"Roomies 3: Digital Frontier," written by Freedom Fighter Okay, moving on! Episode 14 is here, so without further ado... 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) - Tally, working with partner Riley as they boot up the Juggernaut program - Takuya, diving out of the way of a truck that spins to avoid hitting him - James, being swindled by the Magikarp seller - Amy M., studying for high school entrance exams with her friends - Rally, driving her Shelby GT down the highway at more than 120 mph - Jet, piloting the Bebop as Spike looks on from the side - Keith, observing a duel between Yugi and Kaiba atop Pegasus's castle - Rini, chatting with her own Moon kingdom kitty, Diana - Amy R., freeing her idol Sonic from a cage upon the Death Egg - Trunks, practicing how to fuse with Goten - Yugi, putting together the Millennium Puzzle - Yusuke, facing off against the three-eyed demon Hiei - Whitney, ordering Milty to roll down and back up a hill - Haruka, showing the dilapidated Hinata Summer House to the Hina crew - Nabiki, standing in front of the Anything-Goes Martial Arts dojo - Trowa, slipping on his circus costume (Show scenes of Keith walking to Salt Lake City, Haruka in a giant Bowser suit, Takuya sitting in a square, and Amy M. carrying a tent building kit.) 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 14 - An Early Reunion (05.30.03) Day Twenty-Eight At the end of the last episode, the Roomies got visits from either a friend or a family member. Unfortunately, the touching reunions take a backseat when one of the Roomies finds that his prized bottle cap collection has been stolen. James: Alright, who's responsible for this? Amy R.: I can't believe you think one of us stole it! I didn't even know you had such a collection. James: Don't lie! (pointing at Tally) Did you steal it? Tally: Why would I want your worthless bottle caps? Nabiki: Worthless? Hardly... if he has enough of them they could be worth... oh my God, why didn't I think about stealing them? James: (points at Nabiki) Aha, so you're the twerp that stole them! Nabiki: Don't call me a twerp! Akane: What gives you the right to call my sister a twerp? Jessie: We can call anyone a twerp if we want to! Jet: Look, this isn't getting us anywhere! Let's just see if we can find them first... then we'll worry about who might have stolen them. Takuya: That's exactly what I was thinking! James: Me too! Jessie: (glaring at James) No, you weren't! The group begins to search around for any sign of the bottle caps. Meanwhile, let's head over to the cabin, where hopefully the reunions are more subtle. ====== Joey: You got something to say? Say it to my face! Keith: Gladly, dweeb! So much for that theory... Yugi: (trying to pull Joey away) Joey, knock it off! Bones: (doing the same to Keith) He's not worth it, boss! As the duelists try to sort them out, we see Haruka giving Keitaro a tour of the cabin's kitchen. Haruka: As you can see, this is where we cook all our meals. Keitaro: Gee, this place is much smaller than that mansion I lived in last year. Haruka: It's not as comfortable, but you get used to it. Keitaro: (laughs) I bet you have a lot of fun with the girls, Aunt Haruka! Haruka grabs a pan from the counter and bonks her nephew on the head with it. Haruka: (sighs as Keitaro falls to the floor) Just call me Haruka. In another corner of the room, Yusuke is seen admiring a few of the female guests. In particular, he seems to have his eyes on Mina, Catherine, and Bridget. Yusuke: Some of the girls are really cute. (sighs) But I bet most of them have nasty tempers, just like Keiko. Cue the angry girlfriend, catching Yusuke's wandering eyes... Keiko: I can't believe you're looking at other women! Yusuke: A guy's gotta keep his options open, you know. Keiko: What? After all we've been through, I can't believe you said that! Keiko reaches up and slaps Yusuke across the face. She then stomps out. Yusuke goes after. Yusuke: Hold up, Keiko... they mean nothing to me! Honest! ====== Back to the campsite, where the search is on for James's missing bottle cap collection. Tails and Trunks comb the ground from the air, while mostly everyone is down below, lifting up anything that could hide the collection. James: (looking under the crates) Here, bottle cap, bottle cap, bottle cap! Spike: Is this guy a nutcase or what? Jet: You tell me... I haven't been able to figure that out in four weeks. Finally, there's a breakthrough as Tally and Riley find something in one of the tents. Tally: (holding up an album) This is it, right? James: (excitedly) Yes, that's it! Yahoo! Tails: (landing with Trunks) I'm glad that's over. Trunks: Yeah. (to Tally) Where'd you find it? Tally: Inside this tent. Trunks: (freaking out) Wait a minute... that's my tent! James: (pointing at Trunks) Aha... so you stole it! Nabiki: How do you know that for sure, James? After all, you've been sharing that very tent with him the past two nights! James: (gasps) You mean it was in my tent? Suddenly, James has a bit of a flashback... ====== The previous night, using a camera's nighttime lens, we see James fumbling through his belongings as he searches for something. Trunks is lying down on the other side of the tent, already fast asleep. James: Where is it? Where is it? I swear that muffin's in here somewhere! Although it's not sure where James got the muffin from or how long he's had it, we see that among the stuff he throws out of his bag is his bottle cap album. ====== James: (finally remembering) That's right! I was searching for my muffin last night, and I tossed aside my album in the process. I didn't put it back because I went right to sleep after that. James takes the album back from Tally, happy as can be. Unfortunately, the other 15 people weren't as pleased. Jessie: You made us do all that worrying for nothing? Takuya: And you went and blamed several people just for misplacing your album? Trunks: Not to mention that you've been keeping food from us the whole time! Everyone shoots Trunks an odd glance. Trunks: Well, he has. Nabiki: We'll show you what happens to people who waste time like that! Bulma: Yeah! James was practically a sitting duck as Jessie, Nabiki, Akane, and Bulma all beat him to a pulp. Most of the others were comfortable with just enjoying it from afar. ====== A little while later, after things had calmed down in both locations, we check back in on the cabin. It's on the porch that we see a calm, peaceful moment between Trowa and Catherine. Catherine: I see you've been making a name for yourself. Everyone here seems to respect you a lot. Trowa: Yeah. It's too bad I'm not doing as well as Duo did last season. Catherine: Why's that? Trowa: (shrugs his shoulders) Not sure. Luck of the draw, maybe. Or maybe just because there's so many people here that are physically or mentally stronger than I am. Catherine: Don't say that! I bet you're the strongest person here! Trowa: Sadly, I'm not. I have to find a way around that, and quickly. There are only two weeks left. Catherine: (smiles) No matter what happens, I'll still love you. Trowa: Thank you, Catherine. I really appreciate it. The two lovebirds then share a kiss as a small breeze blows by them. ====== Over at the campsite, we see that James is sitting down with ice packs on his head and his knees, recovering from the beating he had gotten. Everyone else has pretty much moved on, doing work only when necessary. After all, they did want to spend some time hanging out with their loved ones. In this case, we focus in on Amy and Tails, the two furries from Mobius. Tails: So, that's the situation. Sonic, Sally, and Bunnie are on a recon mission, trying to take out a small pocket of resistance that's still loyal to Robotnik. Amy R.: No wonder Sonic couldn't come! (lowers her head) I just wish I could be there to help. I bet you wanted to be with them too. Tails: Well, yeah... but I don't think Sonic could've lived with himself if someone didn't visit you. So, he elected me to take his place. Amy R.: Sonic really said that? Tails: (nods) In fact, he wishes that you get home soon so that she can see your smiling face! Amy R.: (beaming with happiness) Really? Amy reaches over and gives Tails a hug, nearly choking him in the process. Tails: Ack... Amy! Amy R.: (letting go) That's just the news I wanted here! Thanks! As Amy gets up and skips away, Tails rubs the back of his neck. It's then that he sees Jet and Spike standing in front of him. Spike: You shouldn't have done that. Tails: I know... but I want Amy to be happy! I want to keep her spirits up so that she can win! Jet: That's a very noble sentiment. I see you care about her a lot. Tails: (blushes) Well... um... Spike: See what you did now, Jet? You made the kid blush! Jet: (as Spike pushes him away) I didn't mean to! ====== But even among friends and family, at least one person is already planning his next move in the game. Keith: (to Bones as they look at Haruka) Phase Two is ready to begin. Bones: What do you mean, boss? Keith: (points at Haruka) See her over there? She's my next target! Bones: Next target? For what? Keith: (smirks) Breaking up the Adult Alliance! Bandit Keith's plan runs through his head as he plots for a way to take Haruka out of the Final Four equation. Keith: (CC) Haruka already has one thing working against her... now I just have to prove to everyone else of that! Once that's done, one-third of that alliance is done with! ****** A few hours later, the Roomies are surprised by two very special guests. We first go to the campsite, where one of the toughest women to ever set foot in the Roomies game arrives on the scene. James: Someone's coming... Tally: I've seen her somewhere... Bulma: (gasps) Chi-Chi? Yes, the special guest at the campsite is Chi-Chi Sonn of 'Dragonball Z,' a competitor from last season in Okayama. Chi-Chi: Hello everyone! I'm here to extend to all of you a special invitation! Things seem to be friendly... that is, until Chi-Chi locks eyes with Jessie. Jessie: It's you! Chi-Chi: I see that the backstabber is back! Jessie: How dare you call me a backstabber! You worked us to the bone! I had no choice but to go against you! Tails: Uh... can someone care to explain? Spike: (whispering to Jet) Now I remember... Jessie's the girl that Faye worked part-time with in Okayama? Jet: Yes, I think so. Spike: (smiles) No wonder both of them lost. Bulma: Could you two please not argue? Now Chi-Chi, what was this special invitation you were talking about? Chi-Chi takes her eyes off of Jessie and turns to face her friend, Bulma. Chi-Chi: It's for everyone in the camp, both the Roomies and all of the guests. Tenchi's throwing you all a nice little picnic. Trunks: Really? James: (mouth salivating) No way! Some decent food! Chi-Chi hands the invitation, a small business card with information on it, to Bulma. Chi-Chi: We'll give you guys some time to get ready and get dressed up, if you wish. We're also providing a portable shower if any of the Roomies want a shower. Amy R./Nabiki/Rini/Tally: (raising their hands) I do! Chi-Chi: Very well then... you've got two hours. Meet at the Challenge Field at 5:30. I'll see you all there! She then walks off as the group begins to scramble to get ready. ====== Meanwhile, at the cabin, the group there is greeted by a more imposing individual. Rally: Isn't that one of Trowa's friends? Haruka: I believe it is. Keith: (snickers) Who's the guy with the ponytail? Trowa: (smiles) That, Keith, is my friend Duo. Keith: (gasps) No way! That's THE Duo Maxwell? Yep, it's Duo Maxwell of 'Gundam Wing,' the champion of last season's session in Okayama. And he too has an invitation for the group to the picnic. Duo: Consider this a chance to get some decent food in your stomach as well as get to know the relatives of all of your fellow competitors, including those at the campsite. Amy M.: That would be great! Mina: Yeah! And we get to pig out for free too! Yugi: When should we be there? Duo: 5:30, at the Challenge Field. Everything should be prepared by then. Duo departs, but not before handing the invitation over to Trowa. ====== At the scheduled time, all of the Roomies and their guests arrive at the Challenge Field. A beautiful spread complete with lighted candles and a nice tablecloth greet them. And so do Tenchi, Chi-Chi, and Duo. The latter two seem to be chatting about life and such since departing the mansion at the end of last season. Tenchi: Welcome, Roomies and guests! Tonight, we're giving you all an extended break so that you can eat and get to know more about everybody here. As you see, several of our guests were among the cast here last season. So that means that maybe some of you who are in trouble this season might ask them for a little advice... if they'll give it to you, that is. Chi-Chi: I don't mind. Besides, it's just great to be given the chance to see those we love for this brief period of time. Duo: So, let's eat! The large group readily agrees as caterers enter by the bunches, putting all sorts of dishes on the tables. Everything from rotisserie chicken, baked fish, and sushi to hot dogs, hamburgers, and the one dish no Asian can do without... rice! In minutes, the entire group is sinking their teeth into something. As they eat, several different conversations are striked up. Let's start off with the Pokémon congregation, featuring James, Whitney, and Bridget (Jessie is off conversing with a different group). Bridget: (points at James) So, this is that Team Rocket guy that gave you so much trouble? He looks harmless to me. Whitney: He is... well, sorta. James: (stuffing himself) Do you two mind? I'm trying to eat here! Whitney: (sweatdrops) Did you even eat lunch today? You're eating enough to feed a whole city! Bridget: You need to tell me who your trainer is! Whitney: Bridget! Bridget: Seriously! How does he stay so lean after eating that much food all the time? James: Lots and lots of running! Bridget: (taking notes as Whitney sweatdrops again) Lots and lots of running... Moving on, we check in with the resident fighters... Yusuke and Trunks, along with their guests Keiko and Bulma, respectively. Yusuke: So... you're the woman that bore Trunks? Bulma: Yes, I am. Yusuke: Funny... you don't look all that strong. Bulma: (trying to reach over the table to strangle Yusuke) Why you... As Trunks holds his mother back, Keiko reprimands her boyfriend for his actions. Keiko: What's wrong with you? Yusuke: I'm just trying to make small talk! Sheesh! Keiko: Well, talk about something else! Bulma: (calming down) If you must know, his strength comes from his father. Yusuke: I see. Bulma: Tell me, why are you so concerned about that? Keiko: He doesn't look it, but Yusuke's actually a great fighter! Yusuke: What do you mean I don't look it? Trunks: She's saying that you look like a wimp! Bulma: Trunks! Trunks: (laughs) I'm just joking, Yusuke! Yusuke: (shakes his fist at Trunks) And you're very lucky that you were! Keiko: I'm sorry, Yusuke... I didn't mean it to sound like that. Yusuke: That's okay, Keiko. I know what you meant. (smiles) Now... let's eat before this grub gets cold! Yusuke and Trunks both dig into their food at breakneck speed, as Keiko and Bulma give matching 'it's-always-like-this-at-the-table' looks. We end with a peek in at the Sailor Moon crew, with Amy, Rini, Darien, and Mina. Mina: This is good grub... maybe I should try out for one of these shows. Amy M.: But didn't you already win a reality show before? Mina: Yeah... but no one will mind if I become the first person to win two! Darien: I think you should give it a shot. Rini: I'm sure you'd do just as well as Amy is! Mina: (a bit disappointed) Only just as well? Amy M.: (modest, as usual) I'm not really doing that well, Rini. Rini: Come on, Amy, stop kidding yourself! You've got to be one of the toughest people here, both athletically and in brains! Darien: I'd have to agree with Rini's assessment. Mina: You can do it, girl! You can with this! Amy M.: Well... if you guys say so. The dinner continues on, as more and more conversations spark up through the early evening. [Author's Notes: Three more dinner conversation scenes will be included in Uncut Session 4, but there's still other stuff to get to in this episode, so I'm going to move on.] ====== Night Twenty-Eight Darkness is beginning to fall in the Digital World and it's time for the guests and the Roomies to go their separate ways. There are a couple of fond farewells to look in at... Joey: I know you can do it, Yugi! Go for it! Yugi: I will! Thanks, Joey! Jessie: (giving James a noggie) You'd better win, James! James: Eeeeee! Okay, okay! Tally: (hugging Riley) Tell Yamaki I said hi! Riley: (giggles) You better hope he wants to say hi when you get back! ====== Unfortunately, the goodbyes are slightly overshadowed by a bit of discussion that's going on between Jet, Haruka, and Nabiki. Haruka: Are you sure Tally shouldn't be in on this? Jet: She is... she's just the fallback person so that people don't suspect her of being with us. At least the people we don't want to suspect us, anyway. Besides, she knows what we're about to do. I told her during dinner. Nabiki: Maybe, but I don't! Jet: It's simple. You're going to go up to Keith and tell him that we don't need him and that we have who we need to get into the Final Four. Nabiki: We really do? Haruka: Just trust us, okay? If you want in this alliance, you have to boot Keith out. Nabiki: Is he going to buy this? Jet: He won't if he sees us standing next to each other because you're still asking questions! Now go! Nabiki starts walking over towards Keith, who is talking with Bones. Jet and Haruka separate, but they both keep their eyes on her. Nabiki: (CC) This has gotta work! It's either this... or kiss my chances of winning goodbye! Keith: (seeing Nabiki coming his way) Huh? Well... what's this about? Nabiki: (grabbing Keith's arm) We need to talk. Alone. Nabiki tugs Keith off to the side. She decides to just get straight to the point. Nabiki: I'd give up trying to break up the alliance. Keith: The alliance? I don't know what you're taking about, girl! Nabiki: The Adult Alliance, buddy! We already have who need for our plans to succeed. Another further attempts to derail our plans aren't worth it! Keith: Oh, really? You think you're smug now since you're no longer in the free agent market, huh? I don't know what those old geezers promised you, but I can offer you a whole lot more than them! Nabiki: I doubt that. Keith: What's the matter, Nabiki? We can't make a deal? Nabiki: Not if I want to save my skin. Keith: Not even for a guaranteed fifty percent? Nabiki: (stuttering) F-f-f-f-fifty percent? Keith: (nods) If I win the whole thing, I'll split my pot 50-50 with you. How's that sound? Nabiki: Well... I... but what about... Keith: (pats Nabiki on the shoulder) Think about it. In the meantime, why don't you go back to your 'parents' and tell them that I won't try and stop them anymore, okay? Nabiki turns around and heads back to Jet and Haruka as Keith flashes an evil smile. Keith: (CC) Nabiki's so gullible when it comes to money! I should've thought about using her earlier! Nabiki: (CC) If Keith thinks he's going to sweettalk me... but an even cut of his winnings if he goes all the way? Aaarrrgghh... I've put myself in a hole yet again! Nabiki is seen informing Jet and Haruka of Keith's agreement to not pursue ruining the alliance... though neither of them believe it at all. Jet: Okay, you're officially in. Nabiki: Thanks! You won't regret it! Haruka: Just keep things quiet until we give you instructions on what to do. Jet: (CC) Nabiki should've been out there in a flash. Something tells me that Keith tried to make a deal with her. I don't know if he succeeded... but he'd better notice that I'm aware of his game! You won't steal Nabiki away from our side! ====== Minutes later, Tenchi guides all of the guests back to the Trailmon station as the Roomies all wave one final goodbye until the end of the game. Rally: (CC) It was nice to see our loved ones again. Now that I'm refreshed and my priorities have been straightened out, it's time to kick it into high gear! Yugi: (CC) When the going gets tough, I always count on my friends to stand by me. Having Joey here really reminded me of that. They're behind me all the way, and I can't let them down! I have to win this for them! Amy R.: (CC) Sonic might not have come to see me, but having Tails here was inspiring. It's like a stepping stone! If I can go all the way, then maybe that'll be all I need to finally attract Sonic! Alright... victory lane, here I come! Yusuke: (CC) Now that Keiko's gone, let's get back to the game already! I'm ready to show everyone here who's the best player of them all! ****** Day Twenty-Nine Morning has come again, as those living at the campsite have figured out, thanks to the sun. And for once, the entire group is up and about... or rather, sitting down to breakfast. Takuya: Oatmeal again? Didn't we just get new supplies today? Takuya points to the boxes of new crates that were delivered this morning. Nabiki: Yeah! Why are we still eating this stuff? Jet: It's good for you, that's why. Now eat! Trunks: (sticking out his tongue) No wonder it tastes terrible! Stuff that's good for you's always that way. Tally: You guys had better eat... who knows when we'll have another challenge. Everyone resumes eating their breakfast. All except for Amy Rose, who has spotted something approaching camp. Amy R.: Guys... I think it's a Digimon! Rini: (looking around) What? Where? Not again! Takuya: I don't think it's here to hurt us. There's something around its neck. Sure enough, this Digimon, a Poyomon, had a message attached to a piece of string that was tied around its neck. Takuya picks the message off of Poyomon while Amy just picks the Digimon up and cuddles it. Rini: (blue-faced) How... how can you stand to do that? Amy R.: Why not? It's so cute! Takuya: Guess what, guys. We've got another challenge. Jet: How come whenever someone says you'd better eat because we might have a challenge, there always seems to be one! James: I suppose that is strange, isn't it? Takuya: (reading the note) It says be at the Challenge Field at 11 a.m. Wear clothes you can easily move around in. Also bring a pair of gloves, if you have them. Trunks: What do you think it could be? Nabiki: You should all stop worrying about it and eat? It's still more than an hour away, right? Jet: Yeah... I guess you're... (looks at his empty bowl) Hey, who switched my bowl? Jet glares at Tally, sitting next to him with a nearly full bowl... when just seconds ago, hers was nearly empty. Tally: (sweetly) Sorry... I couldn't help myself. Tally hands it back to Jet. Luckily, she had gotten caught before she could eat some of the oatmeal. James: Hey... she just stole your bowl of oatmeal and you're just gonna forgive her on the spot? Jet: Yep. James: You'd never do that for me! Jet: Because you're different. Amy R.: Translation... he'll never forgive a Team Rocket member! James: (sighs) I guess that's the way it's always been. ====== The 16 Roomies gather at the Challenge Field. This time around, they find Tenchi standing in front of a large fenced pen. The pen itself is filled full of in-training-level and one champion-level Digimon. There are Koromon, Tsunomon, Yokomon, Tanemon, Motimon, Bukamon, and Kiwimon all bouncing around inside... with varying amounts of each. Right off the bat, a few people look apprehensive of this challenge. Rini: (CC) We have to work with Digimon? I'm still trying to get over what happened before! Trunks: (CC) Why'd it have to be Digimon? Well... at least these are small. Yugi: (CC) I'm not sure we should be doing a challenge like this so soon. After all, the only Digimon we know we can trust are Gatomon and Guilmon. Tenchi: Good morning, everyone! We've got a good challenge for you to today. This time, it's a physical challenge were callin' 'The Digimon Round-Up!' Yusuke: This doesn't look like a challenge at all! Tenchi: Trust me... this one's a bit tougher than you think. The rules are simple. Each team will send two players into the pen at a time. Each group will have three minutes to round up a certain amount of Digimon in their pens, located at opposite ends of the field. The team that has the most of the right amount of Digimon in the pen after all four rounds wins the challenge. Also, you are not allowed to touch the Digimon with any part of your body. You have to coax them into your team pen. Tally: Hmmmm... that sounds fair enough. Tenchi: Good then. Trowa and James, you two are the team captains this time. James: (surprised) Me? Really? Suddenly, almost all of the Roomies run over to Trowa and beg for him to put them on his team. Trowa: You know I don't decide that, guys. It's a random selection. Tenchi: Correct, Tenchi! Anyway, once the teams have been decided, captains, it is your responsibility to pick who goes when. A hint... the earlier you go, the easier it will be, so keep that in mind. [Team Assignments: Black: Trowa, Keith, Yusuke, Nabiki, Rini, Amy M., Yugi, and Rally White: James, Amy R., Haruka, Jet, Trunks, Whitney, Tally, and Takuya] ====== Before the challenge begins and as the teams decide who will go when, each captain is given a small pamphlet which lists the seven Digimon and how easy or difficult it is to catch. In this challenge, the scoring system is as follows. A team earns one point for each Digimon in their pen that is right. They lose a point for every one that isn't. And Kiwimon, the only non-baby-level Digimon on the field, doubles the amount of points earned that round... but only per team per round. [Black Team Pre-Challenge Strategy Session] Trowa: Does anyone want to volunteer for the later rounds? Yusuke: (raising his hand) You know I'm in! Rally: Me too! Keith: I guess I could lend a hand. Trowa: Alright... myself included, that takes care of the last two rounds. How about the first two? Amy M.: I think Rini and I should be paired together. We'll take the first round. Rini doesn't ellicit a response, but everyone assumes that's okay. Trowa: That leaves Nabiki and Yugi to do the second round. Yugi: Fine by me. Nabiki: Yeah... sure. [White Team Pre-Challenge Strategy Session] James: Okay... we need to charge down that field and get all of the Digimon! Whitney: No offense, o captain, but how about figuring out who goes in what round? James: Fine. Any volunteers? Takuya: I think that I should be in the final round, since I know so much about Digimon! James: Great! I'll join you then! Tally: What? Wouldn't I be a better choice to work with Takuya? Jet: I agree. Just because you're captain doesn't mean you automatically do the final round. Whitney: It's a disaster waiting to happen, if you ask me. James: I'm the captain, and what I say goes! Haruka: He's right, you know. It is his decision. Jet: Haruka... what are you saying? Haruka: He is the captain, so he's got the right to be in the final round if he so desires. Of course, if he blows the challenge for us, then all the blame will solely be on him. Whitney: I'm for that! Trunks: Sounds good to me! James: Alright then... Amy and Whitney in the first round, Trunks and Tally in the second, and Jet and Haruka in the third! Tally: If that's the way you want it... James: Of course it is! Jet's a cowboy... he can handle this easily! Jet: May I remind you that the definition of a cowboy in the future is different from what it is now? Haruka: Let's just stick with it, okay? Jet should be in the third round. James: I knew you'd all see it my way! ====== As final preparations for the challenge are underway, Keith catches Yugi staring at somebody on the other team. At first, Keith believes that Yugi is plotting to backstab their team in the challenge. But then he notices that the look on Yugi's face is not one of deceivement, but one of love. Keith: Got your eye on one of the chicks, I see. Yugi: (as Keith examines Yugi's 'prey') You've got it all wrong! Keith: She's got the hots for you. I can tell. Yugi: You've got to be kidding! She'd never notice me... not in a million years! Keith: You'll never know if you don't try. There's no harm in asking... so go! Keith pushes Yugi over in the direction of his 'dream girl.' Which, if you have been paying attention to all season, is the one person he's gotten along with the most. Yugi: Um... hi, Whitney. Whitney: (a little surprised) Yugi? What are you... aren't you on the other team? Yugi: Yes, but I need to talk to you about something! Whitney: Can't it wait until after the challenge? Yugi: I'm sorry... I can't hold it in any longer! (shouting) I love you! Suddenly, the whole area got quiet. Everyone focused their eyes on Yugi, who had just professed his love for Whitney. Whitney: (slowly, still in shock) Did... did you just say... Yugi: Yes! And I'm hoping you feel the same way too! Whitney stood there, flabbergasted. She wasn't expecting this at all, nor was she ready to give a response had the issue ever come up. Luckily, Haruka stepped up to give her some advice. Haruka: You really should say something. Tell him how you feel. Whitney: But how will I know if I'm saying what he wants to hear? Haruka: Just follow your heart. You'll know if it's right. Whitney thought about it for a minute, wanting to think about what to say. She nervously looked around, as everyone waited for her to respond. Even Tenchi was watching as he motioned for her to make a decision so that they could begin the challenge. Whitney: Yugi... you're a nice guy and all. But... Keith: (whispering to Yusuke) Here it comes. Yusuke: (whispering back) As if he even had a chance. Whitney: I really don't want to spoil our friendship. Sorry. Once again, everything goes dead silent. This time, everyone was waiting for a response from Yugi. Luckily, he didn't keep them waiting for long. Yugi: I guess I should've seen this coming. Oh well... Whitney: You're not mad? Yugi: Not really. Disappointed, yes. But mad? No way! Whitney: Okay then... let's move on! Yugi: Yeah! We've got a challenge to complete! The two turned their attention back to their respective teams. Although it seems they're all shocked that everything wrapped up so peacefully, they continue on and get ready for the challenge. Tenchi: (sweatdrops) These guys have no emotion at all... ====== [Physical Challenge 6: The Digimon Round-Up] [Round One - Amy M. and Rini vs. Amy R. and Whitney] The first pairs are within the field. The black pen is on the near side, while the white is down on the far side. The four players stand in front of their pens as the Digimon congregate in the center. The official count: 24 Koromon, 24 Tsunomon, 12 Yokomon, 10 Motimon, 10 Tanemon, 10 Bukamon, and 10 Kiwimon. Simply put, that's a hundred Digimon, almost all of which are bouncing heads. The rest of the teams watch from the sidelines, cheering their teammates on. Tenchi: Round one, ladies! In this round, you must get into your pens the following Digimon: 3 Tanemon, 3 Motimon, and 2 Bukamon. You have three minutes, starting... now! All four of the young women rush right into the center of the field, practically frightening all the Digimon and getting them to scatter all over the place. This also ends up spooking Rini, as she runs back to her team's pen. Yusuke: Hey! You're going the wrong way! Rally: Don't tell me she's scared of the Digimon! Yugi: Who could blame her? If I were in her shoes, I'd probably be scared too. Amy M. glances at Rini and then back at the Digimon, trying to decide whether she should try to get Rini's confidence up or just continue on. Although she was very loyal to her friend, her mind was made up when she saw Amy R. and Whitney already working on a small group near their pen. Whitney: This is my kinda challenge! (whistles at the Digimon) Let's go, little Digimon! I promise I'll give you all a treat! Upon hearing the word 'treat,' all the Digimon rush right at Whitney. She makes a break for the pen, with Amy right just in front of her. The pink hedgehog swings the pen door open as the Digimon chase Whitney in. Once the entire group is in, they now have to go through the process of sorting through it and getting rid of what they didn't need. Amy R.: Are you sure you should've offered them treats? Whitney: (winks) You've got attract your prey with some incentive. Anyway, let's see if we can figure out that list. Meanwhile, Amy M. is struggling have to do the work on her own, as many of the Digimon seem to be doing everything in their power to stay away from her. Amy M.: Rini... I need your help! Rini, sitting inside her team's pen, just puts her hands over her head and huddles into a fetal position. Rini: (CC) I can't do this! I just can't! Not after everything that's happened! Time begins to become a factor, as Amy Rose and Whitney start letting the unneeded Digimon out. Eventually, they are left with 1 Koromon, 2 Tanemon, 3 Motimon, and 3 Bukamon. Amy R.: (pointing at Koromon) I don't think we need that one, Whitney! Whitney: Open the door slowly and see if it'll go out. Amy does edge the pen door open... but one of the Tanemon hops out. Whitney goes after it while Amy recloses the door. On the other end, Amy M. has made her way over to the pen with a few Digimon in tow. She convinces Rini to open the pen door, but the young Scout hops up onto the door itself, not wanting to be anywhere near the Digimon. The Scouts have managed to collect 2 Tanemon, 1 Tsunomon, and 1 Kiwimon. But before Amy can get the Tsunomon out, Tenchi sounds the horn to end the round. [Score After Round One: Team White 5, Team Black 2] Rini: (getting a hug from Amy M.) I'm sorry! I just froze up! Amy R.: That seemed like a quick three minutes to me! ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] [Round Two - Nabiki and Yugi vs. Trunks and Tally Digimon List: 1 Tsunomon, 2 Yokomon, 3 Tanemon, 2 Motimon, and 2 Bukamon] Nabiki and Yugi run around, trying to scare the Digimon over to their side. Trunks employs the same strategy while Tally points out their intended targets. While Nabiki and Yugi get about seven or eight to follow them, Trunks ends up with nearly three times as many! Tally struggles to sort out the right Digimon from the wrong as Trunks goes to get more. Nabiki and Yugi meanwhile seem to be aiming for the right targets. Nabiki and Yugi work together perfectly and get all of the needed Digimon into their pen with about 15 seconds left. Tally and Trunks try to replace the incorrect targets with the right ones, but they run out of time before they can complete all the exchanges. They had 8 right and 2 Kiwimon on top of that, although only one will count, but they also have 4 wrong ones. [Scores After Round Two: Team White 13, Team Black 12] [Round Three - Keith and Yusuke vs. Jet and Haruka Digimon List: 3 Koromon, 3 Tsunomon, 3 Yokomon, 2 Tanemon, and 1 Motimon] There's really a lot of pushing and shoving in this round, as the foursome crosses paths early and often as they try to gather all of the right Digimon into one area before driving them towards the pens. Once Keith and Yusuke have the ones they want near the pen, Keith heads for the gate while Yusuke tries to scare them inside. On the other end, Jet and Haruka are having trouble getting the Digimon to go into the team pens. After some modest success on both sides, time runs out on the teams. Keith and Yusuke got 7 right and a Kiwimon to boot, as well as 1 wrong. Jet and Haruka only got 5 right and a Kiwimon, but they ended up with 2 wrong. [Scores After Round Three: Team Black 24, Team White 19] [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== [Final Round - Trowa and Rally vs. James and Takuya] The final pairings are on the field, as the 100 Digimon await at center stage. Tenchi: Final round, teams! Here, you will need 8 Koromon, 6 Tsunomon, and 6 Yokomon! Ready... go! With only 3 minutes and 20 Digimon to corral, the teams seem to be in quite the rush as they push forward and try to get the most in their pens. Trowa: (pointing around) We need the easiest first, so we need to gather up the Yokomon. Rally: But they're all over the place! Trowa: (chasing after a Yokomon) Come back here! Takuya: (waving at some Tsunomon) Hey, you guys! Follow me to your new home! James: Hurry up! We need those Digimon now! Trowa and Rally do get 6 of the Yokomon over towards the pen. Trowa swings the door open and the Yokomon head inside. The duo then runs back out, this time searching for Tsunomon. Meanwhile, James swings open the door as Takuya gets 4 Tsunomon to follow him in. Once they are secured, Takuya hops back over the door and tries to get some more Digimon. Rally: Darn, these things are hard to catch! Rally and Trowa run around, trying to get six Tsunomon together. Unfortunately, they don't seem to be cooperating. As for Takuya, he's switched over to the Koromon. He waves his hands all over the place, breaking up the Koromon pack and sending them scattering. He starts to chase a few towards the pen. All the while, James is about to score while simultaneously breaking one of the rules of the game. James: (holding up a Kiwimon) I caught myself a Natu! It's against the rules to touch the Digimon, and we now see why as James is then subsequently run over by ten Natu... er, Kiwimon. The Kiwimon that James had been holding also breaks free and rejoins its fellow birds in the field. Time begins to run down as the final pairings lock up their new arrivals and are going after the third Digimon on the list. Trowa and Rally start chasing the Koromon while James and Takuya go after the Yokomon. Both teams would get a small pack of each in the pen, but that would be all the time they would have. The challenge is over, and there are no Kiwimon or incorrect Digimon in the pens. So it'll come down to who's got the most Digimon... ====== Tenchi: Well, great challenge, guys! It was back and forth, but now it's time to announce the results! First, the score of the final round... Trowa and Rally for the Black team scored 11. But James and Takuya for the White team ended up with 14! James: Yes! We won, we won! Tenchi: But, the overall totals are: White Team 33, Black Team 35! Trowa's team holds on and wins the challenge! There are a few high-fives and hugs among the members of Trowa's team, but it's mostly subdued since most of the serious people are on that side. Tenchi: This was especially important for many people. For Trowa, the drought is over... he is the last person to be on the winning team of a physical challenge. For many of the rest of you, you inch ever closer to the half-million dollar mark in total money earned. So far, only Tally has surpassed that mark. But there are still 13 days left... anything can happen! You can all head back now, and I'll see you tomorrow. With smiles on the faces of some and frowns on others, the Roomies head back to camp. It's obvious that the players' competitiveness is getting more intense. It's also obvious that no one intends to lose and go home empty-handed. ========================= End Episode Fourteen ========================= Tenchi: (VO) On the next episode of Roomies... Whitney: I honestly didn't even know he felt that way about me! Tenchi: (VO) We know of one relationship that doesn't exist... but there's another that we thought didn't that actually does... Nabiki: You can tell she's the odd one out. Just look at her! Takuya: Love's overrated! Why does everyone want to fall in love? I don't... I haven't even looked at any of the girls in that way. Yusuke: (laughs) That's gotta be the lamest lie ever! Tenchi: (VO) Will show loyalty play a factor in deciding alliances? Amy M.: I've been thinking about this for a long time... and right now, you're the person I trust the most! Keith: You're either with us or against us, Yugi! Tenchi: (VO) There's a party going on, Mario Brothers style... Haruka: (wearing a Bowser suit) Can't say this is the most droll thing I've ever worn. Amy R.: What could be more fun than pumping up a balloon? Trowa: Please don't joke about that. You'll make them very angry. James: (praying) I don't wanna blast off! Tenchi: (VO) And the biggest clash of alliances yet will mean that one team's getting an early ticket out... Jet: You think you're better than us? Rally: We don't think, Jet... we know! Rini: There goes my shot of joining them. Tenchi: (VO) It's all on the next episode of Roomies! Yugi: (in Yami form) If it's in the game, it's in the game. ========================= Next Episode ========================= Next week is another doubles week! Episode 15 goes up on Tuesday, while Episode 16 goes up on Friday. Along the way, I've got to remember to move the game along... I've got to squeeze 13 days into four episodes! Also, a poll for this season will be put up on either Monday night or Tuesday morning. If you have some time, please fill it out! Thanks!