Days 19-21 (1st)

## Day 19

### Green Team

On Day 19, nothing of note was happening at the Green Team camp. They managed to have some decent non-confrontational conversations, but these were mostly small talk or focused on guessing who might have been voted out on the Yellow Team. Not far into the day, the team received a note telling them to pack their belongings and come meet with the host. Realizing that nearly half of the players were gone and two people were already on the Jury, the Green Team logically concluded that this was likely a Merge. Since they didn't know if they would be returning to camp, they packed as much as they possible could before heading off.

### Yellow Team

At the Yellow Team camp, things were generally more relaxed. With Dragon gone, Timothy openly discussed the game moving forward with Kim and Jennifer, trying to feel out how the Merge might play out. Kim, naturally, had no intention of keeping Timothy around too much longer. She had already determined that her ideal Final 3 scenario was likely going to be herself, Jennifer, and Zillik. They would be easy for her to beat, or so Kim thought. As such, she didn't mind stringing Timothy along or even playing with him for a round or two, provided he was useful to her. Jennifer, of course, hadn't told Kim about the deal she'd struck with Timothy just yet. She was hoping to avoid telling Kim altogether if possible. When the Yellow Team received the same note as the Green Team and came to the same conclusion, they too packed all of their belongings and prepared for a Merge.

### Merge Feast

When the two teams grouped together, the first order of business was acknowledging that Dragon had been eliminated. Marcus, Jade, and Blaike were noticeably surprised, and Jade seemed very upset by the news. Lenobia, meanwhile, felt pretty great about his elimination. Dragon was her ex-boyfriend from prior to the game, and having her baggage cleared before she ever to deal with it herself felt pretty great. Once that was out of the way, the host announced that the remaining eight players had officially made it to the Merge and would start living together at the old Blue/Yellow Team camp. Additionally, as a reward for their success in getting this far, a feast would be waiting for them back at their camp.

The players returned to their camp to find a large feast set out for them and immediately dropped their belongings off to enjoy it. Of course, Blaike, Jade, and Marcus would still need time to adjust to the new camp, but food was everyone's first priority. While they feasted, everyone exchanged information regarding the past two votes. When asked how the Daniel vote went down, Jade quickly volunteered that Lenobia and Zillik had helped vote him out. Blaike was going to stay quiet, but realized Jade was going to out her anyway, so she went ahead and explained that she had voted against Marcus because she was tired of him around camp. Marcus, who was deep in enjoying the food, laughed and joked the situation away, then promised Blaike he'd have to repay her eventually. She chose not to take the obvious bait and instead decided to focus on her food. On the flip side, Kim told everyone that Timothy had likewise flipped on Dragon, which caught Marcus, Blaike, and Jade's attention. Marcus, especially, spent most of the feast giving him a very critical glare, but Timothy waved this off and assured him he would explain later. Jade, despite her irritation with her half-brother, wasn't surprised. He had voted out Catherine for being a threat, so why would Dragon be any different? Blaike, personally, felt somewhat okay with it. She had liked Dragon a lot and gotten along with him, but Blaike also knew that he was a threat. With Dragon gone, it served the same purpose as voting Marcus out would have. She potentially had a clearer path to the Final 3.

Once the meal was over, the day was also nearly over. The rest of the evening was spent unpacking all of the rewards from both camps and getting everyone settled in. A few side conversations did, naturally, happen. Timothy, Marcus, Jade, and Blaike left to discuss things when they had a chance. Marcus, of course, was furious and wanted an explanation. They were supposed to be in an alliance with Dragon, and Timothy had ditched him almost immediately. Timothy assured them that he didn't have much of a choice, given neither Jennifer nor Kim had been willing to budge. Besides that, he'd been able to get Jennifer to make a deal agreeing to vote out anyone he wanted at the first vote after the Merge in exchange for him flipping on Dragon. With the Red and Blue Teams now even, having someone on their side willing to flip would give them a massive advantage. As long as the four of them stayed together, they could simply pick of Zillik or Lenobia with Jennifer's help. Blaike admitted that, despite liking Dragon, she did understand. It was a tough game, and Timothy had probably secured all of them from here on out, and Dragon had been a big threat too. Jade still didn't like it. She understood it, but she felt it was a betrayal of their original team and the apparent alliance that Timothy had with Dragon. Marcus was still pretty pissed, but resolved to keep that in check for the time being. Dragon was gone and Marcus couldn't bring him back into the game. His best was just to ride this thing out to the end, and maybe he'd even be able to get Dragon's Jury vote. He had to find a silver lining, since Marcus was stuck with these three now.

When Timothy got a moment alone with Blaike, he pried about her decision to vote for Marcus. Frustrated at continuously having to explain her actions, Blaike got snappy and went off about how obnoxious of a person Marcus was. He was dumb, gross, loud, and confrontational, and living with him was driving everyone insane. Blaike felt that by voting him out, she'd probably secure a spot in the Final 3 with Timothy and Dragon instead. Timothy, trying to backtrack from her blowup, explained that it was alright and she could vote for whomever she felt. He admitted that Marcus was a pain for him as well, especially to live with and try to talk to strategy to, but that he was a useful tool and someone they could easily beat later. Blaike questioned if that meant that she was, in fact, in his endgame plans, to which Timothy promised that she was. He wasn't completely convinced that he was being honest, yet, but this was what Blaike needed to hear. For now, he told her the next vote out be easy. Jennifer would vote for Lenobia, as per his request, and then he, Blaike, Jade, and Marcus could all decide who they wanted to target. Since Lenobia couldn't vote herself out, they could pick any of the other side and the worst case scenario would be a 4-3-1 vote. Blaike questioned if he really trusted Jennifer that much, to which he said that it was their best chance of avoiding a tie. Accepting this, Blaike then asked if he'd found the idol, and Timothy lied and told her that he hadn't, but that intended to keep looking.

Kim used the time that the original Red Team players were gone to check back in with Lenobia and Zillik. She demanded to know why Lenobia and Zillik had been so eager to dig them into a deeper hole, to which Lenobia told responded by saying that she wasn't going to risk her position in the game for a tie. Marcus was willing to work with her, so she didn't see any reason to not take him up on the offer. This prompted Kim to question her loyalty to their group. Lenobia rebuffed this by pointing out that the teams were gone. They had Merged and it was a new game, and it wasn't Lenobia's fault that she'd already set herself up in a strong position with the other side. Zillik, of course, stayed silent throughout this entire argument and made an effort to disappear as quickly as possible. When Lenobia and Kim began arguing, it offered Zillik an easy way out. Besides, his answer would be remarkably straightforward anyway. Lenobia was going to flip anyway, so Zillik may as well flip with her and protect himself. Jennifer, meanwhile, asked Lenobia where she expected to land in the game once all of her old teammates were gone. Lenobia shrugged and pointed out that, by then, she would be at the Final 5 with Marcus. Timothy and Marcus were aligned, so she'd have an easy way to the Final 3. Kim argued that Timothy could just as easily have an alliance with Blaike or Jade, especially given Jade was his half-sister on their mortal dad's side. Lenobia replied that Timothy was smart and would want to take the two people he felt were the most beatable to the end, and Lenobia was savvy enough to realize that people kept voting for her because they weren't a big fan of her. Timothy would take she and Marcus at Final 5 to the Final 3 because he'd see them as easy to beat, at which point she wanted them to remember this conversation and consider it when casting their Jury votes. That comment left Kim seething as Lenobia left to go back to the main campsite. Jennifer assured Kim that she'd talk to Timothy and see what could be done, but that there was no way they were letting Lenobia actually get away with burning their games down.

The rest of the day was spent with everyone going their separate ways to get the new camp organized for eight people. Food was gathered, fire was made, the shelter was repaired as per Blaike's designs, and everyone attempted small talk and chitchat to get to know one another. Now being forced to live with Marcus for the first time, Kim and Jennifer were realizing why everyone had a disdain for him, though this didn't stop Lenobia from snuggling up beside him at every possible opportunity. Timothy, naturally, took notice of that, and didn't like what he saw.

## Day 20

### Challenge

At the challenge on Day 20, the host revealed that winners of each Individual Immunity Challenge would still receive a clue to the whereabouts of a Hidden Immunity Idol as part of their reward, as well as immunity from the vote. After the first challenge ended, Kim was the first recipient of Individual Immunity and that clue, which she was eager to put to use. Despite feeling as if the Idol had to have already been found, she was still determined to search for it anyway. Kim felt incredibly proud of her victory, especially considering Lenobia seemed intent to flip on their Blue Team and that could have put Kim in a tough spot. Now, though, she was guaranteed safety for at least one round.

### Merge Camp

Back at the camp, the players were tepid to run off and away from the group. Given they had all just come together as a group and no one was completely certain of the outcome, everyone was slightly unwilling to be the first to leave the group. Well, except for Zillik. As soon as they got back, Zillik took off on his own. Timothy inquired as to if that was common, to which everyone else assured him that it was extremely common and Zillik often spend as little time around the group as possible. Keeping that in mind for later, Timothy did eventually make a point to head off. Marcus, Jade, and Blaike, naturally, accompanied him. Lenobia started to follow, assuming this was going to be where they finalized the plan to vote out Jennifer or Zillik.

Once they were out of camp, Timothy found himself slightly irked at Lenobia having invited herself. Jade felt the same, but she was a lot more visible about her disdain. Sensing the tension, Timothy decided to use Jade's frustration as an excuse to pull Lenobia aside and promise to fill her in later on their choice if she was comfortable with that. Of course, Lenobia wanted to know why she wasn't allowed to be part of the main conversation, to which Timothy explained that Jade was still firmly against having her around. He was okay with her presence, but to avoid conflict, it would be best if Lenobia and Jade interacted as little as possible. Lenobia seemed unsure of this proposal, but Timothy reminded her that Marcus would be part of the conversation. If she didn't feel she could trust Timothy, Lenobia could at least trust that Marcus would come tell her the truth. Eventually, this did satisfy Lenobia, and she returned to camp.

After Lenobia left, Timothy laid out their actual plan. That plan, incidentally, was to vote Lenobia out, which both Blaike and Jade were immediately on board with. Marcus, of course, got angry and started shouting his protests and cursing them out. Blaike briefly started fighting back with him, all while Timothy and Jade waited for them to finish. When they finally did, Timothy took the opportunity to explain to Marcus that this was their best strategic move. Jennifer was willing to vote with him, so she couldn't be their target. She was useful, at least for now. Kim was immune. Marcus suggested Zillik, but Timothy reasoned that Zillik was far less of a threat than Lenobia, as he wasn't actively even trying to play the game. Besides, Lenobia would be the easiest person that everyone besides Marcus would agree to, and if she were put on the Jury, Marcus could probably count on her for a vote. Marcus asserts that he won't go along with the plan, to which Blaike responds that if he doesn't want to be part of their alliance, they can just vote Lenobia out with Jennifer without him and he can just go right after. It's not like Jennifer, Kim, and Zillik wouldn't help them vote Marcus out next. Clenching his fists and his jaw, Marcus finally conceded defeat and agreed to go along with the plan, but wanted to tell Lenobia about it. Timothy told Marcus that was fine, but only if he waited until right before the vote so that Lenobia wouldn't have time to mount a way to save herself or find the Idol. If she found out sooner, Lenobia would blow things up for their entire group and make living at camp a nightmare. So, Marcus agreed to this, feeling defeated. He'd lost Dragon and now he was about to lose Lenobia, all to protect and work with these other three players he hardly liked, but that was where he was strategically. If he went outside of the bounds of their alliance, they'd just vote him out next.

When Marcus got back to camp, Lenobia wanted to know the outcome of the discussion. He explained that Jennifer had struck a deal with Timothy to vote with them, so she couldn't be voted for. Lenobia nodded, realizing that meant the target was Zillik. Marcus opted not to correct her. That was his best strategy for not lying to her. Relaxed about how things were going to go, Lenobia spent the rest of the evening enjoying her time and not worrying about talking to Zillik, Jennifer, and Kim.

Speaking of Jennifer and Kim, they had gone off to finalize their plan as well. Kim was using the time to look for the Idol, and had even shared the clue with Jennifer so that they could search together. Kim wanted to vote for Marcus, feeling he was the most likely one that Jade and Blaike would agree to. Jennifer nervously agreed, but told Kim that she wanted to at least hear Timothy out to see if maybe the target was someone else. Kim dismissed this as nonsense, believing that Jennifer would be their obvious target. Jennifer wasn't convinced. She had her deal with Timothy in place, and felt that it wouldn't be her as a result. If Timothy were willing to give her another name, she could bring it to Kim and get away with not telling her about that deal. When the two finished their discussion, Jennifer went back to camp and Kim continued hunting for the idol on her own. She didn't feel as much pressure for this round due to her being safe.

Eventually, Jennifer had the opportunity to speak alone with Timothy. She told him that she still planned on going through with their deal, so he needed to give her his intended target. Timothy, trusting that she would do as she promised, told her that the plan was Lenobia. This surprised Jennifer, and she doubted his honesty. Why would Timothy drop the person on their side willing to flip? Timothy told her that the team divisions didn't matter that much to him, as he had already voted out Dragon anyway. Voting out Lenobia was his best strategic choice. Marcus and Lenobia needed to be split apart, and she was clearly willing to do anything and cut anyone to get to the end. She was potentially going to be very dangerous later in the game, so why not take her out now? Then they could reconvene and figure out who needed to go next. Still surprised and someone unsure, Jennifer agreed happily to this plan. She was ecstatic to hear that Timothy wanted to vote out Lenobia, and just had to hope he was telling the truth. She knew that Kim would be comfortable with that plan too, given how Lenobia had acted after the Merge. Timothy gave Jennifer a nod and told her that if they played correctly, they could have a very solid alliance that no one else would expect. Jennifer very much liked the sound of that. If they could get rid of Lenobia now, then maybe Zillik or Marcus next, she and Kim might be able to squeak back to the end of the game, possibly with help from Blaike and Jade. Naturally, this was mostly a lie on Timothy's part. He felt Jennifer was the savviest player left from the Blue Team. Kim was strong and smart, but too aggressive and stubborn. Jennifer was quiet and passive, but much more perceptive and socially well-adapted. There was no way he was taking her far in the game, but this would keep her on his side for the time being, which was what he needed.

When everyone eventually finished their chores and had no more excuses to wander off and have private talks, they all gathered back at camp to eat. Lenobia and Marcus sat away from everyone on their own, enjoying each other more than they enjoyed the rest of the players. Kim had decided to wait until the next day to talk to Blaike and Jade about the plan to vote for Marcus, but for now, she nudged Blaike and nodded in their direction. Blaike gave a frown and slight nod in return, fully aware of how the two were acting. Kim felt pleased. There seemed to be hope yet.

## Day 21

### Merge Camp

The game started up again almost immediately on Day 21. Kim was going to have her talk with Blaike and Jade, but Jennifer pulled her aside first thing in the morning. When they were safely away from camp, Jennifer gave her a rundown of the plan to vote out Lenobia, saying that Timothy was wary of her being coupled with Marcus. Kim, who was still annoyed at Lenobia for jumping ship, immediately jumped on this idea. She knew it would leave them in a minority, but there was still a chance that the girls could all flip and vote for Marcus on the next round. Getting Lenobia out first would be easy if that's what everyone wanted, and it meant Jennifer would survive. Relieved, Jennifer told Kim she was going to fill Zillik in on the plan, and left Kim to herself.

Kim, of course, then went straight to Blaike and Jade. When she had a moment of time with them, she explained that Timothy had told Jennifer about the Lenobia vote, and Jennifer had told her. Blaike, at first, became furious and got defensive, but Kim quickly assured them she was on their side. Lenobia and Marcus needed to be split up, and Lenobia had been a problem for Kim since the start of the game. Blaike calmed back down, but then asked why Kim wanted to tell her about this. Kim explained that she was hoping Blaike and Jade would be willing to vote for Marcus after Lenobia was gone, given how obnoxious he was to have around camp. Both girls hesitated. Jade didn't like the idea of breaking the loyalty she had to her old team, while Blaike felt that she probably had a really great shot at Final 3 within their foursome. Realizing what was going on, Kim told them to just think it over. It wasn't a big deal, as right now, voting Lenobia out was the key plan. They could discuss Marcus again when it was relevant. Relieved at the chance to avoid the conversation, Blaike and Jade thanked Kim for keeping them informed.

Jennifer located Zillik and let him in on the plan to vote out Lenobia, which he agreed to readily. Zillik wasn't particularly concerned, as long as it wasn't his neck on the line. He didn't see himself as a threat, so Zillik doubted he really had anything to worry about. Voting for Lenobia was easy, and he wasn't a big of her anyway. Since Kim was immune, Lenobia seemed like the best option. Jennifer was happy that it was so easy, and double-checked that she and Zillik were still good moving forward. He gave a short nod, which was his way of ending the conversation.

Right before the group left to vote, Marcus had a talk with Lenobia. He wanted to let her know the truth of the vote. Of course, she was upset, furious, and seemingly extremely hurt as well. She demanded to know why he was willingly letting this happen, to which Marcus explained that he had no choice. If he didn't help vote her out, Lenobia would still go home, but he would upset Jade and Blaike and wind up being next. Marcus hadn't been able to talk his allies out of voting for her, but he did check if she had the Idol. Lenobia, of course, didn't. Realizing she had no hope of changing the vote so late, Lenobia told Marcus that he had better make it to the end so that she could vote for him to beat all of the others left. He promised to do everything he could to get there, feeling somewhat guilty that he was about to willingly vote her out and benefit from having her Jury vote. Nonetheless, it was, in fact, too late to change anything.

### Vote

At the vote, Lenobia changed her vote to Timothy out of sheer spite. She knew who was responsible for spearheading her elimination, and she was going to make a point to take a shot at him the way a few of her old teammates had taken a shot at her. Timothy wasn't concerned, as every other player fell in line and voted Lenobia out unanimously. She left and became the third Juror, blowing a kiss goodbye to a miserable Marcus on her way out. The vote had been easy, and everyone had expectations about the next one. Timothy was feeling confident, but little did he know at that time that Jade and Blaike were considering Kim's proposition to turn on Marcus.