MANGA SURVIVOR: GRANDLINE

Baroque Tribe
Cagalli Ula Atha – Gundam SEED
Leorio – Hunter X Hunter
Maya Natsume – Tenjho Tenge
Mitsuko Souma – Battle Royale
Rock Lee – Naruto
Rukia Kuchiki – Bleach
Ryo Akiyama – Digimon
Sanosuke Sagara – Rurouni Kenshin

Skypeia Tribe
Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist
Ippo Souchiro – Hajime no Ippo
Konoka Konoe – Mahou Sensei Negima
Mitsuki Koyama – Full Moon wo Sagashite
Nodoka Saotome – Ranma ½
Saki Kasukabe – Genshinken
Sena Kobayashi – Eyeshield 21
Yoh Asakura – Shaman King


39 DAYS...
16 CASTAWAYS...
1 SURVIVOR!


DAY 9

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Skypeia returns to their campsite. Tonight, there is no bickering, no witch hunts, no spoken remorse. There isn't much talking at all. Everyone just finds some place to sleep, sick of tribal council after tribal council.)

Sena: We have five people left. The merge will probably happen when there are ten people in the game. We're not doomed yet, but unless we win the next three immunity challenges, we'll be goners after the merge.

Ippo: Now is the time to step it up. It's do or die for us.

Edward: I'm screwed. No matter which way I slice it, I am not in a good position at all.

* * *

DAY 10

(Edward gets up groggy, looking like hell warmed over. He walks over to the campfire, only to see Konoka sitting where he usually is, mulling over a boiling pot.)

Konoka: Good morning!

Edward: What's going on here?

Konoka (cheery): I figured I'd give you the morning off and try my hand at making breakfast.

Edward: My position has been usurped...

Konoka (cheery): Mitsuki, could you bring me my assistant.

(Mitsuki, playing the role as Konoka's assistant, pops up with the berries in question.)

Mitsuki (cheery): Certainly! My, it's a beautiful day today!

Edward: ...it's snowing.

Mitsuki: But isn't it beautiful snow?

Edward: ...what the hell is going on here?

Mitsuki: Me and Konoka decided that everything was too negative around here, so we're going to try and cheer things up a bit! Konoka's making a nice big breakfast, and I'm just trying to get people thinking about something other than losing again. It's actually kind of fun!

(Edward walks over to Sena, who is bringing in firewood.)

Edward: What's up with the caffeine twins over there?

Sena: I can't figure it out either. They've been like that ever since they got up.

Edward: Well, whatever it is, it's annoying me.

* * *

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Maya, Cagalli, Leorio and Rukia are huddled together in a circle. What is this, a new alliance? A secret bargaining session?)

Maya: Sorry, but this four-player go thing just doesn't work.

(Maybe not.)

Rukia: It was a great idea in my head.

(Meanwhile, Sanosuke is laying on his front in the shelter, top off. Mitsuko is giving him a gentle massage.)

Sanosuke: Yeah, right there... that hits the spot...

Cagalli: Can we do something about that?

Leorio: I agree. It's no fair that Sanosuke walks around topless while Mitsuko has to hide her natural beauty.

(Cagalli smashes Leorio into the ground.)


Cagalli: Hentai.

Maya: Watch out! You nearly hit the go board.

Rukia: Soon guys... soon.

* * *

(Meanwhile, off in the jungle, Rock Lee and Ryo are hard at work. Ryo is hacking at trees, dislodging branches for firewood, while Lee is gathering food at a tornado's pace.)

Ryo: Hey, have you noticed that we're the only ones doing work?

Lee: That is true, Ryo.

Ryo: That hardly seems fair, does it?

(Lee shrugs, apparently unconcerned.)

Lee: I am used to working harder than everyone else.

Ryo: Well I'm not! What do you say we team up and show them what's what?

Lee: Team up?

(Ryo tries on his best used-car salesman smile.)

Ryo: You know, like maybe a little alliance?

Lee: But Ryo, we're already teaming up!

Ryo: We are?

Lee: Yes, as part of the supreme team Baroque! We shall accomplish our goal of eliminating Skypeia with the power of YOUTH!

(Ryo turns away and sweatdrops.)

Ryo: It's like talking strategy with a brick wall.

* * *

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Edward is out fishing with Sena. As usual, they aren't having much luck, particularly with snow starting to fall as they work.)

Edward: Fishing in a snowstorm is probably not the best idea.

Sena: Yeah, I guess.

Edward: You wanna head back?

Sena: That would probably be good.

(Edward frowns, seeing how timid Sena is acting around him.)

Edward: I think Sena is kind of scared of me. No problem. I enjoy striking fear into people.

Sena: You know, I'm kind of surprised that you didn't try and get me to switch sides.

Edward: Huh?

Sena: Well, it seems like I go fishing with someone that's the ulterior motive.

Edward: Nah. If you were going to jump, you would have jumped already.

Sena: If you don't mind me asking, does that mean you've given up?

Edward: Of course not. From here on out, we're going to win all of the mmunity challegnes, and then once we get to the individual game I'll kick your asses.

Sena: O-okay...

Edward: I'm not stupid. I know I don't have much of a chance against those four. But I'm not giving up. If I bust my ass in the immunity challenges and win them for us, I just might have a shot.

* * *

Challenge Beach (Spring Island)

(The tribes march in, carrying their tribe flags like standard bearers. Skypeia is noticeably dwarfed by the still untouched Baroque. Across from the tribes is a large archery-style target.)

Light: Baroque, as you can see, Saki got voted out.

Sanosuke: Three down, five to go.

Ippo (half-heartedly): Just you wait...

Light: Let's get to today's filler material – I mean reward challenge. This challenge will be testing your accuracy. Each member of your tribe will use a different ranged weapon, and will take a shot at a target. Whichever tribe scores the most hits on the target wins the challenge.

Cagalli: Most hits? That'll be easy.

Light (smiling): Perhaps. Want to know what you're playing for.

Leorio: Actually, I prefer the thrill of mystery.

(Light looks like he wants to make a little addition to his death note.)

Light: Now, this is the tenth day, and let's face it... you guys stink. So, the winner of this challenge will have a working shower installed in their camp.

Ryo: Awesome!

Lee: I did not know you cared about cleanliness that much, Ryo.

Ryo: Oh, I'm not excited about *me* taking a shower...

(He leers at Maya and Mitsuko. Both smack him over the head.)

Light: If we could get started already, Baroque needs to sit out three members. Remember, whoever you sit out now will be competing in the immunity challenge.

Sanosuke: Rukia, Maya, and Leorio.

(The three go to take a spot on the bench. Cagalli glares sharply at Sanosuke.)

Light: First weapon is the blowgun.

Mitsuko: I'll take it!

Cagalli: A fitting choice of weapon.

(Mitsuko holds the gun steady and takes aim at the target. She fires off a dart... and then the target moves at the last second.)

Mitsuko: Huh?

(The target turns around. A humanoid reindeer has the target strapped to his back.)

Edward: What the hell?

Light: We thought to make it a bit more of a challenge, we would give you a moving target. Meet Chopper.

Mitsuki: So cute...

Edward: You're going down.

(Chopper starts running back and forth, in a quick but fairly predictable pattern.)

Light: Skypeia, you get a shot with the blowgun.

(Mitsuki hesitantly steps forward, but her shot doesn't have enough force and it skips along the ground.)

Light: Neither scores a hit. Now, we move on to shuriken. Baroque, you get first crack.

Lee: This is my job! I am a ninja!


Sanosuke: Go for it, kid.

(Lee slides up, and tosses the star. There's barely even a blur before it lands a bullseye.)

Light: Wow. Hard to follow that, but Skypeia gets a try.

Konoka: Aw, I can beat that.

(Konoka does a little better than Mitsuki. She throws the shuriken well enough, but Chopper easily gets out of the way.)

Konoka: It's not fair!

Ippo: That's okay, Konoka...

Light: Next up, a traditional weapon used by damn kids on my lawn: the slingshot.

Cagalli: Ooh! Me!

(Cagalli barely bothers to take aim before firing. Chopper dodges out of the way, but Cagalli planned for that, and the stone is dead on.)

Cagalli: Beat that.

Sena: Nice.

(Sena steps up and raises the weapon nervously.)

Light: Sena, you pretty much need to hit this to keep your team in the game.

Sena: But no pressure, right?

(Running through drills in his head, Sena pauses, before letting the rock fly. He winces almost instantly, but surpisingly it hits.)

Light: Sena puts his team on the board! It's Baroque 2, Skypeia 1.

(Skypeia goes up in cheers, and there is much high-fiving of Sena.)

Light: Next weapon is an old standard... the bow and arrow. Baroque, will it be Sanosuke or Maya?

Maya: You want to take it?

Sanosuke: You know me. I've gotta go last. I'm the main event.

Maya: Yeah, right.

(Maya takes aim with the bow and, after a second of hesitation, lets fly. The arrow hits the moving target right on the rim.)

Light: Maya brings Baroque up to three hits. Skypeia, you need to match this.

Edward: Don't worry. I've got this in the bag.

(Ed doesn't even pause to take aim, letting fly with an arrow. Skypeia winces, but it actually manages to hit, surprising even Chopper.)

Light: Edward keeps his tribe in this! Baroque still has a one point lead – Skypeia, to tie it up, they have to miss this shot.

Sanosuke: Not much chance of that happening, guys.

Light: Sanosuke, you're the only one left. Your weapon is the throwing axe.

Sanosuke: An axe? I'd prefer a sword, but these will do.

(Light hands Sanosuke a small axe, and the former Shinsegumi captain snorts at the small weapon. With one strong toss, he sends the axe spinning through the air at the target...

...who barely manages to evade. Sano is slack-jawed.)

Light: Sanosuke misses! Skypeia gets a chance to tie it up.

Sanosuke: What?

Edward: Not much chance of what happening again?

(Not pausing to trash-talk, Ippo resolutely marches up to grab a weapon. He holds his axe steady, watching the pattern of Chopper's movements while preparing to throw.)

Ryo: Just throw it already!

(Ippo grits his teeth and does so.)

Mitsuko: No way that hits.

(And indeed, it's wide of the mark... but Chopper happens to move right into the axe's path this time. Skypeia goes up in cheers again.)

Light: Skypeia hits! We are tied at three hits a piece.

Leorio: So what? Do we both win?

Light: Have you watched this show before? There's a tiebreaker, obviously. For the tiebreaker, you'll be shooting at a still target, a bit further down. Each tribe gets to pick the weapon they want and the shooter they want. Whichever shot is closest to the bullseye wins reward. Understand?

(The remaining thirteen nod.)

Light: All right. Baroque?

Sanosuke: Well, let's go with Lee and the shurikens.

(Ippo nods solemnly. He was expecting that choice.)


Edward: I'll do it. Bow and arrow again, please.

(Cut to a bit later. A traditional archery target is set up down the beach. Edward and Lee stand side by side, fifty metres away from it.)

Light: Both competitors going back to their initial weapons. Lee, you go first.

(Lee tosses the shuriken. With the added distance, it's a bit more errant, and lands on the third or fourth rung of the target.)

Light: A decent hit. Edward, you have to top it.

(Edward merely nods and squats down, holding up his bow like an archer ready for war. With a sudden snap, he releases.

It's a good shot, landing close to the bullseye. Just not close enough.)

Light: Lee's is closer. Baroque wins.

Sanosuke (scoffing): As if there was any doubt.

Cagalli: No thanks to you.

Light: Keep the infighting for camp. Baroque, you'll have people coming in to install your shower sometime today. Skypeia, you'll have a shower installed in your camp sometime NEVER.

(Mitsuki and Konoka are huddled in SD form, crying.)

Konoka: So... mean...

* * *

Baroque Tribe

(The eight Baroque members pile in, all grinning, but none more than Sanosuke.)

Sanosuke: 6 and 0, my friends. 6 and 0.

Cagalli: Well, one of them was kind of a tie.

Sanosuke: 5 and 0 and 1, then. Happy?

Mitsuko: It does have a lot less pizzazz to it.

(Everyone laughs, even Cagalli.)

Cagalli: Sometimes you just have to forget the game and enjoy yourselves. Even I would go crazy if I focused on getting Sano out 24-7.

Ryo: So, what should we do today? Maybe go swimming a bit?

Lee: Our backup food supply is hazardously low!

Ryo: Eh, we can worry about that later. We just won a challenge. Let's celebrate!

(Somehow, Ryo sets off streamers.)

Lee: It is all well and good to celebrate your accomplishments, but we must be vigilant to keep the Skypeian threat subdued! We cannot slack!

* * *

Skypeia Tribe

(Surprisingly, there is no moping from the group today. Instead, the five Skypeians are in the woods, standing around the dartboard Yoh carved into a tree trunk.)

Sena: You know, it probably would have been better to do this before the accuracy challenge.

Konoka: Oh well. What's done is done!

Sena: I think we've gotten numb to losing now. I guess that's good for morale, but at the same time we might be defeating ourselves mentally.

Mitsuki: All right! Time to play!

Edward: This is so pointless...

Konoka: Now, we don't have darts, but I've sharpened some rocks so that they'll stick to the board. Okay?

Edward: I already do stupid games every day in the challenges...

(Despite his reluctance, Edward plays along, and we see that he is the winner, scoring three hits just outside the bullseye.)

Edward: Yeah! I am the champion!

Ippo: I want a rematch.


Edward: I'll just crush you again.

(Mitsuki sweatdrops.)

Mitsuki: Boys.


Konoka: At least they're having fun.

* * *

(It's later in the day, and the members of Skypeia are hurrying out of the forest. Rain is starting to come down, and is increasing quickly.)

Edward: Have I ever mentioned that I really hate this damn island?

(They rush into their shelter. Everyone's clothes and spirits are dampened by the precipitation.)

Konoka: At least there's room in the shelter now!

Edward: Oh, stop being so perky.

Konoka: All I'm trying to do is see the silver lining.

Edward: You can look at the silver lining all you want, it doesn't change the fact that there's a big dark thundercloud and we're about to get hit by lightning.

(An uneasy silence falls over the tribe.)

Edward: I don't know how much longer I can take it. I'm surrounded by the get-along gang here.

Sena (hesitantly): Um, sorry to say this guys... but we need to win tomorrow. We can't win if we're bickering and fighting.

Edward: We can't win anyway.

Ippo: No, Sena's right. It's worth a shot. Tell you what, Edward – no false cheer, no snide remarks... truce until after the challenge.

Edward: Eh, why not? Less of a hassle.

(Ippo rolls over to shake on it. Edward smiles for what may be the first time in the game.)

* * *

DAY 11

(It's morning in America... wait, sorry, I mean Skypeia. Edward is cooking breakfast over the fire. Sena is darting back and forth with firewood, putting his speed to good use. Konoka is just kind of puttering around camp, being generally cheerful.)

Edward: Say, guys? I think it's time we woke up Ippo and Mitsuki.

Konoka: Ooh, let me!

(Konoka bounces over to the shelter, where the two are sound asleep... in each others arms. Mitsuki has rolled over onto Ippo at some point in the night, and he's hugging her protectively.)

Konoka: GOOD MORNING, LOVEBIRDS!

(Ippo and Mitsuki snap awake at the loud greeting, realize what's going on, shoot up and turn away from each other, then blush furiously. This all happens in the space of about two seconds. Konoka cracks up.)

Mitsuki: It was-- it was cold!


Ippo: Yeah!

Konoka: If you insist...

Edward: You know guys, if you two are going to hook up, you should do it while you have the chance. You might not have that much time left in the game.

Mitsuki: We're not going to "hook up".

Ippo: Yeah!

Konoka (giggling): Ippo and Mitsuki are so cute together! Maybe something good could come out of this after all.

Edward: Well, it's not like I care. Just do us a favour and skip the romantic comedy crap, okay?


* * *

Baroque Tribe

(Cagalli is in the jungle, doing that most universal of Survivor tasks, chopping open a coconut. She stares up at the cloudy sky.)

Cagalli: I'd better get back to camp. Looks like it might rain soon.

(At that moment, a thick rain falls from the sky.)

Cagalli: ...or now.

(Ducking her head down, Cagalli rushes through the jungle, not watching where she's going. She winds up running into Rock Lee, out for a jog. Lee is pushed onto his back, dazed complete with cartoon animals running in front of his eyes.)

Cagalli: Oh! Sorry.

Lee: Thanks, four Cagallis.

Cagalli: Wow, you can fight to the death with other ninja, but can't take colliding with a teenage girl?

Lee: You're right! My conditioning has deteriorated since I began this competition! I must work doubly hard!

(Lee goes to run off again, but Cagalli grabs his shoulder.)

Cagalli: Whoa, don't go crazy. It's raining pretty bad. Besides, I wanted to talk to you.

Lee: About what?

Cagalli: Look, me and a bunch of other people are sick of Sanosuke and his little clique, so we're going to try and vote them off. Understand?

Lee: I refuse to turn against my teammates!

(Cagalli sighs, frustrated.)

Cagalli: That's how the game works, Lee. You vote your "teammates" off.

Lee: You improve your team by narrowing it down to the strongest, not the people you like!

(Cagalli stutters a bit, trying to think up a counter-argument.)

Cagalli: In a way, Lee's honour is kind of charming. Of course, as someone who needs an ally, it's extremely agravating. I think it could actually be a strategy – pull the "neutral" card to get out of the early voting, then dominate once we get down to the individual competition. Lee certainly has the ability to do that.

Cagalli: Look, would you at least think about it?

Lee: I will, but as I said to Sanosuke, I see no reason to take sides!


(Lee dashes off with his superior speed, leaving a flustered and frustrated Cagalli.)

* * *

(Cagalli has made it back to the shelter, as has everyone. The rain is coming down hard, even spraying those in the shelter as it falls through the cracks in the roof. Everyone is huddled up way too close for comfort (except possible Sanosuke and Mitsuko, who are contendedly spooning.))

Ryo: I'm really sick of this island.

Leorio: Why did I sign up for this again?

Maya: The money?

Leorio: Oh yeah, the money. That sweet, sweet money.

Ryo: All I want to know is how Lee is still outside in this.

(The green-clad ninja jumps out of nowhere to make an announcement to theshelter.)

Lee: Tree mail! Tree mail!

Sanosuke: Now?

(Lee shows everyone the damp package. It contains a puzzle piece and a toy soldier.)

Leorio: Okay, they're definitely just giving us random stuff now.

Rukia: Probably. Let's just hope this storm lets up soon.

(Lightning flashes ominously in the sky.)

* * *

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Islan)

(Skypeia is also, literally, under the weather. For them it's snow, a small blizzard bearing down on their camp. They've covered up with everything they can, but everyone is still freezing, especially Konoka. Ippo and Mitsuki have huddled together for warmth.)

Edward: Are you sure that's for warmth?

Ippo: O-of course.

Edward: If you say so...

Sena: I can't believe we have a challenge in this weather.

(Nobody speaks, probably agreeing with the sentiment. Konoka coughs harshly.)

Edward: Are you okay?

Konoka: Uh... just a little cold...

(Edward lifts up her hand to take a look. Konoka fingers have turned a nice shade of blue.)

Edward: That's not good.

Konoka (trying to be bubbly): Yeah, but what can you do?

(Edward doesn't respond, only claps his hands together. There's a flash of light, and Ed's metal fist has been replaced with an old-school circular lantern. There's a strong flame inside it.)

Konoka: How did you do that?

Edward: Well, transmuting my arm was easy. Making the fire was a bit harder, but it's actually a trick I learned from a friend of mine.

(Konoka gapes and holds her hands up to the lantern, basking in the warmth. Sena follows suit. Edward actually cracks a smile.)

* * *

Challenge Beach (Spring Island)

(The storm is nearing monsoon levels, but Skypeia and Baroque have somehow made it to the challenge. All thirteen survivors are soaked to the bone, and the beach is more or less mud. Light has an industrial-strength umbrella, and is completely dry.)

Ryo: We're not honestly going to have a challenge in this, are we?

Mitsuki: Hey, at least it's not snowing.

Light: Sorry guys, but this storm probably won't let up today, and we have a schedule to keep. So just consider this an added level of difficulty to the challenge.

Leorio: Just what I always wanted.

(Light points down the beach. An obstacle course straight out of army boot camp has been set up, complete with the tire run, climbing wall, net maze, and two poles at the end. The poles have cloth bags set on them, and beside them are coloured tables.)

Light: Today, you're going to be functioning as an unit, going through an obstacle course. You'll have to go through the tires, over the wall, and through the maze. Once you get to the end, you'll have to get the bag of puzzle pieces down from the top of the pole, and solve your puzzle to reveal a phrase. First team to give me that phrase wins immunity.

Leorio: Why is there a puzzle?

Light: It's a Survivor challenge. There has to be a puzzle. Anyway, there's a catch to the challenge – your five team members will be tied together. You're in this together.

Sanosuke: Not all of us. Cagalli, Mitsuko, Maya... you're sitting out.

Cagalli: Says who?

(Sanosuke seems utterly dumbfounded.)


Sanosuke: Huh?

Cagalli: You don't rule this tribe, Sanosuke, so stop talking like you're the only one who has any say. We make this decision as a tribe.

Sanosuke: Okay, so who do you want to sit out, huh? Me? Lee? Good luck winning the challenge then.

Cagalli: Are you saying I'm weak?

(Skypeia is watching the growing fight with amusement. Lee rushes in to interpose himself.)

Lee: My tribemates! We must not show dissension in the face of the enemy!

Edward: You know Lee, we can hear you too.

Lee: Ack!

(Cagalli backs down for now.)

Cagalli: Okay, I'll sit out. But next time, we do it by consensus.

Sanosuke: Whatever.

(Light raises an eyebrow, but continues announcing the challenge.)

Light: All right then... Sanosuke, Lee, Leorio, Rukia and Ryo will be competing against the whole of Skypeia. Let's get you tied up, then we'll be ready to go.

* * *

(The teams of five stand on the edges of their starting lines, Light in the gunshot position. All have their hands tied together by a long string of roap, already soaked by the rain. Cagalli, Maya, and Mitsuko sit off to the side, trying to find some shelter.)

Maya: Say, can we stand under your umbrella?

Light: Sorry, not enough room.

(Mitsuko turns on the charm.)

Mitsuko (sultry): I think I could make room.

Light: No.

(She facefaults.)

Mitsuko: The fangirls were right...

Light: Now, if we could finally get this challenge started... survivors ready! Go!

(The two teams dash off , but it quickly becomes obvious that they're only as fast as their slowest member. Mitsuki and Konoka lag behind for Skypeia, pulling the boys down. Meanwhile, Baroque runs into troublese with the terrain, slipping and sticking in the mud. Sanosuke in particular keeps slipping into the mud.)

Light: The rain and mud providing an added hazard to this challenge.

(Baroque makes it to the tire run with Skypiea right on their heels. Both teams move quickly, the tires actually helping them not slip in the mud. Up next they head for the wall.)

Leorio: I guess you're not gonna break this one down, huh Sano?

Sanosuke: Just shut up and climb.

(In the front of the line, Lee tries to jump straight over the wall... and might be able to do so if it wasn't for the rope tying him down.. Baroque struggles to get coordinated. Meanwhile, Skypeia are all climing it at once, squeezing in a little close to comfort but generally making progress. Mitsuki slips, but everyone else stays firm, and she doesn't fall to the ground.)

Mitsuki: Sorry... these handholds are too rough.

Ippo: Hold tough! We're almost there!

Sanosuke: Everyone! Try what they're doing.

(Baroque also scales in a row, but don't get far before Skypeia jump off the wall. Jump off the wall and skid into the mud, sure, but stil jump off the wall. They then start a mad dash to the rope maze, one of those net contraptions which regularly appear on these shows.)

Konoka: Hang on! Let me go first!

Ippo: Why?

Konoka: I'm good at this sort of thing.

(Konoka takes one glance at the maze and heads into it. Since she's in the middle, her tribemates have to follow her two-by-two, but she seems to have an intuitive grasp of where to go, so Skypeia progresses quickly. Baroque, however, is a tribe possessed, and makes up a lot of ground in a mad dash. They also follow Konoka's lead in the maze, rapidly gaining on their opponents.)

Sena: Uh, guys? They're kinda on our tails.

Edward: Get away from my ass, you guys!

(Baroque blanches a bit, but continues their pursuit. The two tribes exit the maze at the same tie, and hit the muddy ground running to their final obstacle – the poles, and the puzzle conained on them. Ippo leaps onto a pole, but the slick rain on it causes him to immediately slide down. Edward and Sanosuke try, but don't get any farther. Lee scrambles up the pole monkey-like, but can't keep his grip.)

Light: The rain adding an extra element to this task! How are you going to get up?

(At that point, you can practically see a lightbulb flash of Sena's head.)

Sena: Uh... I might have an idea... I don't think it's too bad...

Edward: Speak up!

(Skypeia gets in a huddle, and after a nod, break. Sena, who's at the back, squats down as Mitsuki jumps onto his shoulders. With a running jump, Konoka climbs on top of hers. Ippo and Edward follow suit and, to Baroque's slack jaws, Skypeia have formed a human tower, albeit a wobbly one. Ed grabs onto the bag of puzzle pieces.)

Edward: Score!

(The tower comes apart quickly, and Skypeia eagerly pours out their puzzle pieces. Konoka's childlike mind for puzzles comes in handy again, as she's loudly directing where to go.)

Sanosuke: Damnit... everyone, let's do the same thing!

Leorio: You could use some fresh ideas.

(Baroque tries to form a tower, but struggle. Meanwhile, Skypeia clicks the last piece into place, and Ippo yells out the phrase.)

Ippo: "Outwit outplay outlast"... what, couldn't you guys think of anything original?

Light: Skypeia wins immunity!

(Ippo cracks a huge, geeky smile, and then falls to his knees in the mud. Mitsuki pulls him up into a huge hug. Sena and Konoka get in on it, and even Edward, grinning from ear to ear. Someone might be crying – it's hard to tell with the rain coming down so hard.)

Sena (muttering): We won... we won...

(Baroque are simply slackjawed.)

Light: Skypeia, congratulations, here's your new best friend... the immunity idol. Barqoue? You're going to your first tribal council tomorrow night. I'll see you there.


(Sanosuke pounds the dirt, furtrated, as Skypeia continues celebrating.)

* * *

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Baroque is too worn out to even make a break for the shelter, so they trudge through the mud to get to their shelter, where all eight members collapse.)

Ryo: Well, this has been, like, the worst day ever.

Rukia: I guess we had to lose sooner or later.

(Leorio rolls over and notices that Lee is huddled in the fetal position.)

Leorio: Lee, are you crying?

Lee: They are manly tears of remorse! MASTER GAI I'M SO SORRY!

(Elsewhere, on another Survivor set, Gai feels the inexplicable urge to give manly advice.)

Sanosuke: Look guys, we need to figure out what went wrong this challenge, and we need to get rid of it. This can't happen again.

Cagalli: "It"? Don't you mean "who"?

Sanosuke: I'm not ruling out any options. Now, any ideas.

Ryo: It was just the environment. Skypeia was probably more used to harsh whether than us.

Leorio: Yeah, that mud sucked.

Sanosuke: It's got to be more than that. Come on, I need ideas.

(Mitsuko smiles mischeviously.)

Mitsuko: Well, there was that big argument before the challenge.

Cagalli: What has that got to do with anything?

Mitsuko: Look, I watched that challenge, and we had no teamwork. Maybe that little tiff derailed us?

Maya: Not to mention gave Skypeia some hope.

(Cagalli realizes that everyone is staring at her, and tries to brush the comments off.)

Cagalli: So what, we moved slower because we had an argument earlier? That's stupid.

Ryo: Hey, sports is 90% mental, and so are challenges.

Cagalli: Oh, stop spewing sports cliches at me!

Ryo: I'm just saying...

Sanosuke: Look Cagalli, stop trying to hide the fact that it was your fault.

(Cagalli is infuriated, and Rukia and Leorio pre-emptively restrain her.)

Cagalli: My fault? If you weren't so goddamn arrogant--

Maya: Look guys, this is what we're talking about, okay? The reason we lost that challenge is because we didn't work together.

Ryo (muttering): I still say we lost the challenge because of the goddamn weather.

Cagalli: What we? I wasn't even in the challenge! How is it my fault?

Sanosuke: Of course you weren't! You never do anything in challenges!

Cagalli: Because you always sit me out!

(Maya rubs her temple, the universal sign of a developing headache.)

Maya: Guys! Can we talk quieter?

Cagalli: Whatever. I'm done talking.

Sanosuke: Me too.

(The two roll over, glaring angrily in opposite directions.)

Cagalli: For Sanosuke to come out and blame that loss on me of all people was ridiculous. I can't believe people actually follow that moron.

Sanosuke: If I wanted to spend 39 days with an overly-agressive over-compensating girl who picks fights but never wins them, I would have stayed at home.

Maya: To be completely honest, the teamwork thing is probably just so much baloney. But hey, you can't exactly justify voting someone out with "the other team was just better that day."

* * *

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(The weather is cold, but the Skypeian spirits are warm for once. Edward has somehow started a fire, and the tribe is dancing around it.)

Mitsuki (sing-song): We won a challenge! We won a challenge!

Edward: You know, you guys maybe aren't so bad after all.

Ippo: Let's celebrate!

Konoka: We don't really have much to celebrate with, though... no food, it's freezing cold...

Ippo: Those are concerns for mere mortals! Today, we have achieved godhood!

(All laugh, and then start coughing and sneezing.)

Sena: Well, guys, it is still a blizzard out.

(Sena's right... the snow hasn't stopped coming, and has possibly even gotten worse.)

Edward: Yeah... we still have to survive. And we've got to watch our backs, because we still can't afford to go to tribal council again.

Edward: Okay, maybe it's more like I can't afford to go to tribal again. Close enough.

(Konoka is back to shivering.)

Konoka: I just remembered I'm sick... can we celebrate inside the shelter.

Mitsuki: Sure thing, Kono!

(They move in, but the festivities seem subdued, at least in part because of the weather.)

* * *

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Leorio, dressed in his now fully drenched suit, is hiking his way thorugh the jungle. It's late at night, and the storm still hasn't abated. We can't see very much, and Leorio can see even less. He falls, suddenly.)

Leorio: Ack! Oh, just a tree branch.

(He gets back up and continues trucking on.)

Leorio (muttering): The things I do for this game...

(Leorio comes up to a cliff overlooking the water. Sitting serenely on the edge is Lee, eyes closed.)

Leorio: Hey, Lee! Whatcha doing?

Lee: I am meditating on my loss. Master Gai says that it's the only way to improve. Well, that and hard work.

Leorio: I'm sure he does. Look Lee, I know you want to stay out of politics, but tribal council is tomorrow, and you need to vote for someone. Have you decided yet?

Lee: I guess I am still hoping the tribe reaches a consensus on who should go.

Leorio: (laughs) Yeah, that's likely. Look, a bunch of us think Mitsuko should go. She's not good at the challenges, and she barely does anything around camp. The only way she benefits the tribe is as eye candy.

Lee: That would seem to be a worthy choice. But I suppose people are resisting it.

Leorio: You could say that. Sano and Ryo obviously don't want her gone. But Lee, if you join with us, we could vote them out. It's nothing personal, it's just for the good of the tribe.

Lee: Whose idea was this?

Leorio: Huh? Cagalli's, I guess, why?

Lee: I would imagine she doesn't have entirely impersonal motives.

(Leorio sighs, as Lee smiles.)

Leorio: Look, intentions aside, she contribues the least. Isn't that reason enough to vote her off.

Lee: I suppose it is. I have not made a decision yet, but I am leaning towards your suggestion.

(Leorio smiles widely.)

Leorio: Pleasure doing business with you, Lee! Now, if you excuse me, I think there are still some dry patches of skin on my body that I'd like to keep that way, so I'll go back to the shelter.

Lee: I shall stay here and continue meditating.

(Leorio looks at Lee like he's from another planet, but shrugs and leaves.)

* * *

DAY 12

(The Barouqe tribe, even Lee, have been confined in their shelter. Most have changed out of their damp clothes and into swimsuits.)

Ryo: I hoped the rain would have stopped by the time I woke up.

Cagalli: So did I. Mind you, I never got to sleep, so...

(Sanosuke's stomache growls loudly. Several more follow suit.)

Leorio: Damn, I'm hungry.

Rukia: Not me. I'm thirsty.

(Ryo motions to the rain.)

Ryo: Well, there's plenty of water right there.

Rukia: Very funny.

Ryo: You're right. Food is no laughing matter. Do we have anything to eat?

Lee: We cannot get a fire going, so we have only fruit, and not a lot of it. We could conserve it.

(Ryo grabs a handful of berries and scarfs them down.)

Lee: Were you listening to me?

Ryo: Yeah. There's no point in conserving something if we're going to starve anyway.

Lee: You would have to go without food much longer to starve.

Ryo: Whatever

Lee: Ryo may be lying about his previous survival experiences. He seems very unsuited to living in the wilderness.

* * *

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Things aren't going much better for Skypeia. Snow continues to fall as they huddle in their shelter. Konoka is curled up, shivering, with Mitsuki covering her for warmth. Edward has again produced fire, this time a torch of sorts, but it's not doing much to help. Sena is, however, grilling some meat on it.)

Edward: You know, I always wondered why they didn't have Survivor in cold climate. Seems like it would be a lot more challenging. While, I guess now I know why – people actually might not survive.

Ippo: How are you holding up Konoka?

(Konoka doesn't respond, only makes a pitiful moan.)

Ippo: Not well, huh? (To Sena and Ed.) If it gets much worse, we may have to call in the doctors.

Edward: Yeah, I have no idea what to do.

Ippo: I thought you would disagree, seeing as how it might bring us down to 4.

Edward: It's just a game, Ippo.

(Ippo nods, and the boys stare out at the snowy landscape.)

Sena:Well, I guess this weather is a blessing and a curse.

* * *

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

Rukia: Uh... not to complain, but I really am getting parched.

Mitsuko: Yeah, me too.

(Ryo gestures to the rain falling outside again.)

Rukia (scowling): That would be fine if we could boil it, but we can't, seeing as how if we light a fire the whole shelter would burn down.

Sanosuke: You know what we need? A cave.

Leorio: Hey, if you're dreaming, why not dream big? I'd like an entire mansion out here, with lots of food and...

(Everyone smacks Leorio for reminding them of the comforts of home.)

Sanosuke: Look, there's got to be a cave or something somewhere, right? It's a big island. Why don't we set up base there until the storm ends?

Rukia: As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. Even a rocky overhang or something would be a big help.

Sanosuke: It's settled then! Ryo, Lee, you're coming with me to look for a cave.

Lee: Yosh!

Ryo: Aw man....

(The trio leaves, ducking and running ot the cover of the trees.)"

Leorio: Sooo, ladies...

Cagalli: Touch me and I'll break your fingers.

Leorio: Okay, okay.

Leorio: Now that I think about it, Sanosuke just pulled off a good strategy move and I didn't notice. While they're searching for this mythical cave, he and Ryo will work over Lee and try to get him to their side. Meanwhile, our alliance can't even talk strategy because Mitsuko's here. That kid's smarter than he looks.

* * *

(Leorio's assessment proves to be accurate, as Sanosuke and Ryo are working over Lee hard while ducking under branches for some form of cover.)

Sanosuke: All I'm saying is that she divides the tribe, and she isn't a team player. You know how much we need teamwork, right Lee?

Lee: Perhaps,but Cagalli is not the weakest in the tribe. I would say that Mitsuko and perhaps Leorio are weaker than her. Besides which, don't you carry as much responsibility as Cagalli for your disputes?

(Sanosuke is clearly irritated by Lee's entirely reasonale counterargument.)

Ryo: Look Lee, we're all together on this one. Cagalli needs to go.

Lee: Really? Because she said --

Ryo: What? That everyone was against us? Come on, she just said that so that you would vote for her.

Lee: You could be doing the same thing.

Ryo: I could. I guess you'll have to trust us.


(Sanosuke shoots Ryo a sideways glance.)

Sanosuke: What we're trying to say is, if we remove Cagalli, we'll be able to work as a team again, and we won't take too big a hit in the challenges.

Ryo: It's the only way.

Lee: You have a point. I shall think on it.

Sanosuke: I'm sure you'll do what's right.

Ryo: Just remember, if you look after us, we'll look after you.


Sanosuke: I'm not entirely comfortable leaving my fate in the hands of someone as unpredictable as Lee. Oh well. At least with Maya on board, we can force a tie.

Ryo: Hey look! I think I see a place!

(Indeed, a small cave seems to have been carved out of a nearby mountain. It's dark, damp, and mossy, but it's better than nothing.)

Lee: Yatta! Shelter at last!

* * *

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Skypeia is still in the grip of a blizzard, and are also trying to find a safer place. A sickly Konoka is leaning on Ippo and Sena for support.)

Ippo: Can't you just make us a house, Ed?

Edward: Give me the bricks and the tiles and I'll see what I can do.

Mitsuki: You could make an ice mansion.

Edward (smiling): Well, there is always that.

(Everyone stares at the normally crabby Edward as if he's grown a second head, but they continue on.)

Sena: It's useless. No shelter in sight.

Edward: Maybe not, but that doesn't mean this trek was for nothing...

(Edward gazes around and points to a frozen pond.)

Ippo: Hey, you want to go ice-fishing?

Edward: It's too small for there to be any fish.

Mitsuki: Ooh, Ippo, let's go skating!

(Edward just rolls his eyes, and walks over to the edge of the pond. He places his hands on the ice and, with a flash of light, the water is no longer freezing but steaming at a nice temperature.)

Edward: And voila! Instant hot springs!

Konoka (starry-eyed): My hero...

Ippo: Let me guess. You just did this for the obligatory fanservice shots.

Edward: What, with these two? Are you kidding me?

(Mitsuki channels her Rage to punt Edward into the stratosphere.)

Mitsuki: EXCUSE ME?

Konoka: I guess things are back to normal...

* * *

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(At this point, the whole tribe has moved to the cave, which is both bigger and less leaky than the shelter. Lee and Ryo are doggedly trying to start a fire, but all the wood is too wet to be of any use. The rest of the tribe is spread out into their usual groups. One such group is Cagalli and Rukia, huddled together and trying to get some food out of coconut shells.)

Cagalli (quietly): Rukia?

Rukia: Huh?

Cagalli (quietly): I think we should vote for Sanosuke tonight.

Rukia (whispering): I thought the target was Mitsuko.

Cagalli (whispering): Did you see how he was when we got back from the challenge yesterday? I can't stand him any more!

Rukia (whispering): I agree. But what about the challenges?

Cagalli (whispering): Sanosuke takes too much credit. Lee is the real powerhouse on the tribe. Besides which, we can't start by voting out the eye candy... if you want to take a group out, you cut off the head first.

(Rukia pauses, but nods her head.)

Rukia (whispering): Okay. Your call.

Cagalli (whispering): We'd better let the others know.

(Cagalli and Rukia go over and whisper the change to Leorio and Maya, respectively. Both blanch, but nod along.)

Maya: Do they really think that Sanosuke is the head of the alliance? Oh, he thinks he is, but Mitsuko is really the brain that's guiding everything. Idiots.

Leorio: Wait, since when did Cagalli decide how I vote? And based on some stupid fight she had with Sano? Give me a break.

(Maya walks over to Leorio, sits down and talks to him.)

Maya: So, is Lee in on this?

Leorio: Nope. And I bet I know why.

Maya: He wouldn't vote for Sanosuke.


Leorio: So as far as we know, he's still voting Mitsuko, and the vote will end up 4-3-1.

Maya: I don't think he'll be too happy about that.

Leorio: Hey, it's Cagalli's idea, not mine. I still think we should go for Mitsuko.

Maya: Why don't we?

Leorio: Huh?

Maya: Look, if we vote for Mitsuko along with Lee, the vote will end up 3-3-2... meaning that they'll be a tiebreaker vote between Mitsuko and whoever those three are targeting.

Leorio: Probably Cagalli.

Maya: Probably. Then Cagalli and Rukia would be forced to vote with us to save their own skins.

Leorio: But won't that piss everyone off?

(Maya grins cockily.)

Maya: Well, you know the old saying about omeletes. I think in the end Sanosuke will realize that we saved his ass. Either that or Cagalli will just stick with us because we're the only way she can get Sanosuke out.

Leorio: Which one do you think will happen?

Maya: I think it's really up to us.

Leorio (grinning): Choice is a beautiful thing, isn't it?

* * *

(Mitsuko and Sanosuke are also having a conference, and a somewhat covert one at that. Mitsuko is giving Sanosuke a backrub while whispering into his ear. Sanosuke mutters things back.)

Mitsuko: We're going for Cagalli tonight, right?

Sanosuke: Her or Leorio. They're both pretty useless.

Mitsuko: Cagalli. I don't like her.

Sanosuke (sleepily): Mmm... your wish is my command, Mitsuko-chan.

(Mitsuko giggles fakely, running her fingers down Sanosuke's chest.)

Mitsuko: Are you sure we have enough votes, though?

Sanosuke: Me, you, Ryo, Lee, and Maya. That makes five, sweetie.

Mitsuko: I'm still worried, Sano. I don't know if Lee and Maya are on our side. I mean, Maya's barely talked to us for days, and Lee is... well, I don't know what he's thinking.

Sanosuke: Does anyone?

Mitsuko: I'm not joking. If we don't have the numbers, they're going to vote me out.

(She starts to tear up, somewhat believably.)

Mitsuko: I knew it. I'm going to be the first one out, because I'm weak.

(Sanosuke shushes her with a finger on her lips. The rest of the cavern is watching out of the corner of their eyes.)

Sanosuke (whispering): Don't cry. Everything's going to be all right. I'll protect you, Mitsuko.

Mitsuko (teary): You promise?

Sanosuke (whispering): I promise.

(Mitsuko somehow manages not to smirk.)

* * *

(Meanwhile, by the fire...)

Ryo: Say Lee?

Lee: Yeah?

Ryo: Do you ever feel that we should be doing some secret strategizing to make the final two?

(Lee pauses, shrugs, and headbutts a coconut open.)

Ryo: Naw, me neither.

* * *

(The rain is still coming down by Tribal Council time. It's a good thing that Baroque moved inland, as their beach has been all but reduced to mud. Lee tries walking on water to get to the boat, but the water is too disturbed by the rainfall, and he falls in. Deciding to slog it out the hard way, the genin swims to the boat and brings it around.

While they're waiting for the boat, Sanosuke drags Maya aside into the cover of a nearby tree.)

Sanosuke: I need to know you're with us, Maya.

Maya: I'm with you.

Sanosuke: It's Cagalli tonight, understand?

(Maya nods curtly, and quickly rejoins the group. Cagalli seems to have noticed this, and casts both a withering glare.)

Maya: I'm still not sure about this. On the one hand, whichever way I go I'll piss someone off. On the other hand, there are three names I can write down tonight – Cagalli, Mitsuko, or Sanosuke – and, assuming everyone votes like I think they will, the one I vote for will be the one going home.

(Baroque climbs onto their canoe and paddles out to their first tribal council, the tension as palpable as the rain.)

* * *

Tribal Council (Autumn Island)

(Most people are frightened by the prospect of Tribal Council. Baroque probably is too, but you wouldn't know it from the way they scramble into council. Of course, that's probably because it's safe from the rain.)

Light: Baroque, welcome to Tribal Council. Before we start, you all need to light your torch from the firepit in the centre. In this game, fire represents life... although your fire won't last long with this weather, so just keep it here.

Ryo: Speaking of the weather, what 's up with it?

Light (shrugging): It's the Grand Line. No one ever said it had a nice climate.

(The eight assemble on the bench.)

Light: You eight have gone twelve days without having to vote someone out. Does that make tonight's vote harder or easier? Rukia.

Rukia: I think it's harder because you've gotten used to the tribe, and how it functions as an unit. It's really weird to picture the game without any one person here.

Sanosuke: I disagree. I'm actually glad we have tribal today, because there have been some people who have needed to go for a while and we finally get to do it.

Light: Interesting. Baroque, you guys have been fairly dominant in the challenges, but you... well... were pitiful yesterday.

Sanosuke: Harsh, but true.

Light: Any excuses?

Lee: I would like to say it was the weather conditions, but the fact of the matter is that we were not functioning as a team, and we got complacent. Never again can we make think victory is assured!

(Nobody so much as blinks at Lee's overdramatic proclamation. They're all used to it by now.)

Light: So, what do you base your vote tonight on? Mitsuko?

Mitsuko: At this point, it's about trust. If I can't trust someone, I can't work together with them, and that hurts the tribe.

Light: Plus they might vote you out.

Mitsuko: Okay, so maybe there's a little self-preservation in there.

Light: All right, enough talking. It's time to vote. Ippo, do you want to use your... oh wait, he's not here this time. Cagalli, take it away.

(Cagalli strides up to the voting urn and angrily writes down "SANOSUKE.")

Cagalli: I can't wait to see the look on your face when you realize you're not the top dog you thought you were.

(Maya hems and haws, but finally writes a name down. Mitsuko and Leorio vote. Lee gets up and votes "MITSUKO", adding one of those little smiley faces to the end.)

Lee: No hard feelings.. you are just the weak link.

(Ryo and Rukia vote quickly. Sanosuke is last up, and writes "CAGALLI" in big black leters.)

Sanosuke: I'm sure we'll miss all your valuable contributions to the team. Oh wait... there weren't any. Bye-bye.

(Sanosuke returns with a smug grin on his face. Light nods and retrieves the urns.)

Light: Once the votes are read, the decision is final, and the person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. If they don't, then the tazers get involved. I'll read the votes.

(The first vote reads "CAGALLI", and is obviously Sanosuke's.)

Light: Cagalli.

(The former pilot is unsurprised. The next vote Light produces reads "MITSUKO :)".)

Light: Mitusko.

(Next up, our final contestant.)

Light: Sanosuke. That's one vote each for Sanosuke, Mitsuko and Cagalli.

(Sanosuke looks a little surprised, but still gives Mitsuko a reassuring grin. Light produces the next three votes in succession, repeats of earlier.)

Light: Cagalli. Sanosuke. Mitsuko. That's two each.

(All three look genuinely puzzled. Leorio and Maya are the only ones who know what's going on. Or do they...)

Light: Cagalli.

(Cagalli is on the edge of her seat, wondering where the Mitsuko votes came from, and hoping that there's still one out there. Maya and Leorio are waiting for their plan to come through to fruition. The rest are just waiting to see what happens next.

Light reads the last vote.)

Light: Fourth person voted out of Manga Survivor... Cagalli.

(Sanosuke and Ryo burst out into smug grins. Everyone else looks shocked... although it might be acting. Cagalli is certainly not acting as she stumbles forward for her torch to be extinguished.)

Light: Cagalli? The tribe has spoken.

(Cagalli turns back to her former tribemates, casually flips them off, and strides out of the game.)

Light: Well, this tribal council has revealed obvious divisions in this group, and it may have put the game in a new light for a lot of you. I'll leave the cameras to pick up the aftermath.

(The seven survivors leave, torches held up futilely. As they leave, the rain finally breaks, slowing to a mere sprinkle... but they all know that the real storm has just begun.)

* * *

Last Words

Cagalli: I'm not entirely sure what happened tonight, but there are definitely a couple knives in my back right now. I can't believe I trusted the assholes on this tribe. Oh well. Rukia, I'm pulling for you. Everyone else, I hope you get what you deserve.

* * *

Votes

Cagalli – Sanosuke

Lee – Mitsuko

Leorio – Mitsuko

Maya – Cagalli

Mitsuko – Cagalli

Rukia – Sanosuke

Ryo – Cagalli

Sanosuke – Cagalli

* * *

Author's Notes:

I was thinking of leaving who kept the deciding vote against Cagalli a mystery for a while, but then there was that convention of listing the votes at the end that I just couldn't bring myself to break. It doesn't really matter, since the characters don't know it, so there's plenty of drama potential.

For all they've dominated, Baroque really hadn't got a lot of screen time before this episode. Even now, there are some of their guys who haven't done much but make up the numbers – Ryo and Rukia come to mind. That may be changing soon...

Cagalli is an interesting character, because she can alternately be viewed as a badass or a hotheaded whiner, depending largely on whether you like her or not. I do, but her flaws were definitely as prevalent as her strengths in that episode. It's a shame that she went out so early, because she would have been a fun jury member, and a shoe-in for the Sue Hawk award.

I can't make any promises as to when the next episode will be out, as I'm right in finals season, but hopefully once we hit the summer I can get back to the usual schedule.