"Mystery Solvers" - written by Freedom Fighter Last time... After the departure of Bobby Hill, the nine remaining detectives were treated to a video from the thief... who intended to scare them off of the case. For the most part, the attempt failed. But maybe he/she should focus more on disrupting the complacency and insinuating any early grudges, as shown by the assignment of Kim Possible as the first team leader. Whether they agreed with Kim being leader or not, the other eight detectives set out to comb new crime scenes and interview some more suspects. With surprising results and some new hunches. But with still a few suspects unaccounted for, the group was again put to the test to see if their early theories were holding up. Alliances were in as everyone tried to find a person to share notes with and go for the same suspect. In the end, one alliance backfired severly, leaving half of it... the half held by Zoe Orimoto... on the short end of the stick, making her the second detective to part from the case. 8 detectives and 19 suspects remain. By the end of the night, another detective will be taking the next taxi cab out of Gullible Gulch. ====== Mystery Solvers Fanfic Reality Series written by Freedom Fighter Hosted by Christian Tangera 'Remaining' Detective Line-up: - Chang Wufei, Gundam Wing - Eliza Thornberry, The Wild Thornberrys - Gary Oak, Pokémon: Master Quest - Kim Possible, Kim Possible - Mokuba Kaiba, Yu-Gi-Oh! - Penny Proud, The Proud Family - Raye Hino, Sailor Moon - Terry McGinnis, Batman Beyond Fanfic Rating: Will be PG throughout most of the duration, but there may be a PG-13 element added later on. Disclaimer: The animated characters that are participating in this fanfic are assigned specific roles that may portray them differently than what you're used to seeing from them. All events are carefully staged and planned out. No one was seriously hurt during the production of this fanfic. Any similarities between real people, places, and things are totally coincidental. The show's host was created by the author himself and may not be used by anyone else without permission from me. None of the characters belong to me; they belong to their respective production companies and shows. ====== Episode Three - A Thorn in My Side No More (12.17.02) Raye: (CC) I kinda feel responsible for Zoe going home last night. She never recovered from the fiasco at Hercule's house. I just hope that the same thing happens if Terry and I are assigned together today. We've got a great bond, but I don't want another mistake costing one of us the game. Wufei: (CC) One woman down and four to go. They're all just getting in the way here. I'm planning to target Kim Possible next. She's the biggest threat among them, and once she's gone, the rest will fall. Eliza: (CC) Mokuba and I weren't on the stage last night, so we'll probably stick to the same routine. We're still determined to prove that age is not a factor is in the game. And so far, it seems to be working. Gary: (CC) With Zoe gone, it seems that everyone has broken up into the groups. Except Wufei and I. But that guy's head is too thick. I don't get why he's got a thing against girls. I'm not taking a chance staying with him, so I've either got to find a new partner, go on by myself... or separate a pair myself. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch - Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Date: Sunday, October 27th, 2002 (Day 5) Time: 8:50 a.m. PT] Kim and Terry were waiting in the lobby for two of their fellow detectives to join them for breakfast. They were planning to try another restaurant farther down the street... just to get some variety in their meals. While waiting, the two seemed to be talking about another fellow detective. Kim: Do you believe him? He hates me because I'm a girl! Terry: I think that's how he lives in his time. You can't blame him for the actions of his society. Kim: Yes I can, Terry. It's the 21st century, not the 17th or 18th century! Women have almost the same rights as men do. Terry: (raising an eyebrow) So? You expecting him to change his habits at the snap of your fingers? Kim: Look, all I'm asking for him to do is to work with me. Changing him won't do me any good. I could spend the next two, three days trying to do that, but then I'd probably be the next one going home. Terry: Maybe I should talk to him. He might listen to me. Kim: Could you please? That would so make me feel much better. The two then hear a bedroom door open. They look up to the second floor and see Penny stepping out. Penny: (cheerfully) Morning! Terry: Penny, do you know where Raye is? Penny: Still in the shower, I think. Penny then glanced at Kim, and her cheerful face suddenly turned to a dismal one as she walked down the steps. Penny: Kim, we need to talk about last night. Kim: (sighs) I know, Penny. Our theory was way off. Penny: No duh. I almost went home again. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not want to go back up a third time. Terry: (catching on) So that's why you were shooting that look at Kim last night. Penny: (crossing her arms over her chest) You're not holdin' back on me, are you? Kim: Me? Of course not! I want to catch this guy as much as you do. Penny: Then maybe we should look at what we know at breakfast. I'm not ready to go home yet, and I don't intend to be any time soon. Kim: Remember, I'll be on the chopping block too. I'll need to do well too to survive. (to Terry) You're coming with us, right? Terry: (nodded) Yeah. I just gotta wait for Raye. Kim: (smiling) Oh, I see. Somebody's got a crush... Terry: I do not! Penny: (also smiling) Stop trippin', cause I can read it clear off your face! Terry: Come on you two, cut it out. We don't like each other that way, okay? Kim: (turning to head out) Sure. Penny: (passing by Terry) Whatever you want us to believe. The two girls giggled as they exited the saloon, leaving Terry alone. ====== [Location: Buffalo Buffet Restaurant - about a quarter mile north of HQ Time: 9:00 a.m.] Penny: (from outside) Is that a safe assumption? 'Cause we've been working on those mostly so far... Kim: (from outside) There aren't many of our suspects working against it. It would be better to go with the odds... Inside the restaurant, a breakfast buffet line is set up by the far wall. The place is jam-packed with not only the suspects, but most of their friends and family as well. Whether they're working or paying customers, they also seemed to be enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. But one person in particular, sitting just a few tables away from the door, had stopped eating his breakfast for some reason. The remains of two sausage links, three strips of bacon, and the shells of two cracked hard boiled eggs lay dormant as the stranger listened closely to the footsteps and voices approaching the restaurant. The man, wearing a gi on his body and a straw hat on his head, reached for his sheath on his back, preparing to pull the sword out of it. At that moment, Kim and Penny pushed through the doors and entered the restaurant. Penny: Boy, it sure is crowded in here. (sniffs the air, filled with the aroma of all kinds of breakfast delicacies) But the food smells good! Kim: We'd better find a table to share with Terry and Raye. But before they could take a step further, a loud battle cry rang through the air. Jack: (with sword raised, leaps into the air) Aaaaahhhh! Noticing that he was coming for them, Kim quickly pushed Penny one way, then rolled the other, barely avoiding getting sliced in half. Jack chased after Kim, leaving a disoriented and frightened Penny on the ground. Kim searched for something to defend herself with, and grabbed a chair from underneath a nearby table. Just as she raised it to put some distance between herself and her attacker, Jack used his sword to cut the chair into several pieces. Kim watched in horror as the chair fell apart in her hands. Of course, upon seeing that the sword was indeed real, everyone in the restaurant began to freak out. Screams of panic filled the restaurant as some people raced for the front door, others towards the back. Penny managed to get to her feet just in time to avoid being trampled on, as she noticed Kim's perilous situation. Jack: Take this! Jack swung high, as Kim countered by ducking down and attempting a low roundhouse kick, which Jack promptly jumped over. Penny: (yelling to Kim) I'll get the sheriff! Upon hearing Penny's voice, Jack turned his attention towards her, backflipping towards the front door and hoping to block her exit. Which he managed to do rather successfully, landing right in front of Penny and with his sword drawn. Kim: Penny! Penny: (stepping back) Look, can't we talk about this? I really don't wanna get my head sliced off, okay? Noticing a soccer ball convieniently placed near several bags by the table next to her, Kim quickly went to work. Not sparing a second, she sets up and delivers a powerful free kick, sending the ball right for Jack's head. Kim: Heads up! Thanks to Jack's personal training, he was able to sense the ball coming. But the small distance between him and Kim left him with only one option... to dodge the ball, which he did by leaning back just enough so that the ball passed between his body and his sword untouched. Jack recovered quickly, but not fast enough to regain his focus as Kim somersaulted over two tables and landed right next to Penny. Penny decided to take that opportunity to hide behind Kim as they both saw Jack preparing for another attack. Kim: You'd better put that sword away before someone really gets hurt. Penny: (peeking from behind Kim) Yeah... like us! Jack stood there for a second before resheathing his sword, to the surprise of Kim and Penny and to the relief of everyone still in the restaurant. Jack: I do not wish to harm either of you young ladies. But I must insist that you do not continue this case. Kim: (putting her hands on her hips) And why not? Jack: It's because of these thefts that I have been unable to leave Gullible Gulch. I am a nomadic traveler who journeys from city to city, looking for fellow fencers such as myself to challenge. Penny: (stepping out) Well, as you can see, we're swordless. Jack: The only way I will be able to resume my travels and get back on schedule is to catch this thief myself. So please, do not interfere any further. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee your safety. Before either of the girls could object, Jack dashed out the door. Kim and Penny ran out after him, but just like that he had vanished into thin air. Kim: Well, how do you like that? Penny: That guy is major creepy. He actually tried to kill us! The two girls looked back inside and saw the mess that had been left by the fight. As well as all the frightened restaurant patrons still huddled in the corner. Kim: I think we'd better get the sheriff down here. Penny: Yeah. (holding her stomach) Somehow, I don't feel that hungry anymore. ====== After getting Sheriff Lightyear and Deputy Spiegel, Kim and Penny returned to the scene of the attack, where Terry and Raye had been waiting for them. As the two officers surveyed the damage and began to gather eyewitness reports, Kim and Penny relayed what had happened to their two fellow detectives. Needless to say, they weren't pleased. Raye: So the creep jumped you? Terry: That's not exactly sporting. Penny: The vest yesterday, now this! This is starting to get really freaky. Kim: He told us to quit the case. Or he wouldn't guarantee our safety the next time we met. Terry: I don't think that's fair of him, picking on two defenseless girls... Kim and Penny: (giving him the evil eye) Defenseless? Terry: (catching himself) Okay, maybe not completely defenseless... but still... Raye: That warning he gave you... did he just aim that specifically at you two? Kim: I think it was a general warning to the whole team. He's obviously not happy about being stuck here. Terry: He doesn't live here? Penny: He's a traveling fencer... whatever that is. But he was in town when the crime happened, so that's why the sheriff refuses to let him leave. Terry: (thinking back) Say, isn't this guy one of our suspects? Raye: I think you're right, Terry. And he just gave us a reason to suspect him. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 10:15 a.m.] Since Kim and Penny were the intended targets of the attack, they were forced to remain at the restaurant for over an hour to be interrogated fully. Only then were they allowed to return to headquarters, where Chris and the rest of the team were waiting. Most of their faces were filled with worry, as Raye and Terry had gotten back earlier to inform them of the situation. Mokuba: Are you two okay? Penny: Am I okay? You're seriously asking me THAT? Kim: We're fine, for the time being. Chris: I'm hoping you two are, because we've got work to do. Penny: (sarcastically) Gee, nice to see you care. As Chris headed for the stage to start up the VCR, Kim and Penny walked over to the rest of the seated group and took the two empty seats in the back row. Chris: This morning detectives, we received another videotape from the thief. This one was found outside the mayor's office. She hasn't shown it to the sheriff yet because of what happened this morning, so she's allowing us to get a first look at it. Let's hope there's something on this we can use. Pushing play on the VCR, the tape began to play immediately. As it was last time, the only thing illuminating the room where the recording took place were the green-colored glow sticks. Mystery Figure: Greetings again, detectives. I see we're another detective short, huh? Getting right to the point, he/she raises a picture of Zoe Orimoto and then uses a small knife to cut it in half. Mystery Figure: Italians are supposed to be culturally intelligent. But once in awhile that country churns out people like this girl. (smiles) Not even a second wind could bring this little fairy back from the brink! A couple of the detectives, particularly Gary and Penny, were seething with anger. The mystery figure then produces another photo, holding the picture side towards himself/herself. Mystery Figure: But I bet she was the cream of the crop. There probably isn't an intelligent soul left amongst you. Which means that you'll adore my help in identifying who I am. I may be cute, but I'm not cute as a button. I'm not as powerful physically as you may think, but I do have a lot of special powers. (turns the picture over) And I'm definitely not Bubbles Utonium. But I'm one of your 18 remaining suspects. Good luck finding out which one I am... because you'll need all your luck to catch me! The figure began to laugh out loud, as he/she did at the end of the first tape. Luckily, it doesn't last quite as long this time. Once the tape ended, Chris proceeded to put an 'X' over Bubbles's photo on the suspect board. Wufei: Enough of this fooling around! This thief must be stopped! Chris: I agree. And that's why we need to finish talking to all of the potential suspects. By the end of today, we should have talked to everyone but Sally Acorn, who unfortunately is still missing. Luckily, we were helped by a clue that Gary, Raye, and Terry found at the watering hole yesterday. Chris raised up a small plastic bag, which had a strand of short black hair in it. Chris: By some coincidence, the three suspects you'll be talking to today all have... black hair. Before we can decide who will talk to whom, I must first assign a new team leader. (to Kim) Kim, could you please give me back the pin? Kim complied as she took it off of her shirt and handed it back to Chris. Chris: Thank you. (to everyone) Now remember, the person who is assigned team leader is the one with the highest cumulative quiz score to date. And that person is... He walked over to the group and stopped right in front of the next team leader, who was sitting to the far left of the first row. Chris: Miss Thornberry. Eliza: (standing up) Really? Chris: (nods then hands her the pin) Eliza, you are the game's second team leader. Congratulations. As Eliza attached the pin to her shirt, the rest of the team applauded to varying degrees. From enthusiastic as the one from Mokuba, to absolutely none from Wufei... which wasn't too surprising. Chris: And now, onto today's scheduled investigations. He pulled the suspect board closer, then pointed out Jack's picture. Chris: This guy goes by the name of Jack. Two of you got the chance to meet him this morning, though under unpleasant circumstances. He definitely could be thief, as shown by his attempt to scare us off the case. Anyway, while in town, he has been training on a bluff a half-mile west of Gullible Gulch. Three of you will be sent out to locate him and see what he knows. Next up was the picture of Ed. Chris: This young man's name is Ed. He happens to be a close acquaintance of Mayor Dinkley's, and they often hang out together. But since not even the mayor is above scrutiny in this case, then this guy must not be as well. Two of you will search the south part of town for him. He's usually hanging out with his friends at this time of day. And last but not least, Chris turned the group's attention to the picture of Mario. Chris: Mario here is the town's resident plumber. But given that this is an old Western town, there isn't much a plumber can do. Still, isn't it strange for a strand of black hair to be near a watering hole? Two of you will go to Mario's house and see if he's involved in any way. He then motions for Eliza to stand up. Chris: Eliza, it's time to choose who gets to go where today. Eliza looked at her candidates and the potential suspects they were going to interview that day. Chris: Eliza, which three detectives will you send to find Jack? Eliza: Kim, Terry, and Raye. After what happened this morning, I think we need some of our strongest detectives to handle him. Chris: (nods) Okay, what about Ed? Who will you pick to find him? Eliza: Um... how about Gary and Penny. I'll send those two. Chris: So by default, that leaves Wufei and Mokuba to see Mario. Is that okay? Eliza: I guess it is for now. Chris: Okay then, with that, the teams are finalized for today. Good luck to you all, and make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for any clues. The detectives then began to gather what they need for their treks. Wufei: (CC) She doesn't think I'm strong enough to handle a samurai? I'm much stronger than people believe. If I could have just five minutes with this Jack person, I'd show him a thing or two about swordfighting! Eliza: (CC) I know he won't like me for this, but I don't want Wufei going to see Jack. Who knows what could happen if those two actually got into a fight? ****** [Location: Outside of Gullible Gulch City Hall Time: 10:23 a.m.] Gary and Penny were walking down the street as they came across their interviewee of the day. Ed was indeed with his friends Edd and Eddy, who were in the midst of a discussion of what to do today. Eddy: There's gotta be something we can do to get some money! Edd: Must we decide out here? The sun is beating down from us as we speak! Do you remember what happened the last time we were out in this kind of weather WITHOUT SUNSCREEN? Eddy: Once we can swindle a few kids to get some money, we'll buy some ice cream. But that's not going to happen if we can't think of a scheme! Ed: (huddling in fear) Should we really be out here? The Cactus People are all about, hopping around and waiting for the right time to strike! They spew needles into their victims' bodies and then beat them thoroughly with their green clubs of absolute pain until they divulged the exact location of the missile silo that's programmed to fire at five-legged hamsters that may fly by our planet at night. Edd and Eddy blinked in confusing, not understanding a word of what Ed said. Eddy: (looking at Edd) Double-D, think! Use that sockhead of yours and help me think of a money-making scheme! But it didn't seem that Edd was paying any attention, as he was looking at Gary and Penny, who were standing a few feet away, right behind Eddy. Eddy: Double-D! Are you listening to me? Edd: Have some manners, Eddy! (standing up) We have visitors. Eddy turned around and spotted Gary and Penny. Instantly, his eyes turned into dollar signs. Eddy: Visitors? You mean suckers! The three Eds walked up to the duo, who were waiting for them. Penny: Pardon us, but... Eddy: (cuts in) No pardon is necessary at Eddy's Dude Ranch! Edd: (unimpressed) Eddy's Dude Ranch? Please! Penny: (looking around) I don't see a ranch around here. Eddy wrapped his arm around Penny and guided her away from Gary. Eddy: We don't exactly have our own land... but we do have a horse. Ed! Ed drops down to all fours and walks over to Eddy and Penny. He then proceeds to neigh like a horse. Eddy smiles, then pulls out a horse's head mask out of nowhere and jams it onto Ed's head. Eddy: Ed here is our best horse. He'll give you a ride around town... for a small fee of twenty-five cents, of course. Gary: Wait a minute! We're not here to... Edd: (putting his hand in front of Gary) One rider at a time, please. Penny: I'm not here to ride some stupid horse! I just want to talk to a boy named Ed. Ed: (loudly) Ed is a horse! Hee-honk! Eddy: Wait... you want to talk to Ed? Penny: (with a serious look on her face) Did I stutter? Edd: (gasps) Can it be? Oh my! Gary: What? Eddy: (elbows Ed) Looks like you've got an admirer, Ed. Ed: (takes the horse's head off) Really? I've never had an admirer before. Um... what's an admirer? Eddy: Dude, she likes you! (pushes Ed towards Penny) Now, say something! Edd: (objecting) Eddy, are you sure he should just jump in? Ed: (smiling dumbly) Pleased to meet you, person who admires me. But forsooth, Ed does not think we know each other that well. Eddy: (smacks his forehead) For the love of... Edd: I told you so. Penny: Look, all I wanna do is ask you some questions. Edd: It must be one of those personality quizzes that girls always give to find out if the guy's a perfect match! Gary: Okay, cut out the nonsense already! We're not here to find Penny a boyfriend! Penny: (looking at Ed) I'm sorry, but I don't do the blind dating thang. Eddy: (stepping in front of Ed and 'presenting' him) What are you talking about? Ed may be rough around the edges, but he's the perfect guy for you! Penny: Didn't you hear Gary? I'm not here to take Ed on a date. I'm here to ask Ed some questions. Eddy: (looking at Gary) Oh, I get it! You two are already a couple. Gary and Penny: You have GOT to be kidding! Edd: I must concur with them, Eddy. They don't look compatible at all. Gary: We're not a couple! Penny and I are part of the group of detectives that were sent here to investigate the recent string of thefts. Edd: Really? Intriguing. Eddy: So, what does that have to do with Ed? Gary: He's a prime suspect. Upon hearing that, Edd and Eddy began to crack up with laughter. Eddy: Ha! That's a good one. Now seriously, what does this have to do with Ed? Gary: He's a prime suspect. Edd and Eddy started to laugh again. Even Ed himself was laughing. But neither Gary or Penny saw this as a joke. Penny: Enough! Are you going to let us interview him or not? Ed: I knew this day would come! Eddy and Gary: (together) You would? Ed: They're here to steal my brain, in order to find out the secrets of the mysterious Scorsez race that lives within the canals of my left ear lobe! Penny: Say what? Eddy: (hits Ed on the head) Like you have a brain worth stealing! Ed: That's right, Eddy! Nothing inside! Penny: (opening her notebook) Look, let's just get started, okay? Gary: Hold on a second! How do you get to ask him the questions? Penny: Well, I don't see you with your notebook open. Besides, I don't trust you enough to do the interview. Knowing you, you probably won't share a thing with me! Gary: And you expect me to trust that you'll share? Penny: Of course. Edd: Wait! It's true that Ed's mental capacity is very low, so I'm not sure if he could adequately provide the solutions to your queries. Penny: I'm sure we can manage without you. Penny pulled Ed across the street to start the Q & A session, while Gary sat back and kept an eye on Edd and Eddy. ====== [Location: Mario Brothers Plumbing Service Time: 10:31 a.m.] Meanwhile, Wufei and Mokuba had arrived at Mario's house, which doubled as a plumbing store. The two opened the door and stepped inside, where they were greeted by Mario himself, who was standing behind a counter. Mario: Good-a morning! How can I-a help-a you? Mokuba: We'd like to you ask you some questions about the thefts that occured last week. Wufei: (seething) And you'd better tell us everything. Mario walked up to the duo, past them, and to the door. He reached for the sign on the door and flipped it from open to closed, then walked back. Mario: We can-a talk in the back-a. Follow-a me. Mario led the way to his office, with Wufei and Mokuba right behind him. ====== [Location: On Main Street, a few buildings from the Gullible Gulch Bank Date: Sunday, October 20th, 2002 Time: Approximately 7:50 a.m.] Mario: I was-a on my way to the Buffalo Buffet-a Restaurant for breakfast when I spotted someone jumping out-a of the bank-a. It was-a the bank robber. Wufei: (VO) Was the robber male or female? Mario: (scratching his head) I-a cannot remember. It all happened so fast-a. All-a I was concerned about-a was if there was-a anyone hurt inside the bank. Wufei: (VO) So, you went into the bank? Mario: Yes-a. I helped the teller get to-a her feet, then did the same for the bank-a manager. Neither of them-a seemed to be injured. Mokuba: (VO) Any idea what time it was when the robbery occurred? Mario: I think-a it was before eight o'clock-a, but I'm not sure when exactly. Wufei: (VO) Did you have any jobs to do that day? Mario: I had one-a. Building number 29. Mokuba: (VO) Where is Building 29? Wufei: (VO) More importantly, who lives there? ====== Mario: I'm-a sorry, but that is-a private information. I will not-a give out addresses of my-a clients to total strangers. Wufei reached over and grabbed Mario by the shirt collar. Mokuba: (jumps up and shouts) Wufei, no! Wufei: Tell me who lives in Building 29, now! But Mario wasn't about to give up the information. Using his patented Mario Tornado technique, he broke free of Wufei's grasp and immediately leaped out the window. Wufei: I'm going after him. Mokuba: (as Wufei leapt out the window) Wait! Now outside, Wufei looked around for Mario. He spotted him just as Mario super jumped onto the roof of the next building over. Wufei: Hey, come back here! Wufei ran alongside the buildings as he followed Mario, who was jumping between them and making the landings easily. But he was so focused on catching Mario that he almost didn't hear the high-pitched scream of Sakura Kinomoto, who had lost her balance while blading and was heading towards him. Sakura: Look out! (covering her eyes) Hoe! Wufei quickly jumped into the air and over Sakura, who twirled around before finally losing her footing and falling to the ground. Wufei landed back on the ground and ignored Sakura as he resumed his chase. Wufei: (muttering) Accursed girl... Unfortunately, those two words distracted Wufei enough to not see Sheriff Buzz Lightyear at all walking into his path. The result... a crash that sent both of them tumbling a few feet in the sand. They would end up lying on the sand next to each other, with their faces in the ground. Buzz: (getting up, looks at Wufei) What's the rush, detective? Wufei: (getting up, and a bit angry) I was chasing one of our suspects! Now thanks to you, he's gotten away! Buzz and Wufei got to their feet and started to dust themselves off. Buzz: Don't worry, you can't go far from town here without a horse or a stagecoach. Mokuba: (running up to them) Wufei! On instinct Buzz quickly turns around and points his laser beam at Mokuba. Luckily, only a person like Buzz could do such a thing and stop himself from firing on an innocent bystander. Buzz: (calming down) Sorry 'bout that. Ranger instinct. Mokuba and Wufei eyed Buzz strangely before they turned their attention towards each other. Mokuba: I found out where Building 29 is. Wufei: Really? Take me there immediately! ====== [Location: 'Building 29'] Mokuba: (knocking on the door) Hello? Anybody home? Wufei: How do you know that this is the right building? Mokuba: I asked Sakura after I helped her off the ground. She seems to know the town pretty well, as she's got the building numbers memorized by heart. Wufei: (starting to walk away) Right building or not, it's useless to stay here. It may be hours before the resident returns. Mokuba: (sighs) You're right. Let's go back to headquarters. As the two started to walk, Wufei peered around the corner of the house and noticed some sort of well at the end of the alley. Wufei: (turning into the alley) Could it be? Mokuba: Wufei, where are you going? Mokuba chased after Wufei, as the two ran to the alley's end. Wufei: This must be the watering hole. Mokuba: (catching up) You mean the one Bubbles was talking about the other day? Wufei: (nods) We'd better search this place for clues. Mokuba: But didn't Gary and the others do that yesterday? Wufei: It could be possible that they missed something. Besides, I'd rather see things with my own eyes. Mokuba nods in agreement, not wanting to argue with Wufei. The two begin a thorough search of the area, looking for clues. ====== [Location: Outside of Gullible Gulch City Hall] Meanwhile, Penny was still interviewing Ed... Penny: For the last time, where were you when the robbery took place? And she wasn't getting anywhere. Ed: (scratches his head for a second before replying) I thought I said I was on Planet 8, battling off an evil horde of blood-sucking aliens! Penny: Aaarrrgghh! Why aren't you taking this seriously? Ed: (cowering in fear) Aah! Please don't hurt me! Gary, Eddy, and Edd walked over to the two of them, interpreting the whole 'Penny standing menacingly over a frightened Ed' scene as a sign that things weren't working out. Edd: We told you that you need us to help him. Eddy: (yelling at Ed) You can't even do one thing right! Ed: (begging) I'm sorry, Eddy, but she looked as if she was trying to read my mind! Penny: That's a good idea... 'cause it looks like that's the only way I'm gonna get what I need from your empty head. Gary: Step aside and watch a true expert at work. Penny: (raising an eyebrow) And you think you can do better? Gary: Watch me. Penny stepped back as Gary began to interrogate Ed. Edd and Eddy escorted her away. Edd: We'd better give them some space. Your friend is going to need it. Penny: (looking back) What makes Gary think he can do any better than I did? (turning to look at the two Eds) That friend of yours has a few screws loose. Eddy: Tell us something we don't know. ====== [Location: Somewhere west of Gullible Gulch Time: 10:30 a.m.] West of town, Terry, Kim, and Raye were searching for Jack in the desolate desert landscape, but there were just cacti, sand, and high bluffs as far as the eye could see. Raye: Either of you really think we're going to find this guy? Kim: I wouldn't be surprised if he jumped us right here and now. After all, I bet he's been here long enough to learn all of the nooks and crannies between the cliffs. Terry: Maybe we should split up. Raye: Are you sure that's a good idea? What if Kim is right? Kim: If you want, you can stay with Terry. I can handle myself. Terry: Promise me you won't take this guy on if he confronts you again. Kim: (looking innocent) Me? Do a thing like that? Terry: Wouldn't you want to know why he attacked you? I know I would, and I'd do anything to get him to tell me. I know you will too. Kim: It's not going to play out that way. Trust me. Raye: What else can we do? Terry: (sighs) If you see anything, yell for us. We'll do the same if we find something. Kim: (nods) We'll meet back here in an hour, okay? Raye: One hour... got it. Kim then ran off in one direction, trying to find a path up the cliffs. Terry and Raye trotted off in another, deciding to stay on ground level. ====== Raye: I don't think it's right that we let Kim go off on her own. Terry: She can take care of herself. She proved that this morning. Raye: Yeah, but she's not thinking straight right now. She's more likely to get hurt in her current state. Terry: She looked fine enough to me. Raye: (scoffs) That's what's wrong with men. They never understand a woman's feelings. Terry: What? You're saying that you understand what she's going through more than me? Raye: Kim felt threatened because she couldn't stop Jack and that he nearly got her too. She sets very high standards for herself, and when it seems that she won't reach them, she works twice as hard to prevent that from happening. Problem is she may be too focused on meeting her goals that she doesn't pay attention to the problem that keeps her from accomplishing them. Terry: So basically, she's too competitive for her own good? Raye: Pretty much. That's why we can't leave her alone. Terry: (turns around) I'd better go and track her down then. Raye: Hold on! I'm coming with you! Terry: What? But we're supposed to split up! Raye: (endearingly) You wouldn't want little ol' me to be out here all alone, would you? Terry: (after thinking for a second) Probably not. Raye: (a little tiffed) What do you mean PROBABLY? Terry: Okay okay, definitely not! Let's just find Kim before she does catch up to this Jack guy. Raye: I just hope we're not too late. Terry and Raye ran back the way they came, then turned to follow Kim's path. ====== Kim had found a small path leading up to one of the shorter bluffs. It was then, not too far from the bluff's edge, that she noticed an extinguished campfire. She ran over to check it out. Kim: (kneeling down and sniffing a piece of wood) Hmmmm... still warm. (stands up) He can't be far. She takes the piece of wood in her hand and starts to examine it closely. Kim: I wonder where he got so much wood from. Not many trees out here to chop down. Kim glanced around, searching for any items that Jack might have left behind. After about a minute, she caught something out of the corner of her eye. It was a piece of white fabric, sticking out underneath a small pile of rocks. She easily pulled it out. Kim: Definitely matches the fabric from the outfit he was wearing. Raye: (shouting) Kim! Kim turned and spotted Raye running towards her, with Terry not too far behind. Kim: What? Is something wrong? Raye: Thank goodness you're alright. We thought you had... It was then that Raye noticed the garment piece in Kim's hands, as well as the small pile of boulders behind her. Raye: (gasped) You didn't... Kim: (holding up the piece) What? Of course not! Terry: (arriving on the scene) Of course not what? Kim: Raye here thinks I killed the guy. Raye: Isn't it suspicious that there's a pile of rocks behind you? Kim: Raye, I said I didn't kill him! Raye: How do we know you're telling the truth? Terry: Raye, stop. Raye: (to Terry) No way, Terry! Kim's wrong needs to be righted. Kim: Pardon me? Raye: This is just a game, Kim! I don't care what you had against the guy, but killing him isn't... Kim: For the last time, I didn't kill him! (points to the pile) Do you see a dead body in there? Terry: She's got a point, Raye. Jack: (off-screen) A very good one, considering I'm very much alive. The three detectives turned to see Jack blocking the only safe way down from the bluff, with his sword drawn. Jack: I thought I told you not to interfere in this case any further! Kim: It'll take more than an idle threat to scare me off of this case! Raye: How dare you... ambushing Kim and Penny like that! You ought to be ashamed of yourself! Jack: It didn't matter who came through that door. My objective was the same: to stop you from pursuing this mystery. Terry: Why? Do you have anything to hide? Jack: I want to get this guy myself! He has ruined my fencing career! Raye: Aren't you exaggerating a bit? Kim: Besides, taking the law into your own hands won't look good when the sheriff catches you. Jack: And what makes you think that your team can do better than I? Terry: Look, Mayor Dinkley wouldn't have hired us if she didn't think we were capable of solving this case. We understand your grudge against the thief, but leave this to us. Raye: Yeah! We'll catch this thief and bring him to justice! Kim: We know what we're doing. Let us do our job and we'll see if we can get the mayor to let you go. Jack: (kneeling before Kim) Thank you. Your gratitude is all I could ever ask for... especially after attacking you this morning. Kim: No big. Penny and I will get over it. Jack: (standing up) I must go. I have to find a new place to sleep for the night. Terry: Maybe we can... In an instant, Jack was gone, leaving the detective stunned. Terry: ...help. Gee, the guy disappears faster than Batman. Kim: (smiling smugly) Convinced now? Raye: Okay, I admit it! I made a stupid accusation without finding out the facts first. I feel low... but hey, at least things can't get any worse. ====== [Location: Outside of Gullible Gulch City Hall] Penny was pacing in the sand as Edd and Eddy watched her. She was worried about Gary's progress, as evident by his constant shouting at Ed's inability to put together one single rational thought. Penny: We're getting nowhere fast. It's too bad neither of you were with him at the time of the bank robbery. Edd: Actually Penny, Eddy and I were accompanying Ed as we traveled along the municipality's main thoroughfare and past the financial storage facility. Penny and Eddy didn't understand a word Edd had said. Eddy: Gee Double-D, you expect us to understand that? You're making a cute girl strain herself to understand your jabbering? Penny: Stop trying to impress me, 'cause I can't stand playas. Eddy: I'm not playing. Edd: Good going, Eddy. Why can't you treat her with the respect that she so rightfully deserves? Eddy: Because that's boring! Penny: I don't care how interested you two are, because I'm not into either of you. So ya'll better back off. Ed: (walking up to them) Hello, brain stealer! Penny: (rolls her eyes) Oh brother. Gary: (walking off) Penny, let's get back to headquarters. Penny: What's wrong? Did you find out anything? Gary: (seriously) Let's go! Penny: (throwing her hands up angrily) Okay, fine! I'm coming! Eddy: (to Ed) So, how'd you mess things up this time? As the three Eds returned to their usual hyjinks, Gary and Penny had walked a whole block before either of them spoke. Penny: I know you're mad 'cause we didn't get a single thang. But you didn't have to order me around like that. Gary: I didn't want his friends to catch on. Penny: Onto what? You mean you actually learned something and didn't bother to tell me? Gary: Like I said, I didn't want them finding out. Penny: Okay, we're far enough from them. Why don't you tell me now? The two stopped walking as Gary pulled Penny aside and whispered something in her ear. Penny's eyes and mouth were wide open with shock as Gary relayed the message to her. Penny: No way! Just like that? Gary: I can't be sure. After all, the guy rambles about space aliens and other weird sci-fi stuff. But if by some odd chance he's right... Penny: (happily) Then we've fingered our culprit! Gary: (rubbing his hands together) We just got to figure out how the culprit did it, and we're on easy street. ****** [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 1:20 p.m.] After returning from their morning missions and eating lunch, the eight detectives gathered again. But to their surprise, they found a note on the door leading into the bedroom that Zoe had during her stay. Chris: (VO) Detectives, with the departure of Zoe, this room is currently vacant. Please decide who amongst yourselves will live in there now. The door is currently unlocked, and I will arrive at two to drop off the key. Raye: I guess we forgot that Zoe had a room to herself. Terry: I'll take it then. Raye: How do you get to take it? Terry: Well, Gary and I are the only guys still sharing a room. Besides, none of the you girls said you wanted it. Kim: Well Raye, you and I are getting along fine together. So I guess we should leave it up to Eliza and Penny to decide. The group turns to the two young girls for their decision. Eliza: Penny and I are great roommates. We love staying together. Penny: Right! I'm not movin' unless I have to. Terry: See Raye? No one else wants it, so I claim it for myself. Gary: About time... Wufei: If it takes you guys this long to decide things, we'll never catch that culprit. I'd be better off solving this case on my own. Wufei then walked out, much to the annoyance of pretty much everyone else. Terry: It was one thing when he didn't like the girls, but now it seems he doesn't like any of us. Eliza: Maybe I should assign him to go off alone next time. Kim: That won't work. If he takes an assignment by himself and then sent home that day, how will we find out what he knows? Raye: This is going to get harder for all of us if he sticks around much longer. I hate to do it, but we've got to get rid of him. Gary: Why should we? After all, if he truly wants to solve it on his own, we'll let him be. He'll have to come to us for help eventually, or be sent home. Terry: Let's not worry about it right now. I'd better get my stuff moved before Chris gets here. Terry and Gary walk off to their room to begin the transfer process. The others break off into their little groups, debating amongst themselves what to do with Wufei. ====== [Time: 2:00 p.m.] Chris returned to headquarters for another case briefing, with Wufei in tow. The rest of the detectives walked over and took their seats by the stage, most of them with their notebooks ready to write in. Chris: First things first. (pulls out a room key) Anyone need a key? Terry: That's me. Terry stepped forward and got his room key. He then returned to his seat. Chris: Now, usually I'd tell you to take the rest of the day off. Not the case today, as we have several more sites that must be checked out today. Chris pulls over the suspect board before continuing. He started the briefing by pointing to Hercule's picture. Chris: First up is Hercule. A couple of days ago we tried to get some information from him, and our operatives failed. Today, two new detectives will get a crack at him. He then pointed at Lois's picture. Chris: Next up is Lois. She's the reporter for the local newspaper, and in a town where not much really happens, this is a big story for her. Two of you will get the chance to visit her. Then, Chris pushed the board away and produced a map of the town, with all of the buildings numbered by small black circles. Chris: Lastly, as you found out this morning, the town's resident plumber was scheduled to visit 'Building 29' to do some repairs on the day of the thefts. We need to ask the resident or residents there if they know anything, even though they may possibly suspects that we've already interviewed. Two of you will need to pursue that lead. Chris turned to Eliza. Chris: Eliza, it's time again for you to assign the teams. Note that you'll be able to keep one person here with you at headquarters, so think wisely. Eliza was given a minute to think about her choices, as the other detectives looked on, trying to subtly hint at where they wanted to go. Eliza: (turning to Chris) Okay, I'm ready. Chris: We'll start with Hercule's house. Who do you want to send there? Eliza: Wufei and Terry, please. Chris: Alright... the newspaper plant to interview Lois? Which two go there? Eliza: Gary and Penny will go there. Chris: And last but not least, 'Building 29.' Detectives of choice? Eliza: Let's see... I'll send Kim and Mokuba there. Chris: By default, that means Raye stays here with you. Is that how you want things, Eliza? Eliza: Yes, that's good. Chris: Okay, the teams are set. Whenever you're ready, off you go! Raye: (CC) Eliza seems to be shifting people around. Whether it's to break up all of the partnerships in order to prevent anyone from keeping info to themselves is anyone's guess. But if she didn't to benefit herself, why did she choose me to stay instead of Mokuba? Mokuba: (CC) I was somewhat expecting Eliza to send me out rather than keep me there. After all, one of us needs to gather clues. ====== [Location: 'Building' 29 Time: 2:04 p.m.] Kim: So, all we know is that the plumber Mario was supposed to fix something in this building, right? Mokuba: Yeah, that's all. The two of them walked up to the front door and knocked on it. It was immediately answered by Naru, the bank teller. Naru: (blinks) Hello? Do I know you two? Mokuba: (gasps) You're the girl on that videotape! Naru: What videotape? (growling) Have you been taping me? Kim: (stepping forward) You were on the bank's videotape when it was robbed last week. Naru: Oh... you must be from that group of detectives. Kim: Yeah. I'm Kim, and this is Mokuba. Naru: (pushes past them and looks around) That Chinese guy isn't with you, is he? Kim: Wufei? No... Naru: Good. That guy's a menace. I hope he's kicked off the case soon. Kim: You and me both. Say, you mind if we ask you some questions? Naru: But I already answered a few from Terry. Mokuba: These are different. We're just followin' up on a few leads. Naru: Very well. We can talk inside. The trio went into the building, as Naru led them through a basement-like maze of corridors. Kim and Mokuba noticed all of the cardboard boxes, storage trunks, and luggage bugs stuffed in all around, including a few beside some pipes built into the open-faced wall. Kim: Mokuba was interviewing Mario a few hours ago, and he said that he had an appointment here the day of the robbery. Naru: Yes. I had a leaky pipe that was in danger of bursting. Mokuba: If it was that bad, why did you go to work that morning? Naru: He promised that he would come over right after he opened his shop. Mokuba: (looking at Kim) They open at eight during the week. Kim: (nods, then turns to Naru) Do you know what time he showed up? Naru: (after a few seconds) Gee, I don't remember. Hold on... I have to find the receipt. She headed towards the nearby staircase, which led to the second floor. Kim: Mind if we come with you? Naru was about to agree, but she then remembered that Mokuba was there. Naru: Um... my place is kinda indecent right now. Mokuba: (surprised) You mean you live in a place like this? Naru: Trust me... it's much nicer up there than down here. But I can't bring you up 'cause the place is a mess. (scratches her head sheepishly) Haven't had time to clean it because of all of the studying I've been doing lately. Kim: It can't really be that bad... Naru: Believe me, it's real bad! Everything's all over the place. Kim: (winks) Oh, I understand. Mokuba: But I don't. Kim: (kneeling down in front of Mokuba) You mind if you stay here for a few minutes while I help her clean up things? Naru: I told you that you can't come up! Kim: (looking back at Naru) Oh... so you have something to hide, do you? Naru: (panicking) No, nothing like that! Kim: Good then. Besides, four hands are better than two, and I'd rather not wait all day for you to find that receipt. Naru: (sighs, giving in) Fine. But your friend can't come up. Mokuba: What am I supposed to do? Kim: Just stay here. I'll call you when we're ready for you. Um... why don't you look around down here and see if you can find something, okay? Naru and Kim climbed the stairs as Naru pulled out her key to her door. Mokuba: (crossing his arms over his chest) She expects me to find a clue down here? ====== [Location: Gullible Exploiter Plant] Gary and Penny walked into the town's only newspaper plant with visitor badges hanging around their necks on string necklaces. They immediately spotted the plant's lone printing press, which was on and at work on the latest edition. Penny: (running over to the press) Hey, I wonder if my picture came out... Gary: Picture? I didn't know you took a picture for the newspaper. Penny: I thought we told everyone about that yesterday. Gary: Well, I think you left me out of it. What picture? Penny lifted one of the unfinished front pages off of the conveyor belt and showed it to Gary. On it was a picture of Penny and Eliza, with the movie set trailer park in the background. The headline read 'Young Sleuths Get Happy -- About Possible Murder Case.' Gary: (coughs upon reading it) Um... have you actually looked at it? Penny: (turning the paper to face her) What? You mean my hair didn't turn out right? It was then that Penny read the headline. And she definitely wasn't happy about it, as she started to rip the page up. Penny: That dang reporter made a fool of me! Gary: As those guys did this morning? Penny: I'm not joking! I'm being misrepresented here! Why would I be happy about this? And I certainly never said this was a murder case. Lois: (shouting from above) Hey! How did you two get in here? Gary and Penny glanced up to the top of a nearby stairwell which led into the office portion of the building. And standing there was Lois, who had a notepad and a pencil in hand. Penny reached over to the conveyor belt and pulled off another front page from it. Penny: (pointing at the headline) What is this? Lois: (walking down the stairs) That's this week's top story. The one for which you and your friend posed for. (glancing at Gary) I see you have someone different with you this time. Penny: How could you put a headline like this? Eliza and I were never happy about finding that bloody vest! Gary: Bloody vest? Penny: Don't worry, it was only Tabasco sauce. But still... Lois: (reaching the bottom) This is Gullible Gulch. A small town in the middle of nowhere! We rarely get any big news stories around here. Penny: Maybe so, but that doesn't mean you can make money off of us if the story's not even true! Lois: Whatever pays the bills and keeps us in business is news. Lois was now standing in front of the two of them as Penny read the first paragraph to herself. It didn't succeed in changing her sour mood at all. Penny: You didn't even spell our names right! Eliza's name has a Z, not an S! And how could you have my first name end with I instead of Y? Lois: Well, you didn't exactly spell it out. Penny: P-E-N-N-Y! (putting her hands on her hips) I thought you were a top-notch reporter, not some tabloid flunkie who spends every waking moment spreading untruths. Lois: (turning around) If you came here just to point out a few minor mistakes... Penny: MINOR? These are more than minor! Gary: Look lady, we just want to ask some questions. Lois: About the robberies? You can read it all in tomorrow's weekly edition. Gary: (as Lois headed back up the stairs) What if we told you that we have some exclusive clues that no one other than me and Penny here know? Lois stopped and turned around. Lois: No joke? Gary: (putting his right hand over his heart) I swear on it! Lois looked at Gary for a second, then turned around and resumed walking up the stairs. Lois: (as she reached the top) Follow me to my office. She opened the door and walked through the doorway. Gary was about to run up the stairs when Penny grabbed him by the arm. Penny: Are you outta your mind? Gary: I don't see you coming up with a better idea. Penny: But we can't just lie to her. Gary: Hey, she lied to you. There's nothing wrong with lying to her. Penny: Two wrongs don't make a right, you know. Gary: Look, you've spent the past four days following Kim, and where has it gotten you? Two near-trips home. You don't want to make it three in a row, do you? Penny: I'd rather not risk it. Still... Gary: This is just a one-time deal. This is the only way we're going to get her to talk to us. So, either work with me or be a loser and risk going home tomorrow. Penny: Fine! I'll follow your plan. But that doesn't mean I like it. ====== [Location: Hercule's House] Wufei and Terry have Hercule's house in sight, as they work out their plan. Wufei: Okay you, leave this all to me. Terry: Hey, I'm part of this team too! Wufei: You're only here because you have to be. But trust me. I can handle this by myself. Just as they made it to the walkway, the front door opened. Out comes a black-haired teenage girl dressed in sparring clothes. Terry: You'd better let me handle her. Wufei: (under his breath) Accursed woman... Teenage Girl: (sternly) Who are you and what are you doing here? Terry: We're here to talk with Hercule about last week's thefts. Teenage Girl: (dropping her guard) You want to talk to my father? Terry: (surprised) Huh? Wufei: You're Hercule's daughter? Teenage Girl: (nods) Yes. I'm Videl. Videl's face then grew serious again. Videl: I'm afraid my father's not home right now. Wufei: You're lying! You didn't lock the door behind you! Videl: (looking back) That's because I got distracted by you two! She steps back to reach inside and turn the lock on the doorknob. She then closed the door and turned the knob to show that it was locked. Terry: Do you know when he'll be back? Videl: Look, my dad doesn't want to speak to you guys anymore. And if I were you, I'd respect his wishes. Wufei: How dare you! You can't decide if we're worthy of talking to Hercule or not! Videl: I'm just relaying what he told me. If you have a problem with it, take it up with him. Wufei: (getting into a fighting stance) You're the only one I see her, so I'll take it up with you. Videl: Oh yeah? Videl also leaned into a stance of her own. Videl: (smiles) I better warn you that everything I know, I've learned from my dad. Maybe you've heard that he's the Olympic silver medalist in wrestling. Terry: (to Wufei) You trying to provoke her or something? Videl: It's too late for that! If you really value your safety, I'd leave now. I'm also a great martial artist, so unless you really want to test me... Wufei: No mere woman has the power to defeat me! Terry: You're really asking for it, aren't you? Wufei: Shut up! She's nothing compared to me! As Wufei and Videl stared each other down, Terry contemplated what to do. Luckily, he didn't have to do anything, as Hercule appeared from across the street. Hercule: (yelling) Videl! What did I tell you about having boys over? You can't have anyone visit you at home unless they can beat me in battle! Terry: Finally! A voice of reason... sort of. Videl: (relaxing out of her stance) They're not friends of mine. They came to see you. Hercule: (turning towards them) Me? Wufei pulls out of his stance as well. He then turns towards Hercule. Wufei: We've got some questions for you. And you'd better answer them. Hercule: Hah! I don't have to answer to a little punk like you! A pair of hands reaches up and grabs Hercule by the collar. He pulls him towards him until their faces are only a few inches apart. But it's Terry who has his hands on Hercule, not Wufei. Videl: Hey! That's the Olympic silver medalist! You can't treat him like that! Wufei: (in his stance again) Who's gonna stop us? You? Terry: (to Wufei) Calm down, Wufei. (to Hercule) We don't have time for games. Tell us what you know about the thefts... (eyes narrow) or you'll regret it. Hercule: (giving in) Well, since you put it that way... Terry let go, pushing Hercule back a few feet. Videl looks on with concern, but she then sees her father shrug it off. Hercule: You go ahead and do your training, Videl. Daddy's got some business to take care of. Videl: Okay. Videl shot Wufei a stern look before walking off to her favorite training spot. Hercule then led Terry and Wufei into the house. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby] Raye was pacing around the room as Eliza was looking over her notes. Eliza: (looking up from her notebook) What's wrong, Raye? You look sad. Raye: (stops pacing) Nothing, really. Eliza: Oh. I see. After a few moments of silence, both of them went back to what they were doing before. But then they heard some noise coming from outside. Raye: What's that? The two girls ran out and saw a mysterious figure running away from a nearby building. The figure had an object cradled under his/her arm, but neither of them could tell what it was. Eliza: It's the thief! Raye: (yelling) Stop! ****** Raye and Eliza began to ran after the thief... until Eliza remembered one of the rules of the game. Eliza: (stops) I can't leave headquarters if I'm the team leader! Raye: (yelling back) I'll get him! Don't worry! Leaving Eliza behind, Raye ran as fast as she could to try and catch the thief. Raye: Hey! Come back here! But even running at a full speed and in a skirt, Raye couldn't catch up. In fact, she was falling farther behind by the second. Things were made more complicated when Raye noticed that the person she was pursuing was no longer running. Instead, the thief was now floating about half a foot off the ground... and was slowly rising. Raye: (skidding to a stop) What the... Velma: (walking up from behind) Oh, you saw it too? Raye: (turning around) You mean she's actually... Velma: Floating? It seems like it. Raye: How is that possible? Velma: Anything's possible. Raye: What did she steal anyway? Velma: My Scooby-Doo plush toy. Raye: (a little surprised) The guy stole a plush toy? Velma: Yeah. Though I can't figure out why. Raye: (spotting something on Velma's sweater) Hey, what's this? Raye reached over and plucked it from Velma's sweater, just below her left shoulder. It turned out to be a piece of auburn hair. Velma: Jinkies! It's a strand of hair. Raye: Did you actually confront the thief? Velma: Sort of. You see, the house that was robbed is where Bubbles lives. Raye: Bubbles? You mean that girl with yellow hair and the big blue eyes? Velma: Yes, that's her. Raye: Well, if the Scooby-Doo plush toy is yours, why does she have it? Velma: She was borrowing it for Show and Tell at school yesterday. I think she forgot to bring it back this morning on her way to school, so I was planning on dropping by and picking it up. Raye: How did you get in the house? Was anyone home? Velma: That's the thing... the door was wide open when I arrived. Raye: (tapping her foot rhythmically) Hmmm... that's really strange. ====== [Location: Gullible Exploiter Plant] Gary and Penny were now sitting in Lois's own office. But it seemed that Penny was going to stay out of the conversation as Gary began his interview. Gary: So, exactly what time did you arrive at the bank the day of the robbery? Lois: Five before eight, I believe. Gary: That was AFTER the sheriff had arrived on the scene, right? Lois: Yes. Gary: And what was the scene like when you got there? Lois: What else? Everyone in a panic, wondering why someone would rob the town's only bank. You know, that sort of thing. Gary: Did you get a good look at the broken bank windows? Lois: Of course. Gary: Could you describe what they look like? Lois: It's broken glass! What more is there to describe? Gary: You mean it was completely shattered? Lois: Not completely. Only where the hole in the glass were. Gary: Hole? What hole? Lois: The one in the glass! You think I have one in my head? Penny: Coulda fooled me. Gary: (to Penny) I thought you said you weren't gonna say anything. Penny: Well, I changed my mind. Lois: Speaking of which, I've changed mine about answering your questions. Gary: Why? Lois: What about those exclusive clues you promised me? Gary: You'll get 'em when I finish asking all of my questions. Lois: (standing up) In that case... Gary jumped up out of his seat and positioned himself in front of the door. Lois: You don't have any exclusive clues, do you? Gary: Of course we do! Uh... um... Penny can tell you all about it. Penny: (surprised) Me? What? Gary: (tapping his foot impatiently) We're waiting, Penny. Lois looked at Penny as if she was waiting for her to speak. Penny hesitated for a moment before shooting Gary a 'I'll get you for this' look. Penny: Um, let's see... oh! You don't happen to know about what we found at the cave the other day, do you? Lois: Cave? The one where all of the stolen items were found? Penny: Yes, that's the one. Lois: (heading back to her desk) I'm all ears, kid. ====== [Location: Hercule's House - Trophy Room] Hercule: (leading Terry and Wufei in) This is my trophy room. All of my prized possessions are in here. Terry glanced over to a nearby mantle and spotted the formerly stolen silver medal in question. Terry: Is that the medal that was stolen? Hercule: Yep. Came in second in the Sydney Olympics two years ago. I would've won the gold if I had felt better. Their possum stew was a bit on the uncooked side. Terry: Possum stew? You actually... Hercule: It was my first time, honest! And it'll be my last! I've never eaten something so disgusting in my life. Wufei: Any idea how the thief broke in? Hercule: That's the thing... I'm not sure. You see, Videl and I were out on our morning run out along the cliffs west of town. We had gotten back into town just as we heard that someone robbed the bank. Wufei: It was happening just as you returned? Hercule: Yes. Videl and I were about to head for the scene, but then she suggested that we check back at our house. All of my trophies and medals are very priceless, and someone could make a quick buck or two by stealing them. Terry picked up the medal and noticed that the name of the weight class the medal was for was indistinguishable because of several scratches on the medal. Wufei: And when you got back, did you notice anything out of place? Hercule: Yes. The whole place was a complete mess! Books, videotapes, clothes, everything! It was all over the place! Wufei: All of that, and all the thief took was your medal? Hercule: Like I said, they're priceless! Terry: What weight class did you win this medal for? Hercule: Can't you read? It's right there on the medal! Terry: (holding up the medal) It's kinda hard to read. Hercule gasped as he noticed the scratches on his medal. Hercule: What have you done? Terry: I didn't do anything. Wufei: (sarcastically) Great going. Hercule: (angrily) I want you two out of my house NOW! Wufei: (to Terry) Pathetic. Wufei and Terry walked to the exit, with a very irate Hercule watching them leave. As the two exit, Hercule then starts searching the room for his polishing cream. ====== [Location: Utonium Household] Raye gasped in amazement as she peered into the bedroom that the three Utonium sisters shared. Her attention was mainly focused on a pile of stuffed animals that occupied one corner of the room, but she also spotted bundles and bundles of toys and dolls scattered all over the place. Velma and Professor Utonium were already used to seeing the room, so they weren't surprised by Raye's reaction. Raye: I never had this much when I was in elementary school. Professor: Well, the girls are very special. (to Velma) Sorry I couldn't stop the thief from taking Scooby, Mayor Dinkley. Velma: Thank goodness you didn't hurt yourself trying to stop him. Professor: Or her. She did look kind of small. Velma: So? There are plenty of guys that are short. That doesn't prove anything. Raye: Any idea how the guy got in? The professor pointed to the only window in the room, which was wide open. Raye: But we're upstairs, right? How did the thief get from the ground to the second floor? Velma: If the thief can float, then it's very likely that's how he or she got in and out quickly. Raye walked over to the window and peered out of it. The window had a good diagonal view of the bank. Raye: Professor, where were the girls at the time of the bank robbery? Professor: (thinking for a second) Already at school, I believe. They wake up very early so that they're always one of the first ones there. Velma: You don't think... Raye: (looking back at them) It's unlikely, but... Professor: I assure you miss, the girls wouldn't rob a bank! Raye: I didn't say that any of them were the culprit. I just want to make sure I'm not throwing out any clues before I know they're irrevelant. Velma: Not bad... for a rookie detective. You're catching on. Raye: (excitedly) You mean... you know who the thief might be? Velma: I have a hunch. But I can't be sure just yet. Raye: Then... you'll help me? Velma: Should you really be asking me for help? I am one of your suspects, right? Raye: Yeah, but... Velma: You can't trust anybody. Not even me. Raye: (sighs) I guess. But what am I supposed to do? Velma: It'll come to you eventually. Trust me. ====== [Location: 'Building 29'] Mokuba was wandering around the so-called 'basement' as he waited for either Kim or Naru to tell him it was safe to come up. As he conducted his own personal tour, he noticed an object of interest bunched among the boxes and other junk. Mokuba: (gasps) A box of dynamite? Down here? Suddenly, he heard the door leading upstairs open up. Mokuba scurried from where he was and back to the stairs, where he found Kim looking down at him. Kim: Mokuba, any luck? Mokuba: (shakes his head) Nope. Nothing down here. Kim: (smiles, then waves him up) Come on up and take a look around. This place is spectacular! Mokuba: Are you sure it's safe? Kim: A-ok! Come on... I've got something to show you. Mokuba climbed the staircase to the second floor, where he got another surprise. This time around, his discovery was that the floor had been turned into a two-person apartment. A beautifully furnished two-person living quarter, at that. Kim: Mokuba! Over here! Mokuba turned and saw Kim waving him over to a nearby window. She pointed out of it, as Mokuba noticed that the apartment had a clear view of the watering hole. Mokuba: (looking at Kim) You think... Kim: It may be just coincidence. But who knows? Mokuba thought about whether to tell Kim what he found downstairs. But he decided against it. After all, there was no guarantee that the clue was the right one. He decided to stay silent about it... at least until he informed Eliza of what he found. ====== [Location: Outside of Gullible Exploiter Plant] Gary: Now we know how the bank robber got into the bank. Penny: Yeah, but in the process I had to tell her everything I knew so far! You planned this all along, didn't you? Gary: If you think I need a handout from you to stay in this game... Penny: I don't like being used. You didn't use me, did you? Gary: I'm just doing what needs to be done to solve this case. Penny: In that case, why didn't you divulge some of your secrets? Gary: Because she knows everything that I've learned. Penny: How would you know? Gary: I checked the paper! It's all in there! Penny: So you're telling me you don't know anymore than what mostly everyone else in town does. Gary: That's exactly what I'm saying. Penny: Then how are you still in this game? You should've been booted off already! Gary: Maybe if you'd pay attention to your surroundings a little more, you wouldn't be questioning me. After all, it makes you look desperate. Penny: Desperate? I don't need you to stay in this game. Gary: Then stop bothering me! You're worried about giving up all of your facts while I've given away none, and you claim that I'm being unfair! Penny: (looking away) Forget it. Besides, I knew that I'd have to rely on myself to get through this. Gary and Penny continue their walk back to headquarters. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby] Terry and Wufei arrive back at headquarters just as Raye does. Wufei doesn't even acknowledge her presence as he just walks in. Raye: Okay, who did he offend today? Terry: Forget about it. I think we should stay with our guess on Ryoko. It seems like the right choice. Raye: I just missed catching the thief! Mayor Dinkley tried to help, but we couldn't catch the person. But, we did find a lock of auburn hair. Terry: Any idea who it belongs to? Raye: It might be Sally. I mean, she could be staging this whole kidnapping plot to get attention. Terry: We should stay with Ryoko. We haven't found anything that disproves her. Raye: But we haven't found anything that proves she's innocent either. I say we change to Sally. Terry: You know, maybe the mayor's trying to trick you into changing your focus. After all, she's got red colored hair too. Raye: You're accusing Velma of being the thief? Terry: She could be. Raye: There's no way! Look, I don't care what your theories are, but mine are different than yours. We should just go our own separate paths and hope that we're both somewhat on the right track. Terry: I guess. I don't think we're that far off. Raye: But after the next quiz, we should know how far exactly. Eliza: (runs out) Guys, do you know we have a quiz tonight? Terry: What? Raye: Since when? Eliza: Shortly after you left Raye, Chris came back and told me that we're having our next quiz tonight. And a third person's going home tonight. Terry: How did Wufei take it? Eliza: He didn't seem to care much. Terry: Let's just hope the others think the same. ====== [Time: 3:15 p.m.] Penny was sitting alone in her room as she tried to figure out how to prepare for the next quiz. Penny: (CC) I'm blown that we have another quiz tonight, but I'm gonna bear it all and try my best. Gary's right, although I hate to admit it. I can't rely on Kim or anyone else anymore. I've got to put all of my faith in myself and get through tonight. She was turning through her notebook, looking for something of importance. Penny: Let's see... what do I know about the bank scene? ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Lobby Time: 7:00 p.m.] Packed and ready in case they are sent home, except for Eliza, the eight remaining detectives arrive at City Hall. Chris: Short day it seems, huh? Well, for one of you the night will also be very short. Eliza, you'll come with me. Everyone else, good luck on the quiz. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Assorted Offices on 1st & 2nd Floors] Chris: (VO) Just twenty-four hours ago, we sent a detective home. That detective was Zoe Orimoto. Tonight, another detective loses his or her job. It's time for the quiz: ten questions that will test their knowledge about the case and their fellow detectives. Whose time in Gullible Gulch is up? (Author's Note: Quiz answers through e-mail only, Fantasy League players!) Eliza waits peacefully in the meeting hall for the others to finish. Chris: (VO) Tonight, Eliza Thornberry is the only one guaranteed to return back to headquarters. For the other seven, the road has come to an end for one of them. Raye: (CC) Time to see if it was worth it to break up with Terry. Terry: (CC) We didn't get much time to prepare and absorb everything from today, so I hope I don't make a mistake that costs me the game. Chris: (VO) Question One: The team leader for this leg currently is at what level of schooling? (Choices: 1 - Primary education (Grades K-6 or Ages 5-11) 2 - Secondary education (Grades 7-12 or Ages 12-17) 3 - Home schooled, either by parents or someone else 4 - Does not currently attend school) Gary takes a moment to think about it, then promptly submits his answer. Chris: (VO) Question Two: What was the first thing Mario did upon entering the bank? (Choices: 1 - Help Naru to her feet 2 - Help Kou to his feet 3 - Chase after the thief) Wufei: (CC) My list of prime suspects changes almost every hour, but for some reason Naru remains on it. I knew there was something about that woman. Chris: (VO) Question Three: What is the thief's residential status? (Choices: 1 - Actual resident 2 - Long-term temporary resident (been here for more than 2 weeks) 3 - Short-term temporary resident (been here for 2 weeks or less) 4 - Visitor) Raye: (CC) I'm beginning to suspect Sally more and more with each passing day. If we don't see her soon, my suspicions will become reality. Kim: (CC) After not taking the last quiz, I feel so out of touch that I'm not sure who to go after. Maybe going after two people at the same time might provide some clarity. Chris: (VO) Question Four: What is the color of the thief's hair? (Choices: 1 - Black 2 - Teal 3 - Yellow 4 - Red 5 - Pink 6 - Brown 7 - The thief is bald) Penny: (CC) Okay, this one stumps me. I know which group of characters to go after, but none of them have black hair. What's the deal with that? Terry moves his mouse from one choice to another, also unsure of which to pick. Chris: (VO) Question Five: During this leg, was the thief seen by any of the detectives and/or interviewed? (Choices: 1 - Not seen at all 2 - Seen, but not interviewed 3 - Seen and interviewed) Mokuba: (CC) I don't doubt Eliza for a moment. She made a great team leader, and I trust her judgement. Chris: (VO) Question Six: What did Lois reveal about the bank's left window shortly after the crime? (Choices: 1 - It had been completely shattered 2 - It was perfectly intact 3 - It had already been replaced 4 - It had a hole in the center of the glass) Wufei: (CC) I remember being told that there wasn't anything left of the window at all. Gary: (CC) Paying attention to detail is really helping me out thus far. Chris: (VO) Question Seven: What was the name of the weight class in which Hercule won his Olympic silver medal? (Choices: 1 - Flyweight 2 - Lightweight 3 - Bantamweight 4 - Cruiserweight 5 - Heavyweight) Terry: (CC) I know the medal was scratched up, which I didn't do by the way, but I could tell just by looking at Hercule what he might wrestle at. Chris: (VO) Question Eight: Naru's apartment has a great view of what town landmark? (Choices: 1 - Watering Hole 2 - City Hall 3 - Bank 4 - Sheriff's Office 5 - It does not have a great view of any landmark) Penny: (CC) I think Kim forgot to share that little detail with us. Hey, working alone can only take you so far. I don't even know where Naru lives! Raye scratches her head, confused, before moaning in disbelief. Chris: (VO) Question Nine: What is the thief's gender? (Choices: 1 - Male 2 - Female) Kim: (CC) I have yet to pin a particular suspect yet, but I'm getting close. Mokuba: (CC) I'm sticking with what I went with last time and hoping that I'm right. Chris: (VO) Question Ten: Who is the thief? (Choices: 1 - Bart 2 - Botan 3 - Buzz 4 - Ed 5 - Hercule 6 - Jack 7 - Judy 8 - Ken 9 - Kizuna 10 - Kou 11 - Lois 12 - Mario 13 - Naru 14 - Ryoko 15 - Sakura 16 - Sally 17 - Spike 18 - Velma) ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall -- Meeting Hall Time: 7:52 p.m.] The seven quizzed detectives are now gathered in the meeting hall with Eliza as Chris enters with a large manila envelope in hand. Chris: A long day is about to come to an end. I'll call up the three lowest scorers, give them a minute to say their last words, and then I'll tell you all who is the third detective being fired from this case. That person must pick up his or her bags and depart with me upon hearing their name. Chris looked at the back of the envelope. Chris: Tonight, the unlucky trio consists of Raye, Gary, and Wufei. Everyone is surprised at three announcees, especially the three themselves. But they all step up nevertheless and prepare to go home. Chris: Raye and Gary are up here for the second time unfortunately. For Wufei, this is your first time with me on stage. Hopefully, it won't be your last. Any last words from any of you? Raye: I'll just say that it's been great working with all of you these past few days and I hope that this isn't the end. Chris: Fair enough. Gary, Wufei, any comments? Neither of them responded. Chris: Very well... He proceeded to open the envelope, pulling out the index card for all to see. Chris: After five days, the third detective exits the game of "Mystery Solvers." That happens to be... Chris turns around the card, and a few audible gasps of shock can be heard. Chris: Chang Wufei. Wufei doesn't seem to be happy, but he holds his anger in as he immediately heads to get his things. Once he has them, he follows Chris out of the room. Kim: Wufei was an outcast from the beginning. I'm surprised he lasted this long, but I doubted that he'd get farther than this. Especially with his hate for women. Terry: We tried to reach out to him. To get him to work with us. We tried, and if he would have cooperated, maybe he'd still be here. Eliza: I don't like remembering guys like Wufei as bad. Hopefully he'll change his view of females after this. It would be a start. ====== Outside, a cab awaits as Chris and Wufei head towards it. Chris: Do you think your hate for the opposite sex may have caused your downfall? Wufei: Possibly, but I'm not changing my views just to win some game. Things didn't work out, and that's that. Chris: Was there anyone here you actually liked? Wufei: Maybe Gary. But that's not saying much. I see him sneaking around and trying to get into the other detectives' brains. He's going to be dangerous if he sticks around much longer. The two of them reach the cab as Wufei throws his stuff in the back seat and then turns to bow in front of Chris. Wufei: Thank you for your hospitality. I must now leave. Chris: Have a good day, Wufei. Chris closed the door and then stepped back as the cab pulled away and started to head out of town. ****** 7 detectives and 18 suspects remain... At long last, the third episode is complete! Sorry about the delay... it's been very hard for me to get this finished. Hopefully there won't be more problems like this in the future, but we'll see. Chang Wufei is the non-peaceful type, who tends to claim that he can't do without war or some type of conflict. He got one in the form of his hate for the opposite sex... which partly led to his downfall and subsequent departure. ****** On the next episode of "Mystery Solvers": - Early alliances break apart and rejoin into a big one... but who will be left out? - A suspect with something to hide makes a run for it. - And two detectives make an important discovery that will change the game dramatically. Episode 4 is tentatively scheduled to be posted on Friday, January 3rd, 2003. Until then, happy holidays!