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On March 6th, 2004, deep in the cold snow of Lappland Sweden, a moose stood all alone in the desolate, snow-covered tundra. He was grazing on a bit of grass, bringing the beginning of spring. While he was chewing thoughtfully, he heard a loud noise coming from up above. The moose looked up into the clear, blue sky, and saw the source of the sound: two strange birds were hovering about in the air. They each had a large body, two long thing feet, and wings rotated circularly, allowing it to hover. Even though the moose found these odd-looking birds to be quite strange, the moose did not think much of them, and returned to his small patch of grass. *** Inside the one of the two helicopters, “Cat Spasms”, the host of Vengeful Survivor: Sweden, sat bundled up in a warm fur coat, smiling proudly. “Here we are in Lappland, Sweden,” he stated, “a beautiful and mystical winter wonderland in the far northern reaches of the globe. Only very few are able to live in this wilderness. Man is not welcomed by the below 0 degree temperature, nor by the endless layers of snow that cover the ground.” “However, soon,” Cat said, gesturing behind him to the cargo hold of the helicopter, “These 15 people are going to embark on an adventure in this ungrateful place. They’ll be left to their selves in the wilderness, attempting to work against the forces of nature, and adapt to the ever-changing climate of Sweden. In addition to battling the elements, they will be trying to outlast each other. Each week, 1 player will be voted out by the majority of their tribe.” “What they do not know,” Cat continued, as the helicopter began to make its decent, “Is that the game awaiting for them will contain some of the most surprising twists ever to be done in a Survivor game. Two of them will be occurring in the next 3 days, the first in a few minutes, the second at Tribal Council. Twists will occur throughout the game inconstantly, throwing them off guard and keeping people in their place. Who will be the one who can outwit, outlast, and outplay not just the elements and they competitors, but also the game itself? One of the 15 following people will win the 1 million dollar prize at stake, becoming the sole survivor of Sweden…” Amber, a 19 year old Bartender from Missouri. * Amber: During the game, I will mostly cling to the men because I like to use my flirting side, but I always speak my mind no matter what the problem is. Just put it this way: I will always be myself. * Aurora, a 19 year old Fashion Debutante from Alberta, Canada. * Aurora: I will make all the alliances I need to make, form all the friendships I need to form, and when the going gets tough, the useless ones will get dropped. It’s the way of the world! * Ben, a 14 year old Soccer Referee from Ohio. * Ben: My strategy will be to get to know everyone, stay a LITTLE low on the radar. I’ll make alliances here and there, do my best on challenges...Those things are golden! * Charles, a 15 year old Geneticist from Alabama. * Charles: I'm going to combine intellect with tact, and play nice. People want to keep the nice ones around, and vote for them in the final two. * Felipe, a 15 year old Veterinarian from Florida. * Felipe: I’m going to be talking to everyone, keeping my eyes wide open, checking who is next to vote the same way as the whole tribe. That’s how I plan to win this game. * Holly, an 18 year old Secretary from Maryland. * Holly: I don't make strategies going into games, I just try my best to stay in the game. I guess I'll just be nice to everyone even if I don't like them. * Jamie, a 15 year old Public Speaker from Arkansas. * Jamie: I plan to try to build a steady relationship with everyone, form an alliance and do my best to stick to it, however I will not be afraid to step away from my alliance to do what I have to do to further myself in the game. * Jon, a 14 year old Actor from Pennsylvania. * Jon: I know the right strings to pull, and the right alliances to make. I would never regret backstabbing, especially if someone does it to me first. Even if I happen to be in the minority alliance, I have a way of being able to be the last of my allies. Which is silly of the majority alliance, because if anyone gives me enough time, I will dominate. * Jose, a 17 year old Mathematician from Florida. * Jose: Friendliness and activeness are the key words. By being friendly with everyone I will be able to stay on everyone's good side, and by being active I will try to know EVERYTHING that is going on around me. * Kelley, a 30 year old Caterer from Washington. * Kelley: I plan to be a strong player for my team, but maintain close relationships with all of my tribe to carry me farther when the game becomes individual. I plan on forming alliances when necessary, and playing with what is in my best interest...but not being hurtful or causing anyone harm at all. * Maria, a 33 year old Phlebotomist from Louisiana. * Maria: I will not only be myself, honest and fun loving, but also going to try to be the tribe's mom, the shoulder to cry on. * Marion, a 17 year old Writer from Arkansas. * Marion: I’d try to make a strategy, but I’d probably wind up botching it on the first day anyways. I figured this game would be a good time to learn and MAYBE win. * Megs, a 17 year old Peer Counselor from Michigan. * Megs: In previous games I've been Americas Sweetheart according to some, so I've decided I'm gonna get down and dirty and keep the sweetheart image all at the same time... my strategies have yet to totally fail me. * Steven, a 13 year old Online Auctioneer from Michigan. * Steven: I plan to never become involved in conflicts, and be friends with everyone. They will never be mad at me, therefore my chances of being voted off will be slim. * And Valerie, a 15 year old Cheese Critique from Pennsylvania. * Valerie: I'm not sure what my strategy will be. I want to surprise everyone with what I'll choose. I might be a b****, I might be the sweetheart, I might be something I haven't even thought of yet. * Soon, the helicopter landed in a clearing. One by one, all 15 players, along with the cameras and crew, unloaded out of the 2 helicopters. Continuing to not speak to each other, the 15 players were ordered into a semi-circle, surrounding Cat. “Hello players, and welcome to Survivor: Sweden.” he said, greeting the players, “You are all about to set forth on the experience of a lifetime. Soon, you will begin what is not exactly a normal Survivor game, but a very cruel one with many twisted twists. Our first one shall take place now.” The contestants looked about, somewhat stunned. “There will be a certain theme to the start of the game,” Cat stated, “You may have noticed something about the cast already. Did you pay attention to the gender ratio?” The group looked over the cast list, then realized what Cat was trying to bring to their attention. “There are more women than men.” Maria stated. “That is correct, Maria,” Cat replied, “We are going to be going somewhat feminist, and giving the ladies here an advantage. Guys, I’d like you to move off to one side for a moment.” Ben, Charles, Felipe, Jamie, Jon, Jose, and Steven all stepped aside at Cat’s orders, as Amber, Aurora, Holly, Kelley, Maria, Marion, Megs, and Valerie closed in around Cat to hear what he had to say. “From the girls, I need you to select 2 people as leaders in the next 5 minutes. Men, please remain off to the side and 100% silent. Go.” The 8 ladies stood stunned for a moment, unsure as to what to do. Finally, Marion spoke up, instigating a discussion. “Who wants to do it?” Marion asked, “I'll do it if you all want me to.” “I could do it too!” Valerie exclaimed, joining in. “I'd be willing to be leader also.” Aurora added. “I don't mind either,” Holly said, “Somebody just choose two of the ladies I guess, but can I be a leader?” “Okay, then let’s have it be Valerie and me then.” Marion stated. “That's fine with me.” Kelley agreed, “I'll step down and let you ladies have it.” “It doesn’t matter to me,” Amber added, stepping back also. “Okay, well how about Val and Holly?” Maria suggested, “They seem to want it.” “It makes no difference to me,” Aurora said, now backing down, “You go ahead.” The men in the game looked on anxiously, wishing they could have a say as to their own fate. “Alright then,” Marion said, “How about Holly and me on a second thought?” “No, I really want to do it.” Valerie objected sternly. * Jon: At the first meeting, I was paying close attention to which females wanted to be a leader badly, and which were just like, "I'll let everyone else decide!" Val wanted to be the leader, for whatever reason. She might be a bit of a control freak. * “So is it Marion and Holly or Marion and Valerie?” Cat asked the women. “I’ll go for Marion and Valerie,” Aurora stated, “Valerie seems to want it.” “Okay, me too.” Holly obliged. “Me too.” Amber agreed. “Suits me fine.” Kelley said. “Marion and Val.” Maria stated. With a majority agreeing, Marion and Valerie were then selected as leaders. Cat asked all the players to once again remain quiet, then began to explain the next process. “Marion and Valerie have been chosen as the two female leaders for our two tribes, and before you ask, that is correct, we shall be having two tribes. You will be on two seperate camps, but in this clearing here, during Challenges and Meetings, you will be given some free time to communicate with the other tribe. Valerie and Marion, you must now each agree on which of the following two tribe names you want to have: Freya or Idun?” “Freya,” Valerie snapped. “Well, I was hoping for Freya,” Marion said, smiling, “but you claimed it first, I’ll choose Idun.” “Marion has chosen the tribe Idun, goddess of immortality in Norse mythology,” Cat continued. “They will be wearing the color green, reflecting life. Valerie has chosen Freya, goddess of war in Norse mythology. They will be wearing the color red, reflecting blood. Obviously, for the start of the game, Feminism has been the clear dominating element. However, the main theme in this game will be REVENGE. You will see it recurring throughout this game." “But before we get to that,” Cat stated, “Marion and Valerie will begin picking tribe mates for their tribes. Interestingly enough, Idun was predetermined as the tribe who’d decide who would go first, also the one neither of you wanted. Marion, would you like to pick first or would you rather have Valerie?” “I’ll let Valerie pick first.” Marion replied. “In that case, Valerie, please pick a girl to join your tribe. Do realize, once you have been picked, you are allowed to speak. Until then, you are out of the game and must remain silent.” Valerie thought for a moment, then said, “Megs.” “Megs, please join Valerie to be on Freya!” Megs walked over to Valerie, smiling cheerfully. “Marion, please pick a girl too.” “I’ll chose Holly,” Marion stated. Holly walked over to Marion quietly, and stood next to her. “Now each of you shall be choosing a man to join your tribe,” Cat explained, “Valerie, who would you like?” “Ben,” Valerie replied. “Marion?” “Jamie,” Marion said. Both Ben and Jamie walked over to their respective tribes. The process continued for some time, picking people based on their genders. Next, Freya took Kelley while Idun took Amber. Freya then chose Steven while Idun chose Jose. Afterwards, Freya picked Aurora while Idun chose Maria. This left Jon, Felipe, and Charles all un-chosen. As the two tribes formed, Ben, Valerie and Kelley, as well as Marion, Holly, and Jamie began whispering to each other, trying to decide who to pick. Each sets of three started to grow closer, getting to know each other better. It was then that only 3 people were left to pick, all males: Charles, Felipe, and Jon. “Valerie, please pick one of the three men remaining,” Cat asked. “Jon.” Valerie stated with a smile. Jon stood up, and walked slowly over to join his new tribe, Freya. “Marion, you now have a choice to make,” Cat stated, “Will it be either Felipe or Charles who joins your tribe?” Marion thought for a moment, looking over the two guys. She then announced her decision: “I’ll choose Felipe!” Felipe jumped up, and ran over to his tribe happily and seeming very pleased. * Felipe: All of my tribe mates seems to be very nice, I think we will get attached to each other very easy and I think we are gonna have a good time. * It was then Charles, left all alone in the snow of Sweden, without a tribe or a place to go. Cat walked up to him sadly to let him know his fate. He told him to stood up, and began to talk to him as he walked over to the two tribes. “Charles, how do you feel about being left out and unpicked?” Cat asked. “It's okay, they don't know me, and it could've happened to anyone.” He replied. “Well, I have some good news for you and the rest of the men here,” Cat announced, speaking louder now so that everyone could here. “Finally, a man will be making what is probably the biggest decision of the night. Charles, as the last man chosen, you will not only decide which tribe you will join, which will give them an advantage in numbers, BUT ALSO, whichever tribe you chose to join wins immunity.” Everyone's eyes widened even greater than before. All of them were completely baffled. “In addition,” Cat continued, “Along with immunity, everyone on the winning tribe will be earning 10 kronas. Kronas is the money unit for Sweden. Throughout this game, you will be given kronas for marking your arrival at camp or doing confessionals. These kronas will become useful later on in the game. However, at this time I cannot explain their purpose.” “So the one he chooses to go to will win Immunity?” Ben said, gawking. “Yes,” Cat confirmed. “Wow!” Maria exclaimed, “Now that is a twist I did not see coming.” “I guess nice guys finishing last pays off.” Charles said, smiling to himself. “So, to recap,” Cat stated, “whichever tribe you choose won’t have to go to the first Tribal Council, will have 2 more players than the other tribe by tomorrow, and everyone on that tribe will gain 10 kronas. Charles, you have 15 minutes to get to know the other players in the game. After that, you shall make your decision. Good luck.“ With that, Cat stepped aside, and left the players to try to convince Charles to join their tribe. Instantly, Charles became the center of everybody’s attention, hoping he would choose to join their tribe. In the middle of the chaos, Marion stepped aside with Charles to talk to him and get to know him better. “So, why did you pick geneticist as your occupation?” Marion asked. “I want to be that after college,” Charles explained, “it’s something I’m really interested in.” “Have you ever looked into Marfan's syndrome or as I call it Barbie doll syndrome?” Marion questioned. “Not really,” Charles said, “I’ve looked into some others though.” “Like what?” Marion asked, somewhat curious. “I’ve delved into down syndrome,” Charles stated, “and have thought of breeding pythons as a part time job to research color patterns.” “Dangerous!” Marion laughed, “Shows you’re not afraid to take a risk!” “Actually I have ball pythons as pets. In general they're very docile.” At this point, Marion left Charles to give him some time to think. Soon after, however, Maria approached Charles. “How’s the decision going?” Maria asked, smiling. “I’m actually still not too sure what to do,” Charles replied. “Well I wanted to say,” Maria stated, “that you are very welcome on the Idun tribe. However, I think that you should stick with your conscience and decide what is best for you.” “Thanks,” Charles said, appreciatively. The two continued to talk for a while, as Maria tried to comfort Charles. * Maria: I like Charles, and I think it took a lot of courage for him to make the decision he had to make, and I have a lot of respect for him for that. * As Idun was warming up to Charles, Ben and Valerie were busy talking strategy. “Should me, you and Kelley have an alliance?” Ben asked. “Yes!” Valerie replied instantly. “Alright, I still have to ask Kelley,” Ben said, “But she’ll probably agree.” “Yeah, I’d think so,” Valerie replied, smiling. “So who’s on our tribe again?” Ben asked, “Me, you, Kelley, Aurora, Megs, and who?” “Steven.” Valerie stated. “Hmm Steven,” Ben said thinking. It just so happened at that moment that Steven arrived. Ben took Steven aside to talk to him a bit, and get to know him more. However, Steven instantly jumped on the question: “So what do you think about an alliance, if we go to tribal council anytime soon?” Steven asked, grinning. Ben froze for a moment, stunned by Steven’s bluntness. After the awkward moment had settled, Ben smiled, and replied with a, “Sure”. Now that Steven seemed satisfied, Ben slipped back over to Valerie. “Steven just asked me for an alliance,” Ben updated Valerie. Valerie’s eyes widened slightly, then she cast an evil grin. “Should we get him as our third wheel on our tricycle for majority?” Ben asked. Valerie paused, thinking about the options. “But not tell him of course that we’re already in an alliance.” Ben quickly added. “Yeah,” Valerie said. “GREAT!” Ben smiled proudly. Ben then ran off to confirm the deal with Kelley. “Hey, would you want to be in an alliance with me and Valerie?” Ben asked. “That could be good.” Kelley answered. “Cool!” Ben grinned brightly. He was beginning to feel proud about his position in the game. It was then, however, that Freya realized they had been neglecting Charles for most of this time. Quickly, continuing to do the dirty work, Ben pulled Charles aside, in a last-minute lame attempt to get to know Charles and support him. “Good luck with your decision, it seems hard!” Ben said with a bright grin plastered on his face.” “Thanks,” Charles replied. “You get immunity either way though,” Ben added, laughing loudly. “Yeah, it's kind of hard still though,” Charles stated, “7 people will definitely owe me, but 7 others I will send to possible departure. It's tough.” With that, Ben rushed off to continue his plotting. Charles now sat alone, mulling over his decision. * Charles: To have me be in such a high position of power just in the first few minutes of the game is astounding. I found myself immune for the first round, and this would automatically make at least seven people owe me, no matter which way I went. * Before Charles announced his results, Aurora appeared to be having some problems. She was drifting in and out of consciousness in front of the group, and finally collapsed over. Instantly, Megs rushed onto the scene. “Aurora, are you okay?” Megs asked. “Oh, yeah,” Aurora said, snapping back into reality, “I’m just really tired…” “When was the last time you drank water?” Megs questioned. Aurora thought for a moment, then said, “I’m not sure…it was a while ago.” Megs realized that Aurora was dehydrated. Quickly, Megs took some slow from down beneath, and fed it to Aurora. The snow melted in Aurora’s mouth, helping her. However, it became clear they needed to set up camp fairly soon. Fortunately, Charles’s fifteen minutes were up, meaning it was time to announce who would win immunity. Cat stepped back into the spotlight, standing next to Charles. “I would like everyone to be silent once again,” Cat stated. Everyone fell quiet, anticipating Charles’s decision. “Charles, you must now decide which tribe you will be joining,” Cat said once again, “Please tell us which you chose and why.” Charles sighed, then said, “Okay, I just want to make it public that this is in no way personal, and I thank you all for understanding that, but after careful consideration, I've chosen... …Idun.” “With that said, Idun has officially won immunity,” Cat stated, “Freya, tomorrow night you shall be going to Tribal Council.” Idun began to welcome Charles to their tribe, as Freya sulked in defeat. * Charles: I think Idun is more mature than Freya, Idun just seemed a lot more open, but didn't flat out ask me to join them like some on Freya did. I like everyone on my tribe; everyone is very understanding and open, and generally just nice people. * Maria: I felt like I had accomplished our immunity, because I was the one out of my tribe that was talking to Charles one on one and trying to make him feel welcome and tell him to vote his conscience and don't feel bad about what decisions he made. * Valerie: I felt like Charles didn't make enough of an effort to get to know us. It sucks major that he chose Idun, but the past is the past, right? * The celebration soon died down, and Cat explained what was to happen next. “I would like to inform you also,” Cat stated, “That the two of your tribes will be separate from each other. However, this clearing we are standing in right now will be an additional twist to the game: a connected camp area. Here, not only shall challenges and events take place, but also you’ll be allowed to communicate with members of the other tribe. You are only allowed to be in your specific tribe and the connecting area, NEVER the opposing tribe’s camp. This is to allow privacy between the tribes, yet also have an area to gather.” “Freya, as you know, tomorrow night you are going to Tribal Council,” Cat reminded the group, “I will see you then. To all of you, good luck, and let me warn you: Today was JUST the beginning! You can now head to your camps.” The two tribes then broke off, and left for their separate camps. Day 1 – Idun Idun arrived at camp, excited having won immunity. The tribe began to celebrate in an unusual fashion: attempting to start a fire and construct a shelter. However, Maria collapsed on the ground instead. It was then that she revealed a bit of a secret she had been keeping. “I hate to do this, but I’m going to bed right now,” Maria said, “I was in a car accident last week, and I have head trauma. I’m having this really bad headache.” “Oh my god!” Felipe exclaimed. Jose, Marion, and Charles listened, but continued to work. “Please don’t be mad,” Maria said, “I’m really sorry, but I’m really glad I am going to be in this game still and be on the Idun tribe. I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow morning, I just need to rest some.” “Bye Maria,” Jose said. As Maria laid down to rest, the others continued to work. Marion and Holly decided to go out and look for firewood to try to start a fire. As they walked, they started to talk, and quickly found they had a number of things in common. After a while, the conversation reached a moment of awkward silence. “You know, if you don’t have one already,” Holly finally asked, “Would you want to form an alliance?” “Sure, just don’t betray me.” Marion deadpanned. Holly laughed. “I promise I won’t.” Holly smiled, “But just wondering, how would you feel about bringing Jamie into it to help us?” “Sure,” Marion agreed, “Just as long as it is you and me in the final 2.” “Okay, you and me all the way!” Holly replied, “Jamie can just help us.” “Alright, I’ll go ask him.” Marion stated. When the two alliance partners returned to camp, Marion pulled Jamie aside. “Do you want to be an alliance with me and Holly?” Marion bluntly asked. “YES!” Jamie replied enthusiastically, “The three of us can rule the game.” “Okay,” Marion stated. She then returned to Holly, whom she informed about the deal. * Marion: I have an alliance with Holly and Jamie. This way we would have strength and numbers in the tribe. * Holly: Marion, Jamie, and I are going to try and get the most people off we can, then when it comes down to it...we're going to kick Jamie off. I may make some fake alliances just to make sure we get people off. * Once they had built a basic shelter and started a small fire that rose above the snow, the group decided to live with their efforts, and call it a day. Day 1 - Freya As Freya returned to camp, the group crashed. Although they did begin to set up a fire and shelter, the camp morale appeared to be low after the challenge results. * Megs: I'm alright with losing immunity since we really had no control... besides having to go to Tribal Council the second night, nothing really bothers me. Every one seems really nice, and I'm happy with who's on my tribe. * Aurora: Given the nature of our loss, seeing as though it was all Charles's fault and he basically signed our death certificate and delivered it to us, it’s a little upsetting. But it was a fair loss, and I've gotten over it already. * While most of the Freya tribe began to get to work, Aurora was still feeling fairly dehydrated and sat on the side. Hoping to help her teammate get better, Kelley began attending to Aurora’s needs. “I’m normally not like this,” Aurora groaned, “It’s so infuriating!” “Sure thing,” Kelley said sadly, as she gave Aurora some more water. Aurora sighed, then said, “I may just have to drop from the game if I don’t get better. I’m just being a liability.” * Kelley: Aurora seems very nice, but she is having dehydration problems that may be a hindrance later. I truthfully like everyone and don't want to have to vote anyone out, so this will be hard. I need to think... * Soon after, Aurora decided to just go to bed early to get some rest. Bundled up in a few of the blankets they’d been given, she closed her eyes and went to sleep. Kelley then left Aurora’s side to help out Jon set up a camp in the snow. “It’s too soon to go to Tribal Council,” Jon said. “I know,” Kelley agreed, “Especially when we don’t know many people.” “I mean, how are we supposed to get to make a good decision when we’ve known these people for 2 days?” Jon asked. “It’s so quick,” Kelley added. “Guess the strategizing is going to start earlier than expected!” Jon laughed. Kelley thought for a moment, then asked, “Want to watch out for each other this vote?” “Yeah, definitely.” Jon said. * Jon: Right now I have an agreement with Kelley to watch out for each other for this vote. I think the two of us both are afraid to be the first out, because of this twist. I'm fairly confident that this agreement will turn into an alliance at some point. * As the Freya tribe members worked, Steven approached Ben to discuss the strategy of their alliance. “Who else do you think should be in our alliance?” Steven asked, “We need majority.” “Hmmm,” Ben said, trying to think of a way to include Kelley and Valerie. “Kelley seems honest.” Steven stated. Ben looked at Steven, and laughed. “Okay,” he replied. “I’ll ask her if that’s okay,” Steven said, “but we need one more. How about Valerie?” “Sure.” Ben replied, giving Steven a funny look. “I’ll go ask them if that’s okay.” Steven went off to talk to Valerie and Kelley, leaving Ben a little surprised. * Ben: Everything is looking great! First me, Valerie and Kelley formed an alliance of three, but then Steven and I chatted. Soon he asked me for an alliance, so I agree, and of course I tell the girls. He suggests we make it bigger for a majority so I just nod my head. Now here comes the odd part: He suggests Kelley, I like nod and say, “Okay, cool”, and I talk to the girls. Then once again, he, suggests Valerie too. So I go along and say yes…but it's almost too perfect. He thinks he is in control when really the three of us got it on him! * After Steven made the arrangements, the newly formed Freya alliance of four got together to chat for a moment about the looming tribal council. “Does anyone have any ideas as to who we should vote off?” Steven asked. “I want Megs to stay around for now,” Valerie said, “so I say either Jon or Aurora.” “Jon is a total sweetheart,” Kelley pitched in, wanting to keep the vote off of Jon. “Aurora seems nice,” Ben added, “But she seems to be having some problems surviving out here.” “Well, we don’t want her around if she’s going to be weak.” Steven stated. “She told me she might have to drop out of the game if she doesn’t get better,” Kelley added. “Yeah, that might hinder us.” Ben agreed. “So do we just vote her out?” Valerie asked. “Yeah,” Kelley said, “but I’d feel bad though. She does seem nice.” The rest of the group agreed with Kelley, nodding their heads. “Maybe she’ll get to come back?” Ben asked, “Cat did say that ‘revenge’ was involved with the game somehow.” “Who knows,” Valerie sighed, “We have to expect the unexpected.” * Steven: As of now, I have an alliance of 4 with Ben, Kelley, and Valerie. Our first target, as we are going to tribal council tomorrow, is Aurora I believe. We have kind of decided this because of her dehydration problems and how she said she may have to quit because of it. Or at least that is our good excuse. * Finally, after a cruel beginning, the Freya tribe retired to bed. But it would be tomorrow that would bring a truly harsh ending… 
*Editor's Note: Aurora was not really dehydrated, but in actual fact was having computer problems, and kept getting booted offline. Maria, however, had really been in a car accident. |