(Gohan sets Nene doing as he contains her smile)
Nene: Thanks guys, I needed that.
Duo: Your welcome Miss Nene.
Nene: (smiles) I guess with most people here younger than me, I guess I still get that title. Heh, gives me the reason to pick on people now.
Chun: (outside camp) Breakfast ready!
(The group gathers out as the cooking fish that Tenchi caught is helping wonders for the group)
Duo: Mpph…mmpph…
Tenchi: What was that?
Shinji: I think that was translated loosely into ‘Thank you Tenchi.’
Tenchi: Oh good, I thought he was choking.
Duo: (swallows) I was choking, the fish got stuck in my throat.
(All sweatdrop)
Nene: Anyway, guys thanks for cheering me up (sighs). I know it’s the game, but…
Julia: I’m just as upset as you Nene, I really like Akane….
Shinji: Nene, listen, times of life when people leave you, you never know when you’re going to see them again. For a lot of us here, it may be never. Myself, I never saw my father for many years, and when I finally did, a cruel hard cast had been covered around him. Despite this, and everything, I decided to fight alongside him, even though I didn’t want to. However, as long as you remember her the way you did, you’ll never forget her.
(All stare at Shinji as he becomes embarrassed)
Shinji: Er, sorry about that…
Tenchi: Wow, Shinji I didn’t think you had it in you!
Nene: (smiles) Wow, thank you Shinji-poo!
(Shinji blushes, very embarrassed)
(Shinji: I entered this game just to see what it would be like, to get away from everything, not expecting to win. However, I’m half way there, the final 8. I’m thinking, this could be anybody’s game.)
* * * *
Akito: With the reward challenge coming up, and after hearing about the treatment Gohan and Akane got, they need a lift up. However, today’s challenge is a bit different, as everyone could win something that they desperately could need. And no, this isn’t like the UK version and no-one will argue about what they win…at least, that’s the idea.
(Off screen Chromus: Akito’s been looking through the past Survivor’s of his 20th century handback. Good on ya.)
(A shot of the beach as Tenchi clears up a bit of the beach with Gohan. Sakura is swimming with Julia, Duo and Chun, and Shinji and Nene are relaxing on the beach in the shade)
Tenchi: Need to get in that water in this heat…
Gohan: I think the weight is shedding off us.
Tenchi: (smiles) You and Sakura hardly have any weight to lose anyway, especially you, you’re all muscle.
Gohan: This is a way of saying, you’re still a threat pal, aren’t you?
Tenchi: Yep.
Gohan: Good, because I want to keep being a threat, until I am booted off this island, and I don’t plan on doing that any time soon…
Tenchi: Just don’t go against me quickly, I don’t want to go back to Okayama!*
(Authors note: Tenchi in Tokyo is the current Tenchi Series in the UK, and up to today, Tenchi has kissed Sakuya in episode 16, so I don’t know what the relationship patterns are by the end of TOT, but when I wrote this, TOT wasn’t on and Sakuya didn’t exist, so just assume that Tenchi is still in the madness of Okayama.)
Gohan: Deal.
(In the ocean)
Julia: The guys are taking their time…
Chun: Ah, let them fry, we’re taking their fun away.
Duo: I guess we need it, every day draws nearer to another one going off.
Sakura: Yeah…
Julia: (comforting) Aw, don’t worry sweetheart, *(puts an arm around her)* All in favour of not voting off anything this cute any time soon go aye.
Julia/Duo/Chun: AYE!
Sakura: (breaks into a grin) I guess that’s thanks enough.
(Authors Note 2: Yes, as we all know, Sakura won Globie’s AS3, but again, the story started before that, and I of course didn’t know that Sakura was going to win, although she was one of my picks. But just to avoid confusion (and Arpulver like Animation Alliance/Anime Survivor Canon), this is a new canon and the said two legendary stories don’t exist in this one. Sorry guys!)
(On the beach)
Shinji: I guess I’m not the water type guy.
Nene: I can barely doggy paddle, I was almost as bad as Akane.
Shinji: You said almost.
Nene: Hey, I can’t be perfect at everything.
Shinji: (smiles) Shame.
Nene: What? (feels Shinji’s forehead) Was that a sense of humor? A warming up to me? Shinji Ikari, what’s been going on?
Shinji: I dunno. I guess I feel…free since being here. This has really returned me back to my normal self. I’ve had no pressures, sure you need to survive but this is nothing compared to what I’ve endured back home…
Nene: (looks at Shinji) Shinji…
Shinji: Yeah?
Nene: You know something, you’re a nice guy. This is the you you want to be, and there is no reason why that can’t be still a possibility.
Shinji: (smiles) Thanks Miss Nene.
Nene: Heh. You’re the same age as my friend Mackey back home. In fact, you actually sound like him as well…
(Authors Note 3: Mackey Stingray’s English Voice Actor, Spike Spencer, from Bubblegum Crisis 2040, is also the same VA for Shinji Ikari. So, anything that happens in this chapter is not entirely ironic…)
Shinji: I’ll take that as a compliment. Hey, the others are in the water, we might as well join them. Don’t want them to think we’re plotting anything do we?
Nene: (shocked) US? Plot? We don’t plot…we scheme.
(The two smile and high five before joining the others in the water)
* * * *
(The time is midday. And our 8 remaining survivors are sitting on a log, ready for a challenge veteran to all survivors and indeed anime survivors as well)
Akito: Well now, our 8 survivors are here, and it is time for the reward challenge, and how’s the food going?
Duo: We’ve still got plenty of rations for the moment, and none of us are in our gratuitous starvation yet, but we wouldn’t say no to a bit more food.
Akito: Well, in that case, this challenge may or may not be up your alley. As you can see, we have a traditional Borneo blowpipe and over there, we have a target over there.
(Off screen Chromus: I tried to get copies of producers of the dubbed Sailor Moon first season and Cardcaptors, especially episodes 66 and 68, but too much hassle.)
Akito: Right, the challenge is simple. Each of you will shoot a dart at the target. If you miss, you win nothing. Outer ring: £50. Inner ring: £100. Bulls eye: £250. And I’ll explain what to do with that money later, but first, you have to aim true. So, if Julia, will you go first?
(Julia shoots first, and as an expert in archery, isn’t too far off the bulls-eye and gets the inner ring)
Akito: Well done, £100.
(Tenchi shoots and also gets the outer ring, precise hand/eye co-ordination in his kendo arts helping)
Akito: Another £100.
(Duo shoots and hits dead centre, his shooting in the DeathScythe a huge advantage in this challenge)
Akito: £250…damn I’m going broke.
(Chun goes next…and misses the target.)
Chun: Aw nuts…
Akito: Yes…I mean shame Chun. Next victim?
(Shinji goes next, and he also shoots perfectly in the centre circle, like he was in complete synch.)
Akito: So much for hope, another £250 pounds.
(Gohan shoots, and misses…but he can take credit for putting small holes through three trees with his shot…^_^)
Akito: O….K? Er Sakura?
(Sakura shots and just gets it in the outer circle. £50.)
Sakura: 50 quid yours, and finally?
(Nene pauses, and shoots, in the bulls-eye, her aim with her needle shots as the Red Sabre proving her worth)
Akito: And another full monty with £250 going to miss Nene here. Now, let’s see how you can spend your money shall we?
Nene/Shinji/Duo: £250
Tenchi/Julia: £100
Sakura: £50
Chun/Gohan: That’s all folks!
* * * *
(Another shot, this time Akito is at a table, as the 8 survivors sit by the side.)
Akito: Well guys, it’s time to see what you can spend your money on. First off…
(And cue drooling, as a fresh warm and delicious looking Okonomiyaki is placed upon them)
Akito: This okonomiyaki, fresh and delivered from Ucchan’s in Nerima, and Ukyo has said hi to Akane already, but this is prepared with the best herbs, sauces and toppings anyone can buy. So, who gets it?
Nene: £50!
Shinji: £70!
Duo: £90!
Nene: £150!
Duo/Shinji: Er?
Nene: Sorry guys, but Akane told me about these, IT’S MINE!
Duo/Shinji: (sweatdropping) Er right.
Akito: Sold, to the cute yet slightly psychopathic girl in the back row. One okonomiyaki fit for a queen sold.
(Nene tears a quarter of it for herself, but passes it round, letting everyone else take a slice. Nene takes one bite and her eyes light up)
Nene: Oh god, that’s gorgeous. Note to self, order from Ucchan’s from now on…
Akito: Well, let’s see what else we got…ah, classic british grub here this time? A hamburger, fish and chips WITH tomato ketchup. Now…
Duo: £250.
All: WHAT?
Duo: Sorry, I got a taste for these down at the colony in London.
Akito: Sold to the food critic down in front.
(Duo takes a bite out the burger, and shares out the chips, everyone saving the flavour. He bites the fish and smiles in delight.)
Akito: Now then, we’ve had warm. What about sweet?
(All groan as sugar-holics beware, a beauty bar of chocolate is held in front of them)
Nene: £100.
Akito: Shinji?
(Shinji shakes his head.)
Akito: Sold!
(Nene takes it and breaks it into three and hands them to Gohan and Chun, who have no money. Gohan shares it with Sakura, Chun shares it with Julia and Duo, and Nene shares hers with Tenchi and Shinji.)
Akito: Next item…
(Ice cream fudge sundae…)
Sakura: £50!
Tenchi: Er…
Sakura: Please? (does a cute shoujo anime like look)
Tenchi: (groans in defeat by the powers of the look, the poor guy has too many problems with women anyway, he doesn’t need another one)
Akito: Sold, thanks to quick buying and quick smarting.
(Sakura takes one bite of the sundae and squeals. She then invites everyone else to take a spoon which they all do in delight and squeal with the sugary taste.)
Akito: O.K, now British taste number two…O.K, it’s not technically british but..
(A curry is held, Indian chicken. Drooling continues.)
Tenchi: £100.
Akito: You a curry fan Tenchi?
Tenchi: Yes but…
Shinji: £150.
Tenchi: Aw nuts…(yep, by this time, Tamers had started airing…^_^)
Akito: Sold!
(Shinji lets Tenchi share some as others take a pick of the curry)
Akito: Everyone’s picking the bits up, almost full, and just two items left…O.K, how about this?
(Akito shows a 2 litre bottle of Californian Orange Juice.)
Julia: £100.
Shinji: I’ll let her have it.
Akito: Sold!
(Julia takes a quick swig and feels right at home. Everyone takes one as it goes back to the Tekken girl, for future tastes.)
Akito: And the final one…
(A mobile phone)
Akito: (smiles) A phone call home.
(All sweatdrop)
Julia: Only Tenchi and Shinji have money left…
Shinji: Personally, I wouldn’t phone home, trust me.
Duo: Tenchi?
Tenchi: Er…you do realise what will happen when I ring?
Julia: We know. But let’s see if you’re telling the truth anyway…
Tenchi: Aw geez…O.K. I bet £100.
Akito: Is that your final answer?
Tenchi: (resigned) Yep.
Akito: Sold. One phone call home to Mr. Masaki right away?
Tenchi: I guess so, at least you’ll know what I came from anyway…
* * * *
(Shot of Tenchi with the mobile phone. It’s timed for a 2 minute call, as Tenchi gets prepared)
(Tenchi: It’s weird, but after everything, I do miss everyone back home. God knows what has happened without me?)
(Tenchi sighs and makes the call, the others watching in. As the phone starts ringing, Julia’s smile on her face is threatening to engulf her face.)
A female voice: Voice?
Tenchi: (Breathing a sigh of relief) Sasami? It’s Tenchi!
Sasami: Tenchi! Wow, I can’t believe it!
Tenchi: Yeah, I’ve just won a phone call back home, so I…
(But as soon as Sasami screamed Tenchi, chaos ensues.)
Ryoko: Tenchi, my love! You won and called me didn’t you? Oh you wonderful person…
Tenchi: Er, Ryoko…
Ayeka: Listen here, Lord Tenchi and I are related by royal blood, if he was calling anyone it was me!
Tenchi: Heh, now listen girls…
Washu: (explosion) Oh, these testings aren’t any fun without Tenchi around.
Tenchi: (sweatdrops) Oh boy…
Kiyone: Mihoshi, come back!
Mihoshi: But I wanna speak to Ten…(sound of someone falling and a variety of sounds of furniture crashing and people arguing)
(The others are looking at Tenchi very amusing. Julia is trying hard to keep her laugh in, and failing miserably. Pretty soon, everyone is finding it hard to keep a straight face…)
Tenchi: Oh boy…
Sasami: I’m sorry about this Tenchi.
Tenchi: It’s O.K, just tell them…(I’m gonna regret this)…that I love them all.
Sasami: O.K, hey guys, Tenchi said…
Tenchi: HEY WAIT, NOT NOW!
(But Sasami calls. This springs everyone gagging to try and get to the phone, which the battle is won by Ryo-ohki, who squeals into the phone. Tenchi says goodbye to the cabbit before turning off the phone and collapsing.)
(The others laugh outloud as Julia puts an arm around him)
Julia: Aw, the poor Tenchi. It must be hell.
Duo: Yep, hell and paradise at the same time…
Tenchi: More of the H word than the P word I must say…
(They all laugh as they return to their island lives)
(Tenchi: That call brought everyone together in a weird sadistic kind of way, and brought a smile to everyone. Now, I just hope none of them see what I’ve been getting up to otherwise I could be missing a few body parts when they find out…)
* * * *
(Everyone is enjoying the bits of the meal that everyone shared, picking bits from everyone. Some people are having a bit of fun as well.)
Gohan: Say ahh!
Sakura: Ahh! (Gohan puts a piece of chicken and rice in her mouth as she closing her eyes)
Nene: Aww, how sweet! (bites into a bit of chocolate) Not as sweet as this though….
Julia: So…(nudges Tenchi)…out of all of those, who would you pick then?
Tenchi: (sweating like mad) Er, hey, that’s not fair Julia!
Julia: I know, it’s great.
Duo: He’s whipped.
Shinji: All I can say is that at least my ‘family’ isn’t as obsessive. Then again…
Duo: (smiles) Missing them are you?
Shinji: Well, Misato has been on the island anyway, but….I hate to say but I miss Kensuke and Touji, and as hard as it may be, I miss Rei and Asuka as well.
Duo: So…which one do you like?
Shinji: WHAT? Er…someone, help please…
Chun: Hmm…Duo, keep embarrassing him!
Shinji: Oh boy…
* * * *
(The night comes, and another storm is brewing for the 8 survivors, and the camp is packed up.)
Duo: This is not good.
Tenchi: Let’s just try and drown it out shall we.
(The 8 of them begin to make their arrangement, with clothes and anything to make themselves comfortable. Julia uses her game mat and wraps it round herself and Tenchi.)
(As the night continues and the storm crashes down, Nene remains awake and looks around the surroundings.)
(Julia and Tenchi are fast asleep, warm together under the covering. She spots Sakura leaning in on Gohan’s arm and side, Nene hiding a warm smile. She looks and sees Duo and Chun, trying to remain inconspicuous, but failing as Chun keeps edging closer to Maxwell, as Nene sighs.)
Nene: Despite everything, with Akane gone, I feel alone.
(Suddenly, she hears something. She forgot someone, and sees Shinji tossing and turning. Nene thinks for a second, and quickly crawls over to him.)
Nene: (shaking him awake) Shinji. Shinji, wake up…
(The pilot of Eva-01 gradually wakes up, as sweat is appearing on his brow.)
Nene: Shinji-kun, what happened?
Shinji: Huh? What…oh Nene. I’m sorry, did I wake you?
Nene: No, I was still awake. What’s wrong? (tries to wipe his brow)
Shinji: I’m sorry, it’s just that I have bad dreams sometimes, of what is happening back home, the Angel attacks and everything…sometimes it just leaves me in such a state.
Nene: I know how you feel.
Shinji: You do?
Nene: After the attack of Mega-Tokyo, I honestly thought I wouldn’t get out of it alive, but luck upon luck, I did. After everything…the Sabers, Mackey…it’s just too much for a memory.
Shinji: I guess. It’s hard to believe.
Nene: What is?
Shinji: That through everything, we are actually quite alike.
Nene: (smiles) I guess in that respect, we are. (looks around) Hey…Shinji?
Shinji: Yeah?
Nene: Look around. Everyone is with someone. They’ve got someone to look after each other. We don’t.
Shinji: Huh? Well, what are you s…
(Nene grabs her cloth and lies next down to Shinji)
Nene: Come on Shinji-poo, just for some comfort, my best friend on the island left me yesterday…
Shinji: (a bit nervous) Er…Nene…
Nene: Shh…it’s O.K, just don’t do anything or die. It’s a choice.
Shinji: (remembering a certain incident with Asuka when she was sleepwalking…) Er…no problem.
Nene: Good. (With that, Nene gets as comfortable as possible and cuddles up to Shinji)
Shinji: I don’t think Touji and Kensuke are gonna believe this…(starts to warm up though and with a small smile on his face, begins to drift off…)
* * * *
(Day 24, 6.17am.)
(The camp is silent, the affect of the storm still a worry, as it was difficult to sleep last night, but a decent attempt was made)
(The first one up, as it has been is Julia, who routine of getting up for the sunrise was made difficult for the storm, but she still manages it. She takes in her surroundings, and decides to try and wake up a bit more.)
Julia: I feel so tired…
(She hasn’t noticed yet where everyone is sleeping, and fortunately before anyone does notice, Shinji slowly wakes up. He spots Julia and freezes, he stealthily slides over before managing to drag himself up.)
Julia: Huh…oh hey, Shinji.
Shinji: (groggily) Morning…
Julia: That storm was rough. I’ve seen some tropical storms before, but this was one of the worst…
Shinji: Was anything damaged?
Julia: Apart from our sleep, I don’t think so.
(About an half an hour later, Shinji and Julia are beginning to cook as Julia has managed to dive and use a spear to catch a couple of succulent fish.)
Shinji: This is the moment that reminds me of home, my cooking for the others. Of course, after this, they are all usually shouting and complaining about something, or in Misato’s case finishing off a beer.
Julia: A beer in the morning?
Shinji: Trust me, even I don’t know how she does it…
(Tenchi gets up now and goes to the ocean and washes his face. He then walks over to the two of them)
Tenchi: I woke up when I felt that my blanket wasn’t around me.
Julia: But I left it on.
Tenchi: (slyly) I meant my other blanket.
(Shinji tries hard not to giggle, as Julia blushes.)
Tenchi: How’s the rice going?
Julia: We’re O.K, I think for the rest of the game, the way that we’ve managed to catch food has been invaluable for the group.
Shinji: The way YOU’VE been catching food you mean. O.K, so Sakura, Gohan and Duo have caught some as well, but you’re our expert.
Tenchi: True, you’ve been our saviour since the start.
Julia: Guys, stop it! You’re embarrassing me!
(Julia: The way Akane said that I was going to win, and the way that Tenchi and Shinji are singing my praises, it makes me think…I can win this. I didn’t think I could, especially I had the home advantage of being on a familiar area. However, that hasn’t been the case, and I hate to sound cocky, but I reckon I could win this now.)
(As the three continue talking, Nene gets up, and is smiling a bit. Gohan is also up and tries (in vain) to wake up his sleeping beauty, as Nene repeatedly tells him to give up.)
Nene: Gohan…
Gohan: It’s the principle of the thing…
Sakura: I was awake on the first shake you fool….
Gohan: Oh…
Sakura: (smiles) And how are old Helang today?
Nene: (sighs) Fine, not too bad…until Immunity I suppose.
Gohan: Oh no, it’s immunity challenge today. One of us has to win it to be safe.
Sakura: I know…you know, it’s rotten that we make friends and at the end of the today, we are waiting to be cast off.
Nene: Just remember guys, let’s not go out without a fight.
Gohan: No way Miss Nene.
Sakura: Agreed.
(The three head off to join the fire, as Tenchi, Julia and Akane wave and begin talking to them. It isn’t long before Duo and Chun are also up…)
Chun: The smell of fish and rice, ah, the smell of a new day.
Duo: Ughh…another day here with you…
Chun: Whatever you’re gonna say next, say carefully Duo-dear.
Duo: (quickly) …is like another day in paradise!
Chun: Aw nuts, he saved himself there, I needed another practice dummy.
(Shot of everyone round the fire, enjoying breakfast)
Tenchi: It’s another day, another immunity challenge…
Nene: Please don’t remind me…
Julia: It’s a case of definite safety for another 3 days, but…(looks sadly at Helang)
Gohan: I know. We need it as much as everyone does, it just feels…
Duo: Gohan, we know how it is buddy, it’s bad luck within good luck, but that doesn’t mean we won’t go our best as well.
Gohan: I know. I actually like that, it drives me to win even more.
Sakura: That’s the spirit Gohan!
Chun: Let’s just enjoy our food now, and get ready for later today.
Shinji: Then the heartless backstabbing may commence….
* * * *
(Immunity Challenge: Time 12.15pm.)
(Shot of the tribe on a thin stretch of beach, littered with various bits and pieces of shrapnel of the island. Akito is looking on as the 8 remaining survivors.)
Akito: This challenge is vitally important for anyone to ensure they will survive for another 3 days, so pay attention. In a minute, I will ask you to collect as much of these pieces of earth, wood, line and various other materials off the floor and to a place in the beach which is marked by a thin stretch of line and your name.
(Shot of 8 piece of line held by two pieces of wood, one piece with a name of the competitor on it)
Akito: I’ll explain the rest of the challenge after. Now, GO!
(The 8 have 2 minutes to gather as much material as possible and take it to their place on the beach. Gohan is flying about the place, getting his material quicker than any of the others. Tenchi and Duo also are doing rather well, and no-one is obviously slacking, as they all play for immunity.)
Akito: Time’s up.
(Shot of their collections. None looks significantly small.)
Akito: Now, for the second part. (Grabs an unlit torch) With a torch you will go into the sea, and light it with the giant fire on the raft in the ocean.
(Shot of a huge fire on a large raft in the ocean)
Akito: Light it, come back, WITHOUT GETTING IT WET OBVIOUSLY otherwise you’re making another trip, and you will find the going tough. You will use your flame to try and make a fire with your material, and your task is to get your flame high and strong enough to break the wire between the two pieces of wood. When it breaks, a flag will fall off one of the pieces, and the first one to do that wins immunity. O.K?
(The survivors nod in agreement)
Akito: O.K, Survivors on my mark…GO!
(All 8 rush in with intensity, swimming the first leg and treading water and walking it back to avoid the torch getting wet. Gohan takes an early lead, with Julia, Tenchi and Duo just behind him. Then comes Chun, then Sakura, Shinji and then Nene.)
(Gohan gets to the fire first, and lights his torch as he begins to go back, much slower. Tenchi comes next and takes similar giant steps he used to beat Gohan on the high wire in a previous challenge. He begins to catch up with the Super Saiyan, as Duo comes next, then Julia, then Chun. Shinji and Sakura are further behind, and Nene is even further, really struggling.)
(Coming up to the beach, Gohan and Tenchi are neck a neck, as they get to their respective material and put the flame on the small hill of shrapnel, the method being for it to smoke, and make a small flame, and then it’s up to the survivors to make the fire bigger. The group can return to the material filled beach and add to it as well.)
(Both Gohan and Tenchi put their fires on, as Duo comes next, and begins to do the same thing. Julia follows short after followed by Chun, and the martial arts also begin to do their thing.)
(Shinji arrives next, and Sakura and Nene also follow behind him, Nene managing to catch up through Nene-like stubbornness and determination. Now, all the survivors are on their beach, starting their fires)
(Shot of Gohan blowing, as his hill is looking good, a flame starting and Gohan begins to look for more material. Shot of Duo also looking good, and Nene, despite arriving last, knowing how to make the fire well. Julia’s also has a flame, and Tenchi has started his too. No luck yet for Shinji, Chun and Sakura though.)
(Tenchi begins to colllect some more stuff, as Gohan returns to his flame. Shinji has just made a flame now, and also goes for some more wood. Chun is obviously trying hard, and manages to get a burst of smoke, which also changes into a small flame. Only Sakura hasn’t created one yet.)
(Nene is rushing in as her fire is starting to get high. Julia and Duo are also getting some strength on their fire. However, just as it looks like Julia’s is coming to the wire, a shout is made.)
(Everyone turns…and Gohan’s fire has come up and the wire has broke…his flag raised in the air. Everyone groans for a second, but the decision is made. Gohan has won immunity.)
Akito: Congratulations Mr. Gohan, you are immune for three more nights!
(Akito gives the immunity necklace to Gohan, who’s eyes are filled with relief as the others begin to congratulate him, and in some cases, already begin to think of another strategy…)
* * * *
(As the group returns to camp, one member knows how lucky he is)
Gohan: I’m saved.
Nene/Sakura: We’re doomed! (the three smile)
(Gohan: I knew that I wasn’t going to have a break today if I didn’t win immunity, but I got it, and I know I’m going to have to keep consistent. I also know….that I may have condemned either Nene…or Sakura….to eviction tomorrow night.)
(Sakura: It’s good to know that one of your friends will survive, but it’s also saddening because you know you could be up for the chop…)
(Nene: Unless there is a mass problem inside Ulah I don’t know about, then either me or Sakura is going…and I feel it may be me. Unless they want to split up the closeness of Sakura and Gohan, they will go for me I think. Not good.)
Tenchi: Well Gohan, you’re guaranteed safety for another three days, good on ya!
Gohan: Thanks Tench, (wipes sweat from his brow) that heat was near impossible though.
Chun: Let’s go get some of that juice then.
(As the tribe goes to quench their thirst, it is time to reflect on what the group is going to do…)
(Shot of Tenchi and Julia standing by the beach looking out to the ocean)
Julia: Are you sure you won’t tell me which one of the girls you like back home?
Tenchi: STOP IT!
Julia: All right, all right! Now, more serious business…who do you think we should go for tomorrow…
Tenchi: It’s either Nene or Sakura…unless you want to choose someone from our group.
Julia: (shakes her head) No. We both want to win as bad as anyone else and the Ulah alliance needs to hold. As much as it sucks at times…
Tenchi: It’s sucks all the time, trust me on that.
(However, whilst Julia and Tenchi are discussing, Chun, Duo and Shinji have a definite choice…well, maybe not one of the members.)
Duo: So, as we can’t go for Gohan, which one of the two girls then?
Chun: I’d go with Nene.
Shinji: (slowly) Nene? But why?
Duo: She’s more of a threat. In physical challenges, I think any of us can beat her, but mentally, she is a far greater strength than anyone else here is.
Shinji: Are you sure? I feel Sakura can be more dangerous, she is playing under the radar and could sneak in.
Chun: But I feel it’s easier to rope in Sakura into voting for one of us at the end when all 4 Helang are on the jury.
Shinji: I see the idea, but…
Duo: Sorry Shinj, I think Chun’s right. It’s much smarter to take out Nene now, rather than wait for her get to the end. If you know about other survivors, they always seem to have a quiz don’t they? Do you think any of us could beat Nene?
Shinji: I guess…
Chun: Right, then we’ll tell Tenchi and Julia and see if they agree.
(Duo and Chun go the two, Shinji more slower)
(Shot of Gohan, Sakura and Nene in the ocean, unaware of the conversations, but very aware of the problem.)
Gohan: I’m sorry…
Sakura: Don’t apologise please Gohan, you needed much more than anyone else left on the island.
Gohan: But it means I’ve probably condemned one of you two to exile.
Nene: Gohan, we knew the risks when we went to immunity. We also knew that one of us was going no matter what. Look at this way, if I go today, I’ll get reunited with Akane real quick…
Gohan: (smiles) I guess that. Plus you’ll probably have a much more enjoyable time at the hotel…
Nene: Yeah. (sadly) But it’s not our decision. It’s theirs. (indicates where all of Ulah are gathering)
Sakura: You know what they’re talking about, don’t ya?
Gohan: Yeah…(suddenly lunges and pushes the two girls underwater)
Sakura: (spluttering) What was that for?
Nene: Yeah Gohan-poo?
Gohan: Well, if this is going to be depressing, might as well make you two smile for a bit.
Nene/Sakura: O.K! (And the two tackle him. Their hijinxs continues until the Ulah group notices them)
Tenchi: Hey, let’s talk about this later. Let’s join them and just enjoy ourselves for now.
Shinji: (relieved) Sure.
(Tenchi and Julia begin to swim over and tackle the two girls. Soon, all 8 are swimming, splashing and having fun, like nothing had ever happened.)
* * * *
(That night, no storm and the group is very silent. However, one member of Ulah is continuing his ritual of sleeping outside on the hammock.)
Shinji: Why does it happen like this? It doesn’t seem fair…
(Suddenly, a rustling from the tent comes. Shinji turns, expecting it to be Tenchi, or maybe Duo and Chun. However, the person surprises him.)
Shinji: (quietly) Nene?
Nene: (looking around) Huh? Oh hi Shinji. I forgot you liked to sleep outside.
Shinji: Too many people make me nervous.
Nene: Does 1 person?
Shinji: Depends who it is. If it’s Asuka, Misato or my father, yep. If it’s you, nope.
Nene: Good. (sits down cross legged by Shinji)
Shinji: So, why aren’t you asleep…
Nene: I couldn’t. I know this could be my last night. I enjoyed our sunset watch tonight, but the heart didn’t seem right.
Shinji: Er, Nene….
Nene: Yeah?
Shinji: (sighs) Don’t tell I told you…but…(very quietly)…we’re voting for you tomorrow.
Nene: (looks a bit shocked, but looks at the ground) I figured as much.
Shinji: I didn’t want to. I went against it, but…
Nene: …you couldn’t because it would make you an outcast. I could ask you to join us but…
Shinji: I’d be cast out even more aside then. Besides, it wouldn’t matter.
Nene: (nods in understanding) I got more votes against me than anyone else here. (chuckles slightly) Even gone, Gary haunts me.
(Both remain quiet for a second.)
Nene: Shinji?
Shinji: Yeah?
Nene: Everyone here seems to have someone to confide it. Tenchi and Julia. Gohan and Sakura. Duo and Chun. We seem to be the loners now.
Shinji: Yeah. I noticed that too. Why do you ask?
Nene: Well, now I know this is my last night, I don’t want to be alone….so…
(Silently, she stands up, and to Shinji’s amazement, Nene crawls into the hammock with him)
Shinji: (stuttering and very nervous) Nene, what…are…you…doing?
Nene: What does it look like? I’d rather not share my last night in loneliness, you don’t mind do you?
Shinji: Well…er…no, not really.
Nene: Good. Just say it’s a thing for younger men. (cuddles up to Shinji) This is for one night only though…but thanks.
Shinji: You’re…welcome. (Shinji looks as Nene cuddles up to Shinji, feeling warm against him. He suddenly has an impulse to kiss her, but stops, and sighs. Instead, he just puts a nervous arm around her shoulders and goes to sleep. Perhaps the most comfortable night that Shinji has been on the island.)
* * * *
(Day 25, 7.15am.)
(Shot of Tenchi waking up…and smells something, and hears talking. He leaves the tent and sees Shinji and Nene talking together, as Shinji is cooking up just rice, but they have the bottle of ketchup as well from the bidding challenge to add some flavour.)
Tenchi: Hey guys, up early?
Nene: Yeah, up and refreshed Tenchi-kun.
Tenchi: Good. No catch today?
Nene: Nah, I tried, but I’m just not as athletic as Julia is.
Tenchi: It doesn’t matter anyway. (shot as Julia begins to get up)
Julia: Er…I awake, and the warmth hits me like the suns back home.
Tenchi: It was a bit too warm last night.
Nene: I dunno…(smiles secretly to Shinji) I found it fairly comfortable.
(One by one, each of the group leaves, and after Gohan recovers from fainting finding out that Nene was the first one up, they settle to their final breakfast.)
(Nene: Last night, as I knew I was going, me and Shinji got up at sunrise to watch the sunrise. Akane told me that if I didn’t watch it the night I was going, I’d miss out. And I managed. However, as soon as we heard movement, Shinji returned to the hammock and I stayed out, so it looked like I was there watching. Indeed, Julia got up and we had a nice talk as well, and she also kinda confirmed that I was going, and it was really nice of them I must say.)
Duo: Tonight, another one is gone.
Chun: This is getting harder and harder.
Gohan: Wait until the jury is decided and we have to decide who is going to win.
Sakura: That is gonna be a killer.
Shinji: You can say that again.
Tenchi: Hey, just as we remember we’ve all got along, they we’re O.K right?
Nene: Yep. No problem.
Julia: It still doesn’t make anything any easier though.
(As they finish off the rice, the rest of the day is divided into voting alliances, clearing up and more voting alliances…)
(Shot as Nene is walking into the jungle of water with Julia)
Nene: I won’t tell, but it is me you’re going for tonight isn’t it?
Julia: (sighs) I’m sorry Nene…
Nene: It’s O.K. I feel like I need to go anyway…just remember that we’re voting for the winner as well, Akane has gone for you, for me, either you or Tenchi perhaps.
Julia: But…
Nene: Hey, I’m not stupid. It’s highly unlikely that a member of Helang will get into the final two, so I’m thinking about everything…
(Nene: I only half-lied. If Julia is in the final two, I’ll probably vote for her…unless Shinji is there. He showed that he is a sensitive young man, and is really underestimated her. I think he can turn the tide of the game.)
(Back on the beach)
Tenchi: I’m sorry Nene-chan…
Chun: We can’t be sorry in this game Tenchi, we have to be ruthless, as much as it may pain us.
Duo: I think I’d take on a whole horde of warlords and dictators that face a wrath of a Helang member or taking a vote, but it has to be done.
Chun: Nene next? And then Gohan, unless he wins immunity, then Sakura.
Tenchi: (sighs) Yeah, I think that’s the way…
(Gohan and Sakura)
Sakura: Are you sure?
Gohan: I’m positive. Nene told me herself that Shinji said it was her.
Sakura: Why would Shinji help her though?
Gohan: I dunno. The two have been talking to each other today more…maybe Shinji feels sorry for her, he is a sympathetic person.
Sakura: (smiles) Take away ‘sym’. (Both giggle) No, actually you’re right, he does seem to care…
Gohan: So what about the vote then?
Sakura: Shall we continue stacking them up?
Gohan: Yeah, let’s see what Nene says when she gets back….
(As the day lingers on, one Nene Romanova knows her luck has run out, but still hopes to be an impact player.)
Nene: I’m not going to vote for Shinji. Either Duo or Chun.
Gohan: Why Duo?
Nene: Why not? He’s going to vote for you next you know Gohan if you don’t win immunity.
Gohan: Fair point. I’ll stick with Shinji. Hey, Sak, you vote for Chun and Nene, you vote for Duo, hows that? Then all but the ones we want to win have a vote.
Nene: You know…that’s quite smart…surprised I didn’t think of it?
Sakura: (sweatdrops) Even now, we suffer her intelligence.
Nene: Sorry guys. (Hugs the two kids) Good luck, it’s isn’t over until the end…
(Ulah)
Tenchi: Let’s just get this over with.
(As the group leaves, Shinji looks over at them.)
Shinji: It’s won’t matter, but today a new dawn begun for me…
* * * *
(The trip to Tribal Council is a muddy one for the group, and a silent one. Duo rings the gong as Akito watches them enter and sit down, ready for the next one to go.)
Akito: Well, another night. Another tribal council, and tonight the final 7 are chosen. But before we begin, we’d like to welcome back Akane Tendo for the jury.
(Suddenly, the group notice a smiling, and much healthier looking Akane Tendo watching the group. Her shirt is the most interesting feature, as she has a shirt with the words ‘TEAM NERIMA WELCOMES…’)
Akito: O.K then, we’ll start with Gohan. Gohan, it has been well documented that you are a huge threat to win immunity. Today, you did that, so did you feel you saved your own bacon?
Gohan: Yep! (all laugh) I think in a game like this, the only way to make sure you survive is to win immunity. And today, I got the lucky break, and am happy to still be with a chance to win the game.
Akito: Any chance to win is a good one. Now Duo, tribal unities still intact?
Duo: I will say that I think that the group has bonded much better than we anticipated but the end of the day, loyalties remain deep, and someone will have to pay that cost with exile.
Akito: Bold words Mr Maxwell. And to round things off, Chun, is it a dead cert that we know who will be going tonight?
Chun: I think so, although I’m not sure if they know it yet.
Akito: (smiles) Interesting. Very well, let’s start with immunity winner, Gohan.
(Gohan goes up and gets the marker, and writes his choice, ‘SHINJI.’)
Gohan: Although Nene likes him, it’s still a target for people that we don’t think we should win.
(Julia goes next but we don’t see his vote. Nene goes next and votes ‘DUO.’)
Nene: I’m just adding a vote to Duo, nothing personal, but I’m going at the end, I know it, even if you don’t.
(Tenchi votes, ‘NENE’.)
Tenchi: I’m sorry Nene, but to stay we have to stick to the alliance. You’re a nice girl, and I’m sure you and Akane will have plenty to talk about when you go. Good luck girl.
(Chun votes, then Sakura, her vote for ‘CHUN-LI.’)
Sakura: Another vote for the Chinese fighter, and hopefully, a better chance for someone else to win.
(Duo then votes. ‘NENE.’)
Duo: Personally, we haven’t said much, which probably makes this vote easier for me than for others, but it still doesn’t mean I like it.
(Finally Shinji come up. His vote however is a surprise. ‘SAKURA.’)
Shinji: To both Ulah and Helang, I just couldn’t vote for Nene. To be honest, I wouldn’t vote for Sakura either, but to survive, I have to. This may lead to problems for me but to be honest, I don’t care. Nene, good luck, and thank you very much.
(Akane looks on with interest as Shinji takes his seat)
Akito: O.K, Shinji was the last one to vote, I’ll go tally the votes.
(Akito looks in the jar and comes back after a few moments.)
(Akito takes the first one out. ‘NENE.’)
Akito: Nene.
(Nene smiles, not worried.)
Akito: Duo.
(Duo is a bit surprised, but shrugs it off.)
Akito: Nene.
(Nene still unconcerned.)
Akito: Shinji.
(Shinji has his head down, not looking at anyone)
Akito: Nene. 3 for Nene, and 1 each for my fellow robot boys.
(Nene is hardly moving a muscle.)
Akito: Chun-Li.
(Chun is a little surprised, but doesn’t show it.)
Akito: Nene…
(Nene smiles)
Akito: And the final vote…Sakura?
(Sakura is surprised by that, and quickly looks around, but Nene puts a hand on her shoulder and whispers something to her. Sakura calms down and smiles very slightly.)
Akito: That means that Nene has the most. Nene, could you please get your torch and come up here?
(Nene hugs Sakura and Gohan, shakes hands with Duo, Chun, Tenchi and Julia. As she comes to Shinji, she shakes his hand, and hidden from everyone else, winks at him. Nene gets her torch and goes to Akito. She smiles at Akane who looks a bit disappointed, but accepting.)
Akito: Nene, as you know, fire representing your life on this island, well tonight, you’re life has ended, could you please extinguish your flame out please…
(Nene does so as Akito smiles, causing Nene to blush.)
Akito: The tribe has spoken, you must leave.
(Nene turns and smiles.)
Nene: Well, I guess I’ll get my revenge later on when I decide the winner, but to be honest, I don’t mind. No hard feelings, and I’ll be watching you!!
(Nene leaves as the group calms down, although a few are confused about the last vote in particular.)
Akito: Well, the lucky seven that remain, you have at least another three days left on this island, so if you’ll take your torches, and I’ll see you tomorrow.
* * * *
(Nene’s confessional.)
Nene: I came, I saw, I blew it. Simple as that, Ulah alliance too strong, despite a few cranks that I hope Gohan and Sakura can exploit.
(Chun’s vote, ‘NENE.’)
Chun: I’m sorry, but as a former Helang member, you are an enemy to our survival. Your punishment? Exile.
Nene: I hope that either Gohan or Sakura can still survive, but to be honest, I think that Julia and Tenchi are going to be the final two. I’m rooting for Sakura, Gohan and Shinji, hoping they can upset the foundations a bit.
(Julia’s vote, ‘NENE.’)
Julia: We have spoken, and sadly, it’s your turn tonight. It was great to know you, and I don’t think you’ll take this personally. Someone of your intelligence deserved better, but this is how the game goes.
Nene: The time was a true experience that I won’t forget, and I’ll be keeping an eye out on everyone now, so they better now screw up!
‘DON’T TRUST ANYONE.’
* * * *
(Nene, whilst not as athletic as a number of members on both Helang and Ulah, was perhaps seen as the most cunning and intelligent person on the island. After scraping through Helang, she merged with Sekutu, and after Gohan won immunity, she fell to the Ulah alliance as the newest threat.)
(Next time, on AAVGS…)
Of course, we know who didn’t vote, but just to be sure…
Nene (4): Tenchi, Julia, Duo, Chun-Li
Duo (1): Nene
Shinji (1): Gohan
Chun-Li (1): Sakura
Sakura (1): Shinji
So, why did he do it? And what does Sakura think about it…or does it matter?
Already talked about Nene, now lets talk about Shinji. Eva was the first anime I really got into (1998) as it was one released with every episode in the UK. Yes, it cost me an arm and a leg but in the end, I saw what the hype was about. Until Nadesico showed up, it was my favourite series, it’s darkness and characterization was so unique it scared me at times. It was the first anime which I really saw and got me into anime in general. I wiped out most of the anime in MVC in the UK(starting with Nadesico, then BGC2040, then Street Fighter 2 V…all ADV), before moving onto the DVD’s last year of Oh My Goddess, BGC OVA and also Princess Mononoke.
Of course, now I import them. (Or win Mole competitions…heh…heh….)
Anyway, Shinji is such a unique character to use. Yes, he’s a wimp and very withdrawn, but I felt a month away from his normal environment could really bring something out of him.
And also, for the last fic in the Chromus Production series (very early stages), there will be more of Shinji and Nene…I promise.
Thanks for reading!