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March 13, 2020

9:00 AM

Exuma, Big Major Cay, Bahamas

83° F

A large speedboat fends the ocean waters, sparkling in the morning sunlight as the camera drone hovers from above. The small figures of a hog badger and a Tasmanian devil can be spotted behind the captain on the deck, both marveling at the vastity of the ocean and their surroundings.

"So this day we won a shot to go at any activity solo with our companions to do any special thing we please. Thing is, darn SOMEONE signed me up for this trip without even asking me prior! I'm not naming names... fucking Tommy."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"Tommy, where the hell are you taking me?" an exasperated Zakee asks as the speedboat bounces on the Bahamian seas. In the true way of that marsupial, he'd signed up for the special activity behind the hog badger's back.

"You'll see. You gonna shit bricks when you realize it," the Tasmanian devil replies with a big grin on his face.

"All I'm sayin', ya better have a good reason for kicking me out of bed at eight in the mornin'..." Soon enough, the boat slows down as the pair approach a relatively small cay, the motor humming growing quieter by the minute. "So this is the big deal?" Zakee asks, looking around as the captain helps the two friends to dismount. "We coulda stayed at the hotel if we wanted to enjoy the beach..."

Tommy looks at the distance, grinning as his plan slowly came together. Or rather, trotted to their way. Exuma was not known as the famous "Pig island" for nothing, as a large sow with two piglets training behind make their way to the new tourist boat that just docked on the shore.

"Okay Greasy... there's your good reason," the Tasmanian devil says with a flourish, his companion standing slack-jawed as more and more pigs come into view - some even frolicking in the impossibly clear, shallow waters.

"I just knew that when this was on the options, I had to drag this hog's ass there yesterday. I know he's been all moody and shit and he don't wanna tell me all of it, so it's best to cater to his tastes and show him his meanin' of a good time."

~Tommy, 30, Tasmanian Devil, Greasy Z's Friend

"Piiiigs! Dude, this is fuckin'... wha?" Zakee says, his large paws sinking in the wet sand as he slowly walks towards the animals, still in disbelief. "Pigs? Here of all places? How's that even possible?"

"Iunno, but it was in the options, and I jus' knew I had to keep your whiny ass in suspense for it..." Tommy grins, taken aback as two started snuffling around his personal space.

"Well you got me good, pal!" the hog badger openly chuckles at his clumsy friend dealing with the small piglets. "Ya think we can go for a swim with 'em?"

"Almost all's... in the book," Tommy says, awkwardly sidestepping as he looks down at the encroaching animals. "Hey, stop that you!" It doesn't take long for the hog badger to tear away his tank top, throwing himself down in the shallow to play with the small piglets and hug the larger ones as his friend looks over from the beach with a massive grin on his marsupial muzzle.

"You're such a big girl!" the hog badger lays down in the sand with excitement, as the animals zoom in on the new tourist. "And what's the deal with you, little bud?" he asks, petting the smaller piglets.

"Awwwww man..." *the hog badger is shown petting the porcines, freely oinking at them* "This just took me back home. Bertha, Biggie-Not-Smalls, Jigsaw, Lucky, Sissi, Senator Kennedy... this shit's my happy place, man... fucking... Tommy Torque Stevens!" *the underwater camera pokes in as Zakee dives under the surface, his head poking left and right in astonishment before breaking out* "This is just exactly what I needed to pull through the rest of this. Thanks, Tommy!"

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

After a long while of having fun with pigs on the beach, the pair sat down to have a good lunch. Tommy scoffs as he downs the container of his thermos. "I swear I dunno who was oinkin' more, if you or them pigs..." he snarks.

"This place is paradise, dude," Z shoots back, his dark brown coat still wet and matted with sand as he tackles his first sandwich. "I dunno how you found out about this, but thanks a ton, dude. I owe ya big time when we're back home."

"So... have ya returned back to normal? Will ya finally say what's on yer mind?" Tommy pokes the hog badger. "I know you get all silent when you get stressed, and the Greasy I know would never go with a faded dye."

Zakee lets out a snort. "Heh, dude..." he begins, stopping to take a big bite. "Would you be fine with gettin' called a bum and a freak-ass clown loser on live TV? Cause that's what Blake pulled on me the other day," he casually says, Tommy raising a brow. "He said I oughta be embarrassed of still livin' with my folks at 30, and that my actual life path cuts off all of my Alpha cred. I know he was only tryin' to get under my skin, but shit is... he got like five or six challenge wins and I've been scrapin' and fightin'. I need to win more shit to have a chance, yanno?" he sighs.

Tommy scoffs. "And what would Greasy say to that if he was a client back at the shop?"

"First, he'd ask why your ears that damn red, Tommy?" the hog badger jokes. "Then, he'd probably tell that client to mind his fuckin' business. I know stuff could be different, ya get me? I'm well past the point I could have put a ring on a piggy and got some lil' hogs running around," he says. "But you know me, T. Shit's my damn life, and yours as well. If it doesn't work for John Fucking Blake, why should I care? Why do I have to feel bad about this?"

Tommy's sly grin gradually grows. "Now ya get it. And didn't ya tell me how he won his challenges?"

"By fucking leeching!" Z snorts. "He was never chosen as captain in the team challenges, while all five of us won at least one each. If he was on a duel, his white-furred ass would be left bare for y'all to see," he says. "I'm fuckin' scared that he pulls another fast one on us and gets to the semis over someone who, y'know, deserves it..."

The Tasmanian devil shrugs in his shoulders, grabbing another sandwich from his beach bag. "I'll tell ya this much..." he lowers his voice, getting closer to Z. "If you get kicked out, he remains, he leaves, you stay... no one will give a damn of his or your life. Ya arrived here greasy, you gonna leave greasy, and that shit is what matters. Fuck him, and fuck the rest if they need to be fucked. Just focus on ya."

"Easier said than done..." the hog badger sighs. "But let me tell ya this, I hope someone actually gets him good before this shit's over. I'd be fine with anyone left getting the title, but him being named the goddamn American Mustelid Alpha I dunno if I can swallow."

"Eh, y'all gonna be fine," Tommy shrugs. "You know I don't get your fuckin' mustelid dominance deals, but you're here, you're having a blast, and that's what you gotta focus on right now," he tells his friend. "Now, when we got back, we gotta dye that muddyass head back, I got a bottle of platinum blonde left in the hotel-SHIT!"

The devil looks back at the figure that popped in his peripheral vision, startled, as a piglet makes its way into their resting zone, poking his snout at the two friends' meals. "Aw, let him go at it," the hog badger chuckles, putting his paw forward to offer the animal a bite of his food. "That's a good hoggie..."

"Most of the times I swear no one gets what Tommy's sayin', but on the times he's right, he fucking dunks it in." *the camera shows the two friends as they jump on the speedboat to make their way to Nassau* "Whatever challenge there is left, Imma show these guys the real Greasy Z, and that's gonna win me more than any track record bullshit. I'm ready to go back there and kill it."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

***

11:30 AM

Rose Island, Nassau, Bahamas

It's late in the morning as a catamaran sails towards an uninhabited sliver of land, navigating along its reef system while coasting a shore of pristine white sand surrounded by thick vegetation. Kenneth is standing on the boat's deck, his long dark hair untied and flowing in the morning breeze - Cassie sitting between his legs as she lets her own dangle over the water.

"Told ya it'd be worth it, Ken..." Cassie says as she caresses his friend's stubby tail. "They said the peace and quiet in here is unlike anywhere else in Nassau. Plus we can snorkel right over the reef, if we want."

"Heh, I got no idea of how you even managed to drag me out of bed..." Ken retorts, chuckling nevertheless as he crouches next to his friend and blows her a quick kiss.

*smiles sheepishly* "Last night was... something else. Reuniting with someone who's really close to you and spending hours holding each other, it's an unparalleled feeling and one hell of a boost to my morale." *the two badgers are shown as they chatter on the boat's deck, looking in the distance* "I'm gonna make the most of what little time I got left with Cassie, and hopefully it'll give me what I need to pull through the last stretch."

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

Cassie huffs. "I really don't wanna do this, I really don't but... can you picture it, Ken? If you win, can you see all these ambitions just... becoming real?"

"Aw, don't jinx me now..." the roofer chuckles, leaning close to her ear.

"I don't wanna put you like... 'Ken, you're our only hope, our rations have depleted and we only got a month left to live' you know?" Cassie jokes, to Kenneth's laughter. "But you're in the final four! It could happen!"

"I know it can," Kenneth nods. "I've got a lot riding on this, and you know I ain't gonna squander it. Us two, opening our box, becoming big names in the Pennsylvanian CrossFit scene, possibly building up our brand enough so that we can both focus on it full-time..." he ponders. "It never looked this close, you know what I'm saying?"

Cassie rests her head by the crook of Kenneth's neck. "And to think you were a lanky shy guy when you first walked in."

"Oh, look who's talking!" the male badger shoots back, playfully. "These were barely showing when we met each other!" he says, running his paw over the girl's prominent abs.

"Oh shush, slim jim..." she chuckles. "But I know where you came from, and I bet if Momma Stokowski was watching now, she'd be like 'damn, Isure did raise no bitch...'"

"Besides covering her eyes at us two canoodlin' on live TV..." Kenneth casually retorts. "How'd you feel about that, by the way?"

"'Bout what?" she asks coyly, looking up at the male.

"You know what I mean, Cass. Does 'that' factor somehow in our plans for the future?"

Cassie curls her lip. "Aw you..." she giggles, leaning in Kenneth's embrace. "Let's enjoy the island a little bit. We can snorkel and relax a bit and then maybe..."

"...of course I would, why would I reject that offer?" *winks* "But it's always at my pace. We're in this paradise, away from all the hubbub... Let's enjoy it a bit first." *chuckles sheepishly*

~Cassandra, 26, American Badger, Kenneth's Co-Worker

"So, guys..." the boat captain walks up to Kenneth and Cassie, pointing towards the water. "We're right above the coral reef. If you wanna go down and snorkel, I can stop it here and let you take a dive."

"Sure, man," the male badger nods, taking off his shoes and socks before donning the mouthpiece and breathing tube, helping the girl to do the same in the meanwhile. Surprising him, Cassie is the first to jump off the boat and into the water - immediately coming up and grinning up at her friend, beckoning him to follow her lead.

"This is like, the first time I for real get to experience the open seas, and to do it in this situation only adds to the high." *camera focuses on the badgers as they stroke through the crystalline sea* "This almost gives me space to process all that I've done, to think of the little that's left to pretty much change my life. Just a few more hurdles, and this badger kid that didn't have direction in his life at one point can claim the pinnacle of this competition. There's a lot riding, and I'm way in too deep to bow out."

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

The underwater camera follows the two badgers as Kenneth leads Cassie towards the larger edge of the reef, both marveling at the pastel-colored coral, all kinds of algae and plants gently blowing in the deep sea current. A school of fish swims by, the pair following their motions closely before turning towards each other, holding paws as they look down over the extension of the reef.

Suddenly, Kenneth swims up to Cassie, pulling off the breathing tube and motioning her to do the same. She watches him quizzically as he pulls close, letting her wrap her legs around his powerful waist as he pulls her into a deep kiss, his legs keeping them afloat as they kick in strong, circular motions.

The girl is quick to return the kiss, letting her paws run over her friend's muscular back and gently churring against him. Suddenly their mouths part, both badgers darting up and breaking the surface to get a huge breath of air, then immediately joining for another kiss as they wade in the shallow water, right off the catamaran. Soon everything else is forgotten, the two badgers letting their passions ignite as they get fully lost in each other's gaze.

***

"Heyo, missed us?" the door of the bungalow opens up, the four mustelids looking surprised as Kenneth and Zakee walk back into their original resting spot.

"I know you wanna talk and talk and talk about your amazing day, but we know how it must've been," Andrew snarks to the pair, laughing. "Not much to do here other than getting a tan..."

"And going fishing for those who got gills," Arron casually adds, motioning to where Eddie is skinning the few fish he personally caught for dinner - his fur still damp and matted in places after the long swim.

"Well that's too bad, guys. The reward was somethin' else..." the hog badger can't help pointing out in excruciating detail. "We had a fuckin' gigantic lobster for dinner last night, and the beds were the best I've ever slept in. Big huge plush pillows, crisp cotton sheets and all the like. And I ain't even starting to tell you about where we went today..."

"You gonna do anyway, so..." John scoffs, noticing Eddie's slightly upset frown at Z's eagerness.

"I get that Zakee's still excited about getting his mojo back, but I'm not sure openly gloating in front of the whole group is what's best right now. If they ask, sure, but can we try being at least a little gracious about the whole deal? I mean... I would 100% gloat cuz it was fuckin' awesome, but better play the part of bein' modest." *chuckles*

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

As the conversation starts flowing, Arron steps up and goes by Eddie's side, making sure the other four are entrapped in the retelling.

"I've been thinking of this plan, and I know it would be... ridiculous, to think it's as easy to get Z and Andrew out once they're in the duel, because what if they're not? It is a very real possibility, but John's blinded to the fact, and I can't go out asking Texas' cuz I'd get these two on my tail. So my only hope right now is... to make Eddie see it for how it is. I know he wants to make it further above all, and he won't risk a plan to fail again."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"So, do you think- do you think we need an alternative?" the honey badger asks, using his help in the kitchen as an alibi.

"We need what?" Eddie asks back, still focused on gutting his fish. "This we discussed early on, and my mind hasn't changed yet..."

"Yeah, but let's say the worst happens and Andrew or Z win, then what?" the firefighter presses.

"Ain't gonna happen," the lutrine scoffs. "Whatever this challenge turns out to be, we'll make sure one of us comes on top," he says, grabbing the tail end of a red snapper and sliding the knife through the skin with a single motion.

"Yeah, but you ever thought how the duels would be?" Arron keeps asking, working his blade through the length of another fish to descale it. "John put it as if Andrew and Z were useless, and we know they ain't. But he keeps insisting..."

"So... do we try to sacrifice John if the worst happens?" Eddie replies. "It's clear that if things go south, we'll have to wing it somehow. He's good with us and whatever, but at the same time he's probably the easiest match-up of whoever's left..."

Arron scoffs. "Depends on what. But my point is this... if worst happens, this promise goes from a three guy one to a two. Or we'll try to. Who knows what kind of weird double duel they got in store for us? Or even if they pit all four at the same time, can ya picture it?"

"We know too little to make a plan in advance," the giant otter shrugs, forcefully whipping the freshly-cut fillet on the counter. "Just asking, what do you wanna get if you get to the last four?"

"Texas out if one of us wins," the firefighter replies, stashing plates on the side. "Else, John takes the place of the one immune, and we go final four."

"I hear ya," Eddie nods. "But like... what challenge would you feel more confident to get at this stage?"

"We're in the Bahamas after all, and we both killed water week..." Arron smiles faintly. "If it comes to that, we're as good as qualified."

"Mhm. I know I've been itching for a water challenge for a good while," the giant otter agrees. "Anything in particular you fear?"

"I'd rather stay out of hand-to-hand combat if it ain't necessary. I could take Z or Drew there, I think, but that's it," the honey badger muses. "But there is still a lot of territory left to explore, so we will see when we get there."

"I can't fucking believe how Arron is literally spilling his guts and every plan he got... to me of all people. There's so much intel going on there I almost can't wrap my head around it." *the otter is shown as he intently listens to the honey badger* "He is right in the sense that John's original plan is not foolproof, and that in a double elimination, it is more important than ever to move forward whatever it takes. Guess we'll see what they got in store for us."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

The whole group is soon gathered around the table, Kenneth asking for a cheer after pouring some of the leftover beer in the others' glasses. "To our last night in the Bahamas, and tomorrow's challenges?"

"May the best go to the semifinal..." John says halfheartedly, as all six mustelids join in the cheer before digging in their fish dinner.

"I cannot afford to go to a duel. If I want to achieve a near perfect track record, I need to knock this individual out of the park, and start showing up for myself for the rest of this competition. Kenneth is a tough competitor, so him being out of commission works perfectly for my plans. I also got my alliance with Eddie and Arron... but I rather have them scramble and feel the pressure in the duels as I rest immune. It's eat or be eaten, and both polecat and pig are on the menu."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

***

March 14, 2020

12:00 PM

85° F

The five mustelids stroll down the beach, muzzles scrunched in determined expressions as they walk up to Ludwig. The weasel is standing next to a long horizontal bar, suspended about six feet from the ground. Next to him, Kenneth is waiting for the rest of the group with a grin on his muzzle, clearly feeling pretty smug about the semifinal spot he earned earlier on.

"How're you feeling, Kenneth?" Ludwig cheekily asks.

"Pretty good, Lud..." the badger retorts with a smirk, leaning back on his chair. "Can't wait to see who joins me on here... and who doesn't," he says. "No hard feelings, guys. Best of luck to all."

"I have some big opinions on who I want to take this and who I'd rather kick to the curb." *camera focuses on Arron, then Eddie* "But at this point, what matters is that I'm through already, and they still gotta fight for it. Whatever goes, I already bested all five, so no sense in pretending I'm even a little bit scared of anyone out there."

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

"Alright guys, you're about to play for the second spot in the semifinals," Ludwig says, the whole group nodding along determinedly. "The winner of this challenge will join Kenneth on the winner's bench here, while the other four will take on each other in two final duels. Trust me, you don't wanna end there - not with so much at stake, and not with the toughest duel so far awaiting whoever's left."

The contestants clap in anticipation, shaking arms and legs as they get ready for the task at hand. "So, you're ready to do this?" the stoat host asks, motioning towards the horizontal bar.

"Instantly, I see some weird rods suspended on the air, and I'm immediately guessing it's a balance or endurance deal. Other than that, there is nothing else! It is weird to see challenges that are so barebones at this stage of the competition."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"Today's challenge is called Hold On, and that's what you'll have to do to earn a spot in the final four. In a few minutes you'll all be hanging from that pole, using just your arms and legs to cling on it. You'll be holding on for as long as you can, until a single mustelid remains attached to the bar," Ludwig says. "It is the hottest part of an already hot day, so that'll only add to the discomfort and the pain you'll be feeling during this test of endurance and tenacity. Be sure you're hydrated before taking this on, I don't want anyone to faint from up there..."

"Ludwig, can I use my rudder for help?" Eddie immediately asks.

"Tails are strictly forbidden, they must remain hanging down," Ludwig answers, the otter visibly frowning. "Any attempt to touch or curl around the beam ends your time. And there's no touching or physically distracting another competitor, either. All clear?"

The whole group nods. "Well, you know what to do," the host urges them on. "Go get ready, 'cause this will be a battle..."

"I know this challenge is gonna be a pain in the butt, but I'm happy with it. Nobody is heavily favored, it all boils down to who wants it the most." *the polecat is shown as he lathers his whole body in sunscreen* "We all got our fangs bared at this point, no way around it. But this challenge will prove who can get past his own limits, no matter what the others do or don't."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"Oh... and one more thing..." Ludwig adds, stopping the mustelids in their tracks as they get ready to climb on the bar.

"Aw, Jesus, what twist now..." Zakee snorts, a mixture of amused and miffed.

"The winner of this challenge will go straight ahead to the great semifinal and get a two thousand dollar bonus, but there is something else in store..."

"Huh? Something like what?" John perks in, as the stoat host draws a long pause.

"The next duel is going to be the most grueling to date. Thus, it's best to give ya some... incentive," the stoat smirks. "Whoever comes in second place, behind the winner of this challenge, will receive a special advantage in the upcoming duel. So you're not just playing for first place, but also for second, if you want."

"Bruh..." Kenneth shakes his head from his bench.

"It could be a quarter of a million dollar advantage, so you better hold on," the host nods.

"The special advantage thing is gonna make things only worse, because people will want to stay in not only to get first, but also to get a leg on the other duelists if it comes to that." *Arron shakes his head as he ties up his loose cornrows* "There's a whole lot at stake in this challenge, and whatever goes, I want to leave my mark on this."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

Soon the five mustelids are hanging alongside each other, arms and legs wrapped around the pole as they cling on it as best as they can. "This challenge is officially on," Ludwig announces, slowly walking across the line while the whole group begins their task.

"Man... I ain't never been any good at standin' in the same spot for a long time." *Zakee cranes back his neck, looking down, his muzzle scrunched in discomfort* "This is both painful and extremely boring. I know I'm fresher than the rest of the people in here, but the sooner they start droppin', the better for me."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"The pain in my shoulder is moot if this forces me to feel it in my entire body." *the stoat swishes his black-tipped tail, camera briefly focusing on John's still tender shoulder* "But there is so much at stake, all down to the leg-up in the duel, and I need to win this, I need to give my son a better grip for his future."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

"Anyone feelin' it already?" the mechanic asks the group, taking a paw off the bar to scratch his forehead.

"Shut it, bacon," John immediately interjects.

"And John Blake voices a complaint..." Andrew snidely remarks. Slowly, the rest of the mustelids on the beam get the quip and join in laughter.

The stoat reshuffles his position, wrapping his paws tighter around the pole. "Will y'all shut your traps?" he asks, slightly propping up his head to look at the whole row. "You're fucking throwing me off..."

"Funny, I thought we were meant to just let you have your way with us," Eddie rumbles, openly scoffing at the stoat's remark. He then briefly turns and winks to the young polecat, chuckling. "You shit-talking sneak..."

The sun is beating hard on the playing field, all five mustelids starting to feel its effects after just a few minutes of hanging. The camera focuses on one mustelid, then the next, as they all groan under their breaths and reposition to shake off the growing pain in their limbs. Zakee repeatedly wipes the sweat from his brow, the hog badger struggling to stand still for more than a few seconds at a time and further provoking John's annoyance.

"'Ron, how you holding up?" Kenneth asks his friend, worried as the honey badger lets out a pained grunt.

"As... good as I can..." the firefighter chuffs. "This ain't... a walk in the park, and the sun's killing me..." Mustelids around nod knowingly at each other at Arron's admission, although they do share their rival's discomfort.

Ludwig lets out a smirk. "How long you think you've been up there so far?"

"Feels like an hour plus..." Z huffs.

"Well, we just clocked in at twenty minutes," the stoat host chuckles at the group's surprise. "The five of you are still going strong, but sooner or later, someone's gotta give..."

"Fucking hell..." John states.

"This is as extreme as it gets. There is no respite whatsoever, the pole is heating up, I got sweat pouring out from literally everywhere. I want this, but the others want it just as much if not more and there's nothing to do here but wait until they drop."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

Clock is ticking past thirty-five minutes as Arron suddenly unhooks his legs from the pole, briefly hanging by his paws for a few seconds to the others' surprise. "Guys, I'm out," he says, letting himself fall on the white sand.

"Arron's the first out of the challenge, and our first duelist..." Ludwig reiterates, as the honey badger walks up to Kenneth with a big scowl on his face. "What went on up there, Arron?"

"Heh, I weigh more than most of these folks, I didn't have a chance," the firefighter scoffs. "At this point, I'd rather not exert myself and save up energies for the duel..."

"Blind trust in a promise is never ideal, but I have physically reached my limit and got no option. As long as John or Eddie win, I feel we could pull this off, even if I'm on the chopping block again. Here's praying."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"Guys, you've been up there for nearly an hour," Ludwig announces, both badgers politely clapping at the four mustelids still hanging on the beam. Nobody is in the mood to smack talk or joke around anymore, each competitor focused on their own game and dead set on outlasting the other three.

Suddenly, John's shoulder starts to cramp up, the pain from the earlier challenge having become short of excruciating in the past few minutes. "Hrm..." the white mustelid finally breaks the silence, letting go of his upper half of his body to hang only by his legs.

"What... what is he doing?" Arron asks Kenneth, quite concerned as the stoat seems to be willing to stay in by the sheer strength of his lower body.

"I dunno, but he can't last long in that position..." the roofer shrugs. "Maybe his shoulder is fucking him up."

"Shit..." John mutters, hanging back up, only to release himself somewhat haphazardly off the beam as he lets himself fall to the ground. "Goddamnit..."

"John caps out his effort at one hour and five minutes, he's our second duelist," Ludwig comments, helping the jailer to get back on his feet. "Want Dr. Paul to take a look at that?" he says, noticing his fellow stoat is trying to work some circulation in his injured shoulder.

"Heh, I'll live," John shrugs him off, before reaching the badger couple on the shaded bench.

"I held on as long as I could, but my shoulder decided for me. It's either fuck it up for good and risk being pulled outta the game or unable to compete in the duel, or acknowledge your limits and try to sort it out in time for the next fight."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

Kenneth waits until the stoat sits next to Arron and himself. "Andrew has not budged yet, like, at all..." he whispers, impressed.

"Yep, I feel he's got it," the honey badger confirms - a hint of worry exuding from his voice. "Z keeps flinching back and forth, and Eddie, well... he's got some freakin' ballast pulling him down..." he says, pointing at the lutrine's heavy, muscular tail.

"Yeah, and isn't that what we want?" Kenneth snerks. "Let him deal with that. Right now, I sorta fancy seeing him try to save his bigass rudder for the third time..." Arron frowns at his friends' words, but decides to not say anything in response.

*the polecat touches the beam with his forehead* "This is the one challenge that will cement my path to the victory. Winning this will put me in prime position to take it all, and you best bet your sweet ass I do not want to be in whatever duel that fucking stoat has thought of."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"While I haven't won a darn challenge in what seems like forever, spending time with Tommy and finding my mojo back really geared me up. I've never gone to a duel, so I best keep that record standing."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"Of course Arron and John decide to hinge on me for whatever goes. But the truth of the matter is, I'm not willing to go to a third duel, advantage or not. Let me get my rudder to that great semifinal."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

The three mustelids show increasing signs of discomfort as they keep holding onto the bar, Ludwig walking back and forth while checking the condition of all three. "The circulation in your arms and legs must be fully gone by now," he faintly chuckles, Z nodding in obvious discomfort. "This is a mental challenge as much as a physical one. You gotta block out the pain, the heat, the thoughts of giving up, whatever stands in the way between you and holding onto that pole."

Suddenly, right after he's shaken out his arms, Eddie spots a small wasp flying by the corner of his eye. It buzzes around the pole before landing on his left ankle, the lutrine tensing his whole body to avoid getting stung by the insect.

"Hey, Ludwig... " Eddie tries to get the stoat's attention. "Can you do something about that?"

"I don't know, can you?" Ludwig playfully asks back. "That's part of the elements I was talking about having to endure..."

The lutrine lets out a huff. "You can't be serious..." Taking one arm off the ledge, he tries to bend forward enough to swat the insect away, but he obviously can't reach his lower leg. "I'm not going home over a fuckin' wasp..." he says, reassuring his grip on the pole and forcing his whole body to stay still.

"This is quite the hellish experience, but I'm not letting go whatever it takes. That lil' thing can stay there as long as she wants." *camera focuses on the wasp eventually flying away* "I need to at least reach that advantage threshold, only then I'll get a grip in my prime position."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

Meanwhile, Greasy Z is getting increasingly flinchy, constantly shuffling and repositioning his body in a bid to get some respite. He shakes off a paw, then the other, his sweaty grip faltering as he struggles to keep his legs hooked around the pole. His mohawk is falling down the sides of his head, the hog badger growing more and more desperate as he realizes he's literally inches from giving up on his standing in the challenge.

Arron watches with bated breath, silently willing the mechanic to step down. "It's been fun, y'all," Zakee eventually blurts, letting himself swing from the pole for a few seconds before hopping down, rubbing his numb limbs.

"And ninety-three minutes into the challenge Zakee drops, that leaves us down to two!" Ludwig states, as the hog badger shifts his shoulders back and forth to work back some circulation. "This means one of Andrew or Eddie will win the advantage for the duel, but we're still in the search for who will join Kenneth in the great semifinal?"

Eddie grumbles, then throws his head back to take a glance at his opponent. The polecat seems to be holding on without too many issues, while the lutrine is having to deal with the growing discomfort of the added weight of his dangling rudder.

Just then, Andrew shifts his arms, using the hinge of his elbows to support himself and give his hands a break. "Hey Andy..." the Navy veteran tries to get his attention, realizing the youngster's distress. "You hurtin' right now?"

The polecat offers no response, nary a sign of acknowledging his rival. "I'm serious, man..." the giant otter presses on. "I'm not in the mood for keeping this up another few hours. How about we settle this?" Andrew says nothing in return.

"Holy hell, he's a savage..." Zakee snorts, putting his paw on his muzzle. John and Arron look in awe, their internal worries increasing nonetheless. The lutrine looks over in disbelief, then he lets out a huff and tilts his head back up, determined to defeat the polecat one way or another.

"Andrew... bruh... he is teaching everyone here how shit has to be done. Come on young thing! Put that otter in the duel once again!"

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

"We have officially reached a hundred minutes into this challenge," Ludwig states, the entire group gently clapping the two remaining contenders. Eddie's body is literally dripping, his chocolate brown coat fully covered in sweat after nearly two hours of exposition to the unforgiving Bahamian sun. Despite his bravado, Andrew isn't faring much better - the polecat struggling to keep a solid grip on the pole and unable to find relief as the weight of his body seems to become more unbearable by the minute.

The otter lets out a grunt. "Man, if I could cut off my damn rudder right now, I swear I'd do that in a heartbeat," he says between himself, before turning towards his opponent for one last plea. "C'mon Andy, don't be stupid," he says, his voice clearly on the verge of cracking. "You gonna be a mess in the duel if you burn all your energies on this..."

The polecat slightly shifts his head, barely acknowledging the lutrine for the first time since the challenge began with a snide look, but soon resuming his composure. Eddie winces, then reassures his grip on the pole - his upper arms starting to shake as the effort gradually becomes too much to handle.

And just then... one of the bodies dismounts and hits the ground.

"EDDIE DROPS, WHICH MEANS..." Ludwig yells up to signal the end of the challenge. "After a hundred and ten minutes, Andrew is through to the great semifinal, safe from elimination!"

"Are you kid-" The polecat's poker face breaks into a slack-jawed expression as he lets go of the beam to the ground, immediately dropping to his haunches. "Are you kidding?" he asks between incredulous laughter.

"You were a fucking killer up there, Drew!" Z exclaims, immediately getting to his friend's side and helping him to prop himself back up. Kenneth also joins in the polecat's celebration, while Eddie lays face-up on the boiling sand - eyes shut close as he huffs and pants, the effort clearly having taken a huge toll on him. Dr. Paul is soon at the lutrine's side, offering him some cold water as he slowly gets himself to his feet.

"This is the best feeling of this entire competition bar none. I knew I could do it, but the fact to really see I could fend off all these beasts and get that spot it's... words can't describe, it I'm so fucking happy, America. I'm ready to win this whole show."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"Andrew, you won this challenge, thus earning the second spot in the semifinal of American Mustelid Alpha, plus a two thousand dollar tip to go with it," Ludwig recaps, the young polecat letting out a big smile as he bumps fists with Kenneth. "John, Eddie, Arron, Zakee; there's still a chance to make it through. To win your spot in, you'll have to conquer the toughest duel so far, and two of you will become the seventh and eight mustelids eliminated from this race.."

"This is the worst case scenario. We were supposed to kick out Andrew and Zakee in a heartbeat, and now it's everyone's game. I'll do everything in my power to stay, the alliance with Eddie and Arron be damned."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

Ludwig looks at the giant otter, still panting from the strenuous challenge he just faced. The host gets a small envelope from his pocket and extends his paw to him. "Eddie, inside this envelope is the advantage you won by getting second place. Return to your bungalow, rest and open it up in private."

"Will do," the lutrine nods, accepting the envelope from the host's paws. The mustelids leave the scene, picking up their possessions before walking down the beach - the camera panning out as they stray off in the distance.

"My first darn duel and it's in the most dire situations." *the hog badger shows his hand, counting* "Four fuckers enter, two leave..." *he flips off the camera as he tucks two of his four fingers* "... and I hope that I am not one of those fucked over like this. Whatever Eddie has, I sure hope it backfires or at least leaves me the fuck alone."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

Individual Challenge #8, "Hold On"

It's early afternoon back at the bungalows as Eddie lounges on a beach chair, clad in just his swim trunks after taking a well-deserved shower. The otter takes the envelope out of his shorts' pocket, anxious to unveil its content, intently reading every line on the front page. On the other, it shows the faces of Arron, John and Z.

"Gather all the strength you can muster, for this duel will be the most physical one yet..." he reads, turning his eyes to the camera. "It's a strength-based one... damn, I was hoping for swimming," he chuckles before reiterating. "It will go as follows: two duels where two mustelids will go head to head against each other, with the two losers being eliminated from the competition. Above are your opponents. You will have t-" Eddie looks away, his expression changing to one of utter shock.

*otter continues to read the card* "You will have to select the rival you will want to duel against in order to remain in this competition. The two you won't select will form the other duel, where one will survive and the other leave as well. Choose wisely, for this decision could gain you everything, or lose you all." *loudly huffs* "This is... massive. I have the power to leave a mark on what is about to happen and really take matters into my own paws. I'll never forgive myself if I fuck it up."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"Above all, I need to get in that semifinal..." the otter mutters to himself, shifting his eyes on the three portraits - menacing front shots of the hog badger, the honey badger and the stoat. "Getting there is one thing... but who else gets in too is also important," he ponders. "There's pros and cons with every choice, really. I know... that strength wise I got an edge on all three, but I would be dumb to consider any of 'em as pushovers."

"I made promises, I made friends, I said things, there's not much I haven't done on my way here." *his eyes shift at Arron's picture, then Zakee's, and lastly at John's* "Do I want to get to the semifinal and start my ascent from there? Or do I dare try to make a statement? Do I even have that option? What I do know is, I am in control. And I want to make sure it stays like so for the rest of the competition..."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"Guess I got it..." the lutrine says to himself. He marks one of the portraits on the envelope, handing it over to a production staffer for him to whisk it away.

***

5:00 PM

The sun is beginning to set as the four mustelids walk back in, meeting Ludwig and the two semifinalists on the edge of a rectangular sandy field. "Welcome in, duelists..." the host says, motioning to the whole group as they stand in a line in front of him. "The next challenge is your last obstacle between yourself and a place in the semifinals. I know you've battled all sorts of hardships this far, but I want you to summon all the energies you got left and leave it all on the ground, 'cause no matter how it goes that's the mark of a true Alpha."

"I have not reached this far, I have not nixed so many competitors, I have not endured so much bullshit in order to lose. I'm going to get to that semifinal, no matter who I'm facing. Let me go at all three of them, now."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

All four competitors nod along, ready to get a crack at the challenge. "Today's duel is named Tug Of War, and as the name suggests, it's a more brutal twist on a game you've surely gotten a crack at when you were kids," Ludwig continues. "Two at a time, you'll be tethered to a rope tied to your waists and square off in this field. At the signal, you'll have to pull with all of your might towards the bell at either side of the field, trying to drag your opponent and ring your own bell before he can do the same," he says.

"Holy shit..." Andrew slaps Kenneth's bicep as they stare down and lean on the railings.

"The winner of each duel will qualify for the semifinal and join Kenneth and Andrew over there, while the losers will see their American Mustelid Alpha journeys end right before the final four," Ludwig continues, undeterred by the mustelids' quiet banter. "Now, you might be wondering how this will be determined, but no need to fret... The duels are already set."

The expressions of most mustelids change into that of surprise. Ludwig continues. "And the one in charge of selecting the duels was..."

"Me," Eddie interrupts the host with a smirk, as Ludwig gets the envelope the otter had from his pocket. "That's the advantage I earned in the last challenge, and I gotta say... now that I know what the challenge is, I'm 100% sure I made the right choice." The contestants glance at the lutrine, rather unconvinced. Arron slightly nods, his head filled with many thoughts.

"Eddie knows he needs to get to that semifinal, and for sure he knows that by picking John, he'd have the easier path to do that. And while this is going to be insanity, I do feel I could take on either John or Zakee as well. He knows better than to risk his spot, and he knows better to try to deviate from John's failed plan."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"So, Eddie... who you wanna take on in this duel?" Ludwig urges the otter.

"Eddie will make the right thing. I've won against Arron on physicals just like this before. And while I would love the chance to eliminate Z on the power of my own paws and he goes against Arron, it is really the best bet if I let Eddie do the slaughterhouse work and I outpower Arron in shit I know. Eddie, you gotta do what you're supposed to do."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

Kenneth turns to Andrew. "This bitch has too much power in his paws..." he whispers.

"Think he's gonna blow it?" Andrew asks, his fellow semifinalist shrugging.

Arron, Zakee and John look to the side at Eddie, expectantly. "You know, Ludwig... at this point, what matters most to me is getting one step further. This is my third duel, and I don't want anything more than to join Ken and Drew ASAP... However ... how I get there could be just as, if not more important than taking the easy way out," he says, before turning towards the hog badger.

"Z... you and I both got unfinished business to settle. And this is the place to do it once and for all..." he says, all contestants dropping their jaws at lutrine's words. "I chose to fight Arron."

The honey badger immediately turns towards Eddie, the confusion in his eyes quickly turning into rabid anger as Ludwig presents the envelope that had the honey badger's face marked on. "Bro, what-..." he says, struggling to contain the profanity he was about to lash at him, walking away a few steps out of the line, before finally exploding into rage as the lutrine stands before him with a subtle smirk on his muzzle. "You promised you'd watch out for me, you bastard!"

"Right now, I want to fucking KICK Eddie's ass." *he says between bared fangs* "I cannot stand when people play me, when they lie to me like that. You've lied through the whole competition, and you're absolutely DONE for me. It's on."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"What the FUCK, Eddie?!" he raises his voice, uncharacteristic of the honey badger. "You fucking told me, that..." Arron points at the stoat. "That you were game in getting John out of here if we couldn't get Andrew and Z out!"

"Wait, you were what?" John's expression quickly turns into a frown.

Andrew can't contain his agape expression, shaking Kenneth, his eyes peeled at the scenario. "'Ron, what's going on?" Kenneth mutters.

"Watch yer mouth, badger," the otter retorts, arms crossed over his barrel-like chest. "You and Kenneth fuckin' did Crispin in. You're done hiding behind your buddy. It's me and you now."

"I ain't watching shit, you ain't my mama!" Arron growls. "Fucking... bullshit, what that is..."

Eddie lets out a small grin, clearly enjoying the firefighter's meltdown. "You call it bullshit, I call it vengeance," he says. "I'm giving you a chance to man up and prove yourself, one-to-one. And by the way, I won't be holding shit back, brother. Better get ready."

"I said what I said to Arron, but the opportunity showed itself. I'm done trying to steer the ship to get out of the badgers and no one budging, so I got no other choice. I'll be the one to get the badgers out myself. It is the more difficult route, but it will be the most rewarding in the end."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"Alright, we got our duels set - Eddie against Arron, and John against Greasy Z," Ludwig says. "It's clear this is gonna be a breaking point for all four of you..."

"This is like... the best, wildest thing..." Andrew comments to Kenneth still in disbelief.

"Speak for yourself," the badger retorts. "How the fuck could Arron fall for Eddie's bullshit?"

"I mean, it was either that or him picking Arron anyway, be real..." Andrew shrugs.

"Point and..." Kenneth continues before realization hits him. "John and Z, fuck!"

*camera points at a stoic hog badger* "Arron's tantrum aside, it's now all fallin' on me. This is the do or die between that asshole Blake and myself. If there's a God in this world, he better help me make shit right and let the good work prevail over the likes of him."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"All's coming down to the wire now. As far as the pig's concerned, I'm ready to tear that punk a second asshole, while Arron's got it coming from trying to plot against me." *rubs paws evilly* "This is gonna go down in the books."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

"Alright... Eddie, Arron, step in and put on the harness," Ludwig instructs the two contenders, the lutrine tossing off his green shirt and rolling his shoulders to warm up as he jumps in the sandy field without even taking a glance at his opponent.

Andrew scoffs. "I don't know if I can watch this, Ken..." he shakes his head, but his eyes still affixed at the dueling grounds.

"Arron can do this," the badger retorts nervously. "He's just as angry as Eddie right now."

"Angry? Eddie's here for all of this, bro..." the polecat snickers, watching as the giant otter buckles his harness in - testing the giving of the short rope linking him to Arron before getting into position. "Dude's out for freakin' murder..."

Kenneth doesn't answer, biting his lip nervously as both contenders are called in. "Eddie, Arron, you ready?" Ludwig calls out, both mustelids loudly yelling their approval as their name is called. "For a spot in the semifinals..."

"I'm completely done with this liar. I've tried to be honest and cool with him, and all he can think of is some useless who was eliminated early on. Eddie, third time's your curse, and you better get ready to go the fuck home."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"Arron's talked a big game since Day One, but he's yet to pay his dues against this otter. I've spent ten fucking days waiting for this moment, and I'm gonna leave no stone unturned in my quest to send him packing. I'm gonna..." *huffs, struggling to contain his anger* "...fuckin' dominate you, badger. See if the Lord and Savior you keep throwin' around is gonna take your side this time."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"GO!"

As soon as Ludwig blows his airhorn, both mustelids explode in the opposite directions in a mad dash to reach their bell. They're both yanked back by the rope pulling tight among them, falling to their backs and immediately jumping forward again - neither of the two gaining an inch on his opponent as they end up crawling fruitlessly, hands and feet skidding on the sand but never making any progression.

"These guys are digging deep!" the stoat host exclaims in awe, watching intently as otter and badger are locked in - their bodies tightening like violin strings in their quest to gain even an inch on their opponent. Eventually both start to get gassed out, the fight quickly turning into a stalemate. Arron is the first to turn onto his back, sitting on the sand and starting to pull on the rope with all of his might in a bid to drag Eddie back, inch by inch.

Not to be outdone, the lutrine does the same, huge biceps bulging as he hooks his webbed paws around the rope and starts pulling the honey badger towards him. The two contenders end up sitting in front of each other, their feet almost touching, massive chests heaving with effort as they try to regain their breath and plan their next attack. "Stop struggling, you bastard!" Arron yells, as he slams his footpaw on Eddie's rudder.

Despite the pain, the lutrine barely winces. "Your potty mouth's finally comin' out, huh?" he snarks as he gives a yank to the rope, Arron sliding ever so slightly towards him. "What if we shut it up for good?" Without notice, he jumps to his feet and pounces forward, crashing on top of the honey badger and pulling him into a submission lock. Both mustelids roll in the sand, their limbs tangled, heads almost touching and darting at each other as they fight their opponent with all they got.

"Arron! Don't fucking give up now!" Kenneth yells, looking in increasing discomfort as the firefighter is forced on his back - Eddie's right arm wrapped around his throat in a classic choke hold. The lutrine's shaven head is completely matted with sand, a thick vein bulging in his neck as he rests it inches from Arron's ear. "Not so feisty now, huh?" Eddie grunts, Arron thrashing against him in a bid to get free from his grasp. "Just give up, buddy. You know you don't stand a chance..."

The firefighter locks eyes with the Navy veteran, a bloodthirsty look brewing in his eyes. "Never," he hisses, breaking the otter's hold by swinging his body forward and immediately exploding towards the bell. Caught by surprise, Eddie can only yank the rope with all he got left, Arron falling back on the sand but having earned a few precious inches on his opponent.

"Oh my god, Eddie's here being the cocky asshole trying to sneak in everyone's heads, and just then Arron makes a mad dash to the bell. That's what happens if you keep running your mouth, you prick."

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

Both mustelids redouble their work on the rope, neither wanting their opponent to escape too far away from the physical confrontation. Despite his advantage, Arron surprises Eddie by pulling the same move the lutrine did only a few minutes earlier - jumping on him and locking his own arms behind the Navy veteran's neck and shoulder. He pushes with all his weight against the otter, growling menacingly as his opponent struggles to challenge his domination.

The rope and the bells are nearly forgotten, Eddie's mind dead set on escaping Arron's clutch before he can get him to yield. The two mustelids are locked in, muscles tense and dripping with perspiration as they struggle against each other.

"Man, I don't know who's gonna go home, they're both pretty darn even. One thing's for sure: Having any of these two out will be wonders for the semifinal."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

Suddenly, Eddie manages to shift a bit on the ground, enough to free his rudder from Arron's control and tightly wrap it around the honey badger's midsection. Within seconds, the lutrine's grip squeezes out most of the air in Arron's lungs, the firefighter's features becoming redder by the minute as he struggles to keep his hold on the otter's neck. Eddie lets out a roar as he squeezes even tighter, every muscle in his body tense with the effort in his ultimate bid to get the badger to relent.

"Y...you...fucking..." Arron gasps, throwing his head up as he takes in avid gulps of air - ultimately giving up and collapsing on top of Eddie, the lutrine quick in rolling out and hooking one of his legs on top of the honey badger.

"This is one of the most grueling things I've ever watched, and I saw some shit on tour buses, I tell ya. At this point, Eddie might seem like he'll survive his third duel, but he's gonna have to drag Arron's dead body, I'm-I'm sure fucking glad I don't get to do that."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Having spent most of his energies, Arron rests against his rival's body, immediately hooking his feet against his ankles to avoid him making a move. Eddie tries to go for a pin, working his arm around the badger's upper chest as he mounts his body from behind. The firefighter struggles against the lutrine for a while, but just as the two seem to be ready to go in for another deadly tangle, his body visibly gives up and goes limp - Eddie taking it as his cue to roll on all fours and start propelling his way towards the bell, dragging the badger's weight with him.

"Eddie's got some momentum! Can he pull this off?" Ludwig yells, the rest of the group shouting at the top of their lungs as the lutrine covers the whole field, step by step, undeterred by the flailing badger trying to hold on. Right as he's under the bell, getting ready to smash it and end the challenge in his favor, Arron finds enough composure to yank him back - both paws wrapped around the rope as he leans his body back with his entire weight in a desperate bid to stop the otter from his target.

Eddie roars out in frustration, the bell dangling literally inches from his right paw as every muscle in his body is seemingly tensed up and on the verge of tearing from the effort. The struggle lasts a few seconds, Arron ultimately giving up on his grip as the lutrine smashes the bell with an ear-piercing howl. "RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!" he roars, chest heaving up and down as he lets himself fall on his back - sand, sweat and tears pooling in the corners of his eyes.

"AND EDDIE WINS THE DUEL, AND BECOMES OUR THIRD SEMIFINALIST!" Ludwig yells, throwing his paws in the air as both mustelids lay in the sand, completely spent. "Holy shit... I gotta say, guys, this was epic. Props to you both," he says, Arron briefly nodding in return - Kenneth frustratingly resting his head on the railing, covering his face with his paws as his close friend rolls out of the ring.

"Eddie's like fucking Jesus Christ, I'm so fucking over it. That's one decent man out of the race, sadly. I need to carry on and win this, no other option on the table."

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

Meanwhile, the lutrine has gotten back on his feet, his features almost unrecognizable as his short fur is completely encrusted with sand. "Eddie, you proved your worth and earned a shot in the semifinal. Go reach your fellow safe competitors up the bench," Ludwig instructs him, the Navy veteran bringing a paw to his temple in a mock salute.

"You betcha," he says, walking up to the rest of the group and sitting down next to Andrew.

"Let everyone else know this: If there is an easy way, ignore it. Go to the hard one, and get ready to make a statement." *camera focuses on Arron* "And finally, the dynamic in the Burrow has changed for good. The best setting for me to conquer it, once and for all."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

The honey badger finally steps up, his body caked in sand, a look of frustrated sadness in his features. "Guess they got me, Lud..."

"Arron, you've been a force to be reckoned with from the day you set foot in Apopka, but I'm sorry to tell you..." the stoat host motions to the honey badger. "You're the seventh competitor eliminated from American Mustelid Alpha. Thanks for coming down here, and all the best for you, your wife and Yvonne."

"It's kinda disheartening, Lud... going from the high of seeing Dominique in here to this low," the firefighter says, a lump in his throat at the thought of his wife. "This close to the end, it's a hard pill to swallow, that's for sure..."

"You came in here with a fire no one could extinguish, and you put in one hell of a fight in order to assert your Alpha stakes," Ludwig consoles him. "Unfortunately, your journey ends here. Go say goodbye to the rest if you want, then it's time to head out."

"Fellas, I want you to remember one thing..." the honey badger says before leaving the grounds. "To the semifinalists, I wish you luck, and the one who wins this needs to have this in mind, a piece of wisdom I've been taught and that some... need to hear." Arron punctuates, looking pointedly at the safe bench. "...'The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death'... That's Proverbs 21:6 for ya, brothers."

The battered lutrine makes a face at Arron's quote, knowing it's directed at him, but says nothing.

"There were so many things I wanted to achieve with winning this show, and I was so... close. Losing it at this stage is painful." *the camera closes in on the honey badger walking down the beach* I sure hope others realize that Eddie's playing more games than he should and I know deep inside, he knows he will have to reap what he sows. And well... may the best one of those guys win."

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

Duel #7, "Tug Of War"

"Alright, time for the second duel of the day... Two mustelids in for their first duel, one about to come out on top," Ludwig points out. "John, Greasy Z, y'all ready to go battle?"

"You betcha," the hog badger answers as he gets up from the bench, tossing away his own shirt and loosening his shoulders.

John shrugs, shooting a casual glance to his opponent as he steps into the field. "Just don't panic this time..." he says as he puts on his harness, the three safe mustelids scoffing at the statement.

"By the time this is over..." the hog badger retorts, turning briefly towards John, "...you gonna return to your fuckin' inmates with no respect to your name."

"This is it. If this is what I need to punch my ticket to the top four, so be it. I'm gonna end this stain on society with my own paws." *John takes a deep breath, looking down* "I've won these kinds of duels against more skilled people. I know I can take fucking... Greasy Z, to the cleaners in a snap."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

"I'm a jokester, I like to have fun whenever, but that doesn't mean I can't be deadly serious when business is on the line. Blake sealed his fate when he turned on me and shat on my name in front of America. It's time for me to channel that anger and make this right."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"End him, Greasy!" Andrew cheers, albeit stoically. The mechanic winks at the polecat, steeling himself as he waits for the host to call the start of the duel.

"Zakee, John, y'all ready?" Ludwig asks, air horn in his paw. "GO!"

Both mustelids run alike speeding bullets only to be snagged by each other's force, stumbling to the ground. The hog badger is the first to get up, powering forward like a freight train and managing to gain some inches on the struggling stoat as he tries to find his footing.

Heeding the dreadful feeling of his paws slipping backwards on the sand, John resolves to roll on his back - forcing the hog badger to do the same, both soon pulling with all their might in a classic tug-of-war stance as they try to exhaust the energy reserves of their opponent.

"I can't bear to watch, they have reached a stalemate. Both are tugging hard to their goalposts and no progress has been made..." *camera shows both John and Z desperately heading to their bells* "Take John Blake down." *Andrew pretends to talk into a walkie-talkie* "Tear. John Blake. A new colostomy hole. Copy that?"

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Neither of the two mustelids is making any sensible gain, Zakee being slightly ahead but still far away from the bell, the mechanic squealing and snorting like a pig out of hell. "You fucking clown..." John scoffs, his forearms contracting with effort as he pulls hard on the rope. "Why don't you fight me like a proper man, you loser?"

The stoat awaits for the moments Zakee stops tugging on his end; with a yank, dragging the hog badger towards himself, to the point the struggle between both becomes physical, as John pounces forward and gets a hold of Z's shoulder. Startled by the stoat's move, the hog badger tries to retort as much as he can, his paws hooking behind his opponent's leg and pulling forward in his direction. The two mustelids go for the grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand as they toss and turn in the sand like brawling feral lions.

The heat of the fight brings both mustelids to the verge of their limits, their energies starting to wane as they cling to each other. Going for the low blow, the stoat pushes Zakee's head into the sand, messing his recently done platinum blonde dye with a rough rub of his fingers. The hog badger is quick to answer with a cheap shot of his own, taking John's in a rough headlock as they flail across the field - the stoat letting out a muffled cry as his mouth is forced shut by Zakee's muscular bicep.

"It is U. GLY. And don't tell me you didn't think these two wanted to have a go like this since we started this shit. Man... after we hung out well in the reward, I really don't want Z to be the one to go, but my gut feeling says it'll be him."

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

The mechanic seems to be about to overpower John for good, the jailer's body growing limp as his opponent keeps dragging him through the sand. With the force of desperation, the stoat manages to jam his knee against Zakee's lower stomach - the hog badger immediately dropping his grip and shrieking in pain, as John immediately seizes on the chance to run for the bell undeterred.

"John's by his bell, can he end it here?" Ludwig points out. John takes a break from the brawling to leap up as much as he can, but Z forcefully holds him short of reaching. "And he falls short!"

"Aw shit, I can't..." Andrew looks away, as Eddie and Kenneth pay attention to what they predict to be the end of the duel soon enough.

The stoat is immediately yanked back by his opponent's dead weight, his hesitation giving Zakee a chance to recover and dash behind the jailer - blocking him in a rough cradle pin at a just few feet from his ultimate goal. The hog badger raises his head for a second, looking around, his features betraying a brief wince as he realizes how close they both are to John's bell. Hooking a paw around the stoat's waist, he starts to forcefully tug him in the opposite direction. "Drag him, Z!" Andrew screams excitedly, John starting to flail against the hog badger as he realizes his opponent is starting to make progress.

The two brawlers find themselves yet again in the middle of the field, both way too tired to mount a further attack on their opponent. "Why won't you fucking GIVE UP?" Zakee growls at John as the stoat resumes his pulling on the rope, forcing the hog badger to retaliate despite the heavy effort he's just made to drag him to the centerfield. A tear rolls down his cheek as he realizes John is starting to earn ground again, his strengths getting sapped by each powerful tug the stoat gives to the rope.

"Why don't you head HOME?!" John flails his legs. "Take your... fucking pigs... to slaughter... like a normal man should!" he spits, punctuating each word with a yank.

The hog badger's eyes go wide. "The fuck did you say?" he yells, his body bent back as he tries to counteract John's tugs. "You fucking asshole, I dare you to..."

John starts to use his legs to leverage himself further. "Have a fucking porkchop ONE day of your life, you crybaby!" he growls as he futilely attempts a second leap at his bell. "It really should be simple, you... simple-minded moron!"

A switch seems to go off in the hog badger's brain. Instead of pouncing on John as the stoat predicted, he rolls on all fours and starts powering through his own bell - his energies redoubled as he claws through the sand like a madman, the stoat forced to hang on as Zakee drags his weight across the whole field, to the point his paws start to ache from heavy friction burn. John manages to stop the hog's progress right under his bell, grabbing his left ankle with both paws in a desperate bid to hold the mechanic down.

"You..." John exhales, yanking hard on Zakee's limb. "You fuck-"

"You'll never, EVER, talk about my pigs again!" the hog badger says, his eyes glinting with blood thirst as he jumps on top of the stoat - his lock on the jailer's upper neck getting him to tap and let go of the ankle. As soon as Zakee sees John trying to get back on his feet, the mechanic delivers one last shoulder shove to the jailer's upper body, sending him tumbling on his backside before jumping up and smashing the bell with a punch of his paw. "FUUUUUUCK!" he yells at the top of his lungs, immediately unbuckling his harness and throwing himself on the ground just outside the field.

"AND ZAKEE IS OUR FOURTH SEMIFINALIST!" Ludwig yells, the bench exploding into a raucous cheer, all three mustelids in heavy agreement with the result of the fight.

Andrew can't stop laughing, shaking both a shocked Kenneth and a still sore Eddie. "YEE HAW, BABY!" the youngster jumps on the spot. "You fucking did it!"

"And just like that, the dark cloud's gone, eh?" Eddie sagely comments to Kenneth.

"In a way..." the badger replies, averting his eyes from the lutrine.

"I knew Zakee had it in him, but he did it like a fucking boss. John Blake Junior, you can John Blake Jack off home now!" *the polecat shakes in ecstasy* "Team Texas is still standing strong, and you better believe this won't end until it's just the two of us." *huffs, smiling under his breath* "This duel really felt like a fucking challenge win for Z. He should be so proud now."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

The hog badger sits on the ground huffing, his fists enclosed and shaking, looking up, mouthing graces and hails to the air. Meanwhile, the eliminated stoat is being tended by the field medical staff, ensuring he's of good enough shape to stand towards Ludwig. He tries his best to look solemn, but his disappointment is palpable across the field.

"John Blake Junior..." the host says, addressing the jailer with a hint of dejection in his voice. "Your time here has been filled with barbs and bravado, and you proved your worth by winning more team competitions than anyone else in the Burrow. Unfortunately, your Alpha journey ends here, but thank you for coming through and for your service. Glad to have you on board..."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you..." Zakee mutters to himself as he opens his eyes, still shaking from the adrenaline rush that has yet to die down.

The white stoat nods, "If I may say, Ludwig. I want to thank you for this chance. This has been a highlight in my life, and plenty was learned. This was one to remember."

"I'm sure of that," the host nods.

John looks up to the top three. "And to the semifinalists, the best of luck, and I am 100% certain, the right guy... will take this title-"

A loud snort interrupts the conversation, Zakee frowning and putting his open palm towards John's direction, not even bothering to look at the stoat. "We can't give shits. Scram."

Ludwig motions towards John, diffusing the situation as it feels he's about to reply and lash against the mechanic. "It's been good to have you, John, thank you so much, but it's time to head out."

Even if his instincts want to kick in, the stoat relents, offering his healthy arm to the host for a handshake then walking away with a scoff. "What a foolish hog... " he says to himself as he disappears in the distance, Zakee letting out a satisfied oink as the stoat is finally out of the picture.

*the camera shows the stoat walking out from the same aisle Arron did* "It is the way it is. This competition is about doing the best you can in specific shit with the weapons you get, and if it doesn't go the way you intended, can't do much about it, right? But, I'll always be the toughest, realest one in this cast, and to be frank, I wish I would have been eliminated by someone... who was worthier of the title."

~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer

The three mustelids go down to the field to greet the pent-up hog badger, helping him to his feet. "So, we got our great semifinalists here!" Ludwig smiles, the four joining in a raucous cheer as they bump fists. "As you found out here in Nassau, the game is fully individual right now. You proved you're able to work in a team and lead it to success, as well as saving your own hides when they're on the line. Now, you'll be asked to demonstrate the last and most important skill a true Alpha Mustelid must possess - the ultimate drive to dominate and defeat the toughest competitors when going up against them," he says. "Enjoy one last night in Nassau, and get ready for what the semifinal has in store for you. I can guarantee you... it's more than what you bargained for. See you in Apopka, alright?" he asks, the party of four nodding along before picking up their stuff and walking down the beach.

"I want to eat now..." Zakee replies, back to his cheery self, cracking the three mustelids up in laughter.

"There's just a few scant challenges between me and the title, and best believe I feel like I reached the level I need to reach to completely dominate this, bring the Crossfit, the Navy or an 18-wheeler, I'm here to rock you out of this show." *smiles*

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"I've come here with a single goal in mind - winning this competition and proving I still got what it takes against any opponent life may put in front of me. But now, at this point, what I'm most thirsty about is fulfilling my vengeance on the badgers. Kenneth declared war on me, and I'm gonna fight until I die or win."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"What just happened was a reward, richer than winnin' any darn challenge, this is the shit that'll put me in the map to win this whole thing." *oinks* "I feel I can bulldoze everyone I need to be to get that quarter million. Greasy never left, people! He's gonna come outta this a fuckin' winna!"

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"Losing Arron is one hell of a bummer, but it happened right at the point where we would have to turn on each other. Now it is the fuel that will push me over the line, and hopefully get me another step closer to the final prize. I'm on one hell of a hot streak, and you better believe it ain't ending here!"

~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

Duel #8, "Tug Of War"