The remaining contestants of "AIO Survivor" made their way to the next Tribal Battle. Last night, both tribes spent a sleepless evening due to heavy rain. Needless to say, they were not all in the best of moods this morning, and the Tribal Battle was something they could do without. However, they finally reached their destination: a small clearing at the top of a mountain that had a long narrow table sitting in the center, with only on chair on either end. Bryan Dern was sitting in one of the seats, and when the two tribes arrived, he greeted them in his usual fashion.

Then, as was always the case during Tribal Battles, Dern began to explain the rules of the contest. "Alright guys", he said, sounding very sarcastic, "We've got ourselves a real dozy! I hope you all brought your baskets, cause we're going berry picking!"

A man who had been hidden from view suddenly walked out from behind one of the trees. He whispered something into Dern's ear, slipped a small card into his hand and then retreated to where he had come from.

"Well then", Dern said looking relieved, "It seems the Berry picking contest has already been used in some other gameshow, good to hear 'cause it sounded like a silly idea anyway." He gave a little laugh and then looked down at the card, "So then I guess the next game we have lined up for you is some sort of 'Pie Eating Contest'. It says here on this card that the first team to finish all ten of their pies, will win immunity for their tribe.

This was welcome news for all of the castaways. On a normal day, they would probably be only able to consume one, maybe one and a half pies each. But without having proper food for so long, their stomachs felt as though they could take three our four! One person from each tribe would start, he or she would try to finish off one pie, and then the next person in line would sit down in that person's chair and try to finish of a new pie. Tala Neki had the obvious advantage, they had seven members who could easily split ten pies amongst themselves. However, each member of Yumnuska would be required to eat two pies.

Bet you wish you still had Shakespeare, 'eh?" Dern said to Yumnuska, chuckling to himself. "He probably could have eaten all ten pies for ya!"

Ignoring Dern's comments, Jack Allen sat down in the chair at the east end of the table. Opposite him, Harlow Doyle was taking the seat for Tala Neki. A group of men and women emerged from the trees, each holding a pie and wearing a chef's hat. There was twenty in all, and one of them was the man who had talked to Dern earlier. Two of the chefs came forward and placed their pies in front of both Jack and Harlow. Dern made sure both contestants had their hands behind their back, and then blew his whistle.

It was as incredible mess. Jack and Harlow both stuck their heads into the soft shell of the pies and began eating like mad. Harlow seemed to really enjoy the pies, as every so often he would lift his head and smile back at his team; face covered in raspberry sauce. Jack, on the other hand, did not raise his head. He continued eating the pie until there was nothing left in the tin. He stood up, wiped his face on his sleeve and then made way for Katrina who was next in line. She sat down in the chair as the new pie was being placed in front of her. She wrapped her hair behind her back and then dipped her face into the pie.

Meanwhile, Harlow Doyle had finally finished his pie and Tom Riley had taken his seat. Both Tom and Katrina were quickly gobbling up their pies and before they knew it, both had finished at nearly the same time. Tom stood up and cleaned his glasses while Katrina went back to her team raising her hands above her head. "I did it guys, I can't wait for my second helping!" It was now Rodney and Connie who were positioning themselves at the ends of the table. Soon after they were followed by Joanne and Eugene, Jason and Bernard, and then Whit and Jack. It was Jack's second attempt at a pie, but he was very hungry and had no doubts he could do it. Soon enough, Jack and Whit were leaving the tables at nearly the same time and Jack was passing the torch over to Katrina for her second helping. But instead of being up against Tom, she was going head to head with Regis Blackgaard. Blackgaard sat down in the chair, and cocked his head from left to right. He looked down at the pie, and stuck his head in. Seconds later he emerged and grabbed the waste basket that was sitting beside him. He was throwing up into the basket, and didn't look all that well. But he didn't want to let his team down, and put his face back into the pie. Shortly afterward, he withdrew his head, and grabbed the wastebasket again. This continued for nearly a minute, until finally Regis had finished the pie. He looked extremely sick, but was still grinning. Katrina was still eating her pie, and Yumnuska was cheering her on.

Harlow Doyle sat down and began eating the pie he was given. Eventually, Katrina stood up and let Connie take her place. Connie, knowing what was at stake, quickly devoured her pie, but not before Tom was already sitting down across from her. The score was eight - eight, but Tala Neki had the slight lead. Eugene sat down and, like Connie, eat as quickly as possible. Tom finished and let Rodney take his place. He called out, trying to taunt the other team, but Regis Blackgaard, who was standing beside Rodney, told him to be quiet and concentrate on the game. Not wanting to get into a tangle with Blackgaard, Rodney did so, and began eating the pie. Eugene stood up, having finished his pie and let Bernard sit down. He glared at Rodney, but didn't say anything.

The game was now on Bernard's shoulders. If he lost the game, Yumnuska would lose yet another member, and it would be very difficult to cope with such a loss. Bernard knew what he had to do, and stuck his head into the pie. He was eating faster then he had ever done in his life, while Rodney was doing the same. However, Rodney couldn't contain himself and burst out laughing, pie falling out of his mouth as he did. He had glanced up and saw Eugene staring at him, lens' covered in pie, and the picture in his head was too funny for him to control his laughter. He slid off his chair, pointing and laughing at Eugene. Furious, Blackgaard took the now vacant seat and began finishing Rodney's pie, but it was too late. Bernard was smiling, an empty tin sitting in front of him. Yumnuska was cheering, they were out of their slump. Blackgaard stood up, and pushed the pie tin aside. Everyone in Tala Neki was looking at Rodney, who had stopped laughing. "I cannot believe you did this!", Blackgaard said in low, deep voice. "We had the lead, and you went and ruined it!" Rodney looked down at the ground, feeling rather ashamed at what he had done. It was his fault they had lost the contest, what was going to happen to him next?

After two straight victories, Tala Neki finally lost. One of their current seven members would be voted off and sent home. Which one? It's up to you.


Even though it was the twenty fifth day, Tala Neki was heading to "Dern's Council" for just the second time. Regis Blackgaard was leading the group, holding his torch high so that everyone could follow the trail. "We're almost there", he shouted, making sure the rest of the tribe heard him. "I can see some torches lit in the distance."

Soon enough, the seven castaways were settling down on logs that had been placed around a glowing fire. Cryin' Bryan Dern was already waiting for them, obviously eager to reveal the results.

"I've taken the liberty of reading the results a little earlier then planned", he said with a smile, "It's not that big of a surprise really, I'm sure you all were expecting this. But, before I go ahead and tell you, let's all have a little chat, shall we?" He laughed and then walked over to Dr. Blackgaard.

"That was quite a show you put on Regis, throwing up those pies we made. 'Must've been really embarrassing for you, a grown man, former mayoral candidate might I add, not even able to keep down a few bites of a pie!"

"Well Dern", said Blackgaard coldly, "If only you knew what we are going through. I have not eaten a decent thing in ages, when I had those pies... well, it just wasn't a healthy practice. Any person with some sense would know that eating something you're not used to having for a while can make a man sick. If you had any sense-"

"Fair enough Regis", Dern interjected, "I think you've had your fifteen minutes, but I think it's time we get on with the show!" He gave one last look at Blackgaard and then turned to the rest of the castaways. "I guess you're all wondering who the unfortunate individual is who will not be winning the money. Sorry to say, but our narrow-minded friend here (he gestured to Blackgaard), will be staying. However, this fine man (he now gestured to Rodney), will be joining his parents back in Odyssey."

"Aw, man!", Rodney said in disbelief, "All because I laughed at Eugene? Doesn't it matter that I've done good in challenges before now?"

"Not to the viewing public it doesn't", Dern said with a chuckle, "I guess this means the Rathbone's have all been eliminated from competition. Too bad!" He then pointed to his right, telling Rodney it was time to leave. Rodney stood up, kicked the empty log in front of him, and then walked out of camp. Only eleven members left, who will be next?


Rodney Rathbone was the fifth person to be voted off the island. Reporters caught up with the remaining contestants, to find out their reactions:

"Rodney didn't really seem like he wanted to be here. Countless times we found him slacking off, sneaking food, and irritating the rest of the tribe. We all got our jobs; Dad, Tom, and I fish, Joanne and Harlow do the cooking, and Blackgaard gets the water. But Rodney didn't want to have any part in anything that required him to work. I believe the fans made the best possible choice in this case, and it's truly for the best."
- Jason Whittaker, Tala Neki

"We had that game won, but Rodney's childish antics cost us dearly. I'm not surprised by the decision, it was his time to go. Besides, if the fans hadn't voted him out, he would've been paying the price when he returned to camp. It was un-called for, but that's to be expected from someone of his age. In the end, I suppose it was time for [Yumnuska] to have a break from "Dern's Council" anyway, they've fought hard in the previous challenges. Anyway, my duties are calling and I must attend to them. Good day.
- Regis Blackgaard, Tala Neki

The sixth Tribal Battle will be held tomorrow! Be sure to come by, and see the next candidates for "Dern's Council" to be held on Day 30!


Jack Allen awoke with a start. He had been dreaming again, this time however, he was being chased by a man on a horse. The man, who was dressed in midnight armor, was galloping through the dark woods. He was shouting at Jack, who continued to stumble over fallen logs. The leg he had broken earlier was in incredible pain, and he collapsed onto the floor of the forest. The dark man dismounted his horse and walked over to where Jack had fallen, he bent over and put his hands on Jack's broken leg. Jack looked up and saw the man covered in medieval armor, and then just as the man was twisting Jack's leg... he woke up.

***

The Yumnuska and Tala Neki tribes met up in a large clearing on the beach. Two wheelbarrows were standing at one end, and about two hundred feet away was a large pile of sand. Dern hadn't arrived yet so they decided to relax on the sandy floor and just talk about the events of the past twenty six days. Jack took this opportunity to tell everyone about his dream, and they all seemed very worried. Jack had a reputation of experiencing dreams that reflected things in the real world, but everyone seemed stumped as to what the message could be.

After everyone had finished voicing their opinions on what the dream could mean, someone walked up from a path behind them. They all turned around expecting to see Dern with his usual smug face, but it wasn't Dern. Dale Jacobs was making his way through the forest with a concerned look on his face.

"Hello there!", he called out, and walked over to where the castaways were sitting. "I bet you weren't expecting to see me. It looks like I'm here to replace Dern, for the time being at least."

"What happened to Mr. Dern?" Joanne asked, "Is he sick?"

"I'm afraid not Joanne, were not exactly sure what happened. Yesterday afternoon a few of the reporters found him unconscious near his hut. Were not sure of the cause, but it appears he was attacked by some sort of animal. He is currently in hospital, and we're not sure how long it'll be before he's able to continue his duties. Just a reminder, be careful around here... there's a lot of dangerous creatures at night that have the ability to harm you. While Dern's getting better, I'll be here to guide you guys throughout the various challenges, starting with today's. Are you all up for it?"

Everyone nodded, though their minds were still going back to Dern, hoping he was all right.

"All right then", Dale said and walked over to one of the wheel barrows that was sitting off to the side. "We're hoping to take your minds off things for a while, so we set up a fun game for you all. The object of today's challenge is to take this wheelbarrow here, and bring it over to that clearing just over there. See, the one with the huge pile of sand? Anyway, fill your wheelbarrows up with as much sand as you can carry and bring it back here. You'll then dump your sand on one of you tribemates, and try to cover that person in sand. It'll take a few trips, but eventually the team that can cover their member first will win the challenge. Tom, Bernard, you two will be the contestants that must be covered in the sand. The rest of your teams can decide who will do what in today's challenge. Any questions? Good, then let's get ready!"

The contestants stood up and walked over to each of their team's wheelbarrows. Tala Neki's bright orange wheelbarrow had the words "TALA NEKI" inscribed on it, whereas the Yumnuska tribe's was a vibrant yellow with the word "YUMNUSKA" engraved on the side. It was decided that since they were the strongest, Jack and Jason would be the wheelbarrow controllers for each of their teams. Those two would be accompanied by Connie and Blackgaard to help pile the sand in. The remaining members of the two teams would wait until the first load of sand arrived, and then pile it unto their teammate. Joanne was the left over member who stood off to the side with Dale Jacobs. Dale made sure everyone was ready to begin, and then blew his whistle.

It was a wild challenge, as both teams were extremely enjoying the day's contest. Bernard couldn't stop laughing when Jack lowered the first batch of sand unto his teammate, and Tom was having trouble restraining himself as well. After about four more loads of sand, both teams were near finished covering the contestants. Dale Jacobs had insert straws into the noses of both castaways, to ensure they would be able to breath once they had been completely covered. And soon enough, Connie and Eugene were putting the finishing touches on Bernard. He was completely covered in sand, from head to toe and the Yumnuska tribe had beat out Tala Neki for the second time in two challenges. They were extremely pleased with themselves, and shook hands with the other team. Tom, who's face was the only thing not covered by sand, was still laughing his head off. It was an interesting challenge, and very fun at that. The question still remained though... who would be voted off next?