I Got Chumped...Like A Chump

I Got Chumped...Like A Chump is the eleventh episode of Survivor: Mozambique - Island of Advantages.

Previously On Survivor...

 * A massive twist took the players by storm…

Jeff: You will be attending Tribal Council as two...separate...tribes.


 * Reyna, Zoe and Percy planned to vote out Carter.


 * But Christine wanted to save her closest ally in the game, and got to work manipulating Percy.


 * At Tribal Council, her ploy worked, and paranoid, Percy flipped, and voted out his own closest ally in the game.

Jeff: Zoe, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

Zoe is in tears as her torch is snuffed.


 * On the other tribe, Markus was told the vote was Annabeth.


 * But Wanda had other ideas. She wanted to blindside Markus.


 * Jacobiah made the mistake of telling Annabeth, who immediately told Markus the plan.


 * And at Tribal Council, Markus played his hidden immunity idol...sending Wanda’s plans up in smoke.

Jeff: Wanda, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]


 * 8 are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

Night 30
The camera pans down from the moonlit sky, revealing Markus, Annabeth, Trixie and a shaken Jacobiah returning to the Vantagem camp.

The other four players are gathered around the fire and Carter is quick to get to his feet when the other four walk in.

Carter: What happened?

Christine lets out an audibly loud gasp when she sees who is missing and she claps her hands over her mouth.

Christine: No…

Carter: Holy [censored]...what the hell happened, guys? [nervous laughter]

Reyna turns and looks visibly upset when she sees Wanda is gone.

Reyna: [censored]...wow.

"vantagem"

- In walk the other four players who went to Tribal Council without us, and lo and behold, I notice one particular head of ash blonde hair missing from the crowd, and sure enough, it is Wanda who got her torch snuffed right after Zoe. And I...was...shook. [laughing] I had no idea it was going to be her! But my nemesis just got voted out of the tribe and I couldn’t be more over the moon!

Christine: Dish, guys, dish.

Annabeth: Crazy tribal. [laughing] That’s about the gist of it.

Percy: Yeah, well, couldn’t’ve been any crazier than ours…

"vantagem"

- The others come back and Wanda’s gone...whatever. It didn’t matter to me who on the other side got sent home. When I got back to the Vantagem beach, I was still...reeling...from what just went down on my Tribal Council. I just...sent home the one person on this beach I could really call a close ally...and I’m just still so broken up about it. [presses hands over eyes] ...I just can’t believe I did that…[quiet sniffling]

Percy looks down in the dumps even as the other three turn their attention to the four new arrivals.

Markus: Jacobiah, I don’t blame you for doing what you did. Really, I don’t. I understand it’s just a part of the game and I respect you for trying to make a move on me.

Jacobiah: I’m sorry. I didn’t want to lie to you, it was all Wanda’s idea.

Markus: I know, I know. I don’t hold it against you, I promise.

Jacobiah bites his lips, looking almost emotional, and he slumps into a seat by the fire on a log and hangs his head in his hands. Annabeth gasps and rubs his shoulders gently, and Reyna takes a hold of his knee and pets him comfortingly.

Jacobiah: Gah...I just feel so dumb…

Reyna: Don’t...it’s okay…

"vantagem"

- I just...got Wanda sent to the jury. [chokes back sob] I just...feel like this is all my fault. Wanda shouldn’t’ve been the target. Markus or Annabeth should’ve been the one going home. We had the numbers, we just...messed it all up. And Wanda, she was my closest confidant out here. She was always the headstrong one, taking the lead and giving advice and she was always the one I looked up to the most. We promised each other we’d get each other far in the game, at least to the family visit, and I know from our talks together that we were both really looking forward to getting our loved ones out here. And now, I feel like I failed her. I shouldn’t’ve talked to Annabeth about the plan to oust Markus. This is what Annabeth does. She’s sneaky and she lies to people’s faces and she spills information. I heard about her doing it back on the Waya beach when she was working with Nicholas to sway Percy. Now she’s doing it again, and I got chumped...like a chump.

Jacobiah looks to Reyna through teary eyes when the others are out of earshot and excitedly discussing the events of Tribal.

Jacobiah: I [censored] it up. I shouldn’t’ve told Annabeth.

The camera cuts to Annabeth laughing at something Christine just said.

Jacobiah: Wanda’s on the jury because of me.

Reyna: Don’t say that. This game...it’s crazy. It gets shaken up all the time. You couldn’t have known. And people make mistakes.

"vantagem"

- Jacobiah may be much bigger than I am, but...he’s honestly like a younger brother to me. He’s so soft in heart, and he’s not built for this game emotionally, even if he is physically. And even though I’m still reeling from two blindsides back to back, I end up being the one having to comfort him and get him through this.

Jacobiah: It’s all my fault, Reyna…

Reyna: Don’t say that. Seriously, don’t say that. There’ll be a way out of this for us, you’ll see…

On the other side of the tribe camp, the discussion is much livelier.

Trixie: You really are a cat with nine lives, huh, Markus?

Markus: [shrugs] What can I tell you, Trixie? I’m tenacious. [laughing]

Trixie: Yeah, you really are.

"vantagem"

- What the hell? Seriously - what. The friggin’...Hell? I am blown away at how Markus continues to survive despite the attempts on his life. He should’ve been gone, Day 9! And look how far he’s come. All because he’s continued to get lucky, with people sending him into exile, and idols here and there, it’s just all so frustrating!

Markus watches as Trixie sulkily gets into the shelter, ready for bed already.

Markus: She doesn’t seem too happy.

Annabeth: Oh, ignore her. She’s just throwing a tantrum, because of course she is.

Markus: Thank you, by the way. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Annabeth: Not a problem. What benefits you benefits me now, you know?

"vantagem"

- Tonight’s Tribal Council was absolute bonkers. It’s amazing what an idol can do when played correctly, and even though I really did want to work with Wanda and Jacobiah to begin with, they forced my hand. I feel like I can really trust Annabeth now because we worked together to send Wanda home and like me, I feel as if she’s lost without allies too. She latched herself onto Nicholas when he was here and maybe now, she sees me the same way. And maybe in that same way, I see her as another Becky. It’s nice to have another person looking out for me in this game and I plan to pay her back for helping me out tonight by looking out for her as well.

Day 31
The next morning, Christine wakes up and walks around camp, and she notices Percy is up too, sitting by the fire and watching her with a reproachful gaze.

Christine: Hey…

Percy shakes his head at her, eyes downcast.

Percy: I still can’t believe you did that to me last night.

Christine shrugs at him, shaking her head as well.

Christine: I didn’t have a choice, Perce. You know I didn’t. I was just playing the game.

"vantagem"

- To say I’m upset with Christine is an understatement. I mean...she played me like a damn fiddle. I want to be the bigger person and say I respect the play but...I’m also so upset with her. I just can’t trust her, ever again. I can never trust a single other word that comes out of her mouth because the way she pulled off that lie to me the other day...she’s a great liar. Amazing poker face. But I hate being lied to and I just will never have trust with Christine again.

Percy gives Christine an obvious cold shoulder, as she uneasily backs off and rejoins Carter in the shelter, who is only now waking up.

Carter: Hm? [yawns] What happened?

Christine leans in to whisper so Percy cannot hear.

Christine: [whispering] Percy isn’t happy about last night.

Carter: Huh. Welp, I don’t much blame him. I’d feel the same way if it’d been, like, me voting out you for no good reason.

Christine: [giggling] Yeah, I know…

"vantagem"

- Saving Carter was all my work, so that boy owes me, honestly. [giggling] But I do feel bad that I had to trick Percy that badly. That being said, would I do it again? ...Absolutely. In a heartbeat. It wasn’t fun, per se, but I had to lie to him to get his vote. It’s Survivor. It was brutal, but I would take having Percy mad at me than losing my closest ally in this game because without Carter, I’d be in a much weaker position in this game right now. I plan on going all the way with him, because with him in my debt, I practically own this boy. [giggling] Oh, but he’s my sweet little angel and I know he’d do the same for me. That’s what makes me so happy I was so instrumental in keeping him safe.

Down by the water, Jacobiah has his head in between his knees and looks mopey, doodling absentmindedly in the sand with a twig. Reyna is sitting next to him, arms wrapped around herself to protect against the cold air, looking out at the ocean.

Reyna: Are we back on the bottom, you think?

Jacobiah: I don’t know…

"vantagem"

- Things, as usual, are not looking good for me. [laughing] I thought, after Nicholas was gone, that we were finally in a good spot and things were finally working out for me and my game. But then Zoe got brutally blindsided...and then Wanda went home...it was just one thing after another and in the span of just one night, everything seems to have gone completely wrong and...Jacobiah and I are back on the bottom of this tribe, and on our own. Markus and Annabeth won’t want to work with us, much less Carter and Christine.

Reyna hugs Jacobiah with one arm and he smiles and hugs back.

Reyna: We’ll get through this, Jakey.

Jacobiah: I hope you’re right, Rey. I really do.

Reyna: We’ll pull through.

She gets up, dusts herself off, and heads back to the beach.

Reyna is shown digging around in her bag and frowning slightly.

"vantagem"

- It’s often when you feel most alone and with your back pressed up against the wall that sometimes...a miracle can arrive. Like a ray of sunshine peeking its way through the storm clouds...I dig into my bag this morning and find a piece of parchment that I was certain wasn’t there the night before. Immediately I know this is going to be something important so I head into the woods to see what it is.

Reyna hurriedly walks into the woods with her bag, and once she is a safe distance away from camp, she rummages in her things and pulls out the Legacy Advantage Wanda willed to her.

Reyna: Congratulations, you have been willed the Legacy Advantage. Oh wow…

"vantagem"

- I might have lost my ally Wanda last night but she did leave me a sweet little parting gift and it looks like she was keeping some secrets from me. [giggling] But it’s all worth it, because look! [holds up Legacy Advantage] My own little Legacy Advantage! It looks like this used to belong to Leroy, which puzzles me because he never even visited the Island of Advantages, but that doesn’t matter. It’s passed hands once before already, and now it’s mine. Wanda and Leroy couldn’t make it far enough to use this advantage, but I’m hoping I will. This is the ray of sunshine I was talking about earlier and I’m hoping it will only get stronger, strong enough to break through the dark clouds and bring me a little warmth on this cold and stormy day.

Later…

Jeff: Come on in, guys!

In walks the Vantagem eight. Jacobiah sets the tribe flag down with gusto.

Jeff: Ready to get to today’s challenge?

There is a chorus of ‘Yes’s. Annabeth’s face is gleaming with enthusiasm.

Jeff: For today’s challenge, you will be perched on a narrow stand out in the water. On my mark, you will drop a pail into the water and pull it up, pouring water into a tube near your stand. Pour enough water into the tube, and a key will float up and rise to the surface. Grab the key and head to the beach, and use the key to unlock a chest, which contains two handles and a ball. Using the handles to navigate a table maze, you must roll your ball into a hole in the centre, releasing a second key, which you will use to unlock a cage. First person to unlock their cage wins reward. Wanna know what you’re playing for?

Annabeth nods.

Jeff: Out here, with so few people you know you can genuinely trust...there’s nothing more important than family.

At the mention of family, there are a few audible gasps.

Jacobiah is tearing up. Annabeth is pulling her buff over her eyes.

Markus: [in tears] Oh, please…

Jeff: That’s right. The reward you are playing for...is love.

Carter is clutching onto Christine’s shoulder, eyes shining. Trixie is looking at her feet, using the big toe of her left foot to scrawl gibberish in the sand, hands behind her back, not looking up. Reyna is biting her lip, looking emotional.

Jeff: Carter, you ready for some love?

Carter: Aw, hell yeah, Jeff! [laughing, and tearing up a little]

Jeff: That’s what I like to hear. Let’s bring in your sister, Jesse!

Christine excitedly pushes him forward. Carter gingerly steps up, suddenly looking small, nervous and vulnerable, and his face breaks into a wide grin as his sister Jesse comes out from around the bushes.

Jesse: Heyyy!

Carter laughs as he opens his arms wide and welcomes his sister into his embrace and the two hug and sway together for a bit, both laughing into each other’s necks.

Carter: [muffled] I can’t believe it’s really you…

Jesse: You feel so skinny now…[laughing] What happened to you?

She sniffs and pulls back, wiping her cheeks and Carter laughs again, still staring at her like he cannot believe his own teary eyes.

Jesse: You look haggard! [laughing]

Carter: Hey, c’mon, I don’t look that bad. [chuckling]

Jeff: Jesse, what’s it like seeing your brother again after he’s been gone this long?

Jesse: It’s...like, I’m still taken aback. [laughing] Like, this whole time, our parents and I worried how he’d be doing and how the game would be treating him but even though he looks worse for wear, I can tell how happy he is to be out here and how happy and proud he must be to have made it this far and I’m so, so happy for him. [sniffs]

Carter smiles and wraps one arm around his sister.

Jeff: Alright, have one last hug.

Carter pats Jesse on the back and they embrace again before they part.

Jesse: See you. [giggling]

Carter: See you.

Jesse stands to the side as Carter returns to the mat, unable to stop smiling.

Jeff: Annabeth.

Annabeth: Yes, Jeff? [laughing]

Jeff: Ready to meet your mom?

Annabeth: Absolutely.

She stops smiling and chokes back an unexpected sob, nodding quickly.

Jeff: Liz, come on out!

Annabeth’s mom, Liz, who looks much like an older version of Annabeth with dirty blonde hair, walks around the corner, smiling serenely.

Annabeth: Hey, mom!

Liz: Aww, hey sweetie…

The two women move to hug each other and Annabeth is crying into her mom’s shirtsleeve.

Jeff: Annabeth, tell me about your relationship with your mom.

Annabeth: My relationship with my mom is like nobody else’s. She’s more than just my mom, she’s my best friend, my sister, my everything rolled into one. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if not for her.

Liz: Aww…

Liz laughs and wipes at her eyes as she pats Annabeth playfully on the thighs and Annabeth breaks into laughter.

Jeff: Alright, give her one last hug.

Annabeth: Love ya, mom.

Liz: I love you too, sweetheart. You’re gonna kill it.

The two women hug and part.

Jeff: Percy…

Percy is in tears.

Jeff: You’re crying already.

Percy nods.

Percy: I just can’t wait to see my sister.

Jeff: Let’s bring her out here. Edith, come on out!

Percy’s sister Edith comes out, laughing and giggling as she runs across the sand to Percy, who looks like he is hyperventilating as his sister barrels into him with a big hug.

Edith: Hey there, baby bro. [laughing]

Percy: Oh my gosh…[sobbing] you’re actually here…

Edith: Of course I am! Mom and Dad are so proud of you for making it this far…

Jeff: Edith, how did you feel when Percy left to go play Survivor, a very cutthroat game?

Edith: I admit I was worried about him. My brother’s a total softie, I’m sure the others here are all clear on that…

A couple others on the tribe mat laugh and nod in affirmation. Percy looks shy.

Edith: So we were worried how the game would treat him. But I have faith in my little brother and he’s made it this far...I don’t see why he can’t keep going.

Jeff: Give her one last hug.

Percy: I miss you.

Edith: I miss you too. You’re doing great.

They hug and leave.

Jeff: Christine?

Christine nods, smiling widely.

Jeff: Here’s your dad, Gabriel.

Gabriel walks out and Christine is already jumping for joy, shrieking shrilly.

Christine: Dad!

Gabriel: My girl! [chortling]

Gabriel easily scoops up Christine, who is giggling into his shoulder.

Christine: I missed you so much! [laughing]

Gabriel: I missed you too, baby girl. You’re so skinny, my word…

Christine: [laughing] That’s Survivor for you, Dad.

Jeff: Christine, clearly, you and your father are very close.

Christine: We are, and I’m thankful to have a father who I am this close to. He’s always been there for me, through everything, through thick and thin, through the good and the bad and he’s always doing his best to cheer me up and…[sniffing] I wouldn’t be where I am in life without his guidance.

Gabriel: Aw, you didn’t need me, Christine. You do just fine on your own. You’re out here, aren’t you?

Christine: I am. [laughing]

They hug one last time and Gabriel joins the other loved ones.

Jeff: Markus, who are you hoping to see?

Markus: My [chokes back sob] My wife…

Jeff: Let’s see the woman who married you. Rachel, come on out here.

Rachel, Markus’ wife, walks out unsteadily and is already smiling and crying seeing Markus, who is reacting the same way. She slowly walks into his open arms and they sway together for a while, Markus pressing her head into his chest.

Rachel: [whispering] Hey.

Markus: [laughing] Hey…

Rachel: Are you okay?

Markus: Now that you’re here? Never better.

They kiss before turning to face Jeff, arms still wrapped around the other.

Jeff: Rachel, knowing that your husband is away from home, out here on an island, how does that make you feel?

Rachel: Obviously, it, you know...it hurts at times. I worry about him, I worry he’s not eating well, I worry he’s having a hard time, I worry that I’m not there to protect him and all that stuff. But now that I know he’s made it this far? I can rest easy. And I know that the time he’s spent away is all worth it, because he’s getting to live his dream, and I’m so happy for him because I know how much he’s wanted this, truly.

Markus squeezes his wife’s arm comfortingly.

Markus: I’m lucky to have her. I love her so much.

Annabeth looks teary just watching. Trixie is still swaying from foot to foot, looking uncomfortable.

Jeff: Give her a last hug.

Markus and Rachel take it one step further and kiss before she leaves.

Jeff: Alright. Trixie.

Trixie nods, still looking stoic, but she is squinting her eyes now.

Jeff: Who do you think is here for you?

Trixie pauses.

Trixie: My um...my brother.

Jeff: We’ll see if you’re right. ...Terry, come on out.

Sure enough, Terry, Trixie’s brother, comes out, a big smirk so similar to Trixie’s plastered on his face, and Trixie breaks into a big grin upon seeing him.

Terry: How you doin’, Trix? [laughing]

Trixie: Oh shut up and hug me, you big dolt.

Trixie giggles as Terry scoops her up with ease and pretends to toss her around, before setting her back down and hugging her.

Terry: So, it’s been a while.

Trixie: You’re telling me. [laughing] It feels even longer for me.

Terry: But you made it here. I’m so proud of you.

Trixie’s face contorts as she makes a visible effort to hide her emotions.

Trixie: I know. [whispering] Thank you.

Jeff: Trixie, this is probably the closest I’ve seen you to crying this whole game.

Trixie: I don’t like to cry, Jeff.

Terry: She’s a tough cookie, Jeff. Nothing fazes her easily.

Jeff: You two must obviously be close, as siblings.

Trixie: Sure, we’ve fought every now and then, but which pair of siblings hasn’t? And at the end of the day, there is no one else out there in this world who knows me better than this man does. [chokes back sob]

Trixie wipes at her eyes, looking away, and Terry laughs, pulling her closer to him by the waist.

Terry: You’re doing awesome, Trix. I’m honestly floored you made it far enough for me to come out here, I thought I’d be sitting at home on the couch all month long and never get the call-

Trixie: Oh, shut up, you big dork. [laughing]

Jeff: Alright, give each other one last hug.

Trixie and Terry hug and part, Terry waving as he goes to join the others.

Jeff: Jacobiah, you look hopeful.

Jacobiah laughs, his hands intertwined together in prayer.

Jacobiah: I really want to see my dad, Jeff. [sniffs]

Jeff: Then I’d hate to disappoint. Joe, come on out!

Joe, Jacobiah’s father, with white hair, comes running out, looking almost as fit as his son despite his old age, and Jacobiah cannot stop smiling upon seeing him.

Joe: Come here, boy! Give yer old man a big hug!

Both men are laughing and crying as they embrace.

Jeff: Jacobiah, tell me about your relationship with your father.

Jacobiah: He’s the best man I’ve ever known, hands down. [sniffs]

Jeff: Really?

Jacobiah: Really? He taught me everything. How to be strong, and compassionate, and caring and kind...he taught me and provided so much guidance growing up, that I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without him. He really is my hero. [sobs]

Joe smiles and nods, looking too choked up himself to respond.

Jeff: Wow, what’s it like to hear something like that, Joe?

Joe: It’s...um…[chokes back sob] it’s really...it makes me proud, to be his father. To know he looks up to me like that...and to see him out here...I’m really, really proud to have him as my son and see what he’s accomplished.

Jeff: Give him one last hug and then take a spot on the side.

Joe brings in Jacobiah for another hug, as the other man presses his face against his chest, and then they part. Jacobiah returns to the mat, sniffing and wiping his eyes, and Christine and Reyna both pat him on the back consolingly.

Jeff: Last but not least, Reyna…

Reyna smiles.

Jeff: Who are you hoping is here to see you?

Reyna: My mom, Denise.

Jeff: Then you’re in luck. Denise, come on out!

Denise runs on out, laughing with delight when her eyes land on her daughter. Reyna is crying a little now, smiling through her tears when Denise leaps into her open arms.

Denise: Oh, baby girl, it’s so good to see youuu!

Reyna: Thanks, mom…

They part and Denise looks Reyna up and down.

Denise: You look so…

Reyna: Disgusting? [laughing]

Denise: Tired.

Denise moves to wipe away Reyna’s tears and she nods her thanks.

Jeff: Denise, the first thing you just did was look your daughter up and down and say that she looks tired. As a mother, how must it feel knowing your daughter is out here on the island, on her own, in a rough game like Survivor, and knowing you can’t be there for her?

Denise: As a mother, I want to be there for my daughter through any means necessary. But I also know that she’s tough, she’s headstrong and she’s independent, and I had faith that she would go far in this game, and lo and behold, here I am! She did me proud.

Jeff: Reyna, give your mother one last hug.

They hug one more time.

Denise: Love you, Rey-Rey.

Reyna: I love you too, Mom.

Denise: Stay strong, honey.

They part and Reyna rejoins the tribe.

Jeff: So, now you know what you’re playing for, here’s a little twist. Your family members will be locked up in the cages at the end of the challenge.

Annabeth looks surprised.

Jeff: To win reward, unlock the cage and free them. First person to free their loved one will be able to bring their loved one with them back to camp for a Survivor picnic. Worthy playing for?

Jacobiah: Yes!

Jeff: Then let’s get started.

The tribe is soon out in the water, atop their posts. The loved ones are trapped in their respective cages, looking out at the players.

Jeff: Fighting for food and love, Survivors ready? Go!

Everyone immediately squats down and begins lowering their buckets to collect water.

Annabeth wobbles a little, stretching a hand out to keep herself balanced.

Annabeth: Whoa…

Jeff: You are all very high right now…

Carter is pulling up his bucket of water. Markus is doing the same.

Jacobiah is pulling up a full bucket, arms straining, but is slopping water over the side with each tug of his rope.

Carter begins filling up his tube and so does Markus. Jacobiah does the same, but has considerably much less water than the other two. The others are moving more patiently.

Trixie curses, as her rope gets stuck, entwined around her post.

Jeff: Trixie is stuck…

Terry looks concerned from his cage.

Trixie begins irritably trying to untangle her rope but she only gets it more and more entangled.

Jeff: Carter doing a good job filling up his tube…

Carter is working fast, pouring a large amount of water with each tip of his bucket. Reyna glances over with concern.

Markus, Jacobiah and Annabeth are rushing to catch Carter. Percy and Trixie are starting to fall out of it.

Jeff: Carter still in the lead. Will this bucket be enough?

Carter pours one more bucket into the tube and the key rises to the surface, as he bends down and snatches it up.

Jeff: Carter has his key! Head on out!

Carter grabs the key and jumps into the water, as Jesse whoops and cheers.

Markus pours his final bucket and grabs his key too.

Jeff: Markus has his key!

Jacobiah pours another bucket and strains, trying to reach his key, but it dangles just out of reach of his stretching fingers.

Jacobiah: Gahhh!

Jeff: Jacobiah, frustrated…

Annabeth reaches down and gets her key.

Jeff: Annabeth with her key!

Christine gets hers; Reyna gets hers.

Jeff: Christine and Reyna with their keys! We’ve got a challenge going on!

Carter has reached the beach and is racing over to his chest to unlock it.

Markus and Annabeth hit the beach at the same time after him and run to their chests.

Carter has his chest unlocked, and takes out his handles and ball, moving to his table maze.

Jacobiah reaches down again, and this time his fingers graze the key. After a bit more straining, he pulls it up and out of the water.

Jeff: Jacobiah with his key!

Jacobiah leaps into the water as his father claps. Percy and Trixie are still working.

Trixie finally has her rope free and is pulling up a shaky bucket of water, which slops water over the side with each tug of her rope. Percy is shaking a little but doing better than Trixie.

Jeff: Carter working on his maze! Annabeth and Markus getting their handles from their chests!

Reyna and Christine are also on the beach, unlocking their chests. Annabeth and Markus have reached their table mazes and are getting started on navigating their ball to the centre, eager to catch up with Carter.

Jeff: Your table mazes are riddled with holes. To navigate your ball to the centre, avoiding the holes is going to be very, very difficult.

Carter’s face is screwed up in concentration as he focuses on tilting his table maze left and right. Annabeth squeals as she drops her ball in a hole and scrambles to restart. Markus is moving slow and steady, trying to catch up to Carter.

Jeff: Reyna has her chest unlocked! Christine has her chest unlocked!

Jacobiah is just now reaching the beach. Trixie and Percy finally have their keys and are jumping into the water too.

Jeff: Carter still in the lead, everyone working on their mazes trying to catch him!

Carter’s ball is getting closer and closer to the center of his maze.

Jeff: Carter just has to maneuver past a difficult section with two holes to get his ball in the centre, releasing his final key…

Carter has his tongue sticking out between his teeth, biting it as he screws his face up, focusing hard on his table maze.

His ball teeters around the edge of one of the holes, inching closer to the centre. He leans the table forward and the ball jumps forward, moving past the centre and falling through the hole on the other side.

Jeff: No! Carter drops, opening the door for everyone else!

Carter flinches and curses, scrambling to get his ball back.

Markus’ ball is on its way to the centre.

Jeff: Markus is close! Can he do it?

Markus’ ball dances around the centre, before settling in nicely.

Jeff: And he does it! Markus wins reward!

Rachel is clapping ecstatically from the sidelines and Markus throws his hands in the air and grins at her.

Rachel: Good job, babe!

Carter: Damn…

Carter hunches over his table, glancing to Markus’ maze to the side.

Carter: So close…

Everyone returns to the mat. Markus and Rachel take their spots next to Jeff.

Jeff: Alright. So, Markus. You’ve won reward. You and Rachel will be headed back to camp for a Survivor picnic. Choose one other person to join you.

Markus licks his lips, looking down the row of people.

Annabeth casts him a pleading look. Trixie has her neck craned upwards and is studying the clouds in the sky. Christine clasps her hands together in a begging motion.

Markus: I’m gonna take Annabeth.

Annabeth breaks out into a relieved smile and she runs over to hug Markus.

Annabeth: Markus, thank you so much!

Markus: No problem.

Liz laughs and comes to join her daughter.

Jeff: Usually the saying goes that two’s company, but three’s a crowd. Not this time. Choose one more person to join you.

Markus looks back at the others.

Percy raises his eyebrows at him, nervous. Carter swallows, looking at the floor. Christine is still begging with her hands. Reyna has hers on her hips, swaying from foot to foot.

Markus: This is a really hard decision and I don’t want to exclude anyone, I really don’t. But there is one person who I want to repair my relationship a little better with…

The camera cuts to Trixie looking skeptical, her mouth twitching.

Markus: That being said...I’m gonna go with Percy.

Percy groans, looking relieved, and hurries over. Trixie rolls her eyes, smirking. Carter claps politely, looking disappointed.

Percy hugs Markus as Edith comes over to join them.

Jeff: Alright. So! Markus, Annabeth and Percy - you will be joined during your Survivor picnic by your loved ones. But before you go, Markus, you have one more decision to make. Choose someone to send to the Island of Advantages.

Markus sighs, glancing at the group.

Markus: Umm…I’m sorry Trixie, but I’m gonna send you.

Trixie shrugs.

Jeff: Alright, Trixie. Grab your things and head on out. As for the rest of you, say goodbye to your loved ones and head on back to camp. Enjoy your reward, you three.

Annabeth: Thanks, Jeff!

The players wave goodbye sadly as the loved ones leave.

As the group leaves, the camera focuses on Jacobiah.

"vantagem"

- I wasn’t really expecting Markus to pick me for the loved ones reward today anyway...but it still stung, and I couldn’t help but hope against hope, no matter how futile I knew it was. I just wanted to spend more time with my dad, and not being able to do that...hurt so much. [presses hands to eyes as tears leak out] I just feel so emotional right now...my heart hurts so fresh in my chest and I think I’m losing it…

Meanwhile, on the Island of Advantages…

Trixie arrives on the boat, looking ticked off.

"vantagem"

- I’m not surprised I didn’t win the reward. I’ve not won a single challenge on my own. I’m the smallest girl out here. And I knew there wasn’t a chance in hell Markus picked me to join the picnic with him. And for whatever reason, he sent me to the Island. Maybe he just wants to Exile me and make me suffer for having a personal vendetta against him? Whatever, I’ll just pick up an advantage while I’m out here shopping, and that’ll be that.

Trixie gets to the infamous wall of urns.

Trixie: Blah blah blah...whatever.

She finishes one puzzle within the time limit, and breaks open the last urn.

She picks up the parchment that falls out.

Trixie: You have found a Reward Steal. You can use this advantage to steal a reward from the person who won it.

"vantagem"

- I was really hoping my advantage would be a little more...spicier, I guess. Something I could’ve used in the game to [censored] stuff up since that’s the kind of player I am. I like causing chaos in the game. But I’m not in a strong enough position on the tribe, socially, to do that on my own, so an advantage would really have helped me out there. Nevertheless, the advantage to steal another player’s reward is still fun. Markus better watch his back, because if he wins a big juicy steak or something, I’m gonna force myself in there and take that steak for myself.

Back at camp…

Markus: And this is where we sleep.

Rachel: Ooh…

Markus is showing Rachel around the shelter. Annabeth and Percy are also taking their loved ones around.

Liz: But where do you all do your business?

Annabeth: We usually just find a quiet spot in the wild to do it.

Liz looks uncomfortable and Annabeth laughs.

"vantagem"

- Getting to take my mom back to camp and show her where her daughter’s been living out for the past few weeks or so...it’s pretty crazy, just even seeing her out here, because the world of Survivor is so different from the real world. And it’s just surreal to even have her be here. But I’m having the time of my life getting to be with my mom out on the island and I’m so grateful Markus picked me to enjoy this reward with him because he really gave me and my mom a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before yesterday, when I tipped him off that Wanda was voting him off, I probably wouldn’t have been selected by anyone to come on this reward with them. It definitely feels that Markus was paying off his debt to me and I feel good about this new partnership I have going on with him.

Carter: Enjoy your picnic, guys.

Christine: Yeah, go have fun, you guys!

Carter, Christine and Reyna are sitting around the shelter and by the fire and wave wistfully as the others leave to go for their picnic. Jacobiah is looking moody, and he heads off by himself to the water, fishing spear in hand.

Christine turns around and looks for him.

Christine: Where’s Jacoby going?

Reyna: I think he’s going fishing.

Christine: He doesn’t look happy…

Reyna: He’s probably just disappointed. He’ll be alright.

At a picnic table in the middle of the forest, a delectable feast has been laid out, and the players and their loved ones gather around and sit down.

Annabeth: Omigosh, I’m SO hungry!

Percy: T-Thank you, Markus, really…

Markus: Not a problem. Let’s enjoy the food, shall we?

Everyone eats and the players are talking with their loved ones.

Markus is talking with Rachel.

Rachel: You serious? [laughing] All of them?

Markus: Dead serious. All my allies, one after the other...just gone.

Rachel: But you’ve made it this far.

Markus: I have.

Rachel: I’m proud of you, honey.

Markus: Thank you.

He smiles and kisses her.

"vantagem"

- Seeing my wife again was definitely what the doctor ordered. I was getting a little burnt out from the stress of the game, especially coming off last night. Having Rachel be here is a huge motivation to keep going and to not give up, because now I’m reminded of what and who I’m playing for, exactly. I’m playing to bring home a million dollars to my family and the people that I love and love me back. So I don’t care what this game throws at me or how many of my allies are gonna bite the dust. This reward was perfect fuel for me to keep on keeping on. My choices for reward were personal, but they were also strategic. Annabeth had my back at the last Tribal. I wouldn’t have survived if not for her. So this is my way of letting her know I’ve got her back too. I think she sees me as her new Nicholas and to me, she’s my new Becky. Annabeth and I both have no one else left. But that means the two of us can choose who we want to go to the end with. We’ve got to stick together. And then there’s Percy...

Percy is excitedly yammering away to Edith.

Percy: And so the island is full of advantages, a-and you have to be both lucky and good enough to complete your puzzles to even get one, and I got a hidden immunity idol on the first week because I asked the other tribe to send me there and-

"vantagem"

- Percy’s so excitable to see his sister again, and it definitely brings out the immature kid in him. I brought him on reward with me because I know he’s an emotional player. He makes decisions emotionally more so than logically, and I want to repair my relationship with him, because I think I’m going to need him moving forward in this game. I want Percy on my side so I can have the numbers.

Markus: So guys. Strategy talk?

Annabeth: [brushes hair aside] Yeah, let’s talk.

The loved ones are listening too while the players talk, eating and drinking beer.

Markus: Okay, so, after last night...this game is wide open.

Annabeth: Totally. One hundred percent.

Markus: The way I see it, this game is split into voting blocs now. And if we can gather enough people together as a unit and vote together for our collective benefit, we can help each other make it far.

Percy: Well, what do you propose?

Markus: I think that...there are two obvious pairs. There’s Carter and Christine…

The camera cuts to Carter showing Christine a seashell, their heads leaning in close together…

Markus: And then there’s Reyna and Jacobiah…

Reyna is shown kneeling in the sand by the sea as Jacobiah returns, nothing speared on the end of his fishing spear.

Reyna: Nothing?

Jacobiah shakes his head.

The camera cuts back to the picnic.

Markus: If the three of us team up with one of those pairs, we can take out the other one, and eliminate a threat from the game.

Annabeth: Well, who are you thinking?

Markus: This is just my opinion, but...I think it makes more sense to side with Carter and Christine.

Percy looks conflicted.

Markus: Reyna and Jacobiah both have friends on the jury. I think there’s nothing Wanda wouldn’t do to see them go far.

Percy: Don’t Carter and Christine have Nicholas’ vote too?

Markus: Not necessarily. I think Nicholas respects strategic play more than personal relationships. And in terms of being viewed as a strategist, I think Reyna is viewed as more of a threat based off of the conversations she’s had with people and how she’s gotten herself this far.

Percy: Christine’s a strategist. She pulled off the blindside on Zoe last night. She played me, completely!

Markus: I’m not saying she’s not a threat. I just think Reyna and Jacobiah are more dangerous. And the three of us have had better relationships with Carter and Christine in the past, so it’s easier for us three to team up with them. Reyna and Jacobiah have been on the bottom long enough, so it would be easiest to unite against them.

Annabeth: Jacobiah is also a physical threat. No one can say he isn’t physically intimidating. I fear he’ll be hard to beat in challenges down the road.

Percy: Carter’s a physical threat too. Even Christine’s won immunity.

Markus: So has Reyna.

Percy: Yeah, but she only won because she outlasted the four people on her team in the last challenge. She couldn’t outlast Jacobiah. I’m just saying, I don’t want to work with Carter and Christine.

"vantagem"

- Christine made me vote out my closest ally. Nothing could convince me to work with her after that. I might have ruined a close relationship and destroyed my game because of her and Carter. I think it’s foolish to see Reyna and Jacobiah as bigger threats than those two and I’m not happy that Markus and Annabeth want to target them first.

Markus bites his lip.

Markus: Would you, at least, work with us until we decide who to go with?

Percy: Of course. I’ve got no one left now, do I? Not with Nicholas and Zoe gone…

"vantagem"

- My biggest obstacle right now is Percy. He’s still upset that Christine manipulated him into backstabbing Zoe, so he’s not up for working with them. But I do think Reyna and Jacobiah are the bigger threats and need to be split up before we turn on Carter and Christine. I’ve got a closer relationship with the two of them, and so does Annabeth, even though she turned on them before during the Nicholas vote. So working with Carter and Christine to take out Reyna or Jacobiah first is what I think is best. I just need to sway Percy into believing it’s our best move. This is where him being an emotional player really gives me trouble.

Night 31
That night, on the Island of Advantages…

Trixie is still awake, in the shelter, tending to the fire.

"vantagem"

- Since there’s no one around to catch me in the act, I decide that I might as well make good use of my free time here on the Island of Advantages, away from my tribemates. I’ve been collecting loads of trinkets over the course of my time out here so far. People have made plenty of fake idols in the past, and so, now it’s my time. Not a soul here knows it, but I used to make my own jewelry. Making a fake idol isn’t anything different, and I’m used to stealing things and hiding them in other people’s bags like with Summer and Marisa, so of course a devilish idea pops into my head. I can make a fake idol, and use it to put a false target onto someone else’s back.

Trixie huddles down by the fire, taking out a small pouch of random supplies, twine and beads from her bag.

Trixie: Nothin’ but time on my hands...

"vantagem"

- Markus and Annabeth thought they could screw me out of the vote last time? Think again! You’ve incurred the wrath of Tricksy Trixie and I’ll never die! I’ll carry on causing chaos til I draw my last breath in this game. I may not have a lot of sway in this game and I may not be a major strategist or physical player, but don’t count me out. Because I’m unpredictable, and that’s what these people are going to regret most about getting on my bad side. [giggling]

Day 32
The next morning, Trixie has returned to the Vantagem camp.

Markus is awake, and nudges her as she sits by the fire.

Markus: Can I talk to you? Let’s take a walk?

Trixie: [shrugs] ‘Kay.

They leave.

Markus: I know we haven’t seen eye-to-eye much this game…

Trixie: Hah. You’re telling me.

Markus: But I want to run something by you…

Trixie: Why did you send me to the Island of Advantages? You knew I’d be likely to get an advantage from there.

Markus: Did you?

Trixie shrugs coyly.

Trixie: Who can say?

Markus blinks and moves on.

Markus: I sent you because I wanted it to be a peace offering.

Trixie: Exiling me was your peace offering?

Markus: Like you said, you likely got an advantage there. I’m not asking to know what it is-

Trixie: I didn’t even say I got one.

Markus: But I do want for us to turn over a new leaf and move on together. Because I think our feud isn’t going to help either of our games.

Trixie: I don’t regret trying to vote you out the other night.

Markus: ...Okay. Look, a bunch of us on the tribe are banding together to take out the next biggest threat on this beach.

Trixie: Who? Carter?

Markus: No. Reyna, and Jacobiah. The pair of them are the underdogs right now, and they’ve got two votes sitting on the jury. They need to be split up.

"vantagem"

- For my plan to work, I need to secure the numbers. Carter and Christine have been voting together consistently and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Percy is a bit of a question mark because of his ongoing feud with Christine. But Trixie is my real problem. I want to ensure a majority on this next vote to make certain either Reyna or Jacobiah goes home, so I don’t want to just gamble that I’ll have the numbers. I want to make sure of it. That means I need to play nice with Trixie. I genuinely have wanted to bury the hatchet with her, but that girl has a remarkable ability to hold onto a grudge. She still has not forgiven me for the Enid vote, and the time I tried to vote her out.

Trixie: Listen, man. As long as it ain’t me, I’m good. If the majority is going after Reyna and Jacobiah, I’ll swing that way. I may not like you all that much, but I’m not an idiot.

"vantagem"

- Markus is trying to play me, to try and pitch me over to side so he’ll have the votes to take out his competition. And I don’t like it. I still see him as my main rival in this game. I keep saying he should’ve gone home ages and ages ago, and even though he’s come close, he’s still here. But like I said, I’m just one person. I don’t have a lot of sway in this game. So as much as I dislike him, I don’t really care. As long as it ain’t me, it ain’t me. And I’m not exactly about to stick my neck out and die on a sword for the likes of Reyna and Jacobiah, I mean, c’mon. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my plan to cause a little chaos around camp.

Later on in the day, the camera cuts to Trixie back in the shelter.

Christine is snoozing. Carter is sleeping in the hammock.

Jacobiah, Reyna and Percy are talking and getting clams by the rocks.

Markus and Annabeth are walking in the sand a ways away.

While no one is looking, Trixie creeps over to Annabeth’s bag and deposits her fake idol inside.

"vantagem"

- I think people would be scared to go after Markus if they found out he had an idol. He’s already played it successfully. But Annabeth has gone under-the-radar quite successfully with Nicholas gone. No one’s looking to take her out as a big threat. And that needs to change. She’s one of the reasons Markus didn’t go home last Tribal Council. If she wants to ally with my enemy, then the friend of my enemy is my enemy too. It’s time she learned where Tricksy Trixie earned her nickname.

Later...

Jeff: Come on in, guys!

The tribe walks on in.

Jeff: Ready to get to today’s immunity challenge? Reyna, Jacobiah, I will take them back.

He takes the two necklaces back and keeps one.

Jeff: Alright. Today, you will be back to competing for one individual immunity necklace. For today’s challenge, we are doing a classic food-eating contest. You will be split into teams and have to eat an item on your plate, with a few people being eliminated each round until we are left with two competitors. The person who shows me an empty mouth first wins immunity. Worth playing for? We’ll get started.

Soon, the players are in position.

Jeff: First up, we have Jacobiah, Reyna, Trixie and Markus. Reveal your food items.

They lift their pots to reveal…

Jeff: Live worms.

On the sidelines, Annabeth cringes, looking disgusted. Reyna smiles weakly, looking as if she is forcing herself not to puke already. Markus groans.

Jeff: First two to show me an empty mouth move on to the next round. Survivors ready? Go!

All four of them shove the worms into their mouths.

Jacobiah is chewing fast, his jaw moving up and down at an alarmingly fast pace. Trixie has her eyes closed, chewing to the beat of her own drum. Reyna looks revolted, pressing her fist to her mouth. Markus gags a little but keeps chewing.

Jeff: How badly do you want this immunity…? Who’s gonna finish first…?

Jacobiah chokes a little, but swallows and sticks his tongue out at Jeff.

Jeff: Jacobiah, moving on! We’re looking for one more…

Reyna chokes as well, trying to swallow with much difficulty. Trixie chews and chews and finally swallows and opens both her eyes and mouth, wagging her tongue at Jeff, looking delighted.

Jeff: Trixie, moving on! Markus and Reyna, you’re out.

Markus immediately spits the worms out into the soil.

Markus: Blegh.

The next four take their places.

Jeff: Alright. You four - reveal.

They reveal their food.

Jeff: You’re eating the same thing that they did.

Percy looks white. Annabeth is still cringing. Carter laughs nervously.

Carter: Great. Just...great.

Jeff: On my mark...go!

All four of them stuff the worms into their mouths. Immediately Percy chokes and spits a few worms out into the sand, and Annabeth hurls, looking disgusted. Christine has her eyes squeezed shut and is chewing fast. Carter is shaking his head, chewing quietly.

Jeff: We’re looking for two more…

Carter shakes his whole body but finally swallows.

Jeff: Carter, moving on!

Christine swallows, face scrunching up in disgust.

Jeff: Christine also moving on!

Annabeth squeals and vomits the worms out.

Percy spits his out as well.

Percy: That was horrible…

The final four take their spots.

Jeff: Jacobiah, Trixie, Carter and Christine - reveal what you’ll be eating next.

They reveal.

Jeff: Beetle larvae.

Carter sighs, biting his lip.

Carter: Aw, come on, Jeff…

Jeff: On your mark, get set...go!

They rush to shove the beetle larvae into their mouths. Trixie is chewing fast and Jacobiah is again chewing with big mouth movements.

Christine has her hands pressed to her cheeks as she chews. Carter makes a guttural noise in the back of his throat as he fights to keep from throwing up.

Jeff: Only two people will be moving on to the final round…

Trixie chews and swallows, flashing her tongue.

Jeff: Trixie moves on! We’re looking for one more!

Christine is struggling to swallow. Carter gags a little. Jacobiah is still chewing with big mouth movements, but finally swallows, and reveals his gross tongue.

Jeff: Jacobiah moves on!

Christine: Blegghhh!

Christine spits out the remains of the larvae.

Christine: That’s the worst thing that’s ever been in my mouth…

Carter laughs and gives her a high five as they leave together.

Jeff: Final round…

Jacobiah and Trixie take their places.

Jeff: Winner takes all. Reveal.

They reveal.

Jeff: Balut.

Christine holds her head in her hands at the sight of it.

Trixie scoffs, raising an eyebrow.

Trixie: [low voice] Looks tasty.

Jacobiah stares at her.

Jeff: It is do-or-die right here. If you want that immunity necklace tonight, you are going to earn it. Survivors ready? GO!

Both Jacobiah and Trixie shove the giant eggs into their mouths and start to chew. Jacobiah gags fast, clamping a hand over his mouth and chewing with, again, big motions of his jaw.

Trixie is eating fast, her throat bobbing up and down as she swallows bit by bit.

Jeff: You want to walk into Tribal Council feeling safe tonight. Nothing will beat that feeling of security at Tribal the closer we get to the finish line.

Trixie chews…

Jacobiah chews…

Reyna looks like she is on tenterhooks on the sidelines.

At last…

Trixie swallows, and opens her empty mouth.

Jeff: And she does it! Trixie, wins immunity!

Trixie steps back from her podium and takes a smug curtsy, as the others applaud politely.

Annabeth: [whispering] I don’t believe it...

Jacobiah manages to stomach his balut, and burps, but extends a hand to Trixie.

Jacobiah: Good job.

Trixie shakes his hand.

Trixie: Thanks.

Jeff: Trixie, get over here.

Trixie walks on over, and Jeff puts the necklace on her.

Jeff: Trixie, safe at Tribal Council tonight. As for the rest of you, one of you will be voted out tonight and become the sixth member of our jury, and with the numbers dwindling...safety is not guaranteed for anyone except Trixie. Congrats. I’ll see you all tonight at Tribal.

Trixie nods at Jeff and triumphantly rejoins the tribe as everyone gets their things.

The camera focuses on Reyna walking with the others.

"vantagem"

- As Jacobiah’s friend and ally, I was disappointed to see him not win after coming so close to beating Trixie. But at the same time...I’m worried about tonight. Without Wanda anymore, I know me and Jacobiah could be on our own without allies, so it might be one of us going home. If that’s the case, perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise that Jacobiah didn’t win immunity. Because if I have to keep myself safe...I might have no choice but to vote for him.

The tribe returns to camp.

Christine: Congratulations, Trix.

Trixie: Thank you.

Annabeth: Yeah, good job.

Percy: That was insane. I could never have done that.

"vantagem"

- Finally, I win my first immunity challenge. I won my first individual immunity necklace before Markus did. Isn’t that rich? [laughing] And I beat the hulking Jacobiah too to do it. This tiny, mousey girl beat the gargantuan Goliath! I took him down with my own little balut slingshot, baby. It feels good to win for myself for once.

Jacobiah: Again, congratulations, Trixie. That was a good battle.

Trixie: Of course. Thanks.

Trixie watches as the others leave. Markus and Annabeth go off to talk. Carter and Christine head into the woods. Percy and Reyna are gone. Trixie turns to Jacobiah.

"vantagem"

- I’m not in any danger of going home tonight, so that makes me all the more bolder to cause a little chaos tonight. Jacobiah and Reyna are going to think one of them is biting the dust at Tribal Council. I want to dictate who they throw their votes for to cause a bit of dissent in the group. Even if I’m not the pilot at tonight’s vote, I’m not just a passenger willing to sit down and enjoy the ride. I’m that annoying rabblerouser who won’t stop talking at the top of my voice to the person sitting next to me. I’m the troublemaker causing a ruckus and won’t stop no matter how many times the stewardess tells me to, because I thrive on chaos, baby. It’s my thing.

Trixie: You think you’re going home tonight?

Jacobiah: I think I needed that immunity, I’ll say that much. I have…[laughing] I have no clue what’s going to happen tonight. I’m completely clueless.

Trixie: Well, I’ll give you a little hint. I know who has the idol.

Jacobiah: You do? Who? Markus?

Trixie: Again? Heck no. But his new bird does.

She mouths Annabeth’s name with an air of secrecy.

Jacobiah: Annabeth?

Trixie: Mhm.

Jacobiah: Annabeth has an idol?

Trixie: You bet your ass she’s got an idol. Dead serious. Check her bag.

Jacobiah glances around nervously, looking guilty.

Jacobiah: I don’t think that’s such a good idea…

Trixie: Seriously? She has an idol. I’ve seen it. I know she has it. Just check her bag, and you’ll know I’m telling the truth.

Jacobiah still looks antsy, but eventually gives in, and crawls over to where Annabeth’s bag lies in the shelter, and opens it.

Jacobiah: Holy...is this…?

Trixie: I’m right, aren’t I?

"vantagem"

- These people are morons. They’re so easy at eating up whatever I tell them. Marisa fell for it hook, line and sinker, and Jacobiah is too. And at this stage of the game, secrets are currency and rumors can spread like a wildfire if untamed. And an untamed wildfire is the best kind of wildfire to be spreading. Markus and Annabeth may think they control the vote but they can’t control people’s paranoia.

The camera cuts to a montage of Jacobiah talking to Reyna…

Jacobiah: Annabeth has an idol.

...to Reyna talking to Christine…

Reyna: Jacobiah told me that Annabeth…

...to Christine whispering with Carter…

Christine: ...has the idol.

Carter: You’re joking?

Christine: It’s true. That’s what she said.

Carter: That’s not good.

Meanwhile, oblivious to the events happening without them…

Markus, Annabeth and Percy are talking in the woods.

Markus: Tonight, it should be Reyna or Jacobiah.

Percy: I still say it should be Carter or Christine.

Annabeth: We can work with them for now. But Reyna and Jacobiah are too threatening to keep together once there’s seven left. One of them needs to go next, first.

Percy: Fine, whatever. Then who?

Markus: I think Reyna’s the bigger strategic threat but Jacobiah’s the bigger physical one.

Annabeth: People love Jacobiah. He hasn’t pissed one person off on the jury. And he still has no votes cast against him.

Markus: The guy’s loved by all. He’s got a great social game.

Percy: Y-Yeah, but...it’s Jacobiah! He doesn’t know how to play the game…

Markus: He’s still a force to be reckoned with in challenges. He’s strong. He’s a provider. He’s likeable.

Percy: And Reyna?

Annabeth: She’s survived this far despite being targeted a bunch of times. There’s definitely an argument to be made that she’s the strategic one who wears the pants in their partnership. And I worry how she’ll retaliate against us if we take out Jacobiah instead of her tonight.

Markus: We should get Carter’s and Christine’s opinion on this.

"vantagem"

- I still don’t like that we’re working with Carter and Christine to take out Reyna or Jacobiah tonight. It should be the other way around. That’s what I want! But Markus and Annabeth are set on what they want to do and I can’t change their minds. I’m disappointed but I think the four of them are going to vote together and what the majority wants, the majority’s going to get. It looks like either Reyna or Jacobiah is going to go home tonight.

Markus and Annabeth meet up with Carter and Christine in the woods later.

Markus: If the four of us work together, we can get each other to the finals.

Carter: [nodding] Okay…

Annabeth: I just think the four of us all have played pretty solid games. Let’s not go crazy and turn on each other. We all need a group we can trust at some point in the game and we used to work together.

Christine: Right…

Annabeth: Let’s get to six, and then fight it out fair and square. But first, we take care of Jacobiah and Reyna.

Markus: We need each other as our meat shields. So sticking together is for our best benefit.

Carter: I like the idea. Really. Me and Christine [laughing] we almost got screwed last Tribal, so...we’re down for any alliance, really. Anything, to keep ourselves in the game.

"vantagem"

- Markus and Annabeth pitch us an alliance of us four, since according to them, we’re four solid players who need each other as meat shields, and that we’re better off working together than against one another. Even though Markus and I have never really allied, we have a good rapport from being back on Qamea together, and even though Annabeth has tried to blindside me before, I am willing to say that’s water under the bridge for now. I just want Christine and I to have a solid alliance to get us past the next few votes, so I am fine with us having this alliance right now, if that means that either Reyna or Jacobiah is going to be tonight’s target. My only issue with this is the potential of Annabeth having an idol.

After Markus and Annabeth leave, Carter turns to Christine.

Carter: Your thoughts?

Christine: I’m still iffy on Annabeth, and Markus is a huge threat. But...we need alliances to survive in this game, and we’re out of options otherwise. Better Reyna or Jacobiah go than you or I.

Carter: Agreed. What worries me though is that Annabeth may or may not have an idol. You didn’t actually see it, did you?

Christine: No, but Reyna swore to me Jacobiah saw it with his own two eyes.

Carter: She might be lying.

Christine: Or he might be…

Carter: But if they’re not, that is a problem…

Christine: Are you saying…?

Carter: If Annabeth really has an idol...she might not suspect enough to play it tonight, which means tonight might be the best night...to blindside Annabeth instead.

"vantagem"

- I would love to pay Annabeth back a little revenge for trying to stab me and Carter in the back. If she does have a hidden immunity idol, it only makes sense for us to blindside her now, while we have the chance, and when she still doesn’t suspect anything. But the idea of an alliance with her and Markus is tantalizing, because with Percy and Trixie, that gives us a majority and it keeps me and Carter safe at least until the Final Six. So now we’re down to two options, and we’re weighing which one is better. Do we get rid of Annabeth now, and betray Markus? Or do we keep in the risk of her having an idol, solidify an alliance for tonight’s vote, and take out another big threat in this game? Reyna and Jacobiah, together, is a dangerous couple, with her brains and his brawn. Annabeth is a good player but she’s not the biggest threat, and taking her out wouldn’t even weaken Markus as much because he’s survived this long as a lone wolf. But I would so love to blindside Annabeth and see the look on her face, still…

While Carter and Christine are deliberating who to swing with, Jacobiah is with Reyna at camp.

He looks worried. He leans in closer and beckons Reyna to hear him whispering.

Jacobiah: I think I’m the one going home tonight.

Reyna: You do?

Jacobiah: I’m getting bad vibes from everyone. No one’s looking me in the eye.

Reyna: They’re definitely all coming together to target one of us. That much is obvious.

Jacobiah: But why? Annabeth is the one with the idol! They should be going for her!

Reyna: It’s stupid…

"vantagem"

- At this point, it is clear to me that either me or Jacobiah is in big trouble tonight. The only other name that’s cropped up is Annabeth, because he found an idol in her bag that Trixie told him about. Our only shot at both staying in is to try and get her targeted instead.

Trixie arrives in camp, and Jacobiah nods at her.

Jacobiah: [whispering] Hey. It’s Annabeth tonight?

Trixie: Yeah. I’ll do it. I don’t want that idol lurking around.

Jacobiah: [nodding profusely] Okay. Okay, okay. Good. That’s good.

"vantagem"

- It sucks to me that, once again, Jacobiah and I are still on the bottom of the Vantagem tribe and are STILL scrambling to get back to power. The tribe seems united in sending one of us home because we’re the underdogs. But I wouldn’t count us out yet. There’s always a chance something awry will happen, and the tables can easily turn. The only time I’ve felt safe at Tribal was when I had immunity, and even then, the vote didn’t pan out how I’d expected it to. I’m constantly on tenterhooks walking into Tribal, but what else is new? Tonight will be no different. I hope that tonight, it will be Annabeth getting her torch snuffed, and not me or Jacobiah, because that would just mean I’m sinking even lower and there cannot be any lower for me to sink…[laughing] eventually, the sinking just has to stop...and I hope it stops tonight.

The sky turns to dark as the camera cuts away from camp.

The tribe arrives at Tribal Council.

Jeff: We’ll now bring in the members of our jury. Becky, Leroy, Nicholas, Zoe and Wanda, voted out at the last Tribal Council.

Wanda walks in behind Zoe, wearing a blue top and black jeans. She smiles primly at Reyna and Jacobiah. Reyna smiles back sadly. Jacobiah pouts a little, looking glad to see her still.

Jeff: Jacobiah, last Tribal Council, there were pretty big moves made. What was the fallout for you, personally, when Wanda was sent to the jury?

Jacobiah: The fallout was uh...pretty big for me. It’s no secret to anyone here that Wanda and I were pretty close. I would call her my closest ally in the game. So to have her be blindsided, and it honestly was also partially my fault...it really stung. I felt bad. And...I feel it makes me a target tonight too.

Jeff: Why do you think you’re the target tonight?

Jacobiah: All day, it’s been pretty clear that the tribe is united in sending either me or Reyna home tonight.

Jeff: Reyna, do you agree with that statement?

Reyna: Yeah. It’s been pretty clear that Markus, Annabeth, Percy, Carter and Christine have all joined forces as one big voting unit and they’ve banded together to vote one of us out.

Jeff: Markus, you can’t lay it out any clearer than that.

Markus: Yeah, Reyna was pretty straightforward there. I think that at this stage of the game, there are a lot of players who can be considered threats, and so there’s no obvious, easy target. But a group of us have come together and put aside our differences to work together for this vote, and I’m hoping that sticks.

Jeff: Trixie, Reyna left you out when she was mentioning who was together for this vote. Do you think it was deliberate?

Trixie: Course it was. She doesn’t think I’m part of that group, and she’s right, honestly. But me? I’m just here as me, man. If majority wants Reyna or Jacobiah gone, then so be it. As long as it ain’t me, I’m good.

Jacobiah swallows, glancing at Reyna, who shoots him a knowing look.

Jeff: Jacobiah, why do you think the others on the tribe have unified against you and Reyna?

Jacobiah: It’s sad, especially considering...we’ve been on the bottom for some time now. And even now, we’re still on the bottom and still fighting to stay alive. I think it was a lot due to the last Tribal Council. Markus feels burned that we tried to get rid of him. Carter and Christine also managed to turn the tables on Reyna and Zoe. So they’re united in that they were both burned by us and our allies. That’s why we’re on the bottom now...again. And I can see the argument to get rid of either of us.

Jeff: Annabeth, what’s the logic behind getting rid of Reyna or Jacobiah?

Annabeth: Well...Reyna is a smart girl. She conducts herself very well. She’s not rude or mean-spirited...people like her.

The camera cuts to Trixie narrowing her eyes.

Annabeth: She’s just...I guess she’s got a reputation as the girl who survived her name coming up a bunch of times, she’s an underdog because she’s on the bottom, she’s won immunity and she’s got clear votes on that jury. Then Jacobiah...who can say a bad thing about this boy? He’s the sweetest, kindest soul I’ve ever met.

Jacobiah looks embarrassed and he shakes his head.

Jacobiah: Naw, you’re just saying that.

Annabeth: It’s true! [laughing]

Trixie rolls her eyes.

Annabeth: Anyway, Jacobiah is a beast. He’s built like Adonis. I mean, look at him! He’s physically intimidating.

Jacobiah: I’ve only won one challenge. How intimidating can that be?

Annabeth: It’s still a reason to look at him as a threat. He’s also undoubtedly beloved by the jury. No one dislikes him.

Jacobiah: I’m not a strategic threat in any way whatsoever though. I’m not going to spearhead a big move or anything. I’m just...I’m just me.

Carter shoots Christine a significant look, and she nods back.

Jacobiah: I mean, if you’re going to target someone for strategy, why not Annabeth?

Annabeth frowns at him.

Annabeth: What do you mean by that?

Jacobiah sputters a little.

Jacobiah: I just mean...you know. I think...other people here know what I’m talking about and why Annabeth should go home.

Annabeth looks confused, and she shares a similarly confused look with Markus. Trixie has an incredulous look on her face and she chuckles helplessly.

Jacobiah: I mean...just saying. They know what I mean.

Jeff looks confused too.

Jeff: Care...to elaborate?

Jacobiah: ...No.

Annabeth: Um...okay. That doesn’t sound comforting.

Carter raises an eyebrow at Christine, who grins nervously.

Jeff: Annabeth, does that shake you at all in terms of what you believe is happening tonight?

Annabeth: Uh, definitely. I wasn’t even aware my name might be on the table tonight so I have no clue what Jacobiah is talking about. It seems like it cropped up out of nowhere. But I’m just going to assume he’s spitballing. I have no choice but to believe in the plan that I believe is going down tonight, so…[shrugs] it’s whatever.

Jacobiah smirks a little. Reyna looks disappointed, looking down at the floor.

Annabeth turns back once to Markus, who nods grimly at her.

Jeff: Alright. It is time to vote. Jacobiah, you’re up.

Jacobiah nods and gets to his feet. Annabeth turns to watch him as he walks off, and the camera fades away…

Jacobiah is at the voting booth, bent over his parchment, writing down Annabeth’s name, and capping the pen with an aura of finality.

The camera cuts to the jury watching as Markus walks by them, then cuts to Christine slipping her vote into the urn.

Reyna has her legs tightly crossed and is slowly swaying her left foot as Percy walks by her. Percy moves past the jury and the camera cuts to Zoe’s face, devoid of emotion, as she stonily follows his movements with her eyes.

The camera cuts to Annabeth getting to the voting booth, coolly tossing her hair over her shoulder.

Carter is chewing on his lower lip, thinking to himself. At last, Annabeth returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

Jeff leaves. Wanda is watching the players from the jury. Reyna makes eye contact with her and lets out a big exhale, shrugging. Markus’ eyes narrow as he watches their exchange.

Carter sighs as Jeff returns.

Jeff: If anyone has the hidden immunity idol and you’d like to play it, now would be the time to do so.

Trixie deliberately cocks her head to her right to look at Annabeth, a coy smirk playing on her lips. Annabeth doesn’t do anything, glancing to her left and right out of the corners of her eyes.

Jacobiah looks nervous, looking at her, but she still does nothing.

Christine smiles when nothing else happens.

Jeff: Alright. Once the votes are read, decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

Jeff opens the urn.

Everyone is watching him intently. Jacobiah looks nervous still. Reyna is squinting, making a show of licking her lips.

Jeff: First vote...Jacobiah. (1-0)

Jacobiah smiles in disappointment and nods slowly.

Jeff: Reyna. (1-1)

Reyna purses her lips and her mouth twitches a little.

Jeff: Annabeth. That’s one vote Jacobiah, one vote Reyna, one vote Annabeth. (1-1-1)

Annabeth’s eyes widen a little and she looks mildly surprised.

There is a tiny smile on Christine’s face. Carter glances at her, then back at Jeff.

Jeff: Jacobiah. Two votes Jacobiah. (2-1-1)

Jacobiah nods again, no longer smiling.

Jeff: Reyna. Two votes Reyna. (2-2-1)

Reyna casts Wanda on the jury a forlorn look. Wanda winces and shakes her head.

Markus is nodding to himself, seemingly relieved.

Jeff: Jacobiah. Three votes Jacobiah…(3-2-1)

Jacobiah winces too, a worried expression on his face.

Jeff: Reyna. We’re tied again. Three votes Jacobiah, three votes Reyna, one vote Annabeth...one vote left. (3-3-1)

Reyna rolls her eyes, looking down at the floor. Trixie glances at the pair of them, and then back to Jeff. Annabeth frowns a little, looking lost in thought. The camera cuts to the hopeful look on Markus’ face, and then slowly zooms in on Jacobiah’s nervous one.

Jeff: Thirteenth person voted out and the sixth member of our jury…

...Jacobiah. You need to bring me your torch. (4-3-1)

Jacobiah’s face breaks out into a crushed grin and he gets up.

Jacobiah: Ah, dang it. Good job guys.

Reyna turns back to look at him.

Reyna: Sorry, Jakey.

Annabeth: Yeah, we’re sorry.

Jacobiah: It’s okay, you guys. Kill it.

He slings his things over his back and moves to grab his torch. Carter and Christine share a look, and Christine wags her eyebrows at him, chuckling under her breath.

Annabeth has a troubled look on her face, and she turns to look at Markus, who blinks and nods encouragingly in return.

Trixie cricks her neck slightly as she leans back in her seat, watching as Jacobiah passes by.

Jacobiah puts his torch down.

Jeff: Jacobiah, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch] Time for you to go.

Jacobiah nods and turns back, raising a big hand in farewell.

Jacobiah: Goodbye to you all. It’s been a blast. Love y’all.

Annabeth: Love you, Jacobiah!

Markus: See you, Jacobiah…

Carter: It’s been real, buddy.

Percy: Bye, Jacobiah…

Reyna nods at him in goodbye as he leaves.

Wanda looks disappointed on the jury, kicking her feet back and forth sadly.

Jeff: Another Tribal Council down, but with only seven of you left, and the endgame drawing nearer and nearer, there are going to be less and less places for you to hide. Grab your things, head on back to camp. Goodnight.

Final Words
Jacobiah: Survivor means a lot to me. To me, it’s more than just a show. It’s an experience. It’s a bonding moment I’ve shared with my family for years and years and to get the chance to be on, to be out here, to fight for the title of Sole Survivor...it will go down as one of my fondest memories and one of my crowning achievements in life. Even though I got voted out tonight, I don’t see it as a failure. I made it pretty deep, and I got to get my father out here onto the island with me. To me, that is a success. And I couldn’t be happier.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Annabeth is not happy with Trixie.

Annabeth: You put a fake idol into my bag? Why?

Trixie: Why not? It’s a game, and I like to play.

"vantagem"

- She’s the duchess of duplicity out here. She can’t be trusted!


 * And with the end in sight, everyone becomes a target.

The camera cuts to Percy whispering with Annabeth.

Percy: Carter then?

The camera cuts to Reyna talking with Carter.

Reyna: We do Markus next.

The camera cuts to Christine talking to Markus.

Christine: Let’s just vote Trixie.

"vantagem"

- It’s pandemonium and everyone’s out there scrambling like it’s Black Friday! [laughing]