Island of the Slaughtered

Episode 24: Manipulation

The episode opens with the cabin group huddled around, eating their food rations slowly, each bite filled with the weight of their situation. The air is thick with anxiety, but they cling to hope, praying for the help that Chris mentioned.

Cut to the treehouse, where MK and Scary Girl sit across from each other at a dark, broken oak table. MK, her expression neutral, listens as Lauren grins wildly.

"See?" Scary Girl says, her eyes gleaming.

MK nods slowly, but genuinely. "No, yeah... you're right, Lauren... thank you."

Scary Girl's grin grows even wider, leaning foward with satisfaction.

Confessional - Scary Girl (Lauren):
"Yayyy!! She's on my side now! This is gonna be so much fun!"

Back at the table, Scary Girl leans forward suddenly, her face inches from MK's. "Let's set fire to the cabin!" she says with a smile, like it's the most normal suggestion in the world.

MK’s face immediately falls, her eyebrows knitting together. "What?? No! Are you being serious?" She leans back in her chair, suddenly wary.

Scary Girl's smile vanishes, her demeanor flipping like a switch. In a flash, she grabs a fistful of MK's hair, yanking her forward while clutching the top of her beanie. She growls, smashing MK's head onto the table with violent force.

Cut back to the cabin, where the atmosphere is much lighter on the surface. Wayne and Raj are playing rock-paper-scissors, their laughter filling the small space. Bowie leans against the wall, watching them with a faint smile. It’s almost normal for a moment.

In a corner, Julia and Caleb chat about the previous seasons of the competition. "I still can't believe what Chris put us through... all for ratings," Caleb mutters, shaking his head. "Still not as bad as what he's done as of recent." Julia says, Caleb nodding in agreement.
Damien is fast asleep next to them, his face scrunched up in stress even in his dreams.

Chef stands nearby, drilling Axel through a rigorous training routine. "C'mon, soldier! Pushups, crunches, plank taps—let's go!" Chef barks as Axel drops down into another set of pushups, her breath heavy but determined. Each movement is fueled by her survival instinct, but there's no denying the exhaustion in her eyes.

Despite the relative peace, everyone knows better. There's a sadness behind every smile, every laugh. Even Wayne and Raj’s game of rock-paper-scissors holds a sense of desperation, like they’re clinging to whatever lighthearted moments they can. Bowie, though amused by the game, keeps glancing toward the door, wondering if MK is ever coming back.

The group seems happy, but the shared trauma has settled deep within them, unseen by those outside their situation.