Endurance Returns: Easter Island

[crystalclearhawaii]

I have been extremely busy with school and driving lessons, which has made it hard for me to update but I'm working on it right now! Don't worry, haven't forgotten about this! 

[crystalclearhawaii]

Here it is! The long awaited part 2 of episode 2! Sorry for the long wait... without further ado...

EPISODE 2 pt. 2: “FILL YOUR TANK”
*continued from pt 1*

*the contestants are all talking with their new partners*
Eric: So Angela, what’s your strategy?
Angela: My strategy is to try and avoid making too many enemies, but still play to win, and eliminate the people I need to in order to make it to the top.
Eric: That’s a good strategy, I like that.
Angela: Do you have a similar strategy?
Eric: See… I’m going to try and cover my bases with both the guys and the girls, but especially the guys. The girls I think will be chill with me, but I think some of the guys are wary.
Angela: How come?
Eric: Well… I think some of them think I’m gay, and that I’m flirting with them.
Angela: Oh… oh. If you’re okay with sharing… are you gay?
Eric: No, I’m not gay… but I’m pansexual.
*Angela is silent for a couple seconds, but then nods*
Angela: Ah… thanks for sharing that with me.
Eric: Are you… wary of that?
Angela: Not really… I don’t know how everyone else will feel about that though. There’s a chance it will rub some people the wrong way. But it doesn’t bother me.
Eric: *nods* Okay. Thanks for understanding…

Angela *confessional*: Eric came out to me as pansexual. I’m totally fine with that, there’s not a problem with that specifically, I actually have many LGBTQ+ relatives… it’s just that it might rub some the wrong way, even if they don’t say it out loud. I don’t want to make judgments, but I feel like I am… part of me feels stronger about having him for a partner, and part of me isn’t sure.

*with Daniel and Allison*
Daniel: So… next mission is going to be to pick team colours. What colour do you want the most?
Allison: Ooh… good question. Well… if we’re gonna be superstitious, I’d want blue or green, and I wouldn’t want gray.
Daniel: *laughs* Who does? But yeah makes sense… that being said, there’s a colour I want. Doesn’t have the strong rep of blue or green… but two well-known teams had this colour, and I think we can really turn the fortunes around.
Allison: Which colour?
Daniel: Yellow.
Allison: Oh… yellow would be great too! It would be cool to try and break the trend… especially since yellow doesn’t have the same level of negative connotations that gray does!
Daniel: Yeah! So… yellow, blue and green are our top three colour choices?
Allison: Sounds good to me!

*with Justin and Sofia*
Justin: So… this is quite a surprise, I didn’t think I was going to be with you!
Sofia: Same! But I’m glad I am *laughs* Anyways, strategy. We gotta think of a plan…
Justin: Right! Who should we try and align with?
Sofia: I think we should align with… Caleb and Miranda. Since they are a very strong-willed team. But there’s also Ryan and Meghan, who seem to be a balanced team in temperament and skill, and Patrick and Emily who are also really balanced and could be strong, and then there are Daniel and Allison and Scott and Jessica, who have teamwork down really good.
Justin: Yeah… wow, so many choices. I can’t see any alliances starting to really form yet either, so it’s harder to say who will team up. But… we’ve gotta secure an alliance quickly, or else we might fall off the radar and be an early target.
Sofia: *nods*

Justin *confessional*: I know it’s early, so I won’t make too many moves just yet, but as soon as the team colour mission is over I want to make sure we’re aligned with at least one other team. I’d rather not be the team stuck in the middle as an easy target.

*Michael and Christina, Patrick and Emily and Jason and Tiana are all talking*
Tiana: I think we should try and align. Since all of us get on pretty well.
Jason: I second that, I think us three teams, and maybe one other team, could make a really strong alliance.
Christina: Definitely, each of us have really different strengths and together can make the best combination.
Michael: Yeah, I’m in!
*Emily nods but seems uncertain. Patrick doesn’t nod at all, looking even less certain than Emily*

Patrick *confessional*: I would love to be in an alliance… but these two teams aren’t exactly the ones I want to align with. Right now Christina and Michael are the weakest team to me, at least mission-wise. And I feel like Tiana isn’t that strong, and that’s gonna frustrate Jason, who I think is gonna be really hard to work with. Not like Anthony — Jason is more the guy who wants to dominate but tries to be low key, and then stabs you behind you back when you aren’t looking to gain power. Sorry dude! I can see right through you.

*Scott and Jessica, Ryan and Meghan are shown talking*
Meghan: *confessional*: I was really surprised that I got paired up with Ryan. He’s different from me in many ways — I’m very outspoken and bold, and I’m very much a doer. Ryan is more of a thinker, and he’s quiet and gentle and prefers to be low key. Some would say we’re bound for disaster, but I think we’re a perfect balance.

Jessica: Do you think any alliances are forming?
Scott: Michael threw the idea of an alliance between him and Christina, Tiana and Jason and Emily and Patrick, but I don’t think the last two are so keen. They think they are too good for the other two.. and to some extent that’s true.
Meghan: I think Justin mentioned that he wants an alliance, but I couldn’t tell who exactly.
Ryan: I honestly think the only two who haven’t figured out an alliance yet are Audrey and Anthony.
Scott: Sheesh… I thought those two would already be trying to make deals!
Meghan: Yeah… maybe it’s a strategy though. Who knows? I just hope they know what they’re doing, since if first impressions were anything to go by, those two definitely would be getting targeted right now!

*the contestants are walking to their destination, to finally pick their colours and show if they have true teamwork*

Caleb *confessional*: I think Miranda and I have this in the bag! She and I definitely have some good strategies going, and everyone should be scared. We’ll destroy them, every one of them!
Audrey: *confessional*: Anthony is very competitive, just like me. That’s what the other teams don’t have as much of.. the urge to win!

JD: *waves them over* Welcome back, everyone! It’s finally time to choose your colours. How are all of you feeling!
Miranda: Pumped! I’m so ready for this!
Anthony: I’ve been waiting for this moment!
JD: And the moment has finally come! But in order to get the colour you want, you have to prove yourselves in this challenge. One partner will need to collect water in a bucket. They then have to throw the water in their bucket from behind this red line *points to a red line*, which you cannot cross at any time, to the other partner, who must catch as much water as they can from the throw. That partner then pours the water down a chute into a small tank. Your goal is to fill your tank. When your tank is full, a fountain will shoot up from your tank. As soon as you finish, you can go and pick your colour. Make sense so far?
*the contestants nod*

JD: Good! But there’s something else at stake… the first three teams to finish the challenge will receive an advantage in the first Samadhi mission. Likewise, the final two teams to finish will receive a disadvantage in that same mission.
*everyone gasps*
Anthony: Come on, JD, really?
JD: Yes, Anthony, really! So you want to come in first, second or third… but you just really don’t want to come in last.
*the contestants nod in agreement*
JD: Get into positions, and then we’ll start the challenge!

*everyone is in positions. Scott, Anthony, Daniel, Meghan, Sofia, Eric, Jason, Emily, Christina and Caleb are by the shore with the buckets to collect and throw water. Jessica, Audrey, Allison, Ryan, Justin, Angela, Tiana, Patrick, Michael and Miranda are by the chute with the buckets to catch the water.*
JD: Is everyone ready?
Everyone: Yeah!
JD: On your marks… get set… go!

*the contestants begin the challenge*
Scott: *has his first bucket of water* Jessica, get ready! *tosses the water towards her*
Jessica: *manages to catch a lot of the water, though not all*
JD: Great first throw from Scott, and great first catch from Jessica! Quite a bit of water on that.
Jessica: That was great, Scott! Keep going!
*Jason has his water, and throws it hard, but misjudges the angle and misses Tiana’s bucket. Tiana almost didn’t even notice the throw*
Tiana: Jason!
Jason: Sorry! I misjudged the angle!

Caleb: *throwing his water insanely hard*
Miranda: *is managing to catch it, but has almost fallen over multiple times from how hard his throwing is* Yo, Caleb! Can you ease up a bit on the throwing? I’ve almost fallen over every time!
Caleb: What? I love throwing hard! But fine, fine, if you insist *laughs*

*3 minutes have passed*

JD: Three minutes have passed, and Jessica and Scott are on fire! They’ve gotten water on every single throw so far! Also performing well are Meghan and Ryan, who have gotten water on many of their throws… though not as much water as Jessica and Scott have. But surprisingly, Patrick and Emily, who looked like the team to beat, are having trouble finding their footing.
Emily: Patrick get ready! We need to get this! And don’t tip the bucket like you did last time!
Patrick: Okay, okay! I’m ready!
Emily: *throws it*
Patrick: *finally catches it, and it’s a big catch* YES! Finally!
JD: But they might finally have it! A huge throw and catch for them! They just have to keep it up!

*5 minutes have passed*
JD: A top three have emerged in this challenge — Jessica and Scott, Ryan and Meghan, and Justin and Sofia. Falling just behind them are Allison and Daniel, Angela and Eric, Miranda and Caleb, and now Patrick and Emily after a number of good throws. But Anthony and Audrey, Christina and Michael and Jason and Tiana are falling behind.
Scott: *makes one more throw* Maybe this will do it!
Jessica: *catches the water, pours it down the chute*
*suddenly, a fountain erupts from their tank*
JD: The first fountain! Jessica and Scott are the first to finish, and will be the first to pick their colour!
Scott: YES! YES! THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! *goes over to Jessica and hugs her picking her up*
Jessica: *laughing and hugging Scott tight* Oh my gosh, we did it!
*they run over to the colour station*
Jessica: Red?
Scott: Red! *picks up the red shirts and pyramid piece*

Red Team: Scott and Jessica (advantage in Samadhi mission)

*it’s a battle for second and third place now. The race is becoming tighter and tighter*
Meghan: Ryan, get ready!
Ryan: Ready!
Meghan: *throws to him*
Ryan: *catches it and pours it down, and a fountain erupts from their tank*
Meghan: YES! RYAN, WE’RE DONE! *goes over and hugs him before leading him to the colour station*
JD: Ryan and Meghan, nice stuff! Go on over and pick your colour!
*just seconds later, a third fountain erupts. Whose could it be?*
JD: Looks like we have the final team to get an advantage… and it’s… Sofia and Justin!
Justin: YES! YEE-HAW!!
Sofia: *squealing happily* Come on Justin! Let’s get our colour!
*they join Ryan and Meghan at the colour station*
Ryan: I’ll let you pick Meghan.
Meghan: Green it is! *picks up the green shirts and pyramid piece*
Justin: Sofia, you good with blue?
Sofia: Sure! 
*they grab the blue shirts and piece*

Green Team: Ryan and Meghan (advantage in Samadhi mission)
Blue Team: Justin and Sofia (advantage in Samadhi mission)

JD: The Red, Green and Blue teams have officially been formed. The remaining colours are Orange, Yellow, Purple, Gray, Brown, White and Black!
*three fountains erupt at once. It’s Daniel and Allison, Eric and Angela and Caleb and Miranda*
JD: We have a three-way tie for fourth!
Eric: Yes! We did it, Angie!
Daniel: *hugging Allison* We did good!
Caleb: YES! OH YEAH, BABY!
*the three teams go to pick their colours*
Emily: This sucks…

Allison: *grabs the yellow items* I call Yellow!
Caleb: *to Miranda* Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Miranda: Yeah! 
*in a shock decision, she and Caleb pick black*
Angela: Woah… didn’t see that coming. Purple is ours then!
Eric: Purple’s my favourite colour actually, so great!

Yellow Team: Daniel and Allison
Black Team: Caleb and Miranda
Purple Team: Eric and Angela

JD: The final four teams are left, with four colours to choose from!
*Patrick and Emily are getting their true rhythm now. Anthony and Audrey finally manage to get some good throws after struggling earlier. Michael and Christina had good throws earlier on but are starting to falter. Jason and Tiana have been inconsistent, with some extremely good throws and some extremely bad ones*
Emily: How many more do we need Patrick?
Patrick: If we get a really good one, that might do it!
Emily: Alright! *throws*
Patrick: *catches and pours it in. It’s so close, yet so far… no fountain yet*
Patrick: DANG IT!
Emily: One more, one more! *throws one last one*
Patrick: *catches it and dumps it in… finally, they succeed*
Emily: YES! Finally!
JD: Patrick and Emily finally finish! Now only three teams remain to choose, and the first of these three to finish will be the last team spared from a disadvantage!

Patrick: Emily, which colour? I think Orange or Brown…
Emily: Brown, definitely!

Brown Team: Patrick and Emily

*of the last three teams, Anthony and Audrey are shockingly in the lead*
Audrey: Okay Anthony, give it all you’ve got!
Anthony: Here goes nothing… *throws the water to her*
Audrey: *catches the most she’s caught all challenge* Great, great! *runs over*
Anthony: Please, please, please…
*Audrey pours the water in… and the fountain erupts*
Audrey: YES! Anthony we did it!
Anthony: Oh thank god…
JD: Anthony and Audrey complete the challenge! Unfortunately, Michael and Christina, Jason and Tiana, this means your teams will have a disadvantage in the next mission… but this challenge isn’t over yet! Whichever team finishes this faster will get the first pick of the final two colours! Let’s see what Anthony and Audrey pick…

Audrey: I really don’t know…
Anthony: Well, Gray’s a no… and I’d rather not do White, so Orange! *decisively grabs Orange*
Audrey: Orange looks ugly on me… but I’d rather not do Gray so I’ll take it!

Orange Team: Anthony and Audrey

Christina: Michael, we need to finish this! No more time for playing around!
Michael: I know, I know! *gets in position*
Christina: Alright Mike, get ready! Three… two… one… *throws*
Tiana: Jason, throw!
Jason: Okay! *throws*
JD: This could be the deciding throw right here…

*the water flies… and Jason’s throw almost completely misses Tiana, who manages to catch a bit*
Tiana: JASON! Come on, quick!

*Michael gets ready… and catches the water!*
Christina: YES! Get it, quick…
*Michael dumps it in… and the fountain of their tank appears!*
Michael: YEAH!!
JD: That’s it! That’s it! Christina and Michael, pick your colour. Jason, Tiana, you can stop throwing.
Jason: Ugh!

*Michael and Christina quickly pick White. This leaves Jason and Tiana with Gray*

White Team: Michael and Christina (disadvantage in Samadhi mission)
Gray Team: Jason and Tiana (disadvantage in Samadhi mission)

*all the teams join together on shore*
JD: Congratulations, guys. You officially have team colours to call your own. You also have your starting pieces. Now remember, you have to win all 16 to win the game… and tomorrow’s mission will give you a chance to put yourselves ahead of everyone else. Now, you have the rest of the evening and early tomorrow morning to perhaps fine-tune your strategies, figure out what worked well, and maybe discuss plans to fix whatever didn’t go well. Enjoy the rest of the day, and I’ll see you tomorrow with the Samadhi missions.
*all the contestants wave bye to JD, holding their pieces and wearing their team colours*

TO BE CONTINUED…

Red Team: Scott and Jessica (Starting piece: Heart)
Orange Team: Anthony and Audrey (Starting piece: Luck)

Yellow Team: Daniel and Allison (Starting piece: Perseverance)
Green Team: Ryan and Meghan (Starting piece: Knowledge)
Blue Team: Justin and Sofia (Starting piece: Trust)
Purple Team: Eric and Angela (Starting piece: Commitment)
Gray Team: Jason and Tiana (Starting piece: Discipline)
Brown Team: Patrick and Emily (Starting piece: Strength)
White Team: Michael and Christina (Starting piece: Leadership)

Black Team: Caleb and Miranda (Starting piece: Teamwork)

REMAINING PIECES
Ingenuity
Courage
Friendship
Karma
Respect
Faith

[amplify26]

First Impressions:

--Justin and Sofia as a dark horse? Considering their performance in the mission, I could see them going far!
--Angela's reaction to Eric coming out: I am not surprised about how accepting she could be, but I feel that waffling might be the wrong approach. Is there a fear that there may be some tension, a la Bryanah vs Lindi/Nicole/Sarah from E3?
--Hmm at the first alliance approaching--how solidified would this be by the beginning of next episode? I would love to see my two favorites in Ryan and Meghan + Scott and Jessica working together, but in what ways it could be flawed?
--Not expecting Audrey and Anthony to stay relatively low-key this episode--are you waiting for the perfect moment for them to blow up?
--Also wasn't expecting Patrick and Emily to not work out relatively well this early. Is it just a rough patch, to get used to each other's teamwork? Or will this lead to further problems in the future?
--Also, what a cool challenge you created! I also liked the way you built up the stakes throughout the episode.
--And haha back to the mythology: nobody chooses Gray until the end.

[crystalclearhawaii]

Sorry for the lack of updates! I've been applying for jobs and learning to drive, and finishing school (Canadian school years go into June). I'll get an update ASAP!!!

[crystalclearhawaii]

The next episode will be up soon! I have a busy school year this year, but I am deep into writing the next episode! Be prepared for a surprise...

[crystalclearhawaii]

After a long hiatus due to school and life, I am back! Episode 3 is coming right away! 
Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. 

[crystalclearhawaii]

EPISODE 3 — “WALK THE PLANK 2.0”
JD *voiceover*: Previously on “Endurance: Easter Island”… Emily and Scott won the first challenge and the right to choose the teams.

*Jason misjudges the spacing and slips off*
JD: That’s it! Scott wins for the boys!
Scott: I won? Oh! I won!
*seconds later, Meghan also misjudges positioning and slips off* 

JD: And Emily wins for the girls!
Emily: Yes!!

JD *voiceover*: The ten teams were officially formed. Just a few hours later, the teams were put to the test in their first challenge, with a prize on the line…

JD: The first three teams to finish the challenge will receive an advantage in the first Samadhi mission. Likewise, the final two teams to finish will receive a disadvantage in that same mission.
*everyone gasps*

JD *voiceover*: In the end, Scott and Jessica, Ryan and Meghan and Justin and Sofia earned the advantage, while Michael and Christina and Jason and Tiana will suffer a disadvantage. Now with their colours, the teams were officially formed…
*shots of each team in their team colours are shown as JD reads their names*
JD *voiceover*: The Red Team, Scott and Jessica; the Orange Team, Anthony and Audrey; the Yellow Team, Daniel and Allison; the Green Team, Ryan and Meghan; the Blue Team, Justin and Sofia; the Purple Team, Eric and Angela; the Gray Team, Jason and Tiana; the Brown Team, Patrick and Emily; the White Team, Michael and Christina; and the Black Team, Caleb and Miranda. Now, the real journey begins with the first Samadhi challenge of the season. It’s time to find out who has the ultimate Endurance!

*the Endurance: Easter Island intro plays www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1LaDQojZaI*

*in the cabin, the Purple Team are talking again*
Eric: We did really well that mission, even though we didn’t win.
Angela: Yeah! Honestly… I think you’re a really great partner.
Eric: Really?
Angela: Yeah. *smiles at him*

Angela *confessional*: I’m regretting my initial feelings and attitude towards getting Eric as a partner. I don’t think him being who he is will really be a big concern to anyone. It’s more just about us covering our bases and trying to get on the good side of everyone. Eric is a really sweet guy with a lot of determination and heart, and I do feel bad for being blinded by another aspect of who he is, and not seeing what a great partner he is. I’m really happy I got him as my partner. He’s the right guy.

Angela: Yeah, sorry I was kinda frosty early on… I have a tendency to worry too much about the small things.
Eric: Hey, I get it… I do too. But we can learn together.
Angela: *smiles at him* You’re the best. Really. 

*they high five*

*the Blue and Black Teams seem to be hitting it off, but really they are discussing the alliances that seem to have formed while trying to play down that they might work together*
Justin: I really can’t believe I’m saying this… but somehow Audrey and Anthony seem to being trying to align with Gray, White and Brown.

*Orange, Gray, White and Brown are seen talking in the back*

Miranda: Yeah, I’m stunned! Partially just because those two might already have an alliance, and partially because I thought they’d try to align with stronger teams.
Sofia: They’re probably smarter than they come across. We have to keep an eye on them!
Caleb: How come they didn’t try to get with Green or Red?
Justin: Audrey has a thing against Meghan and Jessica, and, at least in Meghan’s case, the feeing is mutual. As for Anthony… he hates Scott some reason, and then he just seems to think Ryan is too weak.

*cut to the discussing between Orange, Brown, Gray and White*
Emily: Okay so we need to decide which teams we want sent home.
Michael: Personally, I think Yellow. They just don’t stand out and I don’t think they’re going to switch to our side either, so we should just clear them while we can.
Tiana: No, we should get rid of the big threats first! Red is just too strong, we need to dispose of them.
Audrey: Red is fine, but can we just kick out Green? Meghan is a stuck-up snob and she’s so threatening to me… Ryan I don’t hate but he’s probably just gonna do whatever Meghan tells him. I just want Meghan gone!
Anthony: But what about Blue, Audrey? They’re really good too… like they’re better than we thought they would be. I second getting rid of Red, though.
Patrick: Okay so we’re thinking maybe getting rid of Red?
Audrey: Or Green! Please?

Christina: I think we should watch out for Black too. Caleb and Miranda wanted each other really early and their teamwork is good.
Emily: Let’s just see how they all do in the mission. We’ll go for the stronger teams.

*cut to the boys of Yellow, Red and Green. The girls are seemingly discussing a plan nearby them while the guys just relax and talk, somewhat about strategy*
Ryan: Which teams do we need to watch out for?
Daniel: I want to get rid of contestants not by my personal feelings towards them, but by strategy and who is the biggest threat to our chances. Even if that means we have to keep Audrey and Anthony around for a long time.
Scott: Hmm good point… I think right now the biggest threats competition wise are Blue and Black, and I think Brown just had an off-challenge.
Ryan: I can agree with that. I only see Brown maybe trying to get rid of any of us though. But that’s mostly because they’ve aligned with White, Gray and Orange who are the weakest teams, and they all just really want to clear out everyone else so they can win.

Daniel *confessional*: I feel like White, Gray and Orange know that they’re the weakest teams, and they’re just aligning so that they might have a chance of clearing other teams, mainly Red and Green, out. I want to prove that Yellow is a strong team too, but I’m also afraid of that because I don’t want a target to get put on our backs.

*the contestants make their way towards the first challenge, where JD is waiting for them*
JD: Morning, everyone!
Contestants: Morning, JD!
JD: How is everyone feeling?
Jessica: Great! Super rested.
Meghan: So, so ready!
JD: That’s good, because as you know, it’s time for the first Samadhi challenge. This is a challenge that has been done on Endurance before… from season 5, this is Walk the Plank!
*everyone cheers*

Caleb *confessional*: Pinch me! I’m dreaming! Walk the Plank is my favourite challenge ever!

JD: So for those of you who don’t know how this works, each team has a plank. One partner will stand at the end of the plank, while the other partner will pull a rope to keep their plank from collapsing and their partner from falling in the water. In the past, it has always been the girl to go on the plank and the guy to pull the rope, but it isn’t a requirement. If you feel the girl in your team will be better at the rope pulling, you can do it that way.
*everyone nods, some partners seem relieved at this, notably Ryan, who definitely feels that Meghan is the brawn of the team while he’s the more brainy one*

JD: The winning team will decide which team gets the Samadhi, a disadvantage in tomorrow’s temple mission. They will also receive another piece… the Faith piece. *gestures towards the Faith piece on display* To win this challenge, you’re going to need to have strong faith in each other.
*the contestants nod*

JD: However, I’m not going to be your caller and commentator for this challenge… we have three special guests joining us today!
*the contestants gasp, wondering who they will be*
Allison: Tell us, JD! Tell us!

JD: Your host for this challenge… in her season, she was often accused of bullying and riding coattails, but proved herself to be a strong all around player and have a heart of gold within, apologizing for her actions. She’s since parlayed her time on the show into a successful career as a sports reporter! Everyone, please welcome back season 5 winner, Cealey Godwin!
*Cealey enters to the cheers of all the contestants, particularly Audrey*
JD: Your first commentator for the challenge… another season 5 contestant, he found himself an underdog throughout the season, despite being generally well liked by the other contestants. His determination and teamwork with his partner managed to get him to the top 3. Please give a warm welcome to Connor Finnegan!
*the contestants cheer again, Angela in particular can’t conceal her joy*
JD: And the other guest Endurance alum of the day… a fan favourite and another underdog, he entered Endurance as a super fan all the way back in season 3. He also made it to the top 3 with his partner, despite many bumps along the road. And he was the winner of the forerunner to Walk The Plank, I’m Pulling For You… welcome back Monroe Gierl!
*all the contestants cheer once again, as Monroe emerges from the bushes*

JD: Welcome back, you three. How does it feel to be back?
Cealey: It’s amazing to be back on the show where I got my start, and even more amazing to see a new diverse group of young people making their mark!
Monroe: Insane. I feel old! *laughs*
Connor: It’s kind of strange yet also comforting. In a way it’s like going back to a crazy time in my life, yet also like coming home after a long time away.
JD: Well, Connor, there’s someone here who is a huge fan of you…
Connor: I heard… Angela, come here!

*blushing and covering her mouth with her hands, Angela goes over to Connor*
Connor: Hey! *hugs her*
Angela: Oh my gosh… I love you! *almost speechless as she hugs him back*
*everyone laughs and cheers as Angela laughs in shock and goes back to where she was*
JD: Angela, how did that feel?
Angela: *stuttering out of shock* … call the police, I just died!
*everyone laughs more*

JD: Cealey, there’s also someone here who greatly admires you. Audrey!
Audrey: Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh… *goes over to Cealey*
Cealey: Aww, hi Audrey! *hugs her*
Audrey: You are, like, my idol! *laughs and hugs back*
Cealey: It’s great to meet you, good luck this challenge!
Audrey: Thank you!
*more cheering and laughter*

JD: Finally before we start, Monroe, do you have advice for the contestants with the challenge?
Monroe: Try and find an effective position early on, so you don’t waste energy trying to find a position, or shake too much and drop your partner. And just stay calm and don’t panic!
JD: Great advice. Alright everyone, you have 1 minute to strategize before we start the challenge! And from here until the end of the challenge, I’m gonna turn it over to Cealey as our host and Connor and Monroe as our sideline commentators.
*the contestants nod and all strategize*

*after a minute, everyone has come up with a strategy and is now lined up*
JD: So Red Team, who’s going to be pulling the rope for you?
Scott: I will.
JD: Orange?
Audrey: Anthony.
JD: Yellow?
Daniel: Me.
JD: Green?
Meghan: I will.
JD: Blue Team?
Sofia: Justin.
JD: Purple Team?
Angela: Eric will.
JD: Gray?
Jason: Me.
JD: Brown?
Patrick: Emily.
JD: White?
Christina: Michael.
JD: And Black?
Miranda: Caleb.

Anthony *confessional*: I don’t know what Michael and Christina are thinking. Christina is way stronger than Michael is.
Audrey *confessional*: Meghan is so full of herself, thinking she can hold up Ryan. Ditto Emily. There’s a reason the guys usually hold up the girls!

*everyone gets into position. Scott, Anthony, Daniel, Meghan, Justin, Eric, Jason, Emily, Michael and Caleb are all ready at their ropes. Jessica, Audrey, Allison, Ryan, Sofia, Angela, Tiana, Patrick, Christina and Miranda are standing at the backs of the planks waiting to go on*
Cealey: Is everyone ready?

Everyone: Yeah!
Monroe: Wait! Before we start, there’s an advantage and disadvantage that we need to know about.
Cealey: Oh, you’re right! So, White Team and Gray Team, based on the results of the previous challenge, you have a disadvantage — you will have to start 30 seconds BEFORE the other teams.
Connor: And as for Red Team, Green Team and Blue Team, your teams came first, second and third, so you will be starting 30 seconds AFTER the other teams.
Cealey: So to be clear… when the timer starts, Gray and White will start. After 30 seconds have passed, Yellow, Purple, Black, Brown and Orange will start the challenge. And after a full minute has passed, then Red, Green and Blue will start.
Monroe: Is everyone clear on the rules?
Everyone: Yeah!

Jason *confessional*: I’m so bummed about having the disadvantage, especially because Red and Green have a full minute advantage.

Cealey: Okay Gray and White, get ready! 3, 2, 1… GO!
*Michael and Jason start pulling while Christina and Tiana walk to the edge of their planks*
Christina: Okay Mike, just stay calm!
Tiana: Jason, focus! We need to win this!
Jason: *nods and gets into a good position*
Connor: Michael looked like he might be struggling…
Monroe: He was a bit shaky… but he’s steadied himself for now! Keep it up, Michael and Jason!

*30 seconds have passed*
Cealey: Alright, Yellow, Purple, Black, Brown and Orange! You can start!
*the noise rises as the players on the planks yell out encouragement to their teammates*
Audrey: Anthony, you’re a football player! You are an athlete! You are strong! If anyone can and should win this, it’s you!
Anthony: I know! I know! We need to win!
Audrey: And we’re GOING to win!
Miranda: You got it, Caleb! You’ve got it! Be the lion!
Caleb: *jokingly roars*

*finally a full minute has passed*
Monroe: Red, Green, Blue, you can start!
Connor: Now all 10 teams are on their planks.
Jessica: I believe in you, Scott! You’re so strong!
Scott: I believe in you too, Jess!
Ryan: You okay, Meghan?
Meghan: More than okay!

*after 5 minutes have passed*
Sofia: LET’S GO JUSTIN, LET’S GO! *clap clap*
Cealey: Sofia has started to chant in an attempt to keep Justin motivated, we’ll see if it pays off!
Sofia: RAH RAH, JUSTIN! RAH RAH, JUSTIN!
Justin: Preach it! Say it louder! For all these suckers to hear!
Sofia: JUSTIN WHITNEY! YOU DA MAN!
Justin: Yeah!
Audrey: Oh my gosh, would you two shut up?
Sofia: 2, 4, 6, 8, WHO DO WE APPRECIATE?
Justin: ME!
Connor: I see some planks starting to seesaw. The tactic is working… it’s distracting some of the other teams!

*after 10 minutes, the pain is really starting to kick in*
Emily: This hurts more than I thought it would, Pat…
Patrick: Emily, you are so strong, you lasted longer than anyone else in the first challenge! You can win this!
Michael: Christina… I don’t like this!
Christina: Michael, we need this win, we need it! We need to prove why we’re here! Don’t you let go of me…
Michael: I don’t know…
Christina: Don’t you let go… don’t you let —
*Michael is shaking too much… he lets go and Christina falls in*
Monroe: There goes the first team! White Team is down, Michael can hold on no longer.


Meghan *confessional*: Looking at White Team… I kind of think they might have lasted longer if Christina was the one pulling and Michael stood on the plank.

*15 minutes after the start of the challenge*
Angela: Eric, how are you holding up?
Eric: My arms hurt but I’m doing okay!
Caleb: Miranda, are we sure it’s okay that I’m pulling instead of you? You’re really strong, you can even carry me!
Miranda: You are strong, and we can win this! I know you are a strong guy!

*20 minutes later* 

Cealey: Great job everyone, you’ve been pulling for 20 minutes!
Jason: Well, only I have!
Tiana: Yeah, only he has! Some teams have only pulled 19 minutes! *glares at Red, Green and Blue*
Connor: Blue Team were on a roll earlier with their distraction tactics, but now things seem to be catching up to Justin.
Sofia: Justin, who’s the strongest in the land?
Justin: *smiling but also wincing* Me!
Sofia: Say it like you mean it!
Justin: *trying harder* ME!
Sofia: AS LOUD AS YOU CAN!
Justin: ME! *loses his grip and has to scramble to save it… just manages to save it*
Sofia: Okay that was too close!
*just then, Jason starts to lose his grip, he scrambles and holds on but slips over the line*
Connor: Jason, I’m sorry, you are over the line! You have to let go!
Tiana: What!?
Jason: *sighs and lets go, sending Tiana into the water*

*25 minutes later*
Cealey: Gray and White could not overcome the disadvantage and are out of the challenge. Orange, Blue, Green, Black, Purple, Red, Yellow and Brown remain!
Sofia: Justin, just focus a bit more! Focus!
Justin: Sorry, Sofia… *loses his grip and lets go, Sofia splashes down*
Monroe: And a surprise exit! Justin couldn’t keep going.
Sofia: *sighs but goes over to Justin, whispering to him* It’s okay, Justin. I guess this takes the target off our backs for now.
*just then, Eric and Angela seem to be nodding at each other… only for Eric to let go*
Cealey: Woah! The Purple Team seemed to have total trust in each other, only for Eric to let go!
*Purple Team moves to the side, seeming a bit disappointed, but giving each other a knowing look*

Eric *confessional*: Angie and I didn’t want a target to be put on our backs early on, so before we started, we decided to throw the challenge after a couple other teams were eliminated so that we wouldn’t be given the Samadhi. Sometimes playing too hard early on can be a mistake.

*30 minutes later, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Brown and Black remain*
Monroe: Most of the teams remaining are starting to shake more now… but wait. No one’s paid any attention to Yellow… Daniel is looking strong!

*all the teams remaining turn and finally remember that Yellow Team does, in fact, exist, and that they are actually doing really well!*
Allison: Yes, Daniel, you’re doing great! Think about how far you’ve come to get here!
Daniel: Remind me again? *focused and not looking at anyone but Allison*
Allison: When you were little, you had health issues… your mom was so worried.
Daniel: Mmhmm…
Allison: You were severely underweight and couldn’t keep food in your system.
Daniel: Yes, that’s true…
Allison: And now, look at you. You are on Endurance, and you are showing everyone how strong you are!
Daniel: *nods and takes a deep breath, keeps pulling* Yes!
Anthony: *quietly, to himself, in denial that skinny Daniel could actually be strong* He’ll steam out, he’s too skinny…
*just then, Miranda falls into the water, Caleb had lost his grip*

Caleb: Dang it!

Cealey: Black Team is out!
Ryan: Meghan, it’s okay if you need to let go.
Meghan: I don’t want to let go, I want to win…
Ryan: Okay, as long as you don’t injure yourself. I don’t want you to hurt yourself just for a win.
Meghan: *nods and keeps holding on… but then lets go on accident, sending Ryan into the water*
Monroe: And now Green is out too!
Audrey: *quietly to herself* Yes! Take that, Meghan!

*after 40 minutes, Red, Orange, Yellow and Brown remain*
Emily: *is struggling* Patrick, I don’t think I can do this anymore!
Patrick: Emily, you’ve got this! But hey! We’re actually in the top half instead of the bottom half now!
Emily: I know! We’re doing so much better this time!
Patrick: Yeah! *jumps a little happily and nearly falls off the plank but manages to recover*
Emily: Patrick, be careful! *the plank seesaws a bit*
Cealey: A seesaw for Brown on the end…
Patrick: Sorry! *laughs*
Connor: Patrick might want to make sure he doesn’t fall off, because if he does, there’s no second chance. And Emily really doesn’t want to lose!
Emily: Dang right!

*after 50 minutes*
Monroe: You’ve been hanging on for nearly an hour! The remaining teams are Orange, Red, Brown and Yellow… Daniel making it look easy.
Allison: He’s embracing his inner Monroe! Keep going Daniel, you’re doing amazing!
Daniel: *smiling, looking totally relaxed*
Emily: *is struggling, and furiously trying to hold on*
Patrick: You’ve got it Emily! Don’t let go!
Emily: *tries as hard as she can… but can’t keep it steady enough, she doesn’t completely let go, but lets go enough for the plank to seesaw enough for Patrick to lose balance and fall off*
Cealey: A valiant effort from the Brown Team, who made it to the top 4 but are unfortunately out of the challenge. It’s now between Red, Orange and Yellow.

*55 minutes since the challenge began*
Connor: This is it! Scott, Anthony, Daniel, you’ve got to use every ounce of strength you can muster up. This is for the piece and the Samadhi!
Audrey: Come on, Anthony. We need this win! Otherwise, we’ll probably get the Samadhi!
Anthony: Oh, we’re gonna win! These two have nothing on me!
Jessica: Careful with your words, Anthony… they might come back to bite you in the butt!
Daniel: *taking deep breaths, remaining calm*
Allison: *whispering calmly* Hang in there, Daniel. You can win this… you’re unstoppable.
*shockingly, just then Scott gives out and Jessica falls into the water*
Monroe: What a surprise! Red Team is out of the challenge, and they’ve been the strongest team all competition.
Jessica: *hugs Scott as she comes out of the water* It’s okay… win some, lose some. If Yellow wins, we’re probably safe.
Scott: *nods and whispers to himself* Come on Daniel…

*1 hour since the challenge began*
Connor: You’ve been holding on for one hour, boys! Great stuff! 

Cealey: No matter which team wins, it’s a huge comeback. Orange and Yellow were not predicted to be our final two!
Audrey: Anthony, you can’t lose now! If we lose, we’re done for!
Anthony: I know, Audrey! I’m gonna win this!
Monroe: Very different strategies… Orange Team is relying on loud motivation, while Yellow is going with a calm, cool, collected approach. Which strategy will come out on top?
*Daniel and Allison are not breaking eye contact at all… and just then, Anthony gives out and drops Audrey into the water*
Audrey: *screams* 

Anthony: Oh my… NO!
Cealey: That’s it! Yellow wins!
Allison: *squealing* Daniel, you did it! We won!
Daniel: *shocked* What? I won?
Allison: Yes! You did it! Let me go!
Daniel: *smiling big* Oh! I won! I actually won!
*he lets go of the rope and Allison goes into the water*

JD: Yellow Team, great stuff. You had such strong faith in each other, and it paid off. For that, you earn the Faith piece.
*everyone claps as Monroe hands Daniel and Allison the Faith piece*
Monroe: I’ll always be a Yellow Team member at heart. You made me proud, Daniel!
Daniel: Thanks, Monroe.
*Connor hands them the Samadhi*
JD: You also have the power to choose who gets the Samadhi. You will have three hours to decide who gets it. This will give them a disadvantage in the upcoming immunity challenge. Choose who gets it wisely. I’d like to take the time to thank Cealey, Monroe and Connor for coming out today and being our host and commentators.
Cealey: It was great to be back. You all did amazing!
Connor: Best of luck everyone!
*the competitors all cheer and wave bye as Connor, Cealey and Monroe leave*

Daniel *confessional*: What just happened?? I won Walk The Plank! I actually won! I’m so proud of myself and how far I’ve come with my health. To being extremely underweight to now building up my strength, I feel so accomplished. I know my mom will be so proud of me. I couldn’t have done it without Alli though. The way she whispered to me and encouraged me… it reminded me of how my mom would encourage me and comfort me when I felt discouraged and wanted to give up. I’m so grateful to Alli and I’m so glad we became teammates.

*Orange Team is together after the challenge*
Anthony: I’m sorry, Audrey…
Audrey: *grumbles* It’s fine, it’s fine… we just gotta make sure Daniel and Allison don’t give us the Samadhi. Seems like they will though, with Meghan and Jessica up in their ears…
Anthony: Why not Black or Blue? They’ve been strong too…
Audrey: They’re too likeable. I don’t get what it is about me? Is it just because I’m pretty, and therefore a mean girl? Someone give me the answers! I need answers!
Anthony: I feel you. All the boys are softies and can’t deal with a tough guy like me.
Audrey: Guess we’re in the same boat then.
Anthony: Don’t worry. Soon everyone will regret avoiding us.

*Allison is now being bombarded by the girls of every team, trying to justify why they shouldn’t get the Samadhi*
Christina: Allison, you want to give the Samadhi to a strong team so that you have a better chance of winning. Giving it to a weak team doesn’t help you at all. Michael isn’t strong physically at all, and I need to have a decent chance…
Sofia: I’d understand if you gave us the Samadhi, but I think that if you want to win, you need to give it to a team like Orange or Red. Orange did really good that challenge, and Red’s never had a bad challenge.
Tiana: Jason and I really aren’t a threat to your chances right now. You need to target a major threat.
Allison: Okay… thanks, I’ll keep all that in mind.

Allison *confessional*: I’ve heard enough of everyone’s cases. I need to make this decision between Daniel and I, and it has to be the best decision for us as a team.

*Red Team, Purple Team, Black Team and Green Team are talking*
Jessica: It’s so scary now that the Samadhi is out there… 

Scott: No kidding. I really hope Daniel and Allison stick with it and don’t give it to us, but I would definitely understand if they did. I feel like every team kind of is after us.
Meghan: *nods* Wouldn’t be crazy surprised if we got it too.
Caleb: I really don’t want the disadvantage, I don’t want to leave Endurance first…
Angela: No one does sadly… unfortunately someone has to.

*Daniel and Allison are now together, discussing their final choice as to who gets the Samadhi*
Daniel: Okay… so the strongest team overall so far is Red. But I’m hesitant to give it to them, because I know they want us in their alliance, and I don’t want to break their trust.
Allison: True… I don’t think they’d try to do us dirty, so I wouldn’t give it to them.
Daniel: Green has been pretty good, but they have the most room for improvement teamwork wise in our alliance. Not that they don’t get along, but they are just so different as people.
Allison: Yeah… Ryan is pretty shy while Meghan isn’t. I’m leaning to giving it to Orange or Blue, personally.
Daniel: Yeah… only thing is, both teams I feel might take revenge on us. Orange in particular. But Blue struggled more this challenge.
Allison: Yeah…

*soon enough, it comes time for the announcement of who gets the Samadhi. All the teams gather around the campfire site*
JD: How was your afternoon, everyone?
All the contestants: Good!
JD: Yellow Team, you have a bit of power, isn’t that right? 
*they nod*
JD: Have you put a lot of thought into this decision?
Allison: So much thought… this could make or break our path for the rest of the season.
Daniel: We really don’t want anyone to be upset by our decision. It’s nothing personal. It’s just game play.
*Audrey rolls her eyes*
JD: Ryan, in the back. How are you feeling about your chances?
Ryan: I’m… nervous. I feel I can trust Yellow Team, but can’t say I’m not a little scared that Green Team might get the Samadhi. You never really know in this game.
JD: Eric, you look a little nervous as well.
Eric: Oh, I am. But at the same time, teams have won even with disadvantages before, so it’s not impossible.
JD: That’s right. It’s not impossible to win with the Samadhi. It’s just going to be that much harder. With that being said… Yellow Team, time to announce your decision. Who are you giving the Samadhi to?

*Daniel and Allison walk up to the front*
Daniel: Once again, we’d like to reiterate that we are not choosing who gets the Samadhi based purely on our personal feelings. This is from a mostly strategic standpoint, so don’t take this personally.
Allison: We are going to be giving the Samadhi to… the Blue Team.

*everyone is shocked, Orange Team in particular. Justin and Sofia walk up to the front, and Daniel hands them the Samadhi*
Allison: *whispers to Justin* I’m so sorry…
Justin: *whispers back* All good. No hard feelings.
*Yellow Team go back to their seats while Blue Team stays at the front with JD*
JD: Blue Team. How do you feel about getting the first Samadhi of Endurance: Easter Island?
Sofia: It stings a bit, especially since I thought we might stay clear of the disadvantage… but I also understand why they made this choice based on the whole timeline of the game so far.
JD: Justin, whenever you’re ready, you can crack it open on that rock there.
*Justin takes the Samadhi and smashes it against the rock, where it breaks open*
JD: It seems to be a 5 pound weight. This means that you will have a weight disadvantage in tomorrow’s mission. You will have extra weight added in tomorrow’s challenge. Does this worry you?
Justin: Honestly… not really. I have confidence. I think me and Sofia are strong enough for this.
*Sofia nods uncertainly*
JD: This disadvantage may give you a hint as to what tomorrow’s challenge is. Think about it overnight, as tomorrow’s mission is very important. By the end of the night, one team will be leaving this island forever. By winning tomorrow, you can avoid being that team. See you tomorrow.
*the teams wave goodbye as they go back to their huts. Sofia and Justin share a comforting hug*

TO BE CONTINUED…

Red Team: Scott and Jessica (Pieces: Heart)
Orange Team: Anthony and Audrey (Pieces: Luck)

Yellow Team: Daniel and Allison (Pieces: Perseverance, Faith)
Green Team: Ryan and Meghan (Pieces: Knowledge)
Blue Team: Justin and Sofia (Pieces: Trust)
Purple Team: Eric and Angela (Pieces: Commitment)
Gray Team: Jason and Tiana (Pieces: Discipline)
Brown Team: Patrick and Emily (Pieces: Strength)
White Team: Michael and Christina (Pieces: Leadership)

Black Team: Caleb and Miranda (Pieces: Teamwork)

REMAINING PIECES
Ingenuity
Courage
Friendship
Karma
Respect

[amplify26]

First impressions:
--First of all, it's good to read another episode of this! I had to look over my notes to remember how it went, but still.
--The alliances are pretty fluid right now...
--What a great mission to kick the challenges off! I remember how Walk the Plank was quite the classic in the real world, and it was cool to see the advantages and disadvantages play out.
----I was expected the amount of banter to equal that of the original WtP...you haven't disappointed! Especially with the Yellow Team and Allison really motivating Daniel.
--It was really nice to see Cealey, Connor, and Monroe come back! It was sweet to see Cealey have fans and Monroe remarking he was always yellow.
--Orange not receiving the Samadhi might open a bunch of story ideas. I hope they don't use it as an excuse to do something silly.
--Let's see what Blue can do with the Samadhi! I mentioned before that they could be a dark horse--how would they be able to prove it?

[kwdrewfan]

Will read this soon (I'm so glad to see a new chapter)!!!

[crystalclearhawaii]

All good! I hope you enjoy it when you get to read it!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

I LOVE THE PREVIOUS CONTESTANT CAMEOS! It kinda reminded me of Road Rules.... which is a show old enough that most of y'all probably haven't heard of it lol, but in each episode they had a unique "mission leader" (I forget what they called it on the show) but it was basically their host for that episode. Like what if each episode had a previous Endurance contestant hosting the mission. That would be cute.

Idc I still love Orange. They're bringing the spice to the game. And tbh aligning with weaker teams if you're not that weak yourself actually seems like a good strategy. Take em far, get rid of the true competition, and beat em in the end.

Targeting such a strong team so early in the game is a big move for Yellow, but I kinda feel like Blue took it... better than most. Like they kind of expected it with them being so strong. So I don't necessarily think it'll backfire that much.

[crystalclearhawaii]

Thanks so much for your comments!

I will say, even though Orange are the "villains" right now, I love writing their parts!

And we'll see if Blue can overcome the Samadhi, or if Yellow's move will backfire. That being said, the logic makes sense, and Blue seemed to know they'd be targeted like you said.

[carsonvega]

Feb 13, 2020 22:54:29 GMT -5 crystalclearhawaii said:

Thanks so much for your comments!

I will say, even though Orange are the "villains" right now, I love writing their parts!

And we'll see if Blue can overcome the Samadhi, or if Yellow's move will backfire. That being said, the logic makes sense, and Blue seemed to know they'd be targeted like you said.

Villains are fun to write!  And from a reader's perspective, it's nice to have a team to root against!  Despite what I said in the Talk Time thread, I'm not upset about what's going on with Orange...I have a strong reaction to them but I understand they have a role to play, and it's cool that others really like them.  Depending on what happens, I may still use gifs and/or emoji to describe my reactions to them, but those are not meant to be taken too seriously.

There are a lot of ways a team could react to getting the Samadhi, both short-term and long-term...the possible mature response of "well, it's part of the game, since we didn't win we have to accept that another team did win and can give it to us"...the possible meekness of just accepting it because any other reaction could cause extra conflict...the possible simmering resentment, not seeming upset at first but eventually anger boils over after getting picked on several times over...the possible long-term revenge, being quiet about it now but being absolutely certain that if the tables can be turned later that the team that gave the Samadhi will indeed be getting it back...and lots more.  I will be interested to see if Blue uses getting the Samadhi now as motivation later in the game, and if so, how that motivation affects them.