"Mystery Solvers" - written by Freedom Fighter Last time... Raye Hino got the privilege of being team leader just as the town was preparing to celebrate Halloween. That day, though, Penny Proud and Kim Possible learned more about the underground tunnel system. At the same time, Gary Oak and Terry McGinnis were tracing a major lead. That night, the group decided to help provide security for a Haunted House run by the Eds. But before the festivities could even get started, Gary's stint as a detective almost came to a premature end. The perpetrator got away before Kim or any of the others could get to the assassin. On Day 10, the group got a chance to search the houses of three suspects. They found some interesting clues, especially in the apartment of Naru Narusegawa, one of the suspects still on their list. That afternoon, Raye decided to dissolve the alliance after she discovered that Terry accidentally allied with Kim the day before. Instead of four trying to get rid of Kim, it was now every man or woman for themselves. On the quiz, Gary thought that he had finally figured the mystery out. Regardless, he became the sixth detective to leave the game. 4 detectives and 12 suspects are left. Who will go home next? ====== Mystery Solvers Fanfic Reality Series written by Freedom Fighter Hosted by Christian Tangera 'Remaining' Detective Line-up: - 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 few PG-13 elements spliced in. 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 Seven - Let the Girls Do Everything (03.27.03) Penny: (CC) I'm in the Final Four. There's no way I could have predicted gettin' this far in the game! How am I still here? Raye: (CC) And then there were four. Three Americans, one Japanese. I'm hoping that dissolving that alliance was not the wrong decision. Kim: (CC) I'm one clue away from solving this. Problem is, I don't know how close everyone else is. Right now, no one has a clear advantage. Terry: (CC) You'd think I'd be ecstatic being the only guy left among three girls. But it's all business. It's a battle royale, not a 3-on-1 handicap. Penny: (CC) I don't wanna screw this up. I think after yesterday that I'm finally on the right track. I just have to hope I'm the only one. Raye: (CC) Who survives the next quiz may depend on how much one detective knows that the others don't. There, I think I have the edge. Kim: (CC) What would people say if I bowed out now? I'm Kim Possible! I can do anything! And I'm so going to win this game! Terry: (CC) It's time to solve the mystery of Gullible Gulch. We all have the pieces we need. Now, it's just a matter of putting them together. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - Raye's Room Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2002 (Day 11) Time: 10:30 a.m. PT] Raye is sitting at her desk, carving letters into a blueberry-scented candle. She had three more of those on the desk, as well as two strawberry-scented ones. You see, instead of going over her notes as she'd usually do, she's working on a side project. She completes her work on the first candle. Running vertically from top to bottom, the letters spell out Bobby... the first detective to leave the game. Raye: (CC) I've been thinking... we never had time to give our fellow detectives proper send-offs. We also never spent much time thinking about them the next day. Maybe this might help change that. ====== [Location: Penny's Room] Penny was pacing back and forth between the two beds in the room. She was deep in thought about how to proceed from this point on. Penny: (thinking out loud) Bart has that kit of his... but Ken's the explosives expert. Naru has been avoiding us like crazy... but we haven't seen or heard from Kou in days! Giving up on all the thoughts racing through her head, Penny plops down on her bed. Penny: Twelve suspects is still a lot to choose from! How am I supposed to pick just one? Heck, I don't even know if the suspect I chose last night was the right one! As she laid there to reflect on the latest developments in the mystery... ====== [Location: Terry's Room] Terry was staring out the window, admiring the clear blue sky above. He seemed to be taking a break from studying his notes. Terry: Things in Gotham must be awfully quiet. Mr. Wayne hasn't called for me ever since I left. I hope nothing's wrong. Terry then got up and started heading for the closet. He pulled out his brown jacket, slipped it on, and then left the room. Terry: (CC) Isn't it weird how we can go on these reality shows right we're in the middle of something, and then when we get back, everything's the same as we left it? Talk about taking a page from the Twilight Zone. ====== [Location: Kim's Room] As for Kim... she wasn't in her room. Her bed sheets had been folded, the drapes were pulled back... and her notebook was left open on her desk. But Kim was nowhere to be found. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 11:00 a.m.] Chris arrived at eleven sharp with a suitcase in hand, ready to inform the remaining detectives of their agenda for the day. Unfortunately, there was nobody waiting for him. Chris: (scratching his head) Where is everyone this morning? (yelling out loud) Is anybody here? After a few seconds, one of the doors upstairs can be heard creaking open. Emerging from it was Penny, with her notebook in hand. Penny: (coming the down the stairs) I'm here! Say... where is everyone? Chris: Maybe you could tell me, Miss Proud. You're the only one here. Suddenly, another door can be heard opening. Raye: (from upstairs) I'm coming! Penny: (yelling back up) Could you check and see if Terry and Kim are up there? Raye: Why? They're not down there? Penny: Would I be yelling if they were? As Raye searched upstairs for her fellow detectives, Penny turned towards the front door, where Kim was entering with her notebook. Penny: (putting her hands on her hips) Where have you been? Kim: Out to do some thinking. I see Chris is here. Chris: I'm glad you could join us, Miss Possible. Have you seen Mr. McGinnis? Kim: (shaking her head) Nope. Haven't seen him all morning. Penny: You mean he wasn't with you? Raye runs down the stairs and is surprised to see Penny talking to Kim. Raye: Hey! You said Kim wasn't down here! Kim: I just got back, Raye. Raye: Where's Terry? Kim: He wasn't with me. Do you guys know where he is? Penny: Nope. Raye: Not a clue. Chris: We'll just have to wait for him, won't we? ====== 37 minutes later... Terry walked in with his jacket now hanging over his left shoulder. He didn't have his notebook with him. Chris: Ah, looks like the last guy standing has finally arrived. Terry: I'm sorry... I'm not too late, am I? Kim: Depends on what you define 'too late' as. Terry: (heading for the stairs) I'll get my notebook and be right with you. Chris and the girls waited for Terry to retrieve his notebook and return. Luckily, that only took him about a minute or so. Chris: Well, now that everyone's finally here, let's begin. Chris opened his suitcase and pulled out two plastic bags. Inside each of them were what seemed to be about a hundred pieces of torn, shredded paper. Chris: It seems that our little criminal has decided to go low-tech on us. Penny: What's that? Kim: Wait... don't tell me. (points to one of the bags) Those scraps are actually what's left of the two suspects our thief has eliminated. Chris: Most likely, yes. But we'll have to put the pictures together to figure out who is in them. He hands one bag to Terry and the other to Raye. He then reaches back into his suitcase and pulls out a Pokéball. Penny: Pardon me... but what's that thing? Chris: This is a Pokéball. It's an object that used in Gary's series. Raye: I'm guessing that's the thief's so-called 'tribute' to Gary being gone. Chris: You could say that... Chris pushes the circular unlock button on the ball. It opens instantly, but the kicker here is the Gary miniature that pops out from inside. Penny: (shrugs her shoulders) I don't get it. What's the big deal? Kim: (pointing to something on the doll) Penny, I think that's the big deal. Kim is referring to the two small black X's that are serving as Gary's eyes. Terry: That sure says a lot. Raye: Yep... it's the thief's 'tribute.' Terry and Raye open the plastic bags and scatter the pieces onto an empty table. Penny helps Terry piece one photo together, while Raye is assisted by Kim on the other. It doesn't take them long to assemble the pieces, as they find out that the eliminated suspects are... Penny: Kizuna! I knew she wasn't the one! Kim: And we've got Hercule over here. Chris: (heading to the suspect board) So Kizuna and Hercule are off the list. That leaves us with just ten suspects. After putting an X through Kizuna and Hercule's pictures, Chris resumes giving his briefing to the detectives. Chris: The next few days are going to be very important. The time for clue searching is almost ever. For the remainder of your time, you will use what you have to help you figure out who the thief is. The group was somewhat stunned by the announcement... to varying degrees. Kim: (CC) What, now? I'm not confident in my choice yet! Terry: (CC) This is bad. Real bad. Chris: Fortunately, you'll be given a few other things to help with your decision. Before we get to that, there are three final tasks that need to be completed today. Also, for the first time, you will be going solo. Raye: (intrigued) Really? Chris: One person per task today. Three suspects to choose from to interview today. They may have something new to tell us. Chris walked back over to the suspect board and points to Velma's picture. Chris: Mayor Dinkley has given us permission to search her house. One of you will be doing that. And as it was yesterday, Sheriff Lightyear will be there to accompany you. Chris then moves on to Spike's picture. Chris: Speaking of searches, the tape that was found at Naru's apartment yesterday has been analyzed. Spike is down at the police station to reveal the results to one of you. Last but not least, Chris directed the group's attention to the photo of Kou. Chris: Last but not least, we have Kou. He's working at the bank alone today, so it's up to one of you to face him head on and find out why he's been keeping low and out of the way of our investigation. Walking back over, Chris made his way to Raye's side. Chris: The fourth person, naturally, will be staying here, as he or she will be the game's sixth, and final, team captain. Penny: Final team captain? Chris: Yes, that's what I said. And whomever the team captain is cannot be sent home after the next quiz, guaranteeing him or her a spot in the final three. Raye takes the pin out of her collar and hands it to Chris. Chris: Since Raye was team captain last time, she cannot be team captain again, which means she is vulnerable. As will two of the three of you. He glanced over at Terry, Kim, and Penny. Chris: Only one of you is safe, and wouldn't you know it... we have a tie for the cumulative lead. That means the person who completed the last quiz the fastest gets to become team captain. Chris takes the pin and hands it to... Chris: Terry... you were the fastest on the last quiz. You are the new team captain. Terry took the pin with pride and attached it to his shirt. Kim, Penny, and Raye all seem to be happy for him. Terry: (CC) Being team captain right now is the best thing I could hope for. Chris: Now, Terry... you must decide which detective will see which suspect. Choose carefully, because your decision today may end up determining who will accompany you in the final three and who will be sent home tomorrow night. The girls sat quietly as Terry mulled over his choices. Terry: In reality, I could probably send you three wherever you wanted. But since it's my choice... Raye will go to the mayor's house, Kim to the police station, and Penny to the bank. Chris: Very well then, it's settled. Girls, you may go to your designated spots anytime after one this afternoon. Good luck, and I'll see you all tomorrow. As Chris left, the foursome were preparing to go off and study. But Terry had a better idea. Terry: Say girls... there's some time before you all have to go out. Why don't we go find a place to eat lunch? Penny: Sounds good to me! Raye: Yeah! Let's go enjoy ourselves! Kim: At the very least, it'll get our minds off of this case. Terry: Then it's agreed then. ====== [Location: Tom Levins Restaurant] As the foursome enjoys a late brunch, they hold true to their word and stay away from talking about the case... Raye: So Kim... what are the qualities you look for in a guy? Kim: Me? Well... Terry continued to eat, staying out of it as Penny and Raye waited for Kim to answer the question. Kim: Sweet, charming, dashing... and definitely a major hottie! Penny: Sounds like the perfect guy to me. Kim: Oh, come on Penny! The guy doesn't have to necessarily be perfect. Near perfect is acceptable too. Raye: Penny, what about you? Penny: Me? First of all, he has to be nice to my friends. If he messes with my girls, then he's not worth it. Second, he has to have a brain. Raye: Penny! Penny: I'm serious! I'm not into the whole beauty over brains thing. That being said... I don't want anyone that's ugly either. And last but not least, the guy has to respect me for being a woman! Raye: Amen to that! Kim: Good luck... guys like that are few and far between. Penny: It doesn't help that my dad won't let me date until I'm married. Kim and Raye shot Penny a weird look. Penny: Don't ask... let's just say he's very protective of me. Raye: No kidding. Kim: So... what about you, Raye? Raye: Me? The whole good looks thing is a given. Preferrably strong, tall, and very caring about me. Kim: You know, that's exactly what I pictured your perfect mate to be. Raye: Really? Penny: Yeah, I agree. You're not hard to pick up on at all. Raye: Am I really that obvious? Kim and Penny nodded to reassure Raye that she was. The girls then shared a joint session of giggling. Then they all turn to Terry, who instantly shoots up at attention. Kim: (smiling slyly) Terry... you've been awfully quiet. Raye: Yeah! What about you? Who's your dream girl? Terry: Me? I already have my dream girl. Raye: That's right... he does already have a girlfriend. Penny: What's her name? Terry: Dana. Raye: You never really told me what she was like. Kim: Yeah. I think we'd all like to know that. Terry: Well, she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life. She has this aura around her that makes me feel so comfortable around her. Penny: Really? You two are that close? Terry: We care a lot about each other. Unfortunately, my work keeps us from going further. Kim: Your boss is a workaholic? Terry: You could say that. Raye: Maybe you should quit your job. Terry: No way! Sure, the job's tough and I work late hours sometimes, but it's worth it. I don't think I would've ever changed if not for this job. Raye: Changed? Terry: (changing the subject) Anyway... what about those Wildcats? The three girls frowned, immediately noticing Terry's haste in changing topics. ****** [Location: Team Headquarters Time: 12:45 p.m.] When the four detectives return to headquarters, they find Sheriff Lightyear waiting for them outside. Buzz: Morning, detectives. Terry/Kim/Penny/Raye: Good morning, sheriff! Buzz: So... which one of you is accompanying me to the mayor's house? Raye: (raising her hand) That would be me! Buzz: Well... she's waiting for us. Let's go. Raye: (waving goodbye to the others) See you guys in a few hours. Terry, Kim, and Penny wave goodbye to Raye before heading inside. Minutes later, Kim and Penny exit the building once again, splitting apart to head off to their own investigations of the day. ====== [Location: Velma's house] In minutes, Buzz and Raye were standing at Velma's front door. The mayor was already waiting for them. Velma: Feel free to search wherever you please. Just don't mess things up too much, okay? Buzz: Don't worry, mayor. I'm sure Raye here will be careful and diligent in her search. Raye: Well... here goes nothing... ====== [Location: Sheriff's Office Time: 1:01 p.m.] Kim was sitting patiently in front of the sheriff's desk as she waited to meet with Spike, the sheriff's deputy. Spike: (coming from the back) Sorry about that. I was checking out how the jailbirds back there were doing. Kim: No big. So... Chris said you guys analyzed that tape that Terry found yesterday. Spike: Have you actually heard the tape? Kim: (nods) Yes. We all heard it yesterday. Spike: Well... I can tell you that tape is genuine. Unfortunately, we couldn't clear up any of the static. Stupid technology. Kim: Well, we are in a desert town in the middle of nowhere. Spike: (glaring at Kim) Yeah... anyway, we have deciphered it to the point where we're 85% sure that the voice on the tape is female. Kim: Interesting. I've beginning to think that the thief is female. Spike: What I can't figure out is how she's able to elude our capture? Kim: She's very good at being sneaky, it seems. Spike: Also, whomever this thief is has to have had prior knowledge of the underground tunnel system. And I'm sure that there's only a few people that fall under that category. Kim: (thinking out loud) Very few indeed. Spike: The whole heist was planned out to the very detail. The bank robbery, the item thefts, the successful escape. We just can't get them all from the tape. Kim: So this thief actually succeeded in his, or her, plan? Spike: Not quite. About 70 seconds into the 95 second tape, the thief mentions plotting to steal one other item. Unfortunately, most of that part was unable to be heard. Kim: Hmmmm... I remember that part. Any idea what the thief could have been talking about? Spike: I can't be sure, but after listening to it several times... I think the thief was planning to steal something to use as a weapon. Kim: That's strange. Naru said she heard the thief click a pistol of some sort while she was taping. Spike: Maybe it was a back-up weapon, just in case something happened to the first one over the course of her thieving spree. Kim: Highly unlikely, but to be safe, we'd better not eliminate that theory. (stands up) Thanks for all the help. Spike: You guys just find this thief and catch him. The two shook hands before Kim headed for the door and went back to headquarters. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch Bank] Meanwhile, the bank had just reopened for afternoon service. Penny entered and immediately noted that the place was empty except for one person. Kou Uraki, the bank manager himself, who was also acting as teller today. Kou: Hello there! Do you need to make a transaction? Penny: No. Actually, I'm looking for Kou, the bank manager. Kou: That's me. What can I help you with? Penny: My name's Penny and I'm here with the detective force that's trying to solve the mystery of Gullible Gulch. Kou: Yes, I remember now. But how come I haven't seen you before? Penny: Oh, I've been around. The question is... why haven't you? Kou: Me? I've been here at the bank everyday, conducting business as usual. No one's really suspected me of being the thief. Penny: If I were you, I wouldn't say that. Kou: You mean... wait a minute, I run this bank! Why would I want to steal from my own bank? Penny: It wouldn't surprise me. It can happen. Kou: Well, I assure you that I am not the thief! Penny: Then you wouldn't mind answering a few questions then. Kou: Sure. Fire away. Penny: (flipping through her notebook) How many years have you lived here in Gullible Gulch? Kou: Two, I believe. Been here since August of 2000. Penny: Did you become the bank manager upon your arrival? Kou: (nods) Yes. That's why Mayor Dinkley persuaded me to come here. Penny: I see. What about Naru? Kou: She's here on an internship from Arizona State University. I thought you knew that. Penny: I'm just checking. Moving on... do you believe that Naru could have helped plan the bank robbery? Kou: Naru? Of course not! Penny: A lot of the clues do point towards her, you know. And just like you, she has a motive to back it up. Kou: When the robbery occured, she didn't even believe the robber was indeed a robber! She didn't take him seriously at first! Penny: Maybe it was an act! Kou: No way! If she was planning to commit such a heinous act, I would have fired her on the spot! Penny: I see. One last question. Kou: Yes? Penny: Do you know who would dare rob the bank? Kou: It could be just about anybody. You, me, the mayor... anybody! Penny: (sarcastically) Some help you are. Kou: I'm telling you that I'm not behind the robbery in any way! Penny: Just to be sure... you don't mind if I conduct a search of my own, do you? Kou: If it'll prove my innocence, then fine! Penny: (smiles) Thanks. I won't be long. ====== [Location: Velma's house] Raye was searching from top to bottom, but so far she had not found anything particularly incriminating. That is, until she went through the stack of papers on top of a desk in Velma's study. Raye: (reading one paper in particular) It's a fax from the sheriff's office to the mayor. (reads it out aloud) Mayor Dinkley... a robbery has been reported at the Gullible Gulch Bank. We are on the way down there now to catch the crook before he gets away. Raye noted that the send time was listed as 7:42:04 a.m. on October 20th. Raye: Interesting. She then folded it up and pocketed it in her purse before resuming her search. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 2:30 p.m.] Kim had long since returned to headquarters, and was discussing her findings with Terry as they waited for Raye and Penny to return. Kim: He's very, very sure that our thief is female. Terry: How sure? Kim: 85%, he says. Terry: I think I'll agree with that. I'm not as sure, though. I'm still considering two males and three females. Kim: One male and two females for me. Terry: That's closer than I am. Any preference to one of them? Kim: I can't tell you that! Terry: Oh, right. The whole 'everyone for themselves' deal. Kim: Look... if you're still sore over not having that alliance of yours anymore... Terry: That was my fault entirely. If I would've remembered that I wasn't supposed to work with you... Kim: Forget about it. After all, if I was gone, then it would just be you four fighting it out. Your alliance was bound to break up anyway. Terry: Actually, that's a good thing. Kim: How so? Terry: You seem to be the strongest person left. Nothing against the others, but you're the person I'm most worried about. Kim: Afraid I'll catch the guy before you? Terry: Yeah. Good thing I've got a grasp of this mystery now. I know exactly who to focus on. Kim: (surprised) How's that? I didn't tell you anything. Terry: Oh... let's just call it a hunch. ====== [Time: 2:50 p.m.] Penny was the second of the girls to return to headquarters. She seems to be happy about something as Terry greeted her. Terry: Penny... you sure look happy. Penny: I'm feeling very confident about who the thief is. Kim: (coming down from upstairs) Who? Penny: Naru. Kim: Naru? But we know that she can't be the thief. Penny: Look... she avoided being questioned by the sheriff when Sally was axed, she could have been downstairs as the thief with that tape recorder running from afar, and she didn't take the thief seriously. She knows a lot more than she's letting on. Kim: That doesn't automatically make her the thief. Penny: Oh yeah? I was flipping through the workers' log book at the bank, and on the day of the robbery, she checked in just after seven. Terry: Didn't Naru say to us yesterday that she had left her apartment for work around 7:20? Penny: What's even weirder is that she checked in at the same exact time for the entire week leading up to the robbery! And on all of those days, Kou arrived at the bank after she did. Kim: So? Penny: So? She could have been scoping the bank out! Terry: Naru lied to us? Penny: It sounds like it to me. I can't believe she did that! Kim: How do we know for sure? Penny: Kim, the evidence is all clear cut! Everything points to Naru! Kim: Terry, what do you think? Terry: I think we should wait for Raye to get back first. ====== [Time: 3:35 p.m.] Forty-five minutes later, Raye finally returns to headquarters and finds the others waiting for her. Raye: (blinks) Is something wrong? Terry: Find anything? Raye: In fact, I did. Raye pulls out the aforementioned fax and shows it to the group. The others read it carefully. Penny: Yes, it's a fax from the sheriff. So? Raye: Look at the time it was sent. Terry: Hmmm... that's fishy. Kim: (flipping through her notebook) Does anybody remember when the sheriff first appeared at the bank? Terry: I'm sure it's been mentioned at some point in time. Raye: The bank and the sheriff's office aren't that close together, are they? Terry: Only a few minutes' walk. Penny: Somebody's playing us for fools. Kim: Yes. Someone definitely isn't telling the truth. Terry: But the problem is we don't know who. Raye: So now what? Kim: (shrugs her shoulders) There's nothing we can do now. Just wait and try to piece things together. As the four detectives try to process this new development, they can only wonder how much more complicated this mystery could become. ****** [Time: 8:00 p.m.] Later that evening, the bar was decorated with the seven candles that Raye had been working on earlier. They are lined up from left to right, with the farthest left baring the name of the first detective to leave, Bobby. Going down the line, Zoe's candle was next, followed by Wufei's, Mokuba's, Eliza's, and Gary's. The seventh was unmarked for the time being. The ones representing guys were blueberry-scented, the ones for the girls are strawberry-scented. Raye was in the process of lighting the first six as Terry, Penny, and Kim sat off to the side. Terry: You mean you actually carved the names into all of them? Raye: Every single one. Now, we'll go down the line in order, and if anyone wants to say anything about them, then feel free. Penny: I guess we're starting with Bobby, huh? Raye: Yes. Anyone have anything? After no one got up to say a word, Raye decided to start things off. Raye: Okay, I'll say something. Bobby was a wonderful person. A bit shy, but otherwise he was okay. Terry: That's it? Raye: I don't see you coming up with anything better! Terry: Point taken. Besides, he was only here for two days. We didn't get to learn much about him. Penny: (stands up) Don't take this the wrong way guys, but I think he's lucky that he wasn't here longer. I mean... after what happened to Sally... who knows if he would've been able to handle that. Raye: I think we all feel that way. Kim: Yeah. Raye: Zoe's next... she's a fun girl to be around, I'll tell you that. With the whole Hercule incident all the way back on the first day. (smiles) I still remember her not agreeing with my 'flirt with Hercule to get information' idea. Kim: I didn't get much time to talk to Zoe either. Still, she's very nice. Don't know about that hair hat she always wore, though. Penny: Me and Zoe were really hitting it off when she left. She's probably the person I've felt the most comfortable with here. It's too bad she didn't stay around longer. Terry: I don't have anything on Zoe... so let's move on to Wufei. Kim: Don't even get me started on him. A woman hater in this day and age? Puh-lease. Penny: He had a lot of bad vibes. There's not many good things you can say about him. Raye: Wufei was rather grumpy. And I still can't believe he tried to orchestrate an alliance to get all of the girls off! Terry: I think it's good that he left when he did. Otherwise, it would have been hard for all of us to concentrate on the case. Penny: I agree. (looks at the next candle) Mokuba's next. Raye: Mokuba was a lot smarter than a lot of us thought. He really was as dedicated to catching the thief as we were. Penny: Yeah. Until that crook got rid of Sally, that is. Terry: Who knows? If he hadn't left that night, he might be here and one of us might have already been sent home. Kim: He surprised me by showing how intelligent he was. That's for sure. Raye: Eliza's up now... you start this time, Kim. Kim: Well... for her, it was her maturity. She left during that time when the rest of us fighting for position and not sharing information as openly as we are now. Penny: I really thought from the start that Eliza was going to be one of the ones to go all the way. Terry: If one of us had slipped up, she surely would still be among us. Raye: I agree! She was a true friend. We didn't want to see her go, but someone had to leave that day. Kim: Let's see... that leaves us with Gary. Terry: Of course I miss him! He was the only guy left other than me! (the girls laugh) Seriously though, he was focused on the mystery at all times. He really thought that he could be the one to catch the criminal. Kim: I think that in all of his hatred for me and mine for him, we kinda pushed each other to do well. I guess Gary was useful to me after all. Raye: It's too bad he never really found out who the thief was. But you got love the guy for his determination. He refused to give up. Penny: Gary was really competitive. He looked the whole time as if he wasn't going take second place for answer. He wanted to win, just like the rest of us do. The four then turn their attention to the seventh and only unlighted candle, which was pink (strawberry-scented). Kim: Well, we know for sure that one of us girls is going home tomorrow. Raye: (looking at Terry) That is, unless a certain someone wants to quit. Terry: Why would you even think that? Penny: It'll be a good battle. We're all here because we're on the right trail, and hopefully by now, we've all identified the thief. Raye: Whatever happens tomorrow, we agree to accept it. Okay? Terry/Penny/Kim/Raye: Okay! ====== [Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2002 Time: 12:30 p.m.] After sleeping in the following morning and eating a late brunch/lunch, the four detectives waited in the lobby as Chris arrived to give them a briefing. Chris: Okay detectives... as you know, after tonight, only three of you will be left. So what you do today may determine your fate. There are three things you will all be doing before the day is over. Only the first involves the three of you girls. That will require us to go down to City Hall while Terry, the team leader, remains here. So girls... get your notebooks and then we'll head out. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Lobby] Chris, Raye, Penny, and Kim enter City Hall. Waiting for the group are three cardboard boxes, each with three DVDs. Chris: Today, I'm going to help you girls out. Kim: No offense, but doing us favors isn't fair to Terry. Chris: This is part of the game, Miss Possible. By coincidence, it just happens to be you three girls here. Raye: What's on the DVDs? Penny: Are we going to be watching something? Chris: Yep. In each of these boxes are three DVDs. On each tape are two episodes each from each of the remaining suspect's animated series. Today, you'll get the chance to view them all. As you see, each of the boxes are numbered one to three. Chris picks up one of the cases and shows it to the girls. There are no labels anywhere on it. Chris: As you can see, they are unlabeled, so you have no idea what series is on what DVD. The shows are mixed up in these three boxes, so you have no idea what's in which box. Penny: So how do we know what we're watching? Chris: When you watch them, all will become clear. Now, each of you will take a box and for the next three hours, watch these series. You can use these DVDs to help you decide which suspects are worth going after on the quiz tonight. Kim: But why only nine? I thought we had ten suspects. Chris: One of the suspects does not appear in his series. Just in printed form... and we can't show you it because of the content in it. Penny: Thank goodness. I don't know what my parents would do if they found out I was reading something for adults. Chris: Then you have nothing to worry about, as all of the videos are rated no worse than PG-13. Chris then points down the hall, where three doors have yellow ribbons taped to them. Chris: One person per room, per box. There is already a TV and DVD player set up in each room. When you're all done, please leave the boxes in the room. You may then return to headquarters, where I'll drop by again around 4:30. Good luck to you all, and happy watching. As Chris departed, the girls went to work on deciding which box to take. Penny: I can't believe this is completely random. Kim: Do you think we can trade DVDs if we have one we don't want? Raye: Chris never said it was against the rules. But he also never said it was allowed. Kim: Let's just keep what we have, just to be safe. (grabs box number 1) I'll take this one. Penny: (picks up number 2) I'll take number two. Raye: (slides number 3 off the table) And I'll get number three. Kim: So... let's get watching! Carrying off the boxes, the girls headed off to a viewing room each. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby] A few minutes later, Chris returns to team headquarters to talk to Terry. Chris: Terry, I have two questions for you. Terry: Go on. Chris: As of this moment, which one of the girls do you trust the least? Terry: Trust the least? Hmmm... I'm going to have to say Penny. And that's only because I've been so close to Raye for the past two weeks, and Kim acts very trustworthy towards me. Chris: Okay. Now, pick a number between one and twenty-five. Terry: You're joking, right? Chris: (shakes his head) No, I'm serious. Pick a number between one and twenty-five. Terry: Okay. Ummm... let's go with eleven. Chris: Eleven. Okay, good. Chris then heads for the front door. Terry: I hope you don't mind me asking, but what was the purpose of that? Chris: I'll be back once the girls return. I'll explain everything then. Terry scratched his head, confused. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Assorted Offices on 1st Floor] The videotape viewing has begun, as the three girls are in different rooms, watching different shows. Let's check in on Penny first... On the TV screen before her, Kou Uraki, who is actually a Gundam pilot in his series, is currently checking the inside of 'Unit 1.' Penny: I've only been watching for a few minutes, but I'm already confused. What I do know is that here there's a war going on... or there's supposed to. If I'm hearing this right... Kou is actually an officer in the Earth Federation army. Right now though, I couldn't tell you if that means he's a good guy or a bad guy. Penny turns back and watches more of the DVD to see what happens next. ====== Next, we look in on Raye, who is watching the English dub of Sakura's series. And she doesn't seem to be enjoying it all. Sakura: (on-screen) Power of magic, power of light! Surrender the wand, the force ignite! RELEASE! Raye shakes her head as the 'Sakura's key transformation' sequence begins. Raye: I can't believe I'm saying this... but that's even cornier then Serena's "In the name of the Moon, I will punish you!" line. Who thought up of that anyway? ====== And last but not least, we peek in on Kim, who is watching a certain yellow- haired boy attempt to jump Springfield Gorge on a skateboard. Kim: This is really good... in a weird sorta way, but it's definitely something I could see Ron watching on a regular basis. ====== [Time: 1:40 p.m.] Checking back in on Penny, she has moved on to her second DVD. The theme song to Kids' WB's "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" is playing in the background. Theme Band: (singing) What's new, Scooby-Doo? We're comin' after you! We're gonna solve that mystery... Penny: I've always had an affinity for Scooby-Doo. It's so hilarious! And the way Scooby talks is so adorable! Now, case-wise, I don't think Velma's the thief. But maybe I can learn some good mystery solving tips from them. ====== Moving over to Raye, who's now watching another Japanese series. But we can't tell which one as of yet. Raye: Hey, watch out! But Raye yelled too late, as the black-haired teenage boy pushed a younger one out of the way, just in time to be hit by a red car skidding to a stop... just not in time. Raye: I'm not sure which series this is. I think in the opening title, it was Yu-Yu Hakusho or something like that. (pointing at the TV) This is something different though... I believe the guy that just died is the lead character. Raye opened her notebook and started to take notes, not yet aware that this is Botan's series. ====== Now, over to Kim, who is now watching "Love Hina" for the first time ever. And she is surprised at what she is seeing. Kim: From what I've seen so far, this show, which is the one Naru is in, is one of those typical 'girl harem' shows, as I've heard they're called. There's always this one guy, who in this case is named Keitaro I believe, who isn't the best looking. And then by some strange sequence of events, he's got these girls all living with him. Kim shook her head in disbelief. Kim: Still, this isn't bad. Too bad I can't take it home. This is a little too mature for the tweebs. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby] Meanwhile, Terry was sitting alone by the bar, where all the candles are set up. He seemed to be getting restless as he waits for the girls to get back. Terry: This is what I don't like the most about being team leader. The girls get to go out around town, questioning people and helping themselves figure out who the thief is. As for me, I'm stuck here waiting for them. And when they get back, there's no guarantee they'll tell me everything they've learned. Terry sighed as he opened his notebook and attempted to look like he was doing some work. ****** [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Assorted Offices on 1st Floor Time: 2:30 p.m.] Back to City Hall, where the girls are beginning their third and final round of DVDs. Once again, we start with Penny. She's currently watching the series starring everyone's favorite space pirate, Ryoko. Penny: Look at all of those girls. Fighting over one guy. (shakes her head) It's like they think he's the cutest guy on the planet. Or, more than likely, the last one. But I think Ryoko's powers are grabbing my attention more than anything else. I thought those energy blasts were all special effects. Penny smiled as she resumed her notetaking. Penny: (without looking up) Makes me reconsider her as a top suspect again. ====== Raye has become a little video game savvy as she enjoys viewing "Super Mario Brothers 3" -- the TV series, of course. Raye: It's too bad I got the one with Mario in it. Oh well... at least I get to relax for my last hour. No way Mario's the thief. He saves the princess day in and day out for crying out loud. You have to be a good guy to do that. ====== And finally, we check in on Kim, who got the pleasure of watching the first two episodes of "Cowboy Bebop." Jet: Bell peppers and beef. Spike: Again? Is that all we have? Kim watches and takes notes at the same time. Kim: Spike is one of the few I definitely haven't eliminated from my top suspect list. Even when I talked him yesterday, he didn't look totally comfortable at all. But watching him here in his natural habitat, it doesn't surprise me. ====== [Location: Team Headquarters - First Floor Lobby Time: 3:25 p.m.] Kim, Penny, and Raye return, to the relief of a worried Terry. Terry: Finally... I thought you three were never gonna come back. Raye: You actually missed us? That's so sweet! Penny: You don't have to worry about us. We can take care of ourselves. Terry: That's not why I was worried. Kim: Let's just skip the small talk. We're back now, and that's all that matters. Now, we just have to wait for Chris. Terry: You girls gonna tell me what happened first? Penny: Sure. We've been watching nothing but DVDs the past few hours. Terry: DVDs? Raye: Yeah. We got to see all of the remaining suspects and what they're like in their shows. I had Sakura, Botan, and Mario's shows. Penny: I got to see Kou, Velma, and Ryoko. Kim: Bart, Naru, and Spike for me. Terry: Learn anything? Penny: Lots! Kim: I actually found it rather refreshing. It put a whole new spin on what I thought they were like. Raye: Yeah, I definitely agree. Now that I know what they're all really like, it helps me a lot. As the girls share their viewing experiences with each other and Terry, let's fast forward an hour... ====== [Time: 4:30 p.m.] Chris returned to headquarters at 4:30, right on the dot. The quartet was still talking about the viewing session when he entered. Chris: Well, good afternoon! I trust you girls enjoyed the free viewing. Kim: It was very informative. Penny: For once, today turned out to be a good day. Chris: Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. We still have a few things to take care of. Could you all please take a seat? The group headed over to the briefing area. Chris: First thing I'd like you all to do is to form a circle, if you please. Not hesitating at all, the foursome did as they were told. In the new arrangement, Kim had her back to Chris, Terry was to her right, Penny was facing her, and Raye was to her left. All of a sudden, Chris produced a tissue box out of nowhere and handed it to Terry. Chris: In this box are the names of nineteen of the twenty original suspects. Of course, the lone exception is the one suspect that cannot possibly be the thief because of the circumstances, as you all know. One at a time, you will pull out one name. Each of you will do this until you have four names. Tomorrow, you'll get the chance to have a one-on-one interview with each of those four. Raye: But that leaves a few names in the box. Chris: Naturally. The names of those three that aren't picked won't be interviewed. Simple as that. Terry: Do I just pass it around the circle? Chris: No. You can pass it to anyone you want once you pick one. But you cannot keep it two turns in a row. You must draw, pass the box to another person, and then that person has to give it back. But, to make it fair, once you draw, you have to wait for everyone to get the same number of names in hand before drawing again. Kim: Do we have to start with the same person? Chris: No. It can be anyone, unless you were the fourth person. And since you can't hold it two turns in a row, that person cannot start the next round. Terry: Sounds fair enough. Terry reaches in to pull out a name. Terry: Jack. He then decides to pass it to Raye. Raye: Velma. Raye then looks at Kim and Penny and decides to pass it to Penny first. Penny: Buzz. She then hands it to Kim, who reaches in. Kim: Peter. The sequence continues, with the group passing it around as they please. Penny: Bart. Raye: Bubbles. Kim: Sakura. Terry: Kou. Raye: Spike. Penny: Ed. Kim: Lois. Terry: Botan. Kim: Naru. Penny: Hercule. Terry: Judy. Raye: Ryoko. Chris comes up and takes the box from Raye. Chris: Okay, so let's see if we got this straight. Terry drew Jack, Kou, Botan, and Judy. Kim drew Peter, Sakura, Lois, and Naru. Penny drew Buzz, Bart, Ed, and Hercule. And last but not least, Raye drew Velma, Bubbles, Spike, and Ryoko. Raye: Wait... why are we drawing for tomorrow when one of us won't be here? Chris: Glad you asked. Whomever goes home tonight of course loses the opportunity to do the interviews. Also, as you may have noticed, some of you have picked people that have already been eliminated as suspects in the case. Although they have been eliminated from guilt, you can still use them to help you figure out who the thief is. I'll explain more about these interviews in the morning. Chris put the box away and then came back to the group. Chris: Now... one last thing before I leave you to study for tonight's quiz. And Terry, your team leader, is heavily involved in it. Terry: I am? Chris: (nods) Girls, right after I left you at City Hall, I came back here and asked Terry two questions. Raye: Oh boy... I don't like where this is going. Chris: The first one I asked him was which one of you girls did he trust the least. (looking at Terry) Mr. McGinnis, please tell them your answer. Terry: (glancing at Penny) I said you, Penny. Penny: Me? Well, I guess that makes sense. Raye: Yeah. Terry and I have been together since the start, and then recently he and Kim hooked up. Kim: Hooked up? You make it sound as if we're in love. Raye: What? I didn't mean it that way. Terry: Neither did I. Penny: That would be kinda weird, wouldn't it? (shaking her head) Wait a minute... what does that have to do with the case? Chris: (smiles) We're about to shake things up, Miss Proud. Now, the second question I asked him to do was pick a number between one and twenty-five. Would you please tell them your choice, Mr. McGinnis? Terry: I chose the number eleven. Chris: Very good. Now, I trust you all have your notebooks with you. The foursome takes them out. Chris: Now, we're going to put the answers to those questions together. I need each of you to open to the eleventh page of your notebooks. Without question, the group begins to do so. Chris: Once you get to that page, rip it out. That made all of their heads turn. Penny: Why? Chris: Just do it. Raye: Okay, I'm getting really bad vibes from you. Kim: I second that. The four of them rip the eleventh page out of their notebooks anyway. Chris: Terry, hand your page to Penny. Penny, give yours to Terry. Kim and Raye, you two exchange yours. Terry: What? Raye: You're not serious! Kim: That's so not right. Penny: I can't believe you're doing this! Chris: Go ahead. Switch pages. They do as they are told, but none of them seem to be happy about it. Chris: Whatever page you now hold in your hands is now yours. You can do whatever you wish with them. Use them to help you, rip 'em up, burn 'em... the only thing you can't do is give it back to person that handed it to you. Seemingly, Kim is the most shocked of all, as the page she gave away was literally filled with notes on every line and in every corner. Chris: From here on out, you can do whatever you want until the quiz tonight. Good luck to all of you. As Chris left, the group was still in utter and complete shock. ====== The group has separated, studying their new page of notes and seeing if they are helping them any. Kim: That was a bad exchange for me. I had a whole lot of stuff on that page, and look what I got in return? (holds up the page) This is basically everything that happened today! It doesn't help me at all! In another part of the room, Raye is trying to decipher Kim's notations. Raye: That totally took me by surprise. But it ended up being a good thing. Kim took a lot of notes. I think she even has the answers from one of the quizzes on here. At least what she answered for it. Switching over to Terry, who doesn't have to take the quiz but is studying the page he got from Penny anyway. Terry: If anything, I know what Penny's thinking. She's pretty much listed all of the pros and cons of the people she suspects the most. It doesn't look like she came up with a definite answer, but it might still help me in deciding who the thief is. Last but not least, we go over to Penny, who wasn't happy about the ordeal either, but seems to be satisfied with what she now has. Penny: It's not right that Terry now knows exactly who I'm aiming for. But I got his list of top suspects in return, so I guess it's a fair trade. I just have to make sure I use it right. ====== After eating dinner together shortly thereafter, the group returns to HQ to undergo final preparations for the quiz. Each of the girls packs all of their belongings to take to City Hall, knowing one of them will be sent home tonight. As they leave, they make sure to blow out all the candles on the bar. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch City Hall - Lobby Time: 7:30 p.m.] Terry, Kim, Penny, and Raye make their way in, where Chris waits for them. Chris: Well, congratulations on making it this far, but one of you has to go tonight. Terry, you are the only guy left, and by a stroke of luck, you are also the only one guaranteed to be here tomorrow. For each of the girls, it's do or die tonight. I wish you the best of luck on the quiz tonight. Terry follows Chris to a side room, while the girls head off for the quiz. ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch - Assorted Offices on the 2nd Floor] Chris: (VO) Tonight, the detectives face their seventh quiz. On the quiz are ten questions that they must answer. The person who answers the least correct will be sent home. For Kim, Penny, and Raye, they fight for survival. One of them will not be around to see the case to its end. (Author's Note: Oh, do I even have to say it?) Chris: (VO) Question One: What siblings does the thief have, if any? (Choices: 1 - One brother 2 - One sister 3 - Two brothers 4 - Two sisters 5 - No siblings (whether known or unknown)) Kim thinks for a minute, unsure of how to answer this one. Chris: (VO) Question Two: Was the thief one of the suspects interviewed on Day 11? (Choices: 1 - Yes 2 - No) Penny clicks on one of the choices very confidently. Chris: (VO) Question Three: When was the fax from the sheriff's office sent to the mayor's house? (Choices: 1 - Minutes before the robbery 2 - As the robbery was taking place 3 - Minutes after the robbery) Raye: (CC) It's obvious that some people are lying to cover things up. But they can't fool me. Chris: (VO) Question Four: Who was the last detective to talk to the thief? (Choices: 1 - Kim 2 - Penny 3 - Raye 4 - Terry 5 - Two or more detectives talked to the thief simultaneously 6 - None of the detectives have talked to the thief) Penny thinks long and hard on this one, then makes a decision. Chris: (VO) Question Five: In which box was the thief's series' DVD in? (Choices: 1 - 1 2 - 2 3 - 3 4 - The thief does not appear in his/her animated series) Raye wavers between choice 2 and choice 3 on the screen. Chris: (VO) Question Six: What is the name of the series that the thief is in? (Choices: 1 - Cardcaptors / Cardcaptor Sakura 2 - Cowboy Bebop 3 - Gunsmith Cats 4 - Love Hina 5 - Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory 6 - The Simpsons 7 - Super Mario Brothers 8 - Tenchi Muyo 9 - What's New, Scooby-Doo? 10 - Yu-Yu Hakusho) Kim: (CC) I'm still mulling over three choices, so I'm going with my instincts and hoping that I pick the right one. Chris: (VO) Question Seven: What gender is the thief's voice actor? (Choices: 1 - Female 2 - Male) Raye instantly answers without a doubt. Chris: (VO) Question Eight: Does the thief have superpowers (i.e. super strength, the ability to fly, etc.)? (Choices: 1 - Yes 2 - No) Kim looks at one choice, then the other, and then decides on her answer. Chris: (VO) Question Nine: In the interview draw, who drew the thief's name? (Choices: 1 - Kim 2 - Penny 3 - Raye 4 - Terry 5 - Nobody) Penny: (CC) Oh, come on! I didn't write that down in my notebook! Okay... come on... who drew that name again? Think, Penny, think! Chris: (VO) Question Ten: Who is the thief? (Choices: 1 - Bart 2 - Botan 3 - Ken 4 - Kou 5 - Mario 6 - Naru 7 - Ryoko 8 - Sakura 9 - Spike 10 - Velma) ====== [Location: Gullible Gulch - Meeting Hall Time: 8:08 p.m.] The four detectives wait quietly for the results of the quiz to be revealed. Suddenly, Chris enters the room with his envelope in hand, as usual. Chris: Ladies, if you'll join me on stage, we'll get right to it. The girls get up from their seats and walk onto the stage, leaving Terry as the lone person sitting down. Chris reaches into the envelope and pulls out the index card. He does not reveal whose name is on it. Chris: First things first... do any of you have any last words? Raye: Just give it to us straight, Chris. We can handle it. Penny: Yeah. Whatever happens, happens. Kim: I agree. Just cut the suspense. Chris: Nothing, huh? Terry: They're all nervous. None of them wants to leave. Chris: That's so true, and yet one of you has to. Tonight, we say goodbye to one of you lovely young ladies. You've played a great game, but someone must leave tonight. The seventh detective to leave the game of "Mystery Solvers" is... Chris turns over the card to reveal... Chris: Penny Proud. Penny threw her hands up, shaking her head as she did. Raye and Kim come over to give her hugs. Penny: I knew it. I knew it was gonna to be me. Raye: (hugging Penny first) We're going to miss you. Penny: Thanks, Raye. Kim: (now hugging Penny) I don't want you to go yet. Penny: I kinda have to, Kim. But thanks for supporting me. After the girls had exchanged goodbyes, they are joined by Terry, who comes up to hug Penny as well. Terry: Don't forget about us. Penny: How could I? (hugs Terry) You guys are the best friends a girl could ever have. With that, Penny finally steps off-stage, grabs her bags, and heads for the door. Halfway there, Chris takes Penny's bags and carries them out for her. Looking back, Penny blows the gang a kiss goodbye before disappearing into the night. Kim: I really didn't want to see Penny leave tonight. She was doing so well, staying here with us. She wasn't intimidated in the least. I think we were all equals at this point in the game. Terry: Penny's a very bright and energetic girl. Open-minded too. It's hard to replace someone who spoke her mind as much as she did. We're all definitely going to miss having her around. Raye: I'm sad to see Penny go. Right now, I'm wishing that it was me leaving instead of her. She felt so comfortable around us. She was also so great to hang around. Good luck to you Penny! I'll be in touch! ====== Outside, Penny's belongings have already been piled into the trunk. Chris: So, what does it feel like to know you won't be here when the thief is finally caught? Penny: I'm so down about it. I really wanted to catch the guy myself. But I guess it wasn't meant to be. Chris: Do you think you had a shot? Penny: Sure. I thought I had chosen the right person. I guess I didn't answer enough of the questions right tonight, but that's my fault. I didn't study well enough to get through to the next round. Chris: Who do you think will catch the thief? Penny: (laughs) Don't ask me that! No, really! I don't have a clue. I think they all have a good chance. In my opinion, as long as someone catches the guy, I'll be happy. Chris: Going for the safe answer. Not enough to save you tonight, but thanks for playing! Penny: (waves to the camera) See ya'll later! Mom, Dad, Sugar Mama, Dijonay, Zoe, and Lacienga... I'm comin' home! Penny steps into the back of the cab and Chris closes the door behind her. The cab then pulls away and heads out of town, off to who knows where. ****** 3 detectives and 10 suspects remain... Penny Proud is a normal teenage girl trying to live life to the fullest. Usually she flaunts an attitude, but she kept herself under control and instead focused on using one of her other talents... her knack for doing well in competitions. She went far, but 12 days was as far as she could get. ****** On the next episode of "Mystery Solvers": - The scramble for last-minute clues is on as mass interviewing begins! - The thief makes a desperate effort to throw off the detectives! - Plus, the final quiz... only one will catch the thief and win the grand prize! Episode 8 will be released on or about Thursday, April 3rd.