"Mystery Solvers" - written by Freedom Fighter Last time... With Wufei gone, the detectives could stop worrying about each other and start worrying about the case itself. Terry became the game's third team captain, and he was using it to help recruit some people to help him out. Along with Raye, Terry teamed up with Gary and Penny to form a majority among the remaining detectives, in hopes of eliminating the rest of the group and leaving them in the final four. Things took a turn for the worst when Sally Acorn, the actress who had been missing for more than a week, was found dead just a few feet from the watering hole. Many of the detectives had their minds set on possible lead suspects in the case, but there were still no formal conclusions made. Unable to keep his mind focused on the case anymore, Mokuba Kaiba did the worst on the quiz that night and became the fourth detective fired from the case. 6 detectives and 16 suspects remain. Which detective will be the next to go? ====== Mystery Solvers Fanfic Reality Series written by Freedom Fighter Hosted by Christian Tangera 'Remaining' Detective Line-up: - Eliza Thornberry, The Wild Thornberrys - Gary Oak, Pokémon: Master Quest - Kim Possible, Kim Possible - 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 Five - Coming Out of the Fog (02.25.03) Penny: (CC) Why... why did this have to happen? Terry: (CC) I think we're all a bit down after what happened. We were supposed to save her life... and we failed. Penny: (CC) Why would he do this? It's so unfair! Terry: (CC) It's hard knowing that I could've stopped this from happening and yet I couldn't. Penny: (CC, as a tear falls from her eye) Why? WHY? Penny then uses the back of her right hand to wipe the tear away, then she walks up to the camera and turns it off. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch - Team Headquarters - Terry's Room Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 (Day 7) Time: 12:30 a.m. PT] At headquarters, only one light was on in the entire building. It belonged to the desk lamp in Terry's room. He was sitting at his desk, making some notes in his notebook. On one of the pages, Terry had a list of all of the suspects. Those that had already been proven innocent are crossed off, as well as those he thought he could safely eliminate himself. We can't get a glimpse of the entire list, but there are four names all bunched together. Ryoko Ken Botan Spike Terry stops writing and taps the rounded end of his ballpoint pen against his chin as he thinks back to something that happened a few hours ago... ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall Time: 7:22 p.m.] Terry is sitting alone in the meeting hall as he waits for his fellow detectives to finish the quiz. He already had the death of Sally Acorn lingering in his mind. But that wouldn't last long, as Sheriff Buzz Lightyear walks in to provide a well-needed distraction. Buzz: Evening, detective. Terry: Sheriff Lightyear? What are you doing here? Buzz and Terry are seen talking for a minute. Buzz offers Terry an object (we can't see what it is) and Terry debates whether to take it or not. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - Terry's Room] Terry lowers his pen back onto the open page of his notebook as he makes another note. Terry: (CC) Tomorrow's going to be a survival day. Those of us who can recover quickly and get our minds back on solving the case will be the ones who will stay around 'til the end. I hope to be one of them. ====== [Location: Buffalo Buffet Restaurant Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2002 Time: 9:15 a.m.] The following morning, Gary, Raye, and Eliza are eating breakfast. They are trying to fill their stomaches while getting over what had happened yesterday. Raye: Isn't it weird how three Japanese detectives in a row were sent home? Gary: They're just not smart enough to compete with me, that's all. Raye: I just think that some people aren't getting the clues they need to piece it altogether. Gary: So you're saying you figured it out already? Raye: (smiles) Of course! Gary: Then why were you on the stage last night? Raye: (with a serious look) I wasn't the only one, Gary! Gary: I'm lulling everyone into a false sense of security. I get you all to think I have no idea who the thief is. Then, I'll swoop in out of nowhere and jump to the front of the pack! Raye: (sarcastically) Yeah right. Gary: Heh. You don't know who you're dealing with. Raye: Tell me, Gary. Why don't you enlighten me? Gary: I'd be glad to help someone as desperate as you. Raye: I'm not desperate! Eliza: I can't believe you two are arguing like kids! We lost Sally, and then Mokuba had to go home in all the confusion! Raye: (calming down) I'm sorry. Not to rain on your parade though, but that was totally out of our control. Gary: Though I do miss the kid. He was like a little brother to me. Eliza: I felt that way too. We were close. So close that I thought we'd become the best of friends. Then this happens... and all of a sudden it feels like he's betrayed me. Raye: Why's that? Eliza: After Bobby got booted off a week ago, Mokuba and I swore that we'd hang in there and try to get to the end. We constantly shared information and answered almost exactly the same on all of the quizzes. But now he's gone... and now I have to go through all of my notes and come up with a new conclusion. Gary: You know, you shouldn't have put so much trust in the guy. Raye: Gary! (to Eliza) Don't you think it's weird that he dropped out just like that? Gary: I think he buckled under the pressure. Raye: Gary! You're not helping! Gary: I'm serious! After we found one of our suspects dead yesterday... I wouldn't blame the guy for giving up. Heck, if I were in his position, I'd probably do the same. Eliza: Mokuba wouldn't just give up like that! I know he wouldn't! Raye: Maybe... but Gary does have a point, Eliza. Eliza: It can't be... Raye: We're not saying it's true. We're just saying that maybe we need to look at Mokuba's departure from both sides. Eliza nodded before looking down at the table and pushing her plate away. She then grabbed her things and headed for the door. Raye: Eliza? Eliza: I'm going someplace to think. I'll see you back at the inn! As Eliza left the restaurant, Gary and Raye snickered loudly. Gary: Did you see the look on her face? Raye: Ha! I can't believe it actually worked! Gary: Of course it worked! I thought of it, didn't I? Raye: Don't pat yourself on the back yet. We're not sure if we made the right decision. Gary: If it wasn't for Terry's theory, I wouldn't have thought of doing this. Raye: Well... as long as Terry is behind it all, I guess this plan is worth it. The two Japanese detectives rejoiced, unaware that they were being observed from afar... by Bart Simpson. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 10:00 a.m.] When Gary and Raye finally returned from breakfast, Penny had just emerged from her bedroom, stretching her arms above her head. She was still dressed in her pajamas and she had her toiletry bag strapped to her left shoulder. Chris: (off-screen) Welcome to the world of living, Miss Proud! Penny looked over the second floor banister and saw Chris Tangera, the show's host, waving at her as he stood by the suspect board. Penny: Mr. Tangera? What are you doin' here? It can't be that early! Chris: On the contrary... it's ten o'clock. It's time for today's briefing. Penny: But I haven't taken a shower yet! Or eaten breakfast! Chris: They'll have to wait. I'm starting the meeting as soon as everyone gets here. Penny ran back into her room to change into her everyday outfit. Gary and Raye: (simultaneously) I have a friend just like her. The two then look each other, surprised that they actually had something in common. But before they could express that in words, Eliza entered the lobby. Eliza: I'm not late, am I? Chris: Not at all. Please take a seat... we'll begin as soon as everyone gets here. ====== [Time: 10:10 a.m.] Chris and the four detectives are still waiting, as Kim and Terry are missing. Neither had returned from breakfast, and nobody knew if they went to the same place. Finally, the two of them walked in. Kim was holding a take-out bag from 'Tom Levins,' the town's only fast food restaurant. Terry: Looks like we're just in time. Gary: Look who decided to show up. Kim: How were we supposed to know Chris was going to be here this early? Penny: (a little irate) You could've at least waken me up before you guys left! Kim: You mean you just got up? (points at Penny's hair) That explains why your hair's going all over the place. Penny: I haven't eaten either! Do you guys even care that I exist? Terry: Of course we do. Kim: (plops the bag on Penny's lap) The least we could do was buy you breakfast. It wouldn't be fair if you weren't at your best. Penny: (cheering up) Really? Ya'll shouldn't have! Penny pulls out a sausage biscuit sandwich from the bag. Penny: I'm sorry about yelling at you two. Kim: It's no big. After all, I am a teenager myself. Trust me... I go through the same thing once in awhile. Gary: Will you two quit it with the female bonding? We've got work to do! Raye, who was sitting next to Gary, pinches him on the arm. Gary: Ow! What'd you do that for? Raye: (ignoring Gary) What Gary means is... if you two are ready. Terry: (sitting down behind Raye) We're always ready. Kim: (plops down next to Terry) Okay Chris, what's the sitch? Chris: Detectives, we have a lot that has to get done today, so let's get started. Today, we are not targeting any person in particular. Instead, we're going to look at two key spots. He pointed to the picture of the now deceased Sally Acorn. Chris: Yesterday, during their investigation of the crime scene where Sally's body was found, Deputy Spiegel discovered an entrance dug into the ground. It led into an underground tunnel. Three of you are to go to the watering hole, find the tunnel, and find out where it leads to. He then directs the group's attention to Botan's portrait. Chris: If you remember last week, some of you went with Botan to a cave south of town. She directed you to where she had found the stolen goods. Since we're running low on leads, it's in our best interest that two of you go back there today and search the site again. Chris then glances at Terry. Chris: First things first... Terry, I need the pin. Terry takes off the Team Leader pin and hands it back to Chris. Chris: Thank you. Since we're in a hurry this morning, I'll skip all the pleasantries and get right to the point. He takes a deep breath and then changes the direction of his gaze to the back row. Chris: For the second time in the game... Miss Possible, you are the team leader. Chris handed the pin to Kim, who attached it to her blouse strap immediately. Kim: (CC) Can you imagine? Me, team leader again? I must be on the right track after all. Gary: (CC) Oh, just great. Watch Kim rub it in my face again. Gary glances back at Kim, who shoots a smug smile his way. Gary: (CC) I knew it. Chris: Kim, the decision is now yours. You must decide who you'll send to search the underground tunnel and who will go back to the caves. Kim looked around at her choices, and instantly came to a decision. Kim: How about this? Terry, Gary, and Penny will go to the tunnels, while Eliza and Raye will head out to the caves. Chris: Very well then, the captain has made her choices. (to the rest of the group) Good luck to all of you today, and hopefully you'll find some useful clues. As Chris exits, the detectives head off to get their notebooks. Except for Penny, who is trying to finish her breakfast. Terry: (CC) Interesting strategy... Penny and Eliza went to the caves the first time... and Kim was captain back then. Now she's captain again, and this time she's only sending Eliza back. Kim: (CC) Penny probably would be better off going back to the cave with Eliza. But I didn't want Terry, Gary, and Raye teaming up. I know that Terry and Raye are working together, and Gary definitely hasn't shown any signs that he's willing to tell me anything. Gary: (CC) Heh... little does Kim know that her fellow Mouseketer is working for us. If you think you're going to win Penny back by bringing her breakfast, you're wrong! ====== A few minutes later, Eliza and Raye wave Kim, Terry, and Gary a fond farewell (Penny is nowhere to be seen) as they head off... ====== [Location: A small cave south of town Time: 10:33 a.m.] Eliza and Raye arrive outside the cave. Eliza immediately recognized it as the one Botan had pointed out a week ago. Raye: So, this is the one? Eliza: (nods) Yeah. This was the one Zoe, Penny, and I explored. Raye: We'd better look around. There might be something that you girls missed. Eliza: How can that be? We searched in, around, up, and down the cave! We didn't find anything! Raye: True... but that doesn't necessarily mean the cave's still empty days later. It's worth checking out. Raye stepped towards the cave, with Eliza right behind her. Upon entering it, they could already see that it wasn't that big. In fact, the back of the cave was only 15 feet away. The sunlight was bright enough for them to see that. Raye: Maybe you're right. If anyone was hiding anything in here, someone could have found it easily. Eliza: Wait... what about the tracks? Raye: (as Eliza walked back out) Tracks? What tracks? Eliza: When Penny, Zoe, and I were here the last time, we found a set of tracks. As if someone had dragged the bag of stolen items here. Raye: Where are they? Eliza led Raye over to the area left of the cave entrance. Eliza: (pointing to the ground) This is where we found the tracks. They've been blown away by the wind. Raye walks up to the spot and gets down on her knees. She picked up a few grains of sand with her fingers and rubbed them thoroughly. Eliza: What are you doing? Raye: Trying to figure out if someone deliberately covered the trail. Eliza: Cover the trail? I'm telling you, the wind probably blew it away. Raye: (getting up) We'd better make sure. Raye walked about 20 paces away from where Eliza was standing. She then stops, kneels down, and runs another sand sample through her fingers. Eliza: So? Raye: (letting the grains fall from her fingers) Nothing. The sand here is exactly the same as the sand where you're standing is. Eliza: We're in a desert! There's nothing but sand out here! Raye: (gets to her feet) I guess you're right. Raye then suddenly got a bright idea. Raye: Eliza? Eliza: Huh? Raye: Do you know what direction the tracks came from? Eliza pointed in a southeasterly direction, away from the town. Eliza: From that direction, I believe. Why? Raye: (walking that way) Let's go. Eliza: Go? Out into the desert? Raye: (glances at Eliza as she walks by her) Got any better ideas? Eliza: Not really. Raye: (grabbing Eliza's arm) Then come on! As the two girls headed off into the desert, they didn't notice that Ryoko, floating up in the air above them, was right on their tails. ****** [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby] Terry and Gary were sitting by the old bar, waiting for Penny to get washed up before heading out to search the tunnel underneath the watering hole. Gary: (resting his head on his hand, which was propped up on the bar) Why do we have to wait for her? Better yet, why is she taking a shower? We're probably going to get dirty anyway. Terry: It's a girl thing. Trust me... girls her age always want to look their best. Gary: And you'd know that how? Terry: My girlfriend, of course. Gary: You've got a girlfriend? Good luck to you, man. Terry: What's wrong with that? Gary: When you travel with six beautiful young women, you'll get the idea. Terry: Oh, I get it. You think you're a ladies man, don't ya? Gary: No way! Those six were causing me more harm than good. It's hard to concentrate on things when you've got six women cheering your name every five minutes. Terry: You had your own cheerleaders? Terry glances over towards Kim, who has pacing back and forth on the other side of the room. Kim: (oblivious to the two boys) Ken's an expert at explosives, but Botan was all wet yesterday. Naru tried to escape the sheriff, but Spike hasn't always been receptive to his boss either. Hmmmm... Terry: (turning to face Gary) That explains why you and Kim aren't hitting it off. Gary: I could care less that she's a cheerleader. Terry: Then why? Gary: Why? Just look at her! Terry: (looking at Kim again) O-kay... and why am I looking at her? Gary: Don't you see how happy she is to be team leader again? Terry: What's wrong with that? I'd be happy if I could be... Gary: You didn't see that smug smile on her face when Chris gave her the Team Leader pin? Terry: So? Gary: Don't you get it? She loves being in control! She's a control freak! Terry: I don't know if I'd go that far. Gary points at Kim, who is now at the bottom of the stairs. Kim: (yelling) Penny! Terry and Gary are waiting! We've got a bad guy to catch! Penny: (from in her room) I'll be out in a minute! Kim: In a minute, the thief could've gotten away! Come on! She then looked at the two boys sitting at the bar. Kim: Terry, you're in charge of the group. Make sure none of you leave a single stone in that tunnel unturned! And I want a full report afterwards. Terry: (salutes Kim military-style) Aye aye, ma'am! Kim heads for the stairs, as she goes up to go get Penny. Gary: See? Terry: Okay... maybe a little bit. Gary: A little bit? Were you looking at the same girl I was? Terry: Look, don't drag me into your whole rivalry with Kim. Gary: Me? Drag you? You dragged yourself in when you asked me to join your alliance. Terry: You're trying to get her out because you hate her. I'm trying to get her out because I see her as a threat. She's not your average cheerleader, you know. Gary: She's definitely not an airhead, I'll give her that. Still, the whole 'I'm the queen and you're my servants' vibe she's giving off is too much for me to take anymore. She's got to go, and soon! Terry: Okay. First, let's get rid of Eliza. You and Raye did well this morning, but we have to make sure you got her to change her mind. Suddenly, the two hear footsteps. They end their conversation as they see Penny coming down to the lobby, fully dressed and finally ready to go. Penny: Alright ya'll, let's bag this evildoer! Gary: (getting up out of his seat) It's about time. Penny: (looking a bit angry) Don't go there! I've had it up to here with Kim's nagging! Penny raised her right arm above her head. Penny: (dropping her arm back down) Don't make me take it out on you! Terry: (gets up and heads for the door) We wouldn't want that to happen, would we? Let's move out. Kim: (shouting from upstairs) Are you guys leaving? Hold on a sec! Penny: (gasps) Quick, before she begins lecturing us! The trio runs for the door, getting out of the building just as Kim reaches the lobby. Kim: (looking around) Terry? Penny? Gary? (scratches her head) Was it something I said? ====== [Location: Watering Hole] A few minutes later, Gary, Penny, and Terry were standing in front of the roped-off area surrounding the watering hole. Not too far from where Gary had seen Sally's body yesterday stood an orange flag. Gary: (pointing at the flag) That wasn't there yesterday! Terry: (lifting the ropes and ducking under) Maybe the sheriff left it as a clue. Terry walks over to the flag, with Gary and Penny behind him. The flag was actually planted on the other side of a cactus. The spiky desert plant was almost as tall as Penny, but she and her two fellow detectives were more interested in what was next to the flag. A giant ring, attached to a wooden door hidden in the sand. Well, no longer hidden, as all the sand had been blown away to reveal the door's location. Terry: This must be the entrance to the tunnel. Terry lifted the door opener with ease, pushing it up and over as if it were the top of a treasure chest. In front of him and the others was a ladder leading downwards. Gary: Well, down we go. Penny: (shakes her head) Hold on! You mean... down there! Gary: Where else? Penny: But what if the tunnels are actually sewers? Think of all the rats and garbage down there! And I just took a shower, you know! Gary: (beginning to climb down) Fine. Stay up here. But don't blame me if the guy who got Sally tries to do the same to you. As Gary disappears from sight, Penny becomes a little nervous as she quickly glanced left, then right. But Terry was quick to ease her fears. Terry: Gary's kidding, Penny. Penny: (calming down) I knew that. (crosses her arms over her chest) But I'm still not goin' down there! Terry: Penny, if it were a sewer, then we'd be smelling everything in it from the moment I opened the tunnel. Penny smells the air around her. Finding it to be no different than what she had been sniffing on the way here from headquarters, she smiled in satisfaction. Penny: I guess you're right. (yells into the hole) Gary! Gary: (yelling back up) What? Penny: I'm coming down! Gary: So? Penny took off her right shoe and then hurled it down the hole, to Terry's surprise. A second or two later... Gary: Ow! The hell? Penny: No peeking! I'm coming down right now! Gary: So what? You're not exactly my first choice to ask on a date, you know. Penny took off her left shoe and then hurled that down that hole. Gary felt that one hit him as well. Gary: Ow! Okay, okay! Just don't throw anything else at me! Terry breathed a sigh of relief as Penny grabbed the top rung of the ladder. Penny: (glancing back at Terry) What was that for? Terry: (pretending as if he didn't sigh) What was what for? Penny: (looking cross) You're just lucky I don't have any more shoes to hurl. As Penny climbed down out of sight, Terry felt it was safe to breathe yet another sigh of relief. Terry: And I thought only Japanese girls liked to hurt guys with flying objects. ====== Down in the underground tunnel, Gary is rubbing his head, Penny is putting her shoes back on, and Terry is noting that lanterns are strung along both sides of the cavern. Terry: Someone must use this tunnel often. Penny: But where does it lead? Terry: That's what we're going to find out. The three of them walk down the corridor, and instantly come up to a T-shaped intersection. Gary: (glances left) Left? (glances right) Or right? Penny: What now? There's only three of us and just two paths. Gary immediately turns right and starts walking that way. Gary: (waving back at the other two) See you losers later! I'm going this way! Penny: (yelling at Gary) Who're you callin' a loser? Terry: Penny, go with him. Penny: What? Why me? Terry: Because I prefer to work alone. Terry heads off the other way, leaving Penny standing in the middle of the intersection. After waiting for a minute, in hopes of one of them coming back for her, Penny throws her hands up in frustration and heads off after Gary. Penny: Some alliance this is! ====== [Location: The Desert, south of town] Eliza and Raye have been walking for what seems to be hours, but in fact has only been about five minutes. Luckily, their journey was about to come to an end. Eliza: (pointing ahead of them) Look! It's a giant rock formation! Raye: Are you sure it's not a mirage? Because last time I checked, rock formations don't have doors. Eliza: It can't be a mirage. I see it too! Sure enough, the rock formation had a door embedded in it. Eliza and Raye run the last few hundred feet over to it. Raye: (trying to open the door) Either there's nothing behind this door, or it's locked. Eliza: I have a feeling that there's something in there! Don't you have a hairpin or something to pick the lock? Raye: No. But I have something that works just as well. Eliza: What? Raye took a few steps back. She then leaned back on her right leg slightly. Raye: Get away from the door! I'm going to kick it down! Eliza: (stepping away) You don't have to tell me twice! As Eliza moves away from the door, Raye leaps forward, attempting to use a flying kick to knock the door down. Surprisingly, it worked to perfection, as the flimsy wooden door was no match for Raye's powerful kick. The door splits into pieces, most of them falling down the stairwell that was now visible where the door had stood. Eliza: An underground tunnel? (looking at Raye) You don't think... Raye: There's only one way to find out. The two girls make their way down the stairwell, wondering what awaits them below. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters] Kim was sitting by the suspect board and going through her notes, hoping to find any hint of the thief's identity that she may have missed. Then, something caught her eye. It was on top of the VCR. It was a videotape. Kim: That's strange... what's this doing here? I don't remember Chris having one with him when he was here an hour ago. Kim was thinking about waiting for the others to see what was on. But then her competitive side got the best of her. Kim: (slipping the tape into the VCR) Better make sure this is what I think it is. I don't want the others to get their hopes up. She turned on the TV, then sat back down and waited for the tape to begin. At first, nothing appeared on the screen. And then... Mystery Figure: Good morning, detectives! Ready to give up? If I were you, I would! ====== [Location: Underground Tunnel] Terry was walking, having yet to find anything of interest. It would be unlikely that he'd notice something anyway, as his mind is preoccupied on something else... ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 Time: 7:22 p.m.] Terry is sitting alone in the meeting hall as he notices that the sheriff has walked in. Buzz: Evening, detective. Terry: Sheriff Lightyear? What are you doing here? Buzz: I've found something that might interest you... but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone else about it. Terry: What do you mean? Buzz is getting ready to hand Terry something, but its identity still remains a mystery. ====== [Location: Underground Tunnel Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2002] Terry's mind returned to the present, as he noticed that he was now standing in a four-way intersection. Without even thinking, he continues straight on ahead, down the path in front of him. Terry: (VO) Should I tell everyone? Or shouldn't I? ====== Down towards the south end of the tunnels, Gary and Penny came across another ladder that led up to the surface. Gary: (looking up) I wonder where we are. Penny: Why don't you go up and look? We're not getting anywhere by standing here. Gary: (grabs the ladder and starts climbing) Geese, you're almost as pushy as Kim! Penny watches as Gary climbs to the top and forces the door open. Penny: So? What's up there? Gary: It's an abandoned house of sorts. Just old boxes and junk. Penny: (grabbing onto the ladder) Hold on! Let me see! Gary climbs into the house and waits for Penny to come up. She emerges shortly thereafter, who glances around and instantly recognizes the place. Penny: Wait a minute! This is where Naru was hiding yesterday. Gary: What? Naru was hiding here? Penny: (gasps, realizing what she's done) Oh my God... I wasn't supposed to say that out loud! Gary: You knew Naru was here yesterday and you didn't tell anybody? Penny: She didn't want us to tell anybody. Gary: She could be the thief, for all we know! Penny: Yeah, but don't get angry at me! Eliza and Raye were here too! So was Mokuba! Gary: But you're the only one here with me right now. Penny: Look, all she was tryin' to do was avoid being asked a whole lot of questions about what happened at the watering hole. She didn't want to go through all of that, so she ran away and hid here. Gary: Don't you think she could have lied to you? Penny: Maybe. But the four of us decided to trust her! It's not my fault if she's the thief and we let her get away. Gary: It's too late now anyway. It doesn't look like she's here. Penny: What now? Gary: We're going to find Terry and you're going to tell him everything. Penny: Me? I just told you everythin'! Gary: It makes more sense if you tell him! Penny: He could kick me out of the alliance for that! I can't afford that right now! Gary: Then you shouldn't have kept Naru's hiding place a secret, huh? Penny groaned in dismay as Gary forced her to climb back down into the tunnel. ====== Back up at the north end, Terry saw the tunnel end with a staircase leading up to the surface again. Terry: I guess there's nowhere to go but up. Terry went up the stairs and lifted the door at the top. Peering out of the hole of the ground, he could see the small trailer park that made up the dressing rooms for the crew and cast of "The Princess and the Pirate." And not too far off behind that was the northern end of Gullible Gulch. Terry: Interesting. Terry wrote down his observation in his notebook. He then walked back down into the underground tunnel, closing the entrance once again. ====== All the way on the other side of town, in another portion of the underground tunnel, Eliza and Raye were wandering down a path that wasn't as bright as some of the others. Eliza: We should've brought a flashlight. Raye: How would we know to do so? Terry and the others were the ones that were supposed to search the tunnels. Raye then bumped her elbow against a steel door that was slightly ajar. The small amount of light that was getting in the tunnel kept her from seeing it in time to avoid it. Raye: (rubbing her elbow) Hey... that door's pretty hard. Eliza: (knocks on it) Sounds like metal. Raye: (grabs Eliza's fist and pulls her to the wall) Wait! Eliza: What? Raye: (putting a finger over her mouth) Shhhh! We don't know if anyone's in there or not! The two stood straight up with their backs against the wall, waiting for someone to emerge from the room. After about a minute, they relaxed, realizing that no one was coming. Raye: (points into the room) We'd better check this out. Be careful. Tip-toeing carefully, the two of them made their way into the room. The room was very small, probably big enough to be a large closet but nothing else. It was also empty, with the exception of a rocking chair and numerous small pieces of rope. Raye searched the wall for a light switch, and found it in a hurry. With the lights on, they can also see an assortment of pictures on the far wall. Raye: (excitedly) We've hit the jackpot! (calming down) Figuratively speaking, that is. Eliza: Could this be... Raye walks over to the wall and pulls one of them off. It's one of Sally, tied up to the same chair that's in the room. Raye: Yep. We found where the kidnapper kept Sally. ****** [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 11:45 a.m.] Raye: You won't believe what we found! Kim got up from her seat by the suspect board and ran over to Raye and Eliza. Raye was holding about three or four photographs in her left hand. Kim: Where did you get these from? I didn't know you had a camera here. Eliza: We found them in the underground tunnel. Kim: But I thought you two were supposed to go to the cave. Eliza: We did at first. Raye: But then Eliza reminded me that someone dragged the sack of stolen items from somewhere else to here. So, we went off searching. Eliza: We ended up stumbling across an entrance to the underground tunnel. While we were searching through it, we came across a strange room. Raye: It turns out that it was where Sally was held captive! And these pictures prove it! Raye hands the pictures over to Kim, who quickly examines them. Kim: Hmmm... doesn't it strike you as strange that this guy would make a portrait diary of what he did to Sally? Raye: Yeah, it does. It scares the hell out of me, to tell you the truth. Eliza: Do you think that we can figure out who this guy is with these? Kim: Well, it's a start. (looks at Raye) Are these all that was down there? Raye: Yep. That's all of them. Kim looks at Raye as if she doesn't believe her. Kim: We're all a team here. There's no use hiding anything from me. Raye: (sweatdrops) What makes you say that? I'm hiding absolutely nothing! Eliza: (softly, but just loud enough for Kim to hear) Just give them to her. Kim: Aha! So you are hiding evidence from me! Raye laughs nervously as she pulls another four photographs from her purse. Raye: Can't fool you, can I? Kim: (takes the photos and starts shuffling through them) We need to work together if we're going to... Kim stops as she comes across a baffling picture. Eliza: (trying to finish Kim's sentence) If we're going to... Kim: No wonder you were trying to hide this from me! This picture clearly exonerates Botan from the crime! Raye: Really? Who would have guessed? Kim: We have to show this to the others. Raye: But Kim... are you sure? This could make or break the case! Kim: I've never been more confident in my life! Besides, eliminating one suspect doesn't end the game. We still have 15 other suspects to examine! Eliza: If you say so. Kim trots off, going to note this big clue in her notebook. Eliza: (looking at Raye) You were right! I knew Kim would clear it all up! Eliza ran after Kim, hoping to share some notes with her. Raye follows them calmly, smiling all the way. ====== [Location: Underground Tunnel] Gary and Penny were waiting by the entrance where they had come in. They were waiting for Terry to get back from going the other way, but he hadn't returned yet. As they waited, Penny tried to argue her way out of a sticky predicament. Penny: Why do I have to tell him? Gary: You're the one who kept it a secret, so you're the one to spill the beans. Penny: No one's gonna trust me after I tell him about this! Gary: I'm not gonna trust you if you don't! Penny: What am I supposed to do? I might as well give it up! There's no way I can get out of this that'll save my skin! Gary: Well then, you shouldn't have kept it a secret. Penny: Eliza and Raye were there too! Why don't you have them tell Terry? Terry: (off-screen) Because Raye already did. Penny turns around and see Terry walking towards them. Gary: What? Terry: Raye told me about why Naru was hiding. Penny: When? Terry: Last night, before we all left for the quiz. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - Terry's Room Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 Time: 6:35 p.m.] Gary and Penny were on their way out of the room to pack their things. Raye was about to leave too, until she stopped and closed the door. Terry: Is something on your mind, Raye? Raye: (nods as she locks the door) Terry... can you keep a secret? Terry: Sure. What kinda secret are we talking about? Raye: It's about Naru. Terry: (looking up with interest) The bank teller? ====== [Location: Underground Tunnel Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2002] Terry: She told me everything about where you guys found Naru and why she was hiding. Penny: But why would she do that? We all promised Naru... Terry: Maybe so, but Raye realized that this isn't the time to be keeping secrets. Whomever this thief is has already taken one life. And I'm not willing to sit around and watch someone else suffer the same fate! Gary: That's why we've got to find this guy or girl and bring him or her to justice! Penny: What do I do if she finds out we told on her? Gary: So? She's a suspect, you're a detective. Until Chris says otherwise, the two of you are on opposite sides of the law. Terry: If Naru turns out to be innocent, then I'm sure she'll be able to forgive you. Penny: And if she's not? Terry: (shrugs his shoulders) Well, that's it. But at least you'd be doing the right thing. Penny: (lowering her head) I guess. Gary: (to Penny) Will you quit your moping? We've got a report to make! And we still have to figure out what we are and what we aren't going to tell Kim. Gary headed back to the tunnel exit by the watering hole. Terry followed closed behind, with Penny bringing up the rear. Penny: (CC) I don't know what to do anymore! Every time I take one step in the right direction, something or someone knocks me back two! I don't know how much more of this I can take! ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 12:05 p.m.] Terry, Gary, and Penny returned to headquarters. Once inside, they found Kim, Raye, and Eliza all waiting patiently by the television. Raye: What took you guys so long? Terry: The tunnels were longer than I thought. I'm not even sure we got to all of them. Penny: What's going on? Eliza: We think we got a videotape from the thief. Gary: Really? I was wondering when one of those would show up. The trio joined the others as Kim started the tape for all of them to see. Mystery Figure: Good morning, detectives! Ready to give up? If I were you, I would! The camera turns to a picture of Mokuba, which is thumbtacked to a dartboard. Mystery Figure: Poor kid. Only his big brother could have helped him solve this case, but he's not here. Too bad... this kid had quite the potential. Not a lot, but what do you expect from someone his age? A dart flies in from off-screen and hits Mokuba square in the nose. The camera then turns back to face the mystery figure, who is now holding up a picture of Judy Funnie. Mystery Figure: Mine identity you truly doth seek, so I will forever more encase in your minds another false revelation! Judy Funnie, director and actress herself, probably has the talent to pull this off. But even she wouldn't dareth take another's life, so she's off the hook. The figure tosses the picture aside. Mystery Figure: Your chances have been bettered again! You've got a 1-in-15 shot of figuring out who I am! Good luck... 'cause you'll need all the luck in the world to catch me! The screen goes blank, leaving the detectives with a new suspect eliminated from their lists. Kim: (over by the board, crosses out Judy's picture) Okay, Judy's gone. As the thief said, we're down to 15. Everyone takes note, trying to adjust their strategies to this announcement. Meanwhile, Kim makes sure to press the stop button the VCR. ====== [Location: Tumbleweed Terrace Time: 12:30 p.m.] The six detectives decided to go to lunch together, and hopefully get their minds off the case temporarily. Eliza and Penny seem to have found a common thread to discuss... Africa. Penny: You've been to Africa? Eliza: Plenty of times. There are plenty of animals there for my parents to documentaries on. Penny: I've always wanted to go to Africa! You know, to see where my ancestors came from. Eliza: I think it's great that you're so interested in your family history. Penny: (nods, before brightening up) Hey! Maybe if I win, I'll use some of the money to buy plane tickets to Africa for my whole family! Eliza: I can't believe you already know what you're going to spend your money on even though we don't know how much long this game will go. Penny: Why? There ain't anything wrong with that. Eliza: Yeah, but... I just wish I knew what I would do if I won. Penny: (smiles) Is that all your worried about? Chill, Eliza... we've both got a few more eliminations to get through before we get in reach of the reward money. There's no rush at all. Eliza: You're right! I need to keep focused! Penny: That a girl! I'll be sure to keep focused too. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 1:30 p.m.] Terry: You sure you wanna go? Penny: Of course! I want to find out why he wants to talk to me as well. Terry: Come on then. Terry and Penny were on their way out of headquarters, off to meet someone. Unfortunately, somebody caught them leaving. Raye: (looking over from the bar) Where are you two going? Terry: Uh... we're off to explore the tunnels again. There were a few paths we weren't able to get to this morning. Penny: Yeah! We want to explore every lead, right? Raye: Do you guys need any help? I'll come along if you want. Penny: (waving her hands around) No, that's okay. I'm sure we can handle it. Terry and Penny then departed. As they disappeared, Eliza came down the staircase. Eliza: Who was that? Raye: Oh... it's just the mailman. No need to worry. ====== [Location: 'The Princess and the Pirate' Movie Set Time: 1:55 p.m.] Terry and Penny arrive at the movie set just as a new scene was about to be filmed. Judy: (speaking through a bullhorn) Okay, in this scene, the pirate, Ryoko, is trying to destroy the princess, Kizuna, using ki blasts. Ryoko: (floating in mid-air) Sounds just perfect! I'm gonna enjoy this! Kizuna: (dressed like Sally, minus the vest) Are you sure this is safe? Terry and Penny didn't know what was more surprising... Ryoko actually floating, Kizuna looking like an exact double of Sally, or the fact that they started filming again so soon. Botan was sitting on a stool that was attached to a moving camera. It was programmed to move along a rail from one side of the set to the other. It was very useful for running action sequences such as this one. As for Ken, he was at the other end, standing where the rail ended. Judy: Remember, Kizuna! Just run straight ahead and don't stop until you get past where Ken is standing. Kizuna: (giving Judy a peace sign) Got it! Judy: And Ryoko... fire to either side of Kizuna. But don't hit her, okay? We can't finish this movie if our only other heroine is taken out as well. Ryoko: No problem! You can count on me! Terry and Penny stood off the side, deciding not to interfere. Instead, they were going to wait until they were done filming. Judy: Quiet on the set! Lights! A small set of lights around the set turned out, but they weren't noticed much due to the already blaring sunlight filtering into the actors' eyes. Judy: Camera! Botan switches the camera on, and makes sure that both actresses are in the shot. Judy: Action! Ryoko: (very loudly) Die! Ryoko starts firing ki blasts from the palms of her hands. Kizuna dodges the first as she takes off running. Penny: (impressed by Ryoko) Wow! Those are some awesome special effects! But Terry wasn't impressed... or concerned about that for the moment. Not that he could see much, as Botan and the movie camera zoomed by at that exact instant. Ryoko: (still firing one after and another) Why don't you be a good little girl and just lay down and die? Kizuna: (without looking over her shoulder) Over my dead body! The shots were getting more accurate as Kizuna drew ever closer to Ken. Penny continued to be amazed, but Terry seemed to be sensing something amiss. Ryoko: Take this! Ryoko fired a ki blast... directly at Kizuna's feet. ****** Terry: (yelling at the top of his lungs) LOOK OUT! Judy and Penny were about to scold Terry for shouting on set, until they saw Kizuna leap up and out of the way of a ki blast. The shot would have gotten her for sure if she had seen it a split second later. Judy: Cut! Cut! CUT! Kizuna and Ryoko landed on the ground at the exact same time, only a few feet away from each other. Kizuna then turned around and started yelling at Ryoko. Kizuna: What are you, crazy? That almost hit me! Ryoko: I was just trying to make the scene more interesting! Kizuna: By trying to kill me? Ryoko: (looking all innocent) Why would I do that? Kizuna: You never liked this movie from beginning, and you'd do anything to keep it from finishing! Like Judy said... if I get hurt, we can't finish the movie! Ryoko: And hope that we never finish it, because this movie is the worst piece of shit I've ever been a part of. Ryoko then teleports away, supposedly to her dressing trailer. Judy and Ken had just ran up to where Ryoko and Kizuna had their little confrontation. Terry and Penny were right behind them. Kizuna: You saw it, right? She tried to kill me! Judy: (throws the bullhorn down to the ground, frustrated) We're a week behind and then she does THIS! Boy, I'm going to straighten her out! Judy stomped off to Ryoko's dressing trailer. Kizuna then tossed off her red hair wig and walked off in the direction of her trailer. Kizuna: If anyone needs me, I'll be in my trailer. Penny watched Kizuna leave the set. She was about to follow her, but Terry grabbed her shoulder and shook his head at her. Terry: Let her go. She needs some time alone. Besides, we're here to see Ken. Ken wiped the sweat off of his forehead as he noticed that Terry and Penny were standing there. Ken: Terry! I was wondering when you'd be showing up! Terry: (pointing to Penny) I brought Penny along, just like you asked. Penny: (extending her hand out as a gesture of friendship) Remember me? You showed me one of your special effects scenes last week. Ken: (shaking hands with Penny) Glad you could be here. Penny: So, what's this all about? Ken: Well, since Ryoko and Kizuna are 'on break,' I guess I have a few minutes. Follow me. Terry and Penny followed Ken to another set, where the next scene of the day was supposed to be shot. Terry: Can I ask why you guys resumed shooting so soon, even though Sally's body was only found yesterday? Penny: (angrily, with her fists clenched) I still can't believe what that guy did to her! Ken: None of us can believe it. Still, we waited a week to see if she showed up. We'd wait a few days until we all got over the shock of not having Sally around, but we're so far behind schedule. We just don't have the luxury of having a day off for mourning. About sixty feet away, Terry and Penny saw a 50" by 50" square piece of glass standing straight up, clamped perpendicular to the ground. In the center of the glass was a small piece of putty. A wire ran out of the center of it. The wire led to a line that was hidden behind a protective barrier of sandbags. Ken: (handing both of them a pair of goggles) You might want to put these on and then get behind the barrier. Terry: You're here to give us an explosives demonstration? Ken: (slipping his goggles over his head) A very important one, as you'll find out. Ken, Terry, and Penny went behind the barrier. The two detectives peered over the top as Ken took a lighter out of his pocket and lit the fuse. Ken: You two might want to get down and cover your ears. Terry and Penny did what they were told. And just in time too, as the explosive went off and the sound of glass shattering filled the air. Once all the noises ceased, the trio took off their goggles and ran over to the clamped square of glass. But upon seeing it, Terry and Penny were gasping in surprise. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - Terry's Room Time: 2:30 p.m.] Terry and Penny had gotten back to headquarters and had immediately called a meeting with Raye and Gary to tell them their findings. Penny: There was a hole in the center of the glass pane! A circular hole! Raye: Like the one that was found in the bank window? Terry: Not exactly. It was smaller than that one, and this time cracks in the glass developed all around the circle. Gary: So... it wasn't exactly perfect? Terry: Nope. This guy is either pretty precise in using explosives... Penny: Or he or she has some kind of device that can cut through glass perfectly! Terry: We're leaning towards the first theory. Gary: But who do we know capable of making such a hole? Terry: I have a few ideas... As the foursome begins to exchange suspect ideas, they are unaware that someone is outside their door, with her ear against the door. It happens to be Kim. Kim: (CC) I had this hunch about an alliance that was being formed against me. I just never thought that I'd be right about it. Kim wisely sneaks away, not wanting to risk being caught. Kim: (CC) Now I'll have to be especially careful. Who knows what they'll try to keep from me now? But I'm so not worried. ====== [Time: 3:00 p.m.] The meeting between the four alliance members has since ended their meeting. Good for them too, because a note has just been delivered to headquarters. The group gathers as Kim opens the package and pulls out six pieces of paper. Kim: (reading the top part aloud) There will be a quiz tonight at the regular time at City Hall. While you're studying, please check the lists below. They should prove to be very useful in the near future. Kim hands one to Eliza to read. Eliza: Wow! This is a list of what all the suspects do in real life! Kim passed out the rest of the lists, as they all went over them in detail. Terry: Ryoko's a space pirate, huh? I guess that makes sense. Kim: Ryoko better not mess with Buzz. It seems he's a space ranger. Raye: Here's a really interesting one. Sakura's a cardcaptor... whatever that is. Terry: Hmmm... something tells me we might be using these sooner than I thought. The six went their separate ways, using their new lists to help them prepare for tonight's quiz. ====== [Time: 5:00 p.m.] The detectives are all over headquarters, either packing their things, studying their notes, or doing both at the same time. But as they do, a few of them are thinking about events of the past 24 hours. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 2002 Time: 7:22 p.m.] Terry is sitting alone in the meeting hall as he notices that the sheriff has walked in. Buzz: Evening, detective. Terry: Sheriff Lightyear? What are you doing here? Buzz: I've found something that might interest you... but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone else about it. Terry: What do you mean? Buzz hands Terry a plastic bag. Inside of it is a strand of teal-colored hair. Buzz: We found it at the crime scene, though we're not sure if it's been planted there or if it's the real deal. ====== Terry: (CC) So many hair samples the past few days... but which one's the real one? ====== [Location: Underground Tunnel Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2002 Time: 11:18 a.m.] Raye and Eliza were searching the chamber where Sally had been kept. They were in the middle of examining the photographs that were on the wall. There were two in particular that Raye focused in on while Eliza wasn't looking. One of them showed Botan standing right behind the chair where Sally was sitting. She was fiddling with the ropes, but her intentions are unclear. The second had a picture of a miniature sailboat on a brown wall. But Raye couldn't identify where the wall in question was located. After examining them, Raye gathered all the pictures, making sure that those two fell out and were intentionally left behind. ====== Raye: (CC) Eliza was the only one there, and I'm sure she didn't see those two drop out of my hand. And even if she did, she'll be gone by tonight. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 11:10 a.m.] Kim had just finished watching the tape in which the thief eliminates one of the suspects to make the detectives' lives a little bit easier. But on this fateful day, Kim absentmindedly let the tape continue to run as she crossed out all of her hunches about Judy in her notebook. Today, that would prove to be the best mistake she's ever made. The figure appears on screen again, holding a picture of Buzz Lightyear. Mystery Figure: Oh... and just because I feel sorry for all of you for being such poor detectives, I'll eliminate another one just for you! He/she then proceeded to rip up Buzz's picture. Mystery Figure: There's too much light in this space ranger's heart, and that's why I can't be Buzz Lightyear. He's too good for his own good. The tape suddenly ends, leaving a very puzzled Kim sitting there. ====== Kim: (CC) I guess it's helpful that I don't have to think of Buzz as a suspect anymore. Not that anyone suspected him in the first place. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Lobby Time: 7:00 p.m.] The six remaining detectives enter city hall, with all but Kim bringing their belongings with them. Chris has been waiting for them to arrive. Chris: As you all may have noticed by now, the clues are starting to piece together. Some of you may have been reluctant to share your findings, for fear that you're giving up your chance to win this game. Tonight, your trust will be put on the line. How much of what you've learned and been told today is true? The one who can't decipher fact from fiction will be going home. Chris then turns to Kim. Chris: Kim, you've been here before, so you know where you're off to. Everyone else, good luck. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Assorted Offices on 1st & 2nd Floors] Chris: (VO) It's time for the quiz: ten questions that will test their knowledge about the case and their fellow detectives. After everything that was found today, the puzzle looks almost solvable. The key to tonight's quiz will be for the detectives to find the right pieces to get to that point. (Author's Note: I think you all know by now, right?) Kim is in another room, waiting for the group to finish their quiz. Chris: (VO) For the second time this game, Kim Possible cannot be fired. The other five detectives will try to avoid meeting that very fate. All of the detectives look ready to go as the quiz begins. Chris: (VO) Question One: How far south of Gullible Gulch is the tunnel entrance that was found by Eliza and Raye? (Choices: 1 - Less than 1/4 mile 2 - 1/4 mile - 1/2 mile 3 - 1/2 mile - 3/4 mile 4 - 3/4 mile - 1 mile 5 - More than 1 mile) Eliza: (CC) I know we walked quite a distance from the cave. But how much? I'm not really sure. Chris: (VO) Question Two: Which was not found in the tunnel? (Choices: 1 - Remains of some ropes 2 - A wooden chair 3 - Pictures of Sally 4 - A miniature sailboat 5 - A crate full of dynamite) Terry stops to think briefly, then clicks on an answer with his mouse. Chris: (VO) Question Three: How many of the Japanese suspects reside in or around the city of Tokyo? (Choices: 1 - 0 2 - 1 3 - 2 4 - 3 5 - 4 6 - 5) Penny: (CC) Other than Judy and Sally, I have good reason to believe that the thief is one of the people on the movie set. Chris: (VO) Question Four: How many of the American suspects do not actually reside anywhere in the United States? (Choices: 1 - 0 2 - 1 3 - 2 4 - 3 5 - 4 6 - 5) Raye is counting off on her fingers, though she seems to be getting different answers every time. Chris: (VO) Question Five: How many photographs did Raye and Eliza find in the underground chamber? (Choices: 1 - 4 2 - 6 3 - 8 4 - 10 5 - 12) Gary: (CC) How do we know these pictures are real? For all we know, they could be fakes! Chris: (VO) Question Six: What was so significant about Ken's explosives demonstration? (Choices: 1 - A circular hole resembling the one in the bank window 2 - A circular hole almost resembling the one in the bank window 3 - Nothing significant) Eliza records an answer without any problem. Chris: (VO) Question Seven: If you were to put all 20 thieves' names in alphabetical order by first name, where would Sally fall? (Choices: 1 - 1st 2 - 2nd 3 - 3rd 4 - 4th 5 - 5th 6 - 6th 7 - 7th 8 - 8th 9 - 9th 10 - 10th 11 - 11th 12 - 12th 13 - 13th 14 - 14th 15 - 15th 16 - 16th 17 - 17th 18 - 18th 19 - 19th 20 - 20th) Raye: (CC) I swear, by the power of Mars, I will avenge your death, Sally! Chris: (VO) Question Eight: What profession does the thief have in real life? (Choices: 1 - Aspiring actress 2 - Bomb expert 3 - Bounty hunter 4 - Cardcaptor 5 - Detective 6 - Ferrywoman of the dead 7 - Gundam pilot 8 - Martial artist 9 - Newspaper photographer 10 - Newspaper reporter 11 - Plumber 12 - Prep student 13 - Princess 14 - Repairer candidate 15 - Samurai 16 - Space pirate 17 - Space ranger 18 - Thief is too young to have a profession) Terry: (CC) After Ryoko nearly killed Kizuna, I'm all but convinced she's the thief. Gary sits in his seat silently, trying to decide which choice to pick. Chris: (VO) Question Nine: Is the thief from an American show or a Japanese show? (Choices: 1 - American 2 - Japanese) Penny calmly picks an answer, seemingly satisfied with it. Chris: (VO) Question Ten: Who is the thief? (Choices: 1 - Bart 2 - Botan 3 - Ed 4 - Hercule 5 - Ken 6 - Kizuna 7 - Kou 8 - Lois 9 - Mario 10 - Naru 11 - Ryoko 12 - Sakura 13 - Spike 14 - Velma) ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall -- Meeting Hall Time: 8:10 p.m.] In the meeting hall, the six detectives await the announcement of tonight's quiz results. Speaking of which, here comes Chris now. Chris: We started today with six detectives. In a few minutes, we will be down to five... half of the original force. I wish you all the best of luck. Chris then announces the bottom three, as listed on the back of the envelope. Chris: Tonight's bottom three, in no particular order... Eliza, Penny, and Gary. Although Penny seemed to be expecting it, Eliza and Gary were not. The trio filed onto the stage as Terry, Raye, and Kim watched. Chris: Eliza... a few days ago you were team leader, but now you may being go home tonight. What happened? Eliza: (shrugs her shoulders) I don't know. I thought I was on the right track. Chris: Penny... third trip up to the stage. What's up? Penny: I just feel lost, Chris. I feel that everyone I've worked with has stabbed me in the back! We keep talking about teamwork, but I haven't seen any since day one! Chris: Not happy, I see. And Gary... this makes it four times in a row, right? Gary: This game bites! If I'm going home, just tell me already! Chris: Very well... Chris reaches into the envelope and pulls out the index card inside. As usual, he doesn't immediately reveal whose name is on it. Chris: All three of you have done well to last this far. But after eight days, the fifth detective to be dissolved from the case is... Eliza Thornberry. Eliza leans over and shares a friendly hug with Penny. She then waves goodbye to the others as she goes over to get her things. Chris cuts her off and picks up her things for her. Eliza: Thanks. Chris then led the way out, with Eliza waving another goodbye farewell. Kim: Eliza surprised a lot of us. She was the only person left in the game who wasn't a teenager, yet she acted a whole lot mature than most of us have the past few days. I wouldn't be surprised if she did know who the thief was. Raye: It's getting to the point of the game where everyone left is a good friend of yours. But we all know that there's always one of us that has to leave. I'm kinda wishing Eliza wasn't the unlucky one tonight. ====== Outside, Chris is placing all of Eliza's bags into the trunk of a cab. Chris: So Eliza, ever think you would last this long? Eliza: Yeah, a little bit. All of them in there are great friends. And great competitors too. They just knew more about the thief than I did. Chris: Who do you think will be the next team leader? Eliza: I think Terry will be up again. He seems to be very smart and is calm under pressure. He'll be the one to watch. Chris: Any bets on who you think will win it all? Eliza: It's between Terry and Kim. They're the only two I think have a good shot at catching this thief. Chris opened the back door of the cab, and Eliza slid in. Eliza: Thanks for everything! Chris: You're welcome. With that, Chris closed the cab door. The cab then drove off, heading for the airport... and sending Eliza back to her world-roving family. ****** 5 detectives and 14 suspects remain... Eliza Thornberry is no ordinary girl. Thanks to the jobs her parents have, Eliza gets the best teacher one could ever ask for... life. Being among strangers was unsettling at first, but Eliza managed to keep her cool. Unfortunately, there's no more room for her to stay on, and so she leaves. ****** On the next episode of "Mystery Solvers": - Does an old western town celebrate Halloween? You betcha! - One of the suspects confesses to knowing about the robbery plot! - The thief tries to take out one of the detectives... but which one? Episode 6 will be posted sometime during the week of March 10th, 2003.