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I don't have comments or an update, but I wanted to let everyone know that Chris made a totally awesome clipping for part 17. Even if you've read it, drop by Throught the Looking Glass to see his great work.

Mods: If this link isn't ok to put in the thread, let me know. Thanks.

DarkWiccan Hello and gee, two feedbacks from you? I guess Ill definitely ask for suggestions more frequently in the future. Glad you liked the update. After reading your comments re: Rachels insertion I seriously considered moving it but couldnt really come up with a good way to do so. Also, I sometimes have a problem editing on EZBoard and it telling me I cant post HTML for editing so I didnt want to chance hosing the update. I appreciate your thoughts though and apologize to anyone who was equally thrown off by the timing of the insertion.

Glad you liked the blurb. I liked it very much and even more so after seeing what Chris did with it. Thanks.

onelesstraveled Hello and . From one big Survivor fan to another then. Yes, you are completely right that this is like two parallel stories. Its fun to write that way and fun to tease the readers a bit too.

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Was there a mandatory period when the contestants weren't allowed to contact each other before the show aired?

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You can assume that is not the case by the fact that in the first RL part, Ariel mentions that Faith has called the house to talk to Tara. Yes, I will explain why they did not speak until the premiere but it will take a few more updates.

The grainy photo would have been great if I could have come up with it.

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I was glad W and T didn't miss the Cirque de Soleil show. I saw it last year and it was one amazing experience I'll never forget. (It does help to be sitting in the third row).

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We saw Alegria (sp?) two years ago and it was one of the most amazing things Ive ever seen but we saw Varekai last month and it was not nearly as good. Possibly it was that we didnt have good seats for Varekai but Alegria was so much better

Yes, merge will be great and the alliances are always in danger on this show (as you know). Welcome.

Still Waters T I didnt mean to always make it so unbalanced with W coming to T but yes, I guess that Willow is virtually unencumbered and certainly has more $ than Tara so it makes sense so far. Glad people found Troy funny/annoying. I truly considered dragging out both the making love and the speaking love but I felt that it was time and it just flowed. Glad you liked the Rachel note.

Someone lower down got the Big Chill reference (love that movie). Sorry you missed your lecture. BTW: love you sig. (the Einstein).

DreamsToDream Thanks so much. Glad youve liked it all along. Thanks for the tip on Kendras name. Im not sure if it will come up but Ill add it to my file incase. Honestly, we only find out Taras last name when her father shows up I think (correct me if you think Im wrong anyone).

Willster Cool: fav fic. Youre so welcome about my writing and thanks for your feedback. Im glad you liked the update.

Irishgrl3 Yeah, their passion was definitely building and seriously: who could keep their hands off either of them? Thanks.

Truck driving magic mama Hey there. Dont worry about bad kittening. I love feedback but am happy for you to be reading either way. Thanks for your thoughts. Definitely action for them and the love confession always a good thing. More in the next update for sure but a few more days.

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Why did you choose the name Asher? just wondering.

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Asher is the name of one of the (12) Tribes of Israel so its a classic but uncommon Old Testament name. My mother passed away a few months before he was born and we wanted to name the baby in remembrance of her. In strict Jewish tradition he would have had the male version of her exact name but we went with more liberal tradition and used her first initial only. His middle name is Griffin so we have one traditional and one mystical name.

MissKittys Ball O Yarn I think they have many things to get to know about each other. At this point, theyve spent their time on the island, a few dates, and then hours and hours on the phone. Even though theyre in love, in ways theyre still getting to know each other. Yes, smutty smut Sorry about the computer. Thats a pain. Thanks for everything.

hidden Watson Youre Willowhand already? Seems like not long ago you were lurking.

I wondered if anyone would notice the sudden rating change. You read disclaimers closer than I do. Hmmm when you start having sexual fantasies about fan fic wait a minute. Nope, your dream sounds normal to me. Ok, Im back. Glad you liked my ML. I liked Joan a lot here. In a way, I wish I was taking the time to explore her a bit more. Shes intriguing to me and easy to write. A little like M&E in Paths as supporting characters.

The funny thing to me about the couples plan, like its advertised by T-Mobile is that they say how all your calls to your couple are free. The thing is that if you have a family plan whatever calls to EVERYONE on T-Mobile are free. So no difference if youre a couple or not. Although, I must say that I liked that their commercial for the plan included a gay couple. I couldnt imagine living apart from my SO, let alone different countries. This is the SO whos family doesnt know even though youve been together 10 years? A little dense.

I think that you are right about the importance of those words. And yes, they are fully infatuated and thats the reason for the feeding each other. Thanks.

littlecrazy80 Thanks.

meretricious Ive never been able to master the cold shoulder thing completely but since I generally either write fan fic or sleep on planes, I never have much problem. Tara, however, is just too famous and nice for her own good. Im quite sure that the lack of child helped their comfort level.

Glad you liked Joan. Like I said, I like her and wish I had the time or inclination to develop her better. Great job on the Big Chill reference.

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btw, did you see that rob and amber's wedding is going to be televised? i've only seen about 4 minutes of them on tar, but that was too much, can't imaging watching their wedding~mary

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I saw. I think it should be a hoot. I watched them on All-Stars and now on TAR. I think they are people with a very strong need to be in the public eye. Its possible that its all entertainment with them and that cant help but be a hoot.

ExtraFlameyWT And yet, its still here when you get back. Glad you liked the update.

Artemis Yes, definitely increased frequency of publicity and its something W/T will both have to learn to deal with. I dont think that Willows big speech will be necessary at this point. Theyve both said their I love yous and both feel them too. Thanks for the awesome clipping.

YMKA Hey, even though you dont like the reality TV, Im glad you decided to give this a try. Im laughing that now youre considering watching one. Actually, if youre considering one, I would recommend Amazing Race over Survivor. Its a really great show and quite uplifting.

Im glad that the Island/RL updates are working so well together. You are right that they dont know who won yet but they know considerably more than the reader about the island. Glad you liked it so much.

cperrins78 Thanks. Any guesses on both final four and ultimate survivor?

Irene73 The family is great. My siblings have been in town to visit and its really wonderful. All 6 of our kids here and having a great time. Asher is a riot. He really really loves one of the cousins and started spontaneously hugging her. Adorable.

Totally understand about RL. Im sure that the teenage things will get cleared.

Im glad that the update seemed take my time enough. I felt like it was so fast but have to keep telling myself about the two separate timelines. Your words about the sex scene are a true compliment. Thank you.

Hmmm Im not sure if you would pick up my favorite episode from my fics. Maybe Nope, no clues about my favorite ep. But whats yours? Whats anyones? Thanks.

AnirtakEnigma Hey there.

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(I never understood watching people purposefully act in an inhumane fashion with each other - I've seen enough of that in real life to want to watch more on television)

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Intrerestingly enough my partner says its better on Survivor than on Amazing Race. Her logic is that on Survivor they are all playing a game, but on TAR, they are actually in an existing relationship and if theyre horsess asses, they are really that way in life. But I get your point.

Anyway, Im glad you gave this a try and apparently liked it. Thanks. Im glad that the island part is still a mystery. It will come slowly Id say but I think everyone will be happy with it. Lol about the DQ & Survivor giveaways. DQ? Where are you from? Im in Austin and DQ is awesome:

DarkWiccan And since you mention it, I love Leave it to Giles. Encourage everyone to read it and to leave intelligent feedback so that DW will post even faster.

Exactly! Regarding the psychology of it. I think that its a phenomenon which cant help but change your life and the person you are. W/T are now in a situation where they are in a contest to win $1 million but also in a relationship with each other. Its got to be a war within them.

Im not planning any negative right-wing stuff. Honestly, I have enough of that in real life. The idiotic Texas Legislature yesterday tacked on an amendment to a bill to not only ban G/L from being foster parents but to investigate existing homes. Talk about stupid and damaging to children who have already been damaged by their parents and the system. I could go on and on but its hard to do it without just using cuss word after cuss word.

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I have my ideas about who is ultimately going to win the competition, but I am keeping those thoughts to myself.

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Oh come on. First off I love the guesses and second, you cant say, I knew it! with any authority unless you go on record.

willlovestara Glad youre hooked. I like that so many people say that about the two parts. I guess they are different but complimentary. Thanks.

tarawhipped Hey there. Nice list.

One time I sat next to an old couple who just couldnt get that I was a girl. Well, she got it but he couldnt get it. At all. He kept calling me him and his the entire time. Mostly I sleep so I avoid the whole talking thing. Yes, Joan definitely reinforced for Tara that Willows no longer the um, did you say slut? That she was before. Tara knew that but Joan lets her know its really true.

Glad you liked the sex scene. And Ill let Rachel know what you said. Lol. Thanks.

Naeryn Thanks and welcome (to the board and my story). Glad you liked the smut. I used to write much more of it but it takes a while and a lot of energy so now I generally put one full-on smut scene in each story and direct people to Please for a story of nothing but. My earlier stories (Turned and Yall) had much more smut in them.

About Survivor and the hellmouth. Id be with you and never want to go on such a show. Peopleyuck! Not that I dont like people but not all the time. I dont think that Taras knowledge of plants and herbs is random at all. Shes definitely a Wiccan and gets her lore from her practice and her mother and grandmother. Thanks so much.

Tempest Duer Thanks. Im lol about your line about the screaming. Asher is a pretty chilled out kid but every 15 month old has tantrums. Last night we wanted to play for about 2.5 hours in the middle of the night.

Dont worry about the fb. Thanks for reading and catching up. Glad you liked it.

cperrins78 Good guesses on the final four. I could do it like that price is right show and say: 3 out of 4 or 2 out of 4 and let you guess again which to remove and which to add in. That would be cruel though so Ill say good guesses.

DarkWiccan I borrowed a line for my new sig. Let me know if youd rather I didnt (yes by the ask for forgiveness rather than permission method).



Title Survivor Ash Island

Part 18 Week 7

Author JustSkipIt

Pairing Who do you think? (W/T of course)

Feedback Oh yes.

SpoilersNone

Ratiing PG

Disclaimer I own none of these characters nor do I own Survivor. And believe it or not, I also dont own any small islands. On the other hand, this island is fictional so lets say I own it. Im making no money from this fiction and intend no copyright infringement.

Notes Ok. Deadline is approaching for merged team name suggestions.



Akathla Camp Day 18
Everyone at Akathla camp seems slow to rise with the exception of Mac who of course continues with his daily push-ups. Xander, Buffy, and Joyce can be seen sleeping in their shelter.

Confessional Caption Xander Carpenter
Well to tell you the truth, Im pretty shocked that Im still here. I figured after I screwed up trying to vote off Buffy, theyd get rid of me next. But Ive gotten lucky. Oz sucked at swimming and this Richard guy was just a jerk. Still, if Mac and I can get Joyce on our side, maybe we can get rid of Buffy before the merge.

Joyce and Buffy bathe in the ocean using the won shampoo and soap. We could use this all up before merge, Buffy smiles.

On the other hand, it might be a good thing to take to merge, Joyce counters, a peace offering.

Well be down one when we merge, Buffy says, but if the four of us stay strong we can get Willow back with us. Then we vote them off one by one.

Whats up? Xander swims up to the two women.

I was just saying how the four of us with Willow can pick off the others one by one, Buffy explains. Xander looks at her like he suspects she was talking about something else but doesnt argue.

MFashnek Camp Day 18
Peanut butter, Kendra is saying. We see all five MFashnek members sitting around the fire. They are drinking coffee to begin the day. Its unclear how long this game has been going on.

Cheese, Willow says. A grilled cheese sandwich.

My daughter, Tara adds. And a Snickers bar. Everyone laughs. What about you Robin? What do you miss?

A shower, Robin answers with a smile.

Sex, Faith says conclusively. Everyone laughs.

Youre so predictable, Tara teases the dark-haired girl.

What? You dont miss it? Faith answers. I mean they gave us condoms for coming on the island. Seriously. No first aid, no water or fire, but here. Enjoy your filth.

Maybe when people win the rewar, Willow suddenly trails off. Am I speaking out loud? She blushes brightly and suggests, Can we just write that off to bug-bite induced insanity? She holds up her arms which are covered with red welts. The others look at each other and then at Tara before walking off.

Willow is still blushing and has now started scratching her bites too. Look, Tara, she starts, Im really sorry I said that. She continues attempting to talk her way out of her embarrassment as Tara looks shyly away: I mean I wasnt trying to imply well anything.

I-i-its ok, Tara stutters, obviously still quite embarrassed by Willows train of thought. Its just that um she holds out the cup of paste. This will h-h-help your b-b-b she gives up and points at Willows arms.

Willow looks at the cup, then at Tara still looking embarrassed but this time as if she feels guilty about Willows arms. She looks at the cup again before flirtatiously suggesting: Maybe you could help me put it on?

Akathla Camp
Mac and Buffy stand waist-deep in water using the fishing line and hook and attempting to catch fish. They have fashioned a bag which Buffy wears over her shoulder and which holds a few small fish.

Confessional Caption Buffy College Student
Buffy is sitting on the rocks speaking: So it was a pretty good day. Mac and I had caught five fish already. And this pool of bigger fish swam by. So he casts it out there pretty far. Damn if that fish didnt take the bait, hook, line and all. The line broke and we were left watching the guy swim for the hills.

Youre kidding! Xander is shouting at Mac and Buffy, You lost the hook?

Hey, Joyce gets into it. You dont need to yell at them they were doing the best they could.

Ok, Xander backs down, youre right. I guess Im just really hungry and frustrated. We need that protein to make a showing in the reward and immunity challenges.

Thats ok, son, Mac pats the carpenter on the shoulder. What say we eat these guys and then we can all gather some coconuts and firewood? Everyone nods their heads and walk toward the fire.

Confessional Caption Mac Retired Army
Mac is gathering firewood in his arms, talking as he walks. Dont get me wrong, he says conspiratorially, I didnt lose that hook on purpose but since I did Im in better shape in terms of losing weight than any of the three of them. Theyll need me even more with less fish.

Joyce and Buffy are gathering coconuts and plantains. And these are edible too, Joyce is telling the younger girl. Do you think Mac lost the hook on purpose?

Buffy raises her eyebrow at her mother. Why would he do that?

Hes the strongest person here, Joyce suggests, maybe he wants to keep it that way.

Next we see Buffy and Xander whispering together as the two carry fire wood.

Confessional Caption Joyce Art Gallery Owner
Believe me. I dont want to deceive my daughter but that doesnt mean that Im above pushing suspicion in her mind.

MFashnek Camp
Willow and Robin are fishing using one of the hooks the MFashnek team won earlier in the game. This is like the Ritz here, she is saying to him as he hands her a small fish.

Elsewhere Tara and Faith gather berries and put them in Faiths buff which the brunette is holding. She seems n-nice, Tara says. It is apparent that we are only seeing part of a conversation.

I agree that shes nice, Faith says. But if we dont win immunity, he goes then her. Right?

Kendra walks up behind the other two girls. This alliance is solid, yes? she also asks.

Tara looks both girls in the eye and tells them that, yes their alliance is still intact.

We see MFashnek working on their shelter, gathering food and firewood, and fishing as the day goes on. Later, near sunset we see Willow sitting on a rock watching the ocean. Tara quietly approaches and sits near her. Lonely? the blonde asks.

Willow nods. I know it sounds weird, Willow explains, but I miss the others from Akathla. I mean I know that were all playing a game but I made good friends over there.

I c-can understand that, Tara says as she places a hand gently on Willows lower back and rubs lightly.

And I feel kind of alone, Willow continues without looking at the blonde, I mean I know if we dont win immunity Im out.

Tara considers for a moment before telling the redhead: When we merge, you are number five to their four. If you come with us, you can be in the final four.

What about him? Willow asks suspiciously as she nods at Robin who is farther down the beach.

The final four will be a womens a-alliance, Tara tells her.

Willow tilts her head at the blonde and looks down at the hand the girl extends toward her. Finally she tells shakes her hand.

Confessional Caption Willow Software Startup Owner
The redhead is still sitting on the rock as the sun sets. My mind tells me that Tara is taking me for a ride with this whole alliance thing. I mean why would the three of them want to take me with them to the final four? But my heart tells me that I can trust her. Besides, she smiles, I dont really have any other options at this point.

We see the five MFashnek members sitting around the fire having a snack of berries that they picked earlier in the day. Reward challenge tomorrow? Faith asks.

I hope its for peanut butter, Kendra jokes picking up on the earlier conversation.

Cheese, Willow joins in.

A snickers, Tara adds.

Shower, Robin repeats.

Everyone looks at Faith and begins laughing. We see shots of the five MFashnek team members in their shelter. Willow has apparently taken a spot near the side between Tara and the sides of the shelter.

Akatha Camp Day 19
Weve got mail, Buffy and Joyce shout as the return with the small package.

If you can be accurate,
You can be like David and slay a great reward. The note reads. It is tied loosely to a small slingshot.

Well, the poem isnt great, Xander assesses, but Id say were shooting this thing.

MFashnek Camp Day 19
We see the MFashnek team taking turns practicing shooting the slingshot at a rock and cheering each other on. Robin repeatedly hits the target.

Tara walks up behind Kendra as she is bathing. Willow is with us, she tells the interpreter.

You think we can trust her? Kendra asks.

I r-really do, Tara tells her with a smile.

I hope youre right, Kendra answers, or were all in trouble.

Meanwhile Faith and Robin walk along the waters edge. I dont want to do all the work for this tribe and then see you take the kid to the final four.

Faith turns to Robin and extends her hand. I swear to you, she says, youre in this with us. Not her.

Confessional Caption Faith Personal Trainer
Oh heres the thing. We need both Robin and Willow so we can vote off the other team after the merge. If both of them think theyre going to the final four, then that just works for me. By the time we vote Robin off, he wont know its coming and weve got a final four of all women.

Reward Challenge
The two teams file in to stand on their mats. MFashnek looks over at the Akathla mat and we see Kendra, Faith, and Tara all share a look as they see that Richard is out of the game. Some different looking teams, Jeff greets everyone with a smile. Willow and Joyce, he says, you both look like youre doing well with your new teams.

Jeff, Joyce says, Im on a new team and Im here so thats doing pretty well.

What about you, Willow? Jeff asks.

I miss my friends, Willow replies, but I hope Im making new friends over here. She glances sideways at Tara who is looking intently at her feet.

Well, Jeff says with a smile, lets see who gets to bond over this. He pulls a sheet of cloth off a barrel on which sits a Hershey Bar. The competitors all scream when they see the bounty of chocolate. Thats a two pound chocolate bar, Jeff tells them, and because nothing goes with chocolate like milk, he pulls off another sheet to reveal clean glasses and a container of milk. The survivors all predictably scream over the bounty of chocolate and milk.

He moves over to show the competitors two tables holding 16 stoneware jugs each. Jeff explains that each jug is filled partially with milk. They are arrayed on a bamboo table. He shows them that the table is surrounded by bamboo gutters which will direct any spilled milk into a clear jug sitting on the ground. The jug has a line painted on its neck. When the spilled milk for one team passes the line, that team will win the reward.

Both teams line up and Jeff instructs them that two people will shoot at the same time, one from each team. Faith and Mac step to the line and take their shots, both connecting with the top corner of a jug. Only a little milk spills from either. Next up, Kendra and Xander shoot. Kendra misses the table completely while Xander surprises everyone by hitting a jug dead center, shattering it and spilling 5-6 ounces of milk. Akathla is pumped up as Buffy and Tara shoot. Taras shot hits a jug, breaking it near the top and spilling a little milk while Buffys shot again hits dead center, spilling quite a bit of milk. Joyces first shot chips a jug spilling only a little milk while Robin makes a good shot, breaking his jug and spilling about half the milk. A look at the jugs shows that Akathla is still a few ounces ahead of MFashnek. Willow steps up for her first shot next to Macs second. The MFashnek team is pumped as her shot fails to shatter the jug but miraculously knocks it over, spilling the entire contents. Before their celebrating is complete, however they watch the milk from Macs perfect shot run down the gutters into the Akathla jug.

Aiming for a full jug on the side of the table, rather than one of the partial ones in the center, Faiths second shot misses the milk entirely. Xanders second shot is as good as his first, pouring another five or six ounces into their jug. Jeff announces that another few shots could end it for Akathla. This time Kendras shot is true and she breaks the jug at the edge of the table, spilling more milk into the MFashnek jug. It, however, cant bring them to pass Akathla when Buffy makes an equally good shot. Taras last shot misses the table as Joyces hits the jug, spilling enough milk to cause the Akathla team to celebrate a rare win. They run over and pick up the reward of milk, chocolate, and glasses.

We see the MFashnek team walking back toward their camp. They are surprisingly cheery, joking and saying that they have had most of the rewards and it should be Akathlas turn. Yeah, Faith says, Immunity is the more important challenge.

Everyone makes noises of agreement. Suddenly they hear a loud boom and look together. The camera pans to show the nearest volcano which is spewing ash skyward. The entire group stops to watch for a few seconds before Faith exclaims Holy *** The others laugh and continue back toward their camp.

Akathla Camp
The four Akathla members have reached their camp and sit down with the chocolate bar. Xander pulls out the machete and is about to strike the bar when Buffy shouts to wait. What? Xander asks.

Put it in the pan so that none falls on the ground, she says.

Oh, Xander responds, good thought. He whacks the bar a few times while Joyce pours the milk into four glasses. Once Xander hands out the chocolate pieces we see everyone eating their portion either slowly to savor it or gulping it down.

Confessional Caption Mac Retired Army
Im not generally one of these sugar, sweet tooth people but Ill tell you what. That was some damn good chocolate. Nineteen days out here makes a man miss a lot of things and chocolate is just one of them.

We see various members of Akathla enjoying their chocolate and eventually laying down on the beach. This is nice, Joyce comments.

Yeah, Buffy agrees, a break feels really good. She groans a little though as she says, I just hope Im not sick.

Xander also groans before closing his eyes in the sunshine.

MFashnek Camp
Like Akathla, MFashnek appears to have given themselves the day off after their reward challenge. Willow, Kendra, and Faith are sunbathing on the beach while Tara and Robin swim. That chocolate would have been r-really good, Tara tells the tall man when they take a break to tread water.

Thats very very true, Robin agrees. He appears to consider saying something for a minute but then doesnt.

You remind me of a f-friend of mine, Tara finally says.

Are you close? Robin asks.

Tara smiles a little as if remembering her friend. Very, she answers with a smile.

Akathla Camp Day 20
Weve got tree mail, Mac and Joyce call as they carry the board with pieces on it back to the group. Once they have assembled the apparent puzzle it carries the message:

Youll have to be fast and smart if you want to stay on the Island.

Anyone else miss Willow? Xander jokes.

We can do this, Joyce says. Willow is just one person.

One very smart person, Buffy mutters.

MFashnek Camp Day 20
Tara opens the tree mail box finding the small bag. She jiggles it and obviously hears the movement of the puzzle pieces inside. She hands it to Willow to do the same before they return to camp.

Willow takes the bag in one hand and looks at it intently. I know you said that Im in the final four but no one ever knows when they are leaving and just in case we lose today I dont want to leave without doing this, she says in a rush. As her words finish she leans forward and softly presses her lips to Taras.

Tara returns Willows kiss gently before the redhead pulls away. But youre not leaving today, Willow, she assures her.

Confessional Caption Kendra Interpreter
When Willow and Tara got back from getting mail, they were both blushing like crazy, man. I mean everyone with eyes has noticed the way they look at each other. And one walks in the woods, the other gets up to follow. I say, good for you girls. But dont mess up my game. Taras been with Faith and I all along.

Confessional Caption Robin High School Principal
Faith assures me that Im in the final four with the three girls. But Im just not so sure that Taras going to want to vote off her going to want to vote off Willow.

Immunity Challenge
Welcome, Jeff calls to the teams as they take their places on their mats. Akathla, he says, you enjoyed the chocolate.

You have no idea, Buffy responds enthusiastically. Everyone laughs and Jeff walks over to take the immunity idol back from Kendra.

Todays challenge, Jeff explains, as you might have guessed, is a puzzle. He points out two large squares next to each other on the ground. Inside each square are 25 more marked squares of 2x2 mats in 5 rows of 5 mats. The mats are blue, green, red, white, and black. The other side of each mat has an icon printed on it: Volcano, water bottle, coconut tree, pigs skull, and insect. Everyone nods. Each team will work as quickly as possible to complete the puzzle. The puzzle is complete when no row or column has more than one mat of the same color or same icon in it.

MFashnek, who is sitting out? Robin raises his hand. Ok, Jeff continues, one person will sit up here and direct. He indicates a raised seat, much like the one in the earlier puzzle game. The other three will move the pieces. After a short strategy session, everyone is somewhat surprised to see Tara rather than Willow take the seat for MFashnek while Joyce takes the seat for Akathla.

A moment later we see and hear Jeff shout, Survivors Ready. Go! He watches for a second before commenting: A little surprise strategy for MFashnek with Willow taking part in moving the mats. While Joyce begins shouting instructions to Mac, Buffy, and Xander who take all the pieces off the board and turn them over to see the icons, Willow huddles with Faith and Kendra.

Its a staggered pattern, she explains in a fast whisper. Put the red pieces along the main diagonal. The three girls quickly follow these instructions as Akathla begins attempting to put their pieces down according to Joyces shouts. The three girls from MFashnek run to place their pieces on the diagonal as Willow directed. As soon as they are finished with that they huddle again.

Willow directing the puzzle from the ground, Jeff comments, while Joyce directs her team from the chair.

Willow continues her whispered directions. Faith, you take green. Put them in a diagonal above the red. For each one, put the icon one block to the left of where the red one is-like a Knights move in chess. Kendra, take blue put them below and to the right. She waits a second to see that both girls understood the instruction and runs to put the two remaining green and blue pieces in the opposite corners.

In the meanwhile Joyce is attempting to direct the three Akathla members. Ok, move the blue piece over, she shouts to Buffy while telling Mac to put the green pigs skull on the left. No, left the other way, Joyce screams. Xander, drop the bug.

Again Kendra and Faith meet Willow at the edge of the board and she tells Faith to do the same pattern with the white pieces in relation to the green and Kendra to repeat with the black pieces in relation to the blue pieces. She takes the remaining white pieces and quickly places them at the bottom of the board. Tara sees the pattern and shouts directions to Kendra and Faith to finish by placing the last two black pieces on the remaining two places.

Joyce continues yelling instructions to the Akathla members who by now have all their pieces on the board but are having to keep trading the positions of two pieces to meet the required pattern. Were done, Tara shouts to Jeff.

The host quickly looks at their puzzle and declares MFashnek the winner, handing the immunity icon to Willow for the first time. She smiles excitedly as she turns and looks at her new teammates.

Confessional Caption Kendra Interpreter
Well Im definitely a fan of Willows now. Who knew there would be so many puzzles in this game? That girl is brilliant and Im glad I picked her.

Confessional Caption Robin High School Principal
Robin is seen walking along the water line. I can hardly believe how smart Willow is. I just hope there arent many puzzle challenges once we move to individual immunity. Its hard to trust someone that smart.

The MFashnek team is walking back to their camp smiling and laughing. Tara and Willow bring up the rear of the group. I told you that you werent going h-home today, Tara teases.

Willow smiles back at the blonde. Was um it ok anyway?

Tara blushes before whispering, Oh yes.

Akathla Camp
We see Joyce and Buffy talking as they walk down the beach. Mac and Xander are also talking. We should be able to vote off Joyce, Mac suggests, shes new and when we merge we dont know where her loyalties will be.

Ill talk to Buffy about it, Xander says.

Next we see Buffy breaking up firewood. Xander approaches her to discuss the vote. Who is going to home tonight? he asks the girl.

Macs strong, she says casually.

Dont you think we need someone strong? Xander questions.

Merge is coming soon, Buffy disagrees, after merge he will be too strong in the individual immunity challenges.

The same could be said about you, Xander retorts.

Confessional Caption Xander- Construction
Xander is walking through the woods obviously angry. He picks up a stick and hits several trees as he walks. I probably did something really stupid by challenging Buffy like that. But I would like to know what her plan is. I mean she says we need to get rid of Mac but shes dangerous too.

Look, Buffy argues, if you want to make it 2 to 2 again and everyone pull stones you can do that. On the other hand, Im pretty sure Mac would sell you out so Joyce and I can team with him. What do you think?

Confessional Caption Buffy College Student
I pushed Xander pretty hard. She stops and thinks for a few seconds. Hes just looking for someone to tell him what to do so hell know. This makes it easy for him.

Why not Joyce then? Xander continues arguing.

Buffy shakes her head as if she wants Xander to know hes stupid. Joyce is no threat, she argues, she wont win any immunity challenges when we merge. She walks off as if letting him know that shes frustrated with him and he stands there watching her with a vacant look on his face.

Later we see Buffy and Joyce talking as they stand and eat their rice. They are whispering together about tonights vote. Xander approaches them from behind and the camera shows him listening intently. Finally he approaches the two women and surprises them: What are we talking about?

What? Joyce startles. She recovers relatively smoothly and tells him, Vote tonight.

Are you voting me off? Xander asks suspiciously.

Xander, Buffy scoffs, were voting off Mac. You know that.

You two arent telling me something, Xander accuses.

What would we be hiding from you? Joyce asks in a motherly tone.

What would you be hiding from me? Xander repeats disbelievingly. How ridiculous a question is that? I mean were on Survivor! You know outwit, outlast, outplay for a million dollars. Why would the two of you have secrets?

Xander, Buffy says, we are being straight up with you. Were voting off Mac tonight.

Xander raises both his eyebrows as he speaks. Something is up with the two of you, he repeats, Joyce was on the other team for, what 16 days? And she gets here and the two of you are thick as thieves. Girl power and all that? Sure. Well vote off Mac tonight. He stomps away as Joyce and Buffy watch him go.

Confessional Caption Mac Retired Army
We had a saying in the bush. When it gets too quiet, thats when you know youre in trouble. Ok. Thats not much of a saying but its true. He looks around. No one wanted to scheme with me today. Not even a courtesy lie. Im gone tonight. I just hope this Xander can hold his own among these two women. Theyre sneaky and theyre hiding something.

Tribal Council
The four Akathla members file in and take their places on the logs. Welcome, Jeff says, this is really quite a habit. Hes trying to make a joke but it doesnt appear to seem funny to Akathla.

Joyce, Jeff says to begin his questioning. You moved to a new team a few days ago. Now youve been to tribal council twice. How does that feel?

Its a game, Joyce answers, I didnt want to leave my team but I did and now Im on a new team.

Richard was voted off at the last tribal council, Jeff says, does that mean that you are an outsider and have a big target on your back?

It probably does, Joyce answers, but I think that people in this game have seen it before. They know what to look for after the merge. Mac grimaces at Joyces statement.

Mac, Jeff says, you look like you didnt appreciate Joyces statement.

I dont like it but it is true, Mac says gruffly. This game changes after merge. You have to know who is strong but you also have to know who to trust. A little loyalty can go a long way.

Buffy, Jeff turns next, is that right? Is loyalty important to this team?

Jeff, Buffy says with a seeming tightly controlled anger, its hard to hear a lecture about loyalty from someone who has been trying to vote you off the island for days.

Mac makes a visible sneer at Buffys comment. What about you, Xander? What do you think? Should there be loyalty in a game like this?

Xander thinks about it for a minute before answering: I think that loyalty is important but you have to be loyal to yourself and the game youre playing first and foremost.

With that, Jeff says, its time to vote. Joyce, youre up.

Joyce votes, followed by Buffy, Xander, and Mac. Jeff returns with the votes and says, lets tally the votes. He pulls the first vote: First vote: Buffy. No one looks surprised at the first vote. Second vote: Mac. Third vote: Mac. He recaps the short vote: Thats two votes Mac. One vote Buffy. He pulls the last vote and announces, And the 8th person voted off Survivor Ash Island and first Jury member is Mac.

Mac brings his torch and has it put out. Before leaving he turns and tells his teammates: Xander and Buffy: you kids give MFashnek hell. The Akathla team turns and leaves the tribal council.

Parting Words Mac
Well, I tell you. Ive had a lot of fun here for these past three weeks. Its going to be interesting being on the jury and seeing how this turns out.

Next week on Survivor Ash Island
Old friendships are renewed. Shots of Buffy, Xander, and Willow hugging. Shot of Joyce and Tara hugging. And new ones grow closer. Shot of Tara and Willow snuggling in the night-vision shot of the campground.

A new tribe may reveal new alliances. Shot of Robin talking with Joyce and Buffy.
All next week on Survivor Ash Island