"Roomies 2: Country Living" - written by Freedom Fighter I hope you all enjoyed the crossover with Anime Survivor 4! And congrats on the Roomies for winning the challenge! It was a hard fought battle all the way to the end. Now, this is the part where I say that things return to normal. Well, not exactly. Thirteen may be an unlucky number, but today, it's going to bring you luck! The 13th episode features not one, not two, but three challenges! And all of them will be resolved in this very episode! Before we get into things though, two things I want to talk about. 1) Effective today, you may begin sending in questions for the upcoming Reunion Special! Is there a question you'd like to ask one of the Roomies? Either e-mail me or leave a review! There's no limit to how many questions you can ask. And you don't have to send them all in at once. Questions will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis from now until the day after the final episode (#18) airs, which would be October 9th. I'm unsure of how many questions I will put into the special, but there will be at least one question for each Roomie to answer. 2) Also beginning today, and for the next two weeks, I'm running a poll that I need all of you readers to do. The poll is necessary to see what you guys like about the Roomies series, as well as what you guys think might need to be adjusted should there be a third installment a few months from now. The poll will be up until the airing of episode #15 in two weeks (September 17th). So start thinking of questions and please fill out the poll! I would greatly appreciate it! Now, on with this week's challenge-filled episode! Episode Rating: PG Disclaimer: Sorry, they still don't belong to me, so stop asking! ====== Tenchi: (VO) Last time on Roomies... Duo: This is the life, isn't it? Melfina: It sure is, Duo. It sure is. Tenchi: (VO) Relationships are explored on a happy Valentine's Day... Chi-Chi: I'm worried that they've already slept together. Tenchi: (VO) In a way they probably didn't expect... Roger: We shouldn't even be having this meeting. Duo: You keep accusing Melfina and I of sleeping together, and we've never done that. Joey: Just let 'em be, Chi-Chi. They're not doing any harm. Tenchi: (VO) Then again, it's not like any of the relationships are perfect... Melfina: Don't humans reproduce by making a model and copying it using high-tech machines? Duo: I'm talking about how humans do it. It's... different. Duo: (CC) My first date with Melfina and she asks how do humans reproduce? Melfina: (CC) Does Duo want to reproduce with me? Takato: (VO) Jeri? How have you been? Jeri: Let's just say that I've grown up a little the past week. Jeri's Puppet: You miss her, don't you? Roger: I'm ending this relationship! Faye: Roger, you know as well as I do that there was nothing between us. Roger: (waving back) That's it! Keep thinking that way! Tenchi: (VO) Maybe a challenge will help straighten their hearts out... Faye: This better not be some kind of joke! Joey: I was having a great dream about being the number one Duel Monsters player in the world. Tenchi: Your goal is to find your way back to the mansion within two hours. Bit: We've got to walk back? Kiyone: Handcuffed? Tenchi steps aside as the group watches four figures approach them. They happen to be Ayeka and Mihoshi (of "Tenchi Muyo") and Trowa and Wufei (of "Gundam Wing"). Mondo: (pulling one way) Go this way! Jessie: (pulling the other) No, this way! Mihoshi: I will do whatever it takes to bring those fugitives to justice. Tenchi: (VO) Now, it's time to resume the challenge! Good luck, Roomies! = = = = = = = = = = Tenchi: (VO) For 42 days, 12 anime converge to live in a mansion somewhere in Japan... Mimi: (VO) But one of the 12 will leave with nearly a million dollars in cash... (Begin theme song, showing each of the contestants one at a time for two seconds each) - Melfina, guiding the Outlaw Star to the Galactic Leyline - Kiyone, working as a cashier at a fast food restaurant - Keitaro, watching Naru and Mutsumi splash each other in the sea - Joey, standing aside as Yugi examines his card deck - Duo, setting up explosives in order to destroy a Gundam - Mondo, asking Beginner to summon a monster for him and Rockna - Jeri, telling Takato how cute Guilmon is at their first meeting - Roger, climbing down into an abandoned subway tunnel - Chi-Chi, cheering Goten on at the World Martial Arts Tournament - Bit, examining the three Liger Zero armor packages - Jessie, reading through the Pokémon Fortune Tellers' guide book - Faye, noticing that Ed is still playing an online chess game (Show scenes of Chi-Chi in the process of cooking dinner; Roger standing outside in only his robe; Jeri delegating duties to her team; and Joey openly flirting with a girl) Mimi: (VO) Some of them will become friends... Tenchi: (VO) Others will develop grudges against those they hate... Mimi and Tenchi: (VO) But only one will walk away with up to a million dollars in cash and prizes. (End theme song, with a picture of all 12 contestants standing in front of the mansion.) = = = = = = = = = = Episode 13 - Physically and Mentally Tough Enough (09.10.02) Day Twenty Seven [Prize Challenge 4: The Fugitives Time remaining to reach goal - 1 hour, 45 minutes] Thanks to Chi-Chi's quick feet, she and Joey had quite an extensive lead on the pack, as well as the hunters, who had only just left the starting area. Deciding that their safe for the time being, Chi-Chi stops to give Joey a much needed rest. After all, he was panting like a dog after having to run so fast. Chi-Chi: They won't catch us at this rate! We'll be back at the mansion in no time. Aren't you happy you got paired with me? Joey: (panting) Need... to... rest. Chi-Chi: Tired already? A boy your age should be in better shape than this! Joey sits down on the ground and rests his back against a tree. Chi-Chi takes a seat as well, aware that they're not going anywhere until Joey can catch his breath. Joey: (CC) I want to win this challenge badly. But not THIS badly! I was gasping for air and yet Chi-Chi pressed on! Chi-Chi: (CC) I guess I didn't realize how much faster I was than Joey. I think I tired the poor boy out. Joey: (CC) If we do win this challenge, I'd better get that Playstation 2 or someone's going to pay for my suffering! ====== Further back in the pack, Bit and Jeri are having a few problems working together as a team. One of those problems develops when they approach a steep inclined hill going downward. Bit: We can walk down there, no problem! Jeri: I don't know. It's hard to see how steep the hill is in the dark. Bit: Jeri, we're not going to stay in this game if we don't take a risk or two! We've got to stay ahead of both the competition and the hunters! Jeri: Then find a safer way down. I don't intend to get hurt! Bit: You're not going to get hurt! We're doing this my way and that's final! Before Jeri could object, Bit starts down the hill. In all of the haste, Bit forgets that they are handcuffed together. So as Bit goes downhill, he pulls Jeri with him. It also causes Jeri to drop the flashlight she was carrying. Jeri: (wincing in pain) Owww! Don't pull so hard! Bit: Pick it up, Jeri! We've gotta get moving! Reaching the bottom of the hill, the two continue their run side-by-side. Jeri is doing her best to keep her mind on finishing the challenge, even though Bit is practically dragging her along against her will. Jeri: (CC) I have to stay strong. I can do this. If I want to win this challenge, I can't let this bother me. Bit: (barely audible) I'm going to win this challenge even if it kills me. ====== [Time remaining - 1 hour, 27 minutes, 35 seconds] Keitaro and Melfina seem to be wandering around the forest, trying to find their way out. Melfina was allowing Keitaro to lead the way, even though neither of them exactly knew which direction to walk in. Melfina: Keitaro, are you sure this is the right way? Keitaro: Of course. Tenchi said to walk northeast from the starting point. Melfina: Actually, he said north-northeast. Keitaro: (gulps) North-northeast? Keitaro isn't looking in front of him, as he walks right into a huge oak tree. He falls to the ground with a huge red mark on his face. Melfina: Keitaro, you're telling me that you didn't see that tree? Keitaro: We're supposed to have flashlights! Keitaro then glances around the area, as if he is looking for something. Keitaro: Melfina! Where's our flashlight? Melfina: (blinks) Flashlight? I thought you had it. Keitaro: (freaking out) Aaaaaahhhh! We've lost the flashlight! How are we going to find our way out of here now? Melfina: We don't need one. I can see perfectly well in the dark. Keitaro: (calming down) You can? Melfina: (smiles) Yes, silly. I'm an android. Remember? Keitaro: (sighs) Thank goodness. I thought that we were done for. A piercing siren fills the air as Ayeka appears with a flashlight in one hand and her laser rifle in the other. And the rifle's laser pointer is directed at Keitaro's nose. Ayeka: I have you now! On the ground! Melfina: Huh? Are we done? Keitaro: (crying) Yes, we're out! Melfina and Keitaro lie down on their stomaches. Ayeka turns off her laser rifle and pulls out a small set of handcuff keys. She then begins to unlock the handcuffs, doing Keitaro's side first. That's done rather quickly. But as Ayeka starts to unlock Melfina's side, Keitaro's right hand (the one that was handcuffed) reaches up and touches Ayeka's right breast. Ayeka: (gasps) Oh! Keitaro: (looking up) Huh? Ayeka stands up and growls angrily at Keitaro, who also gets up and starts to panic. Ayeka: How dare you! Keitaro: I didn't mean it! Honest I didn't! Suddenly, about a hundred small floating logs appear around Keitaro. They instantly begin firing scores of Juraian energy beams, almost incinerating him. Luckily, Ayeka knows when Keitaro has had enough, as she stops before he is seriously hurt. Melfina gets up from the ground, having used the key Ayeka left in the handcuff lock to release the cuff from her wrist, and walks over to Ayeka. Melfina: You know, he only does that to women he likes. Ayeka: Well, you tell him when he comes to that I'm not interested in a lowlife like him! Ayeka then walks off to find more of the fugitives. ====== [Time remaining - 1 hour, 20 minutes, 12 seconds] Moving on, let's check in on Roger and Faye. Faye didn't seem too happy about being paired up with Roger. Roger would normally be happy to be with Faye, but he wasn't exactly happy with her after what had happened yesterday. Roger is carrying the flashlight as the two walk side-by-side through a tree-lined path in the forest. Faye: This is so stupid! I can't believe we're actually handcuffed to each other! Roger: Will you stop your whining? I thought you'd enjoy a challenge like this. Faye: Yes, when I'm the one doing the hunting! I'm used to chasing criminals for bounties, not the other way around! Roger: This won't last long. We'll find our way through the forest and get back to the mansion before we get caught. Faye: Speaking of which, who told you to lead? Roger: Well, you didn't express interest in leading before. Faye: Well, I am now! Hand over the flashlight! Roger gives Faye the flashlight. She then starts pulling him in a different direction then they were originally going... off of the path. Roger: Do you know where you're going? Faye: We'll get caught if we stay on the path. Roger: And you think rustling through underbrush is better? Faye: A whole lot better than your dumb idea! Roger: At least I can come up with ideas faster than you can! Faye: But I'll prove mine will be better for us in the long run! Roger: I'd like to see... Wufei: (off-screen) Come out and show yourself, woman! Faye and Roger duck into some thick bushes as they hear footsteps approaching. Faye: (whispering) Look at what you've done! Roger: (whispering) What I've done? He said woman! That means he heard your voice! About fifty feet away and closing, Wufei is treading softly in the moist grass as he slowly glances around the area, with his rifle ready at a moment's notice. ====== Jessie: This is all your fault! Mondo: My fault? This is all your fault! Mihoshi: Please, you two! Don't you know that anything that you say can be used against you in intergalactic court? While Roger and Faye are hiding from Wufei, the constant bickering of which way to go has caused Jessie and Mondo to be caught easily by Mihoshi. She has yet to release them from their handcuffs. It's a good thing though, because otherwise Mondo and Jessie would probably be going at it already. Jessie: Will you tell this brat that we should've followed my path? Mondo: It was your path that got us caught! Jessie: You were the one who had the flashlight! Mondo: And I could only use it to look back because you kept dragging me on the ground! Mihoshi: Will you two please stop? I thought all fugitives were supposed to be apprehended quietly. Mondo: Could you come back to us? Jessie and I have to work this out amongst ourselves. Mihoshi: Uh... okay. Mihoshi finds her rifle and her flashlight and rushes off to find a new target. Mondo and Jessie are about to resume their argument when they notice something on their wrists. Mihoshi had forgotten to unlock them from their handcuffs. Jessie: See what you did? She walked off without releasing us? Mondo: Why would she do that if she caught us? Or should I say you, because you were leading the way! Jessie: Stop putting the blame on me! We would've lasted longer if you didn't keep trying to go in the opposite direction! Mondo: That's because the opposite of where you were going was the right direction! The two angry teammates continue to argue in darkness. ====== [Time remaining - 1 hour, 13 minutes] Jeri and Bit continue their run through the forest, hoping to find the correct path to the mansion. Jeri is doing her best to keep up. But their progress is stopped when she trips over a loose stone on the ground. Bit feels Jeri tugging at the handcuffs as she regains her balance. Bit wasn't happy about Jeri tripping again, and he was going to show it. Bit: Can't you move any faster? Jeri: I'm doing the best I can. Bit: (angrily) You're not helping, Jeri! We're lucky we're still alive! Jeri: (picking herself up) I'm trying... Bit: Well, try harder! I want to win this challenge! At that exact moment, a familiar beeping sound is heard again. Trowa walks towards them from the left, pointing his rifle at Bit's stomach. Trowa: On the ground, both of you. You're now out of the game. Bit dejectedly lies on the ground as Jeri does the same. Trowa undoes their handcuffs. But as soon as he is free, Bit gets back up and walks off, growling and stomping about angrily. He even tries to kick at the grass beneath him. Bit: Shit! That shouldn't have happened! As Bit parades around, Jeri keeps her distance by hiding behind Trowa. She is disappointed and frightened at the same time. Bit: (CC) Jeri can't do anything right! She cost us the challenge! Bit continues to yell out his frustrations as he walks away from Trowa and Jeri. ********** Trowa and Jeri can only watch as Bit walks out of sight. It was clear that he wasn't happy with the result. Or Jeri, for that matter. Jeri: I was trying my best! I really was! Trowa: He'll get over it. He probably had his heart set on winning this so much that he's so angry that things didn't work out. Jeri: (CC) No matter what I do, I can't please anyone. Bit thinks I cost him the challenge, and he's probably right. If anyone should be angry, it should be me for not doing well today. ====== [Time remaining - 1 hour, 11 minutes, 43 seconds] Just as Bit and Jeri were eliminated from the game, Chi-Chi and Joey are running along the edge of the forest. Joey: Do you think we're safe? Chi-Chi: I bet we are! Look ahead! The two rejoice prematurely as they emerge from the forest and now see the mansion about 400 feet away. Tenchi is waiting for them by the two minivans in the driveway. Chi-Chi: It's in our reach now! He claps joyfully for them as they reach him and are congratulated. Tenchi: Welcome home, you two! And with plenty of time to spare! Joey collapses onto the ground happily, trying to catch his breath. Chi-Chi, for the first time in days, is able to smile and be happy. Chi-Chi: That was a lot more of fun then I thought it would be! It's too bad we didn't run into any of the others though. Tenchi: I think it's safe to say you left them behind. Joey: Tenchi... don't ask us to do something like that again. Tenchi: (smiles) I promise. ====== Meanwhile, Roger and Faye are moving through the forest cautiously, having managed to sneak away from Wufei. But they knew that he couldn't be too far behind, so they were taking their time to make sure he didn't sneak up on them. Roger: I think we've shaken him. Faye: I'd better check, just to be safe. Faye peeks over a bush and immediately spots Mihoshi running towards them. Faye: It's Mihoshi! She's coming this way! Roger: (trying to pull her down) Then get back down! But Mihoshi has already spotted Faye. She raises her rifle and aims it at her while she runs towards the bushes where Faye and Roger are hiding. Mihoshi: You're under arrest by order of the Galaxy Police! Roger: See what you've done now? Faye: Don't talk, run! Faye starts running and Roger follows immediately, as the two emerge from the bushes. Mihoshi gives chase. Mihoshi: I said that you're under arrest! You're supposed to freeze! Mihoshi is trying to aim the rifle while she's running. Faye: Just keep running straight ahead! Roger: Why? She only needs to lock in one of us to get us! Mihoshi is about to aim the laser rifle at Roger's back, but then she trips over her own feet, sending her and the rifle to the ground. Roger: How did you know? Faye: You wouldn't believe how much Kiyone told me about her partner. She's such a klutz! Roger: If we weren't trying to forget the whole relationship thing, I'd kiss you right now. Faye: Do that, and I'll walk back there to get the rifle to shoot myself. Roger and Faye disappear from sight as Mihoshi picks herself up off the ground. As she gets her bearings back, Wufei runs past her with his rifle drawn. He doesn't even look back at the fallen officer as he chases after Roger and Faye. ====== [Time remaining - 40 minutes, 17 seconds] Somewhere else in the forest, Duo and Kiyone seem to be strolling peacefully. It's as if they didn't have a care in the world. Kiyone: I have to admit, that strategy of yours was a great idea. Duo: I knew we could get there in two hours. We just had to keep from getting caught. And the best way to do that was to take the long way around. Kiyone: Mihoshi and the others would never have expected that! Duo: They should've picked off most of them by now. We can probably sneak past them as they backtrack through the forest. Unfortunately, Duo and Kiyone are in a part of the forest where there isn't any underbrush or bushes to hide in. So when Duo spots Trowa crossing their path ahead of them, he pulls Kiyone behind a nearby tree. Kiyone: What? Duo: We'd better move. That's Trowa coming this way! Duo and Kiyone immediately walk back in the direction they just came from, looking for another path around. ====== Not too far away from Duo and Kiyone are Roger and Faye, who are walking along a small stream. Thinking that they've escaped danger from the time being, they take a small break. Faye: I can't believe we haven't found our way out yet! Roger: We've been too busy trying to shake those hunters off our tails that we've probably been running in the wrong direction the whole time. Faye: I'm tired of this! We're going back and marching through those hunters! We'll risk it all right now! Roger: I agree. If we get past those two women, it'll be clear sailing to the mansion. Faye: I wouldn't take Ayeka too lightly. Kiyone says she's got quite the temper. Roger: Ayeka? The purple-haired one, right? Faye: Right. The two of them walk away from the stream and start backtracking themselves. But just as they begin walking, they hear a loud beeping sound from behind them. They turn around and see Wufei pointing his rifle at Faye. Wufei: I've caught you. Now, get down on the ground! Faye: (rolls her eyes) So much for that. Roger: (sarcastically) Nice going, Faye. ====== [Remaining time - 32 minutes, 10 seconds] Unaware that they are the only team still alive in the forest, Duo and Kiyone are ecstatic when the forest starts to thin out and the regular trees were thinning out. Duo: Hey, there's a path just ahead! We must be close! Kiyone: How come it looks so familiar? The two of them walk onto the path. Kiyone glances to her left and groans in disbelief. For to her left lies a familiar staircase. Kiyone: I recognize those steps anywhere. We must be on the grounds of the Masaki shrine. Duo: The Masaki shrine? Tenchi has a shrine? Kiyone: Actually, it belongs to his grandpa. But that's not the point! We walked past the mansion! Kiyone heads towards the staircase, pulling Duo along. Upon reaching the top, they do indeed see the Masaki house across the small lake that surrounds it. And although it's hard to see from their current position, they can make out the mansion in the distance. Duo: We've got to go back then? Kiyone: Right. I wonder how much time we have left. Kiyone won't get a chance to find out, as Ayeka runs out of the forest to their left and aims at them. Ayeka: Hold it right there, Kiyone! I've caught you and your partner! Before either Kiyone or Duo could move, the all-too familiar locking beep sounds off. Kiyone groans once again. Kiyone: I can't believe this! Duo: I really thought our plan was going to work. Ayeka turns off the rifle's laser lock and then walks over to unlock the pair from their handcuffs. Kiyone: How did you know we'd be out here, Ayeka? Ayeka: You're the only one who knew where Tenchi's house was for sure. So I figured that you'd take some type of alternate route that would lead you here. Duo: Not bad. I'm glad to see that one of your friends is actually normal. Ayeka: Thank you... I think. Kiyone: Um... I wouldn't call Ayeka normal. Ayeka starts glaring at Kiyone. Ayeka: Kiyone... Kiyone: (changing her mind) I mean, Ayeka's just as normal as you and me. Duo: (raising an eyebrow) If you'd call our lives normal. ====== Eventually, the hunters and the hunted all make it back to the mansion. And just in time, as the sun begins to rise. Tenchi is about to announce the final results. Tenchi: Well, it looks like the hunters were in control for most of the game. Unfortunately, one team did get through. Chalk it up to pure speed, but the winners of today's challenge are Chi-Chi and Joey. Joey starts hamming it up and jumping for joy. Chi-Chi's celebration is more subdued, as she's satisfied with just bowing gracefully and shaking a few hands. Tenchi walks up to the winning pair and hands them a black index card to fill out. Tenchi: One of these two, two weeks from tomorrow, will walk away with that Sony Playstation 2 prize pack. Let's give them another round of applause! There's cheers all about as the other contestants and the cameos walk over to congratulate Joey and Chi-Chi formally. ********** Later that day, Duo, Mondo, Keitaro, Melfina, Jeri, and Kiyone, all back in their regular clothing after taking showers and resuming a normal day, are meeting to discuss a few issues. Duo: Kiyone and I were talking during the challenge, and we think it would be in everyone's best interest if we drop the whole 'battle of the sexes' theme that we've had for most of the game. Kiyone: It just puts an unnecessary amount of stress on all of us. Without, it would just be one less thing to worry about. Melfina: I admit, some people were taking it way too seriously. Mondo: (nods) Roger and Faye, especially on each other. Kiyone: I don't think it'll help those two like each other personally. This is more of a general truce, allowing us to spend more time concentrating on the game itself, rather than trying to prove which sex is better. Jeri: I think it would do wonders for all of us. Keitaro: Maybe I'll be able to talk to Faye without worrying about her beating me up. Duo: I doubt that would happen. Keitaro: I doubt it too. Kiyone: So it's settled! We just need to put together a written document for everyone to sign. Keitaro: Kiyone, we don't know how many of the others will sign it. Duo: Bit will sign it. I'm sure he's tired of the whole working together with the other guys bit anyway. Joey too, since they're roommates. Jeri: What about Jessie? Mondo: I bet she'll sign it regardless. Anything to keep her in the game. Kiyone: Chi-Chi would agree that it would cut down a lot of the bickering in the mansion. I can convince her to sign it. Melfina: And Roger and Faye? Duo: (sighs) We just have to hope that they'll go along with it. ====== Night Twenty Seven That night, Duo and Kiyone head the presentation for the other six, with Mondo, Keitaro, Jeri, and Melfina providing support on the side. Duo: We think it would be in everyone's best interests if we agreed to forget about the whole thing. Kiyone: Look at us! We've got fifteen nights left here, including tonight. We're here to have fun, not hate each other. Duo: Besides, we'd all agree that we shouldn't be so uptight about how we're faring in the game. Kiyone: I could care less of where I am in the game right now. I'm just trying to have fun while I'm here. Duo: And that's why we want you to sign this. Kiyone: The six of us have already signed, but we want you six to sign as well to make it official. Duo: Let's stop the feuding once and for all and have some fun these final two weeks! Joey: Hey, I'm down with that! You guys have a pen? Chi-Chi: I think it's a swell idea! I'm with you too. Kiyone hands Joey a pen to sign the document with, which already has the signatures of the other six. Chi-Chi is right behind him in line. Joey: (turning to Bit) Come on Bit, what do you say? I mean, you really don't hate any of the girls here, right? Bit: Not really. I guess there wouldn't be any harm in signing. Bit stands up and gets behind Chi-Chi as she signs it. All eyes are now on Jessie, Roger, and Faye, as they await their decision. Roger: I'm not convinced. Faye: Me neither. Jessie: Oh, just go up and sign the stupid document! You can still hate each other on your own terms if you want! Roger and Faye: Why don't you? Jessie: (huffs) Fine. Jessie gets up and goes over to sign the document. Faye follows right after her. Roger waits until everyone else signs it, including Faye, before getting up to add his John Hancock. As soon as Roger finishes, he gets a nice round of applause from the others. Mondo: (CC) I'm glad we got the whole gender issue taken care of. I don't see why this couldn't have been done earlier, though. Melfina: (CC) Things ought to be much better in the mansion now. I'm sure everyone will get along now! ====== Day Twenty Eight The following morning, the effects of the truce are highly present in the mansion. Any tensions between most of the men and women in the house were now non-existant. The easing of tensions has allowed one person in particular to get to know a few of the others better. That happens to be Jeri, who is talking openly to both Joey and Bit for the first time. Whatever anger there was between Jeri and Bit from the challenge yesterday was completely gone. Joey: So Jeri, do you think I could actually meet one of these Digimon of yours in person. Jeri: I guess I can figure out a way for that to be arranged. Maybe Takato will allow you to meet Guilmon. Bit: You mean Digimon are actual, living creatures? I thought all of the stuff on the show was special effects! Jeri: Nope. It's all real. Bit: Amazing! I didn't expect you to be so interesting, Jeri! Joey: What doesn't she do? She can make her puppet talk, she's saved the world, and she's the friendliest person I've ever met. Jeri: You think I'm the friendliest person you've ever met? Joey: Yeah. I just wish we had gotten to know each other earlier. Bit: That's so true. Maybe then I wouldn't have been such a jerk, like I was yesterday. Jeri: Bit... I'm sorry I let you down yesterday. Bit: I should be the one who is sorry. I was so focused on winning the challenge that I wasn't helping you out like I should have. I apologize for putting you through so much. Jeri: It's all part of the game, right? Besides, I'm learning more and more about how you guys think about me everyday. Bit: Thank goodness. I thought you were going to pull a Leena on me. Joey: Leena? Who's that? Bit: I thought I told you guys about her. Well, you at least, Joey. Joey shakes his head. Bit: Never mind. ====== At one thirty that afternoon, the group gathers in the living room as Joey passes on information regarding their next challenge. Jessie: So, what are we up to today? Joey: The message said that Tenchi hopes we're up-to-date on somewhat famous but now obscure anime characters. We're to be at the community center at two, and paired up by roommates. Mondo: Somewhat famous but now obscure? Like who? Joey: (shrugs his shoulders) Beats me, but I wonder what type of challenge we're dealing with here. Chi-Chi: We won't know unless we get there, so let's go! ====== Taking the two minivans and driving through a light rain shower, the group gets to the community center on time. They are guided to the gym, where Tenchi is waiting for them. Six tables are set off to one side, all in a row, with two chairs under each table. Across from the six tables is a lone seventh one, with three chairs under it. Next to that lone table is a podium with a small microphone on it. Tenchi: I bet you're all curious as to what you're going to do today. Roger: Somewhat. So what's the deal? Tenchi: Today, you'll be competing in your fourth roommate challenge. It's also the first under the new roommate arrangement. Today's competition is called 'Who is Real?' Jeri: Real? As in real and make-believe? Tenchi: Actually, real as in identifying the actual anime character among some look alikes. We have two groups of three lookalikes waiting in another room. I will provide information about each of the two anime characters I am looking for. Then each team will ask two yes or no questions to the three. At the end of each round, you need to decide which one is the real one. At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins the challenge. Mondo: Sounds easy enough. Tenchi: It sounds easy, but it may not be easy. These anime characters are from some older series and you most likely will not be able to tell the real from the fakes when they first come out. Now, it's time to take your places! ====== [Roommate Challenge 4: Who is Real?] [Team Assignments: - Blue: Mondo and Duo - Yellow: Joey and Bit - White: Melfina and Jeri - Green: Chi-Chi and Jessie - Pink: Kiyone and Faye - Red: Keitaro and Roger] The teams are sitting at the table in the order listed above, from left to right. Tenchi is standing behind the podium, ready to start the challenge. Without warning, three teenage boys walk into the gym. They all seemed to be dressed in different military uniforms. They walk over to the table next to Tenchi and take their seats. Tenchi: Number one, will you please tell them your name and what you did that made you famous. Number one has blue hair and is wearing a khaki-colored uniform with brown leather boots. # 1: I'm Ensign Shiro Amada! I fell in love with the enemy. Tenchi: Number two, will you please tell them your name and what you did that made you famous. Number two is black-haired and is wearing a white and black uniform that could double as a spacesuit. # 2: I'm Ensign Shiro Amada! I fell in love with the enemy. Tenchi: Number three, will you please tell them your name and what you did that made you famous. Number three has a brown afro hairdo and is wearing a blue uniform shirt with white pants and tan-colored boots. # 3: I'm Ensign Shiro Amada! I fell in love with the enemy. There are a lot of murmurs coming from the teams. Tenchi: In the first round, you are to identify the real Ensign Shiro Amada. The teams start looking the candidates over, wondering how in the world they're going to be able to tell the difference between them. ********** Tenchi: Before you begin asking these three questions, I have an affidavit which I'm going to read. Hopefully this well help you make the correct decision. Tenchi reaches into the podium and pulls out a black folder from it. He opens it and starts reading the piece of paper inside out aloud. Tenchi: In the year Universal Century 0079, I, Shiro Amada, was a newly-promoted ensign of the Earth Federation army, being sent to Earth. For me, it would be the first time that I would ever be involved in physical combat. I was assigned to command the 08th Mobile Suit Team in the Kojima Battalion. But since I lacked the combat experience that my own troops had, it was difficult for them to take me seriously. Not a good thing during the middle of a war. But things would get worse when I fell in love with an enemy pilot named Aina Sakhalin. Little did I know that we were brought together not to fall in love, even though we did, but to bring an end to the One-Year War. And we did, defeating her scientist brother Ginias. This is my story, and I have sworn to tell the truth! He returns the folder to its place and then turns to the teams. Tenchi: Alright, with that in mind, the questioning period begins! We'll go down the line, staring on my left. Mondo and Duo? Mondo: I guess I'll start. What was the name of the enemy forces that you were fighting, number two? # 2: The Delaz Fleet. They were a group of renegade Zeon soldiers. Duo: Number one, when did you meet Miss Sakhalin? # 1: We were both aboard a disabled Federation spaceship just outside of the Earth's atmosphere. Tenchi: Okay. Joey? Bit? Bit: Number two, same question that Duo asked. # 2: Aboard a Federation spaceship. Joey: Number three, did you attend some type of military school to become an ensign? # 3: (shaking his head) No. Tenchi: Melfina and Jeri, you're up. Melfina: Number one, what were you thinking when you first met Aina? # 1: I knew that she was a Zeon pilot and she knew I was a Federation pilot, so we were trying to take each other out. Jeri: The same question for number three, please. # 3: Me? We were in our mobile suits and in the middle of battle. Tenchi: Next team... Jessie: Were you ever portrayed as a traitor, number three? # 3: Yes. Chi-Chi: How old was the mobile suit you were using, number two? # 2: It was a newly designed prototype that a company named Anaheim Electronics had designed for the Federation army. So I'd say probably about a year or so. Tenchi: (nodding his head) Uh huh. Kiyone and Faye, questions for the trio? Faye: What part of Earth was the war waged on, number one? # 1: In the jungles of southeastern Asia. Kiyone: Number two, which part of the Earth did the war take place? # 2: For the time it was on Earth, it was in Australia. Tenchi: Keitaro and Roger, you're up! Keitaro: I'll ask the same question they did to number two. # 3: Where the battles took place? I think it was in southeast Asia. Roger: About how long were you on the battlefield, number one? # 1: I think it was a month or two. Maybe three. Tenchi: Okay, an interesting round of questions there. But the round's now over, and it's time to figure out which of these three is the real Shiro Amada. Taped under each of your tables is a notebook and a pen. Pull them out from under the table and open it to the first page. The teams reach under and follow Tenchi's directions. Each team pulls out a notebook with their respective colored covers. Tenchi: The first page, as you'll see, is split into three equal parts. What I want you to do is to distribute ten points among the three choices, giving the most to the person you think is the real Shiro Amada. For example, if I thought that # 2 was Shiro, I'd give him the entire ten points. But maybe I have some lingering doubts. Maybe I'll give a point to # 1 and two points to # 3, leaving the other seven points to give to # 2. Got it? Put the number of points you want to give to # 1 in the top portion of the page, the points to # 2 in the middle, and to # 3 at the bottom. I'll give you a minute to think about it and make your decisions. The teams start discussing amongst themselves how they should vote. [Team White] Melfina: Number three didn't seem too sure about anything. Jeri: So, it's either one or two. [Team Red] Roger: Number one looked unsure of his answer to my question. I don't think it's him. Keitaro: And I've never heard of a guy becoming an ensign without military training. It can't be number three either. [Team Blue] Duo: Trust me! I'm a mobile suit pilot myself! Mondo: Just the same, I think we should give number two a point or two. The minute ends, and all six teams have written their point distribution numbers in their notebook. Tenchi: Pens and notebooks down. Let's see how you guys voted. He walks over and inspects the scoresheets. Here's how they read: - Blue: 8-2-0 - Yellow: 6-2-2 - White: 6-4-0 - Green: 3-6-1 - Pink: 7-3-0 - Red: 2-7-1 Tenchi: It seems number three didn't get much support from you guys. Did he play you for a fool? Or is one of the other two the real Shiro Amada? Let's find out. Will the real Ensign Shiro Amada please stand up? The three of them look at each other, then one at a time, they motion to get up, then sit back down. It takes a few seconds until the real Shiro Amada stands up completely. It happens to be number one. Mondo and Duo give each other a high five, while Kiyone and Faye are discussing their choice. Keitaro and Roger seem to be disappointed in their choice. Shiro sits back down in his seat. Tenchi: Well, for the most part, our cast was able to pick out the real Shiro Amada. Just for the record, let's meet the other two. Number two, what is your real name and what are you famous for? # 2: (standing up) I am Ensign Kou Uraki, and I am famous for battling the great Anavel Gato in space during the year of Universal Century 0083. Tenchi: (as Kou sits back down) Good work, Kou! And number three, you didn't really stump our panel, but give us your name and what your famous for. # 3: (standing up) My name's Amuro Ray, and I'm the first ever pilot of a Gundam mobile suit. Tenchi: (as Amuro takes his seat) Thanks for being here, Amuro. Tenchi then looks at Shiro and begins talking to him. Tenchi: So Shiro, what made you fall in love with the enemy? Shiro: I guess it was love at first sight. I was surprised that she was a woman because during the war, there were very few that actually participated in the war. And even a smaller number that were able to pilot mobile suits. Tenchi: Her impressive skill was what turned you on to her? Shiro: Actually, it was a combination of her looks and her smarts. She's a very beautiful women. But I guess the attraction didn't set in until we worked together to get off of that abandoned spaceship. We didn't see each other again until we got separated from our fellow troops in the mountains a few weeks later. And from that moment on, we decided to work together to bring the war to an end. Tenchi: And the world's a lot safer thanks to you. (to the teams) Let's give Shiro, Kou, and Amuro a hand for participating today. The Roomies give the trio a warm round of applause. The three Gundam pilots then get up from their seats and exit the room. Tenchi: They did a great job, didn't they? But for most of you, they didn't fool you at all. Let's check the point standings, shall we? Joey: How do we do that? Tenchi: How many points your team received determines on how many you gave to number one. So Duo and Mondo, who gave Shiro eight of their ten points, earn eight for the competition, putting them in the lead. Behind them is the pink team with 7, followed by a tie for third between yellow and white at 6. Green and red bring up the rear with 3 and 2 points, respectively. But don't worry too much, because it's still anybody's game. And it's time to meet our second round of mystery cameos. This time, three females, all shorter than Jeri, walk into the room. They seem to be decorated with armor and/or robotic-like parts. They take their seats and smile as the teams look at them and wonder what's going on. Jessie: I get it! They're a bunch of wild, exotic Pokémon! Mondo: Pokémon or not, they all look cute to me! Duo: (smirks) That anxious to have Rockna hate you for the rest of your life, huh? Mondo: I am not! Tenchi: (coughs to clear his throat) Number one, will you please tell them your name and what you did that made you famous. Number one has black hair and a small pair of horns sticking out of her head, identifying her as a ram. She's wearing a pink and white kimono. # 1: My name's Polly Esther, and I helped save Little Tokyo from a comet! Tenchi: Number two, will you please tell them your name and what you did that made you famous. Number two has red hair, though it's hard to see under the red helmet she's wearing, even though her feline ears can be seen. She's wearing a full-body red armored suit, with a hole in the back for her tail, which some of the teams noted when she had entered. # 2: My name's Polly Esther, and I helped save Little Tokyo from a comet! Tenchi: Number three, will you please tell them your name and what you did that made you famous. Number three has brown hair and is also a cat. She is wearing an armored suit as well, only hers is green, and instead of pants on the bottom half, there's a skirt. # 3: My name's Polly Esther, and I helped save Little Tokyo from a comet! There's a lot of conversation going on between the teams. Roger: Saved a city from a comet? Preposterous! Duo: That's pretty hard to believe, I'll admit. Chi-Chi: I'm sure not too many people can do that. Tenchi: Here in the second and final round, you'll be trying to figure out which one of these three lovely ladies is the real Polly Esther. And to start you off, I have the affidavit here to read for you. Tenchi reaches back into the podium again and pulls out the black folder. Looking at a different sheet of paper, he reads it aloud. Tenchi: I, Polly Esther, currently work as a waitress at a pizza restaurant in the city of Little Tokyo. But I have a second job which doesn't pay, but is worthwile to do anyway. You see, I am also one-third of a team of superheroes who keeps the city safe from the evil Big Cheese, who threatens the city daily in his attempt to become the city's ruler. And for his final scheme, he threatened Emperor Fred and Princess Vi to concede the throne to him, or he would have a comet crash into the city, destroying it. Luckily, my fellow teammates and I were able to put a stop to his scheme and destroy the comet before it reached the city. Although our attempts nearly cost our leader, the guy I had fallen in love with, to sacrifice his life. But he's still alive, and thanks to our team, the city is safe once again. This is my story, and I have sworn to tell the truth! Tenchi returns the folder again as the teams debate what questions to ask. Tenchi: The second round begins now! ********** As the teams look over the three Polly Esthers one more time, the round gets underway. Tenchi: Once again, the blue team will start off. Mondo: Number three, how do you fight? # 3: We fight using our claws, silly! Duo: Okay... number two, how do you fight? # 2: Using our claws is the norm, but we'll use our swords occasionally, since our finishing moves rely on them. Tenchi: Joey and Bit? Bit: Number one, are you a robot? # 1: Not exactly. Bit: Not exactly? But how... Joey: Bit, it's my turn! Number two, do you have an owner? # 2: What? You think I'm a common housecat? That made # 2 a little bit angry, as the other two imposters try to keep her from jumping up and lunging at Joey's neck. Joey: (nervously) Eh... I'll take that as a no. Tenchi: Before this turns ugly... what have you two got for our panel, white team? Jeri: Number three, what's the environment like at the restaurant? # 3: It's swell! Being superheroes is actually free advertising for our restaurant, which is awfully busy! With only four of us working there, it tends to get very hectic. But at the end of the day, we can be happy that we earned a profit! Melfina: Number one, why don't you have any body armor like number two and number three? # 1: I don't need it. I do the least work on the team, so I don't need to have any armor on when I go into battle! Tenchi: Interesting. Let's see what Chi-Chi and Jessie have to ask. Jessie: Are you some kind of freak Pokémon, number two? # 2: (angry) Who are you calling a freak? And what the heck is a Pokémon? How dare you call me that too! Jessie: Just answer the question! # 2: No! Of course not! Chi-Chi: (sarcastically) Thanks for wasting a question! (seriously) Anyway, my question's for number two. Who exactly was responsible for destroying the comet? # 2: In the end, it was our team leader that destroyed it. But he had some help from someone else, though it wasn't from me or our other teammate. Tenchi: Good question, Chi-Chi. Kiyone and Faye? Kiyone: What's the name of the leader of the team, number one? # 1: (smiles) That's easy. It's Speedy Cerviche. Faye: And you're in love with this Speedy, number three? # 3: Naturally. I mean, we do work together on a daily basis. It was bound to happen. Tenchi: Roger and Keitaro? Keitaro: Do you ever take that armor of yours off, number three? # 3: What kind of question is that? Faye smacks Keitaro upside the head. Faye: Don't you ever quit? Keitaro: Hey! I'm assuming that they wear regular clothing underneath all of that armor! Roger: It's a legit question. Stop hasseling him. Tenchi: Number three, please answer Keitaro's question. # 3: If you want to know, I only take it off when I have to take a shower or when I go for a swim. That's it! Happy? Roger: If being a waitress means that you have to be friendly to your customers, then how can you be the real Polly, number two? # 2: Hey! I'm always nice to the customers! They like me, and I appreciate their service! And don't you think otherwise! Tenchi: And with that, the round and the game are over. Teams, please get your notebooks out and decide how you'll distribute you the points among these three. Which one of these three is the real Polly Esther? You have one minute to decide. [Team Green] Jessie: I think it's number three. She's very enthusiastic about it. Chi-Chi: It's got to be number two. She looks strong enough to be a fighter. [Team Pink] Faye: It can't be number two. She can't seem to keep her cool. Kiyone: A superhero would be able to keep her temper in check in battle. [Team Yellow] Joey: I'm totally stumped! I don't know who to choose! Bit: There's no way to distinguish between them! Let's just split the vote. The minute passes, and Tenchi once again orders them to stop. Tenchi: Time's up! Pens and notebooks down! Let's see how you voted. He checks the scoresheets. Here's how they read this time around: - Blue: 2-3-5 - Yellow: 3-3-4 - White: 0-4-6 - Green: 2-4-4 - Pink: 1-1-8 - Red: 6-2-2 Tenchi: A little more spread around this time. Most of the support seems to be going to number three. Have you made the right choice? Is number three the real Polly Esther? Or is it one of the other two? Let's find out, shall we? Will the real Polly Esther please stand up? The three of them glance at each other and then back at the teams. They then motion to all get up at the same time, but as they get to their feet, number one and number three sit right back down. Number two is the only to completely get up and stand. The teams look a bit surprised at this. Melfina and Jeri can't believe the vote went against them, Roger and Keitaro are kicking themselves, and Chi-Chi and Jessie seem mildly happy with their choice. Polly takes her seat. Tenchi: I'm not sure what it was, but the majority was not with the real Polly Esther. So who are the other two up here with her? Number one, please stand up, give us your real name and what made you famous. # 1: (standing up) I'm Lucille, and I'm the owner of my own teahouse. I'm famous for being Speedy's love interest before he and Polly got together. Tenchi: (as Lucille sits) Speedy's love interest, huh? I wonder what that was like. Number three, you grabbed the attention of our teams well enough to get most of the points. Who are you and what made you famous? # 3: (standing up) My name's Francine Manx, and I am the manager of the Samurai Pizza Cats restaurant. I'm also known as the unofficial fourth member of the team. I actually launch the cats into battle. (turning to Polly) Polly can attest to that! Tenchi: (watching Francine sit) Being a secondary character's never easy, huh Francine? Well, you got to sit in the spotlight for awhile today for throwing these guys off the trail. Tenchi turns to talk to Polly, but Faye jumps out of her seat, in disbelief that she is the real Polly. Faye: You can't be the real one. There's no way someone with your kind of temple can concentrate on winning a battle! Tenchi: Polly, why don't we start there? How do you manage to keep your cool in battle? Polly: Well, it helps that our team was fighting for the side of good. It helps keep me focused on beating the bad guys. Not my teammates. And believe me, Speedy and Guido can get me really angry when we're off-duty. Tenchi: Most of you probably don't know this, but Guido's the third member of the team, with you and Speedy. Polly: Yeah. Guido's quite the cassanova. It's too bad not too many girls think that. Tenchi: Let's talk about this whole saving the city from the comet incident. What were the roles of the team during the battle? Polly: Well, Guido and I were among those on the ground, fighting against Big Cheese's henchmen. Speedy and Bad Bird were battling each other when they realized that there's more to life than good vs. evil. And they obviously respected each other's fighting abilities. So they teamed up and destroyed the comet together. All of us thought that they were killed as well while attacking the comet, but they came back. And I couldn't be happier. That was when my feelings for Speedy came out. And we've been close ever since. Tenchi: A great story from three great ladies. (turns to the teams) Let's give it up for Lucille, Polly, and Francine! The teams give them a warm round of applause. Tenchi: Now, it's time to announce the final results. Remember, the team with the most points in this challenge wins and gets the five points towards the grand cash prize. Tenchi pulls out a scrap piece of paper with the scores on it and gives them the results. Tenchi: Coming in sixth was the red team with 4 points. Fifth was green with 7. The pink team scored 8, finishing fourth. Into the top three, we have the yellow team with 9. In second was the white team with 10, which means that the challenge winners are the blue team, Duo and Mondo, with 11! Congratulations, guys! Duo and Mondo share another high five and add a hug for good measure, celebrating their victory with their fellow Roomies. Lucille is crying happily off to the side. Lucille: I'm so happy for them, I can't contain myself! Polly: Lucille, no! Francine: (ducking under the table) Oh dear... Only Polly and Francine were familiar with what was about to happen, as a panel opens on the top of Lucille's head. Inside the hatch was about a dozen missiles... which all launch from her head simultaneously. The celebration quickly turns into panic as the missiles randomly fly all over the place, sending rounds of explosions through the room and the building as the missiles hit a target. After all of the missiles had detonated, everyone and everything in the gym except for Lucille herself, as well as Polly and Francine, who had ducked under a table for cover, was covered with black soot. Mondo: (coughing) What was that? Lucille: Sorry about that. When I get emotional, I tend to blow my top! Lucille giggles as she sticks out her tongue jokingly. Bit: And I thought that I had seen everything. ====== Night Twenty Eight Bit and Joey, after getting back to the mansion and washing all of the soot off of their clothes and bodies, head to their room for some relaxation. As Joey searches through his card deck for old times sake, Bit is deep in thought, thinking about what might happen next. Bit: (CC) Here we are, two weeks from the end, and I'm already thinking who I might vote for. Bit glances over at his roommate, who is still concentrating on his deck. Bit: (CC) Joey will get one of my votes definitely. We've bonded a lot in the past month despite our initial differences. But our determination to win has put us on the path to victory. It's too bad only one of us can win. Bit thinks about Jeri, whom he and Joey had been talking with earlier. Bit: (CC) I have to give Jeri a lot of credit. To be her age and come this far in the competition is amazing. She's done a lot more than most of the people in the house have taken for granted. I guess they don't see her experiences in the Digiworld as legitimate. Well, I do, and I think that's good enough to earn my vote. The names of the other Roomies shoot through Bit's mind, as he tries to decide who else to vote for. Bit: (CC) But who else can I vote for? Who else has earned the right to go for the whole thing? Gee... all of this thinking is giving me a headache. Bit decides to put his decision aside as he watches Joey continue to fool around with his cards. ====== Day Twenty Nine Melfina: What would you guys like with your omelettes today? Mondo: (raising his fist with glee) I love mine with a side of toast! Jeri: Do we have any raisin flavored bagels? Duo: Nothing extra for me, thanks. Mondo, Jeri, and Duo are sitting at the dining room table as Melfina puts the finishing touches on breakfast. All of a sudden, the phone begins to ring. Mondo: (jumping out of his seat) I've got it! As Mondo leaves the room, Duo looks at Jeri. Duo: Do you know he was ranting on and on about his girlfriend last night? Jeri: Really? About Rockna? Duo: (nods) I guess he's been feeling guilty about all the girls he's flirted with the past week or so that he wishes she were here to knock some sense into him. Mondo: (shouting from off-screen) There's some really good looking girls on the phone! And they want to talk to Keitaro! Duo: (in surprise) What? Are you serious? Jeri: (blinking her eyes) Could it be the ones he stays with? ********** At that moment, Keitaro is making his way down the stairs. He has no idea of what is happening, but he's about to find out. Keitaro: I don't know how much more of this waking up early I can take anymore. I know I can't do it for two more weeks, that's for sure. Mondo appears in the hallway and runs up to him, jumping up and down excitedly. Mondo: Keitaro, there's two girls wanting to talk to you on the phone! Keitaro: (brightening up) Girls? Really? I can't believe it! I've got girls calling me! Keitaro runs past Mondo and heads for the phone. He picks up the receiver and releases the 'on hold' button. Keitaro: Keitaro speaking! I'm here for you! Voice 1: (VO, angrily) If you're here for me, then why aren't you helping us pay your shore of the bills? Keitaro: Naru? Voice 2: (VO, with a Western accent) Go easy on him, Naru. He's been there a month already and I bet he's under a lot of stress! Keitaro: And Kitsune? Naru: (VO) Well, I am too! I want to pass my entrance exams the next time around! Mitsune: (VO) I'm sure he does too. But I bet he's having too much fun over in Okayama. Aren't I right, Keitaro? Keitaro: Well, you see, it's been a bit rougher than I originally thought... Naru: (VO) You better not be going around touching girls at night! Keitaro: I'd never do that! Naru: (VO) Ha! You're a liar and a pervert! Mitsune: (VO) Naru! Naru: (VO) Don't Naru me, Kitsune! For running out on us and having fun while we do all the hard work? He deserves this! Heck, I don't even know why I called him in the first place! Mitsune: (VO) You called him because you miss him! Naru: (VO) I do not! I wouldn't miss him even if he's the only bachelor left in the world! Keitaro's face goes white with shock. Mitsune: (VO) That's not true! You love him! Naru: (VO) Stop putting words in my mouth, Kitsune! I don't love him! Suddenly, Keitaro can no longer hear them arguing, as one of them had hung up the phone. By this time, Melfina, Duo, Mondo, and Jeri had heard all of the yelling coming from the phone and they had witnessed Keitaro's reaction. Keitaro slinks away, heading back to his room. Keitaro: I think I'll go back to bed. Melfina: But Keitaro, what about breakfast? Keitaro: I'm not hungry right now. As Keitaro heads back up, the foursome shoot a few worrisome looks at each other. Mondo: (CC) I wonder what they were arguing about. Whatever it was, it sure knocked all the fun and joy out of Keitaro. ====== Later that day, the house seems to be abuzzing as the game begins to turn serious. Several people are discussing possible alliances in order to reach the final four. But one person not worried about it, at least for now, was Faye, who was standing outside the mansion. She's smoking, as per usual. But as she smoked away, she was also thinking about the game as well. Faye: (CC) This game so far has been a total bust for me. I keep ending up on the wrong teams and it's costing me money! I probably would have earned a lot more going after bounty heads instead of playing this game! Roger: (off-screen) Hey Faye, can I interest you in an alliance? Faye glances up towards an open second floor window, where Roger is sticking his head out and looking at her. Faye: You've got to be off your rocker if you think that I'd ever form an alliance with you again. Roger: Suit yourself. Me and the guys will leave you behind! Roger pulls himself back inside and closes the window. Faye looks up long enough to see that two other people are with Roger in the room. But she can't tell who. Faye: One of them has to be Keitaro. But who's the other? I wonder... ====== Day Thirty It's late in the morning as Kiyone is still resting in bed. Suddenly, Faye comes bursting through the door, happy as ever. Faye walks over to Kiyone's bed and shakes her out of her sleep. Kiyone: Faye, what's with all the noise? Faye: It's almost noon. Besides, I've got some good news! Kiyone: What? Faye: We don't have a challenge today! It was postponed! Kiyone: (sitting up) Why's that? Faye points out the window, as Kiyone sees that some wet snowflakes are falling. Kiyone swings out of bed and stretches her arms in front of Faye. Faye: We might as well make the best of our day. Roger and Keitaro are playing pool doubles and I need you as my partner. So hurry up and take a shower! I'm betting money on this! Before Kiyone could say anything, Faye had already left the room. Kiyone: (sighs) Are there any normal people in this mansion or what? ====== To make the boring day pass faster, everyone in the house had decided to have a day of fun instead of work. They're all gathered in the basement recreation room. Roger and Keitaro are playing alternate-shot doubles pool with Faye and Kiyone, as expected. Joey, Bit, Jeri, and Mondo are entrenched in another multi-player game of "Agent Under Fire," as Melfina and Duo watch. Chi-Chi and Jessie are watching a TV program about fashion shows. Faye: I never thought that we'd ever get a day like this! Roger: You can thank the weather for that. Faye: I already am, Roger. Joey: Hey! Watch where your aimin' that thing! Bit: Sorry! I'm not used to playing a two-on-two match in this game. Mondo: You better watch out, 'cause here I come! The fun and games would continue on throughout the day. ====== Day Thirty-One Around nine o'clock the next morning, the Roomies were already on their way back to the Okayama Community Center once again for another challenge. Chi-Chi: (CC) Tenchi didn't give us much to think about this morning. Not even a clue as to what this challenge today is. Duo: (CC) I know that we have to do it outside. Because if it was indoors, we would have done it yesterday. ====== This time around, the cast is not led inside the building, but around the outside and to the back. Tenchi is waiting for them in front of a basketball court. He also has two bags beside him: one filled with basketballs and the other with mesh jerseys. Duo: All right! We're going to play some basketball! Melfina: Just what is basketball? Joey: I'm sure Tenchi will explain it all. Right, Tenchi? Tenchi: Correct. Duo is right... today you're going to play in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. It's the fifth prize challenge, and it's called 'Hoop it Up!' Tenchi begins explaining the rules for those who don't know how to play. To help with his explanation, he takes a basketball out of one of the bags. Tenchi: In basketball, the object is to score points by making a basket. You make a basket when this ball goes into the basket on your side of the court. Everytime you make a basket, it is worth two points. To win a game today, a team will need to score ten points. As Tenchi explains several of the major rules, such as travelling, fouls, and three-point shots, they wonder how the teams will be formed. Tenchi: And that's how you play the game. Now, today's competition will feature four teams of three in a single-elimination tournament. The team that wins the tournament will be eligible to win a Sony Wega 36" flat-screen TV! But before the games can begin, we have to choose teams. [Team Assignments: - Team A: Melfina, Kiyone, Roger - Team B: Jeri, Keitaro, Duo - Team C: Bit, Joey, Faye - Team D: Mondo, Chi-Chi, Jessie] ====== [Prize Challenge 5: Hoop it Up!] The first two teams are on the court, ready to play ball. Tenchi acts as referee, as he holds the ball at center court. Melfina's team is to his right, while Jeri's is to his left. Jeri and her teammates are wearing the white mesh jerseys over their clothes. Roger and Duo are ready to battle for the tip-off. The other two teams are standing off to the side, awaiting their turn. Tenchi: Good luck to both teams. Let the game begin! Tenchi throws the basketball up into the air and Roger and Duo leap up to get it. Roger gets a hand on it first and tips it towards Melfina. She bobbles it, but manages to hold on. Melfina starts dribbling down the court as Jeri steps up and tries to guard her. She then spots Kiyone streaking towards the basket, ahead of Keitaro. Melfina throws the ball to Kiyone, who catches it and lays it in before Keitaro can stop her. [Team A - 2, Team B - 0] Kiyone: Two points! Keitaro: How did you... Kiyone: You've got to be on your toes if you're going to guard me, Keitaro! ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] On their first possession, Jeri, Keitaro, and Duo take their time getting down the court. Eventually, Duo does get a shot to fall. [Team A - 2, Team B - 2] Going back down, Roger and Kiyone run a two-on-one fast break against Duo and easily score, courtesy of Roger. [Team A - 4, Team B - 2] On the inbounds, Duo's pass to Jeri is intercepted by Roger, who immediately shoots and scores once again. [Team A - 6, Team B - 2] Jeri gets the ball and throws it in to Duo as the two head downcourt together. Keitaro is being double-teamed by Melfina and Kiyone... read that as you wish... as Roger tries to snatch the ball away from Duo. Jeri sneaks through and positions herself under the basket. Duo gives her a bounce pass into the paint, as Jeri grabs it and shoots... but not high enough. On the rebound, Jeri can't get a handle on to the ball as Melfina reaches in and knocks it away. She passes it up to Roger, who has Duo on his tail. Roger goes for a lay-up, before passing it back to Melfina at the last second. That throws Duo off-balance as Melfina shoots for another easy two points. [Team A - 8, Team B - 2] [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== Keitaro is still on his end of the court, a little flustered after having to contend with Melfina and Kiyone at the same time. He then spots Duo getting ready to heave the ball his way. Seeing no choice, as he was wide open, he starts running. Duo: (shouting) Keitaro, heads up! Duo tosses the ball downcourt at a running Keitaro, who leaps up to catch it. Unfortunately, he misses the ball completely, as he lands without it, watching as the ball bounces out of bounds. Jeri: (running up to Keitaro) Nice try. Keitaro: (sighs) I should've caught it. Duo: (running up to them) Come on guys, let's get back on defense! Kiyone throws the ball in to Melfina. The two of them head down the court side-by-side, with Melfina dribbling the ball. As they split and Jeri comes up to guard her, Melfina passes it to Kiyone. Wide open just behind the three-point arc, she jumps up to take a shot. Keitaro leaps up and tries to block it. Although Keitaro doesn't block the ball, it hits the front of the rim. Roger sprints over and throws the ball up as Duo swats an arm at him, hitting his left hand. The foul wouldn't matter, because the ball hits the inside of the rim and sinks into the net. The game is over. [Team A - 10, Team B - 2] ====== The second game is about to begin, as the teams led by Bit and Mondo step onto the court. Tenchi has the ball at center court again, with Joey and Jessie taking the tip-off. Mondo's team is now sporting the mesh jerseys. Jessie: (growls) You're going down! Joey: We'll see about that, Jessie! Tenchi: Ready? And begin! Tenchi throws the ball up into the air. Joey and Jessie leap up to get it. Jessie touches it first, but as she tries to tip it towards one of her teammates, Joey gets a piece of it. It falls right behind him, where Faye takes the ball and starts dribbling downcourt. Joey rushes past Faye and gets open behind the three-point arc. Joey: Faye! Pass it over! Faye passes the ball to Joey, who turns and shoots before Jessie can get up to him. Joey: (shooting from 3-point range) From downtown, yeah! The ball bounces off of the backboard and is rebounded by Chi-Chi. Joey jumps back on defense, but Jessie trips him up. Unfortunately, Tenchi was looking downcourt and didn't see what was happening. But the others off to the side did. Duo: Hey! You can't do that! Kiyone: Tenchi, call a foul already! But Tenchi was ignoring their pleas for a call since he didn't see Jessie actually trip Joey, even though he was still picking himself up from the ground. Meanwhile, Chi-Chi shoots over Bit's head from six feet away, sinking the shot. [Team C 0 - Team D 2] ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] As the game continues on, Bit, Joey, and Faye try to gather themselves and get downcourt. Unfortunately for them, Chi-Chi is too fast for them, as she applies the pressure and singlehandedly causes them to make mistakes. From an errant pass to losing the ball, Mondo, Chi-Chi, and Jessie take control of the game. Although Jessie doesn't pull any more foul tricks, she and Mondo seem to be providing the offense for the entire team. The game lasts only a few minutes, as Bit and his team can barely get off any shots at their basket, much less any that were completely accurate. Mondo and his team win the match in a shutout. [Team C 0 - Team D 10] [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== It's time for the championship match of the tournament, as Melfina, Kiyone, and Roger go up against Mondo, Chi-Chi, and Jessie. Mondo's team once again wears the mesh jerseys. Off to the side, Faye and Joey were visibly fuming over Jessie's actions. Joey: I should've know that Jessie would be a dirty snake! Faye: I can't believe Tenchi didn't call that! Is he blind or something? Joey: Like it mattered anyway. We didn't score a single point! There was no way to stop Chi-Chi. Faye: It looks like they're going to win it all. Fairly or otherwise. The two remaining teams are lined up at center court, as Tenchi prepares for one last tip-off. This time, Roger and Chi-Chi are taking it. Tenchi: Good luck to both teams! The championship game has begun! Chi-Chi leaps up and knocks the ball into play... right to Kiyone. Kiyone immediately passes upcourt to Melfina, who Mondo is guarding. Melfina tries to dribble the ball past Mondo, but he won't get out of the way. She then bounce passes to Roger, but Chi-Chi picks off the pass and runs the other way. She leaps up and takes the shot herself. [Team A 0 - Team D 2] ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] Kiyone bounces the ball back upcourt, with Jessie guarding her heavily. Maybe too heavily, as she reaches in and fouls Kiyone. She takes it out and throws it back in, this time to Roger, who tries to shoot up before Chi-Chi can block it. No luck, as she reaches up and snatches the ball in mid-air. Chi-Chi charges back downcourt with everyone chasing after her. She passes over to Mondo, who lays up a shot. [Team A 0 - Team D 4] But Melfina and company fight back, as on their next possession they manage to keep Chi-Chi and the others occupied as Roger attempts and sinks an open three-point shot. [Team A 3 - Team D 4] As Jessie heads down with the ball, Melfina comes out of nowhere and knocks the ball loose. Melfina takes it and goes all the way down for a shot. It bounces off of the backboard, which Kiyone, who had caught up with the duo, gets a hold on before Jessie. Kiyone leaps for a quick shot, but Jessie's in the way again, blocking Kiyone's way and fouling her. Kiyone takes her two free throws and makes them both. [Team A 5 - Team D 4] Taking matters into her own hands, Chi-Chi takes the ball herself and weaves her way through Roger's defense. She takes a three-point shot, which Roger unsuccessfully blocks, and makes it. [Team A 5 - Team D 7] [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== After throwing the ball in, Kiyone heads downcourt to provide some blocking as Roger follows, not too far behind her. Roger: This team's going to win! He passes the ball up to Melfina, who bobbles it right into the hands of Mondo. Mondo heads down to his own basket as Roger runs to get the ball from him. At the same time, Melfina is chasing after Mondo. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, Mondo passes over to Chi-Chi. Kiyone steps in front of Chi-Chi to block, but she shoots the ball anyway. It goes over Kiyone's head, bounces off the backboard and right into the net. And since Chi-Chi had been standing behind the three-point line, the game is over. [Team A 5 - Team D 10] Tenchi: And the winners of the game are Mondo, Chi-Chi, and Jessie! The cheers among the others are a scant few, who aren't too happy with what Jessie had done back in the first game. Jessie: (CC) I knew that I was going to win one of these games eventually! Joey: (CC) I'm all for Mondo winning, and maybe even Chi-Chi! But after what Jessie did today, I don't think she deserves a chance at that prize! Melfina: (CC) If it's against the rules to foul someone, then why did the no-foul call against Jessie stand? It doesn't make any sense to me. End Episode Thirteen Tenchi: (VO) Next time, on Roomies... Duo: Why are you blatantly ignoring the fact that she cheated? Tenchi: (VO) The Roomies aren't happy with Jessie's performance... Jessie: I'm doing what it takes to win! Keitaro: Why can't you arrest her? Kiyone: Because nothing she's done merits being arrested! Tenchi: (VO) And she's not willing to stop there either... Jessie: There can still be friendly competition between us. Is there anything wrong with that? Jeri: With you, it's anything but friendly. Joey: You can pull the wool over her eyes, but your tricks won't work on me! Tenchi: (VO) But for one person in the house, Jessie's not her only worry... Mihoshi: Oh Kiyone, we'll have so much fun together today! Kiyone: (looking for help from Roger and Duo) Somebody please shoot me! Joey: Maybe we should stick Jessie with her for one day and see how she feels about it! Tenchi: (VO) And for everyone else, it's time to start using their brains... Rochi: I'm telling you, the rabbit's under number nine! Butch: And I say it's under number five! Bit: (holding his head) Shut up! I can't think straight! Chi-Chi: Which one should we choose? Melfina: I've never seen a knot this hard to undo. Roger: Why are we even listening to these two in the first place? Tenchi: (VO) One safe, four locks, and a shot at another $50,000... Minnie-May: I won't steer you wrong! Bit: (CC) I've never seen the two of them like that. Joey: It's the third from the left! Kiyone: Can things get any worse? Tenchi: (VO) On the next episode of Roomies... A hand reaches down with the wire clippers and snips one of the four green wires... resulting in the screen to blackout. Additional Author's Notes: The author's notes this episode will concentrate on the second challenge. The name of the challenge was originally going to be 'To Tell the Truth,' based off the game show of the same name. In it, a panel of four celebrities are introduced to three people who claim to be one who has done something special. Asking questions, the celebrities have to figure out who is telling the truth and who is really who they say they are. Unfortunately, the scoring system for that show wouldn't work for the purposes of a roommate challenge. Enter MTV's 'Who Knows the Band?' game show, which is where this challenge's scoring system came from. In that show, three different people claim that they know a famous music star and that they've done something with him/her/them. Two people have to figure out whose story is true by delegating points, giving the most to the person they think is telling the truth. Combining the two shows resulted in the name change to 'Who is Real?' Now, as for the celebrities who our Roomies were trying to identify. Our first set was made up of Gundam pilots, all from the Universal Century time era. Amuro Ray, most people should know, is the most famous of the three, seeing as he was the pilot of the first ever Gundam. He's from the original 'Mobile Suit Gundam' series. Shiro Amada is from 'Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team,' which is the most recent of the three series that this trio is from, even though it's a side story that takes place towards the end of the One-Year War, just like the original 'Mobile Suit Gundam' does. Kou Uraki is in 'Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory.' As the title suggests, it takes place in Universal Century 0083, three years after the end of the One-Year War. Our second group was made up entirely of characters from 'Samurai Pizza Cats,' a series that ran in the United States in 1996-97. Those of you familiar with the way Saban dubbed 'Mon Colle Knights' can see similiarities in the SPC dub as well... except on a way more censored scale. SPC still remains one of my favorite anime series despite that fact. As for character comparisons, just to give you an idea of what Polly is like in the series, check this out. Polly draws eerie comparisons to Misty and Jessie of 'Pokémon' for her high temper and her tendency to lash it out on her male companions. But that anger could also characterize her with a personality like Mondo's girlfriend, Rockna. Those who know Rockna know that she easily gets jealous when Mondo flirts openly with other girls. It's assumed by most fans of SPC that Polly acts the same way, seeing as how Speedy and Guido throughout most of the series have eyes for Lucille and not her. Anyway, time to move off of this monster and proceed to the next thrilling episode. We've got another episode full of anime cameos just waiting for you! Plus, the fifth and final author cameo is in the mix as well! Don't forget to tune in and see what happens!