CHAPTER 12: ANIME AND VIDEO GAME SURVIVOR
TEKKEN HER REVENGE
Here’s a cameo in this episode…see if you spot it… J
Now, with just 5 left (4 by the end), we are going to see how the chances of the remaining survivors look now;
Gohan: A surprise that he’s made it this far, he has won a majority of immunities and the ones that he didn’t win, luck and fate has stepped in for him for him to continue. Realistically, he needs to win all his immunities to make it to the final. However, if he does, he’ll stand a good chance because of his likeable nature and never say die attitude.
Julia: Has done really well despite the fact that she isn’t seen as a major character in most other survivors. Her loveable nature and mother-like figure has been a cornerstone for both old Ulah and Sekutu. Unlikely for her to go until the final three unless she does something really wrong…
Sakura: Veteran in survivor and has always made it into the merge, and emerged victorious in one. Her cuteness, workable attitude is generally liked by almost everyone that met her. If she holds out, could she have another survivor trophy in her cabinet?
Shinji: The real underdog. Was unlikely to make the merge if it went 3 eliminated on both side, however, thanks to Helang screwing up once too many times, he’s survived. He’s fallen under the radar, and has managed to play a few trump cards so far. If he plays them again, he could be the surprise.
Tenchi: A real father like figure, a cornerstone for Sekutu, his youthful charms makes him instant friends with most people, epsecially with the girls, and a kind nature also helps. Not bad at other reality type games either (*coughs*Mole*coughs*) so again, another trophy to add at the Masaki’s madhouse?
Now, let’s see which one of these goes…
* * * *
(Day 33, 7.15am)
(Another night, as the aftermath of yet another tribal council is staring in the face of the 5 remaining survivors…)
Shinji: I felt so sure it was me…
(Shinji: Last night stunned me. One minute I thought ‘I’m going’ and the next, everyone else along with me votes for Duo. The problem is, I don’t know why…)
(Shinji continues to work with the breakfast. Very few seem to want to talk about Council. However, when Tenchi comes out with a bag, Shinji turns, and is stunned…)
Shinji: Is that what I think it is?
Tenchi: (nods) Yeah. The stolen rice. Hidden under Duo’s stuff last night. Gohan and the others found it last night, and we voted in unison for Duo.
Shinji: Wow…
Tenchi: (sighs) I guess apologises are in order…
(Shinji is silent for a moment as Tenchi looks down. Then Shinji puts a hand on his shoulder.)
Shinji: Forget it. I would have never got this far without your help Tenchi. I think I can let bygones be bygones…at least until the council.
Tenchi: (moans) But that’s when we accuse Sakura of stealing all the fish!
Shinji: Funny, I thought that was Julia…
(The two smile as Shinji continues to cook)
(Tenchi: It’s good to clear the air, but I’m still stunned that Duo did that stunt. I think he realises now it was wrong and it cost him. It was a plan, but a failed one.)
(As the two boys continue to cook, the aroma finally gets Julia up.)
Julia: (sleepily) Urghh…how come you guys didn’t wake me up?
Shinji: I think after last night we all needed a bit of rest.
Julia: Yeah that was bad last night. And Shinji…
Shinji: (waves her off) As I already told Tenchi, I don’t hold a grudge to anyone. In the end, someone has to go, and I was surprised as heck when it wasn’t me.
Julia: Actually I was asking when breakfast was ready. (smiles)
(Shinji sweatdrops as Tenchi holds his arms in front of his face to hold out his laughter.)
Tenchi: Anyway….aren’t the little uns getting up yet?
Julia: (in a motherly tone) Now, now, you know that the smallest need their sleep the most, especially in these type of excursions.
(They all look at each other for a moment…)
All: WAKE UP YOU LAZY BUMS!
(Shot of the camp, where Sakura is just waking up, and quickly but quietly, gets herself up, seeing her arm around Gohan.)
Tenchi: (to Sakura) You know, all the comforting you two do, you should be the first ones up!
Sakura: (bobs her tongue out at Tenchi) You guys are worse than my brother at times…
(Shot as Gohan gets up)
Gohan: It seems Survivor is struggling to keep with my body now…
Shinji: Don’t worry Gohan, we’ve got something to get that Super Saiyan energy now top…
Gohan: What? (Spots the rice) Oh yeah…we got it back last night…
Sakura: Thanks to your head…
Gohan: Huh? (remembers last night) Oh yeah…(feels the plaster with the cut on it)
Shinji: I don’t think I want to know what happened there…
Gohan: Anyway Shinji…
Shinji: You know, I’m not used to all this apologising, it’s usually the other way round for me.
Julia: Heh. When you get home, the new you should try it out for a test spin…
Shinji: If I win Survivor, I think they’ll be the ones that’ll be changing in a hurry.
Gohan: I can see it now….(Asuka voice…aka…bitchy redhead) You know Shinji, I never thought you were an idiot…
Tenchi: (Misato voice) You are so fine my young man…
Shinji: This is freaking me out…
Julia: Fortunately we don’t do a Rei one…then again, she hardly speaks anyway.
Sakura: (Funaki voice) Indeed….
(All is laughter as the morning breaks on the island. However, sooner rather than later, this laughter will be only the tightest seriousness…)
* * * *
(A simple breakfast of the hidden rice is enough to pacify the five. The rationing is fine, with just the 5 of them left, if all else fails, they have got that. However, a bit of meat is always helpful, and Gohan decides to try a little fishing…)
Gohan: Ahhh….I love the water…
(Gohan splashes for a bit before swimming underwater for a bit. His excellent abilities means that he doesn’t necessarily need a snorkel, so whilst he does fine without one, Sakura is also hunting with the stuff…)
(On the beach, the three old Ulah converse)
Shinji: You know it’s hard to imagine Gohan as a saviour of earth and Sakura as a mistress of magic when they are like this.
Tenchi: Yeah, they are just children in reality, and for them, this is like the equivalent of a good time.
Julia: Mind you, they may not have been here by now…
Tenchi: Yeah. I guess a few things went wrong along the way…
Shinji: Regretting picking Akane over Gohan now…
Julia: (sigh) Maybe…but the first time, we all agreed to vote Serena off instead of Gohan…
Tenchi: The fact that he’s been the main immunity winner hasn’t helped either.
Shinji: And when he didn’t have it, something else happened…
Julia: (nods) Yeah. He’s getting all the luck.
Tenchi: Survival isn’t just about strength and smarts, luck is a vital factor. That kid just happens to have more of it.
Gohan: (distant) Got one!
Sakura: (also distant) Great, haul it in!
Gohan: Just a sec, this may take a while…
(Julia, Shinji and Tenchi look up to see Gohan’s catch. What stuns them is what he has caught…another huge DBZ like fish, his second one of the series, but his first since Sekutu….)
Gohan: (embarrassed) Well…he put up a bit of a fight, but in the end…
Tenchi: So, anyone else think we have any problems in food…
(All sweatdrop as Sakura swims back, realising that there doesn’t seem to be much point fishing now…)
* * * *
(11.15am, 45 minutes before reward challenge)
(Gohan is resting after his excursion in the fish. Sakura and Julia are playing a small game of volleyball, whilst Tenchi and Shinji clean up some of the fish to prepare for when they get back from the reward challenge…)
Tenchi: All I can is wow.
Shinji: We need to make sure it’s kept fresh though, and need to find which bits are most edible.
Tenchi: I’m sure Gohan will know, so for now, let’s just revel in not being hungry for a while.
(Sakura and Julia)
Julia: I heard this’ll be our last reward challenge.
Sakura: Huh? Well, if it is…I need to go for it. I hope it’s food!
Julia: Sakura, we’ve just caught a huge fish and you hope it’s food?
Sakura: Well…I’ve missed all the food I enjoy back home…you know, chocolate cakes, marshmellows with caramel, sundaes, ice cold smoothies…
Julia: Anything sweet you mean.
Sakura: (thinks) Yeah, I guess so…
Julia: (Smiles) To match your sweet personality.
Sakura: (blushes) Aww…thank you…
Julia: I only said that to distract you…
(Sakura notices the makeshift volleyball is on the floor by her side. She groans as Julia snickers. Sakura smiles and returns the ball, as they go another round.)
(Meanwhile, Gohan is just enjoying a sunbathe.)
(Gohan: Doing nothing seems like a boring thing, especially for me, but sometimes doing nothing is the best thing for you. You need to conserve as much energy as possible for the remaining challenges. Especially me, you knows I’m always just one council away from being voted off.)
(Gohan better not get too comfy though…)
* * * *
Reward challenge:
(Shot of the five survivors, with Mr. Akito Tenkawa watching on on the beach. By their side is a weighing scale.)
Akito: Welcome survivors, and I’ll just say congratulations for making it this far. However, whilst your tribes keeping losing numbers, you yourselves have also lost quite a bit since coming here...well, that is…in your weight.
(All look a bit confused as Akito smiles.)
Akito: You’ve been on the island for just over a month, and with limited food per day, you most likely have been steadily losing weight. Today, we’ll find out how much. The challenge is basically, you have to guess how much weight you’ve lost.
(More murmurs)
Akito: Now, to help you in this challenge…we have this to help you. Er….where is he?
(Suddenly, a certain man comes out from a speedboat with a smile on his face. It is in fact the infamous oddsmaker/Quad R presenter, Donald Marco, making his debut in a Chromus fic.)
D Marco: Aahhh….another day, another survivor. O.K Akito, I’ll take it over from here!
Akito: Huh?
D Marco: The author has granted me full power of hosting this episode. Besides, he needs help on trying to keeping his sanity in check, Yurika’s been bugging him about you since you joined here…
Akito: (sweatdrops)
D Marco: Sorry man, but you gotta go.
Akito: Aw man…where’s Inez when you need her?
(Akito goes by speedboat to contemplate his fate, whilst Donald begins his routine.
D Marco: Aah, the final five. Well, let’s not beat around the bush, the author has decided to give me something to help you with this challenge, and it should be familiar to one of you.
(Marco reveals to them all…)
Sakura: (surprised) The Mirror Card!
D Marco: That’s right…now stand and be amazed.
(Marco reveals a slip of white paper and somehow, stabbed the mirror card with it…)
D Marco: CHEQUE OF CLOW, RELEASE!
(Again to their astonishment, especially Sakura, the mirror card somehow gets released from it’s prison…and in the shape of a mirror, a large one, appears in front of the 5 survivors.)
Sakura: How…did…you…
D Marco: Sorry, got no time to answer questions. Here, is a very large mirror where you can look at yourselves in it. This can help you see if you can guess what weight you guys are. So, as she’s the one who owns this, we’ll start with you Sakura…
Sakura: Some of these author powers are more freaky than the anime ones…
(Sakura steps in front of the mirror, and whilst was quite slim before she came here, is really struggling to see herself now…)
Sakura: Where am I? (mocks looking around) I’ve lost myself…
(The others look amused as Sakura returns to Donald)
D Marco: So, how much?
Sakura: I’d say just 6 pounds, there isn’t much of me to lose in the first place.
D Marco: (writes it down.) 6 pounds. Right, will Julia make the step now?
(The Tekken fighter, joint tallest with Tenchi looks at her figure. Originally very slim, she too is having trouble to see if she has lost any weight…)
Julia: You know, I’ll say something and I bet I’ve barely lost a pound…
(Julia looks around a bit more before making her verdict.)
Julia: Call me crazy but I think I’ve lost just 3 pounds.
D Marco: Only three? Very well…the guys turn. Shinji?
(Shinji turns and looks in the mirror. Fairly slim and runty, Shinji’s phsyique may have left him a lot of be desired. In turn, he’s quite embarrassed…)
Shinji: I musn’t run away…
Tenchi: (sweatdrops) He’s panicking.
(Shinji manages to calm himself down, and has a look round. He knows he’s lost a bit of weight, so goes up to Donald.)
Shinji: I’m not sure but I’ll go with 8 pounds.
D Marco: Hey mister weight watchers. Next, we’ll try mister muscle over there, Gohan?
(The Saiyan, who had a six pack before he came here, is probably down to his bare bones. A skeleton with muscle…)
Gohan: I’m with Sakura, I think we’re gonna vanish…
Sakura: Hey, as long as we vanish together…
Gohan: That’s not as comforting as I thought…
Sakura: You are so dead Saiyan!
(They laugh before Gohan makes his verdict…)
Gohan: My metabolism is high, so I think I lost about 10 pounds.)
D Marco: Really? Interesting…let’s go with Tenchi now.
(Unlike most of the others, Tenchi had prepared for this by putting on a bit of weight. He does seem thinner than his original look though, and has probably lost the most weight of them all.)
Tenchi: I’ll go with 12 pounds.
D Marco: 12 pounds for Mr. Masaki? Very well…
(As the 5 sit down, DM explains the results.)
D Marco: Now, when you came here, you were all weighed individually. Now, we are going to see how much you weigh on the scales here, before we compare what you said to how much weight you lost. So, without further ado, here are the results. Sakura Avalon?
Sakura: Yes?
D Marco: You weighed in 75 pounds when we started. You now weigh 70 pounds. You said 6 pounds, so you are just one off. Good start.
(Sakura smiles.)
D Marco: Julia? You weighted in at 134 pounds to start off with. You now weigh 125 pounds.
Julia: Huh? Whoa…
D Marco: Whoa is right. You lost 9 pounds compared to the paltry three you said.
Julia: I guess this is more tracking than I thought.
D Marco: O.K, next we have Shinji. You weighed in 130 pounds to start with? You are now 126 pounds.
Shinji: (surprised) Just four pounds?
D Marco: Heh, now we know why you’re the cook…sampling the dishes first…but that means you were 4 pounds out as well. Sakura still leads, and unless someone gets it bang on, I think it’s gonna stay that way. Gohan?
Gohan: Yep.
D Marco: You tipped the scales at an amazing 125 pounds. I guess all that muscle does help. You know weigh 118 pounds, so 7 pounds lost. You said 10, so still no go. It’s up to you Tenchi.
Tenchi: O.K…
D Marco: Tenchi Masaki weighed in the most of everyone here to start with at 161 pounds. He now weighs…147 pounds, making him lose the most at 14 pounds. You said 12…two out…close, but no cake…which is exactly what Sakura has won for the final reward challenge!
Sakura: Yes!
D Marco: Enjoy it while it last miss Avalon…this will be the last reward you and hopefully your tribe enjoys for a while…
(Donald shows her the reward, and the rest of the group drool as it is a huge chocolate gateau. Sakura struggles to hold it but samples some of the cream on top, with a big grin on her face. Donald returns the mirror card back to card form as Sakura takes a bite out of the gateau, grinning from ear to ear…)
* * * *
(12.23 pm.)
(Of course, Sakura isn’t a cake hog. She happily shares the reward for everyone as
they discuss their results of the challenge.)
Tenchi: (nudging Shinji) It’s true, the cooks spoil themselves…
Shinji: Great, this’ll be something else Misato makes fun of me now…
Gohan: So muscle does weigh more than fat. I’m amazed my dad isn’t 400 pounds then…
Sakura: So I guess the Sonn family has a lot of muscle.
Gohan: Yep, my dad and my mom too. (sighs) I just hope that I can see my dad again, he…
Sakura: I know…but considering what you told me about your world, he’ll probably be back by the time you return.
NOTE: AAVGS was set after the Cell Saga, Goku of course died in it, hence the Gohan/Sakura compatability. If it was older Gohan, I’d probably get a few hate-mail…^_^)
Julia: O.K guys dig in!
(The gateau has been cut very well, as all five are looking forward to it. After a month of rice, fish and other not as sweet foods, the chance for some sugar has perked them up…)
Sakura: Oh…this is heaven in a small form…
Gohan: We’ve had the strawberries, the chocolate, but this literally takes the cake…
Shinji: Mmmppphhh…
Tenchi: My sentiments exactly.
(The five enjoy the cake for a while, as they begin talking more about what is upcoming…)
Gohan: (lying down) I guess I’ll have to go out again for immunity.
Sakura: At this point in the game, we’ll all have to.
Gohan: Yeah…I suppose there are no safe places left in the game….my luck’s bound to run out sooner than later.
Julia: Hey, I don’t think any of this matters now, let’s just enjoy what time we got left.
Tenchi: Yeah, it’s almost coming to an end. It’s gone a lot quicker than I expected…
Shinji: I’m still amazed I’m on the island.
Julia: You mean after the last council?
Shinji: No, I meant after the merge.
(Everyone sweatdrops as Shinji allows himself to have a rare chuckle)
* * * *
Marco (VO): With five remaining, one will take away the huge amount of prize money which Chris is somehow supplying of one million English pounds. As the night comes closer, and the five are simply relaxing before ready for bed after a small meal of rice as the cake filled them up quite well, they begin to talk about how long they’ve stayed…and what they miss back home.
(Night-cam)
(Shot as Sakura heads back to camp as she was on clean up duty. We see the other four talking like old friends.)
Shinji: O.K, Gohan…did you expect to make it this far?
Gohan: (smiles) Not a chance.
Tenchi: (surprised) How come? You’ve got a great personality, and you’ve made friends easily…
Julia: …I think he means about us trying to mercy vote him off because of his threat.
Gohan: Yeah, I knew on the log challenge that I was going to be singled out. However, a shining light came for me.
Sakura: (coming up to them) So Serena did some good after all?
Gohan: (chuckles) Yep, thank you Sailor Moon!
Tenchi: Well, for me, it was just simply a way to escape from my life. I mean, you now all know what I usually have to deal with on a daily basis…
Julia: Yeah, it’s horrible. (grins at Tenchi)
Tenchi: (after recovering his composure) Well, I was surprised being chosen, I felt Sasami would be much better at this, however, this in truth has been more of a sight-seeing vacation more than anything, with a bit of hard work yes, but in truth, I’ve been having a blast here….oh, and the small thing about meeting Julia here…
Julia: Masaki, fortunately for you, violence is something I don’t like to use as an ideal back home…
Tenchi: Phew…
Julia: (smiles evilly) But I’m not home…am I?
Tenchi: Crap.
(Julia proceeds to mock beating the crap out of Tenchi as the other three play referee and split them apart….)
Gohan: O.K, lover’s mock quarrel over, what about you Julia? How did you think you’re chances were getting this far?
Julia: In terms of being a survivor, I am one first and foremost back in Arizona. In terms of surviving here, I wasn’t sure. I didn’t think people would accept me because of my background, however, I was surprised by both this tribe and your tribe Gohan, at how well I adapted and you accepted me. I grew in confidence as the numbers came down, and now…it’s seems like a dream come true.
Shinji: And not forgetting our little shoujo here…
Sakura: Good job you didn’t call me a kaiyju…
(HEY, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE DUBBED….WHACK…Sorry, little problem with the devil inside me…don’t worry, it’s back in it’s torture, watching the Sonic movie…)
Gohan: Yep. Me and Gary called her that once…and I’ve still got the bruises to prove it.
Sakura: Heh. Serves you right. Anyway, I think I didn’t have as much chance as some of the older and stronger participants, but I learnt something about Survivor. Strength isn’t everything, it also brings heart.
Gohan: And your charm and personality won everyone over.
Sakura: Awww….(hugs Gohan as the rest smile at the blushing Saiyan)
Tenchi: He’s right though, you do remind me of Sasami quite a bit. As much as it pains me to say it, I do miss home quite a bit, it seems weird being away from Ryoko and company…although I didn’t say I didn’t mind it…
Julia: Hey, even the most paranoid of people need a break now and then…
Shinji: They’re probably still in ectacsy over your phone call.
Tenchi: Yeah, I’m almost glad I didn’t win the reward challenge when a member of your family and friends visited...
Julia: I think I would have feared for your safety and mine…
Shinji: Same here…although I do miss them sometimes. I dunno, maybe I feel something with Rei…heck, even Asuka….there is just something about them which makes me want to see them again…
Gohan: And I thought Tenchi had girl problems…
Sakura: Oh yeah, Mr. Saiyan, what about you? You missing home?
Gohan: Of course I am, I miss my mom’s cooking, I miss my dad…I do hope he’s comes back…
(Gohan seems on tears as Sakura puts an arm around him)
Sakura: Hey…shhh…
Gohan: I’m…s-sorry, I guess I’m more emotional than I thought…
Sakura: It’s ok. I miss my mom so much even though I know she’s in a better place, watching me. I miss everything back home, my family and friends…but I think we all know they want us to win.
Julia: Yeah…(a bit teary eyed herself)…I think my mother and Jin would have liked that…it’s ironic, I’m surviving on an island created by my mother’s worst enemy.
Tenchi: Hey, I didn’t know that…
Julia: Well…
(Julia begins the stories as she begins talking about Heihachi. Soon, more and more stories come out as the group of five talk well into the night, and end up for the first time, sleeping outside the camp together. Fortunately, the risk of animals or what not is under control for tonight….)
* * * *
DAY 34. 6.20am.
(The sunrise has just come up on the Mishima Island, and there, five people, surprisingly awake have just another beautiful sunrise.)
(Shot of the group as Julia is leaning on both Shinji and Tenchi, whilst Sakura and Gohan just admire the view…)
Julia: I’ll never get tired of this…
Sakura: I don’t think I’ll be late for school every again, I’ll be too busy wanting to get up early to watch the sunrise…
Tenchi: Over Japan it’s beautiful…
Julia: It is over the cliffs in Arizona, it’s like the sun is rising from the earth…
Shinji: Everytime I see one, I keep telling myself, this is my last sunrise back home, and the next day, I live through another one. Here, it’s just a breathtaking sight, nothing more, nothing less.
(The moment continues to come as the group manage to get up early…and find a smiling Donald Marco ahead of them.
D Marco: Well, it looks like I didn’t need to wake you up anyway.
Julia: Something tells me this isn’t a social visit…
D Marco: I’m sorry, but I’ve been told this is an early immunity challenge…*yawns and grumbles* Trust the author to give me the one immunity when I can’t get a few extra hours sleep…
Sakura: (yawning) Immunity, already?
D Marco: Yep, so if you’ll follow me please, we can start.
(The 5 with only a few hours sleep have to face a challenge similar to the log challenge. However, will it be just as difficult…)
* * * *
(Shot, a bamboo pole at 7.00am. We can see all 5 survivors on a stump, and a hand on the pole. Survivor experts should know what challenge this is.)
D Marco: That’s right, this is the ‘touch the pole until you can’t touch it any more’ challenge. Our 5 survivors have just started, and the challenge is simple. Hold onto it as long as possible. At 30 minute intervals, they’ll be asked to move one stump. They must keep a hold of the pole whilst doing this. The winner is the person who goes off last, or the person that remains on the pole the longest. It could be 10 minutes or 10 hours…well, I hope not anyway. So, I hope you brought a book because this could get tedious in a short time…
(Shot of the group)
Shinji: If I knew this would have been the challenge, we could have talked here instead of last night…
Julia: I know, it’s ironic…
Sakura: …or the author’s sick sense of humour again.
Chirpy voice: Aah…cheer up guys, Momentai!
(In another rare anime cameo for AAVGS, Terriermon takes the stage)
Terriermon: That’s right, I’ll be watching your hands so they don’t slip off, so watch out, the beagle’s about!
(Terriormon sits down on a nearby tree, and promptly eats a piece of bread.)
D Marco: I wonder how much was negotitated there…slightly more than my appearance probably…
(D Marco and Terriermon begin to torture the group with a few drinks as they are not amused.)
Tenchi: The pain starts to sink in at this point.
Gohan: And they are not helping!
Terriermon: As I told you before, momentai!
Julia: I hate to say this, but, whatever….
(1 hour gone)
Sakura: Time to move again I think…
(The 5 move, being careful not to slip as Terriermon takes a good look if their hands leave the pole. Fortunately, none of them do.)
Gohan: Man, this is really boring…
Shinji: I make a spectacle of myself in the early hours in the morning…actually, that’s normal for me.
Tenchi: Right…
(It’s still early morning, and the lack of sleep is really starting to be a mistake now for practically all the group…)
Sakura: You know what I said about being an early riser? Forget it…
Gohan: Don’t slip Sakura!
(Sakura seems to slip off but she holds on. It does look like she is really struggling though.)
(Surprisingly, it’s Shinji who seems the most ease of the 5. As another half another passes, they move again.)
Julia: Balance girl, balance…
Tenchi: This is more difficult than it looks….
(2 hours gone)
D Marco: After 2 hours, the group are still there, fatigue is setting in and the groups may be starting to want to go off. Let’s see if they manage to resist a bit more temptation…
(D Marco brings in a nice big breakfast of chicken and rice, and after making sure Terriermon didn’t eat any of it, the smell of the meal is tantalising the group’s nostrils…)
Gohan: I think Trunks said this best, you’re trying my patience Mr Marco…
D Marco: (smiles) Thank you, I do try.
(The smell is really agitating everyone, not just Gohan. Shinji, Sakura and Tenchi take a long smell before managing to resist temptation. Julia is the only one managing to hold her own there.)
(However, the shot of Terriermon enjoying a donburi full of meat and rice is certainly as Gohan said, trying everyone’s patience.)
Shinji: I never thought I’d be so ravenous for food…
Tenchi: It’s the smell, it’s just tempting us…taunting us…teasing us…
Julia: Enough with the T words Tenchi…(realising what she said)…aw nuts…
(2 hrs 30 minutes +)
(After 2 hours and 46 minutes, the first casualty.)
Sakura: Guys…I’m sorry, I can’t hold on. I’m not as strong as you guys, sorry…
Gohan: That’s O.K. Sakura-chan…
Sakura: I’ll save you some food…maybe…
(All 4 sweatdrops as Sakura drops down to the floor, the first victim. Sakura: 2hrs, 46 minutes.)
D Marco: Well, Miss Avalon, I’m surprised you couldn’t hold on longer…
Sakura: I am as well, I guess I was more hungry and tired than I thought.
(Donald hands her a bowl of food and eats about half of it quickly. Donald tells her that she can eat it all, they’ve got plenty for the others so she doesn’t have to feel guilty. It does make the others more wanted to go off the pole though….)
(3 hours gone)
(Shot as Sakura is now asleep in the rowing boat which got them across, with Donald making sure she doesn’t drift afloat. Terriermon has still got a bird’s eye view of the action as the three older people and one young Saiyan are doing their best to keep them from dropping.)
Gohan: I think the blood is draining from my hands…
Tenchi: Yeah, what did they make this pole out of, poison ivy?
Shinji: At least we’ll have strong rough hands from this.
Gohan: You know, I could just smash this pole and be done with it. We’ll have four-way immunity.
Julia: (smiles) But that would mean Sakura would have to be voted off…
Gohan: (thinks) Aah. Darn.
(They all chuckle as the strain is catching up to them, making this challenge a lot worse than the log challenge.)
* * * *
(4 hours gone)
(Although he did well for him, Shinji realises that standing in the same place for a long time is different from standing pressing your muscles on a pole. He is finally admitting defeat, as he smiles.)
Shinji: Hey, at least I wasn’t last.
Sakura: (awake) SHUT UP!
(Shinji: 4 hours 12 minutes. The race for immunity is now between three.)
* * * *
(5 hours have passed as the group take another move. However, they now have another problem to deal with…)
Tenchi: Oh no.
Gohan: What? (feels it) Oh no…
Julia: If there is an echo in here, I’ll join in as well…oh no…
(The heavens have opened and the rain is pouring down. Not only does this make the challenge simply more horrid than it is, it makes the pole a hell of a lot more slippy.)
(Seeing the rain, Sakura and Shinji bid farewell and head back to camp as D Marco takes the smart option of hiding under Terriermon’s large ears. Of course, it isn’t perfect…)
D Marco: Remind me to next time re-negotiate my contract for Chromus Productions next time…
(The three remaining survivors all seem content in the rain, like it isn’t bothering them. However, they know they’ll feel the effect of it sooner or later…)
Julia: This is going to get a lot worse before it gets better…
Tenchi: (in almost a meditating like stance, eyes closed) Just try and block out the rain.
Gohan: Easier said that done, when you know you have to win this thing!
(back at camp)
(Sakura and Shinji head into the camp, and just crouch down trying to keep as dry as possible)
Sakura: For once, I think we’re the smart ones…
Shinji: It’s weird how the sun is shining one minute and the next, the thunder crashes…
Sakura: Whatever…I’m going to try and get some more sleep…
(Shinji nods as Sakura closes her eyes. Shinji smiles and sits up, looking outside.)
Shinji: The island still looks better than what I’ve dealt with…
(As Shinji ponders, the three remaining survivors are starting to realise that the rain isn’t going to let up any time soon…)
* * * *
(5 hours 45 minutes)
(After this amount time, Julia decides to drop off, the rain now starting to really bother her. She wishes the two good luck, as she heads back to the mainland, knowing she has to row in this for a good while. The two remaining contestants look on, wet and bedraggled…)
Gohan: This really is no fun…
(However, it ends 15 minutes later…and it could be a mistake which costs one of them the chance of winning a million pounds.)
(6 hours)
(Gohan and Tenchi move around…however the rain brings the problem of slipping, and…)
Gohan: O.K, whoa…
(Gohan slips off and to hold himself, he lets go of the pole to hit the ground. He looks up as Tenchi looks a bit sad.)
Gohan: Damn.
D Marco: Thank god, I think Terriermon’s use as an umbrella was starting to wear off…
(Terriermon flies away at the speed of light, to who knows where…)
D Marco: …anyway, congratulations Tenchi for winning, now can we get back to base and me to my hotel so we can get out of this rain…
Tenchi: (putting on the immunity talisman) Gladly.
(The three head back to camp, very quiet, Gohan’s looks like the end of the world)
* * * *
Time: 2.00pm.
(The group are back altogether. The rain is now lessening to a heavy drizzle, as Julia is the first one to spot the rowing boat.)
Julia: Hey guys, they’re back.
(Sakura and Shinji head to the field after they’re umpteenth came of Janken, and see Tenchi, Gohan and Donald head out.)
Donald: Well, a welcoming committee.
Shinji: How did it g…
(They spot the talisman around Tenchi’s neck, and a similar distraught Gohan, trying hard to smile.)
Donald: As you can see, Tenchi Masaki has won immunity, thus he’ll be in the final four in two days time. However, tomorrow night, one of the remaining four will be heading back home. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll be headed back to the mainland, whilst you five enjoy your last night as a fivesome.
(As Donald leaves, they all run to the camp ASAP, as the group discuss what’s going to happen)
Tenchi: Gohan…
Gohan: (shakes his head) It was my mistake, so don’t feel sorry for me. I understand, I gotta pay for it…
Sakura: (visibly upset) Gohan-kun…
(Gohan turns slightly, and tries to ignore the eyes on him. The Saiyan looks distraught, which is unusual considering he has been in this position many times.)
Julia: (whispering) Poor kid…
Shinji: ….
(The group decided to get a few more hours sleep as the rain dies down…)
* * * *
Time: 6pm.
(Gohan’s eyes are teary eyed as he wakes up from a slumber. In the camp, he is alone…except…)
Sakura: Hey.
(Gohan turns to his island sweetheart Sakura, who has his head cradled in his lap. The others are no-where to be seen…)
Gohan: Hey.
Sakura: Are you alright?
Gohan: Yeah…just a bit down.
Sakura: Want to talk about it?
Gohan: What’s there to say? I blew it. And I’m gone.
Sakura: Don’t say that! Every time we’ve thought that, we’ve survived, it can happen again…
Gohan: Not this time. This time there isn’t someone who deserved it like Serena or Chun-Li. The three are unified and I don’t think they’re gonna budge.
Sakura: (puts a soft hand on his forehead) Yeah…but I’m not giving up on you…
Gohan: (smiles) I know that…(takes her hand and holds it)…you know, at times, you’ve been the only thing which has kept me going. I’ve been at the end of my rope, felt wanting to explode…but you’ve kept me mostly sane on this island.
Sakura: (blushing) Th..th…thank you.
Gohan: I’ll guess I’ll apologise to them…I don’t hate any of them, they’ve been real nice to me, I guess it’s just bad luck.
Sakura: You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. They know your strength, it’s a form of respect when they talk about you.
Gohan: I know, but I shouldn’t have been such a crybaby. I’ll go and say sorry…but first…
(Gohan sits up and turns. He puts his hand on Sakura’s cheek and gives her a soft kiss on the lips. Sakura’s eyes go open, but she relaxes and lets him. He lets go after a few seconds as Sakura’s blushing face tells the story.)
Gohan: Thank you.
Sakura: (whispering) No problem.
(at the same time, Julia, Shinji and Tenchi are working on a late dinner. The large fish that Gohan caught is really helping with food rations and they are not hiding the fact they want to eat as much of it as quickly as possible.)
Tenchi: You know, I feel really sorry for Gohan. He was the competitor that drove his best and brought the best out of us, and we’ll vote him off tomorrow because of a bit of bad luck…
Shinji: I know that, it’s the case of survival, and he’s been the best competitor of us all.
Julia: Definitely, (sighs) it’s a case of he’s deserving, but deserving doesn’t necessarily means you’ll stay.
(A shuffle is heard, and they see Sakura and Gohan both with smiles on their faces, hand in hand. Immediately, Tenchi brings a small grin.)
Tenchi: I think he’s OK.
Julia: (smiles) Gohan, Sakura, dinner almost ready? Thanks for keeping him under control Sakura!
Sakura: (blushes) Julia!!!
(The 5 sit around the fire, acting like nothing has happened. However, they know it will happen…)
* * * *
(Time 9pm.)
(The group have retired to their camp, a tiring immunity and a full stomach has made them sleepy, however, they’ve had quite a bit of sleep already, and they have just watching the final sunset as a tribe of five.)
(Shot of Julia, Tenchi, Sakura, Shinji and Gohan standing almost in unison. All 5 clutch their hands in a circle, and close their eyes. For a few seconds, it looks like they are glowing under the last light of the sun before it turns to darkness.)
(Julia: The sunset ritual is one that my family have produced in generations. I felt considering the closeness now of the tribe, I would teach them this before we got split up the next day…)
(The group retire to their camp, deciding that no words are necessary for tomorrow’s actions…)
* * * *
(Day 35, 8.20am.)
(Despite their tiredness, they didn’t forget to share the final sunrise together, but the group mostly fell back to sleep after. Julia and Gohan however stayed up, Gohan unable to sleep. The two are now working on breakfast…)
Julia: (cutting bits of fish and making it into a nice stock for the rice) And another one goes today…
Gohan: Julia, you know I won’t feel bad tonight…
Julia: (a bit silent) Gohan…
Gohan: No, it’s O.K. I’m just honoured that I made this far. I just hope nothing is forgotten between us.
(Gohan rushes to get some firewood as Julia stares at his retreating figure. She sighs and gets back to work.)
(Half an hour later, the group is all up, all refreshed as the only thing which they have to do today which will require an effort is deciding who to vote for.)
Shinji: How long do you think the fish will last…
Gohan: Probably 3 days at worst, 6 days if we keep it wet…
Sakura: This is good…(stuffing herself)
Julia: Heh, Sakura-chan hasn’t lost any appetite…
Gohan: Yeah, she eats like a…
Sakura: Say what I think you’re gonna say and you won’t even survive till Tribal Council…
Gohan: …(turning on the charm) sweet young lady, where there is nothing monstrous about her at all…
Sakura: (smiles) Correct!
(All laugh as the breakfast is devoured. The taste of the cake is all and forgotten as they try and get back to basics, survival…for one of them, that won’t last long at all…)
* * * *
(The group, close, decided to have a little fun in the afternoon sun before the council. We see a shot of Sakura, Gohan, Julia and Tenchi deep in the sea and Shinji on the beach standing up.)
Shinji: O.K, this is what we are calling ‘The IFR, the ‘Island Fling Race.’
Others: HEY!
Shinji: (smiles) Anyway, the rules are simple. The girls jump on their significant others back, and they wade through the sea. The first one to me wins….don’t worry, I’m getting a game of volleyball in place of Tenchi after this….now if Nene were still here…
Others: GET ON WITH IT!
Shinji: O.K, jeez…ready….GO!
(Sakura hops on Gohan’s back as Julia does the same to Tenchi. The advantage is obvious to Gohan however he basically doesn’t use any of his power to make it even. However, Sakura is still a lot lighter than Julia and Gohan is a lot more muscular than Tenchi even without his Saiyan power. It becomes even more one-sided when Julia and Tenchi fall, as Shinji chuckles. The two kids win.)
(Sakura gets off, but Gohan smiles and picks her up again, like when a groom carries his bride over the threshold. Sakura giggles and mock struggles…)
Sakura: Hey, put me down you big lug!
Gohan: Aw…but if I did that, I couldn’t do this!
(Gohan kiss Sakura a quick peck on the cheek, and then the lips. Tenchi and Julia now up, smile as Tenchi kisses Julia on the cheek as well. Shinji shakes his head…)
Tenchi: Awww….
Julia: Let them have their fun…
(As the lovey-dovey moments escape, Julia and Gohan vs. Sakura and Shinji in a quick game of volleyball. Tenchi watches with amusement as it quickly becomes a rally between Julia and Sakura, as the two other guys just watch.)
Sakura: Give up!
Julia: Never!
(Suddenly Sakura hits it to Gohan, who totally didn’t know that was coming. It lands on the floor before the Saiyan can recover, and Julia smirks as Shinji and Sakura high-five.)
Julia: No fair!
Tenchi: Of course it was, after all, the ball landed on the other side…
Julia: Tenchi, you’re supposed to be on my side!
(The group laughs as they enjoy their last few hours on the island together…)
* * * *
(7pm. An hour before Tribal Council)
(Julia is collecting the wood as she passes Gohan and Sakura. Sakura’s head is on Gohan’s shoulder as the two talk what they presume is the last time…)
Gohan: So, we vote for Shinji?
Sakura: Yeah, it may be hopeless, but I feel that if we can’t win, Tenchi or Julia should. Nothing against Shinji though…I think he’s probably enjoyed it here more than anyone else.
Gohan: Yeah, he came out of his shell…but…I guess…
Sakura: No worries, we’ll keep in touch.
Gohan: Of course. (The two shakes hands and share a final hug before heading out to join the others holding their hands. They spot Julia watching them and give her a wave as they head out.)
Julia: (waves back) I guess…it’s meant to be. I gotta do this…
* * * *
(8pm. Tribal Council)
(Travelling through the jungle, the group make it to council with their torches. Tenchi hits the gong as the 5 survivors prepare to take their seats. Donald Marco is there, smiling as the 5 lambs are ready, one going to the slaughter.)
D Marco: Well, the final five are here. And I will congratulate you first hand for making it this far. From this point, all the marbles are played. No more reward challenges, it would be simply immunity followed by council. Just two days from the next council, and just one day for the penultimate one. Then, two of you will be presenting yourself to the jury, now joined by young Duo Maxwell.
(Shot of the jury. Each member of the group now have a coloured shirt. Akane has red, Nene orange, Chun has yellow and Duo has green. They all smile, and we see Chun and Duo clutch hands.)
D Marco: Now, as this is so close to the end, I’d like to ask all of you a question, and it is based on how far you have got. Gohan, you’ve been seen as a threat throughout, yet you’ve survived this long. Is it luck, skill or both?
Gohan: If it’s luck, then yesterday was a turn for the worst for me. However, I think a good deal comes from heart and skill, but not just from myself, from everyone here, the main reason why I survived this long.
D Marco: Julia, you have the home field advantage however you’ve never really used it. As a character not known for Survivor exploits and yet getting this far, can you think you can win?
Julia: I never thought for a second I could win when I began this thing. However, the belief of myself and the fellow tribe has given me the belief to carry on as far as possible, to the bitter end.
D Marco: Tenchi, you have many skills which would help in this environment. Has this been an advantage to you?
Tenchi: I wouldn’t say it was an advantage, however, I’ve kept myself level-headed throughout the game, and have played a few trump cards to keep things around the camp on a steady basis. I feel that everyone at some time has had an advantage they could use, it’s just the time to play them.
D Marco: Shinji, in the beginning, you were considering to be one of the favourites to not make the merge. You are in the final five now, can you win it?
Shinji: I think making it this far, you must think you can win. I’m sure everyone including myself thinks that now. However, at the moment, I’m just enjoying the time I have on the island with people I’ve had the great pleasure to learn and get along with.
D Marco: And finally Sakura, the youngest member of the remaining group, does it mean you are not seen as a threat, or that you can use that to your own advantage?
Sakura: I think everyone around here knows that everyone is a threat here, it’s just in different ways. We tend to forget about that until Tribal Council, and tonight, it’s the same. And with us now so close, whoever we choose is going to be difficult.
D Marco: Wise words from all of you.
(We see the jury talking and whispering as well…)
D Marco: O.K, enough talk. Time for some cut-throat action. Shinji, can you lead us off?
(Shinji takes the walk to the pedestal. He takes the slip, and writes his vote ‘GOHAN’ on it.)
Shinji: I’m sorry.
(He walks off as Gohan now takes the pedesal, and votes ‘SHINJI’ on his.)
Gohan: This is getting more and more difficult now, so this was just on past votes more than anything. Sorry Shinji.
(Next comes Tenchi, writing down ‘GOHAN’ on his slip.)
Tenchi: This comes down to tribal loyalties, rather than anything personal. I think Gohan won’t take this personally, he has been a joy to be around, but he is also the biggest threat to win.
(Fourth is Sakura. Her vote, is ‘SHINJI.’)
Sakura: You are such a nice man, misunderstood at times, but I’m glad of your company. This vote is not out of malice…
(Finally Julia comes up, and has tears in her eyes. She votes…but we don’t see the vote. She comes back and Donald nods.)
D Marco: Julia, you were the last one there, I’ll count the votes.
(Donald looks in the jar, and smiles, his eyes widen a bit.)
D Marco: O.K, the first vote is for (reveals slip) ‘GOHAN.’
(Gohan nods, his hand not leaving Sakura’s.)
D Marco: Second vote ‘SHINJI.’
(Shinji also nods)
D Marco: ‘GOHAN.’
(Gohan smiles.)
D Marco: ‘SHINJI.’
(Shinji nods as well…)
D Marco: The final vote, ranked 5th in Anime and Video Game Survivor, and 5th member of the jury as well…
(The vote is revealed, and a gasp emerges from the jury, and the survivors.)
D Marco: ‘SHINJI-KUN.’
(A shot of Shinji is shown, his mouth is open wide, shocked, betrayed…he wipes a tear coming from his face, he knows who did the vote.)
D Marco: Shinji Ikari, can you please get your torch…
(Shinji does so, a bit stuttering in movement, as we see Julia crying. Tenchi has her arm round her as Gohan and Sakura look at Shinji. He takes the torch to Donald.)
D Marco: As you know Shinji, fire represents your life on this island, your life has now surprisingly come to an end, will you extinguish your flame please…
(Shinji does so, and we see a small smile on his face…)
D Marco: The tribe has spoken Shinji, you may leave.
(Shinji turns and walks to his 4 remaining tribes men and women. The jury is also close up and wanting to see it…)
(He walks up to Julia who has tears on her face. Shinji stares her in the eye…and kisses her on the cheek.)
Shinji: It’s O.K…
Julia: Shinji-kun?
Shinji: I’ll just say that whilst at first I felt upset and yes, betrayed, I also felt that maybe I should go. I’ll miss you all though…
(Julia hugs Shinji, and both are now crying. Sakura joins in and gives Shinji a kiss on the cheek as well. Tenchi and Gohan shake the Eva pilots hand as Shinji bids a tearful farewell to them all.)
D Marco: Well…that was a shocking council, and I guess the next day, Akito will be back, so I guess I’ll be reporting to Quad-R for these events…and for the first time since the beginning, the two former tribes are even. This should be interesting…
(As DM leaves, the group also disperses, in shock and surprise. The jury is shell-shocked. Ladies and gentlemen, the final four…)
* * * *
(Shinji’s confessional.)
Shinji: You know, I was half-expecting it, I am part disappointed that I didn’t get further, but part happy because I will treasure the experience with my life. I guess after backstabbing a few people, I finally got some come-upance of my own.
(The crucial vote ‘SHINJI-KUN’ as written by one Julia Chang.)
Julia: I vote for this on principle. Deserving. I think that myself, Tenchi, Sakura and Gohan do deserve to be in the final four. Shinji, you really opened yourself here, and this is the hardest vote for me to do, more so than Akane. (openly crying) However, I think you really are starting to want to leave, and I think that…I’m sorry…I’m sorry…
Shinji: I know Julia felt that I wanted to go at times, I guess she simply granted my wish. However, I will remember the fond memories more so than the bad ones. And I’ll at least be deciding who wins, so I will still be a valuable part to them all. Good luck everyone.
* * * *
(Shinji, at first, seemed like an outsider to the group, however, he warmed up to fellow mecha pilot Duo Maxwell and also Tenchi Masaki. He left his shell and his time on the island was safe before the merge. When the two tribes merged, Shinji was seen as a target by former Helang, however the numbers game made sure he was safe. When he was cut off, it was a case of morality and principles more so than any malice, and the surprise cut for the well-liked Eva pilot.)
And next time on AAVGS;
The two couples are alone and together. This makes immunity absolutely vital and concrete. Orienteering is the challenge, who has the best sense of direction?
And Tribal Council is going to be another heart-breaker…but for who this time?
* * * *
I wonder how many expected that? Here were the vote tally…
Shinji (3): Gohan, Sakura, Julia
Gohan (2): Tenchi, Shinji
Julia as the backstabber…let’s see how the others react next ep…
D Marco was the guest host because of his help on my wrestling fic. The funny thing is that I’m cancelling that now because of all my other fics after these, it’ll be too difficult, however, as he’s guest hosted most other survivors, I felt he needed another one, I just hope my author powers weren’t too evil on him…
Until next time, ja ne!