He's Well-Liked, so He's Dangerous

"He's Well-Liked, so He's Dangerous"
Season	Survivor: Aruba
Author	User:Dskmd
Episode Number	12/14
Episode Chronology
Previous	Romeo's Lost His Juliet
Next	The Witch is Dead

This is the twelfth episode of Survivor: Aruba.

Previously on Survivor..

All hope seemed to be lost for Eliza, minus the fact that she had an idol up her sleeve. The majority alliance quickly reveals to have a few cracks, mainly due to most of the alliance believing that Ben was the flipper. After the incidents at the Survivor Auction, where Ben won a pizza and shared it with Eliza, his alliance continued to not trust him.

Ben expressed interest on jumping ship for real over to Eliza's side. He ultimately decided to stick with his original alliance and try and vote her out. However, Eliza pulled out an immunity idol, and with Austin and Will immune, Drew on her side, and Ben and Joyce both interested in jumping ship, she decided to oust Angel separating the couple and evening the playing field.

Six are left, who will be voted out next?

Challenges

Reward Challenge: Pass the Bucket

The castaways would use a bucket to scoop water from the cannister and then toss the water to their loved one who would use another bucket to catch the water. The loved one would then pour the water into a bucket hanging from a see saw. The first pair to fill their bucket with enough water to tip their see saw would win.

Reward: Overnight stay in a hotel with your loved one, and two other people and their loved ones.

Immunity Challenge: Keep it Up

The castaways would hold two poles on the tops of their hands up against a board over their heads. Any movement in their hands would cause the poles to drop to the ground. The last person who does not drop their poles would win immunity.

Story

Night 33

After the shocking result from the vote, Austin isolates himself, refusing to talk to anyone.

You OK, Austin?- Drew (concerned)

... I'm fine...- Austin (clearly upset)

“	Angel is gone. And you know, it's really hard to get past that. I trusted her with all my heart, and we had a connection. Now she's gone and I've got literally no one to fully trust and depend on.	”
–Austin (sadly)

Austin makes an annoyed face and he sits down in the shelter. A few of his tribe-mates look on in concern, but Eliza only rolls her eyes in slight annoyance.

“	Austin was behaving rather childishly. It's like, yeah, we get it that your girlfriend got blindsided, but there's no need to behave like a fussy three-year-old. Austin's used to being in control, and when things don't go his way, he pouts and moans and complains and bitches about the way things are currently being done.	”
–Eliza

Austin notices the eyeroll and decides to call her out on it.

What the hell, Eliza?- Austin

Excuse me?- Eliza

Don't act all innocent, I saw you roll your eyes.- Austin

So what? It's a crime to not agree with you, now?- Eliza

I just got my close ally voted out, the least you could do is have a little sympathy!- Austin

Considering how you've all treated me since the Cassidy vote, Austin, I don't see why I should have any sympathy whatsoever towards you now. My god, grow up! The vote didn't go your way. Cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it.- Eliza

Austin simply sticks up his middle finger at her.

“	Austin got cocky. He can dish it out but he can't take it. This is the first time the vote hasn't gone the way he predicted, and he's upset because of it. In the end, that'll be his downfall, his cocky attitude. Plus, Austin's a (bleep)ing control freak. He likes when things go his way and only his way.	”
–Eliza

The other castaways, sans Will, who is smirking, seem slightly uncomfortable with the tension. After a while, everyone goes to sleep.

Day 34

The next day, Eliza and Drew get a chance to celebrate over their success in the previous vote in private.

I can't believe I pulled that off!- Eliza

Did you see the looks on their faces?! (he opens his mouth in an imitation of the majority alliance's surprised looks)- Drew

(laughing) Will looked like he was about to puke!- Eliza

The two of them hug, then Eliza brings the conversation back to business.

So, we've got options. We could try and look for an idol, which isn't always a guarantee, or we could try and break up the alliance. We've got cracks between Ben and Will, and now Ben and Austin.- Eliza

So do you want to try and get Joyce on our side to oust one of the alpha males?- Drew

I'm hoping to try and get Austin out of the game.- Eliza

Joyce isn't gonna agree to that. She trusts him.- Drew

So, Will or Ben?- Eliza

It'd be easier for Joyce to vote out Will. She trusts him less than Ben. So if all goes well, Will could leave next.- Drew

Finally! I've been waiting to kick his ass out of the game for 34 days!- Eliza

Austin is still moping, and Joyce and Ben both watch him from a distance. The two of them are talking in hushed tones as they observe him, concerned for his well-being.

He's a wreck.- Joyce

Yeah. His head isn't in the game right now.- Ben

I feel bad for him.- Joyce

Should we be concerned? If Austin keeps acting this way maybe we should vote him out.- Ben

(suddenly alert) Why?- Joyce

(confused) Well, he's not doing so well. If Eliza wins immunity, we could get him out.- Ben

But you wouldn't be willing to vote him out unless Eliza was immune, right?- Joyce

Joyce, I'm loyal to this alliance. I'm not the flipper. I'm only thinking of Austin's mental stability right now.- Ben

Joyce doesn't look convinced as Ben goes to catch some fish.

“	Ben seems to be thinking of reasons to dismantle the alliance. He's rumored to be the flipper. All signs point to Ben being the one who's flipping. I don't think we can trust him now.	”
–Joyce

Ben and Drew both decide to go fishing together. Austin is sitting on the beach, not being productive, while Joyce, Will, and Eliza are making the tribe breakfast. While going to get the rice, Eliza purposely bumps into Will, causing him to stumble. The two of them engage in their normal bickering.

Bitch.- Will

Asshole.- Eliza

“	I don't think Eliza's someone I'd ever get along with in real life. If I'm not gonna like her in real life, why should I like her here?	”
–Will

“	We've been fighting for so long now that it's just a normal occurrence for the two of us to be shooting each other death glares or calling each other names. The rest of the tribe just turns a blind eye, and it's almost hilarious.	”
–Eliza (on her rivalry with Will)

Reward Challenge

The final six castaways all come into the reward challenge with large smiles on their faces. Once Jeff explains the challenge, he gives an odd little smile as he says the next part.

Now, since this challenge runs in pairs...- Jeff Probst

Oh my God. Did you...?- Austin

(smiling)... We decided to bring in partners for you!- Jeff Probst

(knowing where this is going) Jeff, are our loved ones somewhere around here?!- Austin (excitedly)

(smiling) Austin, here's your sister, Kelly.- Jeff Probst

A woman with hair, eyes, and facial features like Austin and wearing a pink sweater comes out, grinning. Austin runs over to her, and the two of them hug, before Kelly steps back and examines Austin closely.

You got so thin! Holy crap!- Kelly

(chuckling) I have been on an island for thirty-four days!- Austin

Well, everyone back home is rooting for you (tearing up) so continue to do well, OK?- Kelly

I will (also tearing up a bit).- Austin

The two of them hug and go back to the mat as Jeff introduces the next loved one.

Joyce, anyone in particular you want to see?- Jeff Probst

(already crying) My brother.- Joyce

Well, you've got your wish. Abraham, come on out!- Jeff Probst

An older gentleman with brown, graying hair wearing glasses and a green sweater with a brown jacket comes out with a smile on his face. When he sees Joyce, his smile goes wider. Joyce is crying as she embraces him. She then turns to the other castaways.

Abraham has helped me through so much. I can't thank him enough for coming here.- Joyce

You're doing great, I'm sure. Just stay strong for five more days.- Abraham

The two of them share one final hug and smile as Jeff introduces the next loved one.

Ben, who do you want to see?- Jeff Probst

Anyone. I don't care if it's the (bleep)ing Grim Reaper. Just let 'em in.- Ben (grinning)

Well, here's your friend and band mate, Jason. (looks over at Ben) I can't wait to meet this guy.- Jeff Probst

The other castaways chuckle as a man with green hair and dreadlocks comes out as loudly and obnoxiously as possible, waving his hands in the air and war-whooping the entire time. When he reaches Ben, the two of them bump fists as Jason surveys his old friend.

Dude, you're so skinny! (hols his nose) And you don't smell too good either.- Jason

Hey, I still smell better than you ever could!- Ben

The other castaways all laugh at their playful banter.

Jeff introduces the next loved one.

Eliza, anyone in particular you feel like seeing?- Jeff Probst

Anybody. I don't care who it is. I'll even take one of my annoying brothers!- Eliza (laughing and crying at the same time)

Caleb, come on out.- Jeff Probst

A man with dark hair wearing a blue shirt jogs out. Him and Eliza both hug, with each of them talking a mile a minute at the same time. Eliza asks about the rest of the family, to which Caleb replies that all of them are doing well, and that they are all rooting for her. The two of them are both getting emotional. After a final long hug they separate.

Jeff introduces the next loved one.

Drew, who do you want to see?- Jeff Probst

Well, I've only got one person in mind... My girlfriend, Maya.- Drew

Maya, come on out.- Jeff Probst

A tall woman with curly brown hair and tanned skin bounds out. She sees Drew and runs towards him, and the two of them kiss.

I've missed you!- Maya

I've missed you too!- Drew

(they kiss again) You know, I think you could fit into my outfits now! You've lost so much weight!- Maya (jokingly)

Maybe...- Drew (smiling)

The other castaways watch the happy reunion with smiles on their faces. Maya and Drew hug and kiss one final time before they both go their separate ways.

Jeff introduces the final loved one.

Will, who do you want to see?- Jeff Probst

Hey, I'd take anything right now. Even my psycho ex-girlfriend from college.- Will

(chuckling) We won't make you go through that. Here's your sister, Claudia.- Jeff Probst

A woman with brown hair in a ponytail walks out to greet Will. Her smile widens when she sees him. The two of them run over to each other, hugging and laughing.

You smell awful!- Claudia

Well, hello to you too.- Will

(beaming) You've gotten so thin and dirty! I'm not letting you back in the house until you shower.- Claudia

What if I win a million bucks? Will you let me in then?- Will

(laughs) After you use some of it to take a shower. (turning to the other castaways) Now, you be nice to him, OK? Or else I'll come get ya!- Claudia

The other castaways chuckle as Will grins and shakes his head at his sister's antics.

Kelly          Abraham         Jason           Caleb            Maya          Claudia

With that, the challenge begins. Austin and Kelly work well together, with Austin tossing the water and Kelly catching a large majority of it. Jason and Ben are right on their tail. Joyce and Abraham are completely falling out of the challenge already, with Abraham struggling to catch the water, and Joyce failing to toss the water within catching distance. Will and Claudia are doing well, as are Drew and Maya and Eliza and Caleb. Jason and Ben quickly take the lead as Kelly fails to catch a lot of water on Austin's next throw. Jason and Ben's bucket is about half full, and so is Austin and Kelly's. The rest of the castaways have their buckets full up to about a quarter of the way, except for Joyce and Abraham, who are falling even further behind. Will and Claudia make a sudden push to second, with Drew and Maya having a sudden streak of luck with Maya collecting a lot of water. Caleb catches a lot of water, bringin him and Eliza up closer to first. It is now a close race that should come down to a photo finish between five of the six pairings.

Suddenly, one of the see saws tip. The winners of the challenge are...

Eliza and Caleb! Eliza shrieks with joy and hugs Caleb, while Austin and Will both look dejected, assuming that Eliza isn't going to choose them to go with her. When asked who she wants to bring on the reward, Eliza decides to bring along Drew and Maya. When asked who else she wants to bring, Eliza thinks hard for a moment, finally choosing to bring along Ben and Jason, in order to thank him for giving her pizza in the Auction.

Dejected, Austin, Will, and Joyce say good bye to their loved ones and head back to camp.

“	Seeing Kelly made me think that if Angel were here, if she had lasted one more day, she would be here with me, meeting a part of my family. It's depressing. What's even more scary is that Eliza chose the two people least secure in the alliance to go with her on the reward. Ben is probably the one who flipped, and I have no idea where Drew's head is at because I haven't spoken with him recently.	”
–Austin

Reward

Eliza, Drew, and Ben are all thrilled to be with their loved ones. They each go into their own little area to discuss their current standing in the game with their loved one. The camera pans over to Eliza, who is in deep conversation with Caleb.

“	My whole family consists of huge Survivor fans, and Caleb is no exception. He'd be good on the show himself, and I knew he'd have some great advice for me.	”
–Eliza

So, who are your allies in the game right now?- Caleb

Drew, but he's kind of a secret ally because he's supposed to be in the majority alliance. Everyone thinks I'm working with Ben, who's notorious for flipping on alliances. Other than that, I have no one, and if I don't win immunity, it's very likely I'll end up going home.- Eliza

Is there anybody willing to work with you besides Drew?- Caleb

Will and Austin both hate my guts. Joyce is on the iffy side, and so is Ben. Ben hates Will, so was thinking I could use his vote. Joyce is extremely loyal, which means that we could end up going to rocks.- Eliza

Just try your hardest. If anyone can convince Joyce and Ben to flip, it's you.- Caleb

“	Eliza is incredibly strong-willed for someone her age. Being a few years older than her, I'd always tend to look out for her, but Eliza seems to be holding her own. She's really matured out here and I'm proud of her.	”
–Caleb

The camera shifts to Drew and Maya. After a few kisses and smiles, Maya asks Drew about his standing in the game at this point.

I'm doing pretty well. Everyone on the Jury loves me because I'm secretly trying to help them out, and my allies like me too because they think I'm loyal. I really don't have any major loyalties, except to Eliza and Joyce.- Drew

... Joyce is the old lady, right? And Eliza's the one who won the challenge today?- Maya

Yeah.- Drew

Just be careful with this double agent stuff, all right? If you get caught you could get sent home. But remember I love you regardless.- Maya

I love you too.- Drew

“	Drew's doing extremely well right now. Do I think he could win? Yes, of course. He's got a great shot and I hope he makes the most of it.	”
–Maya

The two kiss as the image fades, and the camera flips to Jason and Ben. Bens vents all of his frustrations about his current label as The Flipper. Jason consoles him and talks him through it, telling him that maybe he should just flip. Ben considers the idea.

“	Do I know what I want to do right now? I have no clue. But the talk with Jason helped. Someone's still got some faith in me.	”
–Ben

“	Ben's a strong-willed guy, and if he says he's got your back, then you know he's telling the truth. He's hit a rough spot, but so does everyone once in a while. I know he'll turn this around.	”
–Jason

Jamanota

Back at camp, Austin, Will, and Joyce are discussing Eliza's two choices as the people to go with her on reward.

It's kind of strange that she chose Drew. Ben, I can sorta understand. He's clearly on her side.- Will

I think she chose Drew because she dislikes the two of you and truly only had to choose between me and him. Now a new question: What do we do if Eliza wins immunity?- Joyce

Then we can vote out Ben. He's the flipper, anyway.- Austin

Joyce remains silent, as she knows that Ben is not the flipper, but rather Drew. Austin and Will continue discussing their ideas, while Joyce remains silent and observant. Slowly, the audio fades out as Joyce's confessional plays over it.

“	I'm not sure what move I'll make at Tribal. I could force a tie and make us draw rocks, I could play the easy vote and get rid of Eliza with the majority, or I could simply throw my vote away. I've got many options, and I think it's time to start examining them more closely than I have.	”
–Joyce

Day 35

Immunity Challenge

As Eliza, Ben, and Drew are brought back from the reward they experienced, Jeff explains the rules, taking bak Austin's immunity necklace and discarding Will's, stating that they will now go back to using only one necklace. The castaways all draw for their spots and then begin.

A little while in, Joyce starts to shake. Giving a little smirk, Joyce drops her poles, giving up. Jeff comments that Joyce has performed rather poorly at nearly every individual challenge thus far. Joyce shrugs and smiles, responding that she is nearly three times the age of most of these people.

The challenge continues. The only female left in the challenge is Eliza. She is also the smallest person left in the challenge. Will is looking steady, as are Austin and Ben. Drew is looking ok, but he is rocking a bit. After a while, Eliza and Drew both start shaking, and their poles fall almost simultaneously.

With only Ben, Austin and Will left in the challenge, the three men continue to duke it out. The remaining castaways out of the challenge start to quietly make bets on who will win, because all three men are looking strong. Will is the strongest physically, but Ben has the advantage of a full stomach. Austin begins to shake, and then Austin suddenly drops his poles, leaving the challenge to end with Will or Ben.

Both men look like they weren't going to give in anytime soon. When asked by Ben if he wanted to rock, paper, scissors for the challenge win, Will roughly tells him that he doesn't want to leave it up to chance. The two men continue on with the challenge. After about twenty minutes, despite having more food in his stomach, Ben starts to shake and his poles fall, giving the individual immunity necklace to Will.

Jamanota

When the tribe gets back from the challenge, Eliza knows that she has to, yet again, scramble like crazy. The very first thing she does is she goes up to Drew. She decides that the two of them need to think of a plan.

All right, so Will's immune. Do you think we can convince Joyce to vote out Austin?- Eliza

She'd be more apt to vote out Ben. He's well-liked, so he's dangerous to her.- Drew

But Austin's the one doing all of the strategizing.- Eliza

But Ben's also strategizing, and he's more well-liked than Austin. Joyce would rather get rid of him. And plus, we have Will's vote guaranteed with getting rid of Ben. With getting rid of Austin, we don't have Will's vote.- Drew

All right. So all four of us vote Ben, except for Ben and Austin, who vote me?- Eliza

Yep. I'll talk to Will, you talk to Joyce.- Drew

Eliza walks up to Joyce, who is tending to the fire nearby their shelter. Eliza sits down right next to Joyce, ready to tell her the plan for Tribal Council.

I've been thinking.- Eliza

About what, dear?- Joyce

Well, I don't think you'd be making a smart decision, getting rid of me. There are so many bigger threats than me. I couldn't win a physical challenge if my life depended on it. But all those bigger guys... Austin, Will, Ben. All of them could easily just challenge dominate their way to the end.- Eliza

What are you saying?- Joyce

My point is that getting rid of me would not benefit you. I'm an extra vote, just floating around. But you know who leaving would benefit you?- Eliza

Who would that person be?- Joyce

Ben. Think of it this way... Who's more likable, who's the physically stronger one? It'd benefit you to get rid of him first and keep me. Everyone on this island wants me gone. Ben will be able to smile his way to the end and he'll steal the money right from under your nose.- Eliza

I'm not willing to make a move unless it makes sense. Do you have another vote besides you?- Joyce

Drew, and he's working on getting Will. Would that be enough of a guarantee?- Eliza

I'd have to think about it a little more.- Joyce

Well, think quick. You need to play the game before the game plays you.- Eliza

“	My fate in the game rests in the hands of Will and Joyce right now. I'm hoping that my persuasion of Joyce and Will's annoyance towards Ben is enough to propel me through this vote.	”
–Eliza

Meanwhile, Drew is busy trying to persuade Will to vote for Ben. Will decides that he will, due to his hatred and annoyance towards Ben.

“	I like Austin, but despise his second in command. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of Ben.	”
–Will

Tribal Council

When the Jamanota tribe gets to Tribal Council, Jeff introduces the (all-female as of now) Jury. When Angel comes in, she blows Austin a kiss. Eliza rolls her eyes, but no one notices except for Kayla in the Jury box, who smirks. Jeff then begins with the questions.

Eliza, last Tribal Council, you played an idol on yourself, negating every vote except for your own. Tell me about the reaction afterward.- Jeff Probst

Well, Austin pretty much yelled in my face. I think that he's a bit of a control freak.- Eliza

OK, let's just get one thing straight. You voted out my closest ally in the game! I have a right to be angry at you!- Austin

So what, when you and Will collectively take away all of MY closest allies, it's OK, but when someone makes a move against you, they're castigated for it?- Eliza

I'm not allowed to be upset when you take out my closest ally?!- Austin

I'm not saying you're not allowed to be upset. But you should realize that the game does not revolve around you.- Eliza

Will, what's your take on all this?- Jeff Probst

I can definitely see both sides of the argument. I mean, I may dislike Eliza as a person, but I still think that she made a good move. The problem really isn't with the two of them, though.- Will

Who is the problem, then?- Jeff Probst

Ben. He's been jumping ship since this game began. We think that he's been playing both sides.- Will

OK, this is getting ridiculous. YES, I flipped a lot pre-merge, going to whichever alliance had the power. Why would I go from a majority alliance to a minority alliance? Strategically, that makes no sense.- Ben

It'll get you Jury votes in the end.- Will

Drew, do you believe that Ben flipped?- Jeff Probst

I'm not sure what to think. I wouldn't put it past him, but the fact that he vehemently denies it makes me wonder if maybe he's telling the truth.- Drew

Well, it is time to vote. Joyce, you're up first.- Jeff Probst

After everyone votes, Jeff grabs the urn.

“	If anyone has a Hidden Immunity Idol and you would like to play it, now would be the time to do so.	”
–Jeff Probst

Everyone looks at Eliza, who doesn't stand up. Nobody stands, and Jeff begins to read the votes.

First vote:

Eliza

Second vote:

Eliza

Austin looks at Eliza and gives her a smirk. She simply stares at him.

Third vote:

Ben

Assuming it's a throwaway vote from Eliza, Ben ignores the vote.

Fourth vote:

Ben

Surprised, Austin and Ben turn to each other, then glance at Will, Joyce and Drew. Drew and Joyce avoid their gazes, while Will is fixated on the urn.

Fifth vote:

Ben

Now even the Jury knows something is up.

12th person voted out and the sixth member of the Jury...

Ben. Ben, I'm going to need you to bring me your torch.

Stunned, Ben leaves the area.

Kayla, Maddie, and Cassidy are thrilled that Eliza is in the Final Five.

Eliza looks at Austin and gives him the similar condescending smirk he gave her merely a minute ago. That made Austin all the more annoyed at her.

It was game on.

Tribal Council 12: (Jamanota)
Voted Against	Voter
Ben (4 votes)	Eliza, Will, Joyce, Drew
Eliza (2 votes)	Ben, Austin
VOTED OFF: Ben

Voting Confessionals

“	You've been in this game way too long. This is for Angel.	”
–Austin

“	I personally have nothing against you. You were on the wrong side of the numbers.	”
–Ben

“	Thanks for taking the heat of the flip for me. Ben, you're a good guy, but you need to go. You're too much of a Jury threat.	”
–Drew

“	I'd rather get rid of Austin, but right now, he's the perfect guy to take to the end because he's rubbing people the wrong way with his slightly arrogant attitude.	”
–Eliza

“	I can't beat you, and plus, my vote would only force a tie. I don't want to draw rocks. I'm sorry.	”
–Joyce

“	The level of distrust I have towards you almost rivals the amount of hatred I hold towards Eliza. And that says a lot.	”
–Will

Final Words

“	I am stunned. Flabbergasted. Shocked. I wasn't expecting this to happen, and I applaud Eliza for the move. I'm gonna have a long talk with Drew, Joyce, and Will soon.I really don't think that Joyce has a shot at winning right now, but to the rest who do, good luck.	”
–Ben

Jury

Still in the Running

Tijger
Amelia	Austin	Ben	Faith	Frank	James	Kayla	Maddie	Maria
Leeuw
Angel	Cassidy	Chris	Drew	Eliza	Joyce	Seth	Will	Zeke

Next Time on Survivor...

• Austin and Will resolidify their alliance. "It's us to the end, right?" "Guaranteed."
• Eliza and Drew make future plans. "All we need is her vote, and we're good."
• And Joyce is stuck in the middle. "I need to make a decision and quick."

Author's Notes

Please vote on the polls I have on my season page! If you have already, thank you! If you haven't, then what are you waiting for? Go! :)