Episode 21 Celeste
Entering the challenge arena on the beach, I squint toward the ocean.
Six wooden doghouse-shaped platforms bob in the water, their peaked roofs catching the morning sun.
I’ve seen this challenge before, watching reruns with Megan right after her last injury.
It’s called Doghouse. Footpegs run up each side of the slanted roof, getting smaller toward the top.
What an inconvenient time to have big feet.
Regardless of who wins immunity today, I’m certain Bo and Jeida will be voted out tonight. According to the short discussion between Paya, Saffron, Lex, Arlie, Beya and myself last night, the math is settled. Then again, with this game anything can change in a heartbeat.
I’m glad I have my secret relic tucked safely back at camp. Just in case. I don’t want to use it unless I know I have to. The stress of a potential blindside creeps in. I push the thoughts away and focus on the platforms in front of me.
Steph Rhodes holds up a shimmering gold necklace with a sea turtle at the center, the morning sun catching the metal.
“Individual immunity is officially up for grabs.” Her gaze sweeps over the eight of us.
“Winning this talisman protects you from being voted out tonight. But it does not protect your partner. They are still completely vulnerable. And remember the golden rule of the merge. Till elimination do you part. If your partner goes home, your torch gets flung off the side of The Summit right along with theirs. That means even if you are wearing this necklace, your fate is still entirely in your partner’s hands. ”
A grumble ripples through our line.
Paya’s tight jaw tells me she’s just as concerned as I am. How in the world are Paya and I supposed to make it to the end with this ruthless twist?
Steph continues when she hears our reactions.
She holds up a wooden chest the size of a shoebox.
“Brutal, right? But remember. You aren’t completely helpless.
The winner of each immunity challenge will also earn a mystery box.
Inside could be a life-changing prize or a twist that might just give you the leverage to keep your partner safe.
” Her lips curl into a devilish grin as she shrugs.
“Or it could be nothing at all. Winning a mystery box might be your only lifeline to advance in this game. Good luck. Let’s get started. ”
I shake out my arms and wade into the surf. The water is cold against my calves. I climb onto my platform and find my footing on the lowest pegs, one foot on each side of the peak. Beside me, Paya climbs onto hers. Beya, Arlie, Lex, Saffron, Bo, and Jeida stand on theirs.
For the first few minutes, the challenge is almost easy. I keep my arms loose, my weight even on both feet, and watch the waves to anticipate the rocking. The peak of the roof presses into my arches but I block it out.
Then Steph calls out the first move.
“Right foot, one peg higher.”
I shift my weight to my left foot and slide my right foot up. The slope is steeper now. My ankle wobbles for a second before I find my center. Beside me, a splash. I don’t dare turn my head, but I hear Steph’s voice ring out.
“Bo is out!”
So much for the partnership rule helping us tonight. Jeida is still up.
I focus on my breathing. In through my nose. Out through my mouth. Around me, the sun climbs higher. The platforms keep bobbing. Another splash a few minutes later.
“Lex is out!”
I picture Lex shrugging at the water like she’s seen worse. The thought almost makes me smile.
“Left foot, one peg higher,” Steph calls.
The shift is harder this time. My legs are starting to burn.
I steady myself with both arms out and inch my left foot up to match my right.
Now I’m standing nearly at the peak, my feet pinched together on a narrow point, the roof slope steep on both sides.
A wave rocks my platform. I shift my hips and recover.
Beside me, another splash.
“Beya is out!”
The line thins. I keep my eyes locked forward.
Thirty minutes into the challenge and my thighs are on fire. The sun beats down. The waves pick up. The remaining three of us. Me. Jeida. Saffron.
“Top pegs!” Steph orders.
Barefoot, I step carefully onto the highest pegs. One foot. Then the other. A quick wobble. But I get it under control. The footpegs at the top are barely wider than my big toe. My arches are screaming.
A giant splash sounds behind me. I try to stay focused and not let it pull my eyes.
“Saffron is out!”
Just Jeida and me now.
I can barely breathe as I hold steady. My arms are out, extended like wings. A wave rolls in. Another quick save. My feet shift just enough to find balance.
Then a sharp pain. Jabbing at my feet. My already blistered feet from yesterday’s forage are screaming against the wood. I grit my teeth. I glance to my right. Jeida. She’s standing straight as a pencil. Not a single tremor. Her eyes locked on the horizon like she’s meditating.
I look straight ahead. Refuse to give in.
Another wave rolls in.
My foot slips.
I tumble backward off the platform and crash into the water. The cold hits me hard. I come up sputtering, salt water in my mouth, my shoulders aching from the strain.
“Jeida wins immunity!”
The eight of us gather back at the main platform. Wet, exhausted, and will be down to six players after tonight’s Summit. Steph holds the immunity talisman up in the sunlight, then slips it over Jeida’s head. The sea turtle pendant settles against her collarbone.
“As promised, here’s your mystery box.” Steph hands her the small wooden chest. Jeida cradles it against her hip.
“You are not required to share the contents with your partner if you do not want to. However, you are required to share what’s inside the mystery box at the start of the next Summit vote. Congratulations on your win.”
Jeida rubs her hands together. She glances at Bo, whose smile is tight.
“Jeida, you’re safe from votes tonight. Enjoy the view from the top.” Steph gestures toward the exit. “But a partnership ends tonight. Head back to camp.”
I find Paya in the small huddle of players walking back to the path. Her hand brushes mine, just for a second. Just enough to say I’m here.