|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:49:48 GMT -5
Survivor Holidays: All Stars
Episode VIII
“Up Close and Personal”
Saint Patrick’s Day: Christopher, JoJo
Independence Day: Missie
Halloween: Ashley, Isaac, Jake, Jon
Valentine’s Day: Elisabeth, Jenne, Kyle, Taylor The seventh tribal council of the game was a whirlwind. Plans weren’t completely pinned down even while walking through the threshold of the stone arena. It was a flurry of conversation. Christopher: Just so you know, I’m going to plunge in headfirst and go with you. Kyle had gasped audibly and looked up at him. Kyle: Yowsas! What’s the turnabout? Christopher: It just has to happen. I am very nervous, and I feel awful, but I am pushing through. All this upon entering the tribal council. Kyle took his news straight to Isaac and Missie, and though Missie vehemently wanted a Taylor vote, it was still in the air. Christopher still had stepped around his other allies for further support if he was going to make such a bold jump. Christopher: I wanted to tell you and Jake that Jenne, Beth, and Taylor have been burning a lot of bridges. I don’t know that certain people are sticking with them the entire way. Elisabeth had blinked when she looked up to him. This was most shocking coming from him. Elisabeth: Well, I am loyal to you till the end, and you know that. Lead me to the cliff, and I will jump off for you. Christopher: Stop, stop! Elisabeth: Well, maybe I wouldn’t go that far…I just don’t like heights…or death. Christopher laughed aloud and hugged her tightly. Christopher: I am here for you too. Let me just lay things out for you…I am not here to sabotage anyone, but I want you to have all the information and make your own decisions. Beth and Jenne—mostly Beth—have consistently pulled the “Lizzie doesn’t deserve to be here anymore.” They kept hitting me with that you don’t deserve jury. It was Beth’s primary argument. Elisabeth and frowned and glanced off to the benches where Beth was seating herself among the others. Elisabeth: Darn that Beth sometimes! And though Elisabeth still hadn’t voted for her, Beth Sowles was stripped of her immunity and voted out by the majority. And the drama had just begun. Having been completely left out of the loop, Taylor Napier and Jenne Lotz were left dumbfounded as the votes were read, and the rock of the Holidays series that was Beth departed in the darkness. Taylor could have heaved a sigh of relief for having not been voted out himself, but somehow he knew he would be next. Missie Bird sat on the bench fuming at Kyle as Karen ended the council. In Missie’s opinion, there was no reason in the world why Kyle should have saved Taylor at the last minute, but for some reason he had. She had voted and returned to the others with a discussion at hand already. Christopher: Kyle, we have to vote! Kyle: Who?? Beth or Taylor? Christopher shrugged in agitation. Christopher: I don’t know… Kyle: Just go Beth! And that’s when Missie’s temper ignited. Kyle noticed her right off as she grabbed her torch and stormed out of the council area. When Kyle felt a tap on his shoulder, he whirled around to find an anxious JoJo Treadwell. JoJo: Get ready, Kyle. He nodded slowly. Kyle: Drama, drama, drama. JoJo: Jenne and Taylor will be up your ass. Kyle: I will not be swayed. Kyle went to find Missie at once, and he caught up with her along the beach. She was none too pleased to see him. Kyle: Are you ok? Missie: I have no choice but to be. I feel sick at how all this went down. Kyle: I know…now can you pass me some of your Xanax? Missie: I’m about to take it all with a shot of Tequila. They walked on in silence for a bit, before Missie huffed, stopped in her tracks and turned to him. Missie: Ok, sorry I got so angry, but it was all such a mess, is all, Kyle. Kyle: I know, but it’s over, and we are gold now. She looked at him and nodded slightly but couldn’t fully trust him anymore. It was apparent he was going to keep saving Taylor until she was on her way out of the game. When they approached the aisle of huts, Missie saw Taylor waiting for Kyle near his hut, and she watched as they walked off together. It was maddening. Then Missie saw JoJo just arriving from the council area and went to her at once. Missie: I need to talk to you confidentially…and soon. JoJo: What up, old lady? Missie: After tonight, I like and trust you so much, but I’m worried. Kyle is trying any way he can to not vote out Taylor. He’s also questioned yours and Jake’s connection to me before, so I’m worried. JoJo sighed and furrowed her brow. JoJo: I hate that! Me and Jake? That’s a good one. Missie: What I mean is Kyle is saying he is not sure you would vote Taylor out. JoJo shrugged nonchalantly. JoJo: Ok, then I’ll vote Kyle. Missie: He’s really honestly trying to keep Taylor, and that is why he switched the vote at the last minute. JoJo: Ok, let’s just chill. Here are our options…we can keep playing it safe for a few and vote out Ash or Jon or Lis with everyone else, or we can decide to totally support Kyle. We can work with Chris—I feel like it’s Chris versus Kyle—or we can do our own thing. Or, I can listen to you. Missie shook her head and glanced off to where Kyle and Taylor had disappeared into Kyle’s hut. She nodded toward them, and JoJo caught sight right before they disappeared. Missie: Kyle is so telling Taylor all kinds of crap as we speak, JoJo. JoJo: Ok, Missie, here is the thing…I have got to get some sleep tonight, or I’m going to go crazy. First thing tomorrow we will talk, and you tell me what you want to do. Missie: Ok, we’ll talk. JoJo: Please, yes. I really want to. Missie nodded and gave her a squeeze on the shoulder. Back up at the beach, Christopher had hesitated before approaching Jenne, not wanting to reopen fresh wounds. But when he approached, she looked up at him and was the first to speak. Jenne: Wanna hear something funny? Christopher was taken aback. Christopher: Ok. Jenne: I almost voted for Beth tonight. Christopher: Really? She nodded quickly. Jenne: Yes. All day I had planned on it, but only if I was immune. Christopher stopped her as she walked and crossed his arms before her. Christopher: Tell me what is up. Jenne: I was just so pissed off with all the crap she’s done to me. I never thought she’d be going so I sort of wanted to rattle her. Christopher nodded. Christopher: Well, obviously a lot is going on. I don’t know how much game you want to talk or how much I am up to talking about— Jenne: I did vote for her to lose immunity. I was pissed. Christopher couldn’t help but snicker and look down. Christopher: We will all look bad when she sees this show, to be honest. Jenne: I do wanna know what happened. Being left out sort of bruises. I have the feeling that if I wouldn’t have been immune, that it would have been me. She looked seriously up at him. Jenne: I feel like I’m next. Christopher bit his lip thoughtfully and nodded. Christopher: You are right…and yes. Jenne tensed and looked away quickly. Christopher took her gently by the shoulders. Christopher: We need to keep you immune. We need to cut some deals…bottom line. Jenne said nothing as she avoided his gaze and stared out over the sea. Christopher: Just breathe— She turned on him quickly. Jenne: We had the numbers! Christopher: No, we did not! The numbers left us. Jenne shook her head hopefully, praying it wasn’t true. Christopher: Yes. The drama and untrustworthiness in our group ran JoJo off, and where JoJo goes, Jake goes. She made it clear to me that she likes you and Beth and me a lot, but for her game, she no longer felt like this was working. Jenne nodded. She knew she shouldn’t be surprised. She had known deep down all day. Jenne: What she told me earlier made me feel like I was going. Christopher: There is more to it, but that is tonight’s abbreviated version. They were targeting you—Kyle in particular. But here is the thing…I think I can get Jon out next. JoJo and Jake will come back for that. He looked at her gravely. Christopher: The game is wide open, though. Boundaries will change vote by vote. Jenne: I know. I just don’t like that Jo abandoned. Christopher: Well, you missed a lot of the Beth stuff, when she was undercutting you. JoJo felt like she put herself on the line with you but Beth didn’t own up. So, JoJo said, forget it. Beth made a crucial error. Jenne looked at him expectantly. Christopher: Does Taylor think he is final four? Beth said yes, JoJo asked if in fact he was and Beth only winked at her. Jenne: What? Where did that come from? Christopher shrugged. Christopher: JoJo wasn’t having it. Jenne turned and started walking again. Jenne: Beth left a bad taste in my mouth, so I was fine with her going. I respect Jo playing this game hard and for her. Christopher: I did tell them that I would never vote for you but that I would vote for Taylor or Beth. I wanted to save you. It would have been you…Kyle has a list. However, Missie is pissed at Kyle right now. She told me she wants to tear open the game because it was supposed to have been Taylor and not Beth once you were immune. Kyle just changed it at the last minute on her. Jenne: She voted Taylor? Oh wow. Christopher: She feels very misled. Jenne: Good! Christopher stopped her once again and looked at her sternly. Christopher: I don’t know if they will be able to work it out, but you should be nice to her. Jenne spat disgustedly. Jenne: Kyle has been playing this game harder than anyone. Should I play scared, helpless Jenne up to Missie? Christopher: Tell the truth. Tell her you were surprised at Beth but relieved in some ways. You didn’t like that she was everyone’s friend. Jenne sighed. Jenne: I felt all day like I was a goner. Christopher: You were, you were. But Kyle promised me Jon would be next, and I can push that with JoJo. Jon was originally supposed to be first, but Kyle switched that, so I voted Beth…and he owes me! Jenne: What makes you think Kyle won’t turn as easily on you as he does everyone else? He has no loyalty to anyone anymore! He’ll tell you Jon and then try to get me out! Christopher: I hear you, but it’s all I can do. I just need time with some peeps. Jenne: Honestly, if I go, I go. I was never gonna be final two—jury was as far as I ever hoped to go. At this point it’s just a matter of not letting them get what they want. I do not want to give Kyle the satisfaction of getting’ game. Christopher: You fight! I will not vote you, nor will I assist. We will keep you here. I seem to be pretty safe, and Kyle had taken a shine to me, and I am trying to work it. I know that sounds naïve. Jenne: Can I ask a question? Would Jo have voted me out tonight? If Jo wants me gone, I’m gone. If she wants me here, I stay. My fate in this game is sorta her decision, it would seem. Christopher: You know I will find out what is up. I do think she was going to vote you because Kyle and his minions wanted you. The game has been changed up, which I think is what she wanted. Jenne shrugged. Jenne: I’m glad Beth is gone. Christopher: I feel like things will be a lot clearer. Jenne: I feel the reason Jo doesn’t trust me is because of Beth. The things I’ve done in this game have been so straighfoward, but somehow through all the smoke and mirrors, everyone sees me as some shady girl. Kyle, a friend, being hardcore after me. Beth, a friend, undercutting me. It’s so ugly! Christopher: I will fight for you in the way that only I can. Jenne smiled and touched his face gently. Jenne: You don’t have to, but I won’t stop you. I’ve sorta accepted that I was next. I just don’t want Kyle to get me. It irks me that he targeted me so long ago and so hardcore. I just don’t want him to succeed. Vote me out right after him, but if I get to see him go, I will be satisfied. Christopher: Missie may just be down for that. Jenne scoffed. Jenne: You think Missie would really turn on Kyle? He’s just so smug and cocky and arrogant. He’s so good! He’ll win this whole thing I swear! Maybe we should tell Isaac Kyle is gay and wants his love child since he told you he’s so against homos. Christopher waved her off. Christopher: Kyle won’t win. Jenne: I’d vote for anyone to win over him—even Jon. They walked on in a bit of silence. Jenne: You know, everyone will expect me to be pissed about Beth. I’m really only pissed that I didn’t have my chance to go off on her. If I knew she was going, I would’ve done it. I won’t ever have my chance to bitch her out. They laughed out loud together as they approached their huts. It had been a long day, and they decided to part ways for the evening. The next day would dawn a whole new day of strategy, and they would come out on top. But Taylor wasn’t finished for the evening as he grilled Kyle. Taylor: I just don’t know what to say to you. That was cheap…sorry it was. Kyle: Why? Taylor: You used a random twist to let you get what you want. You told Beth you were sick of playing, then without a shred of kindness you blindsided someone who helped you along last time. That is why it was cheap. Kyle: Beth was playing against me, and it was your rumors that got me concerned. She was a stalemate to me, and she and I discussed that. Taylor crossed his arms indignantly. Taylor: It was still cheap! Kyle: It could’ve been you! Would you have rather? Taylor: If you wanna play with those tactics…go ahead! Because you know what? I’m on the jury now! You saw what I did to Tenzil and Beth in Valentine’s Day! Kyle: So you’re going to threaten me? Taylor: Kyle, if this is the way the game is going to be played, then vote me off. If you feel you have that much to prove…fine! Kyle: I have nothing to prove! You guys backed me into a corner! What part of that do you not understand? Taylor: You backed yourself into a corner— Kyle: Oh, no sir! Taylor: You are the one that started the blame. Kyle, you did nothing to contribute to the Tenzil boot, and Chris told that to everyone tonight at tribal council. You brought it on yourself. Kyle: Excuse me? Taylor stepped up to him. Taylor: Chris spearheaded Tenzil both times. You went around proclaiming that it was you! Kyle smiled then. Kyle: So then why was Jenne pissed at me? Taylor: Because you proclaimed that you did it! Kyle: I did not! I told her that I voted against Tenzil and that it wasn’t a vote against her! Taylor: Well, that’s what she thinks, so… Kyle groaned, slapping his forehead. Kyle: So here we go in circles again. A vote against Beth is not a vote against you…leave it at that! Taylor: I wanted to tell you a long time ago that Chris got Tenzil out, but I didn’t want you to run to him. He gets upset when you give info out about him. Kyle: We could argue all day long who gets the crown for Tenzil’s boot. Fact of the matter was we both went to people at the same time, rallied our own people, so it’s moot! Taylor looked down quickly before glancing up again. Taylor: How am I supposed to feel right now, Kyle? I just got attacked at tribal council! How should I react? Kyle: Like I’ve been reacting the whole game, Taylor! Taylor: I’ve been told a person who I’ve trusted this whole game has been lying. What should I do? Not be confused? Not be upset, Kyle? Kyle: You should not believe all the people that are telling you lies. It all goes back to Jenne, and you know it. Taylor: Well, it’s too late obviously. Kyle studied him for a moment. The ever concerning question to him was why he was thought of as some aggressive, shady player for deciding to actually play the game? Wasn’t that what the game was all about? Weren’t there others playing just as hard if not harder than he? Kyle: So, why do you think I’m an evil person for playing this game? Taylor: I don’t think you’re evil, Kyle. What hurts is that I’ve always told you when I felt you were in danger. Kyle pointed with his finger. Kyle: Which you got from Jenne, but others have told me otherwise. Taylor: No…other people have told me, too. |
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:50:49 GMT -5
Kyle shook his head and rubbed his eyes. They were never going to get anywhere. It was an endless argument that Kyle thought could’ve ended that evening. But the immunity twist had changed everything.
Kyle: You know what, just go. I’m tired. We’ll talk later.
Without further word, Taylor turned and left promptly. Almost as soon as the door was closed, there was a knock and Kyle wanted to scream. He jerked it open at once with words on his tongue but was stifled when he saw Isaac standing there.
Isaac: So sorry about tribal council.
Kyle softened and relaxed as he let Isaac in.
Kyle: We’re sorry. We didn’t know which of Beth or Taylor you were for so we freaked.
Isaac: What do you mean? I was for Jenne or Beth in that order.
Kyle: We freaked because we didn’ t know who you and Ashley were for.
Isaac: I thought I was clear I was for Beth.
Kyle: Missie thought you were for Taylor, JoJo thought you were for Beth.
Kyle shrugged.
Kyle: But it worked, and it’s done. We move on.
Isaac: I told JoJo I was for Beth, yes. But I also told you I was right before I voted.
Kyle: What confused me was that I wasn’t sure you meant your vote was for tribal council, or the strip immunity, or both.
Isaac looked down thoughtfully.
Isaac: Oh, well it was both. I’m sorry for causing all the ruckus.
Kyle: You don’t have to apologize for anything.
Isaac: The twist screwed Beth, huh? It would have been Jenne. Anything happen afterwards that I missed?
Kyle shook his head.
Kyle: Chris left immediately, and I got chewed out.
Isaac raised his eyebrows.
Kyle: Taylor. He called me cheap. It was a cheap thing to do to Beth. Why am I evil because they lost their power? I don’t even feel remotely bad! Does that make me evil?
Isaac: No. I mean I do feel a little bad…Beth was nice. But if this two-faced stuff is true, then I don’t.
Kyle: She was trying to play all sides of the fence and then some. Everything I told her was getting back to Taylor and Jenne—which is why the drama stayed so stirred!
Isaac shrugged.
Isaac: They got too cocky.
Kyle agreed. But everyone had shared their moments of confidence in the game. Even themselves. The fact of the matter was, the game was a nightmare stacked with aggressive power players. It was going to stay a nightmarish dysfunctional mess until the final two was determined.
That was a fact.
Kyle crawled into bed exhausted, beat down, frustrated, dwelling on all the same fears and issues that had bothered him since before the all star game had even started.
Before JoJo could turn in for the night, Taylor was upon her just as quickly. She sighed as she saw him approach, fully expecting the confrontation eventually. Better now than putting if off and dreading it for later, she thought.
Taylor: What the hell was that about?
JoJo rubbed her temples for a moment.
JoJo: Beth was my favorite person in the game. But this week I figured out she was selling me and many others a bunch of crap. It’s nothing personal, Taylor.
There was a long pause and she shook her head before closing her door.
JoJo: I guess we are done for now…see you tomorrow.
But as she tried to close the door, Taylor held it firmly.
Taylor: No, it’s fine. I’m just trying to figure out where I stand.
JoJo: That’s where I’ve been all week.
Taylor: Am I next? Should I go on an immunity run?
JoJo: I’m not the all knowing. But I’d say go for it…yeah.
Taylor frowned.
Taylor: Thanks for the heads up.
JoJo: What the heck do I know, Taylor? A week ago I thought I was final three with Jenne and Beth. So believe me…don’t bank on my words.
Taylor: I thought the final three was Jenne, Beth, and I.
JoJo: Yes, they joked about that. But I decided I didn’t want to stick around and find out. I’m sure they were going to stick with you.
Taylor jerked his head up to her quickly.
Taylor: Really? They joked about it?
JoJo shook her head.
JoJo: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.
Taylor bit his lip as she studied her.
Taylor: So from what I’m gathering, it’s Jenne and I next?
JoJo: I don’t know. There were people that wanted both of you tonight, but it went Beth’s way.
Taylor nodded.
Taylor: I thought you said you had my back.
JoJo: Tonight I surely did! Tonight it went the way I wanted it to go! I’m sorry, and I love Beth, but she would have done it to me first. I wasn’t up for it. So, on that note, I’ll bid you good night.
With that JoJo closed her door and turned to lean against it. Would the night ever end?
Taylor returned to his bed that night as beaten and downtrodden as he had ever been in a game. It was one thing to be left in the dark about the vote, but it was something completely different to be stripped of a prized immunity that he had worked so hard for, not to mention all the questions that had been asked him.
Day 22
The sun rose on the twenty-second day with a plethora of feelings on sleeves. The night before had been clearly chaos, and no one went to bed completely settled. Everyone remaining in the game maintained their own securities. Taylor and Jenne had been left in the dark by their own alliance. Missie had felt used by Kyle. JoJo and Christopher felt like they had made a huge mistake by turning Beth out prematurely. Jake had never been comfortable making the shift in the first place. Kyle was the only one who felt as though significant progress had been made in his game.
However, the only hope he had lay in Missie Bird and she was rethinking her loyalties. At the dawning of the day she was already talking to both Christopher and JoJo to find out exactly what Kyle was up to.
JoJo just nodded as Missie vented about the night before.
Missie: B-A-N-A-N-A-S…bananas! I was so mad, because it was like Kyle knew the whole time but sprung the Beth vote on me at the last minute! He knew I wanted Taylor!
JoJo: I know, I know…
Missie: I think Taylor and Jenne are much more dangerous than Beth was, and I know you, Chris, Beth, and Jenne had some major alliance.
JoJo cringed slightly.
JoJo: We did. But I didn’t think it was sincere at all. Beth told everyone that.
Missie shrugged.
Missie: As it sits, I know Chris has picked me for “his” jury, and that’s funny.
JoJo: Chris has his own jury? That’s a hoot.
JoJo snickered, but Missie was not finding the humor as she pressed on.
Missie: I see you and Chris sitting in the final two. I’m quite expendable to everyone, and it upsets me that everyone in the world thinks they have control of me. I’m sick of it!
And those were Missie’s general feelings at the moment: used by everyone. But if anyone could ease her into a better situation, it was Christopher. Talking to him that morning did make her feel slightly better.
Christopher: How are you? You seemed a bit…through last night.
Missie: I’m ok. Last night really messed with my head a lot. I feel quite used.
Christopher nodded.
Christopher: It seemed like a mad scramble. The vote kept changing on me.
Missie: Did you agree to vote Taylor or Jenne, too?
Christopher: I had been told it was Jenne, but I told Kyle I couldn’t vote for her. I know the chick in real life. If y’all get her out, then cool, but I won’t assist.
Missie cocked her head.
Missie: So you can’t vote her out all game ‘cause you know her?
Christopher: It would depend, but I couldn’t then.
Missie: What about Taylor?
Christopher: I told them I preferred Taylor when they asked. Then it was Beth.
Missie: I preferred Taylor too, and so did Jon, and so did Isaac.
Christopher: Kyle likes Taylor better. I have been pushing Taylor for as long as Kyle and I have talked.
Missie: Well, then that’s bull that the Beth vote was tossed at us like it was.
She paused and narrowed her eyes at Christopher.
Missie: I was surprised you ditched your alliance with Jenne and Beth.
Christopher: I just feel better with you guys. I don’t like the way that whole crew plays. It wasn’t feeling like a game—just a lot of drama.
Missie: So you are picking me for “your” jury?
Missie grinned slightly. Christopher was taken aback.
Christopher: I’m not saying I will be in final two at all, but yes, I do believe you and Kyle should at least be on the jury. I kept getting hassled about it, so I bailed.
Missie sighed and paced for a moment.
Missie: It’s all good Chris, we just need to figure this out ‘cause I feel so set up that I got angry. It’s like Kyle is using JoJo to reel in Jake, then to reel in me.
Christopher: I don’t really know what is happening, but it all seemed sloppy at the least. I know I preferred Taylor, and that didn’t seem to matter. As someone who flipped—that sucked.
Missie: That’s how I felt…like I did not matter.
At that very moment Taylor was making his rounds to save himself. He was not going to roll over and be trampled. Taylor Napier would make himself known in this game to the very end.
Taylor was the first person for Kyle to see, and like JoJo, fully expected such confrontations.
Taylor: I don’t think you really know how much you hurt me last night.
Kyle: Because of the Beth vote or everything that led up to it?
Taylor: You guys humiliated me with the questions then stripping away the only immunity I had won in this game. You just humiliated me.
Kyle: Taylor, I didn’t ask a single question last night, and I voted to strip away immunity from Beth and Lis. I had no idea all those questions were going to be asked of you.
Taylor: I’m not blaming you, I was just humiliated.
Kyle: I can imagine it would hurt, and I’m sorry.
They walked along toward the beach, and Kyle looked at him for a moment.
Kyle: Can I share something with you, Taylor? Something that has been bothering me for a long time? It hurt me when you and Jenne had lost your friendship over the summer but then you made up—and you both kept it from me! That hurt! Beth told me all this before you even told me.
Taylor shrugged.
Taylor: It would have been foolish to go against Jenne in this game. I think you’ve learned having Jenne against you isn’t fun. With Jenne comes Chris and Beth. If I hadn’t made up with her, I would have left first.
Kyle shook his head.
Kyle: I would’ve looked out for you.
Taylor: You’ve looked out for no one but yourself this time!
Kyle stopped him and glared directly at him.
Kyle: Taylor, you don’t know the first thing about my game this time! I’ve bucked against people dictating what I should do!
Taylor: No one has ever dictated what you should do!
Kyle: Taylor you know that is wrong! How can you not understand this? I voted for Tenzil, Jenne got pissed and drama started.
Taylor: How can you not understand that the reason Jenne is pissed at you is not because you voted Tenzil.
Kyle: Then why? Why is she pissed?
Taylor: Because you targeted her! I’ve had many discussions with her about this!
Kyle: I never targeted her initially—I can’t get you to understand that!
Taylor: What was last week? Last night even!
Kyle: Well, NOW I’m targeting her! Yes!
Taylor: You are confused at why Jenne is targeting you, and she is confused at why you are targeting her. I tried to stay in the middle, Kyle, and not get involved, but when lines are drawn in the sand, sides have to be taken! So, yes, I voted with Jenne! You caught me redhanded…congrats! I heard from numerous people that you were targeting me, so who do you think I’m gonna pick?
Kyle shook his head vigorously.
Kyle: All I’ve ever said about you, Taylor, is that I had heard you pissed people off and wouldn’t be surprised if there were enough votes to take you out. Other than that, I’ve been convincing people to vote otherwise.
Taylor: Who the hell did I piss off?
Kyle: The night Drew left, people were mad!
Taylor: Missie and I had an argument, that’s it! After Tenzil left, that’s as far as I’ve come to confrontation!
Kyle: All I can say is that in this game we are apparently on different sides, but you know good and well that I care about you.
Taylor: We aren’t on different sides! You are on top, Kyle! You are the leader! Congrats! Feels great, doesn’t it?
Kyle crossed his arms and deadpanned.
Kyle: How do you figure?
Taylor: You controlled the vote! It was me until the last minute when you and JoJo decided to flip it to Beth.
Kyle: I’m not saying I had control of anything. But yes, I didn’t want you to go.
Taylor shook his head.
Taylor: I lost all hope for the people playing this game.
Kyle: What do you want me to do? How do we move on from here?
Taylor: I don’t know how to move on, Kyle. I leave in the next three tribal councils! That is obvious.
They looked at each other for a moment.
Taylor: I don’t want to leave! I will fight till I go, but it’s probably useless!
Kyle sighed and rubbed his face.
Kyle: Why are no other games I’ve ever played like these in Holidays?
Taylor: Because you are playing with Survivor-Central people. We are a crazy bunch. The games I’ve played without these people aren’t nearly as bad.
Kyle: So, I’m learning…
Later in the morning, JoJo saught out Jenne Lotz to escort her to the noon reading of tree-mail on the beach. Surprisingly enough, Jenne seemed very content and unaffected. JoJo had greatly feared she would be upset about Beth’s departure, but Jenne had greeted her with her signature smile.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:51:32 GMT -5
JoJo: Jenne, you know when I sounded all dramatic yesterday, that it wasn’t because you were going, but that Taylor or Beth was. I in no way felt like you needed the stress of deciding whether or not you had to tell either one of them what you knew.
Jenne nodded as she regarded JoJo seriously. JoJo was very tense at what Jenne was thinking.
JoJo: I’m sorry you were blindsided. I don’t know where we stand, but I’m up for having you say whatever you need to.
Jenne’s smile had faded and she pressed her lips together.
Jenne: This is the thing, Jo. If I wasn’t immune, it was going to be me, so I have to ask you…would you have voted for me?
JoJo cringed though knowing the question would eventually come. But as was JoJo’s nature she had no choice but to be honest.
JoJo: I was back and forth about it. I didn’t want it to be you as you will see, but I think yes. There is a strong possibility that I might have.
There was utter silence. At first Jenne didn’t know how to retain to such a shocking admission, but she took it in gracefully, nodding.
Jenne: I appreciate your honesty. Can I ask why?
JoJo: I was worried about the pre-game friendships. I didn’t think I’d go far.
Jenne: I’ve always thought you’d go far. Were you ever loyal to the four of us or was that fake the whole time?
JoJo: Yes, I was. The main difference is the friends versus the game part.
Jenne: I respect that, but I feel like I was being played.
JoJo put a hand on her arm.
JoJo: I wanted it to be the four of us, but I kept seeing hints that I would be left out. When I discussed it with you earlier, I felt better, but when I discussed it with Beth it felt suspicious.
Jenne: You were so not out. If anything, Jo, I’m the one left out in this game. I don’t think anyone can argue that.
JoJo: Well, I felt like I layed everying out and Beth was owning up to nothing. You are the one who made me feel secure again.
Jenne smirked.
Jenne: I was over Beth. I voted for her to lose immunity. I had been planning to vote for her all day yesterday, and I had no clue anyone else was. I was just so pissed off for what she had done to me that I wanted to rattle her.
JoJo: I actually wondered if you would be a teeny bit relieved.
Jenne: I almost laughed. My problem has comes with this: you and Chris made a deal with Kyle and have probably been working with him for a long time I’m guessing now.
JoJo nodded slowly.
JoJo: I think we did in a sense make a deal.
Jenne sighed and turned away.
Jenne: I am no longer in anyone’s plans now.
JoJo: Chris and I both want to stick with you, too.
Jenne: I feel like I’m next to go.
JoJo shook her head.
JoJo: Chris and I were not together on this vote. It was the one thing I’ve done away from Chris—
Jenne: You both voted Beth!
JoJo: I had no idea he would, though.
Jenne paused to study her for a moment.
Jenne: Jo, you say that you would have voted me out, and then you say you want me by your side. I don’t think it goes both ways. How can it?
JoJo wrung her hands nervously.
JoJo: It’s a good point. I have gone back and forth and back and forth. I just wanted you and Beth separated.
Jenne: I’m zero threat to you! I’ve never had a lick of power, and I have stood by you and told you what I have been doing all game!
JoJo: I highly doubt you want to work with me now that you have no reason to trust me, but I literally came clean with you before. I know I didn’t tell you about Beth, but I had so many reasons not to. I really didn’t want you to have to decide whether you should tell her or not.
There was silence in between them, and by the look on Jenne’s face, JoJo thought she would storm away. However, she mulled JoJo’s point over and seemed to understand.
Jenne: I can accept that. There’s been so many lies about me in this game. I set up Ryan and Kyle, I told Ryan Chris spread rumors about him, I had a final three with Taylor and Beth…I keep hearing so much about myself! I’m starting to question if I even know who I am anymore!
JoJo: You know who you are, and you’ve laid it out there. I respect who you are. I just want to say I’m sorry for disappointing you. It was not my plan. I just changed my mind and felt like I wanted to play the game my own way. I didn’t want to be stuck up Chris’ ass, and I felt like Beth was manipulating me.
Jenne: I can understand all that.
JoJo: Perhaps I’m more paranoid than Taylor and have made a horrible mistake.
Jenne: I feel like I’ve had my hands tied all game.
JoJo managed a smile and squeezed her arm.
JoJo: There is a lot of game left, Jenne. I hope you and I can continue working together even though trust isn’t there anymore, and I take full responsibility for that.
Jenne: I want to, Jo.
JoJo: How can I fault you for having wonderful friends who love you?
Jenne: Thing is, even if I’m loved, Kyle has been working real hard to get rid of me, Beth was working against me…friends who love don’t always equal support…
She trailed off thoughtfully.
Jenne: Can I ask another question?
JoJo nodded vigorously.
Jenne: You know when I had that fight with Kyle right after Tenz went? It was right after my fight with Chris that night…
JoJo: Right, yes…
Jenne: Kyle and I talked the next day…made up, or so I thought.
JoJo: Right…
Jenne: Right after our fight, I said to only Chris and Beth that I wanted Kyle gone because I was upset and emotional. But after we made up, I was over that. I thought it was as sincere on his end as it was mine. But…right after that, that very day, did he tell you then he wanted me gone?
JoJo looked down thoughtfully recounting all the events. She remembered.
JoJo: I talked to him before you had made up. I remember later, Beth had said you two were fine.
Jenne: But he did ask you to work with him against me?
JoJo: On the morning after your fight. I don’t think Kyle said that to me after you made up.
Jenne: The reason I ask is because Chris told me you told him that…that right after Kyle and I made up, he went out to get me out. Chris said you didn’t want it leaking and for me to keep it to myself, so I did.
They looked at each other for a moment.
Jenne: That is what turned me on Kyle. That’s why I wanted him gone all game. I had been told he talked to you about getting me out…I felt cornered by him. I always thought it was after we made up which hurt.
JoJo shook her head.
JoJo: No, it was after your fight. Now, according to Kyle, he and Beth had a final two.
Jenne: Beth finally owned to working with Kyle. She said they had a deal before the game started but reached a stalemate.
JoJo: Why didn’t she just tell us it was a bogus alliance like you said about yours and Taylor’s?
Jenne shook her head.
Jenne: It’s hard for me when I feel like I’m a nice, good person who sticks up for friends and yet come under attack so unfairly, so viciously…
She paused and looked up at JoJo with a smile.
Jenne: I do feel better about stuff. I don’t blame you for your doubts in me or voting Beth off. But where do we go from here? Chris tells me Kyle wants me gone more than anything. Wasn’t Beth Kyle’s choice?
JoJo: Kyle did want it to be Beth over Taylor…and I did too.
Jenne: How long are you planning on keeping both Kyle and I in this game? My problem came when we all decided Kyle would be next and then he kept being brought along further and further. Then you and Chris struck a deal with him! I feel I have no standing!
JoJo sighed.
JoJo: I was willing for Kyle to go at that early point, but then Beth led me to believe he had been set up. I fell for it hook, line, and sinker…
She looked up at Jenne.
JoJo: Here is a crazy question…could you work with Kyle again?
Jenne: I wish I could. I wish I could have all game.
JoJo: Well outside of the game he maintains that he loves you very much. And consider me by your side still.
Jenne smiled up at her and they embraced tightly, both of them feeling better about the game and their current position. There was still so much left to go.
And so eleven castaways gathered at the beach where Karen waited with a parchment in her hand. They were eager, hopeful, anxious. A lot rode on the following tribal council whose outcome would most likely dictate the final course of the game. Consequently, the immunity challenge weighed heavily.
Karen: Money, oh so much money! What to do with it now! Pick which one you want, and you may be saying, “wow!”
Others looked around. It sounded very similar to an auction and that was the prediction of most everyone.
Karen: Challenge in the hotel lobby tomorrow night at seven.
And with an auction came useful items. Multiple immunities, extra votes, hidden immunities: these were the items running around in the remaining castaways minds. Immediately heads went together to figure.
JoJo: Shall we catch up?
Christopher skipped a rock into the surf as they walked along the beach together. He glanced back over his shoulder were some of the cast were still mingling around Karen.
Christopher: Sure.
JoJo: How are you feeling about everything?
Christopher: Relieved that Beth is gone. I like her, but I think she is a big reason we had so much drama.
JoJo: I dealt with Taylor forever.
Christopher: Yeah, he’s been whining to me. And Jenne is good. She is glad Beth is gone.
JoJo: I dig Jenne. I’m so glad it wasn’t her.
Christopher: Me, too. What’s next for us?
JoJo: Well, I wanted you to know a few things…very interesting stuff. First being that Missie and Kyle started fighting last night. She wanted Tay, he wanted Beth.
Christopher: Yes. I yelled for Kyle to finally pick too because the vote was so messy.
He looked at JoJo slyly.
Christopher: Missie wants to talk to me today. She says she and I can turn this game around. I think she may want to turn Kyle out early—which is interesting.
JoJo: Yeah she said she wanted to talk to me…and Jake, too.
Christopher: This could get very interesting.
JoJo nodded quickly.
JoJo: Yes it could, and I’m up for it. We need to vote Ashley and Jon first, in my opinion.
Christopher: You’re up for turning Kyle out next?
JoJo: Up for working with Missie.
Christopher: I say we go Jon or Ash…or Kyle if Missie wants that. We should be safe if we keep flipping and depleting numbers on both sides.
He put his arm over her shoulder.
Christopher: We take it to the end.
JoJo: We can’t pick Tay and Jenne off and be standing there with no one to back us, but Missie wants Tay gone bad.
Christopher: Now she may have focus on Kyle.
JoJo: Kyle, on the other hand, says he’s all about the three of us.
Christopher: He may be.
JoJo: Dealing with Missie and him last night, I believe they aren’t as close as I thought.
So the day progressed with much to think about. The road seemed wide open for anyone’s game, and with Missie’s new disgruntlement, it seemed things could change up quite nicely. Christopher made it a point to see Isaac and Missie at some time during the afternoon. Making nice could benefit all of them.
Ironically enough, Christopher found that he liked them a great deal more than he ever imagined.
But when Taylor approached, Christopher had to sigh in exasperation.
Taylor: Last night was interesting. I have pretty much guessed that you probably voted for me, so no need to lie to me there.
Christopher looked over at him with a smirk.
Christopher: You don’t need to tell me to lie or not to lie.
Taylor: I wasn’t trying to sound rude—
Christopher: Well, it sorta did.
Taylor: I just felt like crap last night.
Christopher: I did not crap on you or vote for you last night.
Taylor: What happened to this whole notion that we shouldn’t vote off Missie and Kyle, but vote off Jon and Ashley because they don’t deserve jury. Beth doesn’t fall into that?
Christopher shrugged nonchalantly.
Christopher: The votes were there; she was leaving. That one wasn’t on me.
Taylor: I felt like you lied to me directly.
Christopher: It all came about suddenly. I was warned the numbers had flipped, so I flipped, too. It’s survivor; I had to adapt. Anyway, I’m going to do what I can for you and Jenne…this isn’t over.
Taylor: It is. Kyle and Missie are the final two.
At that Christopher laughed.
Christopher: I think the vote can be flipped. Be patient. I need to dig around; you know I am good at this. Give me a day or two and don’t rock the boat or they will target you.
Taylor looked at him quickly.
Taylor: Who is “they”?
No sooner had it left his lips, Taylor put a hand to his forehead and groaned.
Taylor: Gosh, I feel like Kyle.
Christopher: I just need you to give me more time to see what I can do.
Taylor: What I don’t get is who has the power in this game? When did we as a collective group lose it?
Christopher looked at him sternly.
Christopher: I need some time. I will tell you what I know.
With that Christopher hurried away. Taylor watched him, his mind reeling. He knew Christopher had the power, but right now his sights were set on Missie and Kyle who had virtually stripped him of every last shred of dignity.
No matter what advice came his way, Taylor was not content in sitting quietly and waiting until his number came up. It was time to work.
Taylor: I know I’m not your favorite person right now, but I just wanted to know what was up.
Missie opened her door wider and allowed Taylor in.
Missie: I had actually looked for you today, needing to talk. We definitely need to talk and this is to turn the game on it’s ass and save ours. No lies, no bull…
Taylor looked out the window apprehensively.
Taylor: Please don’t go to Chris and everyone with this.
Missie: I was the vote for you, by the way—not Kyle. Just so you know.
She paused for a moment.
Missie: I was played hard last night. That vote was supposed to be Jenne last night, but we figured she would be immune, so then it was you. But Kyle and JoJo wanted Beth, and at the last minute Kyle started telling everyone it’s Beth. Just like that. Until the last minute we were all voting you, but Kyle and JoJo have their own agenda.
Taylor looked down thoughtfully. It made sense.
Taylor: Which is why I was left in the dark.
Missie: Dude, I got so pissed. So pissed!
Taylor: Which is why you guys gave me all those questions. That was uncool.
Missie: You were totally made out to be the meanie. Seriously. I feel like even Jenne is laying it on you. She had that huge alliance with Chris, JoJo, and Beth that crumbled last night.
Taylor shook his head quietly.
Taylor: I don’t get it. I haven’t done anything. I had that fight with you, and that’s it.
Missie: Well, that day, Chris was telling me what you were saying about me—that I was causing all the commotion.
Taylor: And he was telling me what you were saying about me.
They stared at each other for a moment, both beginning to realize.
Taylor: They saw that we were working together and played us against each other. You realize that…
Missie nodded quietly.
Taylor: Where do we go from here?
Missie: I’m up for a little game. I’m toast anyhow. Where do you sit with Chris?
Taylor: Chris won’t switch at all.
Missie: He’s solid with Kyle and JoJo?
Taylor: The power block is Chris, Kyle, and JoJo.
Missie: It’s them three. I have to convince Isaac of that. He’s convinced that he and I are solid with Kyle. Let me work on this…see if you can reel Jake back in. Tell him you have heard they are going to turn on him.
Taylor shook his head vigorously.
Taylor: No, no, no! Jake is close with JoJo.
Missie sighed.
Missie: Oh yeah, he is. Kyle used JoJo to reel in Jake…and to reel me in. They are good.
Taylor: Well, we need to get rid of Kyle. Make sure you tell Isaac that Kyle will do what is best for Kyle.
Missie: Isaac is going to be a hard sell. He is convinced we are better off with Kyle and JoJo. We’ll figure this out…
But Taylor wasn’t going to wait. Straight to Jenne he went, and before she could even see who stood before her, he laid in.
Taylor: Chris, JoJo, Kyle: powercore.
Jenne: Hello to you, too!
Taylor: Missie hates them. They have been playing us against each other for a while now.
Jenne: You and Missie talking now?
Taylor: Yes, we want to form a counter alliance.
Jenne: What made Missie turn?
Taylor: The sudden shift from me to Beth last night. It was going to be me but Chris and JoJo got pissed at Beth, and it turned to her. It made her see that she was not in Kyle’s true alliance.
Jenne rolled her eyes.
Jenne: I tried telling her that ages ago.
Taylor: Chris pissed me off so much. He told me to sit and wait like Lizzie for him to do something. I just laughed and thought to myself, I’m not your bitch!
Jenne: Is he king?
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:51:59 GMT -5
Taylor: They showed their hand last night.
Jenne: Finally this game is getting interesting.
Taylor: Kyle wants to play with the big boys. Too bad he is hopefully gonna get burned.
Jenne: I’d love to take Kyle out next. Wouldn’t that be fun? Chris told me he was gonna fight to save me.
Taylor scoffed.
Taylor: He told me that, too…was so self-righteous with me, so I don’t believe him. He didn’t fight to save me before.
Jenne: I feel like a lot of my intel came from Chris and JoJo, and now I don’t know if I believe any of it.
Taylor: Their game was exposed.
Jenne: They were the ones feeding me all the stuff about Beth undercutting me.
Taylor: Beth was with them and got burned.
Jenne: Beth admitted that she had a deal with Kyle. Kyle told her he wanted you gone…Beth told, so Kyle turned on her real quick.
Taylor nodded quickly.
Jenne: I think JoJo and Chris struck a deal with Kyle recently. They had been telling me the past week I shouldn’t trust Beth.
Taylor slapped his hands.
Taylor: That’s why Beth is gone! That’s the story right there!
Jenne: I will say there was never an alliance of me, JoJo, Chris, and Beth, but we did talk a lot and share information. They lost their trust in Beth and me or something. And Kyle is like a rabid animal.
Taylor: He is nuts.
Jenne: He’s put so much on me, and I just don’t get it. This is not the same Kyle I thought I knew. I would’ve stood by Kyle and been loyal to him to the end, but he didn’t want that.
Taylor: I think Beth left because she squealed to you about voting me off. I think Chris and JoJo went along with voting Drew off because of it. Once Beth squealed it wasn’t going to work.
Jenne shook her head.
Jenne: It happened after Drew. Kyle told Beth about voting you off the night Drew left. She told me about it the next morning. Chris and I told you that day, and how it got back to Kyle, I don’t know.
Taylor: Chris and JoJo joined with Kyle.
Jenne: Yes, I knew that, but I was told it was to take out Jon. Maybe it was, but Kyle pulled a bait and switch.
Taylor: I don’t think it was. I think it was planned. Why would they need to join with Kyle to boot Jon?
Jenne: That’s what I said when I was told…
Jenne trailed off and looked up hopelessly at Taylor.
Jenne: I don’t want Chris to find out about this. I’m scared, Tay. I feel like I’ve been played and lied to and about. It’s so ugly! The carebear don’t deserve this!
Taylor: Chris won’t find out. Trust me.
Jenne: If we take Kyle out, it would solve a heck of a lot of problems. We are all fodder, used and abused and thrown out as our usefulness wears off. I’m not fodder, d**nit, and neither are you!
Taylor crossed his arms indignantly.
Taylor: I will not be. Chris, JoJo, and Kyle will go down the night I get voted out. Like I told you, I will not leave this game with dignity.
Jenne: Hopefully they will have already fallen by then. I think JoJo and Kyle have been close for a long time. The reason I thought Kyle was after me was because Chris told me that JoJo told him that Kyle told her he wanted me gone right after he and I made up. It would be fun to blindside Kyle, but nothing stays quiet in this game.
She took a deep breath before she continued.
Jenne: I just don’t want Kyle to get me. It’s all I care about now, voting him out before I go. I don’t get what happened to him! He’s like a different person! Where did our beloved Kyle go?
Taylor: He got power hungry.
Jenne: I know a lot of people say separate game from friendships, but I can’t do that! Friendships mean more to me than anything, and a friend who doesn’t feel the same ain’t someone I want to be friends with. Kyle can say we’ll be friends after all this is over all he wants, but it’s not gonna happen. Our friendship is over…gone…finito! Ain’t nothing that could change that now.
She looked at Taylor tenderly and put a hand on his arm.
Jenne: You may have lied to me about stupid stuff for years, but you’ve never hurt me or called me names or attacked me…lied about me. I came into this game really mad at you, Taylor…but you have always been a true friend.
Taylor smiled and he felt his cheeks flushing.
Jenn: Loyal and sweet. I appreciate that so much more now.
Taylor: I won’t betray a friend in this game until they betray me. Then it’s war. Kyle kept reminding me how you would drop our friendship and then pick it back up before a game. He asked why I “let” you do this to me.
Jenne flinched, taken aback. She was suddenly angry once again.
Jenne: He is vile. Him pretending to be my friend all these months is better? He has an interesting view of reality.
She turned away and crossed her arms.
Taylor: He says he went to you the night Tenzil was voted out to tell you it wasn’t a vote against you, and you attacked him, and that’s why he’s been upset with you. Because then you targeted him.
Jenne gaped and whirled around.
Jenne: Only after he targeted me!
Taylor: He says he never targeted you until this vote.
Jenne: Well Jo said he did! And Chris said he did! So either he did, or I was set up! Chris has been telling me for weeks that Kyle wanted me out of here! Chris is the one who told me Kyle wanted him out…
She looked down thoughtfully.
Jenne: Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris!
With that she growled in frustration. Taylor paused and looked at Jenne thoughtfully.
Taylor: Maybe Chris is the problem…like I suspected for a while.
Jenne: I just can’t believe Chris would do this to me. I just can’t.
Taylor: Chris is the one that started the fight between Missie and I. Chris wants to win this…badly! He was seething when I told him my goal was still to win this game.
At that, Jenne just frowned. She couldn’t possibly believe that something like this would be happening to her by her own friends, but it seemed very logical, tracing the dynamics of the game. But as Taylor left, she merely sat on the new information. It was all too much to deal with at the moment, and she just wanted to rest for the afternoon.
But throughout the course of that afternoon, Kyle had not rested. The night before had left him restless, with much to think about. With loyalty such a huge issue in the game, he was having to rethink his own. Isaac and Missie had clearly been his choice for a final three deal once he had realized Beth had not exactly been on his side. But now that JoJo and Christopher had jumped to help him out, he felt caught in a hard place. He was going to have to decide quickly.
Most of his day was spent walking about the resort, thinking, and avoiding the game altogether. What he hadn’t banked on was making a very interesting discovery about Taylor Napier that very well could alter the game. It was something that nearly knocked him off his own feet.
Just what was he to do with the information?
He turned to head out of the hotel when he found Missie approaching. When she saw him, he immediately felt the tension and approached with care.
Kyle: Hey, girl. Sorry last night was such chaos. How are you?
She shrugged.
Missie: I need to have some coffee. I am in a funk and had a horrible night’s sleep.
Kyle: I went to bed with a pounding headache, dreamed about having a pounding headache, woke up with a pounding headache…
Missie: I kinda did the same. Things just really made me freak out, and I didn’t even want to have anything to do with the game today.
Kyle: I hope you don’t think anyone was being shady. I know that’s what it seemed like. Everything was chaos because no one knew how Isaac and Ashley were voting.
Missie nodded, not buying it totally.
Missie: I honestly thought Taylor was the vote, and Chris and JoJo both said the same thing. So, it was just like bam! You and JoJo wanted Beth gone so bad that it was just all pushed and we had no time to debate it. I know that Chris, JoJo, Jenne, and Beth had this huge alliance.
Kyle: It wasn’t that we wanted Beth so much more than Taylor, it was just that Isaac told me he had voted Beth. If we would have gone askew, the votes could have been screwed up, and then we would’ve been in a world of hurt.
Missie regarded him for a moment before shrugging.
Missie: Well, Isaac said you told him it was Beth, and Chris and Jon said the same thing. Then the last minute it was Beth. I knew it had to happen, but I was just freaked at how it went down.
Kyle: I don’t know when I told Isaac it was Beth, so I’ll have to figure it out. I was asking him after he voted which way he voted so we’d know which way to go.
He turned and groaned aloud.
Kyle: The last thing we need is to come this far and fall apart.
Missie: Well, what is “this”? No one will say who or what the plan is so I feel very left out. I feel like Jenne is gonna weasel her way in, and you, JoJo, Chris and Jenne are gonna spank me hard.
Kyle chuckled.
Kyle: That is never going to happen. The line between Jenne and I has been drawn. All that went down last night was a miscommunication and not a power struggle—I can promise you that.
She bit her lip thoughtfully.
Missie: Good, ‘cause that is my worry.
Kyle: After the whole Tenzil thing, I don’t care about being in control of anything! We just all need to regroup.
Missie: So what’s next in the line?
Kyle: I would hope it would be one of the other three, but I know that people are scared of the Missie, Isaac, Kyle, Ashley, Jon alliance. I know Jake was wary of joining us because of Jon.
Missie eyed him carefully.
Missie: That would be crappy to bring in Jake and take out Jon who has been voting our way for weeks…in my opinion.
Kyle: Trust me, I don’t want to take Jon out at all. If JoJo sticks with us, then we are good. I don’t want to let go of Jon.
Missie: The new thing is that Taylor says you have an alliance to take Jon out.
Kyle arched his brow.
Kyle: Oh, do I now? No one ever left me that memo.
Missie: He’s talking to me now. Before I was his target, now I’m his salvation.
Pressing his lips together, Kyle looked off toward the huts.
Kyle: I guess he wasn’t kidding that he wasn’t just going to lay down.
Missie put a hand on his arm.
Missie: Don’t worry, ok? I’ve gone this far with you, and I will continue to.
Kyle nodded. He had worried. Missie had been fairly worked up the night before, and he had felt responsible. Still if Missie was going to withdraw her support, Kyle felt strongly he still had a place with JoJo and Christopher.
He needed to make a decision quickly.
When he saw Christopher out near the beach, he couldn’t hold his newfound information any longer. It was burning within him.
Kyle: Sorry everything was such a madhouse the other night. Nobody knew how Isaac and Ashley had voted.
Christopher turned from the water and watched him approach for a moment.
Christopher: Yeah, it wasn’t the most auspicious debut for the new voting block.
Kyle: Not at all.
Christopher: How are you?
Kyle: Doing good. How about you?
Christopher: Good. Thinking about getting my drunk on.
Kyle: How has Jenne been toward you?
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: Fine mostly. Kind of relieved. There was a lot of drama involving Beth that you missed. She was playing everyone against everyone else.
Kyle: I was pretty aware of that. It became obvious to me around the Rami boot. Taylor has been all over me since tribal council…laid the guilt on hard.
Christopher: He tried with me, too.
Kyle nodded and they both grew silent. The new information was just itching to come out. This new information about Taylor angered him at the moment and telling someone about it seemed like the right thing to do—especially someone who would be directly affected by it.
Kyle: Can you keep something between you and me?
Christopher eyed him slowly.
Christopher: Of course.
Kyle: I found something of Taylor’s today
Christopher: Really?
Kyle: Dude is sixteen.
At that, Christopher jerked around quickly and gave Kyle his full attention.
Christopher: What!
Kyle nodded.
Kyle: I feel like an ass. Do you promise not to say anything? I’m going to confront him after the game.
Christopher knew he was not able to hide the shock that covered his own face. After two years, he never knew this about Taylor.
Christopher: Yes, I do promise. Although I’d like to be there when you confront him. He has been lying to me for two years!
Kyle: I don’t want to hurt the kid. But I got close to him as an early twenty’s adult!
Christopher sighed and rubbed his eyes.
Christopher: I feel bad.
Kyle: Me too!
Christopher: I have been hard on him sometimes.
Kyle: I’ve confided stuff to a kid!
Christopher: I am embarrassed.
Kyle: That’s why I feel like an ass.
He looked at Christopher quietly while he tried to process. He couldn’t get a good read on what exactly Christopher was feeling at the moment.
Kyle: I didn’t tell you this to destroy him, I’m just disturbed, and I just now found out.
Christopher: No, no…I am not planning on it. I see no reason to be mean or humiliate him. I just don’t have any ideas what to do. I was talking to some sixteen year-old as if he was twenty-two. This is breaking my heart! I don’t even know what to do with him. Soon as I learn he is a kid…my soft spot…
Christopher groaned and slapped his forehead.
Kyle: So now what? We just drag him along now?
Christopher: No, he still needs to go early. What he did still isn’t cool, and aside from that, he just isn’t good to have around.
Kyle: He told me last night that I had no impact on the Tenzil vote.
Christopher looked up at him slowly.
Christopher: You had an impact, but I know what he’s talking about.
Kyle: He said people were mad at me because I had been parading around proclaiming that I orchestrated it.
Christopher: I don’t know about all that, but cards on the table…the Tenzil boot was on me, and I definitely let you both take the fall for it. Taylor knew that.
Kyle started to speak but stopped as nothing came right off. He pressed his lips together and stepped back, all the while looking at him.
Kyle: Ouch.
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: It’s cool.
Kyle: How do you figure? Not that I care, just how?
Christopher: At the first tribal council, I threw together the seven votes for him in about thirty seconds.
Kyle: I knew that.
Kyle shrugged.
Christopher: When it came time for the second one, I grabbed people I had access to, misled the ones that needed misleading…
He saw Kyle eyeing him doubtfully.
Christopher: It’s hard to explain, but you will see when the show airs. I imagine it will point to me, and then you and Tay get all the crap for it.
Kyle crossed his arms.
Kyle: That was nice of you.
Christopher: Well, wait. I told Jenne right after that it wasn’t you and she wanted to continue the blame on you. I told her to do whatever she needed to do. So, I owned up after it happened, but that wasn’t the answer she was looking for. It was swept under the rug.
Kyle found himself speechless. All this time…
Kyle: So why was she so ready to be against me?
Christopher: I’m not sure quite honestly. I don’t even remember how it all happened. I know that you got very vocal, very quick—even one time with me. You were pretty outward about saying you wanted control, and when a boot or two happened, you got really up in arms.
He looked at Kyle quickly.
Christopher: For Kyle, that is. I think that is where the friction came. You two were in a struggle for power. She had it and felt like you were complaining about it…
Still the skepticism had not left Kyle’s face as he listened to all this, hearing much of it for the first time now twenty-two days into the game.
Christopher: I am rambling, off the top of my head. I’m not even sure it’s all totally accurate.
Kyle: I think I was kidding when I told you I wanted control, but I was up in arms about the boots because they were coming from nowhere with no good reason.
Christopher shook his head quickly.
Christopher: No, they all had good reason. You just didn’t know.
Kyle: Good reason according to whose standards? I’ve learned that “trouble” from another group means incompliance with what they want.
Christopher smiled slightly and patted Kyle’s arm as he continued walking down the beach. Kyle followed.
Christopher: I don’t know…a bunch of people wanted Missie gone first because she was considered trouble from her season two reputation, but she was immune, so her boy Shaun left. Then Lisa went because Jenne didn’t like her, although I tried for Tenz. I felt he was a problem in terms of that Valentine’s Day alliance crap. Lisa was just getting effed over.
Kyle: She totally did.
Christopher: Angie went because she was driving me nuts. Sadly, that one is all on me for sure. She will hate me because we were very friendly, but she asked too many questions and was very pushy with me. Jamie was annoying as all hell.
He paused and looked at Kyle seriously.
Christopher: I know for me, I wanted to break you two up. I didn’t like the secret alliance possibility. I wanted to be able to trust you but could not if she was here. Anyways, Tenz I just wanted gone, plain and simple.
They walked in silence for a moment.
Kyle: So basically what you’re telling me is that this has been Chris’ game.
Christopher: No. I am telling you what I have personally done. With the exception of Lisa, I was a fan of the other boots and did what I could to make them happen. You may have done the same on some of them.
He paused for a moment and smiled.
Christopher: You’re bristling.
Kyle: No I’m not. I’m just wondering why you decided that I was good people to keep around and trust.
Christopher: I feel like this is a bad conversation.
Kyle: Why? We’re just being honest with each other. I’ve told you my whole game.
Christopher: We clicked. I liked you. I respect your game and your tenaciousness. You are the kind of person I want to work with. If I lose to you, it’s an honorable loss. I work with those I want to see win. I want to be with the best. Don’t you?
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:52:41 GMT -5
Kyle: Of course. That’s why I’ve put all my chips in with you and JoJo.
Christopher: And I think you two are the bomb. Then we are doing the right thing.
He stopped in his tracks to face Kyle.
Christopher: Are we cool? I feel like I unloaded stome stuff on you. Not sure you liked it.
Kyle shrugged.
Kyle: It’s just tough to swallow that I’ve had virtually no impact on the game. But I’m not such a power whore that I need to be rubbed either.
Christopher: Please don’t feel like I said that. I think you have come into yours as of the Drew vote. This is your stage of the game. The early game was just you going through some big struggles so you could come out strong. It’s a good story.
Kyle: After school special.
Christopher: Well, I’m done. We’ll talk more. Have a good night Mr. Kyle.
Christopher left him on the beach and headed straight to the bar as he had planned. He smiled as he walked away. Kyle may not have liked all the information thrown at him, but Christopher thought he had taken it well. Besides, trusting Christopher with such heavy information as Taylor’s true demographics was tell-tale sign that Kyle trusted him.
Before Christopher entered the hotel, he turned to sweep the aisle of huts in the distance
Kyle remained on the beach thoughtfully. The sun was setting over the water, and he merely stood there listening to the waves crash against the shore. What Christopher had told him had been most unsettling.
Christopher didn’t have too many drinks that night. He had a couple to feel nice and sedated before going to bed, nothing that would turn out his senses. He was nice and warm as he headed back to his hut.
But Taylor was the last person he wanted to see before turning in for the night. He tried to act like he hadn’t noticed him, but it was clear that they had made eye contact.
Taylor: Fine, don’t talk to me.
Christopher: I’m sleepy.
He headed for his hut, and Taylor stopped.
Taylor: Sure.
That halted Christopher, and he turned around quickly.
Christopher: Sure?
Taylor: Nothing.
Taylor looked down quickly. Christopher smiled and turned to approach him.
Christopher: How are you?
Looking back up, Taylor eyed him questioningly, with an arched brow.
Taylor: Fine…
Christopher: How are things back at home?
Taylor: Um….fine?
Christopher: Classes?
Taylor: Going…
Taylor cocked his head. It was the most peculiar conversation he had had the whole game.
Christopher: Just going?
Taylor: I’m doing well in all of them…
Christopher: What’s your favorite class?
Clearly Christopher had lost his mind. Taylor searched his own mind for an appropriate class to throw out as his favorite.
Taylor: Exercise Physiology.
Christopher feigned surprise and rubbed his chin.
Christopher: Sounds hard.
Taylor: It’s not…
Christopher: Seems advanced…for high school.
Taylor: Excuse me?
Taylor’s eyes widened as he looked up at Christopher. Surely he didn’t know. How would he know all of a sudden? His heart suddenly thumped within his chest. Christopher stepped up to him, smile gone.
Christopher: I thought it was clear. I said that class sounds advanced for highschool.
Taylor stammered, not knowing what to say.
Taylor: Maybe it is.
Christopher: I would think so.
It was out. Taylor had no where to go. At the moment he wanted to crawl away, but it would be no use.
Christopher: I haven’t told anyone.
Taylor: Really?
Christopher: Really. I think you should wait until after the game, but at that point I think you should probably clear some things up for some people. It is pretty…uncomfortable to know that I have talked with a sixteen year-old—who was fourteen when I met him—about certain subjects. I never would have gone there.
He patted Taylor gruffly on the shoulder.
Christopher: I imagine some others will feel the same, but it will all be up to you. I am leaving it alone. It just made me sad.
Taylor nodded glumly. He looked down and stared at his feet for a long time.
Taylor: I understand. I’ll probably just drop out of the game.
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: Eh…you do what you feel is right. I don’t think age is a game-breaker. People play under aliases. What made me sad, Taylor, is that I feel I have been so hard on you for a teenager. I feel bad about holding you to standards that weren’t you. As a sixteen year-old you are remarkably smart and funny. As a twenty-two year-old…well, it didn’t do you justice.
He paused as Taylor was taking it all in. Taylor appeared mortified.
Christopher: I just feel really embarrassed for being as open as I have been. There are definitely things you should never have heard. I’m not out to embarrass or hurt you. It just…changes things.
Taylor: I’m sure it does.
There was a long silence between them.
Christopher: What are you feeling right now?
Taylor: That a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. When I started these games, the reason I chose to be older was that I felt like a lot of kids were viewed like Little Steven. I felt that someone seeing my age would write me off as dumb or just not talk to me at all. Once you start a lie…you have to keep it up.
Christopher: I understand why. Probably not the best decision, but I understand. I do think you should keep it under your hat until after the game. Jenne is the main person that will be affected but the rest will probably just try to use it against you.
Taylor nodded sadly.
Taylor: Who do you think I kept this up for?
Christopher nodded and patted his shoulder.
Christopher: You will want to sit down and talk to Jenne about, but rather than have this be a game rumor, pick the right moment. Just keep it quiet for now.
Taylor nodded and said nothing else. It seemed like a long moment passed between them before Christopher spoke up again.
Christopher: For the first time ever you are very quiet.
Taylor only nodded.
Christopher: I have to go to bed, but keep your chin up. Now that you are sixteen, I am suddenly protective. I could beat you…
Taylor looked up quickly, but Christopher smiled.
Christopher: But I will leave you with a hug instead.
And with that Christopher squeezed Taylor gently and left him to stand there alone in the night. Taylor’s mind was reeling. There were a lot of people the age discrepancy was going to affect, and he knew he was going to have a time with it once the game was over.
His shoulders slumped as he returned to his hut for the night.
Sleep did not come easily.
Day 23
But sleep came well for Christopher Collins. He awakened a bit refreshed the next morning, though big decisions would need to be made in the next two days.
Humming lightly he dressed himself for the day and headed out to the main resort for breakfast where he found Missie already seated at a table, reading a newspaper and sipping coffee.
He helped himself to a seat next to her, and she greeted him with a genuine smile.
Christopher: How’s tricks?
Missie: Tricks are fine, I guess. Been talking to Taylor a lot lately…all of a sudden.
Christopher raised his eyebrows.
Christopher: Taylor is freaking out. He is tiresome. He was telling me how he is playing to win. Win what? The special Olympics survivor?
Missie laughed out loud.
Missie: Take the short bus to tribal council.
Christopher: But yeah, he’s been talking to me a lot too.
Missie: He really wants to work with me…has told me that after him and Jenne, I’m next.
Christopher scoffed.
Christopher: Oh, please! What mystery alliance is booting you?
Missie narrowed her eyes at him and took a slurping sip of her coffee. She then waited a full beat while setting her mug down before answering, all the while looking him in the eyes.
Missie: You, Kyle, JoJo, and Jake.
Christopher balked, hoping his face did not betray him.
Christopher: Ugh, he said that? I so want to rip him a new hole.
Missie: He keeps telling me that we need to flip it and wants me to talk to Isaac. He says Jon may need to be sacrificed.
Christopher: He is so gross, but do what you need to do.
Missie gazed at him for a moment.
Missie: I am not voting Jon out just ‘cause Taylor is trying to save his own ass.
Christopher: What are you thinking?
Missie: I’m thinking that whatever everyone wants, I’m up for. I’m gonna assume it’s Taylor, but last time I assumed…
Christopher: Well, that was a random vote. I do appreciate you keeping me in the loop though.
Missie: I’m not sure why yet, but I really feel close to you.
Christopher smiled.
Christopher: I thank you for that. I had no clue we would become buddies. I thought we’d hate each other.
Missie: I think it was the whole “keep Missie segregated” plan I’ve heard so much about lately.
Christopher nodded.
Christopher: Taylor said we needed to watch you, but he also wanted to keep you around to see what he could use you for.
He leaned in more closely.
Christopher: Then he wanted you out.
Missie wasn’t surprised. She and Taylor had been butting heads throughout the entire game. If only he could’ve walked that bridge in place of Beth the other night. In Missie’s mind things would be so much smoother.
But as she enjoyed breakfast with Christopher that morning, she took in a lot of information, cynical though she was. There was no telling who she could believe anymore, but Christopher always made sense to her. JoJo always made sense to her. Kyle made sense—or did at once.
The whole thing was a headache, but she was confident she would figure things out before it was too late.
Christopher, however, was once again angry with Taylor for throwing out an alleged alliance. The deal made with Kyle and JoJo should be known by no one else—especially not Taylor.
Christopher: Why are you trying to align with Missie and Isaac?
The last thing Christopher had left Taylor with was a hug and some edification. Now he was serious once again, and Taylor was sure he wasn’t up for it first thing in the morning.
Taylor: Me?
Christopher: Um…yes. I am talking to you.
Taylor: I feel like I’m in danger…
Christopher made his way in.
Christopher: You are just making it worse. Remember how I told you to sit tight for a few days and not stir things up? You are totally drawing attention to yourself now!
Taylor frowned as he faced him.
Taylor: Missie came to me, if that even matters.
Christopher: Well, all I can tell ya is you really should learn to take my advice. I don’t give it to everyone. You aren’t even their first target—it would be Jenne!
Taylor: I would rather not have to work with them, but I feel I have to!
Christopher: Well, good luck.
Taylor: Nothing against you or anyone, but I’ve been told countless times by countless people that it’s you, Kyle, and JoJo in the final three.
Christopher smirked.
Christopher: I don’t know what those people are smoking, but it must be some good weed.
Taylor: That’s why I felt I needed to react.
Christopher: I think you should know by now that I have your back!
Taylor: I just wonder where I am in your plans. It has never been clear to me.
Brushing the question of, Christopher pressed on.
Christopher: It’s disappointing that I’m hearing this for the first time. I don’t feel as though you have my back. Missie is the one who came and told me that you are alliance searching. If you think aligning with her is smart, well, just so you know, she is setting you up. She wanted you to go over Beth at the last vote and threw a pretty big fit when you didn’t get voted out.
Taylor: That’s not how she told me the story.
Christopher: I’m sure. She and Kyle had some big fight because she wanted you out, and he wanted Beth out.
Taylor: I wish you would’ve told me this because I wouldn’t have reacted so much.
Christopher gaped.
Christopher: I told you to sit back, and I will tell you what’s up! Did I not say give me a few days? It was vacation time! I did not want to play for a bit.
Taylor: You did, but I had already been told that. I was already being told to sit back and just relax so you guys could just get rid of me without a fight.
Christopher: Not true at all. I don’t know who “you guys” is supposed to be ‘cause I want Jon out.
Taylor: You guys is Kyle, JoJo, and Chris.
Christopher: That is the weirdest combo on earth. Obviously I like JoJo, but where the hell are people putting me and Kyle together?
Taylor smiled and stepped up to him.
Taylor: I know about the whole JoJo, Chris, and Kyle agreement to take out Jon. We just assumed it was actually to take out Beth.
At that Christopher stopped and the world around him seemed to fade. How did he know about that? The only people he told were Beth and Jenne, and he had threatened them within inches of their lives if they leaked. Beth had already received her just desserts.
Taylor: This is just Jenne and I.
Christopher: No! We talked to Kyle to try and get Jon out. Beth wanted Jenne out and was working on me and JoJo that Jenne was “trouble”. Jenne knows this stuff.
Taylor: Jenne is the one that told me all this. She said she thought Beth was lying but realized you guys might have just made the stuff up because you wanted Beth gone.
Christopher clamped his lips together and took a step back.
Christopher: Well, that is disappointing. I thought Jenne knew me better than that…
He trailed off before shaking himself out of the new thoughts.
Christopher: Regardless, Missie is setting you up! I’d watch out. She is running straight to several people saying you are trying to maneuver.
Taylor shrugged.
Taylor: I’ll admit I am.
Christopher: She also said you said I am in an alliance…
Taylor: JoJo, Chris, and Kyle. See, Jenne has been saying that you’ve set this up as your jury and the same with Missie.
Christopher couldn’t believe the audacity, especially with the new position Taylor was in over his age. One would have thought Taylor would be more careful. Christopher gaped even more.
Christopher: Why in the hell would you even say that about me? When I have been trying to help you?
Taylor shrugged nonchalantly.
Taylor: Because I thought you weren’t.
Christopher: Why the hell do you not learn? Don’t talk about about people who are your friends! This is gross. Once again you compeletly screw over a friend by talking crap! Thank you so much for telling people that I’m in an alliance that I’m not in! I really, really appreciate it!
Taylor: Missie brought it up first. I just agreed and thought it was true.
Christopher: Thank you so much for having my back! Have I voted for you?
Taylor: I didn’t think you had my back.
Christopher: Have I told anyone to vote for you?
Taylor: I haven’t vote for you, nor have I told anyone to vote for you.
Christopher: Have I told anyone you are in any alliances?
Taylor chuckled aloud.
Taylor: Umm, because I have no alliance besides Jenne.
Christopher grew red in the face.
Christopher: Do I even talk about you! No!
Taylor: I don’t know. I’m not around when you talk to everyone. I don’t see all your conversations.
Christopher: You are simply so bobby that it’s not even funny. Your paranoia has no bounds.
Taylor: Chris, I wanted to believe you, but no one has had the same story about the other night, so I don’t think I can trust anyone. I guess I am paranoid.
Christopher gritted his teeth at Taylor.
Christopher: Taylor…wouldn’t you think that if I wanted to screw you over that everyone would know your truth.
Taylor shrugged again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:53:13 GMT -5
Taylor: You’re right.
Christopher: You need to know that people are going to be pissed and are going to freak out about you. I haven’t done any of that, yet you are selling me out.
He shook his head quickly.
Christopher: I need to go. I haven’t done anything that warrants this, and this is like the third time you’ve talked smack about me! You keep screwing me, and it sucks because I’m not doing the same!
Taylor merely crossed his arms and watched him.
Christopher: I have to go.
And Christopher left without another word, slamming the door behind him. Taylor stared after him for a long while, slightly amused. What in the world had just happened? He huffed to himself.
Taylor: Asshole.
But Christopher wasn’t finished with his tirade. Straight to Jenne’s hut he went, practically jerking her out of bed.
Christopher: You are screwing things up for me!
Jenne was still groggy as she answered the door and was nudged aside as Christopher barged in.
Jenne: Nice to see you, too.
Christopher: I wish I had time for niceties, but Taylor has now run to Missie and crew and told them that I am in an alliance with JoJo and Kyle.
Jenne shrugged.
Jenne: I haven’t talked to a soul in forever.
Christopher: He directly attributes this to you! And, hon…he knew about the Jon deal with Kyle.
Jenne’s eyes widened as Christopher stepped closer to her.
Christopher: So, I do know this comes from you.
Jenne sighed, rubbed her eyes for a moment, then slapped her arms at her sides.
Jenne: Ok, so vote me out, Chris.
Christopher: Ok.
She glared at him for a moment, then turned to her closet where she began ripping clothes from their hangers and tossing them to her bed.
Jenne: I don’t care about this game.
Christopher: That’s a great answer. Thanks so much for taking responsibility. Just real impressive.
He watched her as she took stuff from drawers and tossed them to her bed.
Jenne: This stuff is a headache. I’ve had distance for a couple of days, and I don’t want to get back into this.
Christopher: Well, if you’re going to talk about me Jenne…expect to hear from me! That is reasonable.
Jenne turned from her task and faced him directly.
Jenne: Chris, shit flew at me so hard last week…I was reeling! What am I supposed to think?
Christopher: You know what, Jenne? No matter how hard I reel, I don’t screw you, and you know that! Now Taylor has told a bunch of people that I am in an alliance that I am not in!
Jenne stepped up to him.
Jenne: Did you tell people I was the leader? And did you tell Lizze what I said about her?
Christopher: Not that I know of—
Jenne: That’s what I was told!
Christopher: I told Lizzie that Beth did not have her back.
Jenne: I was feeling like I had no one. I felt pretty doormat.
Christopher: I have always been there, and when Beth tried to undercut you, I talked you through it. I don’t know why I wouldn’t get the same treatment.
Jenne: I’m on vacation! This shit is behind me!
Christopher had no time to respond before Jenne threw on a shirt, put a cap on her head and rushed out of her hut. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. This was his real life, personal friend. Why couldn’t she see everything he saw and feel exactly like him?
He could only glower after and returned to his hut more angry than he had been since before Ryan left.
Knowing full well that Christopher would immediately confront Jenne, Taylor set out hoping to beat him to the punch. He found Jenne’s hut empty, didn’t see her along the beach, but when he stumbled upon her up at the main resort, he knew Christopher had already faced her.
Her cheeks were flushed, her jaw set, and a glare had set in her eyes that could intimidate anyone. Taylor approached her gently.
Taylor: I’m sorry about mentioning you to Chris, but it was in the heat of the moment. We are both dead anyway.
Jenne looked up at him and spat.
Jenne: Can I not trust you with anything? I specifically said our conversations don’t leave me and you. Why would you do that? Now Chris is gonna hate me!
Taylor: He already did.
Jenne: No, he didn’t!
Taylor’s shoulders slumped and he sighed.
Taylor: He may not have…I’m just a screw up. Honestly, I want to go because this isn’t worth it.
Jenne softened.
Jenne: I’ve felt that way for a long time.
They grew quiet for a long moment before Jenne looked over at Taylor again.
Jenne: Obviously you can’t trust Missie a lick. I think Chris was right. She is setting you up.
Taylor: I’m tired of not being able to talk to anyone! Good for Missie…let her! I don’t care.
In all of it, Jenne found she was able to smile.
Jenne: Tay…come here.
He looked up at her slowly just in time for her to reach up and wrap him into a tender embrace.
Jenne: I’ve been there…trust me, I’ve been there. But I need you. You relit my pilot light!
Taylor: What does it matter? We’re the next two to go.
Jenne: Not necessarily. Chris said he wanted Jon to go, yeah?
Taylor: Chris isn’t going to help me, and I honestly don’t want his help.
Jenne shrugged casually.
Jenne: So they made a deal with the Devil to get Jon out but it switched to Beth. They’re gonna want Kyle to keep his end of the deal right? If he doesn’t, they may be more inclined to vote Kyle out.
Taylor considered her for a moment.
Taylor: I’m tired of having to worry about what big Chris is doing. I’m tired of being lied to, of not being able to believe a word anyone is saying.
Jenne deadpanned.
Jenne: This is Survivor, Taylor.
Taylor: I know. But there is a difference between Survivor and utter moral chaos. These people are despicable! I’m jumped on for sharing info…well, what the hell about Missie, Kyle, Beth! You know it’s like I’m the only person talking behind anyone’s back!
Jenne continued to squeeze his arm.
Jenne: Taylor, I trusted you with stuff, and you opened your mouth. Don’t mean I’m gonna turn my back on you.
Taylor: Vote me off. I’ve just taken the blame for everyone’s problems in this game. I mean Chris shoulders the blame on me all the time!
Jenne sighed.
Jenne: I know you are dejected, and we very well may go next. But you said you’d go out fighting. Don’t let me down.
Taylor pressed his lips together.
Taylor: I will. I won’t be pandering to Chris, bending to his every whim. I’m done with it. I think it’s funny that he blames me for screwing over friends when he does it himself. He uses that card only when it benefits him.
Jenne nodded.
Jenne: Chris always comes out smelling like roses, but he is loyal to his friends. I think we need him.
Taylor: No! Chris is loyal to his friends when he needs his friends! The only person I will talk to after this is all over is you!
Jenne: Well, that’s something at least. Chris and I will need mending…serious mending. But you two are the only two I’ll be left with.
But Taylor still wasn’t appeased or convinced. The emotions of the game had overcome him, causing him to want to leave the island point blank—but he never would. He still wanted to win, and he knew he still could. He had promised himself and anyone who would listen he would not take what was to come sitting down.
Later on, Kyle wasn’t the first person Taylor would have gone to, but when Kyle approached him at the pier, his ear seemed as good as anyone else’s.
Kyle: What’s up?
Taylor shrugged and gazed out over the ocean.
Taylor: Just getting yelled at by everyone.
Kyle: Yelled at for what?
Kyle stepped up onto the pier and stood next to him.
Taylor: Because I’m trying to get rid of Chris who is going to win this game.
Kyle raised his eyebrows as Taylor turned to look at him.
Taylor: Everyone is pandering to him, you do realize that. Missie, Jenne, JoJo, hell probably even you. Everything I say good or bad gets back to him. He gets pissed at me for trying to play the game.
Kyle cocked his head thoughfully. It sounded like an oddly familiar complaint. With a smirk he turned to look out over the water again.
Kyle: Now you know how I feel.
Taylor: I understand.
Kyle: Uh huh.
Taylor: Well, I’ve been thinking you, JoJo, and Chris have an alliance to the end. People are such liars.
Kyle: I’ve been thinking I’ve had to bounce around to whoever will trust be because big, bad Kyle is taking out his “friends”.
He cast a sidelong glance at Taylor.
Kyle: His “friends” who keep secrets from him.
Taylor sighed.
Taylor: I had to, Kyle. They would’ve killed me.
Kyle turned to him quickly.
Kyle: See, Taylor…play your own way! “They” are not invincible! “They” don’t own you! You’ve made them invincible.
Taylor: I know Chris isn’t, but no one seems to believe me. No one sees it.
Kyle: I see it. I see it in Jenne, I saw it in Beth.
Taylor: I hate this game.
Kyle chuckled.
Kyle: No, you don’t…
Taylor: I don’t hate Survivor, but I hate “this” game.
Kyle: You wouldn’t if you thought things were going your way.
Taylor: No…I hated it at the beginning. I hated having to pander to Chris.I hated having to deal with you the way I did.
Kyle: You didn’t have to…
Taylor: But I did. You were powerless, and I would have been committing suicide.
Kyle: I don’t think I’ve been powerless…
Taylor: At some points you were. Obviously not now.
Kyle: So tell me, why were they all against me from the start of this game to begin with?
Taylor: They weren’t. Chris got pissed at you for claiming to take out Tenzil. Jenne was mad that you would do it behind her back.
Kyle: First of all…I did it full fledged in front of Jenne’s face, and she knew it. I told her up front I wanted to round up votes to take Tenzil out, and she said she wouldn’t oppose me. She did anyway.
Taylor groaned inside, sorry he brought anything up. Kyle had stepped back up on his soapbox. That was good for no one.
Taylor: I know, Kyle…I know…
Kyle: Chris can say what he wants about rounding up votes. He did it the first time, he laid the groundwork…but the second time we went around pushing votes at the sime time, so we could argue in circles about who takes the crown. And I don’t care. If Chris was so pissed that I took the credit—and the fallout, might I add—he surely congratulated me when Tenzil was voted out.
Taylor: That’s Chris. Friendly to your face, talks about you, then is a hypocrite about it.
Kyle considered for a moment before they grew quiet. Then he looked at Taylor once more.
Kyle: Why were you too afraid to come into this game and make new connections?
Taylor: I’ve made new connections! I just didn’t think I would need them.
Kyle: Because you had easy padding. If you did win this game on easy padding you would be proud?
Taylor: I would be proud to have won this game. I’ve never won a game. But I wouldn’t be proud of myself if I had to screw over my so-called friends to get there.
Kyle: And how many so-called friends do you have in this game? Like six?
Taylor shrugged.
Kyle: Chances are, someone is getting screwed over.
Taylor: But I wasn’t going to be the one who did it.
It was an intriguing presumption to Kyle. He turned and they both stared quietly over the sea for a bit before Kyle spoke again.
Kyle: There were a lot of assumptions about me coming into this game, would you agree?
Taylor: Actually no. At least on my part.
Kyle scoffed.
Kyle: Assumptions all over the place that Kyle would be the loyal family Fido who would just jump at everyone’s beckoning call.
Taylor: I knew you wouldn’t, Kyle…
Kyle: Be loyal to the “friends”!
Taylor: No, Kyle, that was the assumption about me. I’ve been Fido for quite a while.
Kyle: You were willingly Fido.
Taylor sighed and turned away.
Taylor: You caught me. I was willingly Fido for a while. But there has always been one person I’ve wanted to vote off, to sit his arrogant ass where it belongs. Even though I liked Chris, I still wanted to defeat him.
Kyle: We still have a long road ahead of us.
Taylor: You do. I have until tomorrow night.
Kyle: How do you know that?
Taylor: I don’t, but I can feel it.
Kyle: I think you can’t assume anything—especially with the challenges and stuff.
Taylor: I’ve missed trusting you.
Kyle: Have you ever trusted me in this game?
Taylor: All the time except for these past few tribal councils.
Kyle: I have trusted you.
Taylor: I saw how you fought for me, and I know you are the reason why I’m still here. So I’m sorry I ever doubted you.
A twinge of guilt hit Kyle as Taylor confided in him. Now that the game had progressed and had pitted them on opposite sides of the fence, loyalty had taken Kyle elsewhere. He knew at that point he would not be able to go with Taylor past a certain place as he had already made agreements with others.
But still, there was a long time left. Kyle simply patted him on the arm.
Elsewhere on the island, conversations were all a flutter. Elisabeth, Jon, and Ashley spent most of the afternoon relaxing and avoiding the hubbub of game activity. However, Missie Bird was reaching for whatever source of trust she could find, bouncing between Taylor and Kyle and JoJo and Chris. Somewhere had to be stable ground, and she would not stop until she found it.
JoJo Treadwell was absolutely unsure of who to trust outside of Christopher.
JoJo: Where to begin…talked to Jenne, loved our chat. Even if it was bull, I loved it. Taylor’s been whining about not lying down. Kyle wants Jenne next, I said, “Nah.” Missie and I talk now…Taylor has called me dangerous…
She looked up thoughtfully while Christopher listened to her rattle it all out.
JoJo: All done.
Christopher took it all in.
Christopher: As far as I know, Jenne is cool. Happy Beth is gone. Taylor is whining, and he is blowing it. I told him to lie low and not rock the boat. He should never have fingered you. And Kyle is pissing me off. We had a deal for Jon that changed to Beth.
JoJo: Right, I told him that.
Christopher: Then he again told me Jon is next.
JoJo: I told him he needed to let Jon and Ashley go.
Christopher: There is no way I’m letting him backtrack or I am voting him out. We have votes for Jon with or without Kyle, but if he backtracks twice, I want him gone. That is not the kind of trio he is promising us. Missie, I don’t know where she is, but I sense she is not ready to give up Kyle yet.
JoJo: I don’t think Missie will have a problem with Kyle going at some point.
Christopher: I say we gun for Jon or Kyle next.
JoJo: But, Chris, Taylor told Missie I was dangerous!
Christopher smirked.
Christopher: I think the only reason he didn’t play the dangerous card with me is because he knows I will kill him. But ok…one of their side, and then Taylor next. And we can be mean as all hell to him.
JoJo laughed aloud.
JoJo: It’s kinda fun having him around. If I tell him, “I heard you think I’m dangerous,” that could provide hours of entertainment.
Christopher: He’s a good punching bag!
They laughed together for a moment before sobering up.
Christopher: I think Kyle may want me out at some point.
JoJo: I wouldn’t be surprised.
Christopher: We broke the game down together, and he got upset by the end. He said it was hard to hear he had no affect on the game in response to me telling him what I had done. It was an odd follow up.
JoJo: He mentioned something along those lines to me.
Christopher: Oh well, he can gripe about me all he wants. I’m done with him at this point.
JoJo looked at him seriously.
JoJo: He says he is with you and I.
Christopher lowered his gaze.
Christopher: The game is about you, me, Lizzie, and Jake.
JoJo merely nodded.
So it would seem the tides were changing again—all over the island. Everyone was trying to get the upper hand over everyone else, before someone else got them. It was a twisted game, and at the moment, no one was safe.
JoJo was no more comfortable in her position. The numbers were dwindling and becoming tighter. This was shaping up to be a make or break tribal council.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:53:54 GMT -5
Kyle searched across the island for Missie, knowing full well she was hungering to see Taylor leave the island. Aside from the fact that it was going to be hard for Kyle to watch him go, he knew they needed Taylor, for several votes at least. The way the alliances and friendships were stacked, Taylor on their side was the only way they were going to get anywhere. For that, Taylor needed to stay.
Kyle knew keeping Taylor for strategic reasons had resulted in a fallout and accusations that he and Taylor were aligned to the end, but he had to risk it. Voting Taylor out next would strip them of all chances of advancement, and he had to convince Missie of such.
Kyle: I’m about ready to get someone else voted out of this game.
Missie turned to look at him as he approached her in the coffee house of the main resort.
Kyle: We have two more to get out to get our five in the majority.
Missie sipped her coffee before motioning for Kyle to have a seat across from her.
Missie: What ya thinking?
Kyle glanced around stealthily.
Kyle: This is between Missie and Kyle, right?
Missie: Totally.
Kyle: There’s bunch of wariness about my connection with Jon, and I’m thinking he will continue to get votes until he’s gone—
At that point, Missie nearly spit out her coffee.
Missie: Kyle…no way! This is exactly what Taylor has been saying, and I if I have to hear someone say “Kyle and Taylor” one more time I’ll…
She fumbled through her mind for words, but found nothing.
Missie: Just…no…I’m not voting Jon out point blank.
Kyle: No, I’m not saying vote out Jon. I’m not voting him out either.
She eyed him skeptically.
Missie: Good, ‘cause that’s insane at this point. What are you getting at then?
Kyle: I’m thinking, we are five to six right now, and it will depend on Taylor or JoJo. We are up against Chris, Lis, Jenne, Jake, Taylor or JoJo. Chris will not vote Jenne or Lis. Jenne will not vote Taylor, Lis, or Chris. Taylor will not vote Jenne or Lis. Lis will not vote Jenne, Chris, or Taylor. So…
Missie slammed her mug down, coffee spilling onto the table.
Missie: This pisses me off ! It’s a d**n game ! I’m sorry, but you can’t come into these game with pre-alliances and not piss people off!
Kyle: Exactly! Thank you! Here’s the thing…I know you want Taylor gone now, and it’s going to arouse suspicion for you if we don’t target him now, but I think it’s crucial that we get rid of the people Chris won’t vote for. Depending on immunity, of course.
Missie continued to watch him.
Kyle: So…Lis or Jenne. Preferrably Jenne so we can use Lis in a tie situation down the line, what with her nine past votes and all.
Considering him for a long moment, Missie pressed her lips together. Wouldn’t Chris vote for Taylor and leave them with the same advantage? Chris, Chris, Chris! The game had all been about what Chris was doing.
Missie: Why has no one said, “let’s vote out Chris?” I’m not saying do this, but why has no one offered that up?
Kyle shrugged. Taylor would be up for it, was trying for it. But at the moment it was too risky.
Kyle: Because Chris will help us vote Taylor later once Jenne is gone?
Missie: Chris will vote out Taylor now! He’s told me that more than once!
Kyle: Right, but not Jenne later.
Missie: No, but with Taylor gone we have the absolute numbers to axe Jenne without Chris. He wants us to do it and him not get his hands dirty! Me, you, JoJo, Jake, Jon, Isaac, Ashley will do it.
Kyle cocked his brow.
Kyle: Are you sure about Jake?
Missie: He will do whatever JoJo wants him to, and I know Taylor and Jenne don’t have him because Taylor has talked about Jake as a possible boot.
Kyle: Are we sure we have JoJo? How close are Chris and JoJo? Have you considered that?
Missie: JoJo and I both agree.
Kyle sighed and sat back.
Kyle: Ok, I’m trusting you. But I’m fearing the five to six we are at now. What if JoJo goes with Chris and them to axe Jon next?
Missie: You think she is gonna ditch us? She told me she isn’t.
Kyle: Ok…then I’m trusting you.
He paused thoughtfully. Missie seemed willing to vote Chris should the opportunity arise, and Taylor was already on that path.
Kyle: You bring up an interesting question…
She put her mug down and watched him expectantly.
Kyle: Why not Chris?
Missie: I’m just interested as to why everyone is worried about who he will and won’t vote when it seems he has friends on both sides.
Kyle: Yes…I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.
Missie: And he’s in a great spot.
Kyle: Yes, he is. And he likes to be uber nice which always puts me on edge.
Missie: And he’s playing the whole “I hate drama” angle.
Kyle: Uh huh…
Missie put a fist to her mouth and began gnawing on her knuckles. Kyle sat back, crossing his arms, then rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Kyle: You know what?
Missie waited for his response, but he waited for her to suggest it. A silence lingered over them as both grinned slightly.
Missie: Chickenbutt?
Kyle laughed nervously and looked away.
Kyle: Ugh, why do I have to think so much. We could use Taylor for Chris next.
Still Missie said nothing. Kyle’s heart raced.
Kyle: Silence is always scary…
Missie: I would not mind working with Taylor, but I’d love for Jenne and Lis to be gone because as long as they are in, he will not totally be with us.
Kyle: The same could be said for Chris.
Missie nodded.
Missie: Chris, too. He went to Taylor and told him I was setting him up. Dude, Taylor knew I wanted him and vice versa.
Kyle: He told me about it, too. The more I think about it, the more I realize just how much Chris has controlled this game.
Missie: He was so in for a Taylor vote last time. He can lie to Taylor all he wants.
Missie nodded.
Missie: Yep, Taylor needs to put up the old friend hat and put on the old Taylor hat. Let’s turn this game upside down.
Kyle: I think we need to consider Chris next, what are you thinking? Missie, we could totally take control of this game.
Missie: Taylor would be in for a Chris vote?
Kyle: Yes, and we can’t tell anyone outside of Isaac, Ashley, and Jon.
Missie nodded quietly. It sounded like a good plan, albeit very risky, leaving by the variables of Jenne, JoJo, and Elisabeth.
Missie: Kyle, I can’t have Taylor and Jenne in this game together much longer. I’d take Jenne out in a heartbeat.
Kyle: Oh, Jenne goes next after Chris. Taylor will have to understand, either him or her. You know I’m itching to knock Jenne on her spoiled brat butt.
Missie: You say that now, but you’ve seemed to keep Taylor quite safe.
Kyle put his hand up to appease her.
Kyle: I know it looks suspicious, but I’m trying to think strategically. Taylor has no power, but he plays by his heart and that makes him of good use to us. Chris basically told me earlier that he’s been working this game, and it’s true. Anything pulled off was because he allowed it.
Missie: You have to promise me that Jenne goes. I need that from you.
Kyle: Girl, I will wear bells to the next tribal council! I promise you that.
It was a lot to consider, but it sounded like a plan and something totally workable should they keep it under wraps. Missie thought about it quietly for what seemed like a long moment to Kyle. She even excused herself to the restroom where she pondered even more, even thought out loud. Parting of deciding what to do from that point onward was to make an assessment of all remaining in the game.
When she was finished musing, she returned to Kyle, ready to take a plan to Taylor.
Taylor was surprised to see both of them approaching later on, not nearly prepared for what they were about to propose.
Kyle: I’m ready to take this game out of the hands of the people that own it.
Taylor glanced wide-eyed from Kyle to Missie and back again.
Kyle: You have to be willing to break ties. You told me to once before…now I’m “asking” you to.
He nodded vigorously.
Taylor: I’m willing. I want Chris gone. I can’t take him anymore!
Kyle looked at Missie quickly.
Kyle: Missie is wary of you and I ‘cause I keep fighting to save you. The only way we can do this is if we take Jenne out next.
Taylor swallowed hard and bounced glances off both of them.
Missie: I need an honest answer about something. This could sway me totally one way or the other. What do you and Kyle have right now?
Taylor: We have nothing accept for friendship from the last game…
He looked to Kyle for help, and Kyle nodded approvingly.
Taylor: There’s no alliance, no agreement.
He looked at Missie quickly.
Taylor: I need an honest answer from you. What do you have with Chris? Why are you trying to set me up?
Missie: I have nothing with Chris, and he seems to have something with everyone.
Taylor: Missie, I have no other options in this game. My friends have all lied to me. At this point I am willing to be a vote. I want to fight to stay in!
Missie: First off, you should never come into a game and think you and your friends have a pre-game thing and will never lie to each other.
Taylor: I know. I didn’t expect loyalties in this game, nor did I expect everyone to tell me the truth. But I didn’t expect to be treated like a doormat. I would love for Chris to go, Missie, it would be my dream.
Missie sighed and exchanged glances with Kyle.
Missie: I have one real big fear, Taylor. I fear that you are kissing up and are gonna run back to Jenne and screw me over.
Taylor shook his head.
Taylor: Jenne is so far up Chris’ ass. She’s a friend and still will be after this game, but I’m tired of playing “watch out for big king Chris.”
Missie: What I don’t get is why everyone is so pissed at each other. It’s a stupid game.
Taylor: Because some people have felt like they haven’t been treated like people.
Missie: You need to forget “friendships” and be ready to bust this game open.
Taylor: I want to. I want Chris to go.
Missie glanced at Kyle and back.
Missie: So let’s work this and see what people think.
Taylor: I have to know you won’t go back to Chris with this.
Missie: Dude I’m not gonna talk to Chris at all. But if you do and he finds out, everyone will know. Just so you know.
Kyle: Can you keep quiet and let us work this one? Will you please trust us?
Taylor: I do, and I will.
Kyle: this is not some sick trick of yours with Jenne to get me to show you my cards is it?
Taylor: No, this is me. This is just me. Jenne told me to keep Chris and trust him. When she said that, I just couldn’t.
Missie: And if Chris has immunity?
Taylor and Kyle looked at each other for a long moment.
Kyle: Jenne?
Missie nodded quickly and turned to Taylor.
Missie: You can not tell Jenne or Lis!
Taylor: I’m not.
Then Missie looked at Kyle.
Missie: Kyle, what is the chance of JoJo freaking out?
Kyle: Ummm, one hundred percent? She can’t know.
Missie: I’m thinking she can’t know either.
Taylor: You thought JoJo could know in the first place? She and Chris are really good friends.
Missie: No, I’m just thinking about everyone and whats going on. What do I tell her? We have to have a story. Let me talk to her…I won’t say what’s going on but I have to get a feel for her thoughts.
Kyle: Just edge into a what do you think about Chris conversation.
Taylor: Isaac, Jon, Kyle, Taylor, Missie, Ashley. Those are the only six votes. If we can get the votes for Chris, it will be an early birthday present.
Missie: You sure Isaac would be in?
Kyle: I would think so, but you’re closer to him aren’t you? He’s gone with us every time.
Missie: Yeah, but he seems to be looking up to you a lot lately. Big brother, hey?
Kyle: Oh please, don’t let that make you suspicious.
Missie: I’ll talk to Jon, and you talk to Isaac.
Kyle: Let’s do it.
They all grinned at each other, as it looked as though something quite lucrative was being born.
Missie: You two can stop worrying about me, ok? I know you have both freaked over what I’m gonna say and do—just like Chris.
Kyle nodded.
Taylor: I believe you.
Missie: This is huge, ya know? Chris keeps saying he would die if he left before Lis and Ash.
Taylor: Good.
Missie: And the way you and he both told people not to talk to me…that bugs me.
Taylor ducked his head slightly.
Taylor: I’m sorry, I just thought you were against me.
Missie: At first I sure wasn’t.
Taylor: I thought you were against me the frist tribal council because of Chris. I should’ve known, but that’s behind us. There’s no day like today.
Missie put a hand on both their shoulders, and they all grinned at each other.
Missie: What do you say, guys? Let’s go back to our beginning.
And it was a mutual agreement. The game was on. Taylor was suddenly proud of doing something against what was normally expected of him, and hopefully it was going to work.
Christopher: I think Taylor is all set. Should be ok unless he decides to be interesting and “play” hard.
JoJo didn’t look at Christopher as he approached her where she sat on the beach. He sat next to her.
Christopher: I don’t think he will, though, knowing Jenne isn’t up for it and knowing that Missie sold him out to me.
JoJo smiled slightly.
JoJo: I dig that girl.
Christopher: I dig her, but still maintain she will eat her young.
JoJo: Kyle has been asking about me and Jake. Missie said so. She also said she is pretty sure he is tight with Tay again.
Christopher: Well, we have a problem. Taylor told Missie that you, Kyle and me are aligned. Taylor told me that he and Jenne were talking and figured it out. So, he ran and told Missie. Missie is playing everyone.
JoJo shook her head.
JoJo: Missie told me too much to be believing that.
JoJo sighed and hugged her knees close to her bosom.
JoJo: Taylor is calling me dangerous. Kyle is saying something about me and Jake…
Christopher: I think we are in a bit of a pickle. Both sides could turn us out.
JoJo said nothing, didn’t even acknowledge Christopher’s statement as she gazed out over the water. The wind tossed her hair along side her face.
JoJo: I think Kyle should go.
She was answered with silence except for the crashing waves. Christopher merely looked down.
JoJo: Did I say that out loud?
Christopher: I back you up one hundred percent.
JoJo: He told me Taylor is his friend. He is having as much trouble voting Tay as you would Jenne.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:54:29 GMT -5
Christopher: Let’s vote him out. Jake, Jenne, Lizzie, you, me is five. We need one more.
JoJo: I might be insane, but I say Missie.
Christopher: Is she really willing to turn on him?
JoJo: Not this minute, but she is sure setting it up so JoJo will turn on him.
Christopher: Tay will vote Jon—
JoJo: I’m dangerous? Tay wants us both gone.
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: Agreed, but Jenne he loves and trusts.
Still JoJo could not find it in her to be comfortable. It was written all over her drawn face.
Christopher: We are in a predicament.
JoJo: Yeah. I will get a feel for Missie.
Christopher: Ok, but she is also asking about you and Jake. That worries me.
JoJo: She told me Kyle was. Hell, I think we’ve all grown a tad desparate.
Christopher: Well, I’m not usually an I told you so, but we shoulda dumped Jon rather than Beth. Ok, said it. Done!
JoJo: I can’t say I told you so without a crystal ball, but I hear ya. I hope I didn’t screw anything up for ya.
Christopher laughed and put his arm over her shoulder, hugging her tightly.
Christopher: For me? No babe. This is us all the way.
JoJo could do nothing but lay her head on his shoulder and watch the sea. Something was going to have to be done. The numbers were too close, and Taylor was too volatile. Everything told to her by someone else caused her to rethink her outskirt loyalties.
But the same sentinment wasn’t felt by all on the island that day. In fact the opposite was true. The new agreement between Kyle, Missie, and Taylor had sparked a new zeal for the game in all of them. For the moment Taylor actually felt 180 degrees different than he had felt while talking to Jenne. Another change could very well take place, putting him in a very good spot.
For the time being Taylor went back to his hut and said nothing about the new plan to oust Christopher. If his keeping quiet would make it work, he could stay quiet all day long. Contently, he went back to rest. Kyle went to find Isaac, but found him nowhere.
Missie, on the other hand, latched quickly on to Jon.
Missie: Got a minute?
Jon opened his door widely and allowed her in.
Jon: What’s up?
Missie: Honesty time…anyone else talk to you about a plan?
Jon: As in next vote or like finals?
Missie: Next vote. Unless we do something we are screwed with a capital “S”, my dear man. Who would you like out next? Is there someone you really want?
He considered momentarily.
Missie: Is there something you’ve sat back and seen and thought, “wow, why is this person getting through all unscathed?”
Jon: No one in particular. Being targeted so many times got me wanting to do what would keep me around.
Missie: Up for a Chris vote this time? Thing is, not a lot of people can know about it. He keeps talking about how he’s controlling the game and picking people for his jury. To be honest, he went to Taylor to tell him I was sabotaging him, then came to me bashing Taylor in the same minute.
Jon let out a breath.
Jon: Oh boy. Is it possible?
Missie: It’s possible. Taylor would do it this time. Me, you, Kyle, Isaac, Taylor, and Ash. Then we take out Jenne By the way, this keeps a bullseye off you forever and a day.
Jon: Taylor would go for this?
Missie: Oh yes. I love Chris but he’s playing this game and both sides so hard right now.
Jon: I’m clueless about this Chris thing.
Missie: I have no reason to lie to you. If you did this, then we’d still be ok. We’d also have JoJo and Jake back to take out Jenne. Anyway, think about it and keep it to yourself.
Jon: Don’t worry. Good chance I’ll go along.
Missie smiled and patted his arm. That was four solid votes, and all they needed was Isaac and Ashley to cinch it. Barring immunity, it was as good as done. But even as Missie walked away from Jon, confident that he would comply, she still wondered if what she was doing was the right thing.
It had been a day since Christopher and Jenne had spoken, and Jenne had more or less kept to herself, wondering just where in the world he was heading in the game. It was beyond her that her friends could act as such and take the routes they were taking. She was about ready to pack her things when a knock came at her door.
She was surprised to find Christopher on the other side. She was even more surprised with the news he had brought her.
Taylor Napier was sixteen years old and had been lying about his age for the past two years of their lives. It was shocking, but the way the game had gone the shock factor was dulled. She took in the information indignantly, knowing that she could stand on Chris’ side once again.
Jenne: I guesss if I get voted out this week—
Christopher: There is no way you are getting voted out this week!
Jenne paused and smiled up at him. That was exactly what she wanted to hear, and with Christopher saying it, she knew she was safe.
Christopher: Let’s go Jon. JoJo wants Jon or Ashley so we can swing it.
Jenne: Good. But I want to bust Tay so bad. Can we vote him out next?
Christopher smiled at her. The following target would hopefully be Kyle, but he said nothing. Instead he took her by the hand and walked with her to the main resort where the challenge would be held shortly.
Along the way to the hotel, JoJo caught up with Missie, and they walked together.
Missie: I’m cool. Not as freaked out as early.
JoJo smiled at her and patted her arm.
JoJo: Tell me what changed so I can have some of that.
Missie: I talked with Kyle and just told him some of my fears.
JoJo: Do you think that he and Taylor are really working together?
Missie: Kyle really thinks that Jenne is a bigger threat.
JoJo: It has seemed like Kyle versus Jenne for a long time.
She hesitated before she cast a sidelong glance at JoJo before asking.
Missie: Don’t take this the wrong way, I just need an answer. Why is nobody targeting Chris?
JoJo considered her for a moment, wondering exactly what she was getting at.
JoJo: Don’t worry, I understand that question.
Missie waited for more but got nothing.
Missie: Well? What is your answer? If it’s because you are close to him, that’s cool because I am too. He’s just in a great position.
JoJo: My answer about why Chris isn’t a target? I think he has been. I have thought of him as an ally so far, so I haven’t considered it. I think Kyle did early on.
Missie shook her head.
Missie: I don’t think he was a legitamite one.
JoJo: Maybe it was all made up. Beth told me that Jenne said Kyle targeted Chris, but I don’t know if I really buy it anymore.
Missie scoffed.
Missie: Well Jenne…I don’t believe a word out of her mouth.
JoJo: When I talk to her I feel like she is believable, but later I am all suspicious.
Missie looked over at her curiously.
Missie: You know, I talked to Taylor today and asked him why all this “I won’t vote for so and so” crap. He told me I don’t understand that they are all friends.
JoJo: That is tiresome. Plus they totally dog him. They are horrible to Taylor behind his back.
Missie: He said today that he would be ok with Jenne going as long as he didn’t have to do it himself.
JoJo: These are his friends, and no one wants to dirty their hands.
Missie: I’m sure she is lovely, but lovely won’t get me to the end of the game.
The conversation then turned to small talk as they approached the hotel. JoJo obviously wasn’t biting on Christopher becoming a target, so Missie left it alone. Not having JoJo a part of the plan seemed very detrimental to Missie. She might have to rethink her options. But first things first.
There was time to spare when they reached the hotel where Jenne and Christopher had already arrived. Christopher sought out Missie as soon as she and JoJo appeared.
Christopher: So, Missie…
Missie looked up at him.
Missie: Yes, sir?
Christopher: This game…
Missie: This stupid game.
Christopher: What is happening in it right now?
Missie shrugged.
Missie: Right now, I’m going to assume that no matter what anyone says, Taylor is going to go.
Christopher: Ok. I like that attitude.
Missie: But then last minute, maybe Kyle can change his mind!
She laughed out loud as Christopher eyed her skeptically.
Missie: It was a joke.
Christopher nodded.
Christopher: In general, I am going to be totally direct and say that I worry about even talking game because crap seems to fly all the time around here. But I’m going to be ballsy. Where are things for you?
Missie: I am not sure Chris, to be totally honest, and that worries me. I hear everyone has something with everyone else, and that you, Taylor, and Jenne have all talked crap about me. I don’t know what to think of Kyle. JoJo and Jake worry me.
She sighed deeply.
Missie: So, I’m basically screwed and am hanging around just to be a vote. So there.
Christopher: I appreciate the honesty.
Missie: No one will cement anything with me, but they sure want my vote.
Christopher: I feel like I’m having the opposite problem—people wanting to cement with me, and me trying to avoid it. I don’t like the whole “multiple deals” thing.
Missie studied him for a moment.
Missie: I’m going to be honest. There is a lot of “I won’t vote for him/her” out there, and that upsets me.
Christopher: Everyone has one of those, don’t they? It seems very “all star” to me.
Missie: I surely don’t. I mean, I’d like to keep people around, but not because “they are my friend, and I know them.” It’s because they are an asset to me in the game or they are in my alliance. This whole “she’s my friend…he’s a good buddy” crap is insane.
Christopher: All I can say is nobody has my story. I actually know Jenne in real life. I don’t have a final two with her, and if you get her out you make my game easier.
Missie: Why play with her then?
Christopher glanced up to where JoJo and Jenne had joined in a conversation in the distance.
Christopher: Wasn’t my choice. She was asked, as was I.
Missie: It’s silly. You won’t vote her or Lis, right? Jenne won’t vote for you, Lis, or Taylor. Taylor won’t vote for Jenne or Lis. All Taylor says is, “Missie, you don’t understand…we are all good friends from a while back…”
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: I consider Lis good for me strategically. That is a game “no vote.”
Missie: So, it’s great to keep someone who is virtually non-existent just because she’ll hang around and be a vote?
Christopher narrowed his eyes down at her.
Christopher: There have always been Darrah’s. You know that. But back atcha…I hear you won’t vote Isaac or Kyle, so how is you having two any different than me having two?
Missie: I never said I would not vote either of them at all. Never have said that. If there ever came a place in the game where it was in my best interest to vote out Kyle, I’d have to seriously consider it.
Christopher raised his eyebrows with interest and crossed his arms.
Missie: I can’t say that I won’t vote anyone because no one has said it about me.
She paused for a moment before looking up to him.
Missie: Why is Kyle seemingly trying to save Taylor again this week? He’s mentioning Jenne again and tried mentioning Jon.
Christopher: Kyle is saving Taylor. That is clear. I don’t know why though. And I heard that Isaac is tighter with Kyle than he is with anybody else.
Missie: Which is why Isaac has two votes right now with Ash, so that’s something to think about, too.
Christopher: I’m not sure what else to say, but I’m glad we’ve broken it down a bit. I’m here. We can bounce more stuff off each other whenever.
Missie bit her lip thoughtfully.
Missie: Kyle made a comment early, early on about how Taylor will come back if you take out his minions. Is that what’s going on? I don’t know, maybe Kyle really does want Jenne gone so bad, and that’s the only thing. And Taylor is surely not an immunity threat.
Christopher: The weird thing for me, Missie…
Christopher looked around quickly before leaning in and lowering his voice.
Christopher: The issue seems to be less Taylor or Jenne, and more Kyle. I just can’t ever tell what is up with him.
Missie looked up at him with wide eyes.
Christopher: I’m very, very worried to have said that out loud. But it’s true. He says he wants to work with me…
Missie: He wants to work with everyone…
Christopher: But I feel like he either says nothing of substance to me or backtracks inexplicably.
Missie: And he’s very good at putting you at ease.
Christopher: Yes, he is.
They looked over as Kyle appeared in the lobby and joined the others nearby. Missie watched him for a moment.
Missie: I’m not stupid. I know that Kyle does not have my best interests at heart. Or JoJo’s.
Christopher: You aren’t stupid.
Missie: Every time I talk with you, I’m pretty frank.
Christopher smiled and nodded.
Christopher: You have a nice “break down the bull” vibe about you.
Missie narrowed her eyes.
Missie: Let’s talk, Chris. I can’t be stuck here.
Christopher: Let’s talk.
Missie: You are a target if you didn’t know.
That struck a chord with Christopher, but he covered his reaction the best he could.
Christopher: I had a feeling.
Missie: Don’t go running back to Taylor with this, ok?
Christopher: Ok. I swear.
Missie: He’s telling me how you are constantly calling me the instigator and telling me about conversations between the two of you.
Christopher: Then they aren’t real. I have yelled at him for talking about me, saying I’m in some alliances. The only way I know he is doing it is because you tell me. He lies and doesn’t say anything.
Missie exhaled.
Missie: At any rate, Taylor needs to go. Kyle needs to go.
Christopher fought a grin and stepped forward.
Christopher: How do we pull it off? Who can we pull in?
Missie: JoJo, Jake.
Christopher: JoJo is always up for game.
Missie: Jenne, Lis, me, you, Jon.
Christopher: Then let’s do it. For serious. Let’s screw things up.
Missie: We can’t say anything, Chris. I mean to Kyle or Taylor.
Christopher: I won’t.
Missie: Kyle and Taylor are shady.
Christopher: I gotta question—a big one. Kyle asked me to go all the way with him. Has he asked the same of you?
Missie: No, he has not. He just told me he wants to talk game with me and make some type of commitment.
Christopher: He tells me he is committed to me to the end.
Missie: He was the one that started the “let’s vote out Chris” this week.
Christopher nodded gravely and shot a look in Kyle’s direction.
Christopher: Ok. Then let’s do it.
Missie: He did not want Jake and JoJo knowing…so we could have them.
Christopher: Missie, Chris, JoJo, Jake, Jenne, Lis…that is six right there.
Missie held up a hand.
Missie: But…we should go Taylor this week. If we go Kyle next we can tell Jon.
Christopher: I don’t know. Kyle has had immunity all but one time. If he doesn’t this time, then we might need to strike.
They continued to watch Kyle. Christopher grinned and nodded.
Christopher: This could be the best episode ever.
Missie: If we pull this off, you can’t leave me standing alone in left field.
Christopher smiled and patted her shoulder.
Christopher: No. I want to work with you. I am committed to that one hundred percent, and I have fought off the dogs a few times for you. I’m all about changing the game up, and I don’t relish being lied to.
They looked back over to the group where Jon appeared ready for the challenge and stood next to Kyle.
Christopher: Perhaps you can drop this to Jon the day of tribal council? It would be better that he felt include, but not so soon that Kyle can sway him.
Missie: I’m gonna have to offer him something. I’ve tried to keep him included especially since Taylor has come to me out of the blue to tell me Jon talks crap about me.
She rolled her eyes, and Christopher laughed.
Christopher: Jon doesn’t talk crap about anybody.
Missie: It was Taylor’s way of trying to get me to vote Jon when I had no reason to.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:55:02 GMT -5
Christopher: Kyle told me he wanted to vote Jon. I think they may be swinging that and wanted you to vote me to separate us. I guess that is the point of this: they are spinning too many webs.
Missie: As far as I know, Kyle and Taylor are going after you and hoping to bring in me, Isaac, Ash, and Jon.
Christopher nodded, infinitely hiding the anger that was welling up inside him. The nerve of someone actually plotting against him! It was disgraceful.
They joined the group, still waiting for Karen to arrive. Christopher was ecstatic with energy now. He could feel the dynamics of things to come, and he loved it. He inched over to where Elisabeth stood quietly and whispered in her ear.
Christopher: Big vote coming up.
She turned quickly and threw her arms around his neck.
Elisabeth: Chris!
Christopher: Apparently Taylor and Kyle want me out.
Elisabeth pulled back and allowed her smile to fade.
Elisabeth: Oh, excellent.
Christopher: Taylor is working with Isaac, Ashley, Kyle, and Jon to do it. Missie came to me and wants to flip.
Elisabeth: So, Taylor has chosen a side then.
Christopher: He has. Missie is proposing we change the game up and vote Kyle out.
Elisabeth: I am for voting Kyle. Let’s do it then. Go big or go home!
Christopher: I hope Missie is being honest. She could be pulling an elaborate scam to split our votes. But I’d rather play than sit and wait for Kyle to get one of us.
Elisabeth: Either we do it to him now or he’ll do it to us later.
Christopher nodded and then inched over to Jenne.
Christopher: Big news!
Jenne looked up at him quickly. Karen was approaching the lobby.
Christopher: I swayed Missie into voting Kyle.
Jenne gaped and her eyes twinkled. Christopher hadn’t seen her as happy the entire game.
Jenne: How do you know she won’t go straight to Kyle and tell him though?
He put his hands up to comfort her.
Christopher: I’ll tell you all about the conversation later. It was big! But Lizzie and I need you.
Jenne smiled.
Jenne: I’m all yours. Body, heart, and soul…
Karen made her way front and center and cleared her throat to garner their attention. Jenne and Christopher turned away from each other to face front and listen.
Karen: Congratulations for making the merge point of this game. From now on, only one person will win immunity.
Many looked at each other with smiles.
Karen: As many of you have probably guessed, this challenge will be an auction. But it will be a silent auction. There are seven items to be auctioned off, and since there are eleven of you, the competition will be great. Decide which item you want the most, and make it a wise decision. Since this is a silent auction, you will find a sign up sheet in the great ballroom labeled with the item up for bid. Sign your name and bid, but you can only bid in $50 increments from the person before you. The person who bids $1000 will win the item. Want to know what you are bidding on?
As a collective group, they nodded anxiously.
Karen: Items up for bid are as follows: an extra vote, a vote block, immunity, immunity share, erase all past votes, an opportunity to read the journal of any fallen player of your choice…
That item garnered a few raised eyebrows from many.
Karen: And a mystery item. This could be good or bad, so bid at your own risk. Everyone begins this challenge with $1000; not a penny more, not a penny less. Once you have spent your $1000 you are done with the challenge. You can no longer make bids.
She scanned the group around her before sweeping her hand toward the great ballroom.
Karen: Items are up for bids! Survivors ready? Go!
And the bids began like crazy. Elisabeth Marie, Jenne Lotz, Jake Erickson, and Christopher Collins conveniently staked out an empty conference room near the ballroom, hording certain items, making quite sure that bids to some items were made only within their group. JoJo popped in and out while still making friendly with the likes of Taylor Napier, Kyle Adams, and Jon Kennedy.
Missie approached Christopher discretely while crossing into the ballroom to place a silent bid.
Missie: Just so you know, Kyle’s going for the vote block. Taylor is going for the share immunity. Just so you can see I’m being totally up front with ya.
Christopher smiled.
Christopher: I appreciate it.
And back to his group he took the information. They hovered over certain items, and only minutes into the challenge, Christopher, Jenne, and Elisabeth dominated items until they won the vote block, immunity, and extra vote respectively.
After the final bid for the final item was placed, Christopher returned to the conference room where his group awaited him hopefully. He shut the door and thrust a fist into the air.
Christopher: Kyle is out!
Elisabeth beamed at all around her.
Elisabeth: Good job you guys! We rocked this one.
Christopher: So hot! Nobody can say Lizzie isn’t playing this game! You just ran that challenge! Teamwork, baby!
JoJo: I was crossing my fingers!
Christopher beamed at everyone, threw an arm over each of Jake’s and Jenne’s shoulders.
Christopher: Big new is, Missie agreed to vote Kyle. Huge, huge turn of events!
Elisabeth: And way to go on winning immunity Jenne. And JoJo for winning the right to read a journal.
Jenne curtseyed.
Jenne: Thank God!
JoJo: Now, I’m ready to get into Beth’s journal! I will share.
Christopher: We are awesome.
Jenne: Guys, I’m so loving this challenge.
Christopher: We currently have seven votes to the other group’s five now with the vote block and extra vote.
Jenne: That is lovely! We stole their vote away!
Christopher squeezed Jenne tightly.
Christopher: I have to give it up, Jenne. You were right about Kyle all along, and you deserve to hear that. Kyle is a big ol’ snake.
Jenne shrugged.
Jenne: I withhold my “told you so’s.” There is nothing sweeter than that sound.
JoJo frowned and looked over at Jake.
JoJo: Jakie, Kyle plotted and told Missie, “Don’t tell JoJo or Jake.”
Jake smirked, and looked over at Jenne.
Jake: I always agreed with you.
JoJo: Who is Kyle going for?
Christopher: Me! He wants me out!
Jenne: Taylor got the mystery package?
JoJo nodded.
JoJo: Yes, he told me. And Kyle got nothing.
Jenne protruded her lip and pretended to pout.
Jenne: Poor thing.
Christopher: I cry for him.
Jake stood there and laughed aloud.
Jenne: You guys serious about taking Kyle out now?
JoJo: Yes, Jenne.
Jake: I will do it.
Christopher: Absolutely. He lied to me and JoJo. He grosses me out…total liar!
Jake: We have such a good system worked out here.
Jenne: Would be real fun to blindside Kyle. Thinks he has the vote locked up, then bam! He probably has a final three with everyone.
Jake: He has an alliance with me…
The others looked at him in surprise. It was news to all of them, and humorous at that.
Jake: So I will be “backstabbing” him.
Jenne: Would you like me to sharpen the blade?
Jake smiled, then looked at Christopher.
Jake: So Missie has relayed all this information to you, Chris?
Christopher: She has. I guess she is legit.
The general mood in that room was better than it had been the entire game. They could’ve stayed in there as one unit for the rest of the game, but there were others to contend with. They lingered for a bit until the challenge was complete and most everyone had left. Jenne hung around and took Christopher off to the side.
Jenne: Real quick…I don’t trust Missie. I feel she may be playing you and Kyle off each other.
They looked at each other for a moment before Jenne shrugged.
Jenne: I guess it don’t matter. We have six votes without Missie or Tay.
Christopher: Kyle is quite the sleazy player.
Jenne nodded.
Jenne: He may be a virgin, but he sure is slutty.
Christopher: Bitch gets around! He must have VD for real!
JoJo ran back to her hut where Beth’s personal game journal was waiting for her to leaf through. She was excited, if for no other reason but to make sure that Beth had left the game with good reason. JoJo knew that if she found no incriminating evidence that Beth would have turned on her, then she would be sick.
Still, the overall excitement from the challenge dominated.
Jenne wasted no time in finding Taylor to share what she considered the best news she had heard all game.
Jenne: I have good news for you.
Taylor looked up curiously.
Jenne: There is a movement to get Kyle out.
Taylor flinched and tried his best to hide his shock.
Taylor: Are you voting him?
Jenne gaped.
Jenne: Hell yes! He’s toast, darling! But I should tell you…a rumor is going around that you and Kyle are secretly working together.
Looking down, Taylor tried to quickly process this new information.
Taylor: That’s false.
Jenne straightened, pleased.
Jenne: Well, Kyle is going this time, Taylor. It’s gold. But tell me about this word on the street that you are working with him to vote out our Chris. Is it true?
Taylor shook his head quickly.
Taylor: They approached me with it. They wanted to vote you off first. Missie and Kyle. Only thing I said is that I thought Chris should be taken down a few notches but didn’t think it was a good idea. Missie likes to spread things.
Jenne: I’ve noticed everyone in this game does.
Taylor: She’s probably going to get me out.
Jenne grinned impishly.
Jenne: You aren’t her target right now.
Taylor: Who the hell is Missie’s target?
Jenne: Kyle.
Taylor shook his head. Something was not right. She and Kyle had just struck what seemed to be a solid deal with him to remove Christopher. What was she doing?
Taylor: No, she came to me pushing you and Chris.
Jenne: Because she thinks you are working with Kyle.
Taylor crossed his arms indignantly.
Taylor: I think she should go. She is the one working with Kyle. She started this alliance, and they came to me.
Jenne: With or without her, Kyle goes tomorrow.
Taylor studied her for a moment.
Taylor: Congrats on sucking up to Chris to get yourself back into the final four.
Jenne rolled her eyes.
Jenne: I didn’t suck up to Chris, and as of right now, you are looking good. You and I were lookin’ bad, and all of a sudden we’re lookin’ good again.
Taylor: What happens when Kyle and them go and we are left with Chris, JoJo, Jenne, Lizzie, Jake, and me?
Jenne: What do you want to do then, bud? Go around pissing people off and get voted out sooner?
Taylor: I don’t like the feeling of being at the whim of other people. I’m not fond of sitting here and waiting my turn.
But Jenne blew him off. It really didn’t matter what he felt at that point.
Jenne: Kyle should start packing now.
She left him at that, and he thought about it for a long time before he headed out. Jenne stood in the shadows of the evening and saw him leave, knowing exactly where he was headed.
Jenne: That’s right…go talk to your boyfriend.
Kyle couldn’t help but be disappointed in the challenge results. He wasn’t sure who all had won the big awards in the vote block, extra vote, and immunity, but he knew it hovered in the group of Christopher, Jenne, and Elisabeth. They had been in and out of that ballroom like crazy.
Christopher could no longer be the target, and Kyle was sick wondering who it would be. He knew with the dynamics of the award items, the next boot would have to be Taylor or Jon.
Isaac noticed Kyle, and his demeaner and fell into stride with him toward the aisle of huts.
Isaac: What’s up?
Kyle shrugged and kept walking, face forward.
Kyle: We are screwed.
Isaac: We’re never screwed. Relax.
Kyle nodded slowly and managed a slight smile.
Kyle: I know. I’m just pouting. I think that Jenne and Chris got the extra vote and block. We were gonna go for Chris.
Isaac: Really? Chris? Why?
Kyle: Because he is controlling this game. But you can’t say anything, especially to JoJo.
Isaac: How do we have the votes?
Kyle: We had the votes with Taylor. The auction just screwed us over.
Isaac shook his head hopefully.
Isaac: Not necessarily. We’ll have to wait for the results.
Kyle had to give the boy props for keeping it positive, but facts were facts. Unless Taylor’s mystery prize allowed for him to steal one of the other objects, there was nothing they could do.
Patting Isaac on the shoulder, he bid him good night and headed for his own hut.
When he got there, he hadn’t sat for more than a few minutes before an urgent pounding came at the front door. Kyle opened it, and before he had a chance to see who was on the other side, Taylor pushed his way in.
Taylor: Don’t run! Don’t fly off the handle…
Kyle looked at him oddly and shut the door.
Taylor: Missie is betraying you!
Kyle: How do you know?
Taylor: People are coming to me asking to vote you out. They say it’s Missie’s campaign.
Kyle laughed.
Kyle: That’s bull, and you know it.
Taylor: I believe them.
Kyle: Who are “people”? And don’t give me any of this “I can’t tell you” crap.
Taylor sighed.
Taylor: I know you will roll your eyes, but Jenne.
Kyle deadpanned and nodded, not convinced.
Kyle: Uh huh.
Taylor: Kyle, it has to be Missie.
Kyle: I don’t care, really. I’m ready for this game to be over. Too many personal assaults.
Taylor: I’m just telling you because I think you should know.
Kyle: You know Missie has nothing to do with it…it’s all Jenne. What is the reason behind why I have to go?
Taylor: I don’t know. If Missie is true with us, then there are no worries.
Kyle sighed and rubbed his face roughly.
Kyle: For some stupid reason I believe you.
Taylor: I want to make sure Missie is sticking with us…she’s told me lies before. I’m trying to help us, yet I just get yelled at.
Kyle: You won’t see reason that Jenne is the cause of all this since the beginning of the game.
Taylor: No, I won’t. I still have the naïve notion that we can all come back together.
Kyle: It’s not going to happen as long as Jenne doesn’t get her way, and you cater and cater and cater to her. You will not be safe with her, I’m here to tell you right now.
Taylor: Look…I don’t see what Jenne is doing, or don’t know the real truth or whatever. I get it, but I don’t see it. I’m with you so stop telling me that!
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:55:37 GMT -5
A silence fell over them.
Taylor: Ok?
Kyle: What do you want me to do?
Taylor: Kyle, I trust you. You don’t have to keep selling me on this. I just try to keep you informed of what’s being said. I’m your link to what Jenne is saying, thinking, what she is going to do, but I don’t guess you see that. But I’m gonna go.
He turned to go, but Kyle said nothing. Taylor paused at the door and turned again.
Taylor: Are you mad?
Kyle: Not at you.
Taylor nodded then left.
Kyle sighed deeply. If what Taylor was saying was true, then he knew he was as good as gone. Surely Missie wouldn’t backstab him so blatantly. Surely she wouldn’t. She would be a fool to hand over the game to Christopher and Jenne.
Another knock came at the door, and Kyle groaned when he went to answer it.
Kyle: Hey, Missie B.
Missie brushed beside him and welcomed herself into his hut.
Missie: Shoot me, ok? I can’t take this.
Kyle cringed as he closed the door and leaned against it. He could feel a headache coming on.
Kyle: What’s happening?
Missie: Ok so…Taylor just came to me and told me he heard your name as a possible boot.
Kyle: Taylor told you my name came up?
Missie nodded.
Kyle: He just told me that you were betraying me and bringing my name up.
Missie: Screw him, Kyle!
Kyle: Let him go next.
Missie: He has to, this is such bull! My vote is for Tay. This is nuts, and it’s happened again.
Kyle: So, if we vote Tay, how long do we let Chris and Jenne run things?
Missie: They won’t. Then we have me, you, Isaac, Ash, Jon, Jake, and JoJo. She has no love for her. Please Kyle, Taylor has to go. Please give me this.
Kyle: If we vote Taylor, I’m all for it. I’m ready for him to go.
Missie: Kyle, I am being totally honest with you…the only thing that worries me about you is that Taylor is still around. I swear to you…that’s it. Once he’s gone, I’ll feel much better.
Kyle: Then let Taylor go. I’m done. I wash my hands.
So they left it at that for the evening. Too much had happened already. Kyle went straight to bed. Missie went back and forth among Taylor and Isaac.
Missie: What do you think of the vote, Isaac?
Isaac: I don’t know, I’m at a loss.
Missie: Kyle never approached you to vote Chris?
Isaac: He mentioned Chris to me. Chris should be priority, but I don’t think it can be done now.
Missie: Taylor just told me he heard Kyle was the boot.
Isaac laughed out loud.
Isaac: My butt. He wants the vote to be Kyle…or Jenne told him.
Missie: I am still wondering why the vote is not Taylor.
Isaac: It should be Taylor, but what do we do now? I mean, I know that their side won the vote block, extra vote, and individual immunity.
Missie: Chris will vote out Taylor. He wanted to last time. Do you think Kyle has something with Taylor or do you think he’d vote him?
Isaac shook his head.
Isaac: No, he doesn’t. He was just focused on Beth last time.
Missie: Then I’m putting my foot down. Taylor next.
And Isaac was agreed to that plan. It was a matter of getting everyone else involved and keeping Kyle to the plan.
As Isaac headed back to the hut, he bumped into Jenne who was all a flutter with the recent developments in the game on her side. She greeted him warmly, with her signature smile.
Isaac: Hey, what did you win in the challenge?
Jenne: Where is the fun in telling people?
Isaac scoffed.
Isaac: Oh, please, we’re gonna find out anyway.
Jenne: So you will.
She continued to smile coolly at him.
Isaac: Ok, I see.
Jenne: But as I know that you were planning on voting me out last time had I not been immune, I don’t particularly feel like I owe you anything.
Isaac: It’s not like I don’t know you that you know that.
Jenne smirked.
Jenne: It’s not like I don’t know that you know that I know that…Li’l Bro…
Isaac frowned and turned fully toward her.
Isaac: Jenne, I do not dislike you. I wasn’t the one who wanted to vote you out, but I’m not playing this game to be used by people.
Jenne rolled her eyes.
Jenne: Isaac, I have no problem with what you did. All I’m saying is I owe you nothing.
Isaac: And you’re right, you don’t.
Jenne: And you owe me nothing. You are playing this game, and that is fine…so am I. You don’t want to be used, but you are being used. You were always a number.
Isaac: What’s that supposed to mean?
Jenne: You thought you had a good deal working with Kyle and Missie. Solid numbers. You road that train.
Isaac looked at her with disdain.
Jenne: That train wasn’t gonna take you forever. Kyle has deals with everyone left in this game excluding me. Missie has loyalty to no one. Ash is invisible. Jon is spineless.
Jenne smiled as she noted Isaac taking in all she was saying.
Jenne: What do you got, hon?
Isaac: So what do you propose I do?
Jenne: I’m not proposing you do a d**n thing. I made my bed, I lay in it. You should do the same.
Isaac: So I should just have gone with Chris, you, and Taylor and get eaten up?
Jenne stopped walking at that and cut him off, facing him.
Jenne: Taylor is a shmuck. Beth can kiss my ass.
Isaac: Well, pretty much you think I’m screwed.
Jenne: We are all screwed but one…the winner.
Isaac turned to go.
Isaac: I’m wasting my time. You take care…
Jenne caught him by the arm.
Jenne: Don’t be like that. Fight, Isaac! I was close to goin’, but it ain’t over till it’s over.
She paused and looked him in the eyes.
Jenne: Now…you go tell your daddy everything the big, bad Jenne said to you, and he’ll tuck you in and make you feel all better.
Isaac frowned at her, but there was no use in fighting any longer.
Isaac: I still like you, and that’s not crap. I hope you can believe that.
Jenne studied him for a moment.
Jenne: If you say it after the game, then I will. That’s a promise.
Isaac: It’s hard to believe in this game when you don’t know who to believe.
Jenne: Well, my niceness should preceed me, but I’ve been made into a villain. So we shall see…
Without further word, Jenne turned to go and left Isaac standing there.
Isaac: I know what she’s doing. She’s trying to brainwash me and turn me against Kyle. I’m not gonna do it…
He returned to his own hut.
Jenne settle in for the night quite pleased with herself and the way the game seemed to have just turned on a dime. Now she was in a good position and ready to head to the end, as it should have been all along.
So much had happened that day, she wondered if she would get any sleep. The topper of them all was Taylor’s secret.
Jenne shook her head and rolled over on her side in her bed. There was no use in dwelling on Tayor’s fatal mistake. She could have her fun in due time. It was now time to revel in the goodness the game had just brought her.
Meanwhile, JoJo lay on her bed pouring through pages and pages of Beth’s game journal, her personal thoughts, her recollections of conversations throughout her stay on the island. What JoJo could sift through was nothing incriminating of plans for Beth to turn on her. With each word she read, she began to feel more and more guilty about having ousted one of her closest friends.
She laid the journal down and looked up thoughtfully. So much had happened within the past week. Beth leaving had been a major ordeal. Now with the prospect of Kyle following in her footsteps, JoJo found the dynamics hard to believe. Each vote from now until the end was just going to get harder and harder.
She lay back on the bed, lost in thought and quietly fell asleep.
Day 24
The new day began with a flurry of excitement. To start the day off with a bang, word had gotten around that word had gotten around to Kyle. To put it simply, Missie had quickly run to Christopher to let him know that Taylor had told Kyle of the new plans.
Christopher could only shake his head and laugh. Why should they expect anything else? The game had been a complete mess thus far; why not continue the trend.
Christopher: Missie told me Kyle knows of the plan.
Jenne opened her door wide and let him in. Christopher eyed her carefully, trying not to get upset at the new leak.
Jenne: I asked Tay if he’d vote for Kyle.
Christopher: Be careful.
Jenne: I confronted him to find out if he was plotting with Kyle to boot you.
Christopher sighed heavily.
Christopher: Oh, Jenne…Taylor is so far up Kyle’s butt…
Jenne: He said that Missie and Kyle approached him.
Christopher: Taylor is so going to eff things up.
Jenne: I made sure not to say anything that would matter.
Christopher: Everything is going crazy.
Jenne: The game has been nothing but a mess.
Christopher: I want to fight with Kyle so bad, but I’m not.
Jenne: Well, when you get to go off on Kyle, I get to go off on Tay. I never got my chance to go off on Beth. I’m salivating for that journal of hers.
The journal was all exciting, but Christopher had more important matters to discuss. That was finding out from Kyle himself if he had ever planned on turning and rather than fight with him, make sure he smoothly deflected the target from himself.
Christopher: What I would really like is to break things down with you.
Kyle: Ok.
He let Christopher in and looked at him oddly.
Christopher: I know you aren’t being one hundred percent with me right now, and I’m sorry to call that out. I call it out in hopes that we can get there again.
Kyle crossed his arms.
Kyle: What do you think I’m not being honest about?
Christopher: Don’t play dumb with me. I really would rather repair this. If you aren’t putting it all on the table with me, I don’t know how we can.
Kyle just looked at him.
Christopher: Regardless of what Taylor says to you about my loyalty or whatever, do you have any instance or proof of me lying to you? Did I try to get you out at all in this game?
Kyle: No, you haven’t.
Christopher: I fought for you and Missie for three votes against Jenne, Beth, and…
He turned to look directly at Kyle so no mistake would be made.
Christopher: And Taylor. Taylor got on me a lot, but you still have some weird sense of responsibility to him. I just don’t get it, Kyle.
Kyle cocked his head and listened.
Christopher: He’s lied to you since he met you, about his life, his game, who he is, his alliances in Valentine’s Day, him wanting you out here…
Kyle: I’m voting for him tonight if he’s vulnerable. What sense of responsibility are you talking about?
Christopher: I just really, really can’t fathom why you would consider voting me over him—as I know you have.
Kyle: I’m voting him tonight! Where’s the loyalty? I don’t want to tell him right now because I don’t want anyone to have to deal with what he can pull between now and then.
Christopher: But I also know you wanted to vote me. I don’t know how I can trust you again until you own it and talk to me about it.
Kyle: Taylor accused me of an alliance with you and JoJo. He pushed for you hard. So, I didn’t know how to respond without defending you and giving away our alliance and not committing at the same time. Someone else mentioned why your name was brought out on the table…same deal.
Christopher: I just know you talked about it with more than one person. It got back to me.
Kyle shook his head.
Kyle: Two people brought it up to me. I belive Taylor’s been lying. I believe all that. That’s why I’m voting for him tonight.
Christopher: I just can’t figure you out. I can’t figure out why you have been loyal to him, trying to save him for as long as you have knowing how he is.
Kyle: I haven’t been trying to save him! That’s what I can’t get Missie to understand! He would’ve gone last TC except that we didn’t know who Isaac and Ashley had voted! Honest to God truth!
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: It just seems like you have. I think it is emotional.
Kyle: I have never been loyal to Taylor in this game. We’ve been fighting the whole time!
Christopher: He is a kid who has lied to you since you met him, both on a personal level and in game.
Kyle: I know. I know all this. I’m voting him tonight.
Christopher softened and put a hand on his shoulder.
Christopher: All this wasn’t meant to gripe at you, but to just help you screw your head on straight. Don’t forget the game he has been playing with you since you met him.
Kyle thought it over for a moment. Taylor’s true age was becoming a factor in the game, just as he hoped it would not, and he wished he hadn’t said anything.
Something wasn’t right.
Kyle: Since we’re being honest here, apparently the rumor mill is that I’m the next to go.
Christopher knew that it would get back to him once Jenne had told Taylor. There was no way around it.
Christopher: There are a lot of rumors out there.
Kyle: Seems that Taylor has started this one…or Jenne.
Christopher: So, Taylor next?
Kyle shrugged.
Kyle: What if his mystery vote will help him? Then what?
Christopher: I have no clue. I figured that was up for discussion. Free for all?
Kyle sighed.
Kyle: Oh, I don’t have the strength. Ok, here’s what we got. You’d prefer Jon or Ashley right?
Christopher shrugged noncommittally.
Christopher: Where are you at?
Kyle: Where I am is keeping the three of us safe, but I’d feel more comfortable with Jon or Ashley still around while Jenne and Lis are still here. Only reason is, you will not vote Jenne or Lis. I will vote Jon or Ashley. That is a threat to me.
Christopher: That is how I feel. Yet I voted out Beth. I voted an ally. I believe I have proven myself.
Kyle: And that you have. But we have a glitch in Missie. We would have a rogue Missie if we voted one of them.
The debate went on with no clear decision for a boot made between them, Christopher clearly baiting him for as much information as possible. But such was his mission. That and keeping his finger on the entire pulse of the game. Missie was his next target to make sure she was solid in what she had begun. Taylor knowing Kyle to be the target could royally mess things up. But even as they spoke, Missie seemed to waffle.
Missie: I’ll feel much better about things once Jenne is out of this game. She is so degrading to me. And of course she’s not going to talk to me about this vote but go straight to Taylor—who is up Kyle’s butt.
Christopher cringed inside and made sure not to show it. So it was out that Taylor knew.
Christopher: I know. This is the second time she has blown it that way, and it bums me out. Whatever happens on that front, remember strategically we need her vote for a round or two.
Missie: Taylor makes me sick.
Christopher: I’m wretching along with you.
Missie: It’s like pick a place and sit still!
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:56:12 GMT -5
Christopher nodded, then looked her in the eye.
Christopher: The Kyle vote is a good, strategic vote, and I am looking at it that way.
Missie eyed him for a moment.
Missie: Isaac was telling me how Jenne was trying to turn him against Kyle. He said she is very persuasive.
Christopher: Here’s what I’m thinking, if Kyle does, in fact, leave, we can use the Taylor vote as healing. I’m thinking it may be a uniting vote for many people.
Missie crossed her arms.
Missie: Well, with your block and Liz’s extra vote, if that’s who you want to go, Kyle’s going. It will piss off Isaac, and Taylor will think he’s “in” again.
Considering it a moment, Missie didn’t know what to think. Taylor seemed like a better option to her, and there was no way that Isaac was going to vote for Kyle, or so she thought. But nothing was clear cut anymore.
Christopher: Anyway, Kyle told me he heard you were campaigning his ousting. I told him I hadn’t heard any such thing—that you have only mentioned Taylor.
Missie dropped her arms in frustration.
Missie: Oh geez. I need to just run and hide.
Christopher: He told me he thinks Taylor is being set up.
At that, Missie was immediately angry. Kyle and Taylor, Kyle and Taylor, Kyle and Taylor…..the mention of that duo was going to drive her crazy.
Missie: I’m going to scream.
Christopher put up a hand to comfort her.
Christopher: No, no! It’ll be fine. You will be fine.
He paused for a moment and grinned.
Christopher: He also brought up Ashley and Jon to me.
Missie: Right…and not Taylor.
Christopher nodded.
Christopher: He has said the only reason he won’t vote them is because he feared a rogue Missie.
He let it sink in for a moment, knowing it was working. He could see it in her eyes.
Christopher: Maybe it’s time you show him how much power a rogue Missie has…
Missie huffed. She wondered why she was even there. She had promised herself she would not be playing the all star game, yet here she was, in the thick of the drama. Her only refuge of sanity seemed to be in Isaac.
At the seem time that day Jenne Lotz was also out and about discretely to dizzy up the more elusive of those in Kyle and Missie’s alliance. Jon seemed easy to scare into submission, but Ashley was the one everyone most worried about, so quiet, so inaccessible. Too close to Isaac.
Jenne found her right off, wondering if she was the first to even talk to the girl all day.
Jenne: How’s the game been for you?
Ashley shrugged and tossed her long, dark hair over one shoulder.
Ashley: People have been acting weird.
Jenne: This game has been weird period. I would have gone last tribal council if I hadn’t been voted immune. Anyway, I heard the vote had been for Tay, and Kyle switched it at the last minute.
Ashley: That was shocking.
Jenne: I heard it ruffled some feathers. Missie was pissed off ‘cause she wants Taylor gone so bad. Jon was miffed…what fun, eh?
She paused and cocked her head and looked at her slyly. Now was the perfect time to sow some discourse.
Jenne: Does anyone even talk to you? Everyone says you are in Isaac’s pocket, and that’s where you stay.
Ashley gaped.
Ashley: What? Are you serious? Now, that’s funny!
Jenne: Way serious. I asked Isaac about it, and he didn’t deny it.
Ashley crossed her arms indignantly.
Ashley: It’s not even like he asks me who to vote for. Besides, I talk to a lot of people.
Jenne: I haven’t had much of a chance to talk to you. Besides, I was told you were Isaac’s lapdog and that you were Missie and Kyle’s pets.
Ashley took it all in, and for the first time in the game, she left Jenne disgruntled with her friends—Isaac of all people.
She wasted no time before she was in his face, all business and no play. He was taken aback by her directness.
Ashley: People are saying you have me in your pocket, and you didn’t deny it.
Isaac was at a loss before he scoffed.
Isaac: Oh, please. They’re saying that to get under your skin.
Ashley: Well, it’s not true! I vote who I want!
Isaac: Of course! I don’t think you’re in my pocket. I like you and I want to keep you in the game.
Ashley softened immediately and smiled.
Ashley: I know.
Isaac: Jenne told you that, didn’t she?
Ashley bit her lip thoughtfully and hesitated. The game had been nothing but drama, and she had done well in staying out of it, and that was where she wanted to remain. She also refused to be the auther of any drama.
Ashley: I’m not saying who said it.
Isaac: Well, I’m sure it was the people who don’t like me. They want you against me.
She nodded.
Ashley: Probably. That is why I came to you. There were more things said, but I won’t repeat. I don’t want to start drama.
Isaac: Of course there were. They want to be drama queens and get you on their side and hate me. I hope you don’t believe them because you know I care about you and always will.
Ashley beamed up at him. Isaac always made her feel better about her place in the game, and she quickly reached up and hugged him tightly.
Shortly thereafter, Missie sought out Isaac for a bit of level grounds from the same drama from the same people. In the same vein she told him everything she was feeling about Kyle and his ties to Taylor.
Isaac could only nod for a minute, clearly at a loss for words with everything that Missie was bringing to the table—especially her reservations for Kyle.
Isaac: I didn’t know you felt so strongly about this.
Missie slumped down into a chair, while he paced nearby.
Missie: Isaac, it’s all insane. I’m tired. Kyle is still trying to save Taylor!
Isaac: For real?
Missie: He’s tried to talk Chris into taking out Jon or Ashley!
At that Isaac was angry. He turned quickly.
Isaac: What?!
Missie: Yep.
Isaac: Ok…we officially can’t trust him anymore. Kyle knows Ash and Jon are off limits!
Missie: Well, yeah! And he keeps trying to save Taylor.
Isaac turned away quickly. Still, voting out Kyle wasn’t the right thing at the moment. Taylor needed to go first.
Isaac: As long as Chris stays for Taylor then we can vote him out…I think. But we definitely can’t trust Kyle. I can’t believe he is trying to save Taylor! What do you think we should do?
Missie said nothing, merely shrugged. Silence came.
Isaac: I think we are better off dropping Kyle and going with Chris. I’m starting to believe that Kyle has other alliances and priorities.
Missie: I think you have something there. Chris has no allegiance to Taylor and has said if we take out Jenne, he won’t cry any tears.
Isaac: I think Chris would want to join with us in a heart beat, and JoJo probably the same.
Missie: I think you are right.
Isaac nodded and faced her.
Isaac: I think our core alliance needs to switch from Kyle to Chris.
Missie’s eyes widened as she looked up at him.
Missie: You feel comfy asking Chris?
Isaac: Yes, we need him, but we need to keep it on the down low. I’m so sick of everyone knowing everything, and Kyle is such a talker! Chris is smart and doesn’t freak out.
He paused.
Isaac: Wait, what if Chris is lying about Kyle suggesting Ashley and Jon?
Missie only looked at him.
Meanwhile, a couple of huts over, Christopher returned to his leading lady with the latest of his knowledge.
JoJo: Talk to me.
Christopher: Jenne went to Taylor and confronted him about the Kyle/Taylor plan to vote me out!
JoJo groaned aloud.
JoJo: Ok, ok…it’s ok. Tell, tell!
She watched him intensely.
Christopher: Jenne and Isaac had a separate tiff, which I dug, but Missie didn’t dig it. But back to Taylor…Jenne apparently lambasted him, so he of course went back to Kyle, who then confronted Missie and I both!
JoJo: What did Kyle confront you about?
Christopher: That he might be going, wondering how it started. Then Missie went back to demanding Taylor go. Isaac wants Taylor to go. Kyle says he is voting Taylor.
JoJo took it all in.
Christopher: But it has to be Kyle. I promised Missie we can dump Tay next week.
JoJo: This is the TC to make a big move.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, and both looked up quickly. Christopher went to peek out the window and motioned for JoJo to hide. Quickly she darted into the bathroom and pulled the door to, not shutting it all the way. Cupping her hand over her mouth, she waited breathlessly.
Christopher let Isaac in, eyeing him oddly as he did.
Isaac: I have something I need to ask you.
His interest having been piqued, Christopher crossed his arms and waited.
Isaac: How would you feel if I joined with you? I have a reason to not trust my old ally anymore.
Now, that was interesting. Christopher cocked his head and urged him to continue.
Isaac: I would like to work with you…really. And would like to keep it on the down low.
Christopher: Yes, it would be nice if two people could keep something quiet in this game.
Isaac hesitated for moment.
Isaac: But you see…it’s not just me that wants to join you, though. It also includes one other person, and I’m sure you know who that is.
Christopher uncrossed his arms.
Christopher: Not totally sure…it could be one of two people. I’m praying it’s number one and not number two.
Isaac chuckled.
Isaac: Missie.
Christopher: Thank God!
Isaac: You were thinking I would say Kyle, weren’t you? That’s who I don’t trust anymore. Missie, Kyle, and I have been in an alliance this whole time, but I’m sure that’s been apparent. No one closes their mouths. We realize now that Kyle is in several alliances.
Christopher: I think you are right.
Isaac: We know that you respect us, and we know how smart you. We are thinking this is the right move to make.
Christopher: I’m in to it. I dig Missie.
There was a noise from JoJo in the bathroom, and Christopher hoped above hope that Isaac had not heard. Isaac had turned his head toward the sound but thought nothing of it. Christopher and JoJo both drew sighs of relief.
Christopher: You gotta do me a favor though. Get off the Lizzie hate train. I know you may vote her at some point, and that is cool. But Lizzie is a good kid.
Isaac nodded.
Isaac: Ok.
Christopher: So, can we fry a bigger fish? Kyle has been so shady to me.
Isaac: To us too.
Christopher: Told me he wanted to go to the end with me, then tried to get me out.
Isaac: Yes he did. He kept saying you were next, and we kept telling him Taylor.
Christopher rolled his eyes.
Christopher: It was supposed to be Taylor during Beth, too, but whatever.
Isaac: We’re done with Kyle, especially when I found out he suggested to you to vote out Ashley and Jon.
Nodding vigorously, Christopher agreed with it all. His insides almost fluttered as Isaac came at him with barrage of goodness. Nothing sounded sweeter.
Without any further word, Isaac turned to the door and beckoned Missie inside. Christopher almost laughed out loud, but he welcomed her in, and they continued the discussion.
Christopher: So, should we be voting Kyle or Taylor?
From the bathroom, JoJo strained to hear every word.
Isaac: I’m up for either.
Missie: It all depends. My thought is keep this on the downlow for now and vote Taylor, then surprise Kyle next time.
Isaac nodded.
Isaac: I think it’s better to get rid of Taylor.
Christopher: Kyle is a bigger immunity threat and a far better player.
But Isaac and Missie were adamantly for Taylor.
Isaac: I just feel bad towards Kyle.
Missie considered him, but Christopher looked at him in exasperation.
Christopher: Bad in what way?
Isaac: Just guilty.
Christopher shrugged.
Christopher: I felt the same way about Beth. But I have thought about this. I would have been loyal to Beth if she hadn’t tried to play so many angles. She played in a way I wasn’t comfortable with…Kyle is doing that to me now.
Missie and Isaac exchanged glances.
Christopher: If people make multiple deals, then I can’t stick with them. It’s a sucky position to be put in.
Isaac: Did you ever have an alliance with Kyle?
Christopher nodded gravely.
Christopher: Before Beth went, and he wanted to pull in JoJo. I told him I’d go for it. Then right after, he was tossing my name out there.
Isaac: Then I don’t feel so bad about voting him out.
Christopher: I trusted him more than that, but apparently Taylor is more important than cutting a deal.
Missie shook her head with disgust.
Isaac: Totally screwed himself over. Doesn’t he realize people would talk?
Christopher: His deal with you and Missie, the one with me and JoJo…weren’t real. He and Taylor have something going.
Isaac: I thought he was so real when we first had the alliance…now he has to go and screw with it.
Christopher feigned sadness.
Christopher: I thought he was real too.
Isaac: Ash just told me that someone told her she was in my pocket, and I guess some other really nasty stuff. I thought it was Jenne. I admit that I did say I had her in my pocket, but it was to Kyle! I should have never used that phrase. Obviously Kyle told people that Ash is with me.
The debate about Kyle and his wicked ways went on for some time, but in the end Isaac and Missie still felt that Taylor was the better strategic choice for that evening. If anything, once Taylor was gone, Kyle might return his loyalty. Christopher agreed, but inside he wasn’t sure. Isaac and Missie just might be baiting him. His only choice was to get back to his real allies and figure out something solid and go for it—with or without Isaac and Missie.
If anything, he had managed to get the target off himself and back on Taylor.
JoJo emerged from her hiding place, only having heard bits and pieces of the conversation. What she could piece together, it sounded very good for them—much better than how she had felt the day before. She looked at Christopher hopefully.
Christopher: I have officially replaced JoJo as the boy who will screw over the most people.
JoJo grinned at him.
Christopher: Here’s the catch…Isaac wants Taylor then Kyle. I obviously do not.
JoJo: Missie has me concerned. She acted today as if she was gonna switch if she didn’t get to pick who goes. She didn’t say it, but…
Christopher massaged his chin thoughtfully.
Christopher: I don’t know what to do then. As long as we keep control of vote block and double vote, we control. If not, then I am leaving. And you effed me over by trusting Kyle to get Beth out when I said Jon.
JoJo frowned.
JoJo: Great.
The day went on with no rest from deliberation.
Along the beach, Kyle caught up with Missie and Isaac on the way to tribal council. The last half of the afternoon had been a madhouse of talk and strategy. Word had gotten around; many words had gotten around about many things. Taylor telling Kyle he was a new target. Missie telling Chris that Kyle and Taylor were targeting him. Finally, Christopher telling Taylor that Kyle was now voting for him.
Kyle: What are the haps if Taylor is safe?
Missie: Lis?
Kyle: Lis would be the only option.
They grew quiet as they walked. It was somehow awkward between the three of them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:56:45 GMT -5
Kyle: I just find it odd how quickly it went around that Chris was a potential. Guess who got lumped up there as the orchestrator.
Missie: I found it funny that Jenne found out. Smile and nod, Kyle, smile and nod.
Kyle: I know. I just feel like “Kyle” is going to appear just a few times too many tonight.
Missie: No freakin’ way!
Isaac shook his head vigorously. They had talked all day. Christopher and JoJo had agreed to vote for Taylor. It was all set. He looked at Kyle sadly. There would be no such protection for him the next time around without immunity.
Missie: And if it does, then we’ll assume I will be right after you. Then we can get the party started at the loser lodge.
Kyle smiled crookedly, but it didn’t make him feel any better. Only time would tell.
Tribal Council #8
Karen: Welcome to tribal council number 8. Now that we are at a new point in the game, it is time to determine a new tribe name. Please discuss when you get back to camp.
There would only be ten people returning to camp for the discussion that evening. One person would be going home and only three people had had their names tossed around as that person.
All had filed in quietly that evening though the previous three days had been anything but quiet.
By now only two benches were completely full. One bench was completely empty while on the third sat only one person. The game was nearing the half way mark.
Karen: Unfortunately one of you will be leaving the game tonight. However, that person will move into the jury box and help determine the end of the game.
Karen glanced at Isaac, and he perked up immediately.
Karen: Isaac, you seem to be under the radar so far, with no votes against you. How have you managed that?
Isaac swallowed before he looked around at the others. All attention was on him.
Isaac: Because I don’t stick my nose into business and cause big commotions? I don’t like to be a drama queen unlike some people.
Karen: Do you think your age has anything to do with how you play this game?
Isaac: No, I play just as any other adult plays.
Karen nodded then looked over to Taylor and called his name out. Taylor sighed and gripped his knees tightly.
Taylor: Oh, boy…
Karen: You won the mystery envelope at the last challenge. You’ve had time to wonder what it contains. What are your thoughts?
Taylor: I don’t know! I hope it’s something good! It’s been driving me insane! I’m thinking of drinking gasoline! It’s nervewracking to say the least!
JoJo laughed aloud.
JoJo: That Rent line was for me!
Karen turned to look at JoJo.
Karen: JoJo, did you learn all that you thought you would when you bid on Beth’s journal?
At once, JoJo’s smile faded.
JoJo: Funny you should ask. I think, indirectly, taking Beth’s journal hurt many people here. Obviously I read a lot of the things people still here had said to her. What I have learned is this…Beth told us all things we wanted to hear. I will never know who she was really loyal to. I think she may not have even known.
Karen nodded and looked around at all of them.
Karen: Now that we have reached this new point in the game, how does that change the game dynamics?
Missie raised her hand quickly.
Missie: Now that I’m on Chris’ jury, I’ve fulfilled my destiny, you know?
She laughed, but Christopher jerked his head to her, as did many others. He did not see the humor of her statement, or her calling attention to him at tribal council of all places. His face burned. Others laughed.
Christopher: Haters.
Karen: Tell me about Chris’ jury.
Missie shrugged.
Missie: I was told early on that I was being kept around to be on Chris’ jury. That’s all…it was funny, and I’ve loved it since. That’s all. It’s a joke!
Still Christopher did not smile as he faced Karen. Elisabeth raised her hand, and Karen called on her.
Elisabeth: It feels like we’ve been in merge forever since it was never really group versus group. The only thing that has changed is that one person is supposed to get immunity.
She then smiled.
Elisabeth: It doesn’t really bother me because I never had any of the group immunities anyway! Bring back the Ulong!
Others laughed, but Christopher was still clearly not amused, nor was he interested in commenting on the new dynamics of the game.
Christopher: I would like to respond to Missie’s “joke”. It is no secret that I fought to keep Kyle and Missie through a few votes. They knew. The people I was arguing with knew. It’s on the record. My argument was I think Kyle and Missie deserve jury. I think they are good players, and I respect them.
He threw a glance at Missie.
Christopher: There was never anything about my jury. That is all I have to say about that.
All grew quiet. The tension had suddenly risen in the council area, and Missie just shook her head as she rolled her eyes. Taylor looked around innocently and raised his hand slowly.
Taylor: When do I get my mystery envelope?
Karen smiled.
Karen: Now.
She pulled out an envelope and opened it up.
Karen: I’m sorry to say that this is bad for you, but good for someone else. The winner is entitled to immunity, but he has to give it to someone else. It is only valid tonight. Taylor, who would you like to have immunity?
Taylor sighed. Yet another time he was tempted by immunity only to have it taken away. He scanned those around him for a moment.
Taylor: Elisabeth. She’s the only one who comes close to having my record of not having immunity.
Elisabeth beamed and reached over to pat his shoulder.
Elisabeth: Thanks, Tay!
A moment passed between them before it all grew quiet again. No other hands went up for discussion so Karen dismissed them to vote.
Karen: Jenne and Elisabeth have immunity tonight. Everyone else is vulnerable. Christopher, you have the right to block someone’s vote only tonight. If you want to exercise this right, please include with your vote whose vote you are blocking. Elisabeth, you have the right to place two votes, so please indicate with your vote.
And they were off. One by one they made their way to the voting booth, starting with Jenne, then Elisabeth. Taylor buried his face in his hands as he waited.
Karen left and returned with the votes, eleven votes to determine the second half of the game.
Karen: Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.
She pulled out the first vote and revealed it quickly.
Karen: Taylor.
Taylor didn’t look up. He only clutched his head more tightly. Christopher looked over at Kyle.
Karen: Second vote…Kyle.
Kyle nodded and looked over quickly at JoJo, then to Missie and Isaac.
Karen: Third vote…Taylor.
Votes alternated twice more until they were tied at three apiece. Kyle began to share Taylor’s state, continuously rubbing his forehead. Missie and Isaac exchanged horrified glances.
Karen: Seventh vote…Taylor. Eighth vote…Kyle. That’s four votes Kyle and four votes Taylor.
She pulled one more parchment and it seemed like an eternity before she revealed the tenth victim of the game.
Karen: Ninth vote, and the next person voted out of Survivor Holidays: All Stars…
Kyle and Taylor looked at each other one last time. Taylor was angry that Kyle had in fact turned on him. There was no friendship in his eyes. Kyle was angry that the age factor had been used in the strategy—to turn Kyle against Taylor, and inversely, that Taylor could be used against Kyle. Ironically, it was a secret that Kyle had discovered.
Kyle reached down to pick up his bag.
Karen: Kyle, you’ll need to bring me your torch.
Kyle nodded and went to take his torch from behind them and carried it over to Karen. He faced her as she gravely brought the snuffer down over his fame.
That was it.
He turned and faced the others, not missing that Jenne was grinning from ear to ear.
Kyle: Hugs all around. Play nice, kiddos.
He swept all of them with his eyes.
Kyle: It is possible.
With that, he turned and left the council area.
Jenne was as giddy as she had ever been. Her game was back on. Taylor was elated that he had been saved, but at the same time furious that Kyle had turned on him. Jenne comforted him with a pat on the shoulder. The war had turned personal.
Missie fumed as she looked over to Isaac. Once again, for the second tribal council in a row she had been lied to and left out to dry over the intended target. Her vote had meant nothing.
What she had said to Kyle on the way to the council just moments before rang true in her head. She just might be the very next to go.
Isaac looked down and painted on the most pleasant expression he could muster. He was going to have to adapt. From now on, the game was going to be more difficult than it ever had been.
|
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:58:09 GMT -5
Kyle's Final Words It's a game. I played too many cards. I wanted so much to protect myself from the group that played me the last time. Honestly, I'm quite certain that once again I wasn't in their (Jenne, Beth, JoJo, Chris...and whoever) plans because things just didn't add up. Jenne keeping her alliance with Taylor from me, nothing staying secret....then everyone with their long list of people they will never vote out. It was tiresome. But it stands to reason you don't play against already established relationships. You just don't. You either submit and get voted out, or you play and get accused of all kinds of spite and personal issues. It's a lose lose situation. All in all, it was a fun game and I wouldn't have come back if I didn't have a blast in Valentine's Day and adore the people that I met....thought I had become so close to. Karen, you host a wonderful game. I hope I can walk away with some friends out of this one, but we'll see about that. |
|
|
|
Post by Host Kyle on Apr 3, 2006 14:59:23 GMT -5
Tribal Council 8 Voting History |
|
