"Roomies 3: Digital Frontier," written by Freedom Fighter The seventh episode has arrived! Read and enjoy! 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. = = = = = = = = = = Tenchi: (VO) 16 contestants from 12 anime shows. 42 days living by themselves in the wild Digital World. But only one will walk away with a grand prize of one million dollars. (Begin theme song, showing each of the contestants one at a time for 1.5 seconds each) - Amy M., Sailor Moon - Amy R., Sonic the Hedgehog - Haruka, Love Hina - James, Pokémon: Master Quest - Jet, Cowboy Bebop - Keith, Yu-Gi-Oh! - Nabiki, Ranma 1/2 - Rally, Gunsmith Cats - Rini, Sailor Moon Super S - Takuya, Digimon Frontier - Tally, Digimon Tamers - Trowa, Gundam Wing - Trunks, Dragonball Z - Whitney, Pokémon: Master Quest - Yugi, Yu-Gi-Oh! - Yusuke, Yu-Yu Hakusho (Show scenes of Tally being stretched, Jet riding a roller coaster, Nabiki playing a card game, and Trowa giving Gatomon an order.) Tenchi: (VO) Some of them will become the best of friends. Others will develop grudges against those they hate. But only one will walk away with up to a million dollars or more in cash and prizes. (A log cabin appears in the background.) Tenchi: (VO) These men and women are... Roomies! (End theme song, with a picture of all 16 contestants standing with Flame Terminal behind them in the background.) = = = = = = = = = = Episode 7 - When Digimon Attack (03.29.03) Day Ten Half of the crew is returning to the campsite after completing the last roommate challenge. As usual, feelings are mixed among the group. There are those that are very happy... Amy R.: Yeah! I get to go back to the cabin! Rally: Finally! I can sleep indoors again! And there are those that aren't... Whitney: (sarcastically) Just great. Another few days of communing with Mother Nature. Trunks: This bites! I thought this would be fun! That challenge was so lame! Trowa quietly sneaks over to his tent to begin packing his belongings. Trowa: (CC) I knew it had to happen eventually. Maybe things are finally changing for the better. I'm going to be in the cabin for the next few days, and I'll get to see if being there instead of being out here is an advantage. ====== At the log cabin, things are rather quiet as James, Jet, Keith, and Nabiki prepare to switch living quarters. The four stayers, Amy, Takuya, Tally, and Yusuke, are just going about business as usual. James: On the move again... it's always this way! Jet: If you hadn't botched some shots, we might have been able to stay! James: I still don't know why golf is even considered a sport! It's a waste of time if you ask me. Nabiki is keeping her eye on Keith as she finishes packing her stuff. Nabiki: (CC) At least Whitney's going to be there at the campsite. She's one of the few people here I can talk to without having to worry about being backstabbed. And, on the record... James, Jet, and Keith all seem untrustworthy to me. ====== The switch occurs as usual, as the two groups wave at each other halfway between the sites. At the campsite, Rini was watching Yugi and Trunks play Duel Monsters. Of course, since Trunks didn't have a deck of his own, Yugi had split his in half to share with the young Saiyan. Currently, Trunks has five cards in hand and one monster face down in defense. Yugi had the Celtic Guardian in attack mode and one magic/trap card face down, along with two cards in his hand. It was Yugi's turn as he drew a card from his deck. Yugi: I'll now have my Celtic Guardian attack your face down card! Trunks: (flips over the card) Feral Imp, 1400 defense. Yugi: And my monster has 1400 attack points. Nothing. Trunks: (smiles) You should've summoned a stronger monster. You're gonna regret it now! Trunks drew a card and rejoiced excitedly. Trunks: Aha! I've got the perfect card! He showed Yugi his card... Summoned Skull! Rini applauded with glee. Rini: Great draw! Trunks: I'll sacrifice my weak Imp for my Summoned Skull, the ultimate monster! Summoned Skull takes the field for Feral Imp, which is sent to the graveyard. Trunks: You've only got 800 life points left, and I know my monster has got a bigger advantage than that! You're finished! Yugi: (lowering his head) I guess you're right. Trunks: I can't believe this! In only my second match, I'm going to beat the world's best duelist! Wait until everyone at home hears this! Rini: I'm amazed myself. I can't believe it's over already. Trunks: Summoned Skull, attack Yugi's Celtic Guardian! Summoned Skull attacks and Trunks smiles... before he sees Yugi match it. Yugi: A little overconfident, aren't we? The face down card on Yugi's side of the field is turned over. The card is Shield and Sword, which switches the opposing monster's attack and defense points. Yugi: I'll use Shield and Sword to cut Summoned Skull's attack power. That means that Summoned Skull only has an attack power of 1200. That leaves my Celtic Guardian with the advantage. Trunks: What? Celtic Guardian withstands Summoned Skull's attack, then retaliates with an attack of his own, destroying the monster. Yugi: You've only got 300 left now, Trunks. Trunks: That was my best move! How could you counter it? As Trunks tried to figure out where his strategy went wrong, Jet and the others arrived at the campsite. ====== Things were a little more upbeat over at the cabin, as Trowa got to enter it for the first time since his arrival in the Digital World. Amy M., Takuya, Tally, and Yusuke all greeted Trowa and the others. Yusuke: (mockingly) Welcome to our mansion! Tally: Come in and make yourself at home, Trowa! Trowa: (stepping in) Hmmm... it's rather small, isn't it? Amy R.: At least we're indoors now! No more icky bugs or wild Digimon to worry about! Amy M.: Here Trowa... I'll show you where you can put your stuff down. As Amy leads Trowa over to one of the open spaces in the room, the other Amy runs over to the DVD collection and starts searching for something. Amy R.: Who's up for some Sailor Moon? Yusuke: You know, it's much more exciting when you play it in slow mo. A pan comes out of nowhere and hits Yusuke in the back of the head. Yusuke: (turning towards the kitchen) Haruka! Do you always have to do that? A shot of Haruka smiling as she goes back to fixing lunch. ====== Later on in the day, James, Trunks, and Yugi have been sent out from camp to pick some meat apples for dinner. Actually, James and Trunks are doing the climbing and picking. Yugi is holding a large basket, which is currently a quarter of the way filled. While 'hunting,' the trio decides to share their views of the game and a few of their fellow Roomies. Trunks: Why do they call them challenges anyway? They aren't even that challenging. Yugi: Easy for you to say. You're so strong physically. James: Yeah. That's not fair! Trunks: These challenges had better get tougher real soon... or I'm going to start skipping them. Yugi: You can't win the game that way, you know. Trunks: So? The least that Tenchi could do was make them harder so I won't get so bored! Trunks then leaps up a nearby tree to pick apples from it. Almost immediately, he tosses down half a dozen right into Yugi's basket. He then hops back down. Trunks: Actually, it would help if I had better competitors. James: Are you calling me weak? Trunks: Well, you are. Yugi: Trunks, we can't help it if we're not as strong as you are. James: Yeah! If you don't wanna be here, then leave! It'll make it easier for me to win. Trunks: But I don't want to leave. At least not yet. Approaching another apple tree, it's now James's turn to climb and pick. Trunks: Hey Yugi... what's up with you and the girls? Yugi: What do you mean? Trunks: The other day, during the rainstorm. Amy and Rini were in your tent. Yugi: I was just teaching them to play Duel Monsters. You're the one who found us together. I thought I told you that. Trunks: How can you stand being around them? Yugi: What do you mean? Trunks: They're girls, Yugi! You know, the type that plays around with dolls and junk. (crosses his arms over his chest) They're such babies. Yugi: You mean you hate them? Trunks: I don't hate them. I just hate the way they are. Tell me... why are girls like that anyway? Yugi: (shrugs his shoulders) I don't know. They're born that way, I guess. Their talk was interrupted when a few apples fell from above. Once the trio had gathered those into the basket, they decided to head back to camp. ====== Night Ten It's getting late at night at the cabin, and most of the group had already fallen asleep. The only ones up were Tally and Trowa, and they were chatting peacefully amongst themselves in a corner of the living room. Tally: So, what do you miss the most from home? Trowa: Performing in the circus. Tally: You're a circus performer? I would have never guessed that. What's your act? Trowa: I just stand still while Catherine throws knives at me. Tally: (gasps in surprise) No way! You're a knife thrower's target? Trowa: To put it bluntly, yes. Tally: Don't you ever worry about one of the knives... you know... Trowa: Catherine is very skilled. She's never hit me once. Besides, I wouldn't have become part of the act if I was going to worry about what would happen to me. Tally: (sweatdrops) And I thought trying to take on the D-Reaper was dangerous! Trowa: Fighting an indiscriminate blob that absorbs everything in sight? No Tally... the D-Reaper is more dangerous. Tally: Considering the probability of surviving both incidents. Interesting analysis. (smiles) You're right... the D-Reaper is more dangerous. The two smiled as they continued to talk the night away. ====== Day Eleven The following morning, the sun is up and bright in the sky. As usual, one of the early risers is Amy M. Dressed in sweats, she is jogging in place outside the cabin. Gatomon is by her side, looking as if she's completely recovered from being attacked the day before yesterday. Amy, naturally, is still worried about her health. Amy M.: I think you need to take it easy for one more day, Gatomon. Gatomon: Don't worry about me, Amy! A cat always lands on her feet. And even if she doesn't, she quickly hops back up! Amy M.: I don't want you to get hurt if we run into those Pagumon again. Gatomon: They won't get the drop on me this time. I'll make sure of it. Amy shoots a worried look at Gatomon, but the feline Digimon showed no signs of wanting to go back inside. Amy M.: (sighs) Okay... you can come jogging with me. But we'll take it easy for today. Gatomon: (beginning to jog in place) Easy pace... got it! As Amy and Gatomon run off, they are unaware that a beetle-like Digimon is watching them from behind a tree. ====== Over at the campsite, almost everyone there has decided to get up early today. Rini, with Nabiki's help, is preparing breakfast for the group as James looks on from underneath a nearby tree. James: (holding his stomach) Can you girls hurry it up? Rini: Hey! If you're so hungry, then you come here and make breakfast! Nabiki: (shaking her finger at Rini) Now now, Rini. Is that anyway to treat our fellow campmate? Rini: (looking down) Sorry. Nabiki: (smiles) That's better. (turns to look at James) I'll speed things up just for you! James: (going all starry-eyed) Really? You'd do that for me? Nabiki coughs, then holds out her palm in front of James. James: (scratches his head) What? I don't get it. Nabiki: Express meals require a 'double time' fee. James: (looking surprised) You mean I have to pay you? Nabiki: Either that, or make a deal. James: (checking his empty pockets) But I don't have any money. Nabiki: Then I guess you're going to have to work for me for the rest of the day. James: (thinks out loud) Hmmm... I can eat sooner if Nabiki hurries up, but then I have to be her slave. But if I can wait a few minutes, I still get to eat and won't have to work for her. As James's brain begins to work, his stomach grumbles loudly... answering for him. James: You've got a deal! Nabiki: I know you'd see things my way! Rini: Should you really be taking advantage of people like that? Nabiki: Isn't that what this game is about? Besides... I'm not the strongest or the smartest person here, so I have to make up for it somehow. Off to the side, Jet is chopping firewood with an axe. And Keith happens to be sitting against a tree and relaxing... doing nothing, as usual. Suddenly, Whitney comes out of her tent with her arms reaching high above her head... obviously stretching her muscles. Whitney: Morning everyone! Nabiki: Good morning, Whit! Breakfast will be ready soon. James: (jumping in between them) I already called first dibs, so back off! Whitney: We're all going to get the same amount of food anyway, so why are you in such a rush to eat? Nabiki: (giggles) His stomach couldn't stand to wait five minutes. Keith: (calling from afar) About time you got up, toots. We've got work to do. Whitney: I know that! And don't call me toots! Jet: (putting his axe down) Let's get going. Whitney: Wait a minute... you mean that two strong guys like you two can't do this by yourselves? Jet: Well, someone has to carry the basket. Plus, it goes faster with two of us picking fruit. Whitney: (rolls her eyes) Fine. Whatever. As Whitney walks over towards Jet to get the basket, which is by his feet, she stops short when a rather foul and disgusting odor begins to fill the air. Whitney: (holding her nose closed with her fingers) Eeewww... what's that smell? Keith: Whoever smelled it, dealt it, sis. Jet: I've got a bad feeling about this. Nabiki: Yuck... the smell's getting worse. Jet started walking over towards where the smell was coming from. It was a wooded area away from the camp... and the rank odor was getting worse. Jet: Someone go wake up Trunks. I'm going to go check this out, and I want him ready to help me out if I need it. Whitney: I got it! As Whitney ran back to the tents, Jet picked the axe up and resumed his walk towards the underbrush. Rini: You're not going to kill it, are you? Jet: Of course not. I'm just going to scare it away. The group watched tentatively as Jet's walk slowed to a sneaky tiptoe. But once he got close enough, whatever was causing the smell became surrounded by a flash of light. At this point, the others could see this as well. When the beam of light finally subsided, it was replaced by what looked to be a sludge monster. Jet nor any of the others knew this, but this was a Raremon. Raremon: We've been telling you to leave, and you haven't! Now you'll pay! ****** Raremon: Get ready to face my ultimate attack! Jet: (holding the axe in front of him) Don't make me use this. Raremon: You asked for it. Acid Sludge! The sludgy Digimon shot out several acidic spitballs. Jet instinctively jumps back to avoid them. Good thing too, because when these spitballs landed on the ground, they immediately killed the grass. Jet: That's definitely not good. Jet motioned to throw the axe at Raremon, but the Digimon was one step ahead of him. Raremon: Acid Sludge! Before Jet knew it, the axe was melting away in his arms. He dropped it on the ground before the acid could get to him. Jet then began to step back towards the others. Raremon followed slowly, increasing the power of its smell to kill all of the plants and trees within five feet of him. Keith: What the hell is that thing? Nabiki: You think I'm gonna stick around to find out? James: (pushing Nabiki forward) Do something! Nabiki: Why me? You're the man here! James: (shaking, frightened) You're more a man than I'll ever be! Jet: Run for it! The five of them turn tail and run out of the campsite. At that exact moment, Whitney comes out of Trunks's tent with him in tow, having finally managed to awaken the pint-sized Super Saiyan from his slumber. Whitney: (seeing the Raremon) Ooh... I think I'm gonna be sick. Whitney grabs Trunks by the arm and starts to pull him out of the camp. But... Trunks: I'm not running! Trunks turns around to face the attacking Digimon as he begins to power up. Whitney: You're crazy! Yugi: (coming out of the tent as well) What's with all the yelling? Yugi then saw Trunks charging for the Raremon, attempting to subdue the disgusting creature. Yugi: (holding his nose) What kind of monster is that? Whitney: Trunks! You can't take him on alone! Yugi: Why don't you use Miltank to help him out? Whitney: (slaps herself on the forehead) Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Whitney pulls out her Pokéball and throws it out. Whitney: Alright Milty... you're on! Milty materializes in front of Whitney and Yugi. Upon coming out, she too becomes disgusted by the Raremon's smell. Whitney: Try to ignore it, Milty! We need your patented rollout attack! Milty: Mil! Miltank rolls up into a ball and starts barreling towards Raremon. Trunks, meanwhile, is hovering right in front of the Digimon's face. Trunks: Take this! Trunks punches Raremon right between the eyes. It doesn't seem to affect him at all, and when Trunks pulls his fist out, it's covered in sludge. Trunks: (shaking the sludge off) Gross! Okay, so I can't punch you. Raremon: Acid Sludge! Trunks easily dodges the acid sludge. Trunks: That's the way you want to play, huh? He pulls his arms back to charge up for the Kamehameha. Trunks: Ka-me-ha-me... Meanwhile, Milty has rolled up to and through the Raremon's lower body. Milty comes out covered in sludge, and Raremon has been cut down a few inches. But Milty's rollout has actually served as the distraction Trunks needed to ensure his shot's accuracy. Trunks: HA! The kamehameha wave easily puts Raremon down for the count. Raremon is replaced by several streams of data. Trunks lands on the ground and waits for a few seconds before the data disappears. Trunks: That takes care of that. Milty rolls back over towards Whitney. She leaps out of her ball-like shape and lands in front of her trainer. Whitney: Great job, Milty! Milty: Mil mil! Whitney and Yugi then cover their noses when they realize how much Milty stinks. Whitney: Someone needs a bath... Yugi: That's an understatement. Jet, James, Keith, Nabiki, and Rini all come back now that the coast is clear. Jet: (looking at the cameraman) This isn't some sick joke, is it? The camera shakes left to right, which was the cameraman's way of saying 'no.' Nabiki: Just what is going on around here? Whitney: Well, we were told beforehand to beware of wild Digimon. And I did tell you that I was worried that they would attack us. Trunks: This is getting out of hand. Somebody better give us some answers. ====== Back near the cabin, the group there was about to get a Digimon encounter of their own. Amy and Gatomon had not yet return from their run, and Yusuke and Trowa were standing outside. But Yusuke seemed worried. Yusuke: Botan was right. There is an evil spirit around here. Trowa: What evil spirit? And who's Botan? Yusuke: Never mind. (narrows his eyes) Something evil is nearby. Suddenly, Takuya comes bursting out the front door. He's holding his D-Tector in his right hand as he runs off. Yusuke: Hey, what's going on here! Tally: (running out the front door) Takuya thinks Amy and Gatomon are in danger! Yusuke: What? Not again! Trowa: We'd better follow Takuya, in case he needs help. The trio runs after Takuya... unaware of what Takuya was planning to do next. Takuya: (holding his D-Tector up) Execute... spirit evolution! In the blink of eye, and to the amazement of the trailing trio, Takuya transformed into a Digimon. Takuya: Agunimon! Once the transformation was complete, Agunimon used his D-Tector to lead him towards something dangerous. Tally, Yusuke, and Trowa, on the other hand, were now in frozen in place, dumbfounded by Takuya's change. Yusuke: How did he do that? Tally: No way! It's just like it was with Takato and the others! Yusuke: What does that mean? Tally: Takuya was able to transform into a Digimon. Me and my fellow colleagues saw four kids last year with the ability to do the same. Trowa: If he could do this, then why didn't he tell us before? Yusuke: (pounds his fist into his palm) Of course! He's the evil spirit! Tally: Evil spirit? Yusuke: There's some spirit that I was warned about before coming here. I wasn't sure who it was at first, but now I know! Tally: You think it's Takuya? Yusuke: It's gotta be. Come on... we have to get him before he gets to Amy! ====== Amy M. and Gatomon were returning to the cabin at that exact moment, coming from another direction. As soon as they stepped inside, they were confronted by Guilmon and the others. Guilmon: You're safe! Yippee! Gatomon: What are you talking about? Amy M.: Yeah... is something wrong? Amy R.: (nods) Takuya felt something strange and burst right out of here. Haruka: He thought that there was a wild Digimon loose and he didn't want it to get to you and Gatomon. The others followed him. Rally: (points straight ahead) I think I saw the back of Trowa's head. They went that-a-way! Amy M.: We'd better go after them. They may be the ones that need our help. ====== Tally, Yusuke, and Trowa were running as fast as they could to keep up with Agunimon, but they could barely keep him in sight. When the Digimon rushed into a forested area, the trio didn't hesitate in following him. Yusuke: (yelling) You're not getting away that easily! The three of them ran until they made their way into a clearing. There, they saw that Agunimon is trading punches with the Kabuterimon. Two Kabuterimon, to be exact. Trowa: What are those things? Tally: Digimon. They just have to be. Yusuke: Well, if they're Takuya's lackeys... let's take 'em down! Trowa: Wait! Too late, as Yusuke charged right into the battle. Agunimon was trading blows with the Kabuterimon, which are large, purple, flying beetles. Agunimon: Darn it... (dodges a punch) I can't use my fire attacks because there's too many plants! Sure enough, with all of the shrubs, bushes, grass, and trees within striking distance, his attacks could burn down the forest in an instant. Takuya had to figure out another way to defeat these Kabuterimon, and quickly. But he didn't count on Yusuke flying in and punching him to the ground. Agunimon: (sits up and rubs the side of his face) What'd you do that for? Yusuke: Give it up before I have to blast you into the next life! Agunimon: (pointing behind Yusuke) Look out! Yusuke: (not seeing the Kabuterimon gang up behind him) I'm not falling for that trick. Suddenly, Yusuke felt the large arms of one of the Kabuterimon wrap around his stomach. Yusuke: What the... oh, I see! Letting your lackeys do the dirty work, huh? Agunimon: I don't know what you're talking about! Agunimon stopped to dodge the other Kabuterimon, who tried to lay a punch into his stomach. Kabuterimon 1: Stand still! Agunimon: Not on your life, buddy! Kabuterimon 2: (squeezing Yusuke) You're not going anywhere. Yusuke: Who said I had to go anywhere? In an instant, Yusuke gathers the energy needed to fire the... Yusuke: (yelling) Spirit gun! Pointing backwards into the Kabuterimon's abdomen, the Digimon was deleted instantly from the blast, allowing Yusuke to fall two feet to the ground. Yusuke: It's going to take more than that to stop this spirit detective! He then glanced over at Takuya/Agunimon, who was still grappling with the other Kabuterimon. Meanwhile, the others had arrived and had joined Tally and Trowa on the sidelines. Amy M.: (gasps) Takuya! Amy R./Rally: Takuya? Tally: How did you know that was Takuya? Takuya, hearing Amy's scream, looks over and sees the whole gang watching. But before he could say anything, Kabuterimon lands a punch to his chest area. Agunimon goes sliding head first into a tree trunk. Yusuke: Alright, now I'm confused. Amy M.: Yusuke, that's Takuya! He's on our side! Guilmon: Takuya's a mon! Takuyamon! Yusuke: (to himself) I know he's Takuya. What I don't know is who's side he's on. The Kabuterimon starts to form an electrical ball of energy above his head as he stomps towards Agunimon. Yusuke: Okay... that settles it. Yusuke rushes over to help Agunimon just as Kabuterimon fires his attack. Kabuterimon: Electro Shocker! At the last possible moment, Yusuke rushes in and shoulder tackles Kabuterimon out of the way. The attack misses Agunimon by only a few feet, as he is still on the ground and struggling to get up. Yusuke: Take this! Yusuke gives Kabuterimon a huge punch in the stomach. This one is strong enough to knock the Digimon out but not delete him. Yusuke took a deep breath as he walked over to Agunimon just as he changed back to Takuya. Rally: Who's side is he on anyway? Amy R.: Yeah. I'm confused. Gatomon: He's a good Digimon. Just like Guilmon and I. Guilmon: Gatomon and Guilmon good friends, right? Gatomon: (sweatdrops) Right... ====== After getting back to the cabin and giving Takuya a place to recover from the battle, he told them about his ability to change into a Digimon. Trowa: That seems like an intriguing ability. Yusuke: You could've told us this before. I thought I was going to have to punch your lights out too. Tally: Now Yusuke, that's not a good thing to say! Takuya: I didn't reveal it at first because I was worried what you'd all think of me if you knew. I guess it was inevitable that I'd be discovered. Amy M.: We know your intentions were good. But everyone... we need to focus on these attacking Digimon, not Takuya's loyalties. Rally: Yeah. What are we going to do about them? ====== The answer would come... in the form of a written message two hours later. Just... not the answer they expected. Haruka: (reading the letter in the cabin) As you are well aware by now, there are wild Digimon out and about... Jet: (reading the letter at the campsite) But the recent string of wild Digimon attacks surpasses our expectations of their behavior... Haruka: For your safety, you will be evacuated to a safer place... Jet: To a village several hundred miles away... Haruka: The original intention was to go to this village for the next challenge... Jet: But we are leaving a day early to ensure your personal safety... Haruka: Please pack all of your belongings and be at the Trailmon station at three... Jet: Only bring what you came with, as any materials that were given to you by us will remain here until your return in a few days... Haruka: During your absence, we will be calling in experts to help figure out the Digimon problem and resolve it... Jet: The game will continue on as scheduled otherwise. Haruka: And it's signed by Tenchi. Amy M.: I guess it's for the best. If this isn't natural, it needs to be taken care of. Takuya: Maybe I should stay behind and help. Yusuke: And watch you get creamed? As much as I'd like to see that, we all have to go. Which means we're not leaving you behind. James: (bowing in front of Jet) Oh, thank you, thank you! Jet: Hey, I'm not the one who wrote the letter! Whitney: Do you think this means we get to live in a hotel? It would feel good after all these days of sleeping on the ground. Keith: Stop yakking and start packing! ====== The entire group of sixteen is at Flame Terminal. Tenchi, Kiyone, and Mihoshi are all there, helping the Roomies get their bags inside of Worm for the trip. Keith: You're telling me you didn't see this coming? Tenchi: No. We didn't know the Digimon would be this wild. Takuya: Are you sure you can handle this yourself? Tenchi: Don't worry, Takuya. Our team of Digimon heroes can take care of it. Besides, I'm not handling it personally. The girls and I are accompanying you to the next destination. Mihoshi: (saluting the group) First class detective Mihoshi, reporting for duty! Kiyone: (hands Mihoshi a duffel bag) Salute later... we've got bags to load! ====== Fifteen minutes later, Worm pulls out of Flame Terminal and heads for the secret destination. The Roomies really don't know where they are going, and are rather curious. Rally: Just where are we going? Tenchi: To a place called Hamburger Village. So much for the destination being a secret... Takuya: Wait a minute... Hamburger Village? Isn't that pretty far from here? Tenchi: Yeah. We need to make three Trailmon changes before we get there. Trowa: And how long's the trip? Tenchi remained quiet, not wanting to answer the question. Of course, Mihoshi was also curious. Mihoshi: Kiyone... just how long are we gonna be on this Trailmon? Kiyone whispers Mihoshi the answer. The yellow-haired woman gasps, then shouts it out in disbelief. Mihoshi: What do you mean 16 hours? All of the Roomies: 16 HOURS?! Kiyone: Mihoshi! You weren't supposed to say that out loud! Worm speeds off into the distance, leaving the Pagumon Village behind in the dust. ****** Day Twelve It's just past eight in the morning when a Trailmon pulls into the station at Hamburger Village. Only this time, a different Trailmon is carrying the Roomies. This one, named Franken, is aqua-colored, in contrast to Worm's brown shade. Franken: Whoo whoo! We have arrived at our destination! Franken comes to a stop as most of the gang, who was still asleep, awakens. The group slowly disembarks from the Trailmon, bringing their duffel bags with them. Once they are all off, Tenchi addresses them. Tenchi: I'm going to take you to the hotel, where you'll be assigned rooms. You can drop your bags off, and then if anyone wants breakfast, you can join me, Kiyone, and Mihoshi. If not, you can hang out in your rooms or go back to sleep. We won't be doing anything today, so after breakfast you're on your own. Just don't cause any mischief or leave town, okay? The Roomies did their best to process Tenchi's instructions. Tenchi: You will receive details about the next challenge tonight. It will require an early rise for a Trailmon ride in the morning, so I'll warn you now. Don't stay up late! Done with his lecture, Tenchi and the girls lead the group to the local hotel. ====== [Author's Note: Nothing game-related happens on this day, but you can catch three scenes from the group's stay in Hamburger Village in Uncut Session 2, which will be released with Episode 10.] The Roomies practically have the day to themselves. Some of the Roomies who had been sleeping on the ground the past few nights stay at the hotel to rest. Others decide to relax by either watching TV or playing games. And still others go out and have a day out on the town. ====== Night Twelve Around seven thirty, Tenchi is seen roaming the halls of the second floor. He's slipping 'challenge update' notices under the doors of the rooms that the Roomies are sleeping in. Takuya, who is rooming with Yugi, reads the notice out loud with the young duelist listening in. Takuya: Tomorrow, you will be having a physical challenge in a neighboring village. This challenge will require luck, skill, speed, and your knowledge of Trailmon. Be at the Trailmon station at six forty-five tomorrow morning. Amy Mizuno and Nabiki Tendo are the captains for this game. They are to think about who they want on their team's tonight and tell me on the way to the challenge in the morning. Yugi: What do you think it could be? Takuya: I think it's a Trailmon race. (pumps his fist in the air) Alright! I won the last time I was in one! This should be a cinch! ====== Day Thirteen The following morning, with the sun just barely peeking over the horizon, the well-rested (well, mostly) Roomies board a Trailmon to head for the challenge. This time, their Trailmon is Buffalo, who is black-colored. Amy M.: (CC) I wonder what challenge I'm captain of. I just hope I'm good enough to lead my team to victory. Nabiki: (CC) This is the chance I've been waiting for! Now I can really earn money to add to my pot! [Team Assignments: - Blue: Amy M., Rally, Takuya, Yugi, Amy R., Rini, Tally, and Jet] - Purple: Nabiki, Trunks, Yusuke, Trowa, Whitney, Keith, James, and Haruka] ====== The Trailmon ride this time lasts 45 minutes, as compared to the previous trip of over 16 hours. They arrive near the starting line of the challenge. A nearby sign tells it all. Tally: (reading the sign) The Great Trailmon Race... this year featuring three celebrity races with the cast of Roomies! Takuya: I knew it! It's a Trailmon race! Nabiki: You mean we're racing Trailmon? Mihoshi: Trailmon racing! Yeah! Kiyone: (covering Mihoshi's mouth) I think we've established what this challenge is about. As the group gets out of Buffalo, Western music plays in the background. Among the crowds of Digimon heading for the stands is a lone individual. He is obviously not a Digimon, but a human. He wears a cloak and a ten-gallon hat along with his cowboy gear. Sand swirls past him as the Roomies notice that the guy is holding a Star Staff in his right hand. Mihoshi: Where did you get sand from? We're in the middle of a town! Kiyone: (grabs Mihoshi's ear and pulls her off-screen) We're only background characters! Stop taking up precious taping space! Keith: What's up, cowboy? What brings you here? ??????: I'd be careful what you'd say. You're liable to get your yap zapped off. Tenchi: Everyone, this is our special guest racer, Survivor Globie! Globie tosses the cloak aside, revealing the racing uniform underneath it. Tenchi: Globie here will play an integral part of today's challenge. As you all know, today we have a physical challenge. It's the Roomies version of the Great Trailmon Race! Takuya here is probably the only one who knows what that actually is, so allow me to explain for the rest of you. Tenchi leads the group to the overpass overlooking the starting line. Below them are seven Trailmon of several colors, shapes, and sizes... including all of the Trailmon that transported them across the Digiworld. Tenchi: Below you are the seven Trailmon. Riding a Trailmon, you will race along a course full of hills, mountains, tunnels, and rocky plains! You will earn points for your team depending on where you finish in your heat. The winning racer earns seven points for his or her team. Second wins six, and so on, until we get down to the person who finishes last, who receives just one. Globie: I will be one of the riders in each heat, and I will be doing my best to beat you to the finish line. There's a bonus for beating me... an extra point for your team. If I'm really slow and everybody beats me, then everyone gets three points. But there's one penalty. If I win a heat, everyone in the heat loses a point. Tenchi: There are extra rules for the second and third heats, but we'll get to those later. A little note... impeding the progress of another Trailmon is not allowed, and if you are caught cheating, you will earn 0 points. You will also earn no points if you fail to finish the race. Globie: The team that has the most points after the completion of the three heats wins the game... and earns $100,000 for their respective pots. Tenchi hands the two team captains a map of the race course. Tenchi: Amy and Nabiki... here's a map of the course. You have 15 minutes to go over it and decide who will participate in the first heat. One note... each person on the team will run one and only one heat. So choose wisely. ====== [Physical Challenge 3: The Great Trailmon Race] Tenchi: (VO) Once the team captains have decided who will participate in each heat, there will be a random draw to determine which Trailmon each rider will ride. The draw is so that the race is as fair as possible. Some of the Trailmon are stronger and/or faster than others, and they won't know which are the best until after the first heat. [Heat 1 Trailmon/Lane Assignments: - Lane 1: Rini (blue) will ride Angler (tan) - Lane 2: Survivor Globie will ride Raccoon Dog - Lane 3: Rally (blue) will ride Worm (brown) - Lane 4: Trunks (purple) will ride Buffalo (black) - Lane 5: Whitney (purple) will ride Mole (pink) - Lane 6: Jet (blue) will ride Franken (aqua) - Lane 7: Keith (purple) will ride Kettle (yellow)] ???????: Welcome, race fans! I'm Angemon, the official announcer of the Great Trailmon Race! Usually we're treated to one annual race, but this year we have three great undercards to bring you before the main event! The undercards feature the all-stars of the hit reality series Roomies! The thing is, almost all of them have never ridden on top of a Trailmon before! I can't wait to see what happens in this race! The countdown timer appears above the starting line, beginning with '10' and counting down to '0.' Angemon: 10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! GO! The seven Trailmon sprint from the starting line, all jockeying for position as only a quarter mile away, seven tracks reduce to just four. Rally: Move it or lose it! Trunks: Out of my way! Keith: (kicking the side) Come on, you piece of junk! From seven lanes to four we go as the track narrows into downtown. Angemon: Rally and Worm jump out to the early lead, but Trunks and Buffalo are right on therr tail, in the lane to her left. Whitney and Mole are neck and neck with Keith and Kettle. Globie and Raccoon Dog run fifth, with Jet and Franken not too far behind. Rini and Angler have gotten off to a slow start and are far behind early! ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] Following the track out of town, the beautiful grasslands of the outskirts greet the racers. Worm and Buffalo begin to open up a lead on the competition. Mole has slowed down considerably, allowing Kettle and Raccoon Dog to get past. Franken also drifts by as Mole gets back up to speed, and Angler, still bringing up the rear, is starting to show some muscle. The transfer from grassy flatlands to grassy hills involves the merging of four lanes down to three. Worm and Buffalo don't have any trouble getting through, but they are now in the same lane. But the next four are racing really close to each other, and at the merge, Franken and Mole are battling to get to the cut-off. Mole, being the smallest of the two, hits the brakes just yards short of the merge. Whitney scoffs at her Trailmon as Jet and Franken go ahead. By the time Mole is back up to speed, Angler passes, relegating Whitney to last. The hills don't seem to be too much trouble... until it gets really steep, leading up to a two-track canyon passover. Buffalo remains right behind Worm, the two so close that they could be mistaken for a double-length Trailmon. Kettle and Raccoon Dog get to the bridge nearly 30 seconds behind, running side by side. Franken and Angler follow soon after, and Mole, who is very weak when it comes to going uphill, falls farther and farther behind. Things get more dangerous as the two remaining tracks run up against the mountain, which is to the riders' right, and a bottomless chasm, which is to the riders' left. This time, Worm switches tracks but remains slightly ahead of Buffalo. Kettle goes with Worm, while Raccoon Dog tails Buffalo. The trailing trio of Franken, Angler, and Mole begin to drift out of contention, as each takes the low road (taken by Worm). Next up is the tunnel, which has two one-lane entrances but only has one one-lane exit. Only the Trailmon's headlights can guide the riders through the tunnel. Buffalo has the upper route that merges with the lower on a slightly steeper incline, giving Buffalo the lead by 200 yards when the two lanes merge to just one. Rally curses out loud as she is now in second. The race becomes uneventful as the last part of the track is the rocky plains. After getting through those, the course heads back into town and towards the start line, which is now the finish line. Trunks wins the race with Buffalo, by an eight second margin over Rally and Worm. Globie and Raccoon Dog finish in third, with Keith and Kettle not far behind either. Jet and Franken end up more than three minutes back, Rini and Angler nearly four, and Whitney and Mole, disappointedly, nearly six and a half behind. [End Challenge Fast Forward - Team Blue 13, Team Purple 12 (after Heat 1)] ====== After the first heat, there are some interesting reactions between the riders. Globie: Stinking, no good, lousy, downright cheap loser! How's your Americanism now, you arrogant pig? Keith: Oh, put a sock in it, maple leaf boy! Ahem... how about reactions that won't result in an international incident? James: (pointing at Whitney) Mole! I'm telling you, she's the Mole! She even rode a Trailmon named Mole! She's the Mole! Whitney: I'm not the Mole! That's a different show! (sighs) Great... now I've probably got all the chavunist pigs in Goldenrod cheering for me. Uh... what about a reaction that refers to the right show and doesn't involve gender barriers? Trunks: (happily cheering) Yeah! I won, I won, I won! That was fun! Amy M.: You did great, Trunks! Yugi: That was amazing! Takuya: You did it, buddy! In fact, I couldn't have done it better myself! That's better. Now... Tenchi returns to add the 'special' rules for the second and third heats. Tenchi: Now, there are two new rules in place for the remaining two heats. First of all, there will only be six riders in each of the heats. That means one Trailmon will race without a rider. There are bonuses and penalties that go with it as well. Globie comes up to help with the rule additions. Globie: If you beat the Trailmon with no rider, you get 3 bonus points. If everyone beats him, then everyone gets 5 each. If the empty Trailmon beats all of you, everyone loses 3 points each. Tenchi: Of course, the same bonuses and penalties that are associated with Globie here are also still in play. Globie: Now, to compensate for there only being six riders, one being myself, in each of the remaining heats, one team will race three people while the other only two. Tenchi: Amy, since your team is in the lead, you will run three in the second heat and two in the third. Globie: Nabiki, being behind, your team will race two in the second heat and three in the third. Tenchi: Now captains... select your riders for heat two, and we will begin once the Trailmon catch their breath and regain their strength. ====== [Heat 2 Trailmon/Lane Assignments: - Lane 1: Survivor Globie will ride Angler (tan) - Lane 2: Yusuke (purple) will ride Raccoon Dog - Lane 3: Worm (brown) has no rider - Lane 4: Haruka (purple) will ride Buffalo (black) - Lane 5: Tally (blue) will ride Mole (pink) - Lane 6: Amy Rose (blue) will ride Franken (aqua) - Lane 7: Amy Mizuno (blue) will ride Kettle (yellow)] Angemon: We're ready for the second heat! Team blue's captain is among the riders in this heat. Worm is running this heat without a rider! And Haruka of the purple team rides the first heat's winner, Buffalo! Will it be two in a row for Buffalo and the purple team? Start the countdown! 10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! GO! ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] Buffalo sprints ahead once again, this time with Haruka. Globie and Angler, all the way on the outside, get to the four-lane portion of the track before Yusuke and Raccoon Dog, nearly knocking them off the track. Worm, with no rider, is in fourth, while the three team blue members bring up the rear. Amy Rose and Franken, Tally and Mole, and Amy Mizuno and Kettle in that group. Buffalo opens up what seems to be an insurmountable lead over second-place Angler as the tracks leave the town. Worm, Mole, Franken, Raccoon Dog, and Kettle all jockey for third, with only Mole and Kettle sharing a lane. But when the course starts going uphill, the worst thing that could ever happen does. Buffalo struggles and begins to overheat, making the ascent rather slow. Halfway up to the canyon bridge, Angler overtakes Buffalo. By the time Buffalo gets to the bridge and the reduction to two lanes, Worm is pushing Buffalo along and Franken and Raccoon Dog pass on the other lane. Right after the bridge, Buffalo starts to break down. Haruka is forced to direct everyone to the lower lane in the mountainous region. Angler extends his lead, with Franken, Raccoon Dog, and Worm running nearly on top of each other. Mole and Kettle bring up the rear. Franken pulls away from Raccoon Dog and Worm and closes in on Angler. Amy Rose cheers excitedly as she's right on the tail of Globie as they enter town and towards the seven-lane split into the quarter-mile homestretch. But Franken is out of turbo as he can do no better than keep pace as Angler wins the race by a full Trailmon length. The next two Trailmon reach the split and go all out to get the best position. The riderless Worm, who had entered the split last of the two, crosses first, just inches ahead of Yusuke and Raccoon Dog. Tally and Mole and Amy Mizuno and Kettle finish fifth and sixth, a hair over four minutes after Angler had crossed the line. [End Challenge Fast Forward - Team Blue 24, Team Purple 14 (after Heat 2)] ====== Tenchi: Nabiki, your team is down ten points entering the final heat. Your team will need a great finish to pull this one out. But you will have three riders in this race, so you do still stand a chance. [Heat 3 Trailmon/Lane Assignments: - Lane 1: Trowa (purple) will ride Angler (tan) - Lane 2: Nabiki (purple) will ride Raccoon Dog - Lane 3: Yugi (blue) will ride Worm (brown) - Lane 4: Survivor Globie will ride Buffalo (black) - Lane 5: Takuya (blue) will ride Mole (pink) - Lane 6: James (purple) will ride Franken (aqua) - Lane 7: Kettle (yellow) has no rider] Angemon: We're ready for the third and final heat featuring the Roomies all-stars! Team purple's captain is in this heat, and with her team down 10 points, she will need a lot of help. This time around, Kettle is riderless. The first two winners were Buffalo and Angler. Worm, last year's winning Trailmon, and Takuya, last year's winning rider, is in this heat! But Takuya rides Mole, and his teammate Yugi has Worm! Can Takuya still win? Start the countdown! 10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! GO! Yugi: (CC) I'm thinking about tapping into the power of my Millennium Puzzle... but I don't want anyone to think I'm weird. ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] Yugi and Worm and Globie and Buffalo are the leaders again, leaving the start neck-and-neck. Trowa and Angler are next, followed by Kettle, Takuya and Mole, Nabiki and Raccoon Dog, and James and Franken. Buffalo, having being repaired after the last race, goes wheel for wheel with Worm all the way to the hills, where four lanes become three. Angler pulls into sole possession of third, followed by Mole, Kettle, Raccoon Dog, and Franken. The hill proves to be Buffalo's undoing though, as Buffalo slows down significantly. Worm pulls ahead. Buffalo does not struggle as much this time around and is still in second at the three-to-two merge at the bridge. The group behind him though would get messy. Kettle gains ground being riderless as he climbs the hill, but the hill-weak Mole is several yards ahead where their lanes combine. Kettle tries a risky manuever... trying to beat Mole to the merge. Kettle only succeeds in hitting Mole in the side, sending him leaning into Angler, who's in the other lane. Mole gets out with just a small dent, Angler loses his momentum, and Kettle gets derailed, bouncing off of Mole and off the course... but luckily, not off the side of the bridge. Raccoon Dog and Franken pass soon after. In the mountainous region, Worm goes low while Buffalo tries the high road once again. Mole stays low, while Angler goes high. Raccoon Dog, for a change of pace, takes the high route. Franken ducks to the low side. Buffalo closes the gap in the tunnel, but arrives about 15 seconds after Worm at the merge to one lane point. Angler regains third by beating Mole to that point. Raccoon Dog and Franken nearly collide at the merge thanks to some miscommunication. Franken slips by Raccoon Dog by mere inches. [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== Angemon: And here they come, down the homestretch! Worm leads the race, but Buffalo is looking for win number two! Into the split, Buffalo switches to Lane 3... Worm still in 4! They're neck and neck down the stretch! And at the line... Amy R.: It's Yugi and Worm by half a Trailmon! Angemon: Hey! That's my line! Happy to have won, Yugi jumps onto Buffalo's back, where Globie is still sitting. But Buffalo's not happy about that. Buffalo: I only have room for one! Get your own Trailmon! Buffalo tosses Yugi off but manages to keep from tossing Globie off. Yugi: (happily) Looks like I didn't need Yami to help after all! Trowa and Angler place bronze, one minute behind. Mole lost steam at the end and finished a minute forty off, relegating Takuya to a disappointing fourth. Takuya: (after hearing Worm won) I knew it! I could have been the first human to repeat as champion! James and Franken, three and a half minutes behind, finishes fifth. A few seconds behind them are Nabiki and Raccoon Dog, a dismal sixth. ====== Angemon: Now it's time to announce the winners of the Roomies edition of the Great Trailmon Race! But first, let me remind all the fans that an hour from now, it's the main event! So don't go anywhere! Tenchi: And now, here's Survivor Globie to announce the winners! Globie: (handed a card by Tenchi) By a score of 46-39, the winners of the Great Trailmon Race are... the Blue Team! Amy and company celebrate wholeheartedly for the well-earned victory. Nabiki and her team, on the other hand, are disappointed in themselves. Tenchi: Now, for the overall standings after 13 days! The money chart, which is brought out, has Amy Mizuno in the lead with 36 points (translates to $360,000), with Jet at 31 and both Amy Rose and Tally at 27. Bringing up the rear are Trunks with 4, Trowa with 3, and Whitney with 2. Globie: You all raced great today... well, most of you, anyway... so what do you say we have some fun and watch the real Trailmon race! The group wholeheartedly agreed with that decision as they went to join the crowd of Digimon fans to watch the big race. ========================= End Episode Seven ========================= Tenchi: (VO) Next time, on Roomies... Takuya: (lying back on his chair) Ah... this is the life! Tenchi: (VO) The group enjoys living indoors rather than out... Keith: Babes in bikins... what could be better? Yusuke: I'm there! Nabiki, Rini, and Whitney look around the corner and gasp in disbelief. Whitney: No way! Nabiki: Oh, that is so not right! Tenchi: (VO) One Roomie finds herself in really hot water... Whitney: (bowing over and over) I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Tenchi: (VO) No, not Whitney... Amy R.: I can't take them off! I was born with them! Tenchi: (VO) Not Amy Rose either. So who could it be? Trowa: I'm surprised and shocked. Well, that's what everyone else would say if they were in my position. Tenchi: (VO) And in the next challenge... trading with Digimon... Takuya: (holding up a jar with a live spider in it) Can I trade for it with this? Digitamamon: You break it, you buy it! James: Get me out of here! Tenchi: (VO) Don't miss the next exciting episode of Roomies! Loud beeping fills the air as Nabiki runs through the streets in a hurry. ==================== Additional Author's Notes ==================== It's been awhile since I watched "Gundam Wing," so forgive me if the Trowa/ Tally scene was off. I don't think Catherine has ever hit Trowa in the act. Raremon are very, very gross creatures. One made an appearance in Digimon, Season 1, and another in Digimon Frontier (Season 4). Kabuterimon is the champion-level form of Tentomon, which of course, belonged to Izzy (Seasons 1 and 2 of Digimon). The Great Trailmon Race actually does take place in Digimon Frontier. It's the 18th episode, titled "Trailmon vs. Trailmon." Check your UPN affiliate to see when it's on again. It shouldn't be too long from now. In Canada, check out YTV. I know it's not showing in the UK yet, and as for everyone else... check your local listings. Thanks to Survivor Globie for contributing as this season's second cameo. He pretty much gave me free reign on his dialogue, but there were a few lines he suggested that I couldn't keep out. A lot of scenes had to be cut out of this episode. In fact, at this exact point, I'm on the 25th page... and Roomies episode are supposed to last only 20. Check out Uncut Session 2, which will be posted with Episode 10, to see many of the scenes that were cut out! ========================= Next Episode ========================= Episode 8 will be posted as soon as I can get around to writing it. Hopefully, that will only be a few days away. Unfortunately, finishing "Mystery Solvers" is my main priority right now, so it may still be a few weeks before the "Roomies" ship is righted. Until then!