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March 15, 2020

Apopka, Florida

5:00 PM

It's late in the afternoon as Arron and John make their way down the Burrow's front steps, ready to head home after having collected all of their stuff. The honey badger helps the stoat loading his heavy suitcase on the small van that is bound to drive them out of Apopka, letting out a small huff as he tosses his heavy gym bag in the trunk. One of the cameramen follows the two as they climb in the back of the vehicle. "Sorry, guys..." the wolfhound says, settling in the front seat next to the driver. "I know it's hard, but I had to shoot this as extra content..."

"No worry, Lucas," Arron waves, fastening his seatbelt on. "It sucks now, but... I knew the rules before I got here. It'll pass, I promise."

The ride is pretty much uneventful - the two mustelids on the back seat struggling to even look at each other, let alone make conversation. They don't even realize how the vehicle isn't heading back towards Miami, instead coasting around Lake Apopka before abruptly turning left at the height of Paradise Heights.

"What is happening?" John motions to the driver, as the van slows into a small gated road surrounded by palms. "What are we doing here?"

The red panda parks the vehicle on the left side of the road, in front of a pretty suburban villa. He motions at both stoat and honey badger to jump out of the van and pick up their bags, instructing them to head towards the front door. The freshly eliminated pair does so in mild confusion, gingerly walking through the front yard before stopping in front of the main entrance.

"Do I have to...?" Arron turns towards John as the cameras follow them from afar, the stoat giving him a puzzled glare. Without hesitation, the firefighter steps forward and knocks twice on the heavy wooden door.

***

The new headquarters of the eliminated contestants slowly filled up more and more as time passed. While it was nowhere near as lavish as the Burrow, it occupied all the amenities these guys would have needed, up to constant contact with their families and workplaces if they needed. The main floor hosted a dining room and an open living with a 55-inch flatscreen TV and a billiard table, with a small home gym on the top floor alongside the bedrooms and a small swimming pool in the backyard to keep them occupied.

Lying down on the main couch next to Crispin, the tall tattooed European otter, and marbled polecat Omar, beech marten bartender Chayne stretches his legs and looks up at the mustelid pair. "So, who do you think is going to join us?"

"I got no idea, I barely remember those people from my time in..." the Jordan-born marbled polecat says, half jokingly remembering everyone of his short tenure in the competition. "Though I have to say I am surprised Andrew survived this long. I legit thought he was lucking out when I left, but you're all describing him as some kind of badass..."

Michael walks in, a towel wrapped around his waist, his stark white tattoos exposed against his damp, brownish fur after taking a shower. "To be honest, I think it might be Eddie. I don't want it to be him, but two duels in a row can fuck with someone if he goes to a third."

"It won't be Eddie," Crispin scoffs. "You're deluding yourself if you're thinking the guy ain't got a straight path to the last two. Especially after what he did to Chayne..." he says, the marten openly wincing as he remembers the aftermath of his duel.

"Hey, same he did to you too!" the marten retorts, to the amusement of Omar.

"And the way he supposedly crushed this raw pig eating challenge," the otter goes on, undeterred. "Just sayin', you're discounting him at your risk and peril..."

J.J. interrupts the bantering among the group. "We got sight of the car, guys!" the curly haired otter exclaims, peeking outside the window as the black van parks right outside the premises. "Place your bets!"

"I'm gonna stick with Andrew, final answer..." Omar shrugs, Michael immediately agreeing with the polecat's judgement.

Outside, Arron and John get their bags out of the car's trunk, as they look around the new unknown area. The driver motions them to head towards the house, both mustelids taking worried glances around as they try to figure out what is happening.

"Where the fuck are we?" John bluntly questions the honey badger, making their way to the entrance of the new home.

"I honestly can't wrap my head around what's going on. Feels like they're pulling a real bad prank on us, what with all the secrecy and hush-hush since we packed up. What on earth is going on?"

~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

"Hello?" Arron asks out loud, wheeling his bags in.

Chayne perks his ears at the door opening and the new voices that entered their place. "Arron and John..." he whispers as he points out at the door, an amused grin on his face. "Arron and John are coming in!" the marten chuckles, laying on Crispin's shoulder.

All six mustelids perk up as they spot the pair of mustelids walking up the pathway. "Why two of them?" J.J. asks in earnest, struggling to contain his confusion and amusement. "Something fucked up must have happened there..."

As soon as Arron takes a turn on to the living room and sees his eliminated comrades, he scoffs, looking back with a paw over his face. John was less discreet, his ears flattening and leering at the place. "What even is this now?"

"You tell us!" J.J. shoots back. "Why are you coming in together? What's going on at the Burrow?"

Arron sees no way back, not extremely fond of seeing everyone again just yet, but eventually he resolves to spill the details. "We flew all the way to the Bahamas," he says, most competitors opening their muzzles in shock. "It was the last one before the semifinal, and they said 'we gonna kick two of you out', so..."

William lets his jaw drop ever so slightly. "Two? Just like that?"

"Yep," the honey badger confirms. "Two individuals, Kenneth won the first, Andrew the second. The rest got into one-on-one duels, but I don't really wanna talk about it..." he says.

"You think I want to?" John scoffs. "All you lot need to know is that Eddie's not to be trusted. Plain and simple," the stoat says with added weight in his voice - Arron openly wincing at his words, but nodding to the statement in obvious agreement

At the mention of his friend, Crispin visibly flinches. "Mind your words, stoat..."

"Crispin, it's true. He says one thing and then the other, that's how I ended up dueling him," Arron replies.

"What you get for wanting to fuck me over, 'Ron..." John snarks.

"Wait, wait, hold on..." Chayne giggles, amused. "Let's start from the beginning, will ya? Can't be missing on this tea..."

*Chayne eyes dart from one mustelid to the other as the conversation unfolds* "My boys got some explaining to do..." *chuckle* "Are they just salty they lost, or is Eddie... the bad guy?"

~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender

"By the way, guys..." Arron addresses the group, slinging his gym bag off his shoulder. "Can someone actually go and explain what this is?"

"The glue factory, they're gonna put us down at the end of it all..." Michael dryly jokes, Omar chuckling at the wolverine.

"You dumb lug..." the marbled polecat says, playfully elbowing the less-than-impressed blacksmith. "We're all gonna stay in here until the winner is crowned. Least that's what they told me three weeks ago," he says. "But you can actually watch TV and reconnect with your families here. Don't you wanna talk with your wives, guys?"

John leers at Omar, before rolling his eyes to go find a bedroom. "I could have had a Bahama vacation... fucking Kenneth..."

Omar looks at John making his way out, an awkward silence hanging. "So... four are left, right?"

J.J. chimes in. "That would be Kenneth, Andrew, Eddie and Z..." he counts on his webbed paw. "I don't know you, but to me it feels like it's all up in the air at this point. I so wish I got to see what those fuckers are getting into..."

The whole group is startled by another knock on the front door. William goes to find out who it was, only to be met by the stern expression of Ludwig. "Hello there..." the weasel says, still clutching the door handle, genuinely surprised to see the host. "What's up?"

Michael darts his eyes at the host entering. "Jesus Christ, bad timing..." the wolverine states, readjusting the towel's tie around his waist.

"It's all good, Michael..." the host says, motioning for William to call up the rest of the household. "Sorry for intruding, but can I have everyone here for a sec?"

"We're all here but... AYO JOHN! COME ON DOWN, URGENT!" Crispin shouts up the stairs abruptly.

The jailer appears in a few seconds, still unchanged from his outdoor clothes. "What now, you assho-"

"Oh hey, John..." Ludwig says, the entire group huddling around the host as they wait to hear from him. "Just came in here to deliver some important news to you all. As you've noticed, only four mustelids remain in the running for the title of American Mustelid Alpha. Just as we speak, they're getting ready to tackle the semifinals, at the end of which the field of contenders will be reduced to just two."

"Another two bite the dust..." *rubs his paws, smirking* "The game's kicking up another notch. For those still in, it's the biggest game of dominance ever, and I bet everyone left is dead set on getting the other three to submit."

~Michael, 35, Wolverine, Blacksmith

"What both you and them don't know yet is how the winner will be crowned," Ludwig goes on. "Yes, there's the Alpha Gauntlet - six grueling, one-on-one challenges where the two finalists will take it out against each other. But to claim the title and the quarter million dollar prize that comes with it, the winning mustelid will have to secure the majority of eleven points... six from the challenges, and five from the vote of a very special jury."

Chayne cocks his head. "Jury? Like who? Simon Cowell?"

"I'm talking the eight of you, plus the two mustelids who will fail to progress to the final," Ludwig continues, undeterred by the shocked looks among the group. "You all will get a chance to address the two finalists, ask what you need to ask them, and in the end, cast a vote for who you think is the ultimate Mustelid Alpha."

*Crispin is left slack-jawed at the revelation* "This changes everything. Having at least some power of control to decide who gets the big title in the end is a huge responsibility and I can't wait to use it."

~Crispin, 30, European Otter, Bouncer

"Now, a few of you have been out of the Burrow for weeks, and I'm sure you may be thinking how to make this momentous decision with so little intel?" Ludwig asks hypothetically. "Well, at one specific time tomorrow, we will point you to your flatscreen, and you'll see how we will fix that..."

J.J. perks up. "You getting us to see the challenges?" he asks the stoat. "I've been wanting that for weeks..."

"All in due time, J.J.... Just be ready for that, alright? No sleeping in tomorrow morning," Ludwig chuckles, as the whole group lets out a collective nod. "That's all, folks. Enjoy yourselves, and we'll see each other at the Burrow for the finale..."

***

March 15, 2020

Apopka, Florida

8:00 PM

The doors of the Burrow open up, the final four triumphantly walking in, knowing they have scored a place in the semifinal. "HONEY, I'M HOME!" Zakee yells at no one. "And I brought some hobos from the street!"

"Speak for yourself, Greasy..." Andrew chuckles, running one paw across his hair as he wheels in his carry-on bag. Despite their trip to the Bahamas having lasted only three days, the entire top four is sporting a pronounced tan from the added sun exposure - their fur coats looking shinier, colors and accents more pronounced. Andrew's blonde head of hair looked a little lighter, while Eddie's entire fur went two shades darker. Zakee's grey fur was a bit more uniform, as Kenneth's white fur popped up stronger from his own black markings.

"I've arrived in the semifinal just as I wanted. Arron's gone home and he was a huge obstacle in my path and big competition; John's gone home and he... was here, so my mood's all about sailing into the final as smoothly as I can!"

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"Holy shit, America... I'm in the top four!" *laughs* "It is absolutely insane that I've passed military men, karate experts, cops, firefighters and who knows what badass thing in order to get here. It is the best feeling ever!" *camera focuses on Eddie as the four sit down by the living room to crack open some drinks* "However... from what I heard from Arron's outburst, something tells me there's some unfinished business to deal with."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Kenneth cheerily proposes a toast, moving his long hair out of his face. "Give it up to the semifinalists, fuckers!"

All four mustelids join in the cheer, splitting the contents of the last six-pack of beers remaining in the fridge. Zakee sounds off. "Okay, sappy shit aside... who else thought this was the final four?" he snorts, pointing at the room. "Or someone here surprised to see some of these asses in here?"

"If you'd asked me on Day 1, I would have put in Will and Cris for sure," Eddie shrugs, downing half the content of his bottle in a single gulp. "I will admit I underestimated Andy here, but he's gone places since losing his pants in that first challenge..." he chuckles, playfully ruffling the polecat's headfur.

"Aw, shush," Andrew scoffs half-heartedly. "Z, no brainer, he was the best on day one, so it makes sense. Kenneth, however... who woulda thought after four losses, you woulda collected yourself to get here?"

"I always made it through when it came to it, and when shit got harder, I scored the big wins when they counted," the badger retorts. "Among us four, there's just one who never went to duels, and you're looking at him right now. Facts are facts, guys."

"It sure didn't want to look that way at first..." Eddie chuckles. Andrew glances at the otter as he sips his beer, not able to wait any longer.

"So Eddie..." the polecat's tail twists and turns. "Just what was that Arron was ranting about? You made a deal to kick Z and myself out of here?"

Zakee peels his eyes open. "Aw shit, right! How that went?" From the corner, Kenneth's toothy grin widens at the sudden turn of the conversation, quickly serving up more drinks as the night passes.

The giant otter leans back on his chair, undeterred by Andrew's sudden jab. "That was BS, plain and simple," he shrugs. "I made him and John believe that in order to make them feel secure. Fact is, they didn't try all that hard in the hanging challenge because they thought I'd cover up for them against you and Z."

"Uh-huh," Zakee oinks, sounding unconvinced.

"Arron did look pretty hurt, almost like that plan was real... Too bad for y'all that I got immunity!" Andrew sassily replies back.

The lutrine lets out a grunt. "Y'all can believe whatever, kid, but I proved what side I stand for with my actions," he says, looking straight in the polecat's face. "I went full Alpha on that honey badger and you all saw that. How does that fit in your conspiracy theory, pray tell me?"

"Sure, the plan was indeed talked about, but when the kid got immunity, I knew I had to improvise. And thinking about it - having me alongside Arron and Kenneth in the top four? Miss me with that bullshit!"

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"It ain't a good look to flip on 'em... if it was a thing. If it was a thing," Kenneth states, waving his paws to mark the alleged nature of his statement.

"Like you'd believe that I wouldn't pass on a chance to break you and the dude up after the fast one you pulled on Crispin," the lutrine scoffs. "And I know if Crispin was still in the game, I would have given him the reward if we stuck together that close-"

"Jesus Christ, Crispin this and Crispin that, are you his fucking ex or something?" Kenneth bluntly states, as the booze makes its way into the badger's system, Andrew and Zakee's sounding laughter out loud. "If you miss Crispin so much, have a thought and some vaseline tonight!"

Andrew steps up, clapping and laughing, barely able to breathe. Eddie shoots an icy glare at Kenneth. "Lord, you're sick..." he hisses in the badger's direction. "You know what's my only regret? That your friend got to take the pounding out there and not you."

"Never a duel, mate..." Kenneth shakes his head, still amused.

Zakee loudly snorts. "Oh my lord, Tarzan!" he hollers. "If you're that funny all the time back home, no wonder your lady friend was all over you back there!"

Andrew and Eddie direct their attention to the hog badger. "What did I say?" Z says, shooting a confused glance to the two, then all competitors staring at Kenneth.

Eddie scoffs. "I told you guys, co-worker my rudder..." he huffs. "And there you have why he picked Zakee over Arron or John. He didn't want to give them a chance to reunite with their partners, while he did the same with his quote unquote 'co-worker'".

The badger puts his paws up. "First of all, you don't know if Z and his friend also swing that way..."

"HEY!" Zakee immediately perks up, finger pointing at Kenneth. "It sure wasn't me n' Tommy keeping the other pair up until the wee hours of the morning, was it?"

Andrew slumps on the couch, laying down trying to regain his composure, a mixture of drunkenness and gut-busting laughter. "Whatever it is, guys..." he says, both paws behind his head, "It's a free-for-all now. And I doubt anyone here is dumb enough to take the fall for someone else, right?"

Kenneth nods, as he continues. "Secondly, come on... we needed to get our sweaty pig back into a good mood, and look what it got us... Out with the asshole old man," the roofer smirks.

"You weren't complaining when he was licking under your tail to get up a notch in the totem pole..." Eddie casually says. "Don't pretend y'all fine and dandy with this, buddy."

"Use and dispose of Blake? I am fine with that, Ed!" Andrew turns his body on the sofa.

"Well if you down to cuddle with that hypocrite..." the giant otter says, pointing towards Kenneth, "Your choice, kid. We all gotta choose what death to die from."

"Judgin' by Bahamas reward, Kenny almost chose death by whoopee..." Zakee grins.

Eddie pretends he didn't hear the hog badger's remark. "Just sayin', guys. It's down to the top four. Your silly little strategies, and trying to taint other people by calling BS on them, ain't gonna work no more now. There's little hiding room left, and I promise ya - I'm gonna off you out, one by one."

Kenneth rolls his eyes, scoffing at the lutrine. "Callin' out on strategies? That's like saying "Hey Zakee, gym bag calling, you smell," he snarks.

"I can't with you..." Eddie shakes his head, getting up and heading towards the upper floor. Before leaving the room, he stops in front of the badger. "Just remember, dude..." he says, waving a finger in his direction. "Your buddy Arron got his comeuppance, and you're next on the line." Without giving Kenneth a chance to reply, he walks out of the living room - his heavy steps echoing throughout as he leaves towards his bedroom.

"Eddie can act all haughty and high and mighty all he wants, we all know he was the first to get his paws into the scheming." *the badger is shown playfully bantering and wrestling with Andrew and Zakee* "But you can only get so many close calls until you get nailed. It's the semifinals, and you best believe I'm not resting until I get to the very end, no matter who stands in my way."

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

***

It's early in the morning as the lights turn on in the big hangar where most of the first selection took place. The set is mostly empty, a big desk with a chair on either side being the main feature. Clad in a long-sleeved, dark military shirt and matching pants, Ludwig walks into the room and sits behind the desk, microphones on both sides, fidgeting his fingers as he watches towards the opposite entrance. "This is gonna be fun..." he chuckles.

A few miles away, at the eliminated mustelids' resting spot, all the houseguests have their eyes riveted at the closed circuit stream displayed on their flatscreen.

"This morning we were told our view to judge the top four was going to take place, and I don't know what to expect. It all looks so barebones, I honestly can't wait to find out what really Ludwig has in store for us."

~Omar, 26, Marbled Polecat, Arabic Interpreter

The camera focuses on the main entrance, from which Andrew is coming in with a confused expression on his muzzle. Noticing Ludwig, the young polecat walks in his direction and sits in front of him, waving at the host with a small nod of his head as he awaits for any further instruction.

"We all assumed we would have our next challenge this morning, but instead we were advised to dress up and come to the hangar." *the polecat is shown fidgeting on his seat* "Is this another twist in the game? The challenge itself? What in the world, Ludwig?"

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"Welcome to our first guest in the AMA Podcast, Andrew McKnight!" the host grins, nodding at Andrew.

"Guest in the...? What's up, Ludwig?" the polecat retorts.

"This is just a little something extra. Not every single time you make the semifinals of such a show!" the stoat smiles. "And this one-on-one interview is a way to let us know how your journey has been up until this point; all semifinalists are going to do it, giving you a chance to talk about your time here and let the world know who Andrew McKnight is. Not a tall order, am I right?"

"Not at all," Andrew grins.

"This sounds very much like a job interview, and I'm awful... and I stress, AWFUL... at those." *sighs audibly* "But in the back of my mind, I get the feeling there's more to this than what Ludwig said. I surpassed everyone's expectations this far, I can do that this time too."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"So, you're here, at just 22 years old, and managing to just blow almost everyone out of the water," the host muses. "Many have your age when they start their own Alpha journey, but you're well deep into it! When did it all start for you?"

"Well, I feel I've had that kinda drive since my early teens," Andrew replies. "I've always been rather competitive, both towards others and as a personal strive to better myself. I think the secret is to not let yourself be intimidated by anyone - I began gym training at around sixteen, with little to no athletic background to back me up, and at the beginning you can bet people were laughing and mocking me whenever they thought I couldn't hear. Yet here I am," he concludes with a smirk.

Ludwig nods. "Right. So, you're from Austin, but took a life on the road...."

"Yes, at around nineteen, I discovered roadie work for concerts pays very well if you can lift..." Andrew laughs. "I was actually going to go to study music in the College of Fine Arts at Austin."

"And did you enroll and go?"

"For about nine months and three days..." the polecat chuckles. "I don't think I gotta tell you how parents took the entire thing. They already didn't like the thought of me taking that path, and they came hard at me when I dropped out," he sighs. "Once I started getting road crew jobs, I guess they just gave up on me being set on failing at life, or so they think. Though that didn't stop me in sending some paychecks to aid them up."

Ludwig nods at the polecat, continuing the train of thought. "Is your Alpha journey kind of a surrogate, so to speak, for you to prove your independence? Did you come here to test yourself or to tell your parents and the world "I'm here and I'm kicking ass"?"

Andrew huffs. "You came here to make me emotional, innit?" he chuckles in reflex. "In a way... Like, it was at worst, a fun thing to do for a week or two, but at most... you could say that. My system may be unorthodox, but it's working," he says. "I'm not gonna pretend I didn't do some stupid stuff here and there, but I can swear to you I always owned it afterwards. I love my parents, they put up with a whole lot as I grew up... but this is my time to step up to the next level, and kind of reiterate... I'm independent, I'm strong, and I'm making shit work!"

"Ludwig poking at my motivations really touches close to home. I didn't come here by thinking I was the best, but I exceeded people's expectations and proved my strength through my actions. It worked on this playing field, it will out of here - I'm 100% sure of it."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Chayne chuckles, amused seeing the polecat once again. "Most of us were snot-nosed brats at 22, and here he is at the peak of his life, trying to balance a lotta shit. Not only that but he totally schooled y'all in the process..."

"He really came in like a fucking freight train," Crispin nods. "I dunno if I buy the whole diamond-in-the-rough thing, but I never saw him being intimidated by people like Eddie, Mike or me..." he ponders. "Challenges aside, he tackled this thing as a grown-ass man."

"After all, he started the gambit of putting the big competitors at risk in that final nine..." Arron nods, giving a side-eye to Crispin. "I just wonder how much he has yet to give, if he can, or if he remains too green."

"Bet he got enough to give Kenneth a good pounding, pull out, and then start again..." Crispin snarks, many people laughing along as the firefighter's ears redden up. "Seriously, I will admit I underestimated the guy. And I somehow assumed he'd be the next one to leave until I did. But all considered, he's still there and proving he's not coasting along, so props to him I guess?"

J.J. chuckles, whispering at Omar. "Too much old man ego about this young guy owning them good."

"Okay, moving on to the more concrete side of this journey..." Ludwig continues. "You definitely didn't get here by coasting along. You scored a few big wins across the road - the weight holding team challenge, the big endurance individual back in Nassau. And let's not forget you coming out on top of the woodcutting challenge," the host recaps, a hint of a pleased smirk forming on the polecat's lips. "No matter what happens between now and the end, do you think that's enough to prove your cred as the winner of this show? Especially when compared to your competition?"

"See, here's the thing..." Andrew shifts in his seat. "Since day one, I not only had to fight rivals, I also had to fight... a label," he gestures with his paws. "Being the youngest of the twelve and having these old, hard headed, rugged men to respect me was a challenge in itself. Kenneth is only like what, a year or two older than me? And he hasn't got to face that."

"Mmmhhh, that's a valid point," the host presses on. "Why do you think that's the case?"

"I guess just needing time to simmer to these guys as well as having the lowest number," Andrew shrugs. "And even then, I know they could still refuse the fact that a young 22 year old bested them, but I can assure them, I would have given the same energy if I was 22 or 42, like Eddie is," he states, Ludwig chuckling at the polecat's jab.

"Well, you made a good point there. You've been performing well - and in some cases, upsetting your competitors - in a whole range of challenges," the host says. "But if I asked you to point out your main physical weakness in this competition, what would it be?"

The polecat briefly ponders. "For starters, like... I'll gladly take on whoever is in the Burrow, but if I could do without wrestling challenges for the rest of my time here, I wouldn't complain one bit," he says. "Anything else, I feel I've been a jack-of-most-trades. I just need to figure it out, and I can shine on pretty much any field."

"So you ain't scared of whatever might come next," Ludwig smirks, his fingers intertwined.

"I got no option, do I?" Andrew asks back, a swap of tone in his voice to that of confidence. "I got legit nothing to lose at this point. Doubt I can take people by surprise anymore, but each of 'em got their weaknesses and I'm gonna take advantage of that any chance I get," he says. "People will say I should be happy with top four, but like, who doesn't wanna win the whole thing at this point? And I think I got this, Ludwig. I seriously feel I do."

Back at the eliminees' villa, a few mustelids whoop and wolf-whistle at the polecat's bravado. "This ain't the Andrew I got to know while I was at the Burrow!" J.J. says, his tail wrapped around the counter as he listens in.

"He's talking like he got- he's talking like he's gonna win..." Michael points at the screen.

Chayne scoffs. "You're way too late on that train, y'all..." the marten says, taking a sip of his coffee. "Dude's a legit badass. I will admit I glossed over him when we came into Apopka, but he's proven each and everyone of us wrong in the process, starting with me. And if that ain't the mark of a true Alpha, I dunno what is."

*the camera focuses on Andrew shaking Ludwig's paw as he leaves the set* "I think that the takeoff from this experience will be worth more than the big prize. If at this age I realized that I'm set for this world and more, then the rest of my years will be a piece of cake. But... if the big prize's that close, might as well, y'all." *winks*

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Ludwig sees the second mustelid walk in from the corner of his eye, turning to look at the tall lutrine as he sits in front of him. "So, here's our own Eddie Caprio, the last otter standing," he chuckles looking at the otter, clad in a wife beater, black chino pants and leather loafers.

"What do you got in store for us, Lud?" the lutrine asks. "Seeing the mics, we either in an interview or about to sing a love duet together..."

"The first you said, definitely!" Ludwig laughs up.

"This is... new... but in the end, maybe if the winner goes all around America to become a media hit, it could be good prep. Wishful thinking, innit?" *raises eyebrows*

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"So, I got to remark this is somewhat of a SEAL reunion, right?" Ludwig points out.

"You can say that," the otter nods, straightening his back against the backrest in a reflexive military stance. "I've been out of the Navy for seven years now, but you know it better than me. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL..." he says, exposing the trident etched on the back of his muscular forearm.

"You're not the only one with one..." Ludwig chuckles. "In a way, you could have had the largest Alpha path of anyone in this competition. Service, going up the ranks, overseas, and even a close call... "

The lutrine lets out a sigh. "Most people here are hell bent in proving they're true Alphas, I just know I am one," he says. "The games and the challenges are fun, and I won't deny it feels good to get that adrenaline rush in the blood after being idle for so long. But true Alphas are made out of this field, and I know I already fulfilled that part of my training."

Ludwig nods. "I know how it may be once your service is over. Looking over for new thrills or just wishing to return to a life you feel content with, and sadly that's something not everyone can muster. But nevertheless, I know what went through your mind when you saw this show's casting process opening," the stoat looks at the otter, a glint in his eye. "Been there, done that, can't wait to do it again."

"100%," Eddie nods. "Don't get me wrong, Lud, I enjoy my current job. Smashing up stuff's my bread and butter, and it does give me the opportunity to exploit the skills I learned in the Navy. But with a quarter million on the line and the thought of getting in something different, this once-in-a-lifetime mustelid clash... of course I'm gonna go for it, no question asked. I legit called up the number almost immediately after seeing the ad."

"And we've been glad to have you across your journey in this competition, which I will say was..." Ludwig looks away, thinking of the right word. "...as bombastic as it was unstable. You've either been a winner in the highest regard, or..." the host motions his paws so Eddie can complete the sentence.

"Bottom two..." the lutrine replies with a knowing grin.

"The most duels of all finalists... Do you think that could affect your case? Right after your streak was done, I think many have said 'Eddie probably had his taste of difficulty. Can he handle it?'"

The giant otter sets both paws on the desk. "See, Ludwig... I came in here fully hoping to steamroll through these people, no questions asked, no strings attached. It just so happened that me and Crispin grew pretty close while in the Burrow, and to see everyone gang up on us because we were tearing through 'em, well that was... disheartening," he frowns. "I hate that it came to that, I wish he was still here and we could have each other's back until the final two. But I do feel battling him ultimately made me stronger, I truly do. And sure I had three duels this far, but I went into each one with the utmost confidence I would leave the field on my two feet, still in this race."

"And judging by what happened in the Bahamas, I guess some strategy was always in play on your path as you tried to... diversify? A Navy SEAL does need to know its social cues."

Back on the villa, Arron rests his elbows on his knees, a laser-eye focus on the TV. John scoffs. "Oh shit, here we go..."

"Ludwig..." Eddie chuckles, fully knowing where the host is getting. "Taking out Arron by my own paws was my proudest moment in here, and when I was given that chance, it was never out of question. When Crispin left, I swore to myself I would do anything to send him and Kenneth packing. No matter how dirty." The giant otter leans back on the seat, showing a paw with two crossed fingers to the host. "What's on the same level, it's fair game. If I were to swear on my mother, the Virgin Mary, whatever... all is fair in love and war, man. And the badgers declared war on me. Plus... Z got his revenge against John, at least I gave him the favor..." he chuckles.

Arron is left agape at the otter's words. "He's so fake..." he shakes his head, almost unable to believe what the lutrine just said.

J.J. looks back at the honey badger. "So how was it? Did you like, make a deal if shit went south and it did when Andrew won?"

"Yep," the firefighter confirms. "And what's worse, he started it, not me. He always meant to frame me because of his petty revenge act."

"More like, you bought it all and now you're pointing fingers," Crispin says, his whiskers twitching. "Hook, line and sinker."

Chayne couldn't contain himself. "I mean, I still recall the time he had a cheat for the individual J.J. went home on to use it against Z and the badgers..."

The curly-haired otter does a double take at the marten. "Wait, how do you know that?" and as such the whole house had their eyes on the argument.

"I mean, how do you?" the bartender shoots back. "Not that he told me, cuz I got clued in by Andrew. And he told me only him and Eddie knew." The house starts discussing and arguing about Eddie and his he-said-she-said events that took place.

Michael lets out a guttural chuckle as he looks at the screen, amused. "Mr. Caprio, you got some 'splainin to do..."

"Are you serious, Mike?" Crispin doesn't relent. "He fucking dominated every single one of you, be it with his brawn or his brains."

"And you'd know the former, right?" John comments, the house gasping in response.

"Like you'd do the latter," the otter sneers. "All I see here is tons of sour grapes. You've been targeting Eddie since we got into the Burrow, but guess what? He's still there, and you're here musing on this fucking couch."

"As you say, missus..." Michael whispers his snark to Chayne, as the group redirects their attention to the flatscreen.

*the weasel sits back looking at the argument that formed* "It's not going to be an easy vote if he goes to the final. Eddie has kind of pulled many strings and burned a ton of bridges on his way, but there's a reason he has endured all the way up until this point. Was the ride worth the cost, Eddie? Time will tell..."

~William, 34, Least Weasel, Personal Trainer

"No one said the ride was going to be pretty..." Ludwig grins. "But you're here in the final four, just about to face the semifinals. I do want to know, what is the fuel that kept you swimming up until now?"

"Vengeance," the giant otter hisses, not even letting the host finish his sentence. "Arron is out, but that was the easy part of the job. Kenneth's a way tougher nut to crack."

"But I do want to know beyond anyone here. What will motivate this otter? What will you do to assure you walk out with the title of America's first Mustelid Alpha?" the host doubles down, trying to get into Eddie's mind and way of thinking.

Eddie briefly ponders, effectively stumped by the question. "Well..." he says, twiddling his thumbs. "Ain't that enough, Ludwig? This goes way deeper than a title."

"So, you're saying if Kenneth gets eliminated before the final, Andrew and Z will walk over you?" Ludwig pointedly asks.

"No, not at all," the lutrine frowns. "What I'm saying is... ultimately, I'm here to prove I am the best. The top notch, Alpha-est mustelid there is, all that jazz. But first of all, I'll always stick it out for a fallen comrade," he says. "At the end of the day, this is just a big game. This has no bearing with real life, or the otter I am out of this place. Whoever stands in my way, I'm tackling head-on. Sinking my fangs into the bone," he says, making a locking motion with his jaws to remind of the eating challenge he won.

"When on the battlefield you may reconsider your strategy, but never, for any reason, you should go back on your past actions. You gotta man up and own them." *scoffs* "Everything I did in here was meant to put me in the best position to win this game, and to be fair, I fancy my own chances a whole lot. If other people think I stepped too far, well... I got the balls to pull it off, they didn't. Tough shit."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

The group of eliminated mustelids look at each other, speechless, as the otter shakes Ludwig's paws and walks away from the hangar. "God help us, he really believes his own BS..." Arron scoffs, crossing his arms.

"Some would say he's living his fantasy..." Chayne snarks, to Omar and Michael's scoffing.

The honey badger continues. "This whole thing's just a freakin' game for him. How do you even survive this with a shred of dignity after saying that?"

Omar looks at the group. "He's going to have a stroke once he knows of the jury."

"Nah, dude," the big wolverine motions to the marbled polecat. "I bet he'll think this wraps up the whole competition for him," he says. "He's been treating all of you like puppets since day one, he'll probably feel he can talk his way out of it and say you all weren't as smart or shrewd as him."

"I think you're a bit too hard on the guy..." J.J. can't help but say, putting his paws forward. "I know some of the things he did were uncalled for, but it takes massive balls to pull it off. You've got to at least commend that, I think," the short otter explains, trying to counter the other furs' animosity.

"Let's be honest, this whole experience has always been a game, and Eddie's playing it as hard as a kid in an arcade. Once you see the big picture, I truly do feel he has been nothing but exceptional." "Eddie points at the host, grinning as he exits the building* "He won challenges, he survived attempts to fuck him over, and he just comes back smiling. He's got my vote."

~Crispin, 30, European Otter, Bouncer

Meanwhile, it is Greasy Z's turn to tackle Ludwig's questioning. The hog badger walks in, donning the same "Boss Hog'' anthracite shirt he had on the first day - the only difference being his mohawk, now freshly dyed in a bright shade of purple. "Hiya, Lud..." he says, crossing his legs over one another as he sits in front of the host. "So, you gonna interrogate me like one of yer enemies or?"

Ludwig laughs out loud. "Not exactly, but take a seat."

"We gonna interview? Nice!" *gives a big, toothy smile as he rubs his paws* "Last time I did something like this, I was auditionin' for my first summer job and I got sent back home on my sorry ass, BUT this is different!"

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"So... Zakee "Greasy Z" Armstrong," the stoat muses as the hog badger's smile grows wide. "The energy, the looks, the attitude, the performance power, it's like you were born just to be on this show! Where did it all come from?"

Zakee guffaws. "The key is just knowing who you been, since always," the hog snorts proudly. "I've never been known for hesitating or being nervous to do shit I wanted to do, and when you come from a tiny place like Porter, Texas, everyone and their mother wants to be known. With Houston's right on the corner, any shot to make it counts, and if my brand is the loud mohawked mechanic that gets along with all, so be it!"

"Mhm," Ludwig nods. "Did you have that in mind when you signed up for this big mustelid throwdown? Like, I reckon you saw from day one you kinda didn't fit the mold of most people we got here. Did the idea of - let's say 'compromising', ever get through your mind when you came here, or do you really think your attitude is that of a real Alpha and everyone else is getting it wrong?"

"Never in the LIFE, Lud!" Zakee boisterously laughs. "I arrived Greasy, I stayed Greasy, and if that's the Alpha brand, so be it. And doing that when I came here got me what, yanno what got me?" the hog badger points at Ludwig, knowingly, letting a pause hang. "The first Top twelve spot, that it got me!"

The stoat host can't help but chuckle. "Sure it did," he says. "But yes, you've had one hell of a ride here, full of ups and downs. And of course I can't help but start from your confrontation with John." The hog badger's cheerful expression turns into a frown, the host immediately catching it. "Are you relieved he's gone?"

The mechanic oinks. "Who ain't?"

"PFFFT!" Chayne couldn't help but to be the first to break down in laughter back at the eliminated villa, most of the mustelids not able to control themselves.

"Keep on laughing, guys..." John scoffs, leaning back on the sofa. "The pig's gonna join us pretty soon, whether you want it or not. And then, we'll see who dares to laugh..."

"John, sit down and take the L, you nugget!" Crispin replies back, still laughing at the scenario.

Back on the screen, Ludwig leans slightly forward towards the hog badger. "I gotta admit, Z... and believe me, I'm not doing it lightly..." he says in a conspiratorial tone. "Before starting this, we all were worried about the chance of physical confrontations happening out of challenges, and I dare say your scuffle with John's what came closest. What exactly rubbed you wrong, and did you really entertain the thought of quitting the show?"

Zakee's grin slowly fades from his face. "Ludwig, yanno you can fuck with me all you want. You can drag me through the mud and I come back shinin'," he replies, passing a paw through the side of his face. "But if you go to the lengths this guy did, kickin' me at my lowest, puttin' my life and my family on blast... you can't tell me that shit won't get to ya. Competition has gotten ugly, but even if the guys didn't like what they see, no one stooped that low anywhere. Anytime. Ever."

"I do understand that, but like... this is your chance to put that in the clear," the host nods. "Let's put aside the whole don't-eat-pork thing for a moment. You're 29 now, you live with your parents at the family farm, no perspective of growing a family and stepping up to a more adult life path... in a sense, John has it right that you're living the life of a frat boy, and that it doesn't quite fit with the Alpha brand you're trying to fulfill here. How do you answer that?" he asks. "I mean, if someone were watching and said 'that hog's too immature, he can't claim to be the American Mustelid Alpha'..."

Zakee peers at the host. "I'm all that, and?" he asks back, his tone now serious. "What y'all call living with his parents I call takin' care; hell we ain't livin' under the same roof, technically! I ain't the richest person in the block, and what I got is honest work, and I don't see why anyone else is more "serious" than I am..." he huffs. "...if Pops broke a leg, I would be there on his side until he gets back on his feet, and all this talk just makes it sound that I should just put him out of his misery, and if that shit's "mature", ya can shove it. And maybe, yer brand wasn't workin' in the first place, and mine is. That Alpha for ya?" the hog badger snorts defensively, almost as if he was ready to argue with Ludwig.

"Only time will tell," the stoat chuckles, genuinely moved by Zakee's words. "Now, back on track... you showed a lot of sides other than the Burrow jokester we got to know. There's a whole lot going on under that mohawk, everybody can tell," he says. "But I'm genuinely curious to hear what your plans are if you get the big prize, since you never opened on that."

"That's the thing... I ain't sure..." the hog badger replies, to the mild shock of the host.

Arron leans forward in his chair, taken aback."What even?"

"He just doesn't wanna admit he's gonna squander the whole sum," John snorts. "Y'all heard him - he's here to have fun, not to change his life."

"When you from a small town, bein' thrown into fortune and fame is something' that just doesn't happen, so if it comes to me... what more can I do? Makin' sure my fam and my future is good, waiting and seeking what opportunities come, but right now, no one knows the future, does it?" Zakee shrugs, answering honestly. "But 100%, this is gonna change my life, win or not, know that, Ludwig..."

"I appreciate your confidence," the stoat nods. "Challenge wise, you came here at a bit of a disadvantage against most of your opponents. We have athletes, CrossFit pros, people who put in gym time seven days a week..." he recounts. "Yet you've held your own against all of 'em, and even came out on top a couple times. What's your secret?"

"Knowin' that havin' obstacle course building and racing as a hobby was gonna come in handy!" Zakee comments, making the host laugh along. "I always loved getting into this kinda shit, be it fun or be it for county fairs and shit, it is the one place y'all see me at my most joyful. And most challenges reminded me of that... though would it have killed ya to place a racecar challenge at any point?"

"We'll keep that in mind for season two," Ludwig chuckles. "All in all, you were chosen as captain for a grand total of three times, more than anybody in the competition. But you managed to lead your team to the win just once, the very first Trench team challenge, as well as not having won a challenge outright for a while now." he points out. "Do you think this hurts your standing in the final four? Like, what do you think you did to deserve this spot?"

"I mean, Ludwig... I got all those caps by sheer power of winning challenges, so there's that. It also took me all this time to be in a duel, as well as always finding ways of surviving. And for what is worth, these final legs may just be the thing I need to claim the title."

"And what will you do to claim the title of America's first Mustelid Alpha?" the host asks.

"First of all, I could knock ya out now and walk and get the trophy myself, if I may..." the hog badger jokes.

"But like..." the stoat doesn't relent. "Say that you gotta take on Andrew to win a spot in the final two. How determined are you to take out your best friend in here, with the title on the line?"

"As my best friend here, I'll only do what's fair to him..." Zakee nods, a pause hanging in the air. "Knock that bitch out with all I can muster. Show him why I'm the Boss Hog and why he ain't shit."

Ludwig joins his paws together. "That you are," he says with a grin, extending his paw for the hog badger to shake. "Been nice having you here, and we'll see each other at the next challenge..."

William points at the screen. "See, if we can admit one thing... he's been himself through and through, and he won the first top 12 spot, AND he's still there. THAT I can admire."

"I'm mostly concerned with his performance in challenges," Crispin shrugs. "Ludwig made a good point there - out of the remaining four, he's probably the least well-rounded. I feel if he got to the last two, anyone would make mincemeat of him in the physical part... He hid his weaknesses pretty well, but that won't last forever, you know."

"It took him until the last stretch to duel, and when he got there, he decimated mister-always-wins John Blake here..." Michael points to the stoat, coming around the hog badger. "If shit gets dangerous, we can at least trust he'll throw his bigass neon head full on."

Arron shifts on his seat, visibly uneasy. "I gotta say, though..." he says reluctantly, "John has a point there. It makes me nervous to sign a check for a quarter million to someone who obviously ain't got a clear path in making them fruit..." he says. "Nothing against him, it's just how I was brought up."

Omar scoffs the honey badger. "You just don't know how he was brought up. And if we ALL got a quarter-million, we'd be shell-shocked on what to do. Maybe that's what he needs to hit it big. I say let's see if he manages to kill these last challenges..."

"Hoo boy, I'm sweatin' like a vegetarian in Rudy's Country Store and Barbecue..." *the hog badger shakes the host's hand as he leaves* "But I stayed Greasy through and through, and none of that changes the fact that I want to win this, get that title, cash and make my life well for my parents, friends and pigs." *shakes fist*

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

Kenneth's the last mustelid to turn in front of Ludwig. The badger walks into the hangar with his usual swagger, his long locks down in a change of look, resting atop his form-fitting gym shirt.

"Someone needs a haircut..." Ludwig quips, grinning.

"No one needs anythin'!" the badger grins back. "Don't tell me you were born with that crew cut, man..."

"It suits me best!" the host laughs.

"Being in here in this final stretch is both surreal and where I'm meant to be." *Kenneth shifts in his chair* "I'm sure Lud wants to know some stuff, so who am I to shut up about it?"

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

"So, the CrossFit badger from Philly is in the semifinals. What's your story? What prompted you to come on this ride?"

"Well, I've always enjoyed these kinda shows, you know? I like being in the spotlight, that much you probably guessed," Kenneth answers back. "And I mean, taking part in the one that straight out catered to my biggest strengths and allowed me to practice what I preached ever since I began puberty? Easiest gimme ever."

"So, I presume you tried for others before this? I could think of one or two that would enjoy you..." Ludwig comments.

"Yep, I made the casting finals for Furry Big Brother," the badger nods. "I was in contention with a few other studs around my age, and they eventually cut me and directed me towards this one. Gotta say it kinda stung to be turned down there, but everything happens for a reason, right?" he asks. "And I feel AMA suits my own strengths a lot better. As much as some people in here have been strategizing like mad, the challenges are the make-or-break factor. And I believe my track record in that department sorta speaks for itself."

"But looking at that..." the stoat follows through without much pause. "It did take you a few team losses to find your footing... Is this a sign of something that's underlying? Are you not that team player?"

"I don't think so and I'll explain why," Kenneth retorts. "Most of the team challenges we did, especially the early ones... nobody really could make enough of a difference to win or lose the whole deal by himself. I risked it a number of times, but when I went head-to-head against others, I always came out on top-"

"But you were one out of four in the team rounds of the Top 12 and the top 11," Ludwig presses on. "Two of them against someone still in the competition."

"I mean, Ludwig... CrossFit gets you ready for a ton of challenges, but it doesn't turn you into a full-on fighter. The otter's got that on me, I will admit that," he says. "But really? He had a ton of close calls, and a ton of challenges where he proved he's not all that he's cracked up to be. Me? The only time I really feared to lose my spot in the Burrow was during Water Week, and I still managed to beat both Michael and Crispin in time to save myself from the duel," he says.

"So you feel that's your Achilles heel in your tenure here? Fighting and water stuff?"

"Actually, I think my main mistake is that I came in too strong with the bravado and the Alpha shit," Kenneth sighs. "I legit tried to put on a super strong front at the beginning, I had every single detail planned on how I was gonna do, and it just... got in the way of things. I'm sure people thought I was in way over my head during the first challenges or so, and the back-to-back team losses didn't help either," he says. "But when I got the chance to lead myself, I did it so well that they voted for me in the next one. And I'm the only one who led his teams to two wins and no losses, so I reckon my point was valid."

"Yeah, but with the same exact team. Coincidence, or if it isn't broke you won't fix it?" Ludwig asks.

Crispin nods at the host's question. "If you want to really talk about being unable to adapt, look at this, point blank."

"Use and abuse?" J.J. snidely asks, looking to the left at the other mustelids.

"I'm like... of course, given any group of people, there will always be some people who you get along with and others who you'll end butting heads with no matter what, which by the way, the mud soccer challenge we just carried together by God knows what." Kenneth answers. "At the end of the day the final result's what counts the most, and I know I provide that in spades."

Ludwig nods. "But let's go back. So you're saying you arrived here with a façade, a bravado, and that took you down. Likely not just in challenges, but socially. I did hear of constant tension where you were. I do want to know, why do you think that was?"

"I mean, Ludwig..." Kenneth puts his paws forward defensively. "I may have acted like a bit of a brat in the beginning, okay? I do admit it was tough to stay positive when I failed to win the selection challenge and I realized this wasn't going to be the walk in the park I thought it was," he answers.

"But I wonder why you came as you did?" Ludwig repeats, as Kenneth heavily sighs. "Kenneth when he came here in the cuts and when he got in the Top 12 were two different badgers..."

The CrossFit instructor leans back on the chair, choking a bit as he looks away from the host. "First of all, I don't talk about this a lot. The family I grew up in was not functional at all, and I legit had to... how can I put it... become my own father ever since I was ten. Mom had one hell of a rough divorce, he was physically abusive towards me and her to the point we had to flee to a whole new state. It's all good now, but you can imagine I still got a ton of... shit needing to be solved," the badger muses.

Ludwig is legit taken aback by the badger's revelation. "So, it did bleed over once you got in the Burrow..."

Kenneth looks up, in an attempt to not break down, putting his paws on his thighs. "Sorry, I... fucking hate this..." the badger mouths as he covers his face to not show crying while attempting to regain his composure. "When... I got into the final twelve, it all came barrelling to me, and how I needed to just be perfect and follow this perfect plan in my head towards the victory. I was so headstrong because I truly believe this award could be the solution I seek, and to see it at first all unravel that badly was a nightmare and it all just affected me."

The house was mostly left speechless as Kenneth revealed his story. William is the first to talk up. "That's true, he did tell me and some of us in the chalet."

"I legit had no idea..." Chayne says in shock. "Guess that puts a lot of things in perspective, if anything."

"I did know, but like, I never really bought into that put-on brave kid act," Arron says. "We were talking maturity earlier, and well... you can see Ken did mature his own way, and he got all the chops to grow further into the Mustelid Alpha we're looking for."

Kenneth moves his hair to his side, fidgeting with the loose strands. "But once I let that side of me fade away, I realized that... I shouldn't shy from bonding with folks; and I feel once I truly... learned, how to handle this whirlwind of personalities and take it with stride, that's when I unlocked my potential," he concludes, his tone almost defiant. "If the eliminated guys could see me now, they would see the real Kenneth."

"Which your co-worker did?" Ludwig lets out a small chuckle.

"Hey, that's TMI!" Kenneth laughs out loud, not realizing the possible innocence of Ludwig's question.

The stoat remains dumbfounded for a second. "How so?" he asks.

"Nothing..." the badger immediately replies, feigning composure.

"I mean, Kenneth..." Ludwig presses on. "Regardless of whatever you and Cassie got going on, I do feel that winning that reward in the Bahamas was one hell of a turning point to your story here. Would you agree to that?"

"It just reminded me of why I'm here, but tenfold," Kenneth grins. "Once we got these solo runs, it just helped me see that I arrived here at such a high level, and sorta set the bar I intend to match, or even surpass to get to that final."

"So, a rough beginning, a large growth towards the end and yet to face a duel in the meantime. What will be your secret to make sure you walk away with the title?" the host asks, some weight in his words.

"To be honest, Ludwig, I am determined to ace this because it's the one big break I got, and I'm ready to lay it all on the line to defeat those other three," the badger chuckles. "Seriously though, I feel like this has been a long time in the making. Unlike everyone else, I actually learned from this experience, and I assure you, I will explode on the scene like you've never seen anyone since this show started. That'll be the mark of the Alpha I want to b- screw that, the Alpha I am."

"This talk was one of the hardest things of all this competition, but one I really needed to put out there, and the one mental realization that really just... will let me unleash all I got. After this, I know I can win this entire thing." *the badger makes his way out of the interview.*

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

"To be honest, y'all..." Michael points out, his deep voice rumbling across the room. "That kinda got me. Between all four, I feel he got the biggest momentum, and he also got the whole plan laid in his head," he says. "If anything, he has a point when he says he was the one who grew up the most from this."

Chayne concurs with the wolverine. "It's super easy to say "Oh, I'm awesome, I'm this and that, yes King." It takes balls to come here and say "Yes, I fucked it up, but I learned and that's why I'm here". Ken is the only one who did it."

"I'm honestly surprised it takes so little for you guys to fall for his BS," Crispin scoffs. "He started a lot of unnecessary shit when I was still in the Burrow, and like... he can ramble as much as he wants that he didn't do strategies and Eddie was the devil, but he was the first to put together his own army..." he says, motioning towards Arron and John, "...and he didn't have a single word for either of you two."

"I mean, you're the one to talk alliances." Arron shoots back. "Ken wasn't everyone's best friend at first, but damn if he didn't turn into someone to beat."

"He did by exploiting both you and Blake," Crispin raises his voice. "And he threw you away like a used tire."

"Cuz Eddie would've taken you to the final two, sure, okay, wow... " John replies, deadpan.

The tattooed otter leans forward, visibly annoyed. "Yes he would have," he says. "And y'all came against us two with a vengeance precisely because of that."

"Be real," John leers at Crispin.

"I am real," the lutrine retorts. "You can pretend all you want that Kenneth was going to be your BFF, but deep inside, you know he never was," he sneers.

Omar, oblivious to the confrontation, speaks up. "So to recap. We got Andrew in self-discovery, Eddie in masterminding, Zakee in honesty and Kenneth in improvement... "

"You could make a valid case for all four," J.J. agrees. "I have my preference, but I'm open to see what happens next. And like, we don't really have to agree on a name right now... or at least, not after we've heard from the two finalists and gotten a chance to properly grill them."

"To end this, I'll say..." William speaks up. "The four that are there are four who deserve it. And we better stop being bitter about it once the final two come through," he says, as the closed circuit channel comes to a halt. Most mustelids nod along to the weasel's words, some quite unconvinced, but nobody replies.

"A lot has changed since I got out of the competition, it seems. To the final four, a lot of luck, and to the final two... better luck, cuz me and the boys are ready to tear into ya."

~Michael, 35, Wolverine, Blacksmith

***

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka, Florida

March 16, 2020

82° F

The four semi finalists walk out of the woods, all clad in dark green clothing representing their status in the game's last stretch; Ludwig waiting for them at the opening of a primitive campsite, waving along as they step in front of him.

"Hello there, guys, and welcome to the great semifinal..." the stoat host says. "We're in the middle of Wekiwa Springs State Park, a nature reserve standing under the jurisdiction of the State of Florida that encompasses the head water of the Wekiva River. Here, you'll play out the first individual challenge of this cycle..." he continues, as the four mustelids loudly cheer in response. "But before I announce exactly what it takes to dominate your opponents today, let me tell you that things are about to change - and for one of you, it could mean a step closer to the title."

"What's going on?" Z whispers to Andrew.

The polecat scratches his goatee. "I dunno, but that sounds ominous..."

"This individual challenge, you won't be playing for immunity or qualification," Ludwig states, confusion settling in all four competitors. "But the winner of this trial will obtain an advantage for the next challenge... and that one will decide the standings."

"I'm not all too happy to burn energy on something that won't grant me immunity, but at this stage of the game, any little help can go a long way. I won the last advantage, and I know I'm getting this one."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"This challenge is called Escape The Swamp, and will test your endurance and your adaptability to different tasks and terrains," the host continues. "Starting from the deepest of these woods, you'll take on a triathlon course made of a 1km river swim, a 12.3km mountain bike loop you'll have to undertake twice, and a 5km trail run across the swamp," he says, all four competitors visibly growing nervous at his words. "This is a free-for-all, which means only the first to cross the finish line will get access to the advantage. Any questions?"

"Do we even have enough river?" Kenneth asks, remembering what little he saw on the way to the park. "And what about gators and snakes and the like?"

"You'll be swimming in the deepest part of the course - it's not as deep as our pool, but more than enough to make do," the host responds. "As for the park's wildlife, well, gators tend to stay away from the river, both because the area can usually be quite crowded and the spring water is too cold for them. You'll be fine, I can assure."

"Mhm..." the badger nods, visibly unconvinced. "And how do we change gear from swimming to biking?"

The host points to the campsite behind him, four posts with each competitor's name etched on it having been set alongside the course. "All transitions will take place here at Camp Cozy," he says. "When you swim out, you'll run here to pick up the bikes and biking gear, and then you'll drop off those in here to start the running section."

"This has inklings of an obstacle race, so this one could be the one I need to turn this semifinal up its head. I reckon I'm confident I can kill these three activities, much more than these fellas. My main worry is how much Eddie will gain with the swim and how can I plan to rebound and get his ass."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

"I'm quite relieved this challenge won't send anyone dueling or packing. I know I'm not the strongest swimmer, nor the best biker or runner, but I know how to pace myself and not having the pressure of elimination will be a huge benefit. People are still underestimating me to a degree, and I can't wait to prove them wrong again."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

The four semi finalists are standing on a pontoon hooked in the middle of the river's course, all having changed into triathlon gear. Andrew is shown fastening swimming goggles around his head, looking ahead in his usual confidence as he awaits for Ludwig to give the signal. Next to him, Eddie is splashing water all over himself in a bid to jolt his body into race-ready condition. "Don't drown on the way, guys..." the otter jokingly tells his opponents, fully aware of his in-built advantage in the first section of the challenge to come.

"Sure, gills," Kenneth replies, as he ties his hair back. "Go get your training wheels and shut up... "

"Alright, guys, for a major advantage in this competition..." Ludwig calls from the bank, motioning them to step forward and get ready to dive in as he pulls out his usual airhorn. "GO!"

All competitors waste no time in jumping in the river, Eddie immediately gaining a few inches by performing a graceful head dive. The lutrine resurfaces ahead of the rest, immediately starting to pump through with powerful kicks of his arms and legs while the others seek to pace themselves. Greasy Z briefly pulls himself up, his feet struggling to gain traction against the slimy bottom, visibly concerned as he sees the Navy veteran pulling away. "That ain't fair..." Z mutters, before propelling himself in his pursuit with a strong push of his legs.

It takes little for Eddie to build a decisive advantage, the rest of the group losing sight of him almost immediately as he disappears past the first bend. The lutrine is putting all he got in his swim, looking very much in control as he breathes every third stroke - his form not all that different than it'd be if he was swimming in a regular pool. Behind him, the ragtag trio is making a concerted effort not to lose too much time, Andrew pulling slightly ahead of Kenneth and Zakee as they swim at each other's side, in a concerted effort to help each other not to lose too much ground on the lutrine.

"Leave it to someone who got an advantage since he was fucking birthed!" *groans* "Eddie, I know you're slow as shit on land, so Imma be waiting there."

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

The otter wades through the greenish waters of Rock Springs Run, the river's slow current giving him an extra kick as he lengthens his strokes. His lead is growing by the second and he knows it, his perfect swimming form on display as he wills his muscular arms to propel him forward.

Way behind him, Andrew has decided his rivals are going too slow and is making a visible move on his own for second place. The polecat is taking quite well to river swimming, exploiting the current to drive himself forward without burning too many energies. However, Kenneth and Zakee are slowly sinking past - their limbs flailing helplessly in the water as they strain to make up ground, their stroke clearly growing more fatigued and sloppy the more they swim.

"It's clearly Eddie versus the three of us, but midway it just hits me... Let's make it Eddie versus ME versus the two of them. If I manage to set my own pace on this swim, then gaining ground on Eddie will be easy, and then Ken and Z won't be any worry."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Meanwhile, Eddie has finally reached the final section of the swim, his paws sinking into the riverbed as he pulls closer to the side and hoists himself out of the water. "Okay, easy part's done with time to spare..." He runs barefoot through the changing zone, immediately strapping on his bike helmet before sitting down to briefly towel the top of his feet. His cycling shoes and socks put on, he jumps on the mountain bike and sets off for the course - the first of his opponents still not having appeared in the distance.

"This is basically going from my strong suit to my Achilles Heel, from a hundred to zero in six seconds flat." *the otter is shown huffing as he takes on the gravel-surfaced road* "I know I have a sizable advantage, but I also know the others will fight like hell to make up on the lost ground. This is gonna be one hell of a time trial, and I still got more than enough in the tank to come out on top."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

Eventually Andrew comes into the frame, the polecat approaching the transition a good six minutes behind Eddie. Unlike the lutrine, who's taken to race topless in order to shave some time off his path, Andrew opts to wear his full tri suit and ends up slightly fumbling with his biking gear, although he takes little to put on his shoes compared to his methodical opponent. Soon he sets on the otter's tracks, his thighs starting to pump as he sets into a comfortable pace.

Kenneth is the next to get out of the water, shaking off the water from his pelt and toweling himself all over before legging up on his ride. As he's about to get out of the camp and onto the biking path, Zakee dashes into the changing zone - immediately going for the shoes in an effort to make up for the lost ground. He jumps on his bike with the helmet still unfastened, taking the paws off the handlebar in order to lock the strap in as he rides out in last place.

"I tackled much more dangerous hikes than these, when I was a piglet in plastic Walmart flip- flops and a broken action figure as my only tool of action. Once I got out of the water, I knew I would have the rest of the challenges, easy."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

A sliver of sun filters through the clouds as Eddie rides through the dirt road, visibly panting as he shifts to a lower gear to ease the motion of his legs. Way behind him, Andrew is pushing on the pedals in a methodical, determined fashion - the lutrine's advantage on him closing up by the minute as they cross Mill Creek and head out towards the residential area of Apopka.

After a turn northward, setting them on a sticky, muddy trail leading back to Camp Cozy, a long straight stretch allows Andrew to spot Eddie for the first time - the otter clearly into trouble after burning most of his energies in the first lap of the bike loop. Seeing his opponent in the distance gives the polecat an extra kick, him lengthening each stroke as he rides across the forest, his sight set on the ever-growing shape of his rival.

"COME ON, EDDIE, COME ON, YOU BASTARD!" Andrew emphatically yells as he pulls closer and closer to Eddie. The lutrine's heart jumps as he hears a voice when he thought he was alone. Sensing Andrew is about to pass him on the left - the trail wide enough for two bikes to ride side-to-side in that section - he doubles on his motion and swerves to the side in an attempt to block him, but the young polecat senses the lutrine's desperate move and runs the bike on his right side, easily flanking him. "Not so cocky now that you're out of water, huh?" he snarks at Eddie's obviously pained expression as he easily zips past him.

"I wish I could go back to see Eddie's face once again as I totally owned him but no, I got this thing to win first!" *laughs*

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Way behind, Kenneth is riding even stronger than Andrew, standing up on the pedals as he tries to make up the deficit from the leading couple. The badger pulls down the zipper of his body, briefly taking a paw off the handlebars to get a swig off his water bottle as he tackles the long, nearly straight section among the forest. The hog badger, albeit not slow by any means, trails behind Kenneth, trying his best to keep him in his sight.

"It ain't a pretty spot where I am, this swim bullshit affected my time a darn lot, but as long as I keep strong I can rebound from this, especially once we get runnin'."

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

The last section of the cycling trail is inching closer to the basin of the river, the ground becoming more waterlogged as the riders take on that stretch. It is becoming tougher to control the bikes on such terrain, and soon enough Eddie takes a hard tumble as he comes a bit too quickly into a U-turn. "Wait, SHIT!" he loudly swears as he picks himself up, the left side of his body matted in mud after the fall.

A quick check-up to both the bike and his body shows everything's fine other than a couple superficial bruises. The lutrine briefly watches behind himself, failing to spot any of the other competitors, then hastily remounts on the saddle to resume his effort.

"This hurt like a bitch, and for what I know, Andrew might be already gunnin' to get to the running portion. I need to make ground fast."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

The polecat speeds past Ludwig after completing the first loop of the trail, the stoat host encouraging the youngster as he rides past him with a determined grin on his muzzle. Shielding his eyes with a paw, he peeks in the distance in a bid to spot the other mustelids on the run. "I don't see anyone behind, he must have made up a lot of ground already..." he comments towards the camera.

Kenneth looks up as he tackles the rough terrain with relative ease, looking up as he spots a battered Eddie on his path. "MAKE WAY!" the roofer shouts at the otter.

"Never," the veteran grunts through clenched teeth, leading his rival at a reduced speed through the narrowest section of the trail. Kenneth rides to the lutrine's left and right, but can't manage to slip past him - his opponent effectively using his bulky form to fend off the badger's attacks and hold him back.

Ludwig perks up, noticing the two figures taking the last turn leading to the campsite and the second loop of the trail. "Oh, here they come..." he grins, right as Kenneth launches another attack on Eddie just as the pathroad becomes slightly wider. Standing on his pedals, he powers past the helpless lutrine, lifting a paw from the handlebar to shoot him a middle finger once he's made sure both his wheels are ahead.

"And Kenneth pulls through! Can he take the lead now?" Ludwig exclaims, just as he sees the hog badger at a distance completing his lap. Eddie follows shortly behind, looking worse for wear after the hard fall and the back-to-back overtakes he's suffered from his strongest rivals.

"Eddie bikes like he got just one foot and motion sickness, so bypassing him already puts me at an advantage. There's no water to hide now, Lieutenant..."

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

Andrew is going strong through the second lap, once more crossing Mill Creek then daring to shoot a look in the back as the road abruptly turns right. No one is in sight, giving him a chance to take a breather while leaving the gravel for the off-road section.

An aerial shot displays all the four contestants on the course, a good distance between each as they tackle the trail for the second time. The only one who keeps gaining ground is Kenneth, the badger taking all kinds of risks to close the gap on Andrew before the start of the running section. It ends backfiring, however, as he messes up a corner after a slight downhill and ends off-path straight into the woods - losing valuable time in order to rejoin the trail.

"At this point, I dunno how far ahead of me Andrew is, and I'd rather not bust a shoulder or worse in order to catch him." *grunts loudly* "There's still the whole running section to take on, and the young stud's gonna run out of steam way before the finish line. That much I can guarantee."

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

Meanwhile, Andrew is about to complete the second lap, still riding at a strong pace as he tackles the muddier section. Wheels skid on the slippery track with every curve, the polecat breathing a sigh of relief when he finally manages to see Ludwig standing at the entrance of the changing zone. He's quick to jump off his bike and take off the helmet, approaching the stand with his name with a focused grin as he gets ready to make the final transition.

"Andrew's our first on the last leg, does he still have the fuel to win the advantage?" the host talks to the camera.

"Fuck yeah, Lud..." the young polecat grunts as he tightens his running shoes and makes a run for the exit, immediately disappearing past the first corner as he sets on the running trail.

"I can barely hear or even acknowledge anything other than just going towards the finish line. It's a first place takes all, so fuck whoever ends behind me as long as they are all behind me in the end."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

The long-haired badger is the next to complete his section and drop his bike, quickly changing, and as soon as he does, Eddie comes by practically letting his bike smash on the ground to sprint towards his clothes. Greasy Z is the last to come in, the hog badger strapping on his shoes in record time before unzipping the top of his suit and letting it pull down to the waist. "Don't give up now, Z!" Ludwig encourages the mechanic as he sets off the path, firmly set on chasing the top three.

"Y'all haven't seen me run just yet..." the hog badger grins as he sprints his way out.

Way in front, Andrew is looking solid as he covers the first gravel section, arms swinging back and forth to propel his motion on the long, nearly straight path he covered on the bike just shortly before. Kenneth and Eddie are chasing him, still too far to make a move but determined to gain ground on the youngster.

"This last hook is the most important. Outside of catching up to Andrew, I can't let Kenneth take the advantage over me. Over my dead body."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

However, another mustelid is taking it into a higher gear. Having saved up energies throughout the first two sections, Greasy Z is now free to unleash all he got in the one that matters most. The hog badger's running form is almost flawless, exploiting the skills he built training for obstacle races as he closes up the deficit with Eddie by the minute.

"Got you now, kid..." On a straight section of the gravel road, Eddie gains sight of Andrew, gearing up his running form as he notices his opponent still way ahead. He manages to gain slightly on Kenneth, who has spent a lot of his energies in the biking section and is now saving up for the final kick.

Noticing the lutrine right behind him, the badger doubles down and speeds up, taking the turn left towards the woods with a few seconds on his rival. The two are pushing each other to draw closer to Andrew, the whole race turning into a matter of wills as they end up running side-by-side - taunting each other to go faster in order to make the decisive push to reach the race leader.

Andrew pants, his stamina critically low and running on empty. One look back confirms his fears, seeing Eddie and Kenneth gaining ground on him. "Shit, fuck, fuck... I'm so close..." he says to himself, forcing to trot up with strengths he barely even had at the moment.

"I'm going at like a hundred per hour or even more, cuz I ain't gonna be the dead last in here, and right there I see them: Eddie and Kenneth. I just see red, and I start sprinting like a deer stalked by a puma, I fucking haul ass, cuz there's my shot!"

~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic

As soon as the mustelids tackle the woods, it becomes clear the fatigue of the whole competition is catching up to them. Kenneth is gasping, his stride growing heavier and less effective - nonetheless gaining a little on Eddie, who dipped into the bottom of his tank just to reach the badger. Besides them, Zakee is coming forward at twice the speed - the rocky terrain of the woods trail helping him a lot as he runs beside Eddie, the otter letting out a surprised gasp once he sees the hog badger beside him. "What you doin' here, pig?" he manages to utter, his opponent already past him and chasing down Kenneth.

Hearing the Navy veteran's grunt of surprise behind him, the badger takes a look back and immediately redoubles his motions as he sees the shape of the mohawked mechanic gaining on him. It only manages to send him into overdrive, as the hog badger ends up passing him by with minimal effort. "LET'S GO, BITCHES!" Zakee roars as he gains the lead over Eddie and Kenneth in the sharp turns around the forest.

"As I head across the big straightaway leading to the last turn, I see the group behind is gaining on me, but they still have tons of ground to make." *the fatigued polecat looks back a couple times, then speeds up his pace as he pushes forward* "For the first time, I'm starting to really feel I got this in the bag. Let's do this, Drew!"

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

Way behind the polecat, Z is launching his final offensive to the first place - his features growing increasingly concerned as he realizes his late comeback might not be enough to reach Andrew. "Damnit, Drew..." he huffs, turning towards the camera while running by, "You's having the run of your life..."

Just as the hog badger can finally distinguish the back of Andrew's green tri suit, the polecat manages the left turn leading to the final sprint. He's visibly panting, his mouth nearly slack-jawed, sweat glistening off his arms and back as he makes the last push towards the finish line - exhaustion looming over, but offset by the knowledge he's about to win the challenge and the advantage coming with it.

"Andrew's coming in first!" Ludwig cheers as soon as he sees the polecat sprinting out of the woods. "He has led throughout the biking and the running section, but Zakee's closing in, can Andrew take it?" he asks, and not long afterwards, the polecat dives across the finish line, sliding on the ground.

"AND HE MAKES IT!" he screams, Andrew laying on the ground as soon as he crosses the line - ending face-up on the floor with a worn out, but utterly satisfied grin plastered on his muzzle. The hog badger crosses the line about twenty seconds behind, immediately going to congratulate his friend and helping him up.

"Drew, you fucking boarhead, you did it!" Z yells excitedly as he goes for a bear hug, his friend burying his muzzle in the crook of his neck, still way too drained to reply.

"This was absolute hell, but I did it! I'll do whatever it takes to reach that final two and this is a safeguard for me to achieve that goal." *the polecat is shown as he picks up a water bottle, guzzling half of the content then pouring the rest over his head* "I'm in this to win this. Surefire."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

His pace down to a stroll, Kenneth is the next to cross the line, followed by a battered Eddie arriving last. The lutrine spits on the ground, visibly displeased with himself, but goes to bump fists with the challenge winner nevertheless. "Good job, kid..." he grunts, Andrew shooting him a weary smile in response.

*the otter puts his paws on his hips, panting* "It couldn't have gone worse. I can't place last on anything, not this far ahead in the competition, where it would cost me every bit of work I've put in. I know I can do better than these guys, I can't let it unravel to the point I'm picking up the rear."

~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman

"Alright, Andrew..." Ludwig comments, as soon as the four players have managed to recover from the effort. "You won this challenge, and with it, you secured yourself an advantage that might be vital in conquering the final. You'll find out what exactly it is before the start of the next challenge," he says.

"All I..." the polecat tries to respond, but needs to get a coughing fit out first. "All I wanted to hear, Lud."

The host nods along. "Looks like this challenge took a lot out of you, so with that in mind, do you feel you got enough left in the tank to face the next one?"

"We all on the same level, innit right?" Andrew replies, looking at the other three competitors, as beaten up as him. "And I got a leg up on them right now. I'm confident I can make through the semifinals now, and to be honest? I'm confident I can take down the whole thing." Zakee immediately lets out a loud whistle at the polecat's words, Kenneth and Eddie looking decidedly less impressed.

"We have all taken a huge toll in our stamina and shit, but this leg-up fell on my lap by God's grace, so you best believe I will use the hell out of it whatever it is and these three can go scrap for the second finalist spot."

~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie

"So to recap, Andrew brings home the advantage in the next challenge and the bacon - that is, the $2000 dollar tip that comes with this win," Ludwig says. "You may now go to the Burrow and unwind for the rest of the day. See you tomorrow for the second individual challenge of this semifinal."

The whole group heads out of the campsite, Andrew still beaming at the thought of his win and the challenge to come.

"This just shows that it is everyone's game plain and simple. Andrew has propped himself as number one and Z as number two, right under my nose. Advantage or not, I need to gear up and get that final spot whatever it takes."

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

Individual Challenge #9, "Escape The Swamp"