“Roomies 2: Country Living” Fanfic Written by Freedom Fighter At long last, the sequel to Roomies premieres! You’ve all been waiting very patiently, but now I’m back with twelve new characters from twelve different anime series! Did your pick make the cut? Read on, ‘cause you're going to find out! And don’t forget to review! One of the reasons that this sequel even exists is because of you! So sound off and tell me what you think of the new cast members and how they compare to last season’s cast! Freedom Fighter, signing off! Disclaimer: I do not own any of the anime series, characters, or locations represented in this fanfic. I also do not own any of the reality show elements presented as well. Symbols to take Note of: ***** Denotes the beginning or end of an episode *** Denotes a scene change * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Denotes an act change (CC) Denotes when a character confesses to the camera (VO) Denotes a voice-over, which occurs when a character is thinking about another, but they don’t want that person to hear him/her ***** Day One A camera is pointed at the lush green landscape of the small prefecture of Okayama, Japan. In the far distance, the legendary Masaki shrine can be seen. But the camera then turns to a location about four miles southwest of the shrine. Here, also nestled within the beautiful landscape, is a quaint, traditional Japanese house. Decorated with some nice pine trees, it fits in well with the scenery. Inside, though, is a different matter. From top to bottom, all of the necessities that a normal person could ever want were here, and more. A game room, a big screen TV, a relaxing patio, an indoor hot spring, six bedrooms, and a whole lot of other things. And that’s just the beginning. The twelve lucky souls who get to reside in this house for the next six weeks will have their senses stimulated to their peaks. The only underlying problem… just how well would the twelve get along? You’re going to find out. *** About half a mile south of the house stands a bus terminal. At this time of day, which happened to be seven thirty in the morning, it was abuzz with students waiting to get to school and adults on their way to work. But among them, sitting on a bench alone, was one familiar dark green haired Galaxy Police resident officer, who also wears an orange headband. Dressed in her uniform, no one seemed to notice the young woman’s purpose in being there, other than working with security. She takes a sip of her morning dose of coffee, which she hoped would help cheer her up after having to walk here from the Masaki house, just as raindrops had begun to fall from the sky. She had managed to borrow an umbrella, though, and so she got to the terminal without a drop on her head. Her bags, though, were another matter. Two suitcases and a duffle bag, all filled with clothes, personal belongings, and other amenities that she needed for the trip. It was amazing that she hadn’t fallen over on the way here carrying all of it, but her bags were still soaked to the bone. She had just hoped that it would be awhile until the second person arrived. Her hopes were dashed as the crowds began to thin and a man wearing a black tuxedo walked into the terminal. Carrying only one large suitcase, which was black as well, he made his way over to her. Police Officer: Are you here for Roomies? Man in Tuxedo: Yes, I am. (extends his hand out) My name’s Roger. I’m a negotiator. Police Officer: (smiles and shakes her hand with his) I’m Kiyone. Galaxy Police Detective First Class Kiyone. Roger: (smiles back) You’re the first cop I’ve met that’s ever been happy to be one. Kiyone: (thinking about Mihoshi) Oh, you get used to it. The happiest cops tend to form the friendliest relationships with their partners. (under her breath) Of course, Mihoshi's the obvious exception. Roger: Well, he must be one lucky guy to have you as a partner. Kiyone: (blushes) I’m flattered, but my partner’s a woman as well. Roger: Isn’t that interesting? I’d like to see you two in action. Kiyone: You’re not missing much. Trust me when I say that. Roger: (CC) I would’ve never expected that the first person I met here would be someone like Kiyone. She seems to be the right type of woman for me. Kiyone: (CC) He seems to have a lot of experience working with cops, so we should get along fine. On a personal level, though, I can already see where this conversation’s going, and I want to end this before things get too hairy. Roger: You sound a bit on edge. Are you okay? Kiyone: I think we need to set some ground rules, Roger. I didn’t sign up for this to find a boyfriend or a husband, okay? Roger: (raising his arms as if he was surrendering) Okay, if you’re not interested, then I understand. Besides, I bet one of the other women wouldn’t mind my presence. Kiyone: (CC) Yep, just as I thought. But at least he’s more dignified about it then Mr. Masaki is. Then again, Roger’s only been here for a few minutes. Who knows how raunchy this could get down the road. *** As Kiyone and Roger converse about their jobs for a little bit, the doors to the terminal open yet again as two more individuals enter. One is a male teenager with brown hair that’s braided into a long ponytail. He’s wearing a black shirt and gray military slacks. The other is a female in her twenties with long blue hair. She’s wearing a brown leather jacket, but there’s not much underneath that. In fact, all that’s there is a small red sweater and an even smaller bright yellow top and matching biker shorts, which are held together only by a small pair of suspenders. And wouldn’t you know it… both of them are soaking wet. Blue Haired Woman: (angry) What were you thinking? How could you not have an umbrella? Brown Haired Man: (yelling back) Hey! I spend a lot of time in space. The only thing that ever rains are meteors. Blue Haired Woman: (speaking to no one in particular) You would think that someone coming to Earth would prepare for something like this! And you call yourself a Gundam pilot? Not too bright are we, Duo? Duo: Well excuse me, but wouldn’t the same apply to you, Faye? Faye: In my time, the Earth is practically a barren wasteland! Where do you expect me to find an umbrella on a planet whose population is only a few thousand or so? Roger and Kiyone walk up to the duo to stop their fight. Kiyone: (groans) We’re not even at the mansion yet and you two are already at each other's throats! Roger: (flirting with Faye) It seems that our universes are quite similar, huh? Faye: (to Roger) Back off. I’m not exactly keen on being picked up by total strangers. Duo: And who might you two be? Roger: I’m Roger Smith, (points to Kiyone) and this is Kiyone… Kiyone: (jumping in) Makibi. Duo: (noticing Kiyone’s uniform) You’re a cop? Faye: (winces at hearing the word ‘cop’) A cop? Are you serious? Kiyone: Yes. Why? Faye: (CC) I try to avoid dealing with cops unless I have to. Being a cowboy isn’t exactly within the laws, you know. Kiyone: (CC) I wonder what’s got Faye spooked about me being a cop. Duo: (now looking at Roger’s outfit) What’s up with the penguin suit? We’re here to relax, not work at some stuffy office in a skyscraper. Roger: This is what I normally wear. And I would ask you to respect that. Duo: Hold on, buddy! I’m not here to pick a fight. I’m just saying that you should change into something more relaxing. The others will think you’re too uptight. Roger: Let them. I’m not changing my lifestyle for anyone. Roger pulls out a pair of sunglasses and then walks back to the bench he was sitting on earlier. Duo: That guy is creeping me out. Kiyone: He just needs a woman in his life. Can you believe he hit on me the moment he walked in? Faye: You mean he was hitting on me? I’ve heard better pick-up lines in bars halfway across the galaxy. Duo: I guess we’d better get our suitcases out of the taxi. Faye: We? Duo: (coughs) I meant, I’ll get our suitcases out of the taxi. As Duo heads out of the building, Faye and Kiyone continue to talk. Kiyone: So, why are you afraid of me being a cop? Faye: (hesitantly) I’m a cowboy. Kiyone: A cowboy? I’m afraid that I’m not familiar with that term. Faye: It’s another term for a bounty hunter. Kiyone: Well, as long as you’re not after some bounty here on Earth, then I have absolutely no problem with you whatsoever. Faye: Seriously? You’re not just saying that, are you? Kiyone: Of course not. We can be friends while keeping our consciences clear. Why don’t we shake hands on it? Faye: Fine with me. Kiyone and Faye shake hands with each other. Faye: So, it’s Kiyone? I’m Faye Valentine. (points out the door) And he’s Duo Maxwell. Kiyone: (watches as Duo starts pulling bag after bag out of the taxi) He looks like he needs some help. Faye: He’s fine. He’s a Gundam pilot! They have the ability to do anything. (starts to push Kiyone towards the eatery) Now, let’s go eat! I didn’t get a chance to eat anything this morning. As Faye and Kiyone move away, we can see through the glass doors that Duo now has about five suitcases stacked up. He picks them up and starts to head over towards the door. Unfortunately, the weight is too much to bear, and Duo falls forward, causing all of the bags to open upon contact with the ground. At that exact moment, a bus pulls up to the station. Two young ladies come out of it, as they both head for the luggage compartment to withdraw their items from the few that remained inside. One of them had red hair that absolutely defied every single law of gravity. That same girl also sported what was known to the members of her organization as the traditional female uniform of Team Rocket. The second seemed to be uncomfortable being present with the first, though she outwardly didn’t appear to mind. This girl had black hair and wore a blue poncho over her clothes, which would be considered business dress to most people. Basically, under the poncho, she wears a short sleeve white button T-shirt, a blue tie, and a black skirt. As the first pulled out about six bags from the luggage compartment, the second pulled out only one. As the first struggled to pick up all of her bags, the second took her lone one and started walking towards the entrance of the bus terminal. It was then that she spots Duo still struggling to pick up the suitcases that he had gotten from out of the taxi he and Faye had used to get here. She decides to go over and help. Girl in Poncho: Mind if I help? Duo looks over and sees the girl standing in front of him. He smiles and nods his head. Duo: (as the girl kneels down to pick up one of the bags) May I ask what your name is? Girl in Poncho: (happily) My name is Melfina. Duo: Melfina, huh? Well, my name is Duo. Pleased to meet you! Melfina: (CC) Duo is quite the gentlemen. I wonder why he has almost twice as many bags as Jessie does. I always thought girls packed more stuff then than guys did. Duo: (CC) Melfina is quite the cutie. And she’s a perfect lady, too. How many girls do you think offer to help a gentleman out? Not too many. As Duo and Melfina gather the suitcases and the stuff that belongs in them, Jessie, the other girl, scowls angrily. Jessie: (CC) How dare that girl help him and not me! He can carry those things by himself. I’m the damsel in distress here! Duo and Melfina head inside with about half of the suitcases from the taxi in hand between them. Melfina: You mean all of these suitcases don’t belong to you? Duo: Most of them belong to Faye. Let me warn you in advance, Mel, she’s got quite the attitude. Melfina: Mel? Duo: It’s short for Melfina. Doesn’t anyone call you just Mel? Melfina: Yeah. Just not very often. Duo: I think it suits you. Melfina: I think it suits me too. Jessie: (yelling at the top of her lungs) Hey! Are either of you going to help me with my bags or not? Duo: (looking over his shoulder and glancing at Jessie) Who’s that? Melfina: Oh, that’s Jessie. She and I rode the bus here from the airport. Duo: (yelling to Jessie) You’ll have to wait! I’m already carrying someone else’s bags in! Duo and Melfina head inside the terminal as Jessie growls in disgust. *** About ten minutes later, everyone’s bags are now inside the bus terminal. Jessie and Melfina introduce themselves to Roger, who quickly tries to charm them. Although Melfina doesn’t seem to mind the attention, Jessie, on the other hand, loathes it, as she yells at him angrily. Duo watches in fear, not wanting to get in Jessie’s way at all. Duo: Jessie’s quite temperamental, I see. Melfina: Yeah. I picked that up on the way here. She was practically yelling at everyone. Duo: (laughs) She’s lucky they didn’t kick her off of the bus! Melfina: Oh! I just remembered! Melfina pulls out a small pre-opened envelope from her poncho. She takes out the sheet of paper inside and reads it aloud to Duo. Melfina: (reading aloud) Welcome to Okayama, Japan. You are the first half of the cast to arrive. Your mansion is waiting for you in the foothills, about a half of a mile north of here. Enclosed in this envelope is the key to locker A42. Use the key to gain access to the locker. Inside, you’ll find a ring full of keys and instructions on how to proceed to the mansion. You must do this now… do not wait for the other cast members to arrive. Duo: I guess we’d better get the others and then get this over with. Melfina, Duo, Roger, and Jessie head over to the eatery, where Faye and Kiyone are eating some cinnamon rolls. Melfina politely introduces herself to the two women before introducing Jessie, who was as mad as ever. Duo: Now that introductions are over, we’d better get going. Jessie: Hold on! I haven’t eaten yet! Kiyone: You’d better hurry. We have to get up to the mansion. Jessie: (CC) I can’t believe they have a policewoman here! Are they trying to sabotage me? Kiyone: (CC) I recognize that uniform anywhere. Jessie’s from Team Rocket. I’ve heard a lot about the things they do. Well, she’d better stay in line, or I’ll send her a free pass to jail once this is all over. Duo and Roger go over to the locker area and find locker A42. Using the key to unlock, they do indeed find a ring full of keys and two pieces of paper inside. The first sheet of paper is a map, which tells them how to get to the mansion. The second sheet is another set of instructions. Roger: (reading aloud) Behind the building, in the loading docks, you will find two Toyota Sequoia. Use these to get up to the mansion. (Duo celebrates in the background) One is gray, while the other is red. The two red keys on the ring gain you access to the red minivan. The other six plain bronze keys get you into the mansion… one key for each of the currently present housemates. Duo: We get our own vehicle! How cool is that? Roger: (unenthusiastic) Yeah. A little while later, the group is seen piling their bags and suitcases into their Toyota Sequoia. Once everything is in, they get into the minivan. Roger drives, while Duo gives him directions according to the map. Melfina sits behind Roger, while Jessie sulks behind Duo. Faye and Kiyone are in the back row, sharing stories of their past adventures. *** It only takes a few minutes before Roger pulls the minivan into the driveway of their new mansion. The gang gasps in awe as they look at the mansion’s exterior. Kiyone: This is where we’re living for the next six weeks? Jessie: (perking up) It’s unreal! Duo: I must be dreaming! Somebody pinch me! (someone reaches over and pinches him) Ow! Roger: (as Melfina giggles) Well, you did ask for someone to pinch you. Roger pulls the minivan to a stop. Jessie opens the passenger side sliding door and jumps out, rushing straight for the front door. The rest of the group follows soon after. They were content on checking out the mansion first, and then unloading their belongings from the minivan later. Roger unhooks one of the house keys from the ring and throws it towards Jessie. She catches it and then turns towards the front door to open it. Kiyone runs up and stands next to Jessie as the door opens, not happy with letting the Rocket go in first so that she can steal something. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Roger, Duo, Faye, and Melfina bunch behind Jessie and Kiyone as the step inside and see the mansion for the very first time. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The six of them step in and are immediately entranced by the beauty and splendor of the inside of the mansion, despite its traditional look. For example, although the front door is made out of wood, almost all of the other rooms in the mansion can be accessed only by opening Japanese sliding doors. In the entranceway, the group notices a spiral staircase leading both upstairs and down into the basement. To the left lies the dining room. Inside the dining room, there stands a long glass table with twelve pine colored chairs pushed up underneath it. On one side of the room is a curio, filled with expensive silverware and ceramic plates. On the opposite side is a small fish tank, filled with about two or three different types of fish. And beyond the tank laid the kitchen, which was beautifully designed. To the right is a path that leads to the living room and one of the lower level bathrooms. The hall down the path extends further, but the group cannot see that far down the hall. Kiyone: This is unbelievable! Jessie: This is incredible! Faye: Just what kind of rich guy would give up a place like this? Duo: A very dumb one, if you ask me. Roger: It’s not exactly a mansion compared to the one I live in, but it’ll do. Melfina: Shall we look around? The others nod as Melfina leads the way into the dining room. *** Meanwhile, over at Osaka Kansai Airport, a black and orange spiky haired boy dressed in nothing but a sleeveless blue shirt and white shorts stood in the waiting area, patiently hoping that his fellow roommates would show up soon. It was a little cold in the airport, to say the least, and his clothing didn’t keep him warm that much. Spiky Haired Boy: (CC) Couldn’t they have picked some place warmer? It’s so cold! The boy looked down at his two brown suitcases that he had brought along. Knowing very well that he could not carry enough clothing to last six weeks, he had decided that packing enough for about a week, and then doing laundry, would be his best option. But after waiting for about half an hour, one of the two people that he is supposed to meet comes into view. It happens to be a young girl that’s about his age. She has light brown hair, including a portion of it that’s tied up in a ponytail. She is wearing a green dress with a short sleeve white dress shirt underneath, but the sky blue wind breaker jacket that she’s wearing over it covers that. The boy watches as the girl drags a large suitcase with wheels behind her. He walks over and helps her push it over to where his stuff is. Girl in Green Dress: Thank you! You’re so kind! Spiky Haired Boy: No problem. Boy, you sure brought a lot of stuff. Girl in Green Dress: I wanted to make sure I was well prepared for anything I might face out here. Spiky Haired Boy: No kidding. Finally, he gets the humongous suitcase next to his stuff. He wipes the sweat off of his forehead as the girl steps forward to introduce herself. But the boy beats her to the punch by speaking up first. Spiky Haired Boy: By the way, my name’s Mondo. Girl in Green Dress: I’m Jeri. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Mondo: (CC) I can see Rockna at home already, seething because the first person I meet happens to be Jeri, a cute girl who’s almost the same age as I am. It’s tough having a girlfriend like that. Jeri: (CC) I’m surprised that I actually met someone my age! When I got chosen for the show, I was told that they weren’t going to be as many kids as before. I just hope Mondo’s not the only one that’s my age. He’s nice and all, but he looks weird. Who does his hair, anyway? Mondo: So you’re a Digimon Tamer, huh? I’ve heard about them. They do great work. Jeri: We do what we have to do to keep West Shinjuku safe. Mondo: I agree. Jeri’s Puppet: (appearing out of nowhere) And what do you do, stranger? Mondo: (jumps back in fright) Aaaahhh! Evil puppet! Jeri: (giggles) It’s not evil, silly! Jeri’s Puppet: Yeah, silly! What do you do? Mondo: Well, I’m a Mon Colle Knight. We’re famous for keeping peace in the Mon World. Jeri: Famous? I watch TV all the time, and I’ve never heard of you. Mondo: (falls to the ground) Is that so? Jeri: By the way, why are we still here? Shouldn’t we be going now? Mondo: We’re supposed to wait for someone else to show up. Then the three of us will go over to Okayama together. Jeri: I hope we don’t have to wait long. Mondo: We won’t have to wait much longer, ‘cause here he comes! As Mondo points over Jeri’s left shoulder, she turns around and sees a guy in his twenties with glasses walking towards them, while dragging two suitcases all the way. The brown haired guy is wearing an unbuttoned lavender colored long sleeve shirt, which is partially covering a lime green short sleeve shirt, and a pair of blue jeans. He breathes a sigh of relief as he stops right in front of them. Guy with Glasses: (wipes the sweat off of his forehead) Whew! I’m glad that’s over. Mondo: Not quite. We still have to take a taxi to Okayama. Guy with Glasses: (sarcastically) That’s just great. Why did they have to pick a place so far out in the country? Mondo: Beats me. By the way, I’m Mondo Ooya. Jeri: And my name is Jeri Katou. Pleased to meet you. Guy with Glasses: Keitaro Urashima. The three individuals shake hands. They then start dragging their bags towards the nearest terminal exit. Once outside, Keitaro flags down a cab almost immediately. And with that, the three are on their way to Okayama. Keitaro and Mondo sit by the windows in the back seat, with Jeri in between the two of them. *** Back at the mansion, the group had split up to conduct their own tour. Kiyone, Faye, and Roger are making their way towards the east side of the building, where they find two of the bedrooms. One of the bedrooms had white wallpaper while the other had pink. Other than that, the two rooms were similar. They each have two full size beds, two sets of dressers with five drawers each, two desks with a small lamp on each of them, a nightstand, and two separate closets with enough room to put an elephant in it. Kiyone: I can’t believe the rooms are so big. Faye: I hope there’s not a catch to this. Kiyone: You mean having to pay for the house ourselves? Faye: Exactly. Roger: Relax, you two. Remember the orientation guide they sent us? They said that they would be responsible for paying for the house and utilities, except when payment is due because of damage done by one of the residents. Kiyone: Thank god Mihoshi isn’t here to mess things up. Faye: Your partner, right? From what you told me, she’s quite the airhead. Kiyone: (groans) Airhead is an understatement! Just when you think that things can’t get any worst, she makes it worse by either spilling somebody’s food, tearing up some wallpaper, or talking when she’s supposed to keep her mouth shut! I swear, one of these days Mihoshi’s going to be the end of me! Roger: I don’t seem how that’s humanly possible. Faye: Just be glad that you won’t get to see her for six weeks. Kiyone: (smiles) Thank goodness. *** At an apartment in Tokyo, one bubble headed young blonde female is running around the place, looking for her partner. Mihoshi: (yelling loudly) Kiyone? Where are you? I thought you said you were going to wake me up this morning! (running around in a panic) Oh me, oh my, what do I do? What if she got a call from headquarters and she ran off without me? What if she’s in trouble? Or maybe she’s at work. But where? It’s Tuesday, so she should be at the fast food joint. Or is it the construction site? Or the train station? Why couldn’t it just be Monday so that I would remember that we’re guards at the art museum? Why can’t I remember where we’re supposed to be? Why hasn’t Kiyone called me? Why, why, why? *** Back at the mansion… Kiyone: (beginning to cheer) No Mihoshi! No Mihoshi! No Mihoshi for six weeks! I’ll be so happy! I’ll be filled with glee! Just as long as I’m away from Mihoshi! Roger: Personally, if someone like this Mihoshi were my partner, I’d push her off a building. Faye: I’d shoot her myself. (glances over at Kiyone) But let’s not tell Kiyone ‘bout this. She might get a few ideas. *** At that exact moment, Duo, Melfina, and Jessie were checking the second floor. Up there, they found four bedrooms, decorated similar to the ones downstairs, except here each of the rooms has red, green, blue, and yellow colored wallpaper, respectively. Along with the two bathrooms, the trio finds a weight room, a library, and a small rooftop garden. Duo: This place has everything! Jessie: (running into the red bedroom) I call this room for myself! Melfina: Jessie, I don’t think you can do that. There are two beds in that room. Jessie: Well, all of my stuff takes up a lot of space! Besides, my decision is final. Duo: But aren’t we supposed to pick the rooms at random? I mean, that’s what they did last time. Jessie: Screw that! I said I’m staying here and there’s nothing that’s going to change my mind! *** In their taxi, Keitaro, Jeri, and Mondo are talking about Keitaro’s predicament. Mondo: So you’re staying at this all-girls dorm until you can get into Tokyo University? Keitaro: I thought I had just said that. Jeri: But isn’t that weird? Keitaro: Not really, once you get used to it. Mondo: Boy, I’d love to live in a place like that. Beautiful girls running around while you’re in charge of them. It’s too good to be true! Keitaro: But it’s quite the opposite. The girls have a tendency to beat me to a pulp every time they see me. Mondo: Why would they do that? Jeri: It’s not like you treat them as they’re slaves… right? Keitaro: (shaking his heads) It’s nothing like that, Jeri. It’s just that they enjoy privacy, and it seems that I always butt into theirs at the wrong time. Mondo: At least you don’t have a girlfriend who reprimands you every time you glance at a pretty girl. I’d never hear the end of it from Rockna if I ended up living in a place like that. Jeri: At least you two have someone who cares for you that way. The boy I have crush on doesn’t even think of me as a girlfriend. To him, I’m just another one of his friends. The three sigh at their inability to find love. *** At the mansion, the six have gathered at the stairway to descend to the basement. Roger leads the way, followed by Kiyone, Faye, Duo, Melfina, and Jessie. At the bottom of the stairs, the basement is split in half. On either side of the stairs is a door. Roger decides to open the one to his left first. He goes into the room, which happens to be the recreation room. There’s a ping-pong table, a pool table, two computers, a 20-inch TV and a Playstation 2 with an assortment of different games. There are also a couple of chairs in the room, as well as a mini-fridge to store cold drinks. The room is also carpeted very nicely. The others make their way past Roger and inspect the room personally. Duo: There’s no way we deserve all of this! Faye: You mean we don’t? It’s all here, so it must be ours. Kiyone: We’ve got to be pretty lucky. Jessie, right behind the trio, nods in agreement, still stunned over everything. Melfina: (shouting) There’s more, guys! The four of them turn around and see Roger opening the door on the other side of the hall. Three doors lie behind that one: one to the left, one to the right, and one straight ahead. The door on the left has a sign labeled ‘Men’ on it, while the one on the right is labeled ‘Women.’ And besides the door in the center is a wooden board with twenty-four slots. Twelve on the left half of the board, under a sign labeled ‘In,’ and twelve on the right half, under the sign labeled ‘Out.’ Roger: I wonder what this is all for. Why would someone need to know whether someone’s in or out of a room? Melfina: (pointing to the door in front of them) Open the door and find out. Roger walks over and attempts to open the door. But the doorknob won’t turn. Roger: It must be locked. Melfina walks towards the door labeled ‘Women’ and pushes it open. She looks inside and identifies the room as a locker room of sorts… minus the lockers. Kiyone appears behind her and glances over Melfina to see inside. Kiyone: It sort of looks like a locker room. Roger: (pushing open the door labeled ‘Men’) So does this one. Duo: Why would we need locker rooms? Jessie: Isn’t it obvious? (beginning to dream) There must be a heated indoor pool in there! Roger: If so, then we’re not getting in there without a key. Faye: (sighs) So much for rest and relaxation. Melfina: One of the others might have the key. We just have to wait until they get here. *** At a gas station about twenty minutes away from the mansion, some repairmen were at work replacing a flat right front tire. As the taxi driver looked on, watching the work, two more figures are off to the side, talking to each other. One is a woman in her mid-thirties, with her black hair tied up in a bun. She is wearing a long white long sleeve shirt under a yellow sleeveless dress, with a purple scarf tied around her neck. The other is a blonde haired guy in his teens, who is wearing his green school uniform. Woman: How long does it take to change a stupid tire? Young Guy: Now come on, Chi-Chi! They’re working as fast as they can! Chi-Chi: I find that hard to believe, Joey. Besides, it shouldn’t take more than half an hour to change one! Joey: They’re professionals. They know what they’re doing. All of a sudden, the two of them hear the sound of a wrench falling to the ground, followed by the screams of one of the mechanics. Chi-Chi: Professionals, huh? Joey shakes his head as he turns his attention to the main road adjacent to the gas station. A taxicab, similar to theirs, passes by, heading west towards Okayama. *** Inside the taxi that just passed by… Mondo: Driver, how much longer until we get to the Okayama Bus Station? I’m getting antsy back here! Driver: About twenty minutes. Mondo: (whines) That’s too long! Can’t you drive any faster? Jeri: Oh, come on Mondo! Just use this time to enjoy the scenery! (turning to Keitaro) Right? Keitaro had been deep in thought at time, and thus he didn’t hear Jeri calling him. Jeri decided to shout his name again. Jeri: Keitaro? (smiles) Don’t tell me you’re asleep! Keitaro: (snapping out of it) Huh? Oh, me? No. I’m just thinking about something. Jeri: I see. Mondo: (whispering into Jeri’s left ear) Probably thinking about his girlfriends, I bet. *** Eventually, the taxi carrying Mondo, Jeri, and Keitaro finally arrives at the bus terminal. The three get out, pay the driver for the ride, and then start lugging their bags inside. Mondo and Jeri find a comfortable place to rest as Keitaro goes to find out what they are to do next. Jeri: (pulls out a picture from her jacket pocket) Here’s a picture of my friends. Mondo: (taking the picture) So, who’s who? Jeri: (pointing at the figures in the picture, one by one, starting on the left) The boy with the black shirt is Kazu. The one with glasses is Kenta. The girl next to him is Rika. If you ever need help with playing the Digimon card game, she’s the one to turn to. She’s the defending regional champion. Mondo: I see. Jeri: (continuing) The boy in the goggles next to her is Takato. That’s the boy I have a crush on. Mondo: Not bad. (glancing at the picture again) And that’s you on his left, right? Jeri: Right. And the guy on the end, to my left, is Henry. Mondo: (a bit confused) I thought that was Takato. Jeri: No, that’s Henry. Mondo: But you just said that Henry was the one to your left. But that’s Takato! Jeri: No, silly! I meant my left in the picture, as in my right now. Mondo: Oh. Say, you know, Rika and Takato look awful close in this picture. Jeri: They’re just friends. Mondo: I wouldn’t be so sure. Jeri: Stop kidding around, Mondo! If Takato had a crush on Rika, he would’ve told me. Mondo: I wouldn’t be surprised if the two are together when you get back home. Jeri: (beginning to blush profusely) I said stop kidding around! Besides, what makes you think you’ll still be with your girlfriend when you get back? Mondo: (panicking a bit) Who, Rockna? Impossible. We were made for each other. Jeri: Well, are you going to show me a picture of her? Mondo: (fumbling for words) Huh? Oh? Yep… Mondo pulls out a picture of him and Rockna, with their hands intertwined as they face each other lovingly. Jeri: (squeals) You two make such a cute couple! Mondo: (smiles as he takes the picture back) I told you that we were made for each other. The two continue to talk about their adventures as they wait for Keitaro to return. Jeri: (CC) Mondo and his girlfriend Rockna look so good together. I hope Takato and I are like that one day. Mondo: (CC) I’m glad Jeri and I have become fast friends. With her around, I won’t feel homesick for Rockna. This ought to be great! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Back at the mansion, Melfina is in the kitchen preparing lunch for the hungry housemates already present. A beef noodle stew, to be exact. Melfina: Let’s see if I remember this correctly. I’m supposed to cover this and let it boil for an hour and forty-five minutes. (smiles as she covers the large pot holding the stew) That seems easy enough. Now, to prepare the egg noodles. *** As Melfina continues cooking, Duo and Kiyone have found two more rooms towards the back of the house on the first floor. One of the sliding doors has a lock on it, but the other does not. Duo: What’s up with all of the locked doors? Kiyone: I guess we’ll find out later. Kiyone slides open the unlocked door. Behind the door is a small room, which has a computer set up in each corner (the fourth corner is where the door they are currently standing in is). Kiyone: This must be the computer room. Duo: (walking past her and towards the closest computer) Hey, there’s a note on this monitor. Kiyone walks over to Duo as he reads the note aloud. Duo: (reading aloud) Please setup an e-mail account on this computer so you can receive messages. Kiyone: Well, go ahead. They might be trying to send us a message right now. Duo: (nods in agreement) Right. (sits down and turns on the computer) This shouldn’t take long. *** Back at the bus terminal, Keitaro is walking back towards Mondo and Jeri. Jeri: So, what are we going to do? Keitaro: I just talked with someone back in the ticket office, and they said that we needed to wait for the others to arrive. The last person here will have instructions on what to do next. Suddenly, the two of them hear a loud growling noise. They turn towards Mondo, who is holding his stomach in pain. Mondo: (moans) Man, I haven’t had anything to eat all day. Jeri: (giggles) Well, we’d better get some in you. Keitaro: I saw a food court over by the ticket booth. Let’s see what we can get from there. *** It was another forty minutes before another taxi pulled into the bus terminal’s driveway. Chi-Chi and Joey get out of the cab and take their stuff out of the trunk. After handing the driver some money, Chi-Chi drags her bags angrily towards the building, with Joey following right behind her. Chi-Chi: I can’t believe he charged us extra for the time we were stuck at that stupid gas station! Joey: He probably did that because we didn’t pay for the replacement tire. Chi-Chi: Why should we? We’re his passengers! Besides, it’s his duty to keep that bucket of rust he calls a taxicab in shape! Joey: You should be thankful that we even got here when we did. Chi-Chi: (stopping and turning around to yell at Joey) Thankful? We’ll be lucky if we're not the last ones here! Joey: So what if we are? It doesn’t make any difference because the bedrooms are chosen at random, remember? Chi-Chi: That’s not the point! People who always arrive late are always disorganized fools who always go through life one step behind everyone else! And that’s not the type of person I am! Joey: Okay, I get the picture! I’m sorry if I riled you up, but you’re overreacting so much over the whole taxicab fare. Chi-Chi: Well, don’t blame me if a driver charges you twenty-two dollars extra for a replacement tire! The two of them enter the terminal and immediately spot someone walking towards them. It happens to be Keitaro. Keitaro: Are you two… Chi-Chi: (walking by and pushing him aside) Move it, buster. I’m not in the mood to talk to a salesman. Keitaro: But I’m not a salesman. Joey: Don’t mind her. She’s a bit peeved that our driver charged us extra because he had to replace a flat tire. Keitaro: I see. Taxi drivers are cheap like that. Joey: (extending his hand out) By the way, I’m Joey Wheeler. Keitaro: (extending his as the two shake hands) And I’m Keitaro Urashima. Joey: (pointing towards Chi-Chi) And she’s Chi-Chi Sonn. Don’t worry! She was much nicer when I first met her at the airport. Keitaro: Let’s just hope she calms down before we get up to the mansion. Chi-Chi keeps walking until she reaches the food court. There, she sees Jeri and Mondo sitting at a nearby table. Jeri is quietly mixing some spaghetti sauce into her bowl of pasta while Mondo is scarfing away at a pepperoni stromboli. Chi-Chi: (eyeing them suspiciously) Aren't you kids a little young to be out here by yourselves? Where are your parents? Jeri: (turning towards Chi-Chi) We're actually just here for a meal until the others show up. We're going up to this mansion somewhere in the foothills. Chi-Chi: (calming down) Oh. Gee, I didn't know there were going to be kids up there. Jeri jumps out of her seat and walks over to shake hands with Chi-Chi. Jeri: I'm Jeri. (points to Mondo) And that's Mondo over there with the pepperoni slice stuck to the side of his face. Mondo: (pulling the slice off of his face and eating it) I thought I was missing one. I swear, they guarantee a dozen pepperoni slices in every stromboli. Yet I'm almost done with this one and I've only eaten eleven slices. (turns to the counter) You guys are lucky there were twelve in here! Jeri: Don't mind Mondo. This is normal for him. Chi-Chi: I'm Chi-Chi, by the way. Sorry about yelling at you two... the two of us got stranded at this gas station because the taxicab we took got a flat tire and our stupid driver made us pay extra! Jeri: (as Mondo gets out of his chair and walks over) That's too bad! Wait... did you say the two of us? Chi-Chi: Yes. I came up with this teenager from Tokyo. (points back down the hall) Here he is. Wait... why is that salesman with him? Joey and Keitaro walked up to the group. They seemed to be getting along well already. Joey: Man, you have all the luck! The manager of a girls' dorm? I'd do anything to be in your shoes! Keitaro: I don't think it's something to be proud of! I always seem to find myself in some compromising position that results in me getting beat up by one of the girls. Joey: You're a guy, for crying out loud! You're letting girls beat you up? Chi-Chi: (coughs) Excuse me? Joey: Oh... of course, I didn't mean you, Chi-Chi. I'm sure you're pretty powerful yourself. Chi-Chi: I was a runner-up in the Martial Arts World Tournament a number of years back. Keitaro: You? You're kidding! Chi-Chi: (smiles) Wanna try me? Chi-Chi shouts and begins to power up. She begins to glow white. Sure, she wasn't as strong as her husband or some of his friends, but as the daughter of the famous Ox King, she was one of the strongest humans in the world. Keitaro, Joey, Jeri, and even Mondo all step back and gasp in fear. Mondo: What's with the freaky light show? Keitaro: And I thought Motoko was really strong. Joey: Remind me never to piss her off! Chi-Chi powers down, to the relief of the foursome. Joey then points at Jeri and Mondo. Joey: Who are the kids? Chi-Chi: This is Jeri and Mondo. They're going to be living in the mansion with us. Joey: (surprised) What? Those pipsqueaks? Mondo: (clenching his fist) Who are you calling a pipsqueak? I'm a Mon Colle Knight! Joey: A what? Is that the name of your school's mascot? Mondo: (angry) I'm a superhero, for crying out loud! Joey: (VO) This is just great! I've already got two of them hating me! Chi-Chi: Jeri and Mondo, this is Joey. Mondo: Joey, huh? Well, allow me to enlighten you on the adventures of the Mon Colle Knights! Jeri: (butting in) No offense, Mondo, but I think they'd rather hear about my tales of being a Digimon Tamer. Keitaro: I've heard of both of you, so there's no need for that. (sticking his hand out towards Chi-Chi) Oh, and I'm Keitaro. Nice to meet you, Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi: You mean you're not a salesman? Keitaro: I'm actually the manager of a girls' dormitory. Geese, how many times have I said that already today? Chi-Chi: I see. Trying to get a date with the ladies, are we? Keitaro: Believe me, it's nothing like that! I'm just staying there while I try to pass the Tokyo University entrance exam. Chi-Chi: (not believing him) Yeah, sure. Joey: Say... are we the only ones here? Mondo: I haven't seen anyone else except for the five of us here. Keitaro: Wasn't there supposed to be twelve of us altogether? Joey: Yeah. We must be early. Jeri: I hope they get here soon. I don't want to be sitting here all day. *** At the mansion, the six housemates already there are sitting down to Melfina's beef noodle stew. And they all seem to be enjoying it. Faye: This is delicious! Jessie: (eyes watering) I've never had anything this good in my whole life! Kiyone: I swear, your cooking's almost as good as Sasami's is! Duo: I'm not the type of person who eats noodles, but yet I can't resist! Roger: Melfina, where did you learn to cook this well? Melfina: (smiling) I learned how to cook myself. Kiyone: You mean no one taught you? That's amazing! Melfina: I read a few cookbooks after I got a temporary job as a cook. The spaceship that I fly on costs a lot of money to keep in tip-top shape, so the whole crew has to work whenever we stop at a planet for a break. Duo: I wish Hilde could cook like that. Faye: Who's Hilde? Duo: Oh, she's my salvaging partner. We salvage old machine parts for a living. Roger: Not what I'd call an ideal job. Duo: Maybe, but as long as Hilde's out there working with me, I really don't mind. You know, I just realized the weird list of occupations we all have. I'm a mobile suit pilot, Melfina's a navigator, Roger's a negotiator, Kiyone's a Galaxy Police officer, Jessie's a member of Team Rocket, and Faye's a bounty hunter. Faye: Talk about a bunch of misfits under one roof. Jessie: You're one to talk! Bounty hunters are even worse than cops! At least with cops, they might give you a break and let you rot in jail. Kiyone: Hey! My job as an officer shouldn't be taken lightly! Jessie: But bounty hunters, they'll punch, kick, spit, shoot, maim, and even kill to catch their target! Faye: That's not entirely true! I don't get the bounty if I kill the guy I'm chasing! I could go to jail for murder myself, just like any normal person! Kiyone: The same could be said about you, Jessie. I heard that Team Rocket picks on innocent Pokémon trainers and takes their Pokémon. You guys are nothing but petty thieves! Jessie: Thieves? Okay, maybe you're right. But Team Rocket doesn't steal Pokémon just to take control of them. (begins to recite her motto) We protect the world from devastation! We unite all peoples within our nation! We denounce the evils of truth and love! We extend our reach to the stars above! Team Rocket, blasting off at the speed of light! Surrender now, or prepare to fight! Kiyone: (unimpressed) Is that all? I've fought space demons more dangerous than you. Jessie: (angry) Don't insult the great Team Rocket! One day, we'll rule the world! Faye: Doubt it. In my time, the Earth has become so inhabitable that most of the population now live on other planets. Roger: At least that's better than my situation. In Paradigm City, we are in heavy belief that our city is the only one still standing and that no one lives outside of it. Duo: But your time didn't have an all-out war between the people on Earth and the people who lived in the space colonies. Jessie: (growls) You all think you're so smart! But when this is all over and I win, you'll see how great Team Rocket is! (happily) In the meantime, could I have some more of that wonderful stew, Melfina? Melfina: Of course. Roger: (CC) Melfina's already got a leg up on the rest of us because she's a great cook. Meanwhile, Jessie's going the other way. Her allegiance with Team Rocket will be a hefty disadvantage in this game. Duo: (CC) Melfina reminds me so much of Hilde. They're both cute, sweet, and friendly. And although Hilde could probably relate to me more in terms of mobile suits, I wouldn't mind having Melfina around to cook dinner every night! *** Half a mile away, Mondo, Jeri, Chi-Chi, Keitaro, and Joey await the arrival of what will end up being the twelfth and final member of the household. They don't know that, though. After sitting down to a short meal of their own, the five walk back over to the waiting area. Finally, ten minutes later, the last cast member arrives dragging a heavy suitcase behind him. He is a blond, spiky haired young man who wears a rather intricate outfit, especially for one who pilots a Zoid. Of course, this happens to be Bit Cloud, the pilot of Liger Zero. Joey: And who might you be, stranger? Bit: Bit Cloud, Zoid pilot extraordinare! Chi-Chi: What's a Zoid? Mondo: Yeah! I'd like to know! Bit: Here, I'll show you a picture. Bit pulls out a picture of the Liger Zero from his jacket pocket. The others are amazed upon seeing the portrait. Joey: That looks awesome! Keitaro: You pilot that thing? Chi-Chi: That doesn't look easy to pilot at all! Mondo: Where can I get one of those? Jeri: It's so cute! Bit: Hey, it's not cute! Zoids aren't meant to be cute! They're meant to be powerful machines which battle with other Zoids. Jeri: Battling? Sounds like something one does in the Digimon card game. Joey: I think it more suits the Duel Monsters card game. Jeri and Joey: (pointing at each other) Your show has a card game? Mondo: Well, my show has cards too. Joey: (to Jeri) I bet that my Duel Monsters deck is better than your Digimon deck! Jeri: (to Joey) You're on! As Jeri and Joey look for their card decks and Mondo pleads for them to pay attention to him, Bit, Keitaro, and Chi-Chi look on in confusion. Chi-Chi: Kids these days, with their card games and action figures. My youngest son Goten is just like them. Keitaro: You have a son? Chi-Chi: Two, actually. The older one is named Gohan. Bit: It must be nice to have a family you can come home to every night. Chi-Chi: I guess so. Bit: Oh, before I forget, someone gave me this. He pulls out a small pre-opened envelope that looks similar to the one Melfina had. Opening it and pulling out the piece of paper inside, he ushers the others to come over as he reads the message out aloud. Bit: (reading aloud) Welcome to Okayama, Japan. You are the second half of the cast to arrive. Your mansion is waiting for you in the foothills, about a half of a mile north of here. The other cast members are already there, awaiting your arrival. Enclosed in this envelope is the key to locker B57. Use the key to gain access to the locker. Inside, you’ll find a ring full of keys and instructions on how to proceed to the mansion. Good luck and enjoy your stay here in Okayama. The group quickly searches the locker area for locker B57. Keitaro ends up finding it. Keitaro: (yelling) Guys, over here! I found it! Soon enough, the others converged on his location. Bit uses the key to open the locker. Inside the locker is another ring full of keys, a map, and another set of instructions, just like the locker before. Chi-Chi: We get two minivans? Are they serious? Keitaro: The note sounds serious to me. The group runs and gets their bags before heading to the back. They find their gray Toyota Sequoia and start loading it. Minutes later, the group's ready to go... with one slight problem. Chi-Chi: Does anyone else know how to drive? She gets a resounding 'No' from the others. Keitaro: What's wrong? You don't know how to drive, Chi-Chi? Chi-Chi: I know a little bit. Besides, I live out in the country. There's no need for a car there. Keitaro: Well, I know a bit from a few lessons my parents taught me. I'll sit up front with you to help out. Chi-Chi: Thanks, Keitaro. I thought we were really going to be in trouble there. Joey: (CC) Chi-Chi having trouble driving? That's weird. I thought all parents knew how to drive. As Chi-Chi sits in the driver's seat, Keitaro heads for the passenger seat. Joey and Bit are in the middle row, while Jeri and Mondo share the back row. *** With some guidance from Keitaro, Chi-Chi drives the minivan all the way up to the mansion. Upon catching sight of it, the whole group gasps in awe. Bit: Unbelievable! We're living here for the next six weeks? Jeri: I've never seen a house that big before! Chi-Chi: I can't believe it! For once, I'll be living in the lap of luxury! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tenchi: (VO) 12 contestants from 12 different anime shows. 42 days living by themselves in a mansion. But only one will walk away with a grand prize of up to one million dollars. (Begin theme song, showing each of the contestants one at a time) - Bit, pilot of the Liger Zero - Chi-Chi, housewife and daughter of the Ox King - Duo, Gundam Deathscythe pilot - Faye, a bounty hunter/cowboy - Jeri, Digimon tamer - Jessie, member of Team Rocket - Joey, a card duelist - Keitaro, manager of a girls' dorm building - Kiyone, a Galaxy Police officer - Melfina, navigator of the Outlaw Star - Mondo, a Mon Colle Knight - Roger, negotiator and pilot of Big O (Show scenes of Duo carrying a haystack, Bit throwing a picture frame at someone, Kiyone trying to crawl under a security sensor, and Faye pumping her fist in the air in glee) Tenchi: (VO) Some of them will become the best of friends. Others will develop grudges against those they hate. But only one will walk out with a million dollars or more in cash and prizes. (The mansion appears in the background, with the two minivans parked out front.) Tenchi: (VO) These men and women are... roomies! (End theme song, with a picture of all 12 contestants standing in front of the mansion.) ********** Roomies 2: Country Living Story Written by Freedom Fighter ********** Episode 1 - Friend or Foe? Day One Chi-Chi finally pulls the minivan to a stop right behind the red one already parked in the driveway. Once she turns off the engine, the group piles out and starts to get their stuff out from the back. Joey: I must be dreaming! This can't be where we're living! Bit: (showing Joey the map) We're at the red dot on the map. We're here! Chi-Chi: I guess we'd better go in. The others nod in agreement. *** Inside, one of the residents already present in the mansion had heard the minivan stop in the driveway. Kiyone pulls aside the blinds in the dining room. Spotting the second group, she yells to the others as she goes to open the front door. Kiyone: (shouting) They're here, guys! As Kiyone opens the front door, Duo, Melfina, and Jessie appear from a nearby room and follow her out. They greet the new arrivals happily. Kiyone: Welcome to Okayama! Chi-Chi: (smiles) Hello! I'm Chi-Chi. And you are? Kiyone: (sticking her hand out) I'm Kiyone. Introductions are given all around as the ten of them exchange friendly hellos. Then, they help each other bring all of the suitcases inside the mansion. All except for Jessie, who manages to sneak back in before anyone can notice her. Duo: Where did Jessie run off to? Wasn't she with us? Kiyone: (CC) I can't believe that Jessie went back inside! She should be helping us bring their bags in! Joey: (CC) Where did that girl with the long red hair go? I could swear I've seen that uniform of hers somewhere. Once inside, Kiyone and Duo lead them on a tour of the house while Melfina goes off to look for Roger and Faye. They end up going to the living room first. In the living room, they see that there are several places to sit: a futon, a sofa, a reclining chair, and two window chairs. There are all pointed towards a 32" television, which has a VCR and a DVD player next to it. And on opposite ends of the room stood two circular tables, each with a lamp on it. And sitting on the floor, in front of the sofa, was Jessie, watching a soap opera of some sort. Kiyone: Jessie! I can't believe how lazy you've gotten already! Jessie: (waves a hand at her without turning around) Pipe down, I'm trying to watch this! Chi-Chi: When someone is talking to you, you are supposed to give them your full attention! Where are your manners? Jessie: (growls, then stands up and turns to face Chi-Chi) How dare you tell me about manners! Jessie then notices that Chi-Chi, who has to be at least twice her age, is glaring at her. Chi-Chi: Don't talk back to me, young lady! I've got two boys and I've never been afraid to discipline them. And I'll discipline you if need be! (points to Jeri) Why weren't you outside helping? You could've helped push Jeri's suitcase in! Jessie: What do I look like? A maid? Chi-Chi: What did I just say? I told you not to talk back to me! You're asking for it! Jessie: (sarcastically) Yeah, right. As if you'd be able to touch me. Stick to harassing people your age, old lady. Chi-Chi: (really angry) OLD LADY? Duo: Hey, knock it off! The both of you! The two women glare at Duo, causing the Gundam pilot to get a little bit nervous. Duo: (running away) I think I'll go help Melfina find Roger and Faye! Bye! Once Duo is out of sight, Chi-Chi and Jessie resume their staring contest. Kiyone: (groans) Why am I cursed to have two roommates that are just like Ryoko and Ayeka? Joey: It's only the first day and they're already at each other's throats. They won't last six weeks together. Jeri tries her own way of calming down Chi-Chi and Jessie by pulling out her puppet and sliding it onto her right arm. Mondo: (whispering to Jeri) This isn't the time for a puppet show. Jeri: (whispering back) This'll work. Trust me. Jeri walks over until she is in between the two women, hiding her puppet behind her back all the way. Once there, she then begins to make her puppet talk. Jeri's Puppet: Come on, stop fighting! Let's go play a game! Chi-Chi and Jessie stop staring at each other and turn their attention to Jeri's puppet for some strange reason. Jeri's Puppet: How about hide and go seek? You go hide and I'll seek. Jeri: (happily gasps) That's a great idea! Jeri's Puppet: Okay, I'm counting to three! (covers his eyes) One, two, three! (uncovers them) Peek-a-boo! I see you! As the puppet begins to laugh hilariously, everyone in the room looks at it and Jeri and sweatdrops. Bit: What is this? (walks over and pulls it off) It's just a stupid sock puppet! Jeri: My puppet isn't stupid! Give it back! Bit: (handing it back) Like I'm going to have a use for it if I keep it. Joey: (CC) Someone needs to tell me how old Jeri is, 'cause she's acting like a six year old playing with that brown sock. Chi-Chi then resumes staring at Jessie, although her glare is not as intense this time. After a few seconds, she sighs and gives up, walking off. Chi-Chi: We'll talk about your discipline problem later, Jessie. (to Kiyone) Well, let's continue the tour! Kiyone: (still a bit shocked over everything) Um, okay. Kiyone and Chi-Chi lead the way down the hall towards the first floor bedrooms. Keitaro goes with them, followed by Bit and Joey. Mondo waits for Jeri before the two depart, bringing up the rear of the pack. Jessie just stands there, her concentration slightly thrown off after Jeri's puppet had interfered. But she knew for a fact that Chi-Chi was a pain, and she didn't like her one bit. Jessie: (CC) If that woman thinks she's going to boss me around for six weeks, then she's got another thing coming! *** Downstairs in the basement, Faye examines the recreation room in detail. Particularly the TV set, the Playstation 2, and the two computers, surprisingly enough, as they are all different to what she's used to seeing. Faye: I can't believe how ancient all of this stuff is. 70 years in the future, most televisions like these are obsolete. Same with the VCR and DVD players upstairs in the living room. Roger: At least you have the luxury of those items, as technology is limited in Paradigm. Faye: I know, I know! You don't have to keep telling me! Roger: (looking Faye over) Did anyone ever question you about the way you dress? Faye: Why should they? A woman should be comfortable wearing anything she wants, whenever she wants. Roger: Then you must be really comfortable in that outfit of yours. Faye: What's it to you? I'll tell you now, I don't look as easy as I portray myself to be. Roger: I never incited that you were easy. I'm sure you can handle yourself. Especially if you're a bounty hunter, as you say. Faye: What? You don't believe me? Roger: I find it hard for a woman of your stature to be capable of shooting criminals. Faye: So, are you doubting my skill? Roger: (shrugs his shoulders) Maybe. Faye searches herself for her gun before remembering that she doesn't have it with her. Faye: Oh, that's right. No weapons in the mansion. I forgot about that. Roger: Maybe we'll end up with some type of shootout challenge. You can prove it to me then. Faye: If that happens. Let's not get ahead of ourselves now. Faye then sighs in disbelief. She then starts to head towards the stairs. Roger: Where are you going? Faye: To get a cigarette. I haven't had a chance to smoke since last night. Roger: (smiles as Faye disappears) She's falling for me. It'll take awhile, but I'll win her over soon enough. *** Meanwhile, the tour group has made their way to the main computer room. Upon entering, they hear one of the computers beeping. Kiyone walks over to the computer that Duo was working on earlier and sits down in the swivel chair in front of it. On it, the screen is flashing a sign that says '1 new message.' Kiyone: We've got a message already, it seems. Bit: Well, open it! Kiyone clicks the 'OK' button with her mouse, but it prompts her for the password. Kiyone: Password? Damn it! Duo didn't tell me the password! (turning towards the others) Someone go find Duo. Keitaro heads out the door without hesitation. *** Faye emerges from the basement to the entranceway, where all of their bags still lie. She searches for her bags in hopes of finding a pack of cigarettes. Before she can, though, Duo and Melfina appear, walking out of the kitchen. Melfina: There you are, Faye! I've been looking all over for you! Duo: What are you searching for? Faye: Just my pack of cigarettes, that's all. Duo: You smoke? Faye: Yeah. So? Duo: Will wonders ever cease? You, of all people, smoke? Faye: (raising an annoyed eyebrow) And your point is? Before Duo could answer, Keitaro appears. Keitaro: (looking at Duo) You're Duo, right? Duo: Yeah, that's me. Keitaro: The police officer needs the password for the computer. Duo: Police officer? Oh, right, Kiyone. You mean there's a message already? Melfina: That's great! Now we'll be able to find out who the host is. Faye: Tell me what happens, okay? I'll be over as soon as I find my... Duo: You can smoke all you want later! This is important! (yelling into the living room) Jessie! We've got a message from the hosts! Jessie: (yells) I'm coming! Melfina: Where's Roger? Roger: Right here. Melfina turns to her left and sees Roger coming up the spiral staircase. Roger: Where's the message? Keitaro: In the computer room. Roger: And who are you? Keitaro: Keitaro Urashima. Roger: Roger Smith. The two shake hands before Duo starts pushing them towards the computer room. Duo: Come on! They won't wait for us all day! *** Soon after, all twelve residents are now gathered in the computer room. Roger and Faye are introduced to the rest of the group as Duo goes over and types the password in. Kiyone: You know, we're all going to have to be able to get onto these computers. How about telling me the password? Duo: Later. For know, let's see what this sucker says. Kiyone nods in agreement and opens the message, using the mouse. Kiyone: (reading aloud) Welcome to Okayama, Japan! At this time, all twelve residents should be in the mansion and present in the room. I am the host for "Roomies 2: Country Living," though I will save introductions for when I meet with you tomorrow in your first challenge. Bit: A challenge already? I can't wait! Kiyone: (reading aloud) In the attachment below, profiles of each of the twelve residents are provided. You will need this information for tomorrow's challenge, so make sure a copy is printed out for everyone. Mondo: (whines) You mean we have to study something? Keitaro: I thought had gotten away from studying for six weeks. And now, this! Kiyone: (reading aloud) In the meantime, the first order of business is choosing roommates. There are six bedrooms in the mansion, with two to a room. Two are located on the first floor, while the other four are upstairs on the second. Each of the bedrooms are marked by the different colored wallpaper inside. The colors are red, blue, yellow, green, pink, and white. And the best part is... (reciting happily) we get to choose who we want to room with! Keitaro: That's great! Bit: Well, I already know who I'm going to pick! Bit turns to Joey, who is a bit surprised. Joey: Me? Bit: Trust me on this! We'll be best of buddies! Joey: If you say so. Bit: Let's go up and pick a room before the others do! Joey: Good idea! Kiyone: (as Bit and Joey depart) Well, that leaves five pairs to choose up. Any other volunteers? Chi-Chi proudly steps forward and announces her decision. Chi-Chi: I want Jessie to be my roommate. Everyone gasps in shock as their heads turn towards the Team Rocket member. Jessie has a look of disbelief on her face, as she wondered why, out of all people, Chi-Chi would choose her. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Everyone in the room was awaiting for Chi-Chi to explain why she had picked Jessie as her roommate. And she was about to explain everything. Chi-Chi: Someone needs to keep an eye on this troublemaker. And who better to do so than myself? Jessie: Who are you calling a troublemaker? And what makes you think I'm going to share a room with you? Kiyone: I think it's a good idea. Roger: Me too. Jessie: There's no way I'm going to share a room with her and that's final! Chi-Chi: We'll see about that! Chi-Chi grabs Jessie by the arm and starts dragging her out of the room. Naturally, Chi-Chi has a strong grip and Jessie can't escape. Jessie: Ow! Let go of my arm! Chi-Chi: Not until we pick out a room I like! Everyone sweatdrops as Chi-Chi and Jessie disappear. Kiyone: Well... anyone else feel obligated to have someone in particular with them? Everyone in the room stood silent for a minute, all deep in thought. Jeri: (CC) Right now, I don't know anyone here really well, and I'm kind of afraid of sleeping with someone much older than I am. I'm used to sleeping with my little brother at home. It's too bad there's no one like him here. Unless... Melfina: (CC) I have an idea of who I want as a roommate, but will he want to share a room with me? All of a sudden, Jeri and Melfina raise their hands at the same time. They then look at each other in confusion. Kiyone: For Pete's sake, I hope you two don't want the same roommate. Jeri: Actually, I was thinking Mondo. Melfina: And I wanted Duo as my roommate. Mondo and Duo: Huh? Roger: Wait a minute... Jeri and Mondo in the same room? I don't think that'll work out so well. Kiyone: What makes you think that? There are just kids, after all. They're not old enough to get that close together. Mondo: (makes a wrinkly face) Eeww! I'm not sharing a room with Jeri if she's going to snuggle with me! (to Jeri) I told you that I already have a girlfriend! Jeri: But that's not why I want to have you as a roommate. I just want someone my age to talk to at night if I have something on my mind. Keitaro: It sounds fine to me. Kiyone: I agree. But what about Duo and Melfina? Duo: I'm in the same boat as Mondo, and you know it! I've got a girlfriend myself in Hilde, so don't go there! Roger: True, but you and Melfina have been hitting it off since we got here. Duo: Nothing is going to happen. I swear that as long as I am the God of Death, Melfina and I will just be friends and not a couple. Kiyone: So, what's the deal? How do you feel about this, Melfina? Melfina: I just feel comfortable around him. That's all. Kiyone: Comfortable? Faye: Just let them do what they want. If Duo gets Melfina pregnant, that's their problem. Duo: I am not going to get her pregnant! Faye: You say that now. But we'll see how long that promise will hold up. Duo: (shaking his fist) We'll prove it! Come on, Melfina. Melfina: (nods her head) Okay. Duo and Melfina walk out of the room. Mondo: (jumping up and down) Jeri! Jeri! Let's go, go, go! Jeri: Why? Mondo: We've got to get a room here on the first floor! There's no way we'll get your suitcase upstairs. Jeri: Good point. I just hope the others haven't taken them. Mondo and Jeri exit, leaving only Kiyone, Roger, Keitaro, and Faye in the room. Kiyone: I think it's obvious from here. Roger and Keitaro will share a room and Faye and I will share one. Faye: (sighs) I guess I have no choice, do I? Roger: You can always sleep with me. Faye: On second thought, being roomies with Kiyone can't be all that bad. Kiyone: I resent that, Faye! Just because I'm a cop doesn't mean that I take my job to bed with me. Faye: Then why are you still wearing your police uniform? Kiyone: Because I was on patrol last night! (yawns) Speaking of which, I haven't slept in almost a day. Maybe I should take a nap. Faye: Fine by me, but I'm not moving your stuff into our room. Kiyone: Wait! I just remembered! Kiyone turns back to the computer, opens the attachment and starts printing out twelve copies of it. Roger and Keitaro take advantage of this by leaving and heading off to one of the remaining rooms. *** By the time all of the copies had been printed, Kiyone and Faye left to find only one bedroom left open. It was the one next to Jeri and Mondo's room, who lucked out in getting one of the first floor rooms. Upon entering the open one, Kiyone and Faye find out that they had the pink bedroom, named because it had pink wallpaper. Faye: Why did we have to get the pink room? I'd rather have a yellow room than a pink room! Kiyone: What can we do? Everyone else beat us to the other rooms. Faye: I'm going to find out who has the yellow room and ask them to switch with us. Kiyone: Whatever. Just hurry up so I can take a nap. *** Faye goes over next door and sees that the room Mondo and Jeri are sharing has white wallpaper. Both of them were in the middle of unpacking their stuff and putting it into their respective dresser drawers. Jeri had chosen the side of the room closer to the door, but since her dresser drawer was right up against the same wall the door was, Faye only saw Mondo, who was on the other side, in the room unpacking. Making her way upstairs, she saw that Chi-Chi and Jessie were in the green room, Keitaro and Roger had taken the red room, and Melfina and Duo unpacked their stuff in the blue room. That left the yellow room to Joey and Bit. Unfortunately for Faye, because those two were the first ones out, they had finished most of their unpacking already. Faye: Guys, switch rooms with me and Kiyone! Bit: Why should we? We're already pretty much settled here. Joey: Besides, the wallpaper matches the color of our hair! (looks over at Bit's hair, which is a darker shade of yellow) Okay, it matches the color of my hair. Bit: You should've picked first. Faye: (in a sweet voice) Please? For me? Joey: That won't work on me, Faye. I'm already used to a Mai Valentine trying to sweet talk me into throwing a Duel Monsters battle. I don't need a Faye Valentine to sweet talk me out of a room. Faye: (in a sweet voice) Bit? Please? Bit: (not really paying attention as he takes out some socks out of his suitcase) Huh? Repeat that? I didn't hear you the first time! Faye: So you're going to mock me? Fine! I know when to take a hint! Bit glances at Faye confused as she stomps off. Bit: Did I miss something? Joey: Naa. *** As Faye walks down the staircase, she sees Kiyone picking up her own duffle bag and then one of Faye's suitcases. Kiyone: (without even looking) No go, right? Faye: Joey and Bit don't want to switch. Something about messing up the room's color scheme. Kiyone: I thought so. (walking towards their room) Help me finish getting your stuff into our room. Faye sighs reluctantly and follows suit, knowing that she's defeated. *** Night One Chi-Chi had offered to cook dinner that night. It would be the first meal that the twelve would have together. As she put the finishing touches on her meal, everyone else sat at the dining room table, waiting. Joey, Bit, and Keitaro all collectively heard their stomaches groan as the awaited their meal. Mondo and Jeri tried to compare their adventures to see whose was better. Kiyone, fresh off of a relaxing a nap and now wearing her regular everyday clothes, was sharing a quiet conversation with Keitaro. Roger continued to observe Faye, in hopes of getting her to notice him, but so far to no avail. Melfina listened closely as Duo described his battles with the other Gundam pilots. And Jessie, all alone at the end of the table, sulked, still not pleased with having to share a room with Chi-Chi. Finally, Chi-Chi started bringing dishes out for the others to eat. Steamed rice, seasoned pork chops, a few baked potatoes, and a large garden salad were placed on the table, one by one. They all tasted the food, finding it to be scrumptious. Roger: (with a pork chop in hand) Say, this is pretty good. Joey: This stuff makes me wish I was home again! There's nothing like some good ol' home cooking! Chi-Chi: That's nice of you to say, you two! I guess those days of feeding my husband and my two boys is paying off. Kiyone: It looks like you cooked a lot, though. I'm not sure we can finish all of this. Chi-Chi: Believe it or not, this is actually about how much food I would prepare for a normal dinner for my family. Bit: What? You mean you and your whole family could eat all of this? Duo: But you look to be in shape just like Kiyone and Melfina! Where does all the food go? Chi-Chi: Well, my body does have a strong metabolism rate. It stems from being a fighter. Mondo: That's right! You did mention that you were a finalist in the World Martial Arts Tournament. Keitaro: At your age? That's amazing! Chi-Chi: That was many years ago. But that was the most exciting day of my life. Duo: Why's that? You said you were a finalist, which means someone beat you in the championship match, right? Chi-Chi: Oh, it wasn't just someone. It was Goku, my husband. Believe it or not, we fought each other in the finals that year and then got married on the same day! Joey: No kidding? You two must be real strong if you were the strongest fighters in the world that year! Keitaro: You were right, Joey! Getting on Chi-Chi's bad side is a death wish! Chi-Chi: For your sakes, that would be a good thing to remember. The meal continued on, as conversations between the different residents sparked up again. *** After dinner had ended and all the dishes had been cleaned, Kiyone passed out the profile packets. Everyone then went their own separate ways to do whatever they wanted. Faye decided that now was a better time than ever to smoke. With her packet in hand, she heads back to her room. Once there, she searches her bags until she finally finds a pack of cigarettes. Taking one out, along with her lighter, she lights her cigar and begins to smoke. *** Kiyone was walking back to her bedroom, wanting to hit the sack for the night, in hopes of getting her sleeping schedule straight for the next six weeks. Upon entering the room, she coughs up a storm as she makes her way through some small smoke clouds, before finally noticing the cigarette in Faye's mouth. Kiyone: Faye, put that out! Or at least open the window, for crying out loud! Faye: What's wrong? I smoke all the time. Kiyone: But I don't. And why are you doing it inside? Do you want to start a fire? Faye: The guys never had a problem on the Bebop. Kiyone: (puts her hands on her hips) Well, you're not on a spaceship. You're in a mansion on the Earth. And things work differently here than what you're used to in your time. Faye goes over and opens the window, which is on her side of the room, and starts to fan the smoke out. Faye: Happy now? Kiyone: I still want you to go outside and smoke! You're making everything in here smell like smoke, there are ashes on your bed... what more do I have to say? Go already! Faye: I'll smoke outside, okay? (under her breath) Gee, someone needs to relax... Kiyone watches as Faye leaves the room and heads to the front door, which she goes out through. Kiyone: (CC) Faye seems to care only about herself and not about others. That's a problem we're going to have to work out really soon if we're to get along for the next month and a half. Faye: (CC) Kiyone needs to stop contradicting herself. She said an hour ago that she doesn't act like a cop when she's off duty, and here she is telling me to get out? If I want to smoke in my room, then let me smoke in my room! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Later that night, in the blue bedroom, the lights were already off, but both Duo and Melfina were lying in their beds, unable to sleep. Duo: Mel? You still awake? Melfina: Yes. Duo: What'cha thinking about? Melfina: Nothing, really. You? Duo: Nothing. Just trying to fall asleep. Silence for a few moments. Then... Melfina: Duo? Duo: Yes? Melfina: Have you ever had a secret that you didn't want to tell anybody? Duo: Let me think. Um... Melfina: I guess not. Duo: I didn't think so, anyway. Melfina: I actually have one. Duo: You do? Melfina: But I'm not sure if I should tell you it or not. Duo: Then don't. It's better that way. Another pause for silence. But after a little bit... Melfina: I feel like telling you what it is. Duo: Are you sure? Melfina: (slowly) Yes, I'm sure. Duo: Okay, shoot. The room becomes silent once again, this time for an even longer period of time. And then... Melfina: I'm not what I seem to be, Duo. Duo: What's that supposed to mean? Melfina: Duo, I'm not human. I'm an android. And yet, another period of silence rings through the air. Finally, Duo speaks up. Duo: Are you sure? Melfina: I'm an android, Duo. I was born one and I will always be one. Duo: But you look as much a human as I do. Melfina: That's how I was built. An android that could not only look human, but could feel like one too. I have all of the senses of a normal human being: sight, taste, sound, touch, and smell. Duo: That's amazing, Mel! But... why tell me all of this? Melfina: I feel like I can trust you for some reason, even though I've only known you for a day. Duo: Melfina. I... I don't know what to say. Melfina: Just promise that you'll keep my secret. Duo: For how long? Melfina: Until I'm sure that everyone will understand me. Duo: I guess you've got a point there. But I'll keep your secret safe. Melfina: Thank you, Duo! Duo: Anything for you. Duo hears Melfina turn towards the wall and try to fall asleep. Duo does the same, only he faces the wall on the opposite side of the room. Duo: (VO) Did I really say 'Anything for you?' Oh boy... I hope Hilde doesn't take this the wrong way. *** Day Two The next morning, a few of the residents were up early in order to get a jump on the day. Melfina was in the kitchen again, this time at work making waffles. About a dozen and a half were already on the dining room table, but Roger, Keitaro, and Chi-Chi were already at work shrinking the pile. Keitaro and Chi-Chi were eating peacefully as Roger talked about something he had heard last night. Roger: They were talking about something, but I'm not sure what. Keitaro: You mean you could hear them through the wall? Roger: Only a little bit. I was able to pick up a few bits and pieces, but they were talking so softly that I didn't hear the whole thing. Chi-Chi: You don't think they were making out last night, do you? Roger: I'm not exactly sure, but I remember hearing something about 'keeping this a secret.' Chi-Chi: No way! Keitaro: Falling in love on the first day... that must be amazing. Chi-Chi: It's not amazing, Keitaro! They're both still teenagers! They're still too young to sleep together! Roger: I don't think they were 'sleeping' together. At least, it didn't sound like it. But they were definitely up to something. Melfina: Who was up to something? The trio notices that Melfina had just entered the room, with a plate of another half dozen waffles ready to eat in hand. Chi-Chi: Did you and Duo do anything last night? Melfina: Other than sleep? No. Roger: Are you sure? I could hear you two talking from my room. Melfina was shocked. She began to wonder if Roger had overheard her telling Duo that she was an android. Melfina: (CC) At that moment, I thought that I would have to come out and say it right there and then. Melfina: Well, neither of us could fall asleep at first, so we decided to talk for a little bit. Roger: What did you talk about? Melfina: It's a secret. Chi-Chi: Oh, really? Melfina: It's a personal secret of mine that I told him, that's all. He hasn't told you it, has he? Keitaro: Not that I know of. I thought he was still asleep, though. Roger: A personal secret, huh? Mind telling us what it is? Melfina: If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it? Roger: But you told Duo. Melfina: I trust Duo. Roger: So you don't trust me yet? Melfina: (hesitantly) Not entirely... Chi-Chi: You two had better not be making out! Melfina: (a little surprised) Making out? We weren't making out! Keitaro: You weren't? Melfina: Of course not? Why would we? Chi-Chi: Okay, I believe you. For now, anyway. Roger: The same for me, since I can't prove what you two were doing at all. Melfina: We talked, and that's all! That's all we did! Keitaro: We believe you. Melfina: Oh, thank goodness. I was beginning to worry there for a second. Melfina leaves the plate of waffles on the table and heads back to the kitchen to make some more. Roger, Keitaro, and Chi-Chi look at each other and talk it over. Chi-Chi: What do you guys think? Roger: Give it some time. We'll find out eventually. Chi-Chi: But I don't want to find out eventually. Even if they weren't making out last night, what's keeping them from making out tonight, or any other night? Keitaro: I say we just let it go. I mean, I don't think they're romantically interested in each other. They denied it yesterday when Melfina chose Duo to be her roommate. Roger: We'll just have to wait and see. In the kitchen, Melfina thinks about things as she continues to cook. Melfina: (CC) I know there will be a lot of talk about Duo and I before I admit that I'm not human. But I'm not willing to tell them my secret if I can't trust them to trust us. *** Later that morning, Duo, Kiyone, and Bit were in the computer room. Duo was working at the main terminal once again, with Kiyone and Bit looking over either shoulder. Duo: That should do it. Now, once everyone else sets up an account, they'll be able to use the computers. Kiyone: They just need to get you or me to log on first, right? Duo: Correct. Bit: Mind if I go ahead and set mine up now? Duo: Sure, I can set up for you. What do you want your screen name to be? Bit: How about... Before Bit can answer, the computer starts to beep. Kiyone points out that they just got a new e-mail message. Duo goes and opens the message and reads it. Duo: (reading aloud) It's time for your first challenge! I hope you guys study those packets I e-mailed you last night. Don't bring them to the challenge, but bring yourselves to Cherry Blossom Point by eleven a.m. Print out the attached map to find it. Kiyone: Go and print out the map, and I'll go tell everyone. Duo: Tell them to hurry up... it's a quarter after ten already. Bit: What about my screen name? Duo: Okay, hold on Bit! I have to print this map out first! *** Forty-five minutes later, the twelve residents are walking through some grassy area lined with trees all around. Most of them look like cherry blossom trees, but because of the weather, there were not any flowers visible. Eventually, they find an open field with twelve log cylinders, six on the left and six on the right. There is a giant notepad and a marker on each cylinder. They also find their host waiting for them. The black haired teenager walks up and greets them. Host: Hello there! Kiyone rejoices with glee and runs over to give the host a hug. A caption appears below the host as Kiyone releases him. [Tenchi Masaki - Host and Runner-up: "Roomies 1 (Boys' Edition)"] Tenchi: It's nice to see you too, Kiyone! Kiyone: Why didn't you tell me you were going to be the host? Tenchi: I couldn't tell anyone. Just like you couldn't tell anyone that you were a contestant. The others walk over and greet Tenchi in each of their varying ways. Tenchi: Well everybody, today it begins! Today is your very first roommate challenge. The roommate challenges are new to the mix this season. For these types of challenges, each pair of roommates will compete against the others in completing a variety of tasks. All of this for a chance to earn more money for each of your personal pots. Of course, all of you want to earn as much money as possible so that at the end you can be the lucky one who takes it all home. That all depends if your fellow housemates want you to take it all home, that is. He points them to the log cylinders behind him. Tenchi: Let's start the first challenge. I need the roommates to sit so that they are across from each other for this challenge. The group does as they are as told. [The team assignments: (Red) Keitaro and Roger, (Blue) Melfina and Duo, (Yellow) Joey and Bit, (Green) Chi-Chi and Jessie, (White) Mondo and Jeri, (Pink) Kiyone and Faye] Tenchi: Today's challenge is called 'Getting to Know You.' Basically, I'm going to ask all of you a series of questions based on the information you saw in the packets you received yesterday. Your team earns a point if one teammate gets the question right and a second point if both teammates get it right. The team with the most points at the end of the game will add $50,000 to their personal pot! Second place gets $40,000, and so on down in increments of $10,000, so that the team that comes in last leaves with no money at all. Write your answers to each question on the notepads, but don't show your answers until I tell you to. Note that you may be an answer yourself, so feel free to put your name down if you think you're the correct answer. Everyone got it? All of them nod. Tenchi pulls out a few notecards and begins the challenge. [Roommate Challenge 1: Getting to Know You] Tenchi: Question 1 - Name 1 of the 5 residents who currently reside in Tokyo or some version of it. Everyone takes some time to write their answers down. After a minute, everyone is ready. Tenchi: Show your answers please while I read off the correct answers. Mondo has "Mondo" on his, Jeri and Jessie have "Jeri", Chi-Chi, Melfina, and Joey have "Joey", Duo has "Bit", Kiyone, Faye, and Roger have "Kiyone", and Bit and Keitaro have "Keitaro." Tenchi: The answers are Mondo, Jeri, Keitaro, Kiyone, and Joey. So everyone's right except Duo. All the teams have 2 points now except for Blue, which has just 1. Question 2 - Two residents are from shows featuring bounty hunters. Name one of them. Everyone writes again, but Jessie, Jeri, Mondo, Joey, and Bit are taking their time. Finally everyone has the answers. Tenchi: Okay, reveal. Mondo and Jeri have "Jessie", Chi-Chi, Jessie, Kiyone, Faye, Joey, Bit, and Roger have "Faye", and Melfina, Duo, and Keitaro have "Melfina". Tenchi: The correct answers are Faye and Melfina. Every team gets 2 points except for White, which doesn't get any. Question 3 - Name 1 of the 2 residents who have no dub last name. After some thinking and writing, they hold up their answers. Mondo, Jeri, Jessie, and Bit hold up "Jessie"; everyone else holds up "Melfina". Tenchi: Both Jessie and Melfina are correct. Two points for all of the teams. Question 4 - Who is the only resident that is married? That happens to be an easy question. Everyone writes down and shows "Chi-Chi". Tenchi: And correct across the board once again. Question 5 - What is the name of Mondo's Mon Colle Knight partner and girlfriend? Mondo, Jeri, Kiyone, Keitaro, Roger, Chi-Chi, Joey, and Melfina all hold up "Rockna", but Jessie, Duo, Faye, and Bit have "Batch" written on their notepads. Tenchi: The answer is Rockna. Red and White get two points, all the other teams get one. At halfway, Red is in the lead with 10, Green, Yellow, and Purple have 9, and Blue and White have only 8. Question 6 - What is the name of Jessie's partner on Team Rocket? Some of them take time to think about this one. A few of them are unsure about their answers, but they put one down anyway. Tenchi: Are we ready? Answers? Only Chi-Chi, Jessie, Melfina, Kiyone, and Roger wrote the correct answer - "James". Mondo, Duo, Faye, and Joey had written "Butch", while Jeri, Bit, and Keitaro had written "Giovanni". Tenchi: Two to Red, one each for Green, Pink, and Blue. Question 7 - We all know that Duo is a Gundam pilot. Name 1 of the 4 pilots that he used to work with. Jessie, Duo, Faye, Keitaro, and Roger all show "Heero", Mondo and Joey show "Trowa", Kiyone shows "Quatre", and Jeri, Chi-Chi, Melfina, and Bit show "Wufei". Tenchi: Nice range of answers there, but everyone is correct. Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei together were the five Gundam pilots. Question 8 - What is the name of Kiyone's partner? Faye, Roger, Kiyone, Melfina, Bit, and Duo all have "Mihoshi" on their pads. Mondo, Jeri, and Chi-Chi write "Sasami" on theirs. But most surprisingly of all, "Tenchi" is on Jessie, Joey, and Keitaro's papers. Tenchi: Where did you three get the idea that I was Kiyone's partner? Anyway, the right answer is Mihoshi. Blue and Pink get two more points, while Red and Yellow get one more. So far, it's Red and Pink with 14, Green and Blue with 13, Yellow with 12, and White with 10. Question 9 - What's the name of Joey's sister? Jeri, Chi-Chi, Melfina, Duo, Faye, Kiyone, Joey, Bit, Keitaro, and Roger all give the correct answer, "Serenity." Mondo answered "Tea" and Jessie had written "Mai". Tenchi: Red, Blue, Yellow, and Pink get two, while White and Green only get one. Red and Pink still share the lead at 16, with Blue at 15, and Green and Yellow with 14, so it's very close. White is the only team out of it, since they only have 11. Here's the last question. What's the name of the mecha that Roger pilots? After some time to think, Tenchi tells them to reveal their answers. "Big O," the correct answer, can be found on the pads belonging to Jeri, Mondo, Chi-Chi, Melfina, Duo, Kiyone, Faye, Keitaro, and Roger. Jessie and Joey have "Dorothy" on theirs, while Bit had a question mark on his. Bit: (shrugs his shoulders) What? I honestly didn't know that it was called the Big O. Tenchi: Well, it is. Let's see... Red, Blue, Pink, and White get two more points, Green gets one, and Yellow doesn't get any. And with that, we have a tie for first place between the Red and Pink teams at 18. Since all of the other positions have been decided, I need everyone else to move aside. (points at Roger) I need you to switch sides and sit next to your roommate (points at Kiyone) I need you to do the same, Kiyone. Everyone rearranges their positions so that Roger and Keitaro are sitting across from Kiyone and Faye. Tenchi: Our first ever roommate challenge and it ends in a tie. Well, according to the rules, we must break the tie. And since this is a challenge in which you guys were tested on how much you knew about everyone in the house, the tie-breaker question, of course, is in that same category. And here it is... The two remaining teams get their pad and marker ready. Tenchi gives them the question. Tenchi: List all 12 residents of the house in alphabetical order by first name. The team that does it the fastest wins! Ready? Set? Go! The other housemates cheer on as the two teams start scribbling names down. Kiyone and Keitaro are yelling out names while Faye and Roger, respectively, write them down. At a few points, one of them stops temporarily to check in their minds if they're correct or not. Finally, one of the teams starts jumping up and down with excitement. Tenchi: (to the other team) Keep going, they may have it wrong. Tenchi goes over and checks the pad. Smiling, he then reads the names off of the list. Tenchi: Bit, Chi-Chi, Duo, Faye, Jeri, Jessie, Joey, Keitaro, Kiyone, Melfina, Mondo, and Roger, they've got it! Pink team wins! Tenchi steps out of the way as Kiyone and Faye high-five each other and then scream with joy. Everyone runs over to them to congratulate them, including Roger and Keitaro. Tenchi then makes his way through the group and over to the winners. Tenchi: Well, Kiyone and Faye, you are the winners, so you know that means. You two are going to get $50,000 added to your individual pots. Let's run down the rest of the standings. Roger and Keitaro come in second, getting $40,000. $30,000 goes to third place team, Duo and Melfina. Chi-Chi and Jessie earned $20,000. Bit and Joey managed to hang in there and get $10,000. Unfortunately for Mondo and Jeri, coming in last means you two leave here emptyhanded. No worries, though, because there will be plenty of opportunities to earn some more money. Until the next challenge, guys, see ya! The celebration as Kiyone and Faye are still happy about their victory. What a way for things to start for the police officer and the bounty hunter. They're both well on their way to changing their lives for the better. End Episode One Tenchi: (VO) On the next episode of Roomies... Screaming can be heard from the basement. All of a sudden, Keitaro comes running up the stairs wearing only his glasses and a towel around his waist. He also happens to be dripping water and sweat onto the floor beneath him. Tenchi: (VO) Mistakes are made... Kiyone: (CC) That's why the name board is there! To keep men from getting in when we're in there! Roger: I've never seen someone that desperate for a peek. Tenchi: (VO) Feelings are hurt... Jessie rips the puppet from Jeri's arm, heads to the front door, opens it, and throws it out into the yard. She then turns towards Jeri. Jessie: I didn't come here to see a kid's stupid little pet show! I came here to win some money! Over in the white bedroom a few minutes later, we see Jeri crying her heart out... right into Mondo's lap. Mondo: Don't let Jessie get to you, Jeri. Jessie: (CC) Bit calls the puppet stupid and Jeri didn't seem mad about it. But I call the puppet stupid and she's over there crying with that other kid! What's up with that? Tenchi: (VO) Affections are shot down... Roger: Tonight would be a nice night to have dinner for two out on the rooftop garden. Faye: It's cold outside! Roger: Just like your heart. Faye: Why don't you see that I'm not interested? Roger: Why don't you see that I don't care? Tenchi: (VO) And there's a bit of magic in the air... Mondo: Hey, that dude looks like Harry Potter! 'Harry Potter': I assure you that I am not him. Keitaro: And that's that flirtatious girl and her boyfriend! 'Mystery Girl': I'm not flirtatious! 'Boyfriend': A Pokémon trainer's face comes to mind. Additional Author's Notes: Well, the double length first episode finally comes to an end. The next episode and all of the subsequent episodes (except the last, I haven't decided yet) will be of regular length. Interesting first episode, to say the least. A lot of set up taking place for future episodes. See who's still friends by the time the next episode ends. Until next time, everyone! Copyright Date: 4/23/02