Five days left, and the winner will soon be decided. The 'Final Four' have been choose by you the fans, and as the week goes on, one by one they will be eliminated until the last survivor remains.


The five remaining castaways were told they were going to have an afternoon "Dern's Council" early in the day. Unlike the previous councils that had been held at night, there would be a challenge following directly after the vote which would decide who would be granted immunity next.

John Whittaker, a local business owner in Odyssey, was the only castaway who was guaranteed to be safe from the vote. His fellow companions were all questioning how safe they were going to be when the name of the next victim was called, and the chances of anyone of them going was very high. However, Blackgaard was still the person most likely to go... he had come close on more then one occasion, but somehow he had managed to survive longer then the castaways that had gone before him. His days were numbered, but were they up?

At one o'clock in the afternoon, the castaways began seating themselves around the fire. Each time they visited the council, the area in which they sat would get larger and larger as other castaways were told to head home. Now, with only five of them left, the space seemed lonelier then ever. They had never seen the council in broad daylight, and it was quite a different experience from the previous ones. Their surroundings seemed much more friendly with the sun shining down on them, but that all changed once Dern was heard hiking up the path behind them.

"Sorry I'm late", he said, without waiting for a response, "But I was just having a good laugh on behalf of the next council victim."

The contestants were not in the mood for Dern's humor today, and no one gave so much as a smile to Dern's comments.

"Tough crowd", sneered Dern as he placed his bag down beside him, "I guess sixty some-odd days on an island make people forget how to take a joke." He bent over and unzipped the bag beside him. After a few seconds, he pulled out a card and began waving it in front of the castaway's faces. "Gentlemen, I have in my hand the name of the next castaway to leave the island."

:Dern, spare us the theatrics", Blackgaard growled, "We all know it's me."

"You seem to under estimate your popularity, Dr. Blackgaard", Dern paused and looked over at Jack, "They had another person in mind this time."

Jack was confused for a moment, was Dern referring to him being the next to go? His question was answered in a matter of seconds as Dern turned the card over revealing "Jack Allen" scrawled across it.

"Oh Jack!", Whit said and stood up from his seat, "Not you too!"

Jack sat motionless in his seat and looked up at the sky in shock. "It was only a matter of time", he muttered and just shook his head.

Eventually he stood from his seat and bid farewell to his fellow castaways. Dern directed Jack out of the clearing, and the castaways all called their good-byes. A few moments later, they were all settled back in to their seats and awaiting further instruction from Dern.

"Well that was touching", Dern said sarcastically to the contestants, "But now let's get down to business. Jason, Regis, Tom and Whit... you are the 'Final Four' survivors on the island, but only one of you will go home the winner. As you already know, we've got the next Immunity Challenge lined up for you guys and it will begin momentarily."

"What exactly will this challenge entail?" Blackgaard asked, still surprised he wasn't the person voted off the island, "As you may have noticed, there's only one castaway here below the age of sixty and any more endurance challenges will surely be won by Jason."

"We understand that good doctor", Dern said with a little chuckle, "So we've decided to go easy on you guys this time."

"I reckon it's another one of them picking a name out of a bucket type contests", Tom sighed and looked at Dern to see if he was correct.

"Well, close", Dern chuckled, and again reached into the bag beside him and pulled out four parchments of paper, and four feathered pens which he handed to all the castaways. "Each of you have a blank sheet of paper. I'm going to ask you all a series of questions, and you will write down an answer. You are all allowed at least one incorrect answer, but any more then that and you will be eliminated from the game. The person that has the most correct answers will win."

"Sounds simple enough", Jason said, feeling confident he could do well. "What's the first question?"

"Well, it's kinda a trivia game on how well you know the people on the island. The first question is this: Which of the castaways brought a Ukulele along with them as their luxury item?"

All the castaways smiled, it was an easy question and they all wrote "Eugene Meltsner" down on the parchments.

"Correct!" Dern said, and looked down at a card in his hand which had all the questions listed on them. "Next question: Originally from California, this castaway brought a camera as her luxury item?"

Jason, Tom, and Whit all knew the answer to that question and wrote "Connie Kendall" on the paper. But Blackgaard didn't have any idea that Connie used to live in California and scribbled "Doris Rathbone" down as his answer.

"I'm sorry Regis, but that's one strike against you. Question three: What did Bart Rathbone take as his luxury item?"

The contestants were not quite sure of the answer, as Bart had not been in their tribe since he had been voted off before the merger. "Grill", "Knife", and "Not sure", Jason, Whit and Tom wrote down respectively. But Blackgaard, who had over heard Bernard telling Eugene that it was funner playing cards with Bart then it was listening to Eugene's Ukulele, correctly put "Deck of Cards" as his answer.

"Well that evens the playing field a little. One more strike against any of you, and you're out of the game. Fourth Question: Who were the three Yumnuska tribe members who competed in the archery competition?"

The castaways thought for a second, and looked back on what they could remember. It had been a long time since that challenge, and their memories weren't like they used to be. After some thinking, Tom and Jason wrote "Bart, Bernard and Connie" down on their pieces of paper, and displayed them for Dern to view. Meanwhile, Whit wrote "Eugene, Bart and Connie", while Blackgaard had no idea and just put "I don't know."

"The correct answer was 'Bernard, Connie and Bart'. Sorry Whit, Regis, but you're out of the game."

Whit and Regis looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. There wasn't much they could do now that they lost, and just watched how things were going to unfold.

"Fifth Question: In order, list the castaways who have been voted off thus far."

The castaways were given as much time as they needed, and after some thinking, Jason wrote "George, Doris, Walter, Bart, Harlow, Rodney, Joanne, Connie, Katrina, Eugene, Bernard, and Jack." Tom took some more time, and settled on his list of "George, Doris, Bart, Walter, Rodney, Harlow, Joanne, Connie, Katrina, Eugene, Bernard, and Jack."

Dern looked at each castaways list and studied them for a few seconds. "Well, we have ourselves a winner." He said as he reached once more into his bag and pulled out the immunity necklace. "Congradulations, Tom Riley, you have been granted Immunity!"




The 'Final Four' hiked up to the clearing where "Dern's Council" was being held. Tom Riley lead the gang as he proudly wore his Immunity Necklace around his neck, which signified he was the only person guaranteed of the four that wouldn't be going home.

"Good afternoon", Dern greeted his guests as they sat around the fire, "How's everyone's day been?"

No one answered, and Dern felt once again that he was getting the cold shoulder. "Fine then. I guess you're all here for one reason, and one reason only."

"I highly doubt we'd hike all the way up that forsaken path for nothing, Dern", Blackgaard said in his deep voice, "And it certainly wasn't to hear your dreadful comedy routine."

Dern paused for a second, he wasn't expecting to be insulted at that moment. "Well, ah, right. If you'll all excuse me, I'll go tally the votes!"

Jason laughed to himself knowing that Dern was finally at a loss for words. He made life miserable for most of the contestants, and it was nice to see Dern squirm under pressure.

It was only a matter of time before the results of the recent vote would be revealed. Whit, Jason, and Blackgaard were all up for nomination and one of them would be heading home that night. Blackgaard, who's change of heart was still questionable among the voters, was still the most likely to go. However, it had been that way for many rounds and each and every time he managed to escape being voted off.

Several moments later Dern walked out displaying a big smile on his face. "Well boys, looks like things are changing around here." He walked over to his seat behind the fire and threw a dozen cards into the flames. "It's been a long time coming, but it's time that Dr. Regis Blackgaard heads home." He chuckled as he saw Blackgaard's expression on his face sink.

"So that's it then, isn't it?" Regis asked looking at his castaways, "I assume you're all happy that they've finally got rid of me?"

"Of course not", Whit said in a kind tone, "We'll be praying for you."

"Of course you will." Blackgaard said flatly, and wrapped his cloak around his shoulders, "Good day."

The castaways watched as Blackgaard stood from his seat and walked out of the clearing. No good-byes, no handshakes. Blackgaard was obviously very upset, and wanted to leave the island as soon as possible.

"Well, that was entertaining", Dern said, still laughing to himself, "But it's now time for the last 'AIO Survivor' Individual Challenge."

The castaways were all still silent, bewildered by the way Blackgaard had acted when told he was heading home.

"Don't all talk at once guys", Dern said in an attempt to change the mood, "Everyone, follow me!"

The contestants sat for a few more moments before standing up to follow Dern out of the clearing. They followed him through the forest and over many different paths until they found themselves standing on top of a large cliff looking down over the water.

"Gentlemen, welcome to your final challenge."

"Um, what exactly is the final challenge going to be, Mr. Dern?" Tom asked as he looked down into the waters below, "Don't tell me we're going to have climb down there."

"Not at all Tom", Dern smiled, "It's actually quite simple. See these ropes we've got rooted into the edge? Well they're pretty secure, and we think they'll be able to hold each of your weights. It's your job to just hang on the ropes, until, you know, you fall! The last person hanging wins immunity."

"Dern, you can't be serious!" Whit said looking at the edge, "We're at least twenty five feet up!"

"Well that's true, but the water here is very deep. If you slip, you'll fall safely down into the water. Trust me, we don't want another lawsuit on our hands."

"Another?", Jason asked, turning his attention away from the challenge.

"Yeah", Dern began to chuckle, "The Rathbones have decided to sue us for defamation of character. They don't like the fact they had a three in sixteen chance of winning, and all of them were sent home within the first few weeks."

"Geez, they tried to nail Whit's End with the same lawsuit. I guess they'll never learn."

"Anyway, back to the task at hand. You guys all ready?"

The three castaways looked at each other, all very worried. What if something goes wrong? But there wasn't much time to think as Dern motioned them to the edge of the cliff.

Jason was the first contestant to gather the courage to lower himself over the cliff. He grabbed tightly onto the rope and positioned himself above a knot that was tied to prevent them from falling. He then let his legs rest on the face of the cliff, and watched as both his dad and Tom did the same.

Of all the challenges, this was the most risky of them all. Not only were they very high up, they could feel their muscles tensing and weaken as the time passed. But the one thing that kept all the contestants hanging on as long as possible was the opportunity to make it to the final two... something they all wanted from day one.

Five minutes had passed, though it seemed like hours to the castaways. Getting weaker and weaker with every tick of the clock, they all wanted to give up. Soon, the first victim gave way and John Whittaker decided it was time to let himself relax and let go of the rope. He fell through the air and remembered how just a week earlier he had done the same, only he had been caught by Blackgaard who helped him onto a ledge. This time there was nothing that was going to stop him from falling, and he plummeted into the waters below. A large splash was heard by the two contestants dangling above... Dern was right, it certainly was deep.

Tom's arms were beginning to hurt. His legs were also beginning to feel sore, he was not in a position he wanted to be in. Sweat was still sliding down his face, and his mind was wandering back to his farm. Don't let go he thought to himself, Only a matter of time before Jason gives up. Dern called out that it had been seven minutes, and Tom prayed he could do it.

Meanwhile Jason's mind was racing. Should I give the challenge up? Tom needs the money far more then Dad and I do. But he also didn't want to seem like he was a quitter. Eugene's been voted off in the past for giving up earlier, what would fans think of me?. But a few seconds later, his mind was made up. He let go of the rope and fell through air to join his father in the water.

Tom was straining to hold on, and hadn't noticed Jason falling until he heard the large splash. He carefully craned his neck up to see Dern standing above him with a smile on his face. "Well Tom... twice in a row, you've been granted Immunity!" In Tom's confused state, he let out a sigh of relief... and fell into the water. But it didn't matter, he was still the person that hung on the longest.


Three days to go, three members from the original sixteen left on the island. The past few nights were spent in mostly solitude, as the end was coming near and the castaways wanted to spend time with themselves. But it was time to head to "Dern's Council" where the next victim would be sent home, and Jason, Tom and Whit were hiking up the path towards the clearing.

George Barclay had been the first to go, followed soon by Doris and Bart Rathbone. After them came Shakespeare, Rodney, and Harlow before the two tribes merged into one, known as Talnuska. Joanne was the first to head home from the newly formed tribe, and was soon accompanied by Connie Kendall and Katrina Shanks leaving no females left on the island. Eugene Meltsner and Bernard Walton were the next to follow in their footsteps, both in very surprising moves. Then Jack Allen was sent home, eliminating him from final contention. The surprising 'Final Four' consisted of all Tala Neki members, Jason, Regis, Tom and Whit but after countless attempts at ridding him, the fans finally ousted Regis Blackgaard from the game. That left the final 3 of two Whittakers and a Riley, but one of them was being sent home... and the time was now upon them.

Tom Riley lead the others into the clearing, once again proudly wearing his Immunity Necklace around his shoulders. Bryan Dern, the host of the show, was standing nearby with an expression on his face that showed he had was taking great pleasure in the fact one of the Whittaker's would be sent home that night.

"Good Evening", he chuckled, shaking their hands as they passed, "Tough past few day's 'eh? Father and son battling it out to move onto the final round. I can tell you one thing I know for sure, one of you three standing here will be going home on Saturday with one million dollars. Two of you will be going home empty handed and joining the ranks of the past victims who've passed in and out of here already."

"Ah, Dern?" Tom said as he sat next to the fire, "Do you mind giving us a chance to say good-bye to each other before you send one of 'em off?"

"Well, I suppose." Dern said, "But make it quick, I don't wanna be here longer then I have to be. I'll go check on the votes and get back to ya."

Dern walked out of the clearing while the other castaways all looked at each other. Few words had been said on the way up the path, and both Jason and Whit looked like they had lost a lot of sleep knowing that someone they loved dearly was going home. "It's only a few days more", Tom said trying to break the tension, "You'll see each other soon enough."

"He's right Dad", Jason said looking over at Whit, "I don't see why we've gotta get so worked up over this. We've done it before, and we've lost a lot of good friends. Whatever the result is, it's for the best."

"You're right", Whit said with a laugh, "It's been some of the best seventy days of my life, I have no regrets and no worries about what's ahead. The Lord will work everything out, and I know that whatever happens will happen for a reason."

"I couldn't have said it better myself", Dern chuckled as he was reentering the clearing, "I'm sure what's about to happen here is all part of the bigger plan, ain't it guys?"

The castaways all looked in Dern's direction, and as usual he was holding a card in his hands. "Yes, I've taken a look at the votes", he said and smiled wide, "I've got the name of the votee right here on this here card. But I'm not telling, no, I'm gonna leave that for our good friend over here."

He motioned to Tom, who stood from his seat. "What?", he asked, not liking what he felt was going to happen, "You want me to read out the name?"

"That's right Mr. Riley", Dern chuckled and stuffed the card into Tom's open arms, "Come on, what's it say?"

Tom glanced down at the card and looked back up at Dern. "I can't, oh I can't" he cried, "It's not right."

"Go on Tom, who's next?" Dern taunted, forcing Tom no alternative. Tom reluctantly looked down at the card and read aloud.

"It says here that... that - John Avery - John Avery Whittaker has been voted off the island!"

Jason lowered his head as his dad stood up from his seat. "Don't worry guys, I'm prepared to go", he said in a sad voice, "It's no one's fault, but one of us had to go."

Jason collected himself and also stood from his seat. He went over to his dad and hugged him tightly. "I love you dad", he cried on his shoulder, "But I'll see you soon."

A moment later, Whit had shook hands with the host of the show, walked to the edge of the clearing and disappeared behind the trees. It was decided, Tom Riley would be battling Jason Whittaker for the million dollar prize. Would Hillingdale Haven be getting a new wing and the Timothy Center be getting new facilities? Or would the UPF be getting funds for more missionary work along with some money being donated to charity in memory of Jerry? It's all up to you!