Endurance Argentina [v2]

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

After a longer than expected delay...

Episode Five

Chelsea: “Last night, Yellow team went up to the Temple of Fate, but we came back. It was sad to see Orange go, but some people were happy because they did cause tension in the camp. All I can do is be thankful that Yellow is still in the game and take it one day at a time.”
--
As the morning light glows softly through the windows, the entire cast is sitting in the boys’ hut and chatting, all in good spirits.
Ray: *yawns* I’m so tired, bro.
Eric: We did stay up really late last night.
Chris: Hey, we gotta celebrate Yellow coming back!
Chad: Appreciate it, dude. That was one experience I don’t wanna repeat. *they do a bro hug*
Carmen: *laughs* I can’t believe you hurt your hand, Chris.
The camera pans to Chris’ right hand, which is wrapped up in medical tape.
Chris: *chuckles* Hey, it didn’t even hurt… that much.
Francesca: Wait, I missed what you did to hurt it?
Ray: Being a show-off, of course! If anybody would hurt themselves, it was gonna be Chris! *laughs*
Jaylen: Maybe next time let’s not try to do a backflip off of the top bunk…
Chris: If I had stuck the landing it would’ve been awesome. But, hey, Gray team’s still gonna rock it out. Right, partner?
*Rosemary nods eagerly, and Chris reaches out for a fist bump, which she obliges*
Rosemary: Oh yeah! Gray wolves are coming for that win!
Chris: Uh… long as you don’t ever call us that again, we got this.
--
Chris: “Yeah, I was being stupid and hurt my hand, but that’s just me. I’m not worried. I’m still the most competitive person here. With a good partner or not and with a right hand or not, I think I’m gonna win.”

Rosemary: “Chris hurt himself but he isn’t worried about it and that’s why I like him as a partner. He’s very confident and strong so it shouldn’t affect us. I just really want Gray to win something because Gray hasn’t won anything. We need to show the other teams we’re strong. I even drew us a team logo based on wolves because they’re also gray, but Chris said I shouldn’t show people that.”
--
Carmen: Speaking of the mission, what do y’all think it’s gonna be?
Deandre: What do you mean?
Carmen: Like is it going to be a regular Endurance mission?
Chelsea: I hope so. I don’t like the Samadhi… it just causes drama.
Domonique: I think it could be a super team mission. Like, the winner chooses super teams.
Cheyenne: Super teams?
Domonique: Yes, on Endurance sometimes at the final six they do super teams. So three teams versus three teams for the Temple mission.
Carmen: That would be fun. I’d like that.
Domonique: It makes me too nervous! I like to compete for myself!
Francesca: It definitely depends on who’s on your super team.
Cheyenne: I’m just glad Orange is gone so they can’t be on my super team.
*there is silence for a moment*
Jaylen: I do miss Elias, though.
Cheyenne: Yeah, but I do NOT miss Kyrina! Dang, that girl was psycho!
Domonique: C’mon, Cheyenne… you didn’t even get to know her.
Cheyenne: How was I supposed to ‘get to know her’ if she was always yelling at people all the time?
Domonique: She’s just…
Cheyenne: She’s just what? Troubled? Misunderstood? C’mon, Domonique. Open your eyes. The girl was crazy and she was not a good person.
Domonique: I’m done with this. I’m done. *an awkward silence settles as she gets up and walks out of the hut*
--
Domonique (Confessional): “HELLO, Cheyenne… Like, I know everyone didn’t get along with Kyrina but she was still, like, my friend. If you sit there and make fun of her in front of my face then I’m going to be offended and probably tell you something! Cheyenne used to be, like, nice, but now she’s just rude.”
--
JD Roth runs up to the huts. As he does, he calls out to the contestants.
JD: Hey guys, c’mon out!
The contestants file out and have a seat on either side of him.
JD: Hey everybody. First of all, Chris, what’s that on your hand?
Chris: It’s the prize I won from trying to do some stunts. *laughs*
JD: Be careful, man. It wouldn’t be fun if you had to leave Argentina early.
Chris: I will be. I still wanna win.
JD: Good. Now, as we know, we said goodbye to the Orange team last night. They left behind their two pieces, as well as a note. Domonique, would you like to read their letter?
Domonique: Yeah!
JD hands the letter to Domonique and she begins to read it aloud.

Dear Final Six,

We had a great time playing with you all. We made good friends but there was also a lot of drama, but we still had fun. But we’re not going to go easy on this letter. We went out, so we’re going out with a bang (Kyrina’s idea).

First of all, Blue team, you are really fake. Carmen needs an attitude adjustment and Deandre, just because you play quarterback doesn’t mean you run the show here. Same goes for Purple. You two think you’re going to run the beach but hopefully you are sadly mistaken. Green team, you guys are good people but if you continue to hang out with Blue and Purple then karma will bite you all in the butt.

Yellow and Gray, you guys are great. You play under the radar but we have faith that you can make it all the way. Stay loyal to each other and to the Red team.

Lastly, Red team, you were our best friends here. Jaylen and Elias had so much to talk about and Domonique was always there for Kyrina. You had to overcome a lot to get this far and deserve to be here. That’s why the Red team will be getting both of our pieces.

Troubled team forever,
Kyrina and Elias

JD: Well, that was certainly an interesting letter! Deandre, what did you think about what Orange said?
Deandre: They can run their mouths all they want. I’m here, and they’re back home.
JD: There was definitely some food for thought in that letter. One thing is clear, though, Red team - you now have a commanding lead. You have three pyramid pieces, while everyone else only has one.
Domonique: Yay! *does a little dance*
JD: Today, you guys will be competing in your second Endurance mission. There’s a lot at stake today, because you guys will be playing for not one, but TWO pyramid pieces.
*everyone gasps*
JD: And that’s not all. I’ll tell you guys more when we get to the mission. For now, Red team, go hang up your pieces. See you guys later.
*JD gets up and jogs out*

The scene changes to the Red team hanging up the Strength and Luck pieces on their pyramid pole as several contestants voice over.
--
Jaylen: “I was a little surprised that Orange gave us both of their pieces, but I’m really happy. It makes me want to win even more because now we have a piece of our friends with us.”

Carmen: “Orange team’s letter was pretty mean, but like I didn’t really care. They can say whatever they want, but we all know that Kyrina wasn’t right in the head. I’m not worried about it.”

Chris: “JD said today we’d be competing for two pieces. That just gets me so stoked. I don’t care what my hand looks like. Heck, you could cut off my arm and I’ll still try my hardest to win. I want those pieces.”
--
Ray is shown standing near the huts, talking to Cheyenne
Ray: We gotta talk, Cheyenne.
Cheyenne: What’s up?
--
Ray: “I really have to talk to my partner Cheyenne. At first she was all nice and friendly with everybody but lately she’s been going a little cuckoo. And people have started calling her ‘Kyrina 2.0’. I don’t want her to mess up my game.”
--
Ray: So, like… I’m trying to say this nicely… you need to chill.
Cheyenne: Uh, what?
Ray: People are starting to be a little mad at you. Or annoyed.
Cheyenne: What are you talking about?
Ray: Well first, like when you were upset and were hitting the huts, that was a little weird but whatever. But the past couple of days, you’ve been having a big attitude with people, and I just don’t want people to send us to Temple because of it.
Cheyenne: So they’re annoyed at me but they can get over Kyrina?
Ray: Well, uh… that’s thing. Some people have started calling you ‘Kyrina 2.0’.
Cheyenne: What?! Are you serious?! Who?!
Ray: Doesn’t matter. Just please promise me to tone it down.
Cheyenne: Sure, whatever.
Cheyenne walks off, leaving Ray looking a little worried.

...and Cheyenne immediately walks into the Girls’ hut.
Cheyenne: Okay, who here has been calling me ‘Kyrina 2.0’?! Because that is not cool!
*silence*
Cheyenne: *sarcastically* Okay, really? And this rumor just came out of thin air?
Chelsea: If the shoe fits...
*Rosemary tries to stifle a laugh*
Cheyenne: Don’t start with me, Chelsea, because you will regret it! And I see you too, Rosemary! Yellow and Gray are done! *storms off*
--
Cheyenne (Confessional): “I am a thousand times - no, a million times nicer than Kyrina and for people to even say that about me makes me upset and mad!”

Chelsea: “I really don’t like to get into confrontation, but Cheyenne just had it coming. She’s acting even worse than Kyrina, really.”
--
The cast is shown walking out into a mission area. In the middle of a lagoon, there are six rows of three platforms that are about eight feet high, and about eight feet from each other. In between each platform is a rope.
JD: Hello, everybody, welcome to your second Endurance mission! This one is called Swing On Over. For this mission, you’re going to be swinging from platform to platform in order to gather all of your flags. If you look out over the water, each team has three platforms that are in a row, all of them with a rope between them. There are five team colored flags on each of the outer platforms. On my go, one partner at a time will swing out to an outer platform, grab a flag, and swing back to the center platform where you will plant that flag. Then, the other partner will swing out to the other platform, and do the same thing. It’s pretty simple: be the first team to plant all ten flags on the center platform, and you win. Sounds easy, right?
Some of the kids nod and say, “Yeah”.
JD: Just one more thing. *smiles*
Carmen: Oh no, JD!
JD: Today, we will NOT be playing for a Samadhi.
*Domonique shoots a pointed glance at Jaylen*
JD: We will be playing for the power to divide this game into half.
Domonique: I knew it!
JD: Your next Temple mission will be played in two super teams, three teams versus three teams. The winner of this mission will not only be earning the Courage and Leadership pyramid pieces, but you will have the power to form the two super teams. A lot at stake here today. Let’s get you guys ready.

The scene changes, and everyone is in place on their center platform, ready to go.
Rosemary: Oh, I’m scared! What if we fall?
Chris: If you fall, just climb right back up.
Chad: *yelling across the platforms* Chris, how are you gonna do this?! You only have one hand!
Chris: We’re about to find out!
*a couple people laugh*
JD: Alright, ready… on your marks… get set… go!

*The first people swing out to the platform. There seems to be a learning curve, as not everyone is successful. Francesca and Chelsea don’t reach the other platform and have to try again. Jaylen clips the other platform with his foot and almost falls off, but is able to drag himself up. Chris only having one hand doesn’t seem to be a handicap, as he does a one-handed Tarzan swing and lands smoothly*
JD: The first few flags are making their way back… Blue, Purple, and Gray have taken a little bit of a lead here but it’s anyone’s game.
*Carmen and Cheyenne confidently make their way to their platform, but Rosemary is having trouble.*
Chris: Just hold onto the rope and swing. You’ll be fine.
Rosemary: *closes eyes* I’m- I’m so scared! I don’t want to fall!
Chris: You’ll be fine, Rosemary! You gotta go!
Rosemary: I- I can’t! My feet are frozen to the ground like ice!
Chris: Just, three two one. Go! Go!
Rosemary: Eeeeee! I’m sorry, Chris!
*She finally lets go and swings successfully, but by now Green and Yellow have caught up, as Purple and Blue pull ahead. Red is having their own problems. Domonique swings out, but immediately slips off the rope and falls into the water before she can make it to the next platform.*
JD: Oh, Domonique is in the water! She is going to have to climb back up the center platform and try again!
*Blue and Purple continue to be in the lead, while Rosemary’s hesitation is causing Gray to fall behind. Yellow is right behind the front runners, with Green right in the middle.*


Time elapses
JD: Blue and Purple are still neck and neck at seven flags each! Yellow and Green are right behind with six flags, and Gray has five! Meanwhile, Red is sitting at only three.
Domonique: *holding onto the rope* God, I’m so sorry Jaylen! I’m trying! *she swings out again, and again falls into the water*
Domonique: *trying to swim* Ugh!!
Jaylen: It’s okay, Dom! Keep trying!
Carmen: *swinging back with their eighth flag* Go, Deandre, GO! Your last flag!
*he swings out, just as Cheyenne returns and Ray swings out*
Chad: We’re still in this, Chelsea!
As Chelsea swings back with Yellow’s eighth flag…
Deandre: *swinging back* Number nine! LAST FLAG, CARMEN!
*she goes to swing out*
Ray: *also swinging back* Get ready, Cheyenne!
*she also swings out*
JD: It’s neck and neck right now. Carmen and Cheyenne both trying to see if they can make it back with their last flag!
*In one swift motion, one of them is able to swing back, land, and immediately plant their last flag…*

JD: Oh, that’s it! That’s it! Blue team just planted their last flag!
Carmen: Yessss!!!! Yes, yes, yes!! *jumping up and down and hugging Deandre*

Back on the ground, everyone stands in front of JD. Domonique is wrapped in a towel.
JD: That was an insane battle, from Chris swinging around with only one arm- *Chris extends a shaka sign with his good hand* - to Domonique falling in the water but still giving it her all - *Domonique smiles weakly* - to that neck and neck race at the end. But, in the end, Blue team, you’re the winners, so I’ll hand these to you.
*He extends them the Courage and Leadership pieces and they walk up and take it*
JD: And, like I mentioned, no Samadhi today. Later on, you will let me know which two super teams will be facing off against each other in the next Temple mission. You have all afternoon to decide. Thanks guys, see you later.
All: Bye, JD!
--
Blue team is shown hanging up their Courage and Leadership pieces.
Carmen: “So we won today and it was amazing. It was so close between Purple and Blue but we won. I love Purple but I wanted those pyramid pieces! And I like having the power of super teams, too.”
--
*Domonique is shown sitting by the swings talking with Jaylen*
Domonique: I’m really sorry, Jaylen… If maybe I didn’t have to, like, swim that much I would be doing better…
Jaylen: Don’t beat yourself up about it, okay? There’s gonna be missions that you’re great at.
Domonique: Yeah, swinging from ropes isn’t that fun. *she laughs*
Jaylen: I liked it. But it can be difficult.
Domonique: I’m just confused about where we stand with everyone… you know? Like, Orange in their letter said to, like… not betray Yellow and Gray. But it might be better for us if we actually took that deal and played with Blue, Purple, and Green?
Jaylen: It would probably be better for us, but we’d also be, like, selling ourselves…
Domonique: Selling ourselves to the devil. *they laugh*
Jaylen: I don’t even know Blue, Purple, and Green that well. I don’t know how we just decide to trust them like that.
Domonique: I know! And I seriously love Chad. But do you think Yellow and Gray will win missions? I want to be safe no matter who wins.
Jaylen: I think we’re just going to have to see. If Blue, Purple, and Green keep winning then we should stick with them. But if Yellow and Gray start winning then we can be with our friends.
Domonique: But what if we win?
Jaylen: Then… we figure something out.
--
Jaylen: “Red is in such a weird state right now because we’re friends with Yellow and Gray, but we kind of had to make a deal with Blue, Purple, and Green. So we basically have deals with all the teams left. It’s hard because it’s a decision of, basically, do we stay with our friends and probably get voted off sooner or do we go with who was our enemies and make it farther. We’ll have to see…”
--
*pan to girls’ hut with Carmen, Francesca, and Cheyenne*
Francesca: Good job, girl! *high fives Carmen*
Carmen: Thanks!
Francesca: Have you and Deandre talked about who the super teams are going to be?
Carmen: Uh… no, we haven’t. Not yet.
Cheyenne: I mean, it’s gonna be us three versus Yellow, Gray, and Red, right?
Carmen: I mean, probably. Because we’re the strongest teams. But I still have to talk to Deandre about it. We have to figure out, like, maybe put one of us on the other team or something so we can control it no matter who wins.
Cheyenne: No way. That’s dumb. Just put all of us on a team.
Carmen: I want to, but like I said, I have to talk to Deandre…
Cheyenne: C’mon. Get real. If he tries anything different just do it anyway.
Carmen: We do have Red to think about, as well…
Cheyenne: What?
Carmen: Remember we made an alliance with them?
Cheyenne: Oh. Right. Psh! Just put them on the other team. Do you really want to be with Red? Domonique is the worst player ever at the missions.
Carmen: Well, I know, I don’t want them on my super team, but we still did make a deal with them so I have to think about them somehow. Anyway, I’m gonna go find Deandre. I’ll talk to y’all later.
*she gets up and approaches Deandre, who is outside*

Carmen: I just want to make sure we’re, like, on the same page for these super teams.
Deandre: I’m thinking… us, Green, and Purple? There’s no way we lose with that team.
Carmen: Good. I like that too. What about Red though?
Deandre: I mean, we can just tell them there’s only three spots and that when their team loses we’ll keep them safe. It’ll be Yellow and Gray at Temple.
Carmen: You read my mind! Sounds good!

*Deandre goes up to Domonique outside of the huts after talking with Carmen. Rosemary and Chelsea watch from a bunkbed.*
Deandre: Yo, D. Just wanna keep you in the loop. What we’re probably gonna do for the super teams is have us, Purple, and Green and put y’all with Yellow and Gray. That way if we win, we just send Yellow and Gray so y’all are safe.
Domonique: Oh… okay. What if we win though?
Deandre: Uh… It’s just, like, I think we’re probably gonna win. We just set it up that way so that we’re able to send both Yellow and Gray.
Domonique: Okay…. Thanks for letting me know.
Deandre: You got it.

Rosemary: I wonder why Deandre is talking to Domonique. And he’s kinda whispering.
*Chelsea nods*
Rosemary: Do you think he’s… scheming? That’s kind of scheming behavior.
Chelsea: He’s probably scheming.
Rosemary: I knew it!
Chelsea: *sighs* I just wish Blue didn’t win. I don’t like how this is looking.
Rosemary: The superteams, you mean?
Chelsea: *nods* We’re probably going to be on a team with Gray and Red. And that means we’re just going to need to win. No other way to put it.
Rosemary: We do need to win.
Chelsea: It’s gonna be… an interesting mission.
--
Chelsea: “I would be surprised if Blue team put anyone besides Purple and Green on their superteam. To me, that isn’t the most strategic decision, but it’s the one they’re probably going to make, just based on friendship and alliances. That basically means we’re in trouble if we don’t win the Temple mission.”
--
*Domonique immediately goes to find Jaylen after her conversation with Deandre*
Domonique: Jaylen! Let’s talk.
Jaylen: What’s up?
Domonique: So Deandre just told me about the superteams… Basically, they’re gonna put us with Yellow and Gray. So that if they win they just send up Yellow and Gray.
Jaylen: Hm.
Domonique: Yeah.
Jaylen: Um…
Domonique: Yeah…
Jaylen: I don’t like it. It feels shady.
Domonique: Definitely.
Jaylen: Just something about it is fishy. How they’re so quick to put themselves on a team and leave us out.
Domonique: Right!
Jaylen: Well… we’ll see how this goes, I guess.
*Domonique nods*

The scene changes to the teams filing into the Clearing as JD waits for them.
JD: Hey, everyone! Come in and grab a seat. As you guys know, Blue team won the Endurance mission today. How was that, Deandre?
Deandre: Oh, I felt good! I knew coming into this I’d be winning stuff so it’s just, like, awesome.
JD: And you guys earned two pieces and some big power in the game.
Carmen: Deandre just likes winning. *laughs* But I was so happy to get two of the pyramid pieces and we really needed to get the power of superteams.
JD: On one hand, we have Blue who did great at today’s mission. We come over to Red team and… they didn’t do so well. Domonique, how was that?
Domonique: Frustrating, JD! Like I just could not hold onto that rope. Seriously, I’m like, how did everyone else do it! Every time I swang it just slipped out my hands!
Jaylen: It was frustrating for Red to lose, but to me, it’s not that big of a deal because there will be a mission in the future that we’re good at. So people just underestimate us.
JD: Are there any other teams that feel underestimated?
*Chad and Chelsea raise their hands*
JD: Both members of the Yellow team!
Chad: People kind of forget about the Yellow team. We are a good team and we are capable of winning.
Chelsea: I think that if Chad and I had better teamwork… we’d be one of the best teams here.
JD: So, Chelsea, you’re saying that you don’t feel like Yellow has the best teamwork during the missions?
Chelsea: Yes. Exactly.
Chad: I mean… I do kind of see what she’s saying. I do get wrapped up in my friends out here and don’t really talk to her that much. I think in the future I’ll work on getting along with her more, because sometimes our teamwork isn’t that good.
JD: Sounds like a good plan, Chad. Well, back to the Blue team. You guys had a really important decision to make today. You are essentially dividing the teams in half for the next Temple mission. Three teams on one superteam, and three teams on the other. Have you made your decision about the teams?
Deandre: We have, JD.
JD: Alright, tell us who is on the first superteam.
Deandre: On the first superteam, it will be ourselves, the Purple team, and the Green team.
*Chelsea nods and Jaylen frowns. However, Purple and Green have big smiles.*
JD: Alright. Purple and Green, why don’t you join Blue over here.
*The teens shuffle around until Purple, Green, and Blue are on one side of the Clearing, while the other teams are on the other.*
JD: Okay. So on one hand we have Blue team, Purple team, and Green team. Meaning that on the other superteam, it’s Red team, Yellow team, and Gray team. These are your superteams for tomorrow’s Temple mission. For now, head back to the huts and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be the last day here for one of you teams. Good night.
--
Chelsea: “In a way I think that Blue screwed themselves over because if their team loses, someone from their alliance is going home for sure. Strategically I don’t think it was the smartest move.”

Eric: “I love the superteams. I’m with my friends, and there’s no weak links on our team. I think we’re going to rock out the next Temple mission.”

Jaylen: “Things… are about to get really interesting.”
--
NEXT TIME ON ENDURANCE
One person places friendship over the game, causing others’ strategy to be in jeopardy.
A budding romance causes jealousy.
And the two super teams battle it out to see which friends face off at the Temple of Fate.
--
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

I'm really sorry for the wait everyone! I kind of rushed everything from the mission onward because I just REALLY wanted to get another episode up, so sorry if it's awkward or isn't up to par...

I'd love to hear any constructive criticism! What you want to see more of, what you think I could do better, if I'm doing something too much, etc.
And of course I looove hearing thoughts about the story and the characters!

[kwdrewfan]

Suddenly I am like, SUPER HARDCORE pulling for Red & Yellow even though Dom kinda sucks in challenges... but Jaylen is my bby and I love what Chad said about getting to know his partner - hopefully he follows through. It was really good of him to recognize his faults and (seemingly) be willing to improve.

I NEED AN E4 SUPERTEAM TWIST RN where the underdog team kills it... like pls Bryan give me this lolol. I loved the Dramatic phrasing of Cheyenne being all "Open your eyes. She was crazy" OPEN YA EYES, FOOL

And this right here

Domonique (Confessional): “HELLO, Cheyenne… Like, I know everyone didn’t get along with Kyrina but she was still, like, my friend. If you sit there and make fun of her in front of my face then I’m going to be offended and probably tell you something! Cheyenne used to be, like, nice, but now she’s just rude.”

...is one of the most genuinely 14-year-old sounding sentences to ever pass my eyeballs. You're WEIRDLY amazing at capturing youthful voices / ways of speaking! But not in a bad/creepy way aha, I LOVE the believability it adds to this story!

I'm sorry, I honestly have no constructive criticism or else I would offer it!! This story is super realistic and makes me feel like I'm watching an actual season of Endurance. Only thing I would say is stop discriminating against my favorite teams LMAO, LET THEM THRIVEEE!

[crystalclearhawaii]

This made me feel like I was watching Endurance all over again! 

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Okay, guys. My laptop died (AGAIN) so I haven't had time to consistently write. But I wanted to get a new episode up so I've been in the library for 2 hours working on finishing up this episode! Without further adieu...

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Episode Six

Chris: “Yesterday, the blue team got the power of superteams, and they basically went - *makes a knife splitting sound as he imitates a knife cutting* - and split the huts in two. It’s their alliance on one side versus our alliance on the other. It all comes down to who wins the next Temple mission.”
--
Domonique and Chad are sitting by the lake chatting.
Domonique: Yesterday was so, like, interesting.
Chad: Yeah. Like at the meeting, I didn’t expect Chelsea to call me out like that.
Domonique: I mean, it’s true! You need to work with her so you guys can stay here with me.
Chad: I know, I know. I talked to her a little last night. I think things will be good, as long as we don’t go to Temple again.
Domonique: Oh my God, I know. *covers her face with her hands* We HAVE to win.
Chad: Yeah. Blue basically split the teams into their friendships. So either way friends are going against each other at Temple.
Domonique: Dude, I got something to tell you. You can’t tell anyone, but… Okay, I really shouldn’t be saying this but you’re my best friend. But when Green team won the first Temple mission, basically Blue, Green, and Purple came to me and Jaylen and said, we want to make a deal with y’all. To basically join their alliance, and they’d protect us until final four.
Chad: ...Wow. Wooooow.
Domonique: I know. And we both want to be in the final four, but we’re both like… don’t want to betray our friends.
Chad: Did y’all do it?
Domonique: We didn’t say yes but we didn’t say no. Well, I think we actually did say yes, but in our minds we knew we had to make a decision. And when they put the superteams like they did, it kind of made things clear that they don’t care about us as much. You know I never would have sent you to Temple any way. Oh, and don’t tell Jaylen because he’d kill me if he knew I told anyone.
Chad: It’s just crazy the things that people will do to try to manipulate the game.
Domonique: I know! Everything is just so… ugh! Crazy!
--
Over by the huts, most of the rest of the cast is playing a makeshift game of soccer with a coconut. Chelsea and Rosemary aren’t participating.
--
Rosemary: How are things with you and Chad? Did you guys talk?
Chelsea: A little. He said he’d work on listening to me more and hearing my opinion. I think he finally realizes he has to work with his partner to win. How’s your partner?
They’re both silent for a moment as they watch Chris maneuver the ball with a masculine bravado and finish his play by shooting the ball into the goal with a dramatic slide in the mud.
Rosemary: ...Same old!
Chelsea: *chuckling* Always a show off.
Rosemary is silent for a moment and Chelsea follows her gaze to where Cheyenne and Eric are wrestling in the mud.
Chelsea: What’s up with that?
Rosemary: They’ve been talking a lot lately. I notice. And then, last night… she snuck into the boys’ cabin and gave him a necklace she made.
Chelsea: How do you even know that?
Rosemary: Jaylen told me. He saw her.
Chelsea: Oh.
Rosemary: Chelsea, he likes her!
Chelsea: *shrugs* Maybe he does.
Rosemary: Green and Purple don’t even really go together!
Chelsea: Well, Rosemary… I know it’s hard to see them flirting and stuff, but if they like to hang out then that’s good for them. All you can do is be happy for him that he found a girl he likes. And you can wish it was you, but don’t let it get you down. You have to focus on the game anyway.
Rosemary: I guess. I just… I wish he would come talk to me, okay!
She pouts a little and stares at them.
--
Chelsea: “Rosemary really likes Eric but he is definitely flirting a lot with Cheyenne… I had to, like, give her advice about it which is funny because I’ve never even been in a relationship. *laughs a little* But I really just need her to focus on the game and not let this crush get in her way.”

Rosemary (Confessional): “I do really like Eric! He is so handsome. He is from Washington D.C. which is really cool because I want to go there and see the White House. Oh, and also! He’s taking driver’s ed soon. Which is SO COOL.”

Eric and Cheyenne (Confessional): “So I’m with Eric…”
“And I’m with Cheyenne…”
“It’s confessional time?”
“Oh yeah!”
“So, Eric, what do you want to confess?”
“I confess… that Cheyenne has the smelliest feet out of everyone here”
“Shut up!”
*she playfully slaps him and they laugh*
--
The Red, Gray, and Yellow teams are shown standing around in an open field.
Domonique: Okay everyone… TEAM BONDING!
Jaylen: We’re doing team bonding!
Domonique: We have to win the mission so we have to be a team!
Jaylen: We’re gonna be doing yoga together.
Rosemary: Has… has anyone done yoga before?
*silence for a moment*
Chad: I’ve actually done it before with my mom…
Jaylen: Okay, Chad, you’re in charge.
Chad: Okay, um… so… first pose, I guess, is the downward dog… so like, get on your hands and knees.
*they start to comply*
Chad: Oh wait. Not hands on knees. Hands and feet. Ah, shoot… just follow me!
Chris: Yo, maybe we should’ve done something that one of us actually knows how to do!
*everyone laughs*
--
Jaylen: “Our super team did some bonding today because we thought it was important for everyone to be on the same page for the mission. Let’s just say that if the mission is yoga poses, none of us are gonna win, but it was fun and we’re all in good spirits and ready to work together.”
--
The six teams are shown walking out to a large, open field. In the middle of the field are two ruins-style temples that are about 20 feet tall. JD stands in front of them, waiting for the teens.
JD: Hey everyone, welcome to your second temple mission here in Argentina! I bet you guys are wondering what these temples behind me are.
Cheyenne: Uh, yeah!
JD: Well, first, let’s split up into our super teams. Can I have Blue, Green, and Purple stand to my left, and Red, Yellow, and Gray stand to my right.
The teams shuffle around.
JD: Today’s mission is called ‘Road to Ruins’. Together, you and your superteam will completely take apart one of those ancient Argentinian temples behind me… and rebuild it exactly how it’s currently set up. If you notice, next to each temple there is a large square in the grass. You’ll need to disassemble each temple piece by piece, and reassemble all the pieces, exactly how they are, in that square. The first superteam to achieve this will win this mission. All three teams will be safe, and the winning superteam will decide which two teams on the losing superteam to go to the Temple of Fate. Lots at stake today. Any questions before we get started?
Everyone shakes their head.
JD: I’ll give you three minutes to talk out a strategy, and then we’ll begin.
The camera pans to the Blue, Purple, and Green superteam.
Carmen: Okay, so we need to have a strategy. This is what I’m thinking. Each girl takes a different tier and we memorize how to fit all the pieces together. And then their partner moves all the pieces where we tell them to.
Francesca: That means whoever does the top has to have a good memory, because we take it down first but put it up last.
Carmen: Yes, exactly! Is everyone good with this plan?
Deandre: Yep.
Eric: Totally.
Ray: Girls are the brain, guys are the brawn… got it.

The camera then moves over to the Red, Yellow, and Gray superteam.
Chris: So… ideas?
Chad: I’m thinking we, like, take the pieces apart one by one but keep them together so that we can just put them all right back on in the right place after?
Domonique: We just have to be careful that we know how to rebuild it.
Chad: Yeah so, like, everyone just makes sure they’re putting it in their head how the pieces go together. It’s like a puzzle.
Rosemary: So we don’t have… just one person whose job it is to learn the puzzle? I think that might work better…
Chris: That’s a lot of pieces though. And some of them look big and heavy. We’re gonna need everyone to help move them.
*Rosemary bites her lip but nods*

JD: Alright, everyone. Let’s get in position. On your marks, get set… go!
It’s a frenzy as everyone rushes up to their temples and begins calling out to each other.
Carmen: Okay, Deandre and I have the top level! Deandre, grab that piece and put it over there next to Ray.
Deandre: You got it, boss.
Using only one guy to move pieces at a time, it’s slow going and the BGP superteam starts to fall behind. Meanwhile…

Chad: Okay, this piece has to go with the one that Jaylen is carrying, let’s go put it down over there next to that other one!
Rosemary: Wait, they go next to the one by Chelsea.
Chad: Oh, I see, yeah!
Domonique: I need help with my piece!
Chris: I’m coming Dom. *he sets down his piece and rushes back to help her pick up a bigger piece. Despite his arm still being bandaged, it doesn’t seem to slow him down*
With more people moving pieces, the RYG superteam is getting their temple disassembled much more quickly.

JD: It looks like we have two different strategies developing! Blue, Green, and Purple are taking a more slow, methodical approach while Red, Yellow, and Gray are moving more quickly but less organized. Which strategy is going to win?

Blue has finished the top level and Purple has started working on the middle level.
Cheyenne: Okay, Ray, put that piece next to that one. No, wait, on the other side of that one.
Ray: *huffs* It’s- heavy, Cheyenne!
Cheyenne: I know! Just put it where I say!
*Ray shoots her a look as he puts the large piece down*
Cheyenne: Sorry. Okay, hustle hustle! Next piece!

RYG almost has their entire temple disassembled at this point. They are working on the bottom level.
Chris: Go, go, go, hustle everyone!
Domonique: All the pieces on the bottom are so heavy!
Chad: You can do it, Dom, just push through.
Rosemary: For bottom level just move all the pieces exactly how they are over to inside the square!

JD: Red, Yellow, and Gray definitely have a strong lead right now! They’ve begun building their temple! Green has just started on disassembling the bottom level for their superteam.
Eric: Don’t worry about them, Francesca. Just focus on us. Focus on where all the pieces go.
Francesca: *nods* Right. Okay… you and Deandre grab that corner piece and put it in the square.

Domonique: *helps Chad put a piece down* The bottom level is done!! The bottom level is done, let’s start the middle!
Rosemary: No it’s not! We left a piece next to that pile over there. It goes right on the side.
*Chris runs and grabs the stray piece*
Chelsea: Where do we start building the middle level?
Chris: Just start grabbing pieces and putting them on!
Chelsea: Wait! We have to figure out where they fit in so it’s exactly like it was!

JD: Red, Yellow, and Gray are still in the lead! They’ve started to slow down as they try to figure out exactly how to build this temple back up. There’s lots of pieces and the trick to this mission is remembering how they all fit together.
Domonique: Rosemary, do you know if this goes standing up or on its side?
Rosemary: I… I don’t remember seeing that piece.
Domonique: HEY EVERYONE! EVERYONE! DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW THIS PIECE GOES?!
Chad: Just put it on however it fits and keep going! If it doesn’t fit we’ll figure it out!

Francesca: Okay, and then if you guys put that piece there, then the whole bottom level will be done.
Eric: Good job, Francesca! That’s my partner! *he and Deandre put the last piece on the bottom level*
Cheyenne: Okay, Ray, let’s go! Middle level!
*Ray runs out and starts to pick up pieces at Cheyenne’s direction*

JD: Blue, Green, and Purple are starting to gain some ground. They kept their pieces organized and know exactly where everything goes! Meanwhile, Red, Yellow, and Gray are slowing down a little bit!
Jaylen: Who put this piece like this? It doesn’t go like this.
Chelsea: Jaylen this isn’t working!
Jaylen: What?
Chelsea: We’re not organized. We’re not on the same page.
Jaylen: Chelsea what do you want to do? We can’t have a powwow in the middle of the mission.
Chelsea: Well, I don’t know, but we’re just throwing pieces on and they’re not in the right spot!
Jaylen: If you see something wrong then fix it!
Rosemary: *yelling in the distance* Does anyone have the long thin piece that’s shaped like an L?!

Cheyenne: C’mon, Ray, you’re doing so good. So good!
Ray: Which one now?
Cheyenne: The one by your left foot. That one goes directly next to the one you just put down. No, a little to the left. Perfect!
Carmen: Good job! Keep it moving!

JD: Things are VERY close right now! Both superteams working really hard!
Cheyenne: Two more pieces, Ray! Then you’re done! Put that one on top!
*Ray is sweating and breathing heavily but still moving the pieces into place quickly under Cheyenne’s guidance*

Chris: Almost done the middle level! C’mon!!
Domonique: *puts down a piece on the side* Is that it? Are we done with the middle? Are all the pieces left the top pieces?
Chad: No, we’re missing a couple pieces on the back right here.
Rosemary: All the pieces left are just in one big pile…
Jaylen: Ugh, who just put those all together?!

JD: It looks like the superteam of Red, Yellow, and Gray has hit a snag! They cannot find the last pieces for their middle level!
Chris: Just start building the top! We’re gonna find the pieces eventually, just start putting the top level on where you can!
Chelsea: It’s gonna fall over if we do that.
Chris: No it isn’t, we got this!

Carmen: OKAY, DEANDRE, LET’S GO!
Ray: Deandre! Carry two pieces at once!
*Deandre picks up another piece and puts it in his arms*
Carmen: That’s my partner!! Quarterback, baby!!

JD: Blue team is building the top level right now and they look very confident! Red, Yellow, and Gray are still fighting though! It’s very close!
Carmen: Deandre, listen. Take that column and stack it up on the left side. Then do the same thing on the right with that other column. And then that long piece goes on top.
Deandre: Got it, chief!

Domonique: *holding up part of the roof of the temple* Okay, we need to get those pieces for the middle level!
Chelsea: I don’t think anyone’s found them yet.
Chris: Ugh, I don’t know where this piece goes!
Domonique: Wait, Chris! That goes right here! In the middle!

Carmen: Keep going, Deandre!
*Deandre wipes away sweat as he hauls a larger piece over to the nearly-finished temple*

Rosemary: There needs to be a column right here. Does anyone have a column?
*No one answers*
Rosemary: I need a column! A column goes here!
DOMONIQUE: ROSE NEEDS A COLUMN! WHO HAS A COLUMN?!
Jaylen: I got a column but it goes on the back side!
Rosemary: There’s a column that goes right here!
Jaylen: I don’t think there was a column right there?
Rosemary: Trust me, there was!
Jaylen: We only have like five pieces left! There’s no column there!

Both superteams keep working for another couple minutes, until…

Carmen: Right on top, right on top!!
*Deandre places a piece right on the top of the temple*
Blue, Green, and Purple: JD, WE’RE DONE! WE’RE DONE!
Francesca: Is it right?!
JD: Well, guys, I have to tell you… this temple is right. Congratulations, Blue, Green, and Purple, you guys just won this superteam mission!
*All three teams hug and jump up and down in celebration. Red, Yellow, and Gray look despondent.*
JD: All three teams on the winning superteam are safe from the Temple of Fate and get to choose which two teams from the losing superteam will go to Temple. Red, Yellow, Gray… good effort, but it wasn’t enough. Two of you will be heading to Temple tonight. I don’t need your decision right now; I’ll catch up with you guys later. Good job everyone.
--
Chelsea: “The mission was basically to take apart this Argentinian temple and put it back together exactly how it was. A giant puzzle, essentially. Blue, Green, and Purple won because they were organized and had a strategy. I kept telling my superteam we needed to get organized, but… nobody listened, and we lost.”

Chris (Confessional): “Ugh… I’m so freaking mad! It’s just lose lose lose lose lose. I wanna just win something!”
---
Blue, Purple, and Green are hanging out and talking about their victory.
Carmen: Good job today everyone. We dominated!
Ray: Yeah that was such a good mission. They didn’t stand a chance. Good strategy guys.
Eric: So my thing is, who’s going to Temple?
Cheyenne: Obviously we have to send yellow and gray. Chris and Chad are strong.
Deandre: Yup, I’m on board with that. Everyone agree?
Francesca: Um-....
Cheyenne: What?
Francesca: I mean… it’s already hard for them because they lost. I don’t want to send best friends up to Temple together… so no Chris and Chad, Rosemary and Chelsea, Domonique and Chad…
Cheyenne: I mean, it’s a GAME. It’s nice that they’re friends but we have to do what’s best for the game.
Francesca: I just… I don’t know. To me it’s not right to send best friends against each other.
Carmen: So you’re saying that basically we should send gray and red?
Francesca: Um… Yeah I guess. If that’s the only way it works out.
Cheyenne: That doesn’t even make sense though. Because we made that deal with red.
Francesca: But, I mean… how far is that deal gonna go? Next Temple mission there’s only five teams and if we win, we’ll have to send red anyway…
Deandre: Look, Franny, it’s nice that you’re being sweet but we have to play smart if we want to win.
--
Francesca: “Blue, Green, and Purple were talking about who we want to send to Temple… and I just really don’t want to send best friends against each other. That’s just one thing I don’t want. But I felt like no one was listening to me… I love my partner and I like my alliance but they just wanted to make their own decision. I do feel a little bit on the outskirts with them now.”
--
Later, Francesca and Eric are chilling by themselves in the boys’ cabin.
Francesca: Eric…
Eric: Yeah?
Francesca: I really don’t want to send gray and yellow together.
Eric: Yeah. I know. I know…
Francesca: It’s not right. It may be smart but it’s not right. I don’t want us to play that way.
Eric: I know. I know. It’s hard when we’re dealing with such big strategy players. They want it to be such a… game of chess, ya know?
Francesca: It just sucks. Having to kick people off.
Eric: It does. I’m going to talk to Cheyenne, okay? And maybe change everyone’s minds.
Francesca: Thanks. I appreciate that.
Eric: No probs, partner.

As some players talk strategy, Domonique and Chad are in their usual spot sitting by the lake.
Domonique: I’m so upset, dude. Like, I can’t even talk about it.
Chad: I mean, don’t worry about it. Whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen and we can’t control it. That’s just the part that sucks.
Domonique: Dude, like, we worked so hard though! When are we gonna get a break? At least one of us is going to Temple! Oh God, I can’t even! *covers her face with her hands*
Chad: Dom, calm down. It’s okay. Hopefully we both come back.
Domonique: Yeah, but I don’t want Gray to go either!
Chad: Yeah… me neither.
Domonique: Ugh!
--
Jaylen: “The Red, Yellow, and Gray teams haven’t really been doing anything today except… really, well, we’ve only been moping around and being sad. We know that no matter what one of us is going home, which just sucks.”

Chad: “No matter what the decision is, it’s gonna be hard. Especially for me. If Red goes home, I lose Dom. If Gray goes home, I lose Chris. And if Yellow goes home, then I have to go back to the real world. There’s no happy outcome to this Temple decision.”
--
The teams are shown filtering into the clearing and taking seats, where JD Roth waits for them.
JD: Hey everybody. I just wanna point something out here - as you guys walk up, I can’t help but notice that Blue, Purple, and Green have big smiles on their faces whereas Red, Yellow, and Gray couldn’t look more down.
Jaylen: Well, we’re probably going to Temple, JD.
JD: I suppose that won’t make anyone smile. Let’s talk about the mission today. Rosemary, your superteam seemed to start off great but in the end you guys just couldn’t pull it out. What do you think happened?
Rosemary: It was chaos! We wanted to do it fast but we didn’t do it accurate. So people were just taking the pieces and putting them wherever. The other superteam definitely kicked our hineys.
JD: So basically, Green, Blue, and Purple had the better communication. Ray, what do you think?
Ray: Yeah. We picked a strategy that worked and stuck with it.
JD: And do you think being friends has helped you guys in the game?
Ray: Oh yeah. I mean, these three teams just bonded right away and we’re also probably the strongest teams here. So having that friendship helps a lot because we can talk about strategy in the game and also work well together.
JD: Francesca, what’s your take? Is this an alliance?
Francesca: I mean… I guess you could say that. We don’t want to vote each other off. But even though we are friends, we don’t always see eye to eye.
JD: And what does that mean?
Francesca: It’s just… hard for six people to come together and make one solid decision that everyone’s happy with.
JD: Are you talking about who to send to Temple?
*Francesca nods*
JD: And with that, I have to ask you guys… Carmen, which two teams has your superteam decided to send to the Temple of Fate?
Carmen: Well, JD… It was a hard decision. You have to think about strategy and what’s going to be the best in the long run… but also about the people you’ve been spending your time with out here. We changed our minds a million times but we decided to send…. the Red team, and the Gray team. Sorry guys.
JD: Alright, Red team, Gray team, tonight you guys will have to pack your bags and take the long journey to the Temple of Fate, where only one team will return. Say your goodbyes, we leave at sunset. I’ll see you then.
*The smiles have left everyone’s faces and everyone looks somber.*
--
Jaylen: “Well, the superteam chose to send us up against Gray. So much for that alliance or whatever they promised.”

Ray: "We did argue a lot on who to send to Temple, but at the end of the day Eric and Francesca wanted red and gray, and it does seem like the fairer thing to do. Blue and Purple just decided to compromise and let them make the decision."

Domonique: “Being sent to Temple totally makes me want to CRY! Actually I did already cry. But I want to cry more. At least Chad is safe, though. I’m just gonna, like, try to make the most of the afternoon here cause it could be my last.”
--
Later, back at the cabins, some of the boys are at the entrance of the girls’ cabin, as a few girls block their way in.
Deandre: C’mon, let me in! I just wanna know what y’all are talking about!!
Francesca tries to close the door on him as she retorts.
Francesca: We are having GIRL TALK! No boys allowed!
Ray: It’s not very nice of you to exclude your partners like this!
Cheyenne: It’s called GIRL TALK for a reason, bye bye boys!
Working together, Francesca and Cheyenne slam the door on the boys. They laugh and high five.
Ray: *laughs* ‘Girl talk’... I wanna know what they’re talking about!
Deandre: Dude. They gotta be talking about us, ya know.
They walk away laughing, and the scene shifts to inside the girls’ hut.
Francesca: Okay, the plague of the boys has been lifted! We can finally get down to business!
Domonique: Okay, so, like, let’s all take turns and say which boy is cutest. You start, Francesca.
Francesca: No, you start Dom!
Domonique: Okay, duh, Chad is the most attractive but that’s MY best friend so none of y’all can have him. Okay but the cutest is definitely Deandre.
Carmen: You just like his muscles. I mean, hey, I’m not complaining about being his partner!
Francesca: Carmen, your turn!
Carmen: Oh, definitely Chris. For sure.
Francesca: Rosemary, what about you?
Rosemary: *blushes* Um… uh- I…
Domonique: Awww, Rose, do you have a crush?! Oh my God, you, like, HAVE to tell us. Girl code, we don’t tell anyone.
Rosemary: *blushes even more and mumbles* Eric.
Cheyenne: Oh my God.
Rosemary: Oh my God!
Domonique: Awww that’s so cute!
--
Cheyenne: “I kinda feel bad because Rosemary said she has a crush on Eric *laughs* and I’ve been hanging out with him all the time and we both just kinda sent her to Temple. Oh well.”
--
Back in the boys’ hut
Chad: Dude, Chris. I really don’t want you to go, bro.
Chris: Dude, I know. It sucks it’s gotta be like this.
Chad: I don’t know what I’m gonna do if I don’t have you here to make a fool of yourself all the time.
Chris: You’ll have to pick up the fooling slack.
Chad: Here, take my yellow bandana. Wear it on your wrist. I’m giving one to Dom too. It’s good luck.
Chris: How are you gonna give me good luck and her good luck too? ...Nah I’m playing. It sucks either way for you.
--
Chris: “Chad and I, we do have a really good bond. We’re just two dudes who like to hang out and be dudes together. If I left tonight, it would be hardest to say bye to him.”
--
Similarly, back in the girls hut…
Rosemary: Okay, I guess I should keep packing…
Chelsea: Here, I’ll help you.
Rosemary: *lowers her voice* I can’t believe I just admitted I have a crush on Eric!
Chelsea: *smiles* I’m so proud of you! You’ve been so brave.
Rosemary: *suddenly gets sad* I don’t want to leave.
Chelsea: Aw, Rose… I don’t want you to leave either. I want us to be in the final two together.
--
Chelsea: “Rosemary really is like my little sister. Even though she’s the youngest here she’s hanging in there with everyone. I really don’t want to think about her going home.”
--
Everyone is saying their goodbyes now, as Rosemary, Chris, Domonique, and Jaylen gather their pieces from the piece poles and start the trek up to the Temple of Fate. Shots of them walking through the Argentinian rainforest are interspersed with snippets of interviews.
--
Rosemary: “Coming here I was so nervous but I actually love it. I love Endurance and don’t want to leave. The Temple of Fate is too scary.”

Domonique: “I’m wearing this yellow bandana for Chad! He survived Temple so I can too. Endurance is, like, a dream come true. And I wanna keep dreaming, baby!”

Chris: “I’m not ready to go yet. I’m really not. I still have missions to win, memories to make, revenge to get… it’s not Gray team’s time.”

Jaylen: “If I go home, well, it will have been one heck of an experience. But if I come back, I’m being very careful about who I trust. People will lie to your face and being sent to Temple is making me realize that. I just have to trust in myself and Domonique and hope that’s enough to keep us here.”
--
Red and Gray arrive at the Temple of Fate and take their place on opposite sides.
JD: Red team, Gray team, welcome to the Temple of Fate. I know that none of you guys wanted to be here tonight, but unfortunately only one team will return. In front of you there are three cauldrons. One contains fire, one contains water, and the other contains wood. Your goal is to outsmart your opponent by choosing the dominant element. You’ll write down your choice on a piece of bamboo and hand it to me, and then I’ll drop it into the burning cauldron. Remember, wood floats on water, water puts out the fire, and fire burns the wood. Whichever team can outsmart their opponent two times will be the team that returns back to the huts. The other team will leave Argentina forever. Everyone ready?
*they nod*
JD: Go ahead and pick up your first rock.
Domonique: (whispering) I wanna do… water.
Jaylen: (whispering) It’s up to you, girl. Whatever you think is best.
*Domonique is shown writing the word WATER on the rock and then handing it to JD*
JD: Alright, red. *grabs rock* Alright, gray. *grabs rock and drops both in burning cauldron* Now let’s find out, who has the dominant element.

RED: WATER
GRAY: FIRE

Domonique: Oh God!
Chris: Ugh…
JD: Red, you chose water. Gray, you guys chose fire. Water puts out the fire; that’s one win for Red. One more and you’ll be heading back to the cabins with your friends. Gray team, one more loss, and you will leave Endurance forever. Go ahead and pick up your next rock.

Rosemary: (whispering) If they chose Water, they’ll probably think we’re going to pick Water next, so they’ll pick Wood, which means we should pick Fire again.
Chris: (whispering) Um…. sure.
*Chris begins to write then pauses*
Chris: (whispering) Are you sure?
*Rosemary nods*
*Chris writes FIRE on his rock*

JD: Alright, gray team *grabs rock*, red team *grabs rock*. This could be the final round. *drops both rocks into the burning cauldron* Will the dominant element please rise now.

RED: WATER
GRAY: FIRE

*Domonique and Jaylen immediately start cheering as Rosemary’s eyes tear up and Chris slams his fist on a pillar*
JD: Once again, Red chooses water, Gray chooses fire, Water puts out the Fire. Red team, you guys did it. You’re going back down to the cabins tonight! Gray team, I’m sorry. You guys played a great game. I’m sure your friends will miss you very much.
The camera zooms in on the yellow bandana around Chris’ wrist and then pans to the yellow bracelet on Rosemary’s wrist.

Domonique: Bye guys! We love y’all!
Jaylen: We’re gonna win for y’all.
*Gray takes their place in front of the burning cauldron, and they fade away*

JD: Red team, you guys are back! Grab your things and head back down to the huts. I’m sure there’s four other teams waiting to see which of their friends are returning.

The remaining four teams are sitting around a campfire. Yellow in particular looks very nervous. Two figures are seen running towards the fire.
Eric: Who is it? Who is it?
Carmen: It’s red!
Jaylen: We’re baaack!
*everyone gets up and celebrates with the red team, but Chelsea can’t hide the sadness on her face*
--
NEXT TIME ON ENDURANCE
Jaylen confronts the super-team alliance
The rift in the game grows bigger
And one team faces implosion
--
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[kwdrewfan]

Wow, that whole post finished at the library! Thanks Bryan, go you 💪 that's dedication!

Bruh that whole mission had me like



WHAT A GREAT MISSION! Loved the concept, and reading the differences in the teams' strategies. I think the RYG idea was good in theory, but would've required much smoother execution. I gotta say, one thing that can't be denied is PGB's effortless communication and just their overall ability to mesh as a unit. Plus, since they are the stronger teams overall, I do think narratively it's realistic for them to kinda dominate. Reminds me of some other seasons... (hi E1, E3, E5)

BUT. I'm soooo glad my favs are all still there for the time being! I liked Gray but felt like they didn't have as much potential to make things interesting (even with Rosemary's crush). Rosemary & Chelsea's friendship was so sweet & I feel kinda bad for Chels now but the game must go on!

ALSO, okay, last thing I promise lolol but I LOVE how in the beginning Domonique had this kinda crazy, immature crush on Chad but now they've formed this genuine bond!!! Like I LIVE for that kind of development! She grew up, stopped fangirling over him and now it's really an authentic mutual friendship. Love love love it

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Lolol my goal was to do like weekly episodes but the universe is making it VERY HARD to do so. I was like, let me go bang out another episode. Side note: you don’t realize how LONG it takes to write an episode until you actually do it!!

I LITERALLY LOVE ALL YOUR COMMENTS THEY MAKE MY LIFE!

[carsonvega]

Nov 1, 2019 13:23:11 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Rosemary (Confessional): “I do really like Eric! He is so handsome. He is from Washington D.C. which is really cool because I want to go there and see the White House. Oh, and also! He’s taking driver’s ed soon. Which is SO COOL.”

I should spend more time in this section of the forum.  I've gotten burned on some non-Endurance fanfics in the past - people starting them and then not finishing them.  But I appreciate your commitment to getting this done.  And, in fairness, I've never tried to write a fanfic myself, so I shouldn't complain about my previous experiences.

As kwdrewfan has noted, the dialogue and confessionals are excellent.  I really liked the one I quoted above!  It's like Rosemary has this fantasy that she's going to go to Washington and Eric will be there at the same time and they'll tour the White House together and then they'll go riding off in Eric's car and they'll all live happily ever after.  So crazy, and yet I know it's so easy to think like this!  So good job!

From a game point of view, I'm not liking the evil alliance (Blue/Purple/Green).  Purple actually strikes me as kind of like the E2 Yellow team of their alliance - they haven't won anything on their own yet, but are benefiting from being allied with the right other teams.  I wouldn't be sad if Purple exited next.  And Blue is just so cocky - I want them to get taken down a peg.  Green is a little more thoughtful, so if someone from the evil alliance has to win I hope it's them.

But I'm really hoping that Red wins.  From a storyline point of view it seems like Domonique just has to have some mission where she destroys all of the other teams.  She's been underestimated and disrespected by Cheyenne and others, so it wouldn't feel right if she just kept getting stomped on until she goes back to the temple of fate and leaves the game.  There has to be something she's good at.

Only team still alive I haven't mentioned yet is Yellow - I'm kind of middling on them.  I really dislike trying to shake others off during the Right to Stay (just, fundamentally, I've always wanted RTS missions to be contestants against themselves, mind over matter, and nothing else).  So Chad (and Ray too of course) are not my favorite players.  Also, it seems like Chad is still not at the point where he's communicating enough with Chelsea.  In some ways, it seems like Chelsea might end up like an E4 Kylie - somewhere between not bad to pretty good at missions, fairly well liked by the other teams even though she's not in the dominant alliance, but dragged down by her partner.  As has already been noted, communication is the one thing that Jaylen and Domonique are doing really well, even though they're not winning missions yet.  So, I guess my overall preference order for winning right now top to bottom is Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, and Purple last.

For the eliminated teams - Gray, Rosemary was entertaining, but I don't really like people who showboat a lot, so I wasn't a huge Chris fan.  I'd probably slot them in about the same place as Yellow if they were still in the game.  And for Orange - I felt sorry for Elias.  Kyrina was alternately interesting/seemed like she'd be a great player (great to swim the best in the first Endurance mission even though she didn't win for her team because of the random drawing) and just totally off the wall.  I'd probably slot them in between Blue and Purple if they were still in the game.

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Nov 9, 2019 22:24:46 GMT -5 carsonvega said:

Nov 1, 2019 13:23:11 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Rosemary (Confessional): “I do really like Eric! He is so handsome. He is from Washington D.C. which is really cool because I want to go there and see the White House. Oh, and also! He’s taking driver’s ed soon. Which is SO COOL.”

I should spend more time in this section of the forum.  I've gotten burned on some non-Endurance fanfics in the past - people starting them and then not finishing them.  But I appreciate your commitment to getting this done.  And, in fairness, I've never tried to write a fanfic myself, so I shouldn't complain about my previous experiences.

As kwdrewfan has noted, the dialogue and confessionals are excellent.  I really liked the one I quoted above!  It's like Rosemary has this fantasy that she's going to go to Washington and Eric will be there at the same time and they'll tour the White House together and then they'll go riding off in Eric's car and they'll all live happily ever after.  So crazy, and yet I know it's so easy to think like this!  So good job!

From a game point of view, I'm not liking the evil alliance (Blue/Purple/Green).  Purple actually strikes me as kind of like the E2 Yellow team of their alliance - they haven't won anything on their own yet, but are benefiting from being allied with the right other teams.  I wouldn't be sad if Purple exited next.  And Blue is just so cocky - I want them to get taken down a peg.  Green is a little more thoughtful, so if someone from the evil alliance has to win I hope it's them.

But I'm really hoping that Red wins.  From a storyline point of view it seems like Domonique just has to have some mission where she destroys all of the other teams.  She's been underestimated and disrespected by Cheyenne and others, so it wouldn't feel right if she just kept getting stomped on until she goes back to the temple of fate and leaves the game.  There has to be something she's good at.

Only team still alive I haven't mentioned yet is Yellow - I'm kind of middling on them.  I really dislike trying to shake others off during the Right to Stay (just, fundamentally, I've always wanted RTS missions to be contestants against themselves, mind over matter, and nothing else).  So Chad (and Ray too of course) are not my favorite players.  Also, it seems like Chad is still not at the point where he's communicating enough with Chelsea.  In some ways, it seems like Chelsea might end up like an E4 Kylie - somewhere between not bad to pretty good at missions, fairly well liked by the other teams even though she's not in the dominant alliance, but dragged down by her partner.  As has already been noted, communication is the one thing that Jaylen and Domonique are doing really well, even though they're not winning missions yet.  So, I guess my overall preference order for winning right now top to bottom is Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, and Purple last.

For the eliminated teams - Gray, Rosemary was entertaining, but I don't really like people who showboat a lot, so I wasn't a huge Chris fan.  I'd probably slot them in about the same place as Yellow if they were still in the game.  And for Orange - I felt sorry for Elias.  Kyrina was alternately interesting/seemed like she'd be a great player (great to swim the best in the first Endurance mission even though she didn't win for her team because of the random drawing) and just totally off the wall.  I'd probably slot them in between Blue and Purple if they were still in the game.

This post LITERALLY just made my night! Ugh thank you so much. I live for hearing y’all’s opinions on this story!

I PROMISE I will finish this one out. Right now my laptop is still broken so my hands are a bit tied until I get it fixed but I’m ready to dive right back in once I can do so. I may be making some more library trips in the meantime, haha

[crystalclearhawaii]

I am so late, but keep up the good work on this!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

I’m working on the next episode! Should be up by the end of the week. Literally just got my laptop fixed

[crystalclearhawaii]

Feb 11, 2020 7:59:03 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

I’m working on the next episode! Should be up by the end of the week. Literally just got my laptop fixed

Yay! That's such great news! Can't wait for the next update. 

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

SORRY FOR THE DELAY XOXO THANKS FOR BEING PATIENT Y'ALL ROCK!


Episode Seven

The episode opens with JD approaching the cabins. He calls out as he walks up.
JD: Hey, guys! Wake up! Come take a seat out here!
The cast files out and sit on either side of JD, some of them yawning.
JD: As you guys know, we lost the Gray team last night. I know that saying good bye to your friends isn’t easy, but they did leave behind two things: their Ingenuity piece, and a letter. Anyone want to read their letter?
Chad: I’ll do it, JD.
JD: Alright, Chad, it’s all yours. *hands it over*
The camera focuses on Chad as he starts to read aloud.

Dear Final Five,

Congratulations on making it this far. We wish we were there with you, but unfortunately alliances got in the way.

This is from Rosemary: To the purple, blue, and green teams: you guys are definitely running the show, but maybe should learn a thing or two about altruism and humility.

Ray: What does humility mean?

Chad keeps reading.
Red team, keep being awesome. Chelsea, I’m going to miss you so much.

And this is from Chris: I don’t have much more to say, but duh, our piece is going to Yellow because you guys are the coolest cats here. Take good care of it for us.

See you guys soon,
Gray

JD: Alright, congratulations Yellow! You just doubled your pieces. I’ll hand you this. *he gives Chad the Ingenuity piece* Later on today we will be playing another Endurance mission, where the winners will get the Trust piece and control of that dreaded Samadhi. But first…
Domonique: Oh no…
Deandre: What is it, JD?!
JD: Who here would like the opportunity to earn a pyramid piece right here, right now?
The cast explodes in smiles and excitement.
Carmen: Oh, yeah!
JD: Here’s how it’s going to work. We’re going to find out who’s been getting to know their competitors and who’s been working on making strong friendships out here. Each of you will privately take a quiz with fourteen questions, one for each of your fellow Endurance contestants. These questions will be things such as what their life is like outside of the show, what they did in their audition tape, their favorite and least favorite things, and so on. Things that you can only find out by having true, honest discussions with each other that aren’t about the game. Endurance requires a lot of strategy, but it’s also about being dropped off in the wilderness with complete strangers and forging strong, life-lasting bonds with each other. And we’re going to reward the person who’s done exactly that, because whichever person scores the highest on the quiz will earn their team the Friendship piece. How’s that sound?
*everyone nods and responds affirmatively*
JD: Alright, I’m going to pass around these scrolls and markers. I’m going to read the questions aloud, and you will write down your answer.
*JD takes a moment to hand out scrolls of paper and markers to everyone. The camera pans in on a couple faces, which vary from nervous to excited.*

JD: Alright, guys. Remember, whoever gets the most answers right wins the Friendship piece. First question… what did Ray bring to Endurance as his good luck charm?
A shot of Ray pulling his childhood blanket out of his suitcase.
JD: Question number two, what sport did Kyrina do in her audition video?
A shot of Kyrina waterskiing in her audition video.
JD: Number three, in which play did Eric play the lead role at his school?
A shot of Eric playing… Eric in The Little Mermaid.
JD: Number four, what is Domonique’s favorite color?
A flashback of Domonique in a confessional saying, “And I also wrote down Purple team because that’s my favorite color. So I’m gonna be on Purple team with Chad.”
JD: Number five, which country did Elias study abroad in?
A shot of Elias in an unaired interview saying, “It’s so cool that Endurance is in Argentina because I actually studied in Chile.”
JD: Number six, how many siblings does Chris have?
A shot of Chris in his audition tape laughing and saying, “I guess I like a lot of attention because I’m an only child.”
JD: Number seven, what position does Deandre play on his football team?
A flashback to Deandre’s intro is shown, where he says “I think I have what it takes to win! I play quarterback in football so I’m strong, and I also make really good grades and I’m really smart.”
JD: Number eight, what unusual pet does Chelsea have?
A shot of Chelsea’s audition video is shown, with her walking a pot bellied pig on a harness.
JD: Number nine, what is Francesca’s favorite food?
A shot of Francesca sitting on her bunk with a container full of pretzels.
JD: Number ten, how does Chad get to school every day?
A shot of Chad riding a motorcycle in his audition video.
JD: Number eleven, what does Cheyenne wants to be when she’s an adult?
A shot of Cheyenne’s audition tape, where she’s in a greenhouse surrounded by plants. “I actually really like plants, so I think I want to be, like, a botanist when I grow up.”
JD: Number twelve, what language other than English can Jaylen speak?
A clip of Jaylen saying “I am the Endurance champion!” in Swahili.
JD: Number thirteen, in what subject did Rosemary recently win a national award?
A shot of Rosemary in her audition tape next to a large trophy as she says, “I got this for doing research in chemistry!”
JD: And number fourteen, which disease does Carmen live with?
A scene from Carmen’s audition video is shown. She is standing in her room and saying, “If I can live with Type I diabetes, then I know I can win Endurance!”
JD: Alright, that’s all. I’ll gather up your scrolls now.
*JD takes a moment to grab the scrolls from everyone*
JD: And I’ll be back in just a moment with the results.

JD walks back in smiling. The contestants are excited and anxious.
JD: Alright, we’ve tallied up everyone’s answers. Some of you did very well and obviously have been getting to know everyone on a deeper level. Others… not so much. While this exercise has the reward of a pyramid piece behind it, I encourage you guys to really get to know each other outside of the competition. This is such a unique experience and just by being isolated with people different from yourselves, from different places and walks of life, you can learn a lot even about your own self. Now, for the results… the winner of this assessment, with twelve correct answers and proving that they’ve grown to know a lot about their friends and winning the Friendship piece for their team is…





Domonique!
Domonique: What?! Oh my God!! *puts her hand over her mouth*
Jaylen: Yes!!
*the rest of the contestants clap*
JD: Here you go, Domonique, I’ll hand this to you. *he gives her the Friendship piece*
Domonique: *obviously very shocked and excited* Oh- Oh my God… what?! I just- I like talkin’ to people, and gossiping about their lives, you know?!
JD: Well, that paid off! You guys now have the lead in the game with four pieces! I’ll let you guys and the Yellow team go hang your pieces on the poles now. Later on, I’ll see everyone else for your next Endurance mission. Good job, guys.
--
Chelsea: “Even though Gray left, they left us their Ingenuity piece. I’m really happy that we have two pieces now. I think it’s what Chad and I needed to lift our spirits a little bit.”

Carmen: “JD always comes up with the craziest twists! Today he tells us that we’re taking a quiz about how well know each other, and whoever wins gets the Friendship piece. That was so insane! And what he said is true. We do need to take our heads out of the game sometimes to really get to appreciate each other and the fact that we’re here. It made me regret some of the things I’ve said.”

Domonique (Confessional): “Okay, so… I DON’T KNOW WHAT JUST HAPPENED! I earned a piece for my team all by myself! Oh my God, literally PINCH ME I’m still freaking out. I mean, I just love to talk to people obviously, but it actually paid off!”
--
After the eventful morning, the entire cast is hanging out near their cabins and chatting.
Chad: It feels SO GOOD to have another piece.
Francesca: *frowns a little* We gotta catch up… Green and Purple are the only teams that only have one piece.
Cheyenne: I mean, I’m not worried. There’s a lot of game left. And the team in the lead has never actually won any of their pieces.
*the camera pans to Domonique, who is shooting daggers with her eyes at Cheyenne*
Jaylen: Y’know, Cheyenne… friendship is part of the game too. That is how we got our pieces but JD said today it’s important.
Domonique: And you know what else is part of the game too? KARMA.
Cheyenne: Yeah, well… I’d rather earn my pieces than have them handed to me.
Jaylen: You haven’t even- never mind.
--
Jaylen: “Endurance is definitely helping me learn to stand up for myself. Normally I just stay quiet and out of conflict but now if I see someone being disrespectful… I want to assert myself.”

Cheyenne: “I really don’t like the Red team. If I win the Endurance mission today I want to give them the Samadhi, not because they’re strong, but just because I want them to go home.”
--
The shot cuts to the ten competitors walking out to a large lake, where five platforms are floating about 25 feet out into the water, and 15 more feet behind those, there are floating baskets.
JD: Hey guys, welcome to your third Endurance mission! I have a question for you guys. Does anyone know which Endurance challenge was voted most popular and was actually played on the show twice?
*Domonique raises her hand*
JD: Dom?
Domonique: Fireball.
JD: That’s exactly right - Fireball. Well, today we’re going to be putting a little twist on that mission in something I call… Fireball 2.0
Ray: Creative, JD!
JD: In this game, the guys will be standing on the shore launching their colored ball with a slingshot to their partner standing on that floating platform. The goal, of course, is for the girl to catch the ball that’s launched to her. Sounds easy, right?
*everyone nods*
JD: Well here’s the little twist. The girl will then have to turn around and try to throw the ball into that floating basket. You make the basket, you get to eliminate one other team from this mission. The winner of today’s mission gets the Trust piece and the power of the samadhi. Any questions? Let’s get you all into position.

The camera flashes and everyone is in position, guys on the shore with their slingshots and girls on the floating platforms.
JD: Okay, first ball. 3, 2, 1… launch!
*the Yellow ball flies over Chelsea’s head*
*the Red ball doesn’t even make it halfway to Domonique*
*the Green ball is too far to the left*
*the Blue ball hits Carmen and bounces… but she catches it before it gets too far!*
*the Purple ball flies directly to Cheyenne… who makes a catch!*

JD: Okay, Blue team and Purple team caught their balls, but that’s only half the battle. Carmen and Cheyenne, you guys have to land your ball into that basket in order to eliminate another team. 3, 2, 1… throw!
*Carmen tosses her ball, but it doesn’t land anywhere close*
*Cheyenne throws…. And makes it in the basket*

Cheyenne: Woo!
Ray: Good job, partner!
JD: Alright, Cheyenne, you guys made the basket, Purple team is now eliminating one other team from the mission! Who will it be?
Cheyenne: *without discussion or hesitation* Red team!
JD: Alright, Red team, take a seat next to me, you guys are out of this mission.
*Domonique jumps in the water, and Jaylen looks frustrated as he strides over to JD*

JD: Okay, next ball. 3, 2, 1… shoot!
*all four balls are launched, but only one girl catches it…*

JD: Oh! Purple team again with a catch!
Cheyenne: Boom!
JD: Cheyenne if you make this, you will get to eliminate yet another team from this mission. 3, 2, 1… shoot!
*Cheyenne throws the ball, it goes flying through the air, and…*

JD: Oh! Purple team is on fire! Yet another basket for Cheyenne!
Ray: That’s my partner! Look at those guns!
*Cheyenne flexes and laughs*
JD: Purple team, which team are you eliminating from this mission?
Cheyenne: JD, Yellow team is gonna sit out!
*Chelsea steps into the water as Chad walks over to JD*

JD: Very quickly we are down to three teams. Conveniently, the three teams that were on the winning superteam.
*Carmen flashes a smile*
JD: Everyone in position. 3, 2, 1… launch!
*the three balls soar through the air*
JD: Francesca has caught the first ball of the game for green team! And Cheyenne is on fire - 3 for 3! Get ready, girls… 3, 2, 1, throw!
*both girls throw their balls at the basket…*

JD: And neither ball went in. Sorry, no one got that shot. Guys, get ready to launch again… 3, 2, 1, go!
*the balls go through the air. Green’s bounces off their platform, while Purple’s is just a little too high.*
JD: And Carmen catches the ball for Blue! Carmen, you make this shot and you get to choose who Blue team goes up against in the final round. 3, 2, 1… throw!
*Carmen throws her ball and…*

JD: That’s it, Blue team just made their first basket! Blue team, which team will you be eliminating?
*Cheyenne tries to get Carmen’s attention and shakes her head*
*Carmen looks a little flustered, and shrugs at Deandre*
Deandre: Um… JD, we’re gonna eliminate Purple.
Ray: *under his breath* C’mon!
Deandre: *under his breath* We wanna win!
Ray: *under his breath* You guys already won pieces!
*Deandre shrugs apologetically*
JD: Just like that, Purple team, who was dominating the mission, is out. It’s down to Blue team and Green team. Whoever makes their ball into the basket first wins the Trust piece and power of Samadhi. Guys, ready… 3, 2, 1… launch!
*Green’s ball flies far to the left*
*Blue’s ball flies toward Carmen and…*

JD: Carmen has the ball for Blue team! Carmen, if you make this next shot in the basket, Blue team wins. No pressure, right?
Carmen: None at all!
JD: Carmen, 3, 2, 1… shoot!
*Carmen throws the ball, and…*






JD: That’s it, Blue team just won the mission!
Carmen: Yaaay!
Deandre: Oh yeah, baby!
*Green team and Cheyenne are all smiles with Blue, but Ray looks miffed and Red and Yellow teams look a little disappointed*

The scene changes to everyone on land standing around JD.
JD: After a good battle, Blue team, you guys won, so congratulations.
*they nod in thanks*
JD: You guys earned this *he hands them the Trust piece* and the power of the Samadhi, which you can give to any other team. Remember, it’s going to handicap them in the next Temple mission. I don’t need your decision now; you have all afternoon to think about it. Good job guys.
--
The camera pans to the Blue team as they hang the Trust piece up on their piece pole.
Deandre: Dude, that was so good.
Carmen: Yeah, I’m liking this piece pole more and more!
Their conversation turns to the game as they walk back towards the huts.
Deandre: So, obviously Red or Yellow, right? Who ya thinkin’?
Carmen: Well… yeah, I guess.
Deandre: What?
Carmen: I thought about Purple for a second. I didn’t like how Ray acted when we eliminated him… but that is our alliance. And I’m not a backstabber.
Deandre: Yeah… I wouldn’t feel good doing Purple. So it’s gotta be Red or Yellow.
*Carmen nods as they enter the hut *

Elsewhere, Domonique and Jaylen are ranting to each other about the game.
Domonique: I’m really sick of it, Jaylen! I really am! It’s just nothing but cliques and who’s friends with who. It should be about ENDURANCE, but it’s not! What reason did Purple even have to eliminate us in the challenge like that?!
Jaylen: I don’t know… I don’t know what their issue is. It’s like they’re jealous that we actually have friends.
Domonique: Literally, Cheyenne wouldn’t know what a friend is if Jesus himself came back and talked to her. She’d probably tell him off too!
Jaylen: *laughs* I mean... true.
Domonique: And then the whole thing of, oh, we like you, let’s make an alliance, but oops, we forgot to put you on our super team, and then we sent you to Temple! All of them can kiss my you-know-what! You know, I’m just tired!
Jaylen: We gotta do something. We gotta.
--
Jaylen (Confessional): “Domonique’s frustrated… and, well, I’m frustrated too, but I’m just better at keeping it cool. But this little reign of Blue, Green, and Purple has got to end. It’s just gone on long enough… and we had to do something about it.”
--
The scene changes to the entire cast in one of the huts. Most people are sitting down, watching Domonique and Jaylen stand up and lecture.
Domonique: Okay, I got several things to say, so listen here. Number one, the manipulation! Trying to turn teams against their own friends so you can get them voted off. And, yes, everyone in this room knows exactly what I’m talking about - that alliance that y’all made with me and Jaylen!
Carmen: It wasn’t really about like…
Domonique: I mean, Carmen, yes it was! You cannot deny it! And number two, stop acting like y’all run the whole game or whatever. Maybe you do, but you can be nice. Be humble. Be chill. Not have to try to bully another team because we have more pieces because we have FRIENDS. *she glares at Cheyenne*
Cheyenne: Domonique, I just don’t like you.
Domonique: That’s fine! You don’t have to be rude!
Cheyenne: Okay, cool.
Domonique: Cool!
Cheyenne: COOL!
*an awkward pause*
Jaylen: What I really take most offense to is this promise that we’re gonna be in an alliance, and then that betrayal. Putting us on the opposite superteam, and then also sending us to Temple.
Eric: Woah, woah, woah - reverse. The reason we sent Red and Gray is mostly because we didn’t want to put best friends against each other.
Jaylen: But you made an alliance with us.
Ray: And did that alliance ever mean anything to you guys?
Jaylen: It could’ve, but we never won to know.
Ray: It didn’t. And we knew that. So that’s why it made it easy to send you guys.
Jaylen: Well, that’s really messed up logic.
*Ray shrugs*
Jaylen: It just wasn’t cool. What’s done is done, but moving forward - let’s all be civil with each other.
*a round of nods around the room*
--
Jaylen: “Coming into the game I never thought that I’d really have the confidence to stand up to an entire group of people, but I had to do it for myself and for Dom. It wasn’t cool how they treated us and hopefully things get better.”

Ray: “I thought the whole thing was dumb. Like, it’s a game. Sometimes people get screwed. Red is a really sensitive team…”
--
The scene changes to the teams filing into the Clearing as JD awaits them. There’s still an air of tension among everyone.
JD: Hey guys, welcome back to the Clearing. I can’t help but notice as you guys walk in - not one smile, no one really talking or looking at each other. Francesca, can you explain why?
Francesca: Well… things got a little… heated?
JD: What do you mean by that?
Francesca: After the mission, Red basically felt… like treated badly. So they wanted to talk to everyone about it. And we had a big giant conversation about it.
JD: Domonique, care to elaborate on what Red team is feeling?
Domonique: Yes, JD. Red team is feeling PERSECUTED. Specifically by the Blue, Green, and Purple teams. There’s been a lot of lies and deceit, but outside of that, it’s just one clique that wants to pick everyone else off.
Eric: Look, when there’s a game and there’s two alliances against each other, they’re not gonna get along. They’re just not. And maybe some people haven’t been the nicest, but that doesn’t mean everyone hates the Red team or whatever. It’s not a victim contest. It’s Endurance.
JD: Chelsea, do you find it interesting that Domonique, who singlehandedly won the Friendship piece for her team, feels mistreated by so many people?
Chelsea: Yes, I do. I think it’s because Domonique really cares about getting to know people but maybe not everyone has the same mindset. Some people just want to win. And everyone here has a different personality, so at the end of the day there will be some arguments.
JD: Deandre, do you think these disagreements can be resolved?
Deandre: Uh… yeah. I guess. I get what they’re saying, I hope they get what I’m saying too, ya know? I’m still gonna be competitive though.
JD: Jaylen, how do you feel about your relationship with everyone going forward?
Jaylen: I felt it was productive to get what Red team was feeling off of our chest. And to answer you, Deandre, I do get what y’all are saying. I never wanted the competition to not be intense or anything… I just wanted us to be civil, and I felt like people were treating Red as their punching bags.
Domonique: Well, once I start getting apologies, that’s when I’ll feel better.
Carmen: *reaches out and touches Domonique’s shoulder* I’m sorry, Dom. I really didn’t mean to hurt you like that.
Francesca: Yeah, sorry.
*Ray, Deandre, and Eric say “Sorry” as well. Cheyenne looks the other way.*
JD: Well, hopefully Red team, you guys can figure it all out and grow from this experience. Let’s talk about the mission today. Purple, you guys did really well, until Blue took you out. How did that feel?
Ray: To tell you the truth… frustrated. Blue knows how badly we needed that piece. And that was really our mission to win. We just missed one ball and it was all over, which sucked.
Deandre: But same thing as what we said to Red team. It’s a competition. Blue team needs that piece too to become the Endurance champion. Y’all are my friends, but I wanted to win, and that meant taking Cheyenne out since she was beasting that mission.
JD: Blue team, have you made a decision on who the Samadhi is going to?
Deandre: We have, JD.
JD: Hand it on over.
Carmen: Okay, so… the team getting the Samadhi tonight is…


Yellow.
*Domonique and Jaylen look surprised*
JD: Yellow team, come on up here and smash open that Samadhi.
*Chad throws it against a rock and picks up a rope*
JD: Unstretch that rope for me.
*Chelsea grabs one end and walks a little ways away, outstretching the rope.*
JD: That rope is 15 feet long. It represents a 15 foot disadvantage for you in tomorrow’s Temple mission. Doesn’t mean it’s impossible to win, just means that it’s that much harder. That’s all I have for you guys today. Get a good night’s rest for tomorrow’s Temple mission.
All: Bye JD!
--
Chelsea: “I’m not too surprised that Blue gave Yellow the Samadhi. We’re a pretty good team, so I figured it could happen.”

Francesca: “Tomorrow is probably the most important Temple mission yet! It’s really going to set the pace for the rest of the game!”
--
NEXT TIME ON ENDURANCE
One player sets their sights on another team’s pieces
While another team sets their sights on their own ally
And a strenuous mission leads to an unexpected outcome
--
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership, Trust
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck, Friendship
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline, Ingenuity
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[crystalclearhawaii]

Wow! That was such a roller-coaster of emotions. I was annoyed with Red this episode, but I was equally annoyed with Purple and really didn't know who to side with!

Thanks for your dedication to this series! (Wish I could say the same for myself with my unexplained months of not writing Endurance: Easter Island, haha!)

[kwdrewfan]

Feb 12, 2020 20:54:38 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Ray: What does humility mean?

LMAOO get out of here, Ray. Stop it.

I still love my precious boy JAYLEN <3 with all of my heart, like he's so Good but I'm proud of him for standing up for himself!!! This is seriously hardcore reminding me of E5, with Red paralleling the Blue team; outspoken girl who brings the drama with the sweet, milder boy who are being viciously targeting by the dominating alliance. The bit about Purple being miffed @ Blue during the mission lowkey makes me want an unexpected Purple / Red alliance to knock out Blue, like omg, how great would that be. Kinda like Orange/Yellow in the final 4 of E3.

I admire you for writing a season that so accurately follows the narrative that a lot of actual Endurance seasons did, despite how rkdlgmfsgkdsl AGITATING it is   (that part could just be my subjective opinion, though, and not you as the writer haha) I love it, though, because it really does make this story feel REAL!

I sympathize way too much with the Red team's argument, having felt that frustration myself just from WATCHING the seasons of Endurance where that sort of thing happens (targeted vendettas against teams bc they're not ""friends"" with them). I mean Blue/Green/Purple's argument makes perfect sense; after all, it IS a competition and those conflicts + friendships are bound to happen. It is inevitable that some people are going to get their feelings hurt and some people are going to be treated unfairly; it's just how the cookie crumbles. But that still doesn't mean it's necessarily right. I get SO MAD every time I see it in a reality show lol

With Yellow getting the samadhi instead of Red, maybe that means Red's stirred emotions and desire for justice will push them to win this next Temple mission! We love to see it