MSI: Episode 3 PT. 1 - The Tribes

MONKEY JOE – RED

            They appeared back on their mat at their beach. The last of the sun’s rays said goodnight.

            Gambit laughed into his gloved hand, composed himself and started toward the shelter.

            Emma Frost cut Gambit off. “What’s funny?” She growled. She opened her mouth and closed it. She knew what was funny, but the frustration of not getting her way got to her. Diamond sparkled across her body. She magnified the flickering fire behind her.

HUMAN TORCH (Shirtless in red shorts and standing with arms folded. Little bushes surround him. He kicked one of them and it ignited.) Oops. (He blew it out.) I can command fire with a single thought. That’s what Vision didn’t understand. (He looked up to the left.) Even though I didn’t do that with the fire he whined about, I did do it with this fire. I commanded it stay contained. It wouldn’t matter if a tree fell into the pit, the little fire would stay in its little place and be a little flame. (He made a face and gestured with his hands as if he was playing with a tiny flame. He cleared his throat.) No jungle fires on this beach. Unless I say so.

            Gambit held up his gloved hands hiding his eyes. “You are a sore loser, no?” He grabbed a handful of sand, grinned and tossed the charged grains into the air. They exploded in a firework display. “I’m still here.” He took a step to the side and continued on his way.  

            Human Torch stared at the exploding sand grains. “Ooh, pretty.”

            “It is.” Jamie Madrox agreed.

            Human Torch rolled his eyes and followed Gambit.

            Jamie shrugged.

            Black Widow mouthed, Told you so.

GAMBIT (He wore black shorts, no shirt and a red buff around his bicep. He sat on a log with the sun rising behind him.) Madam Frost thought she cornered me. You cannot corner a thief. Not one that is as good as me, no? No. (He shook his finger in the air.) She is going to have a shock that’ll knock her mental self out. I will not suffer her wrath. She’ll go before I do.

            Emma Frost said, “Ladies, may I have a word?”

            Domino and Black Widow followed Emma into the trees.

            Thor elbowed Jamie Madrox. “Why did they wonder off to speak?”

            Jamie pushed Thor’s elbow away. “Be careful. Don’t jostle me. I pop them out like a fertile Myrdal.”

            “Huh?” Thor looked at Jamie.

            “Never mind.” His face reveled thinking. “There are only three of them. There are four of us.”

            “Four?” Thor counted and then held up two fingers.

            “You do need another dinosaur.”

            Thor put his hand over his stomach. “Yes.”

            “Fine. Tomorrow I’ll help you hunt. Wake me up.” Jamie Madrox headed toward the shelter.

            “Do not be a wuss, Jamie. I will wake you before the sun cracks.” Thor walked behind him.

            “Crack of dawn.”

            Thor made a face. “I do not know of any Dawn.”

            Jamie Madrox shook his head. “How long have you been with the Avengers? Never mind.”

JAMIE MADROX (No shirt, red shorts and he stood leaning on his shoulder against a tree. The M tattoo made him look more serious than he was.) What if I was a tribe of my own? I create eight dups and we compete in challenges against all these fools? (He shrugged.) A passing thought. It wouldn’t work anyway. A douchebag dup might pop up and that would be the end of my mighty run. I’m so hungry I might make a dup just to eat. How would that go over? I’d probably just absorb him and then feel the pain of his death. Thor isn’t the brightest god I’ve ever dealt with, but he is one of our strongest. And he single handedly kept us from losing worse during the first challenge. (He closed his eyes.) I guess I’m going to make this all guy thing work. Don’t know why women like to do this. Like to make it a sex thing. Whatever. I’m going to have to play nice with the Human Torch. Not easy. His ego’s big enough to fit the fat lady that’ll be singing when I make it to the final three? Right? Squirrel Girl’s going to have to explain this ending to us again.

            Jamie Madrox walked over to where Gambit and Johnny were talking. Human Torch fell back onto the makeshift bed, grimaced, rolled over and pretended to go to sleep.  

            Gambit snickered. “I will sleep too.” He snuggled up next to Human Torch.

            Human Torch’s eyes shot open. “What are you doing?”

            “You’re toasty.”

            Human Torch scooted away from Gambit. “I don’t need to feel any good morning from you.”

            Gambit batted his eyes. “I am cold.”

            “I don’t care.”

            “Boys, boys I can make you a dup to cuddle up to. Sometimes a gay one finds his way out,” Jamie said.

            Gambit’s eyebrows furrowed. “Have you ever…?”

            “No. No. And No I have never thought of it either.” Jamie Madrox waved both hands in front of his face. “Erase that thought. I am trying really hard.”

            Gambit laughed. “If possible, I would.”

            “No one asked.” Human Torch scooted further away.

            Thor folded his arm. “I do not understand this conversation.”

            Jamie put his hand on Thor’s shoulder. “Be grateful you’re ignorant on this topic. At this moment, I envy you.”

            Cameras floated around the ladies. The heroes have become engrossed in the game that they no longer noticed them.

            Emma Frost returned her skin to normal. “We have a problem.”

            “There’s only three of us.” Domino put her hands on her hips. Her fingers fiddled with one of her guns. “Which of the boys are the weakest?” She tapped the side of her head.

            Black Widow held her arms feeling a little cold in moonlight. “Better question. Which has a bruised ego that needs stroked? Human Torch. He’s the one that has the biggest problem with Jamie. The other two seem to like Jamie. We target Human Torch, get him to vote Jaime and we will have the upper hand. I can convince both of them they’re being gunned for by the other. I’ve already started.

            Emma Frost dug her feet into the sand. “There is no way we could get them to vote off Gambit?”

            “You are going to have to let that rivalry go.” Black Widow pulled her hair back and wrapped a piece of grass around it to put it up in a ponytail. “We are outnumbered. If they grow a cell or two in their brains, we are doomed.”

            Domino agreed.

            Emma Frost reluctantly agreed as well. “Or we might surprise everyone. We might win our first challenge.”

            Domino gave a thumbs up. “Possible. Maybe even probable.”

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

            Deadpool was cleaning one of his guns. He nodded toward Vision sitting on the other side of the white room.

            “No color?” Vision looked around the room. He stared at the TV.

            “He’s been saying that over and over again. I tried to shoot him. I did.” He shook his gun in Vision’s direction.

            And?

            “It didn’t work. I shot myself in the foot just to test to see if the bullets are real.” He swallowed hard. “Real. I got some mean bullets in these things.” He pulled a sword out from behind his back. “I could slice him.” He pointed with his sword to the middle of the room. “RED!”

            Vision followed where he pointed. “Blood. Yours. Poor hygiene. When will someone clean up this mess?” He looked into one of the cameras. “I am fine. I will not get sick from blood lying around.”

            Deadpool rolled his eyes.

            What’s your problem?

            He shot up both his hands. “I need my own area.”

            Just ask.

            Deadpoool stopped cleaning his gun and sighed. “Are you here for my opinion on what’s going on?”

            Vision turned and faced Deadpool. “I’m here because I was voted off.”

            “I wanna shoot him hardcore. In the eye. Destroy that hard drive. Just once.”

            Vision stared blankly at Deadpool. “You asked. I answered.”

            Deadpool stood. “I asked. But not you.”

            Vision gestured to the bland room. “Who else is here?”

            Deadpool pointed to the cameras floating around. “They are. I’d rather talk to them.”

            Anything on what’s going on?

            “Gambit screwed The White Queen. Royally. Pun intended double time.”

SPLIPPY PETE – GOLD

            Cyclops lifted his glasses and red optic blast hit part of the frozen dinosaur. The ice cracked under the pressure and the leg broke off. It flew into the air and Rogue caught it.

            “Oh, nice one Scott. This ought to be a good lunch.” Rogue dropped the leg near the fire.

            Cyclops closed his eyes, lifted his glasses and wiped the sweat from his brow and nose. He lowered them back. “Hot.”

            “Not so close.” Iron Man waved Rogue back. “The water might snuff the flames.”

            “Sorry, suga’.” She dragged the leg several feet back toward the ocean water and away from the fire.

            Iron Man nodded. He lifted his hands that had the gloves on and imitated heat waves. The ice was already melting, but with Iron Man helping out, it melted five times as fast.

ROGUE (Blue shorts, gold shirt with an X. She had her arms wrapped around her knees and sat on the beach staring at the water. The sunset behind her.): Mr. Fantastic created uh nice little area for me to sleep in. Ah appreciate him. Keep me from accidently touching anyone. Ah have stayed away from everyone in that regard. (She waved her hand in front of her face.) Ah’m sweatin’ like a whore in church. Ah have been told ah was a whore in church. Another story for no other time. Tony is less flirty than normal. Ah noticed that. It’s awkward to have a reserved Iron Man walkin’ around camp. Not shootin’ out degrading woman comments that ah’d slap any other male for utterin’. Psylocke and Ah’ve formed a bond or alliance or a union… (She giggled.) …that’s that church thing again. Ah mean we are going to vote together. We haven’t decided who is our target, but Ah’m sure it’s someone with glasses.

            Spider-Man still in shorts, no shirt and now no gloves. He stood with Mr. Fantastic near the tree line behind the shelter. He whispered, “Is Tony better or worse?”

            Mr. Fantastic spoke loud toward the food cookers. “Please make sure to cook it longer. I do not like red in my meat.” He turned to Spider-Man. “I asked him several questions about the last few days and he remembers our conversations to him about the game and what we plan on doing. He does not recall any of his interactions with the women. And it appears,” he looked at Iron man, “he’s having a hard time remembering their names. Squirrel Girl did a number on him. I do not know if we are going to be able to hide this for much longer.”

            Spider-Man shook his head. “If he’s going to be a hot tin head, we’re going to have a hard time keeping him from being nixed.”

            Mr. Fantastic ushered Spider-Man forward. “Be next to him. Keep him witty. That’ll make him loveable to them for a while longer.”

            Spider-Man touched his chest and scoffed. “I, witty? I got nothing. This makes you less confident in me?”

            Mr. Fantastic nodded.

            Spider-Man shrugged and walked toward Iron Man who still heated up the ice. He leaned in and said, “Feeling okay Tinman?”

            “Hungry.” Iron Man kept his hands out, the ice fell off like ice in a lot of heat. “We doing the same thing as last time?” His eyebrows furrowed. “Red over there, going to magic it up?” His hands dropped. He shook them and massaged his right wrist with his left hand. “I’m done.”

            Spider-Man winked at Scarlet Witch and pointed at her. “You got this?”

            She gave a thumbs up and turned to Psylocke and continued her conversation.

            Spider-Man pulled Iron Man toward the ocean. “I hear,” he spoke louder than necessary. Everyone back at the camp heard, “that ocean water, you know salt and all, is really good for sore wrist.” He paused as if he just admitted something. “Man. Anyway, to the ocean with you Tony. Get those…just put your hands in the ocean.”

            Iron Man stumbled toward the water. He removed the gloves with a press of their buttons. They hissed and released his hands. He handed them to Spider-Man. “Hold these.” He squat and put his hands into the water.

            Spider-Man stood near him. “Did Jarvis clear you today?”

            Iron Man shook his hands, water went in different directions and he stood. “For what? Sanity? I am sane. I’m just having memory lapses.”
 

            “Lapses as in not knowing Wanda’s code name or her real name?” Spider-Man gestured toward her back at camp. “You called her red. That’s a fallback on a nickname of hair color that, by the way, isn’t her hair color at all. That’s her costume color, but she’s not even wearing that. Or her headgear. Speaking of that headgear…” He scratched his forehead. “What does that even do? It’s pointy and awkward. What did it do? Help her look like the Avenger Marvel Girl from the young X-Men?” His hands outlined Jean Grey’s yellow mask around his face. “Right? I’m right. Who couldn’t tell she was Marvel Girl? How many redheads can lift things with their minds?”

            Iron Man reached and put his hand over Peter’s mouth. “Silent Prattling Parker.”

            “Sorry. I get really stupid…” again he made a face as if what he said was worse than what he meant. “…anyway. I just am excited that we might make it far and don’t want to lose you if they find out you’re losing your mind.”

            “Memory lapses is not crazy. Reed must have told you that much.” Iron Man took back his gloves. “Maybe if I eat a little more I’ll feel better.”

            “Sure. Sure. Right.”

MR. FANTASTIC (Gold shirt and blue shorts. His beard showed with flecks of gray.) I hate not being able to shave. To look as if I am some sort of homeless person that I wouldn’t notice while I walked down the street toward the subway, is not something I enjoy. (He sat on a rock surrounded by trees. Roars of dinos echoed.) They do that all day long. I don’t know if there are that many roaming about or if they just have sounds of them emanating from all over. We haven’t seen too many. Not many come up to the shielding and cause a problem for us. I have been thinking about Tony and his memory issues. It’s only with the women of the tribe. I have not come to a viable conclusion or even a few conclusions. It’s complicated. I don’t know what Squirrel Girl did or what “Mojo” did. (He did do air quotes when he said Mojo.) Peter and I are trying to keep Tony’s memory lapses under wraps. We don’t want the others getting any bright ideas.

            Back at camp Kitty Pryde laughed. “Bobby, you’re so cool as ice.”

            Iceman snickered. “And you, Kitty, are perfect.” He pawed at her.

            “Hey!” She pointed at one of the trees. “Can you lift me?”

            Iceman extended his hand and formed ice under her feet. The pillar of cold lifted her toward the tree’s branches. She grabbed a few fruits and slid down the pole like a firefighter. “Look at this.”

            “Apples and oranges.” Iceman took an apple and took a bite. He moaned under the taste. “That tingled my icicles.”

            Kitty Pryde stanched the apple back.

            “Whoa, lady. Give back my free tingle giver.” His hand went for the apple, but he couldn’t gain hold.

            Kitty phased. “No, no, no. Keep your tingling ‘cicles to yourself.”

            He threw up his hands. “I am. I haven’t shown them to you.”

            “Dude, please.” She tossed the apple back. She peeled her orange and took a bite. She purred her enjoyment. “Wow. Who knew they could create such great fruit.”

            Iceman looked at the others in the camp. “Anyone care for some fruit?”

            A resounding hell yes was what he got. Mr. Fantastic used his stretching to their benefit. He gathered enough fruit for everyone to have a few with their dino meat.

            Scarlet Witch lowered the dino meat on web net made by Spider-Man. Keeping it from sitting in the sand or touching anything from nature that would ruin the taste.

            Psylocke licked her fingers after eating her dino meat. She took an apple and bit it. “You are right, Bobby. This is amazingly good.”

            “I know my fruits.” Iceman recoiled from his comment.

            “I’ll let Wiccan know.” Kitty threw her hands over her mouth. “I don’t know where that came from.”

            “Phobic we have a problem.” Iceman poked her side. She jumped and swatted his hand.

            Psylocke pushed her purple hair off her neck. “Still hot.” She stood, stretching. “I’m going to dip myself in the ocean.”

            “I can ice you down.” Iceman snapped his fingers.

            She shook her head. “Keep your ice to yourself. I’ll be fine with a swim.”

            Scarlet Witch said, “I’ll join you. We shouldn’t go into the ocean alone. Who knows what lurks in there.”

            No one else wanted to join.

            They walked toward the ocean side by side. Psylocke said, “Cyclops.”

            Scarlet Witch nodded. She lifted her long hair up off her neck. She manipulated a piece of grass to float toward her and wrap around her hair, making a ponytail. “I understand that.”

            “You agree?” Psylocke lowered herself into the water, dunk her head back and lifted her it back up. “Did you answer?”

            Scarlet Witch let out the air she held. “It is a warm island they made.” She splashed water on her arms. “I think if we keep him, we have someone that will always be a target. Someone others will want to get rid of. Plus he is very good at knowing who can do what during challenges.”

            “Rogue and I are in agreement on this.” Psylocke lowered herself in the water with her head bobbing above, allowing her to hear. “We should probably make sure the ladies stick together.”

            “Why?”

            “Fun.” Psylocke grinned.

            Cyclops shouted for everyone to gather around. Treemail.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

            Deadpool slouched in his chair. “He doesn’t ever go into a corner and charge himself up?” He covered his mouth and giggled. “Snicker. I don’t giggle. Ooh, I do want a Snickers. I might turn into Wolverine if I eat one. Less of a diva and all.”

            Vision watched the screen ignoring Deadpool.

            “He’s decided to do that since I’ve decided to talk to “My Voices” as the mechanical shrink said.” He used his gun to pretend to shoot himself in the head. Except he made sure there were no bullets in it so he could make the click noise. “I need my own room.”

            Just ask.

            “Ask what?”

            For your own room.

            “Control freak. I’m not going to beg for one. Who do I look like, Spider-Man? What a…never mind. You are wondering what I thought about Slippy Pete?”

            Sure.

            “I’m sure that that’s a euphemism. Squirrel Girl is nasty.”

            That’s it?

            “And Cyclops has Scarelet Witch under him.”

            His thumb?

            “No, just under him. I’m sure she’ll be pregnant by the end of this show. His Summer gene pool is half of the Marvel Universe and she likes make universes. They’re a match made in…Mojoverse.”

            And Iron Man?

            “He’s tinless. He needs to amp up his misogynistic comments or else he’s just a man in a suit and we all know that I’m the only man in the suit that’s a lady’s man. I know how to make a lady scream. Shoot her in the foot.” He tapped the tip of the gun on his chin. “Actually that’ll make anyone scream.”

TIPPY-TOE – ORANGE

            The morning after the challenge win people still congratulated Wiccan.

            “Son, that was a fantastic job you did yesterday.” Captain America put his hand on Wiccan’s shoulder. “If you continue to do that well, you will go far.”

            Nightcrawler nodded in agreement. “Ja, well done.” He shot a thumbs up, which looked a bit odd with only three fingers.

            “Yeah, kid, and those spices make the meat that much better. I’m itchin’ for a hunt.” Wolverine sniffed the air. “Good thing that shield doesn’t block scent.”

            Jean Grey winked. She stretched and yawned. Rubbing her eyes she looked at Storm. “You want to walk to get water or make it rain?”

            Storm rubbed the back of her neck. “I cannot wait to have an actual bed that will support my neck better than tree bark.” She closed her eyes and whispered a few words. She opened them. “I will save my energy. I will join you filling up the water bottles.”

            Jean Grey lifted all the water bottles in a telekinetic bubble. “Ready.”

            Wiccan cleared his throat.

            Jean gave him her attention. “Yes?” The water bottles floated near her head.

            Wiccan stared at them. Even with his powers other’s still fascinated him. He smiled. “Thank you, again, for all your help yesterday. Good reminders. I tend to think I can’t before I think I can.”

            Jean returned the smile. “I was like that. Having the ability to read minds and lift things with it was a bit overwhelming.” She pointed to the floating water bottles. “I mean it’s a lot of power to be responsible for. There were many situations where I had to concentrate to save the entire team from death and I would think that it wasn’t possible. I couldn’t do it.” The bottles separated into three different groups of three and began to turn in circles. Two clockwise and one counterclockwise. “But I could. The Professor and Scott encouraged me to push myself further and further. Tired is the mind, but the body can go more. It can get to the finish line. Can save the world.”

            Wiccan was about to tell Jean Grey something.

            “Hey, Red? Plan t’get water now or do I need to snatch those bottles outta your grasp and go get my own?” Thing jumped for a water bottle.

            “Ben, calm down.” Invisible Woman moved in between him and Jean.

            “I’m thirsty, Suzie. I’m a big rock. I need alota of water.” He stretched as far as he could, but couldn’t reach any of the bottles.

            “Thing, I got it. I’m going.” Jean Grey rolled her eyes. Her and Storm went into the trees and took the path toward the watering hole.

            “What’s got into you?” Invisible Woman guided Thing away from Wiccan. She mouthed, Sorry.

            Wiccan just nodded. He looked over at Nightcrawler and gestured toward Thing with his head. Nightcrawler wiggled his hand in a so-so manner.

            “Don’t let Thing ruffle your young skin.” Wolverine said, making Wiccan jump. He crept up from behind.

            “No wonder you can hunt.” Wiccan breathed.

            Wolverine grinned. “Yeah. Thing is just a little rough around the edges.”

            “Logan, did you save that until now, ja?” Nightcrawler groaned.

            “Elf, I don’t have too many witticisms to share. I gotta recycle and use the cheesy ones. It’s what keeps me from being seen as a gruff, rough Canadian.”

            “Ja, no one knows how soft and mushy you are on the inside. Like a Mid-western American.” Nightcrawler poked Wolverine in the stomach.

            “Don’t touch. I don’t do touching.” Wolverine walked off.

            “Come on, Logan. I need your help to make sure the shelter is still up to code.” Captain America waved Wolverine over.

WOLVERINE (Shirtless and in blue shorts. He had an orange buff tied around his head. He sat in the sand with his legs crossed and hands up in a meditative state. He dropped them and looked at the camera.) I’m glad I don’t shave. Seeing all these shaved chest makes me feel for the state of masculinity. (He petted his chest.) It’s like having my own pet at times. (He paused.) I don’t normally say things like that. The hunger is hard, but my healing staves it for the moment. We have dino meat from time to time and that’s because I hunt. What other sisssy on this tribe is going to hunt? The Cap? Ha. Unless there are Nazis on this here island, I don’t think he’ll be huntin’. I’m on a tribe of girls and men who just look the part. Beast should run and hunt. Does he? No. Just me. I go. I hunt. I slice. I dice. Thing helped a bit, but he’s just a shield, not much of a weapon. I crave more meat. They found fruit, but what good is that to an animal like me? A carnivore that needs more and more. I think I might hunt. (He revealed all six of his metallic claws.) Right now. (He bounded to the trees and disappeared.)

            Nightcrawler lowered his voice. “No to Wolverine and Thing. Invisible Woman?”

            Wiccan shook his head. “I think she’s too connected to Thing. I’m thinking Jean Grey. I have a spot in that heart of hers.”

            “So does the blue guy.” Nightcrawler did a little jig. “Ja, ja I think she’s a good choice. We do need one more for a majority.”

            “Beast, Storm or Captain America?” Wiccan looked at the trees that bordered their camp. He squinted.

            “Was?” Nightcrawler looked behind him and pointed. “Oh.” He teleported to one of the trees, plucked a bit and teleported back. “Fruit.”

            “May I?”

            Nightcrawler nodded.

            Wiccan picked a green apple and took a bite. “That taste.” He savored the bite.

WICCAN (Shirtless and in orange board shorts. His hair combed back with his fingers. He levitated above the sand.) I like to practice to make sure I can do it and maintain some form of concentration. We have narrowed our search for the next member of our alliance that has no name. I meant to ask Kurt that. So much is on my mind. After eating that fruit I feel like I can run a thousand miles and still a thousand more. (He stood just so he could do several jumping jacks.) See? (He breathed hard.) Not even tired. Not even a little bit. Back to the solid plan of two. (He wagged his finger at the camera.) That’s it. We’ll be called Solid Plan. I like that. Remember, remember my little mental ember. Remember, remember my little mental ember. (He held his hands up around his head and dropped them after he finished chanting.) We got this. Nightcrawler and I have the game in the bag. (He bit his bottom lip.) At this point.

            At the watering hole.

            “Sorry, I forgot that we had to go outside the shield to get water.” Jean Grey lowered the water bottles.

            “It is okay, Jean. It will keep us on our toes.” Storm closed her eyes. “I hear no dinosaurs.”

            “I feel them, but they are nowhere near us.” Jean Grey telekinetically lowered the bucket. “We should discuss our position.”

            “Yes. I will keep watch and you fill the water bottles as quickly as possible.” Storm raised her arms about to call the wind to lift her.

            Jean Grey laughed. “No, your majesty, our position in this game.”

            Storm shook her head. “Do not call me majesty. It is a title of a position many moons ago. It’s something that is too lofty. Grounded like lightning I need often.”

            Jean filled up a few bottles and lowered the bucket, again. “Ororo. You need to eat?”

            Storm held her stomach. “I had large bit of dino. I couldn’t eat any more right now.”

            Jean nodded. “Very well, but we haven’t discussed anything.”

            A pterodactyl swooped in squawking. His pointed nose aimed right for Jean. Storm’s arm jerked up and wind pushed from the ground toward the ancient flyer. The pterodactyl spun out of control taking out several branches. It complained, shook its head and flew off.

            “Yes, the game.” She waved her hand in her face. “Hot. I can fix that.” She lifted her hands in the air and clouds covered the sun along with a slight breeze. “Better.” She placed her hands on her hips. “My observation of how people are paired off is that Wolverine, Invisible Woman and Thing are together. Wiccan and Nightcrawler, but maybe not. They are not often together, but their conversations become hushed. Beast is by himself and Captain America is more interested in a well-oiled machine of the tribe than being in alliance. That leaves us.” She paused. “Logan has not asked you to align?”

            Jean Grey shook her head and gestured toward Storm and then herself. “We make a good alliance. Two is a great start. We’ll have to figure who we can trust. I like that Wiccan kid.”

            Storm agreed. “Invisible Woman and Thing cannot be allowed to stick together for much longer.”

            “Agreed.”

            “Ready?”

            Jean Grey filled the final bottle and lifted them all. “Ready.”

            Back at camp.

            Beast gathered the fruit into a pile. He took a banana and peeled it. After taking a bite he said, with a mouth full of banana, “Good. I just need ice cream.”

            “I haven’t had a banana split in weeks.” Wiccan dropped his shoulders. “Craving is strong within me.”

            Beast tossed the peel. “Maybe we can convince Squirrel Girl to let ice cream grow on trees.”

            “Really?” Wiccan’s eyes widen.

            Beast laughed. “No.”

            Storm and Jean Grey came back with the bottles. Jean placed the bottles near the fire pit.

            “Thank you,” Beast and Wiccan said together.

            Beast looked at Strom and said, “Did you and Jean have a safe water adventure?”

            Storm took a step back from Beast and nodded. She grabbed a water bottle and took a sip.

BEAST (He wore orange cyclist shorts. His blue fur contrasted with the orange. He hung upside down from a tree branch.): Nightcrawler and I are blue and that alone should have us want to align. Neither of us contacted the other in any way other than our friendly manner in which we have thus far. I’m left with someone who shares a similarity, strength. But Thing is agitated for some reason twenty-four seven and I don’t see him lasting long. Or Invisible Woman, because they are connected like family. They would be the smart choice to get rid of if we were to go to tribal. I will be a free agent. Anyone who comes to me with a good plan, I’ll go with it. I’ll be a boat without a sail, for now. I don’t think that dino meat is agreeing with my stomach. Glad Nightcrawler and Wiccan spotted the fruit. I took a bite of that and felt rejuvenated. Never ate a banana that tasted quite as good as that. But I have read a book by a Banana that was as good, if not better, than that taste. Banana Yoshimoto’s Kitchen. “People aren't overcome by situations or outside forces. Defeat comes from within.”

            Wiccan held a sheet of paper like he read a medieval proclamation. “The Treemail says: Breakout. Bounce off this, bounce off that. Faster between. No time for lack. Reflexes keen. Do not miss a point. Reach five and win. And one’s time here will end.” He let go of the paper and it rolled up as it fell. He caught it before it touched the ground. “I don’t think I’ll need to do any chanting this go around.”

            “Which of us have outstanding reflexes?” Captain America looked around. “I do.”

            Thing shook his head. “Don’t be lookin’ my way Cap. I got reflexes of a rock.” 

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

            “He’s over there. I’m over here. Life couldn’t be better.” Deadpool’s mask stared into a camera. “Yes it could. Give me my own room.”

            Ask and ye shall receive.

            He dropped both his hands toward the ground and looked like some sort of ape in defeat. “Offensive comment.” At this point nothing could offend you and your defeated attitude. He lifted his hand to gesture and match his verbal point, but dropped it once again. Through what sounded like gritted teeth he said, “May I have my own room?” He waited a moment and finished, “Please?”

            No Universe Remote.

            Deadpool pulled out his sword and swung it in the air. “If you were here that would have been you and your guts would fling out like I just hit you with a sword with precise precision.” His arms dropped once more. Defeat too much for him to hold up. “I have to ask the nut? Notice the c is silent.”

            No. Didn’t notice.

            “Because you censored me!”

            Yes and yes to having to asking Squirrel Girl.

            He folded his arms. “No.”

            I’m not arguing.

            “That’s no fun.” He placed the sword back in its sheath. “Tippy Toe, then?”

            Go ahead.

            “It sounds like some sort of sexually transmitted disease. Anyway, they are in a state of bizarre defeat.”

            They won the last Immunity Challenge.

            “Oh, right. Sounds too much like Monkey Joe.” He took a seat and put his masked face in his hands. “I got nothing.”

            No comment from the peanut gallery?

            “No comment from…Deadpool is awesome and Squirrel Girl sucks gallery.”

            That’s no way to ask for a room.

            “I rather ask her for her death via my bullet through her skull than ask her for a room.”

            Suit yourself.

            “I already have.” He stood and turned around showing off what he wore.

MSI: Episode 2 part 1 - The Tribes

MONKEY JOE – RED

BLACK WIDOW (wore red and black bikini. Her long red hair tumbling around her shoulders. She pursed her lips as if toying with the camera. She sat in the sand) Ey, like a vacation this area. (She leaned back on her hands.) Krasivyy. Or as one would understand, beautiful. Well done Gospodin Mojo. Ah, the vote? Da. Deadpool needed to be dropped. A kretin. Good with a gun, but not with my personality. He didn’t mix well. Useful if he played well. He didn’t, so he wasn’t. (She rolled her neck.) Who’s next? If we lose we will see. Right now I’m going to enjoy this and to the game lyuboy. (She looked up and squinted her eyes in the early morning sun.) Whatever. If Vision continues to command as if Captain America, he will move up on my list. Robot or not, I do not care to be around a stick in the mud, as you say?

            “Who allowed the fire to burn?” Vision stepped off the mat and pointed at the small embers in the fire pit. No one else could see it. Probably because no one had the same tech for eyes.

            Gambit squinted, shrugged and dragged himself to the shelter. “Snooze time.” He’d normally fall into bed, but the uncomfortable of the set up would hurt and most likely he might break something, namely anything that would make him attractive. He lowered himself on the frame of the bed area of the shelter, curled up and closed his eyes. He was sure this would be pointless, but he wanted to try.

            Jamie Madrox turned to the right and the left. “Where? What?” He calmed down, walked to the fire, kneeled and peered in. “Barely.”

            Emma Frost touched the side of Jamie’s head. His eyes widen and whispered, “Bully.” Pictures of her vantage point played in his head. Each time they teleported in, Deadpool punched him, making dups appear. It was never the teleporting.

            “Enough to ignite the entire forest.”  Vision raised his hands gesturing the dark surroundings.

            “Sure.” Jamie poked at the fire. “Hungry.” He drank some water out of his bottle. “Empty.” He dropped his shoulder. “I’ll go and get refills. Anyone wanna join?” Everyone looked dead tired. “Fine.” He punched his fist into his palm and created four dups. “Let’s go get some water.”

            Dup 1 gathered as many bottles as he could carry, four. “Ready.”

            Dup 2 folded his arms. “I rather use the restroom. Did you give me all the pee? Ugh.”

            Jamie dismissed him.

            Dup 3 jumped up and down. “I wanna swim. Who wants to race me?” He pulled off his shirt and moved his arms in circles.

            “I do not swim,” Thor said.

            Dup 3 got in Thor’s face. “Chicken.” He flapped his arms.

            “Thy will remove your face from mine or I will do so with godly force.” Thor reached for his hammer.

            Jamie shook his head. “Don’t antagonize the god.”

           

            “Who’s got balls? Cause gods don’t got nothin’!” Dup 3 laughed.

            Dup 4 gathered the rest of the bottles. “Are we going yet? I have better things to do than sit around and wait for you to actually do what you said we were going to do. Move it.”

            “Half is better than none.” Jamie grabbed the last two bottles and led the way into the trees toward the watering hole. Dup 2 joined after he peed. Dup 4 followed. Dup 3 stayed behind.

            Emma Frost, Black Widow and Domino sat on the side of the shelter away from Gambit who snored. They looked a bit haggard. Their hair was everywhere and they didn’t seem to care. Domino yawned and turned toward the other two. She helped fix their hair, starting with Emma Frost. She pulled back the Emma’s blond hair and tied a bit of grass around it creating a ponytail.

            Domino turned to do the same with Black Widow. Emma said, “Thanks.”

            Black Widow nodded.

            Domino’s short shoulder length hair was fine as was.

            Human Torch dropped a ball of fire into the pile of dry wood that Vision brought back. Human Torch grumbled and sat on the side of the bed that Gambit snoozed.

            Thor dropped his hammer and it vibrated the entire ground. “I need rest. Good for tomorrow we hunt.” He lowered himself onto the bed, yawned making a massive amount of noise, put his arms under his head and nodded off.

            “He takes up so much space.” Dup 3 pointed at Thor. “It’s a bit chill.” He put his shirt back on.

            The night turned frosty. Forty degrees colder than the hundred degree day time. Human Torch knew he’d be the one that the ladies would crowd around.

HUMAN TORCH (He wore red shorts and no shirt. The night sky as a backdrop he stood near the tribe’s flag.): Of course my ego’s bruised. These people know me way better than they know that Deadpool character. How could anyone vote for me? One off. All it took was one person to have flipped and voted me and that would be me sitting in that entertainment room all alone with no one to entertain. (He ran his hand through his blonde hair.) I might be a bit emotional because I need to eat. We’re not built to survive on less food. We’re physically fit. (He flexed and showed off for the camera. He smirked.) Based on the numbers, I’m in the good graces of the popular. The ladies will keep me. I’m toasty. (His body glowed red.)

            Dup 3 pulled Human Torch away from camp.

            “I told you I don’t do swimming.” Human Torch pulled away from Dup 3.

            “No, no. I have a secret for you.” Dup 3 brought Human Torch in close as if he was about to tell a secret. Oh, he was. “Jamie voted for you.”

JAMIE MADROX (Sun up and burning bright, he sat near the ocean with the waves trying to get him. No shirt and in shorts. The M tattoo over his right eye was more vibrant.): One time an Evil Dup was smart enough to be independent and stuff. And that sucked. Sucked the control right out from underneath me. He could come back. I could trip and he could tumble right on out. I’m aware that it’s possible that any dup could do as they want. Some even hide their memories from me when I absorb them. (He lifted a piece of meat and took a bite.) At least we got food. Thanks to Thor.

            “Time to eat!” Thor’s voice boomed like his hammer hitting the ground.

            Everyone else was asleep. Gambit still snored. Thor had woke up earlier to hunt. No one else bothered. Vision folded his arms and smirked at Thor’s catch.

            Human Torch yawned, stretched and sat up. “What is with the unnecessary alarm from the god of ruining mornings?” He rubbed his eyes and widened them upon seeing what Thor had caught. “When Squirrel Girl mentioned that she didn’t say what kind of animals we’d get, this isn’t what I had in mind.” He shook Jamie awake.

            Five dups pushed for room. Gambit fell off one side and Domino fell on top of him. Both jumped up as if they were caught by their parents doing something they shouldn’t have. Human Torch hit the sand with Emma straddling him.

            “Good morning, Mrs. Frost.” Human Torch’s eyebrows danced.

            Emma wiggled in his lap and stood. “I need more than a match.”

            He laughed. “Burn.”

            Jaime absorbed the dups. He stared at Thor’s catch.

            Emma Frost turned around. “What in the hell?”

            “Breakfast. Which of ye will be the chief?” Thor put his leg up on the animal’s massive arm.

            “Mon ami a dinosaur.” Gambit helped Domino stand.

            “Where does one even start with that?” Human Torch stared at the massive Tyrannosaurus Rex. “She wasn’t kidding.”

            Jamie shook his head. “You start with one bite at a time.”

            “It is not in our fortune that we do not have a cold box to keep him in to make sure he does not rot.” Thor kicked the Rex.

            “That’s a problem. A stinky problem. One I don’t want to have to smell.” Jamie Madrox scrunched up his nose thinking about it.

            Black Widow pointed. “Domino, start slicing.” She tossed her a machete. “Gambit, place the pieces in the pot. And you,” she looked at Human Torch, “heat it up.”

            “Someone’s on a bossy streak.” Jamie held his stomach. He wanted to eat it raw.

            “Time to eat. Things need to be done.” Black Widow dragged Jamie away from the busy little bees. She made sure no one else followed.

            Jaime swatted her hands. “Hey, hey, careful. I might make an army.”

            “Human Torch is looking to vote you off.”

            Jamie stopped moving his arms. “Why?”

            “I’m warning you. Be careful.”

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

            A white room with one chair and one TV had a single occupant folding his arms grumbling. Deadpool in full fledge costume sat in the only chair staring at the only TV talking to the only person in the room, himself.

            “This sucks.”

            He pressed a button on the remote. The channel didn’t change. It showed his formal Tribe Monkey Joe eating dino meat. The eating wasn’t the problem. He was getting three square meals…

            “Sometimes circles.”

            …a day. And he still does that.

            “Never stops.”

            Charming.

            “You know, I should be narrator. Or I could backseat narrate. Anyway you edited me.”

            How so?

            “I told the White Queen—”

            Emma Frost.

            “She’s white and very queeny. It fits.” He pressed a button on the remote. Nothing happened. He sighed. “I told her that the Human Torch was our forever flamer. She could gut his mind and we’d never have to rub our sticks together. Or when I told Gambit my stick was bigger, better and hurt more people. Or when I told Vision that no woman would want a cold piece of metal inside of them. Then he corrected me saying he had a beam. And I said touché. Which is something people should have seen, heard or whatever. I don’t touché often. It’s a wonderful moment. You missed it. I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to this show and now what? I’m off because a bunch of amateurs hate? Please. Put me back in coach. Put me back in!”

A compromise.

            He lowered the remote and sat up.

            After each section you get to make a comment on how it’s going.

            “Deal.”

            Later.

            “Hey! What about my commentary?”

            You’ve wasted enough time as is. The story must go on.

            He slouched in the chair, lifted the remote and hit the button and remained shocked that the channel didn’t change. He pressed it again. And it did.

TIPPY-TOE – ORANGE

            Beast rolled over and his fur got in Wiccan’s mouth. Wiccan coughed and shoved Beast, but he didn’t budge. Wiccan groaned and lifted his head out from the sweaty side of Beast.

            “I can breathe.” He counted everyone in the shelter. Two were missing.

            Wolverine and Thing.

            Wiccan yawned, stretched and rolled his neck. He looked out at the ocean, the waves beckoned him. An early morning swim wouldn’t hurt, though he was hungry. Very hungry. So hungry he could eat a—

            “Dinosaurs?” Jean Grey grumbled. She sat up and slid off the bed, trying not to touch or bump anyone else. She held her head. “It sounds like the Savage Land.”

            Wiccan squinted his eyes, concentrating on hearing. “Is that here,” he pointed at his ear, “or here?” He pointed at his head.

            Jean Grey scratched the back of her head. “Here—”

            A low roar rumbled the air and the ground.

            “Both.”  Jean’s eyes widen. “You’re that hungry?”

            Wiccan grabbed his stomach. “Yes, but that wasn’t me.”

            Jean smirked. “I know.” She pointed into the trees. “It was them.”

            Thing bust through the brush. “It’s eatin’ time.” He dragged something behind him. A huge stegosaurus with Wolverine riding holding one of the plates, showing off his bloody claws.

            Wiccan wiped his mouth. He never had a dino burger like that late night cartoon Flintstones. First time for everything.

            “Oh, my goddess.” Storm slid off the bed and stood.  

            Beast grumbled, “What’s with the high octaves?” He pulled his forearms to cover his ears.

CAPTAIN AMERICA (In orange shorts, no shirt and sat on a stump surrounded by trees.): Squirrel Girl did state that we’d get animals, but not the kind we’d expect. (He shook his head, his blonde hair riddled with salt water didn’t budge from its bedhead form.) I’m not old enough to know dinosaurs. Even though some jokingly suggest I knew President Lincoln. (He grinned.) The dino burgers did taste fine. I’m well fed. (He patted his muscular stomach.) An alliance? We haven’t lost and I hadn’t thought about that. It’s unlike me to make plans so late in the game. Figuring who can be trusted is a bit difficult when it’s people I’ve worked with before.

             

            Invisible Woman, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Storm and Thing clean up the dino’s remains. The meat that was left over was saved for dinner, but the rest had to be placed in a certain area where it would sit until removed by the trash collector. Either it would be teleported out or another dinosaur would come by and eat the rest. They dragged it as far as they could from the camp. The camp was now protected by bio-shielding to keep the dinos at bay, but allow the heroes in and out access.

            Captain America and Beast looked over the shelter because the storm the night before caused minor damage. Storm had tried to calm it, but despite her abilities on Earth, here in this realm she didn’t have much control. Though it seemed the storm did calm a bit.

STORM (Her sliver hair danced in her wind. She took a deep breath and let it out. Dressed in a one piece orange swim suit with a sliver bolt in the middle. She laughed when she looked down at it.) Silly. Black Panther had given it to me. I never wore it. (She turned around showing it off.) You can see why. I guess it amused Squirrel Girl to have me wear it. (She shrugged.) I cannot argue with that. It is amusing, to say the least. (Her fingers crackled with electricity.) I understand the weather here is generated by machines. I understand that’s not the same, but I was told it would be accommodating to my abilities and during the immunity challenge I was able to call upon the wind to help us, but the storm last night didn’t obey my commands. Maybe I need to ask for permission to control the weather in this realm. Meditate and request. What could it hurt?

            Nightcrawler tapped Wiccan on the shoulder. Wiccan turned around. Nightcrawler opened his three fingered hand and nodded toward it. Sighing, Wiccan touched Nightcrawler’s hand and POOF. They appeared in the middle of a group of trees.

           

            Wiccan covered his mouth. “Has anyone ever…” He dry heaved.

            Nightcralwer shook his head. “Are you good?”

            Wiccan waved his hand. “I’ll be fine. I don’t know what it is. Maybe the dino burger didn’t agree with me.” It wasn’t really a burger since they didn’t have any bread.

            Nightcrawler’s tail appeared from behind his back carrying something.

            Wiccan reached out. “What’s that?”

            His tail jerked and the object unraveled. The string dangled an X shaped object. “Hidden Immunity.” (HI)

            Wiccan smiled. “Wow. So like you can’t be voted out?”

            Nightcrawler released it and caught the idol in his hand. “Not exactly. I play it and any votes for me go auf wiedersehen.” He waved.

            “Neat.” Wiccan wiped his forehead of sweat. “It’s hot. I need a swim.”

            “I’ll take you back, sure. I wanted to ask—”

            “If we’d align?” Wiccan nodded. “I don’t have anyone. And I think you’re the best choice. We’re different than the rest of them.”

            “You’re not aligned with anyone else?”

            Wiccan shook his head. “Are you?”

            Nightcrawler rewrapped the HI. “I am not good at this deceiving. You and I and who else?”

            “I have an idea. We feel it out. We talk to everyone and come back…” He laughed. “…or teleport, more to your liking, and discuss who fits our moral code? I’m assuming?” He scratched the back of his head. “It’s difficult for me to be away from everyone I love and be placed in such an A crowd. Not just Avengers, but X-Men. I don’t belong here. I’ll be surprised if I make it past the first tribal council.”

            Nightcrawler put his hand on Wiccan’s shoulder. “Trust me, if anyone will be voted out it’ll be someone blue who prays.”

WICCAN (in orange board shorts, no shirt, black hair slicked back by water. The ocean danced around his shoulders. Water moved back and forth, sometimes getting into his mouth. He’d spit out before he talked.): I’m feeling more comfortable. You’d think I’d be able to hold my hands near my head, whisper a choice phrase and calm myself. Too bad it doesn’t work that way. I could do that for someone else. How…sucky. (He held up his index finger and grinned and then spit the ocean water out of his mouth, coughed. Cleared his throat and continued.) I have been practicing. This immunity challenge I’ll be ready to work under pressure. (His shoulders dropped below the water.) Hopefully. (He slid under the water and popped back up.) I’m feeling good about the Nightcrawler alliance. Two is a starting point.

NIGHTCRAWLER (in orange shorts, no shirt, black hair everywhere, but didn’t stick out as much as his elf-like ears.): What are we fighting for? The safety of babies and the world, but was is it for the vinner? Fräulein Squirrel Girl hasn’t given us a goal. And how is the world surviving without 27 heroes? Well, Deadpool a hero? Stretch. 26. So many questions, no answers and yet I…(he closed his eyes and held the side of his head.)…I am fine. Ah, ja about the alliance. Two is a start, but we’ll need more. Only three can make it to the end, right?

            Storm waved a sheet of paper in the air. “We have Treemail.”

            “We can sit, it’s fine?” Wiccan asked.

            Captain America said, “Yes. Structurally sound.”

            Everyone but Thing sat in the shelter. Thing sat in the sand. He couldn’t feel the heat any way.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

“You came for commentary about that mess of a section?” Deadpool cackled. “Apt.” He lowered the volume on the TV and scratched the side of his head with one of his guns. “So far this room hasn’t lived up to its name. I’m not. Not even a little bit.”

You have nothing to say about Tippy Toe?

“That name sucks. Just like Squirrel Girl.”

A window revealed itself.

Deadpool looked toward it. “That’s new.”

Two squirrels popped up and chirped a bit to each other then turned to look at him with menacing eyes.

            He shivered. “I hate squirrels. They’re so indecisive.” He pantomimed driving a car. “Ever drove down the road and see one scamper out in your way and your heart begs for you to slow down, so you do. You slow down. WAY down. Then the little douchebag gets three-forths of the way and decides he no longer wants to cross the street.” He put his elbow on the invisible door and held up his head with his hand…waiting for the squirrel to decide. “He twitches his nasty tail that needs conditioner times infinity and bounds back toward the other side that’s FURTHER away than where he was headed. Why?” He tossed up his hands. “Because squirrels are indecisive idiots. So I go. Thinking that this is my chance to move past this evolutionarily retarded animal and what does he do? Oh, yes. He decides he needs to zoom out, frazzled tail and all, to retract and retrace the steps he so already accepted as his past. Instead of waiting for me to pass him by, he thinks that fate is with him. Never you mind that twelve dead squirrels litter the side of the road in that exact area every single day. He’s different. He’s going to make it. He doesn’t, because I made a rule to never stop twice for squirrels or unsure pedestrians and one dead squirrel is not only a better world, but a happier Deadpool and we all know that a happy Wade is the best kind of Wade.” He appeared to be grinning. “I am.”

            The squirrels were crying.

            Deadpool dismissed them. “Get over it.

            They left the window and didn’t return.

            “Probably have a street to cross.” He turned back to the TV. “Or not cross. Or cross and then decide that it was best to get massaged by a rubber tire. I wonder how that feels?” He shook his head. “Nah, I don’t. Some me in some version of the many worlds probably does know how that feels.”

            The channel changed.

SLIPPY PETE – GOLD

MR. FANTASTIC (he wore gold shorts and blue shirt. His short hair styled better than most.) I’m not the shirtless kind. All the stretching looks better in clothes, but I can’t stretch without tearing. I’m going to have to gross some people out. Sorry Peter. (He shrugged.) It’s difficult for me to read people, Susan says I lack that. I’m really trying. (His hands gestured by stretching larger.) I’m using the perfect saying of great minds think alike. Maybe Peter and Tony. We haven’t discussed strategy. We should. (His index finger inflated and he tapped his chin.) Probably today.

            “I wish we had Johnny, this would be so much easier.” Scarlet Witch held her hands out, she levitated a slab of meat over the fire.

            Iron Man told her when to rotate the meat. He wore only his helmet and a pair of gold shorts, the heat had gotten to him. “Jarvis, how she cookin’?”

            “Good, sir. A few more minutes and it should be ready to be devoured,” Jarvis said.

            “Thank you.”

IRON MAN (He wore his helmet, gold shorts and sat on the beach facing the ocean.) Nice that we got to eat a dinosaur. I’ve been to the Savage Land and all, but way to savage for me and so much land. A few skyscrapers here and there would, you know, make for a better view. Like Stark Tower. That’s got a view. (He sighed and removed the helmet.) It gets hot and I think that people need to see the face. Who can relate to a face plate? It’s not very personable. (He held it up as if he was Hamlet and it a skull.) It doesn’t smile. I did, one time, make a smiling plate, but no one took me seriously. It was also a bit creepy. I scrapped that idea. (He looked up to the right.) I might have it in storage. I should sign it and sell it on Ebay. Ebay. (He laughed.) Who even says that anymore? Sell it on Ebay? I’m so old fashion. Right, the game. This is a game. Masters of the mind. That’s what I came up with for the alliance I haven’t formed. It’s only a few days in. I was getting the lay of the land. It appears Squirrel Girl gave me a great set of buddies to make it. Peter Parker and Reed Richards. Who could have asked for any better like-minded individuals than them? (He smirked.) They’re nothing like me. A higher caliber of brain, that’s all. Kitty is pretty smart, but she’s a girl and girls mess up guy things. And guys need their own things not to be messed up. Let her diddle with Iceman. I don’t really use that word, diddled. Odd. I talked enough.

            Rogue regaled her tribe about how she and Kitty were able to hoodwink a dino over the tribe’s brunch. They munched on the dino. Burped. Drank a lot of water. Iceman froze the rest of the meat. They hoped it would keep.

            Scarlet Witch walked over to Cyclops. He stood near the flag and was taking in the view. Everyone else was just chatting it up. No one paid much attention to the two who should hate each other.

            “We are at odds.” She joined him staring out at the ocean.

            He nodded.

            “I don’t recall exactly why, though it appears it was very strong.” She touched her chest. “I feel a bit of tension building up in my chest when I approach you.”

            He tapped the side of his head. “Squirrel Girl did state that we’d have memory issues about what happened prior to our abduction.”

            “How far back does that reach? I can remember my father, being a villain fighting you and the X-Men, being an Avenger, saving the world. Knowing who she met with A-Babies and X-Babies. I even remember Wiccan is my son.” She fanned herself. “I might go for a swim in a moment. It’s hot for a fake place.”

            Cyclops readjusted his glasses. “True, it’s hot. Memory is interesting. Squirrel Girl could have kept hidden from us what has made our lives stressful to give us respite in this game. The only people I’m sure knows what’s what is Logan and Wade. Their healing abilities would keep their memories intact. Unless that Universe Remote can override that. I’m sure she did a number on Vision.” He looked back at the camp, no one paid them too much attention. “We must have had a moral disagreement. I can’t recall what about, but I know it was morally based. I’m pretty sure no one expects us to be aligned. Which makes it a good idea.”

            She agreed. “Did you think of anyone else we should gather as part of our group?”

            He smiled. “No. I think it best if we work our angles and only mention things to one another if either of our names come up.”

            Scarlet Witch clapped her hands softly. “Nice. That way we don’t have to have much contact. No wonder you’re a great leader.”

            He shrugged. “Some don’t think so.”

            “I’m pretty sure I’m part of that some. For now, I see it that way.” She patted him on the shoulder. “I hope that shield reaches into the ocean. I might need rescue if I run into a nasty monster.” She twirled her hair in one of her index fingers. “Later.”  She bounced her way toward the ocean.

            Cyclops’ cheeks had a tinge of pink.

CYCLOPS (He wore blue shorts, no shirt and a golden buff wrapped around his forearm.) Maybe it’s red heads. (He smiled.) It’s more red. I can tell. A deeper color when it’s actually red. Flirting has gotten me in trouble before. Psylock could attest to that. I know that I shouldn’t like Wanda, but I find her alluring. If she’s using her magic on me, I’m stronger than she thinks. I can resist. I want to. I think. (He smirked.) Her type is robotic. If she’s falling for me that’s kind of an insult. Game. Head in the game. I’ve fought villains worse than Mojo. This shouldn’t be an issue. I should swim, too. Keep her safe.

            Cyclops joined Scarlet Witch in the ocean.

            Mr. Fantastic gathered Iron Man and Spider-Man together around the shelter under the guise of fixing it up. Making it sturdier and creating Rogue’s space so that it didn’t take up so much of the team’s overall area.

            “Keep your voices low.” Mr. Fantastic gestured with both hands.

           

            Spider-Man had removed his costume, except for his gloves. He wore golden shorts and no shirt. He raised his eyebrows. “Why? I thought we were just fixing the shelter.”

            “We are.”

            “Then why are we playing the quiet game?”

            Mr. Fantastic nodded toward everyone who was nearby, but not close enough to hear whispering.

            “And?” Spider-Man started fixing the wood into sections to add more space to the shelter. “They can’t hear our conversation about how we’re fixing the shelter?” It hit him. “Oooh. You want…” he pointed at Mr. Fantastic, Iron Man and then himself “…to be a voting block of sorts?”

            “An alliance.” Iron Man folded his arms across his chest.

            Mr. Fantastic nodded. He measured the area where Rogue slept that kept her from touching anyone during the night. “Great Minds Think Alike.”

            “Did you just nickname our new alliance?” Spider-Man stood to stretch from working on his side of the shelter.

            Mr. Fantastic nodded.

            “You’re super cool. That’s what the super cool do, create nicknames.”

            “Like Webhead?” Iron Man asked. He still stood with his arms folded.

            Spider-Man agreed. “Or Tin Man.”

            “No one calls me that.”

            Spider-Man pointed toward Kitty Pryde. “She did.”

            As if the memory had slipped his mind. “Right. Yes. She did that two days ago. Right. Yes. I don’t know why I forgot that.”

            Mr. Fantastic stopped working and stretched over toward Tony. He looked around Tony’s head and snapped his fingers watching Tony’s eye movements. “When did this start?”

            Iron Man waved off Mr. Fantastic’s whole presence. “We’re all having memory problems. Squirrel Girl said that we would. It’s no big deal.”

            “We were supposed to forget recent events prior to our arrival, not any of the fun times we’re having now.” Spider-Man walked over to join Mr. Fantastic checking Iron Man. “Do you remember frolicking with Kitty in the sky?”

            “Trying to escape?” Iron Man asked more than stated.

            Mr. Fantastic tilted Iron Man’s head. Iron Man side step. “Tony, something is wrong. Put on your helmet.”

            “Nothing is wrong, I feel fine.” He placed his helmet back on.

The eye sockets lit up and Jarvis said, “Is there a problem?”

“Check his memory,” Mr. Fantastic said.

“Sir?”

“Go ahead, Jarvis,” Iron Man said.

“Right. Checking.”

“There’s nothing wrong. I just had a slip up. A mistake. A milk spill. Don’t cry over it.”

           

            “Tony, it’s serious if you’ve forgotten just two days ago.” Spider-Man glanced to make sure no one was walking near them. “Everyone seems to be preoccupied. Good. We don’t need them seeing our strongest player faltering like this. Like a statue turning to Jello. Is that how you feel? All jiggly inside?” He shook Iron Man. “You need to tone yourself up. All that Iron Man wearing must have made you go soft.”

            “Complete,” Jarvis said.

            “Analysis?” Mr. Fantastic reformed his body and stood next to Iron Man.

            “It appears Tony has an adverse reaction to whatever Squirrel Girl did. He hasn’t forgotten all events of the past few days, but he has forgotten a few key areas.”

            Iron Man’s shoulders dropped. “Can you fix it?”

            “I’m a computer, not a doctor. I’m only here because they allowed me to exist. Really it’s too far for me to even have communication.”

            “Does that mean that they’d have to have Jarvis on this site somewhere?” Spider-Man asked. “A hub?”

            “One thing at a time, Peter.” Mr. Fantastic moved in closer. “What kind of memories is he losing?”

            “Anything to do with women.”

            Spider-man snickered. “Sorry.” He laughed a little more. “I’m very sorry. Excuse me.” His suppressed laughter continued. He tried to work on his side of the shelter despite the giggle fit.

            “Really?” Iron Man said.

            “Sir, I am not joking at your expense. Your memory is having trouble maintaining anything to do with women.”

            “Why?” Mr. Fantastic put his hand on his chin. “It’s like a therapy session with Squirrel Girl. She’s done more than just remove us from our home and work and placed us in this game. She’s orchestrated an event that’s supposed to help us. Wouldn’t it be interesting if there was no threat? That there is no Mojo and this entire fiasco was created for her own amusement?”

            “Be careful, Mr. Fantastic,” Jarvis said. “If what you suggest is true, then your memories are no safer than Tony’s.”

            The cameras floated all around them, catching every little thing they said.

            Mr. Fantastic looked into one of the cameras and said, “Or not. Theories are not always correct or right in the realm of the realities they are created in. Some have flaws and of course mine are susceptible to flaws like anyone else’s.” Though it was easy to tell he wasn’t telling a truth he truly stood behind.

            “Finished.” Spider-Man stood. “Extended. Sound like a late night infomercial.” His nose scrunched up. “So never seen one of those or went to the website or ordered anything.”

            “What are you talking about?” Mr. Fantastic asked.

            “Of course that wouldn’t be your issue.” Spider-Man said under his breath.

            “Dearies, we have treemail.” Psylocke walked into camp with a sheet of paper.

            Everyone gathered around the fire. Rogue took the sheet of paper and read it. “Strike high, strike low and then we will know who’ll go to tribal and have no more show. With your powers combined your fate will align and the bell will, for the winner, chime.”

            “Ah used’ta go to da fair where they had the strong man.” Rogue mimicked the game by pretending to lift a hammer. “Lift a top heavy hammer and let it fall on the little area and boom the little wooden cylinder thingy would zoom on up there and ding that bell. Made men feel like they were men cause they made a bell ding a ding-ding.” She flexed her biceps. “Men from all over the county would come to show their stuff.” She puffed out her chest with her hands on her hips. “Ah won one year. Though they found the reason why in one of the porta-potties passed out. He was the one that pulled the tractor a record mile without stoppin’. They had no idea it was little ol’ me. They just thought he had too much to drink. Even though he never drank a drip in his life.” She snickered. “What y’all think?”

            “Who are we to argue with that reason why I never visit the South kind of logic?” Iron Man asked.

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            “Iron Man is forgetting when he spoke to women? Will this make him gay? Find out next time on I don’t give two birds in the hand to any bush if and when that will ever happen.” Deadpool slouched in his chair, kicked his feet up in the air and screamed. “Where is my pig?! I need a pig at my feet!”

            Nothing happened.

           

            “Does anyone not watch crappy remakes of stories we’ve overseen a million times? COME ON! I can’t be the only one that likes train wrecks.”

            Anything else?

            “Speaking of gay, I think that Wiccan kid gots the best chance of winning. Why? Because he’s gay, but also because he likes men.”

            That was enlightening.

            “You’re welcome. I’m here all week. And next week. And the week after that. And…hey, whoever gets voted out is going to be in this room with me? Or do they get their own little area? I don’t share well.”

            You’ll just have to wait and see.

            “Did I mention I don’t share well?”

            Yes.

            “I did warn you.”