The Mole 2: Anime Edition

Episode Three

Author’s Notes
I am going to supply the results of the last question, "Who is the Mole," as a poll among the takers. I’ll list the top three suspects each week as a "Mole Poll." So here goes-
Week One: Kenji- 24%, Ruki- 19%, Three tied at- 10%.
Week Two: Mitsune- 25%, Akane- 20%, Ruki- 15%
In regards to a couple reviews, someone pointed out that Ruki usually calls Jenrya "Lee." For the sake of everyone’s sanity I assume everybody’s on a first name basis. Lee wouldn’t be too bad, but there’s no way that I’m going to have Motoko call Keitaro "Urashima-sempai" like she does in the show. I’m just applying the same to the other shows. Also, I forgot to include the one Japanese-English name difference I used last episode- Hanada City (which Ranma referred to) is the Japanese equivalent of Cerulean City.

English/Japanese Name Differences
Ash/Satoshi
Professor Oak/Professor Ookida

Contestants
Akane- Tomboy: "Ranma ½"
Jenrya- Puppy Watcher: "Digimon Tamers"
Kasumi- Romantic Tension: "Pocket Monsters"
Keitaro- Resident Manager: "Love Hina"
Kenji- Research Assistant: "Pocket Monsters"
Miaka- Student/Priestess: "Fushigi Yuugi"
Mitsune- Slacker: "Love Hina"
Motoko- Kendo Girl: "Love Hina"
Ranma- Freak of Nature: "Ranma ½"
Ruki- Card Shark: "Digimon Tamers"
Takato- Goggle Boy: "Digimon Tamers"
Takeshi- Hugh Hefner-Wannabe: "Pocket Monsters"
Tamahome- Bishonen: "Fushigi Yuugi"
Washu- Genius: "Tenchi Muyo"

Episode Three
(Mike stands in front of the hotel in St. Moritz.)
Mike: In this game, you learn very quickly that trusting your friends, especially the ones from your own show, is risky. Ranma Saotome’s indecisiveness on whether or not to trust fiancé Akane Tendo proved to be the mistake that made him the Mole’s second victim. But while Ranma failed, other intra-show associations have surfaced. Jenrya and Ruki have teamed up to sleuth out the Mole and cover each other’s backs, while Kasumi and Kenji have formed a very fragile coalition. And despite the problems, and despite the injuries, another show is looking to unite its members.

Mitsune: It’s been four days now, and this game is a lot harder than I thought! I thought I’d just be able to stroll in, pick out the Mole, and stroll out. They didn’t say we had to put an effort into winning! But since I’m here, I might as well win, and to do that- I’m gonna need Keitaro and Motoko to help. ‘Cause that’s what friends are for.

Day Five
(Motoko is waiting in somebody’s room. Keitaro knocks and enters.)
Keitaro: Motoko? What did you call me in here for?

Motoko: I didn’t call you. I thought you called me.

Keitaro: So… who called us?

Mitsune: (OS) Mr. Urashima, Miss Aoyama- there is a Mole afoot.

(Mitsune swivels around in a chair, revealing herself. She is wearing a Sherlock Holmes outfit, complete with pipe. Keitaro and Motoko sweatdrop.)

Keitaro: Kitsune, I’ve dealt with enough costumes to last a lifetime.

(Mitsune stands up, and takes a puff of her pipe.)

Mitsune: There are nine people out there. One of them is working against us.

Motoko: I think that’s been well established.

Keitaro: Wait a second- couldn’t it be one of us?

(Mitsune hits Keitaro on the head with the pipe.)

Mitsune: Of course the possibility exists. But I have deduced that neither of you have the cranial capacity to be the Mole. So that leaves nine suspects. The question… is which one.

Keitaro: Aren’t you taking this a little too far?

Mitsune: Ah… but among those nine suspects are eight people vying to find the Mole themselves. Many of them have used a vicious strategy to discover him or her… teaming up.

Keitaro: Uh huh… and?

Motoko: Do you want us to team up?

Mitsune: Hey, it’s the only way to get things done. And we trust each other, right?

(Keitaro looks uneasily at Mitsune. Motoko looks uneasy at Keitaro. Pause)

Motoko: Not really.

Mitsune: Great, let’s do it! Together, we’ll find our Mole! Aoyama- who are our main suspects?

Motoko: Excuse me?

Mitsune: Who’s your top suspect?

Motoko: It’s…

Keitaro: Wait a second! Why should Motoko say who her top suspect is? She’s been doing a lot to figure out who she thinks it is, why should she just share that with you?

(Mitsune looks annoyed.)

Mitsune: Keitaro… we’re a team. That means you get to find out too!

Keitaro: Oh. Okay… but who’s your top suspect?

Mitsune: Hmm… I don’t know. Kenji’s awfully suspicious… but what do you think Motoko?

Motoko: I’ve been thinking it’s Takeshi. He acts very shady… like he’s some sort of a pervert.

Mitsune: Ah… Takeshi… Keitaro, what about you?

(Keitaro eyes Mitsune carefully)

Keitaro: Yeah, Takeshi.

Mitsune: Alright then, let’s investigate Takeshi.

Motoko: I refuse to get close to him.

Mitsune: Okay- I’ll do it! If I know Takeshi, there are ways to get info from him. I’ll handle that part. Good work team- meeting adjourned.

(Keitaro and Motoko shake their heads and walk out.)

Motoko: Kitsune always loves a good mystery, but I fear that she’s getting into this a little too much. If her ideas to get info from Takeshi are what I think they are, I’m very worried about her. I don’t trust him, and I don’t think she should either.

(St. Moritz. The group is eating breakfast. Players are sitting very closely grouped to their shows. Down the left side is Kenji, Takeshi, Kasumi, Motoko, Mitsune, and Keitaro. Down the right side is Miaka, Tamahome, Ruki, Jenrya, Washu, and Akane. Barb sits between Keitaro and Akane. One of the books that the players retrieved on the Moon’s surface is on the table. Barb is watching it impatiently while waiting for somebody to notice it.)

Kasumi: Hey- whose book is that?

(Kenji grabs it quickly and flips through it.)

Kasumi: Well?

(Kenji non-chalantly tosses it over to Mitsune.)

Kenji: Yours Kitsune.

(Mitsune, confused, looks at it. She looks angry.)

Mitsune: Motoko- hit Kenji.

(Motoko non-chalantly picks up her kendo stick, reaches behind her, and hits Kenji in the back of the neck with it. Kasumi and Takeshi, who were sitting between them, continue looking at Mitsune with interest.)

Takeshi: So whose is it?

Mitsune: It’s the Mole’s.

Takeshi: Give us the dirt then!

Akane: Yeah!

Mitsune: Okay… (reading) Takato was surprisingly easy to get rid of. Nice and gullible, did exactly what he was supposed to. Ranma was a little tougher. But it didn’t take long for him to bite the bullet as well. I already know the next one that will get it. I can see it in your eyes. You’re lost. You have no idea that the Mole is staring you in the face. You won’t survive this.

(Mitsune quietly shuts the book, then suddenly turns cheery.)

Mitsune: The end!

(A stunned look on everybody’s face. Tamahome is comforting Miaka.)

Washu: Wow- the Mole’s a good writer!!

Jenrya: Did the Mole really write that, or was that your creative staff?

Barb: Neither- it was Manny. He ain’t the Mole, and he certainly ain’t creative. But he writes a hell of a journal entry, I’ll give him that. Anyway…

(Most of the players are writing this information down in the books they all received on day one. They all have pages in the back for little details like this.)

Barb: I see you’re using your books properly. Are they helpful?

Kenji: Oh, definitely. It’s very useful in order to get all the information to…

Barb: Good, shut up. Would somebody please give me a number between one and eleven?

(A little bit of hesitation)

Kasumi: Uh… eleven.

Barb: Eleven?

Akane: Eleven’s fine!

Barb: Okay. I’m sure these journals have been a safehouse of information and secrets that each player has been using. But the team only has 56,000 yen in the pot. Out of a possible 160,000, that’s not a good total. And you know- a good team doesn’t keeps secrets between each other. Right?

(no reaction)

Barb: Right??

Tamahome: What are you getting at?

Barb: Everybody? Pass your journal eleven places to the left.

Keitaro: Oh my God…

(They begin to, until Washu breaks it up.)

Washu: Hold on, hold on, hold on!

Barb: What?

Washu: Wouldn’t it just be easier if everybody just passed it once to the right?

Barb: Do we look like the kind of show that would cut corners like that?

(Washu stares at Barb for a few seconds. Barb turns to the team.)

Barb: Point taken. Everybody pass once to the right.

(They do so, seriously unhappy. Kenji passes across the table to Miaka.)

Kenji: Great, Miaka’s going to win now.

Miaka: Lucky me!

(An unhappy Ruki passes to Jenrya.)

Jenrya: What are you so worried about, we’re on the same team, remember?

(Ruki shakes her head as Jenrya passes his to Washu.)

Washu: Thanks Jenny!

(Jenrya sighs. Shot of a troubled Akane, who passes to Barb, who gives it to Keitaro.)

Akane: (VO) Of all people, it had to be Keitaro that gets my journal. I kept some very personal things in there. I feel like somebody stole my diary.

Keitaro: I wouldn’t care if most of the others got my journal. But I don’t know… Kitsune. She’s going to be able to blackmail me for weeks! Especially with what I have written about her.

Tamahome: Having Miaka’s journal isn’t a terrible thing. It’ll probably help us work together even better. But Ruki has mine- I’m suspicious of her, and I’m afraid she’ll find a way to use the information in there to her advantage.

Kenji: I kept really detailed notes in my journal… along with a few of my better sketches. I suppose that Miaka having it isn’t as bad as having it in the hands of someone who can do some serious damage with it, like Kitsune or Washu, but it’s still a bit troublesome. I have Takeshi’s…and his notes aren’t quite as detailed… or relevant… as mine.

(Kenji is looking through Takeshi’s journal. He looks at Takeshi oddly.)

Kenji: Um… Takeshi? I don’t think color of lingerie is going to be a question on the quiz.

Takeshi: Oh, no, no… that’s not for the quiz. That’s for my own personal reference. Although you never know!

(Kenji shakes his head and goes back to reading the journal while a super-deformed Kasumi beats the tar out of a super-deformed Takeshi.)

(Barb calls for attention.)

Barb: Anyway, before anybody else is beaten up based on their journals, I have here a series of pictures that one of you will need to use to find a green envelope. You will need to select somebody pretty trustworthy.

(After a brief discussion, they settle on Jenrya, who takes the pictures.)

Barb: Okay, Jenrya you have one hour to find this location. Good luck.

(Jenrya hustles out. Soon after he leaves, Barb turns to the group.)

Barb: Good. Now you may start beating people up based on their journals.

(Miaka throws her journal at Kenji. It hits him smack in the forehead.)

Kenji: Miaka! What was that for?

Miaka: You did a sketch of me!

Kenji: Oh, uh… well about that…

Miaka: You got my hair wrong!

Kenji: Well… um…

Takeshi: (to Barb) So are these ours now?

Barb: Yes. They are now yours to do with as you like, as long as you don’t do something stupid like throw them out of a plane.

(Jenrya is doing a decent job of getting to the place on the picture. He manages to find it in no time, and gets the envelope without a hassle. He hustles back.)

(Back at the hotel, the players are again rummaging through journals. Keitaro, Mitsune, and Takeshi are a bit distressed over what’s written in them. Jenrya returns to a round of applaud and hands the envelope to Barb.)

Barb: That one was pretty easy, wasn’t it?

Jenrya: (joking) Well I was planning to stop at a bar but…

(laughter among others)

Barb: Okay… Jenrya has found a neutralizer- or the "force somebody into an exam free" card.

(Barb shows the card to everybody. Along with the writing is a picture of the Monopoly guy struggling at the execution quiz.)

Barb: Basically what this means is that Jenrya can choose somebody that will be ineligible to receive an exemption in this round. They must take the exam, with no way around it. Also, this card adds 10,000 yen to the pot when activated. Jenrya? Who’s the lucky test-taker?

(Jenrya is hard-pressed for a decision.)

Jenrya: Oh, uh… well… uh… I have to pick?

Barb: Yes. You got the card, you make the selection.

Jenrya: I mean… this seems a bit harsh.

Kenji: Well, how about the people that already got…

(Kasumi nails Kenji with a mallet, silencing him before he can finish.)

Jenrya: This isn’t really fair…

Tamahome: So’s getting an exemption to begin with.

Jenrya: Well, hold on- you have to work to get an exemption. Like Akane and Kasumi did what they had to. But this is just giving somebody an unfair disadvantage. Barb, is there something this round where everybody has a chance to get one?

Barb: Um… yes there is.

Jenrya: Well then that seems unfair.

Ruki: So just pick somebody.

Jenrya: Like who? Why should somebody be punished for doing nothing? I don’t want to take away somebody’s chance at an exemption. I don’t want to say that say… Washu can’t get an exemption. If she got executed this round, I’d feel horrible.

Washu: Me executed this round? You’ve got to be kidding Jenny.

Jenrya: Would you take it?

Washu: Hell no!

Jenrya: Is there anybody who doesn’t mind if they got neutralized?

(Dead silence.)

Ruki: Just pick somebody, or we lose the 10 grand.

Jenrya: I don’t care about the money Ruki, this isn’t right. If nobody wants to take this willingly, then I have to do what I think is fair. Barb, give me the card.

(Barb hands the card over.)

Jenrya: Last chance.

(More silence. Most look on sadly. Jenrya tears the card in two and walks off. They watch as he exits. Then Miaka turns to Barb.)

Miaka: Can I finish off his plate?

(massive face fault)

Akane: I’m really surprised at Jenrya. I understand why he did it, but there was money at stake, and he basically just threw it away. I’m not sure if it’s something that should be considered suspicious, but it’s sad to see that he had to resort to that.

Kenji: There’s only one word I can use to describe Jenrya’s action- genius. His story was credible enough for people to believe him in case he is the Mole, yet not credible enough to give him an easy out if he isn’t. I’m not sure whether he wanted to draw suspicion or cost us money- and that makes it a power move. He won this round.

(The players return to their rooms, new journals in hand.)
Barb: (VO) Before the next game, the players get the chance to return to their rooms, and become reacquainted with their new journals. In many cases, they also become reacquainted with their friends.

Tamahome: I have Miaka’s journal. Um… for someone trying to get into a such an upper-level high school, she certainly doesn’t take very good notes. I really tried to get a lot of details on the people that I think is the Mole. But Miaka- I hate to say this about her, but from what I can see in her journal, she seems to be struggling in this game. I feel like I should help her out more.

(Tamahome and Miaka are alone in her room, talking.)

Tamahome: So Miaka, how do you think you’re doing?

Miaka: I think I’m doing okay. Those questions are really hard though.

Tamahome: How about observing? Catching details and stuff?

Miaka: I don’t know… it’s just hard to try to figure it out. There’s so many possibilities.

Tamahome: Do you want me to help you? At least with pointing out some of the little stuff that everybody does?

Miaka: Would you do that?

Tamahome: Look, I know this is all about everybody playing for themselves. But there’s no harm in us working together. I want to keep you around. I’m obviously trying to win too, but we don’t have to be opponents now. I never want to say I’m against you, Miaka.

Miaka: Tamahome…

Tamahome: So, um… whose journal did you get? Kenji’s?

Miaka: Yeah… he’s got a lot of stuff in there… I can’t understand half of it.

(Miaka takes Kenji’s journal. Tamahome looks through it. He’s amazed by the quantity of notes… and the quality of sketches.)

Tamahome: Whoa…

(Miaka gets narrow-eyed and snatches the book away.)

Miaka: Tamahome… don’t be looking at those.

Miaka: Kenji has so much in his journal that it’s hard to sort through it all. He’s got suspicious activity for everybody. He seems to be really focused on a couple people, but I can’t make out who he really thinks is the Mole. It’s almost like he wanted to make sure that nobody could understand it.

(Shot of Ruki reading through her new journal.)
Ruki: (VO) I have Tamahome’s journal. I can’t believe the nerve of him. Either he really suspects me as the Mole, or he really doesn’t like me. You can tell him the feeling’s mutual. Compare it to the stuff he writes about Miaka. It’s just sad. Just because they're together, it automatically means that she can’t be the Mole. I hope he gets what’s coming to him. He and Miaka should be opponents. If they don’t understand that… then one of them’s going to pay.

(Shot of Keitaro, standing outside a doorway, reading his journal.)
Keitaro: (VO) I have Akane’s journal. She has a lot of stuff about me in there, and I think she’s got a lot of it all wrong. I’m really not that bad of a guy, am I? She also has a lot of interesting stuff about Ranma in there. I think she really misses him. So I think I’m going to talk to her about this. Let her know that I’m not as bad as she thinks I am.

(Keitaro is still waiting, when she hears a crashing from inside. He turns to the door.)
Keitaro: Akane?

(No answer. Keitaro, out of concern, opens the door.)

Keitaro: Akane, is something wrong?

(As usual, no- Akane is merely getting dressed, and accidentally knocked over a lamp in the process. But still… she’s getting dressed. Before Keitaro can say "nosebleed," Akane screams. Keitaro screams as well, and makes a break for it. He doesn’t get too far down the hallway before Motoko blocks his path, kendo stick in hand. Keitaro eats stick. Akane steps out of the room, now fully dressed, sees Keitaro plastered against the wall, then turns to Motoko.)

Akane: Motoko, why don’t you ever let me hit him?

(Back on track, Akane is being interviewed.)
Akane: I got Washu’s journal. I was really expecting a lot of interesting info inside. But really- there’s not much in here. I’m disappointed.

Washu: It’s a good thing I didn’t keep many notes in my journal. All the info I need is stored upstairs in my brain. But I got Jenny’s journal. I’m really surprised at how well he’s been paying attention to everything. He’s made some great observations, and it may not look like it, but he is really playing the game. He knows what he’s doing, and knowing that could help me out later on.

Takeshi: I have Kasumi’s journal. She has some really good ideas about who the Mole could be. A lot of stuff that I hadn’t thought of. Now I went into this game thinking that the only person you can trust is yourself. That’s how I’ve been playing so far. But Kasumi had such good ideas that I’m considering forming a coalition with her. We both know each other; I think it would work out well.

(Kasumi reading through her new journal when Takeshi walks in.)
Takeshi: Hey Kasumi.

Kasumi: Hi Takeshi… do you realize how much Motoko thinks you’re the Mole?

Takeshi: She does? Weird. I thought we’ve been getting along great!

Kasumi: Right.

Takeshi: Say, I’ve been reading your journal. You’ve got some really good ideas. I don’t feel right hearing about your stuff and you not being able to hear my ideas.

Kasumi: Oh. Um, really?

Takeshi: You bet! You know, we'd do pretty good if we teamed up anyway. Right?

Kasumi: Sure. Let's hear what you've got.

(Kasumi smiles and listens to Takeshi.)
Kasumi: (VO) This really isn’t a problem for me. I trust Takeshi, I don’t really suspect him as the Mole, and we can work together very well. The only hesitation I have is that I already have an alliance with Kenji.

(Kenji enters the room and sees that they’re still talking.)

Kenji: Hey. What’s up?

Kasumi: Nothing, just um, uh…

Takeshi: Just forming alliances! You in?

Kenji: What? You uh… do alliances?

Takeshi: You bet. I’m playing the game. I know what I’m doing.

Kenji: Oh. I’m just saying because Kasumi and I already have an alliance.

Takeshi: Great. All three of us then! When Satoshi’s away the sidekicks will play!

(Kenji shakes his head, smiles, and shakes hands with Takeshi.)

Kenji: Takeshi’s playing the game? It’s news to me, but I believe him. You can’t judge a person based on their notes. I didn’t come into this expecting to form an alliance with Takeshi and Kasumi, but the more information I can get from them, the better.

Motoko: I have Kitsune’s journal. I expected that it would contain information on what she’s thinking, and who she thinks the Mole is. But I can not make this thing out. Her notes are very disorganized, she doesn’t put her thoughts down well, and she has really bad handwriting. It doesn’t help me much.

Mitsune: I have Keitaro’s journal and he’s got some interesting stuff in there… I can really use this. I hit the mother load! His Mole suspects, and the stuff he has about me… I’ll be cashing in on that even after the game’s over!

Jenrya: Ruki’s journal was not at all what I expected. I thought we didn’t have many secrets between us. We were working together, trying to figure out who the Mole is. I’ve been very honest about who I think it is. But she has Miaka circled a zillion times in here… and Ruki hadn’t even mentioned her as a suspect to me.

(Ruki’s still analyzing Tamahome’s journal when Jenrya enters.)

Jenrya: Hey Ruki- What’s all this about Miaka?

Ruki: Miaka?

Jenrya: Yeah. It looks like you’ve really been suspecting her.

Ruki: So what if I am?

Jenrya: Well, we’re supposed to be working together, why didn’t you tell me about this?

(Ruki continues reading.)

Jenrya: Well?

Ruki: I’m just watching her. In case she might be. I don’t know if she is or not.

Jenrya: You seemed pretty sure in the journal. You have to tell me these things. If you think somebody might be the Mole, I’ll help you figure them out. If you think it’s Miaka, we’ll work together to…

Ruki: What is it with you and working together? We are competing against each other. Even if we team up to take some of the others out, we’ll still have to turn on each other eventually.

Jenrya: Even so, I’d rather wait for that. We should focus on teaming up and…

Ruki: And what? Taking some of the others out?

Jenrya: Yeah.

Ruki: Then why didn’t you neutralize anybody?

Jenrya: Oh, don’t start this. I think I made it perfectly clear why I did it.

Ruki: Do you even know what winning is? You aren’t supposed to be fair. You’re supposed to try to prevent people from getting exemptions. And you cost us money too.

Jenrya: So did you. You didn’t want to play dress-up, and I was the first one to stand up for you. And now you’re going to get on my case because I didn’t neutralize somebody?

Ruki: Whatever.

Jenrya: Ruki, I still want to team up with you. But you have to be able to work with me. We can do this together. Okay?

Ruki: Fine, fine, just… get out of my room.

(Jenrya shakes his head and leaves.)

Jenrya: She is hard to deal with, but she can help me so much that it’s worth the trouble. If Ruki can swallow her pride and work with me… we’re unstoppable.

Challenge Five
(The group is gathered by a shallow pond. Mike is carrying a number of bags.)
Mike: Hiya. Please select somebody you think is a good matchmaker. You have two minutes.

Takeshi: That’s it?

(Mitsune starts to raise her hand.)

Kenji: Put yer hand down!

(Mitsune lowers it.)

Tamahome: I can do it.

Akane: That works for me.

Keitaro: Yeah.

Mike: Tamahome then? Okay. For this assignment- you must cross a bridge.

(Mike points to a narrow bridge of two logs tied together.)

Mike: For every person who crosses the bridge, 5,000 yen is added to the pot. Simple?

Kasumi: I have a feeling it won’t be.

Mike: Very good. In order to cross the bridge, you will have to face one of two Juns in battle. If you win, you get across, the money’s added, and you will be in the running for an exemption. Lose, and you’re out. Tamahome is the only one who doesn’t get to battle. He will the one assigning the other eleven to battle either Jun-kun or Jun-chan. At least five have to face Jun-kun, and at least five have to face Jun-chan. Let’s meet our Juns:

(First steps out Jun Aoi from Nadesico. He has dark blue hair and a plain face. He holds a pugel stick and salutes the group.)
Mike: First off is Jun Aoi, officer in the United Earth force's Far East division.

(Following Jun Aoi is Jun Sanders of Gatekeepers. She has dark blue hair, slightly darker skin, and a no-nonsense face.)
Mike: Secondly is Jun Sanders. Controller of the gate of thunder, she is one of the top Gatekeepers in America… and the world. Either way, you have a rough task ahead of you.

(Tamahome crosses the bridge, and walks up next to Jun and Jun.)
Mike: (VO) Tamahome gets a free pass, and will automatically be in the running for the exemption.

(Everybody gets dressed in wet suits and Kenji takes a pugel stick.)

Mike: Okay, first up is Kenji. Tamahome? Who is his opponent?

Tamahome: I’ll give him Jun-kun.

(Jun Aoi nods and steps onto the bridge against Kenji.)

Mike: Ready? Go.

(Aoi shows a solid display of skill, but Kenji handles almost everything given to him. Kenji finally gets a shot in, which is enough to drive Jun over. Kenji steps across the bridge. Caption- "Win ¥5,000.")

Mike: Kenji’s across and 5,000 is added. Kasumi’s next. Tamahome?

Tamahome: Jun-chan.

(Jun Sanders readies herself against Kasumi.)

Mike: And go.

(Kasumi aggressively tries attacking, but Jun blocks everything, and knocks Kasumi over in one shot. Kasumi shakes her head.)

Tamahome: Whoa. She’s good.

(Jun Sanders walks back to her position.)

Jun Sanders: Know the enemy, and you can’t lose.

(Replay of the match.)
Mike: (VO) What the others don’t know is that Jun-chan has been given information on the behavioral patterns of all twelve players. She has studied how they move, and is well prepared for all of them.

(Aoi is battling Mitsune. They parry back and forth before Mitsune fakes right. Aoi blocks the phantom shot, allowing Mitsune to come in from the left and take him down. Caption- "Win ¥5,000.")

Tamahome: Good work Mitsune. Motoko! You can take Jun-chan, right?

(Motoko prepares to face off against Sanders.)

Mike: This should be good… go!

(It certainly is good. A back and forth, honest battle with no clear advantage for either of them. It has pretty much all the aspects of a prize fight. The others are all cheering Motoko on. Motoko is using the pugel stick as a kendo stick, and attacks Sanders. Sanders is able to counter it, using her stick to drive Motoko’s to the ground. She approaches, and uses her stick to knock Motoko to the side, and over.)

Mike: Good battle, but no dice Motoko. Akane’s next- who’s her opponent?

Tamahome: I’ll play it safe and give her Jun-kun.

(Aoi steps up, and doesn’t have a prayer against Akane’s karate styles. She crosses easily. Caption- "Win ¥5,000.")

Mike: Who’s against Washu?

Tamahome: Jun-kun.

Aoi: Aw jeez…

(It’s not like Aoi’s not competent, he’s just not keeping up with the players. Washu calculates, and hits Aoi at the right opportunity to get across. Caption- "Win ¥5,000.")

Mike: How about Keitaro?

Tamahome: How about Jun-kun?

Mike: You do realize that five people need to go against Jun-chan.

(Keitaro prepares himself against Aoi.)

Mike: Go!

(Keitaro gets ready to attack, then trips a bit. Jun Aoi hits him once, then sends him over. Aoi walks back across.)

Aoi: Alright! I did it!

Sanders: One out of five? Totally inefficient.

Tamahome: I’ll take Sanders against Takeshi.

Sanders: (to Aoi) Watch this.

(Sanders steps up against Takeshi.)

Takeshi: Pleasure to be doing business with you!

Sanders: Certainly- prepare to lose.

Mike: Go.

(Takeshi tries… but has no real chance against Sanders.)

Sanders: Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.

Tamahome: Jun-chan can stay against Jenrya too.

(Jenrya goes up against Jun Sanders, and his small size is no match for her.)

Mike: Okay, two people left Tamahome- Miaka and Ruki. And at least one must go against the unbeaten Jun-chan.

(Shot of Miaka and Ruki getting ready.)

Tamahome: Okay… Miaka can go against Jun-kun.

(Miaka smiles, and gets on the bridge. Aoi prepares himself. Ruki looks on, quite annoyed. Another good battle here, as Miaka is surprisingly composed. She manages a nice move which hits Aoi in the legs, making him lose his balance. Miaka jumps happily and crosses the bridge. She hugs Tamahome. Caption- "Win ¥5,000.")

Mike: Ruki. By default you’ve got Jun-chan.

(Ruki shakes her head.)
Ruki: (VO, sarcastic) There wasn’t any favoritism in that decision, was there?

(Ruki gives her all, and really fights for it, but she’s no match for a well-prepared Sanders. Ruki’s knocked over, and she heads back to shore, visibly angry. Ruki turns towards Tamahome, angry about the selection.)

Ruki: Why’d you pick me to face her?

Tamahome: I had to pick somebody!

Ruki: I had a better chance against Jun-kun, you know.

Tamahome: Hey, Miaka won!

Ruki: She got lucky and you know it.

(Tamahome just decides to ignore her, and turns his attention to Mike. Takeshi goes up to Ruki and puts a hand on her shoulder.)

Takeshi: Hey, don’t worry about it, she was tough to…

(Ruki shakes it off)

Ruki: Don’t touch me.

(Back to the other side of the bridge, where Tamahome, Akane, Kenji, Miaka, Mitsune, and Washu are addressed by Mike.)

Mike: With five people across, 25,000 yen is added to the pot. But more importantly for you six- you now have the opportunity to go for an exemption by battling each other. Tamahome- you will decide who battles whom, until all but one is knocked out. They battle you, and the winner receives an exemption. Who do you want first?

Tamahome: Oh boy… Akane and Washu.

(Akane and Washu take sticks and prepare for battle.)
Tamahome: (VO) Akane has some serious fighting experience, and I don’t know what Washu can pull out of the hat. So I want them out of the race as soon as possible.

(They are all set.)

Mike: Go!

(Akane is focused, and is able to knock Washu off for the win.)

Mike: Akane wins that. Who’s her next challenger?

Tamahome: Kenji.

(Kenji takes a stick and goes out to meet Akane. He smiles.)

Mike: Go.

(Kenji concentrates on defense, blocking Akane’s shots. He doesn’t do anything for offense. Akane gets frustrated at Kenji’s refusal to budge, and accidentally hits him with a head shot.)

Kenji: Head shot! Those are illegal.

Akane: Are they?

(Kenji nails Akane across the side sending them into the water. Akane immediately starts panicking in the water. Keitaro helps her back to shore, where she catches her breath.)

Akane: Are head shots really illegal?

Mike: Yes. Yes they are. Standard rule.

(Akane shakes her head as Mitsune goes up against Kenji.)
Akane: (VO) I guess it’s a lapse of judgment on my part. It’s all a part of being a martial artist- the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts doesn’t embrace the ideology of rules.

(Mitsune and Kenji square off. After a while, Mitsune goes for the upper shoulders, which Kenji blocks. Unfortunately, the force is still enough to knock him over. He returns to shore.)

Kenji: Wasn’t that a head shot?

Mike: Nope. Sorry.

Kenji: I could’ve sworn that it hit me in the head.

Mike: Your stick doesn’t count.

Kenji: Okay… I guess so.

(Kenji’s still a bit unhappy, but lets it go.)

Mike: Next battle- Mitsune vs. Miaka.

(Ruki looks pretty angry at the whole thing, while Takeshi watches her.)
Takeshi: (VO) I actually side with Ruki on this. I do think that Tamahome gave Miaka favorable treatment in setting her against Jun-kun, and also by putting her in the best position in the second round. I would even say that it’s Mole-ish activity. It would keep Miaka trusting Tamahome, but could have cost the group money if Miaka had lost to Jun-kun.

(Mitsune makes short work of Miaka though, and the final battle is set- money-grubber vs. money-grubber.)

Mike: Final round- Mitsune vs. Tamahome. Winner gets an exemption. Go!

(Mitsune, having already battled three times, is very comfortable on the logs. But Tamahome is a good fighter, and it’s a surprisingly good match. Mitsune keeps her balance, and her focus, while Tamahome has to concentrate on keeping his balance, having never fought on the logs before. This extra advantage is just enough to cause Mitsune to deliver a solid shot that sends Tamahome over. Mitsune smiles and crosses.)

Mike: Mitsune gets the upset win and claims the exemption!

(cheering from most of the group, with Miaka and Kenji as notable exceptions.)

Mitsune: Do I get like a gaudy necklace or something?

Mike: No, no… wrong series. But either way, the group did a good job, you earn 25,000 yen, Mitsune gets an exemption- and we can go back to the hotel before y’all think about knocking me into the water.

(General satisfaction among the group.)

Kasumi: Mitsune earned that one. She beat some very good people and did a good job to get the exemption. I don’t know if she is the Mole, I don’t know if she isn’t, but she really put in the extra effort.

Jenrya: This was why I didn’t neutralize somebody. If they knew they didn’t have the chance to earn an exemption, they wouldn’t have fought quite as hard to beat Jun. It’s great that Mitsune got the exemption, and I’m happy for her.

(The players are relaxing at a nearby spa.)
Mike: (VO) With Mitsune earning the exemption, we thought we’d stay in the Love Hina spirit and offer up some gratuitous swimsuit shots as the players relax at a local spa. But soon they will find out the extra bonus residing in Mitsune’s exemption.

(Barb approaches the entire group.)

Barb: Hey there. You may resume your aquatic activities… or in Takeshi’s case hopeless ogling, later. Right now, I have to address the extra provision in Mitsune’s exemption. It’s a double exemption. Mitsune will be able to select one person that will also receive an exemption from the next quiz. To make things interesting, Mitsune has twenty-four hours to select who will get it. Players- begin your sucking up.

(Barb walks out. Mitsune stands up and smiles.)

Mitsune: I will start the bidding at 5,000 yen!

(sweatdrops for all!)

Keitaro: It’s a bad idea to give Kitsune that kind of power. She really knows how to take advantage of people, and if anyone wants that exemption- they better be ready to work for it. Me- I’m going to spare myself the trouble.

Kenji: I’m sure Kitsune wants us all to beg for it, but I’m not going to give her the satisfaction. She is the worst possible choice to be in this position, even if she did earn it. She can wreck havoc on the team.

(Mitsune is relaxing on a deck chair. Akane walks up to her.)
Akane: So, um… Kitsune? Good job earning that exemption.

Mitsune: Keep walking, try again tomorrow!

(Akane shakes her head and walks off. Miaka walks up to her.)

Miaka: Kitsune? Who are you thinking about…

Mitsune: Not you.

(Miaka walks off. Mitsune smiles.)

Mitsune: This is awesome!!

Mitsune: I’m probably not making a lot of friends, but who cares? This is a blast.

(Kenji and Kasumi are in the hot tub, watching Mitsune.)

Kasumi: So I suppose you’re going to try to butter up to Mitsune?

Kenji: Hell no! That’s what she wants. She wants everybody on their knees. She’s going to take full advantage of this, and I just hope everyone’s smart enough to see through it.

Kasumi: So if you had it, you wouldn’t give it to the highest bidder?

Kenji: No, I would decide who my greatest ally is, and give it to them. We’re in this alliance, I’d probably pick you.

Kasumi: (dry) Oh. Thanks. (normal) So you think she could be the Mole?

Kenji: It all depends on her decision. Depending on who she picks, it could be Mole-ish.

Kasumi: (still watching Mitsune) Oh God…

(They see that Takeshi is putting his moves on Mitsune.)

Kenji: I say we knock some sense into him.

Kasumi: Right.

(They get out and walk up to Takeshi and Mitsune.)

Takeshi: And furthermore, your eyes are like, like…

Kenji: …like a conniving fox. Takeshi, don’t you have any dignity?

Takeshi: If my charm can help earn me an exemption, I’ll go to any lengths to get it!

Kenji: Right.

Mitsune: In order to ask for the exemption, I’m now requiring a down payment.

Kenji: Look, Kitsune, I know what you’re up to. You’re trying to get everybody to beg for this exemption, right?

Mitsune: Is that a problem?

Kenji: Of course it is. You shouldn’t take advantage of people like that.

(Kasumi is rolling her eyes.)
Kasumi: (VO) It’s like the pot calling the kettle black. He tags along with Satoshi and I for the sole purpose of meeting Professor Ookida, and he says Mitsune shouldn’t take advantage of people?

(Mitsune is passively taking everything Kenji says.)

Mitsune: Look, Kenji, if you don’t want the exemption, you just have to say so. If you do- you should take a better approach. Reverse psychology doesn’t work on me. Now if you’ll excuse me, Takeshi still has three minutes of begging time reserved.

(Mitsune starts walking out. Takeshi starts to follow, until both Kenji and Kasumi grab his ears, holding him back.)

Takeshi: I want this exemption. You’d be a fool not to.

(Shot of the hallways, with players walking through normally.)
Mike: (VO) After dinner, more free time at the hotel, which leads to a very interesting alliance being struck.

(Tamahome knocks on Akane’s door.)

Akane: Come in.

Tamahome: Hi Akane.

Akane: Hi. What do you want?

(Tamahome turns around quickly.)

Tamahome: Who are you really confiding in right now in the game?

Akane: Well… um… mostly Kasumi. Why?

Tamahome: How about coalitions? Are you in any?

Akane: Why do you ask?

Tamahome: Well, I noticed that a lot of the coalitions so far have been based on shows. And I see you’re the only one left.

Akane: So? Don’t you have Miaka?

Tamahome: Yeah, but… well Miaka’s not doing so good. I’m worried about her, and I don’t know how long she’s going to make it. I’ll help her as much as I can, but it can only last so long. She’s not the best test-taker. So I was thinking if we formed a coalition, we could take everybody by surprise. We could really do some damage.

Akane: Well this is a bit sudden… but sure. That actually works pretty good for me. I wouldn’t even mind helping Miaka too.

Tamahome: Great!

(Kasumi knocks on the door.)

Tamahome: Shoot. Well, I’ll talk to you later.

Akane: Bye!

(Tamahome exits as Kasumi enters. Kasumi looks at him, then at Akane.)

Kasumi: What was he doing here?

Akane: Oh nothing!

Kasumi: Including Takeshi in our alliance has caused a few interesting side effects. Kenji and I had been thinking on a similar wavelength about Mitsune being the Mole. We agreed a lot about that. But Takeshi shows up and he gives all these reasons why he thinks it’s Tamahome. And they’re good reasons. It’s really starting to make me wonder who has the better point. I trust Takeshi more, but Kenji really has a flair for these games. If he’s not the Mole, I can really do well teamed up with him.

(In another alliance, Motoko is talking to Mitsune.)

Motoko: I’m wondering why he left the room anyway. I sincerely think he’s the Mole.

Mitsune: Well, I’m going to have to keep watching him. I haven’t noticed anything yet, but I know how to get some info out of him.

(Keitaro enters the room.)

Keitaro: So what are you talking about?

Mitsune: I’m saying that I still can’t say for sure whether or not it’s Takeshi. Motoko’s got some good points, but we can’t be certain.

Keitaro: What should we do for the quiz?

Mitsune: Up to you. I know I don’t have to worry about it!

(Keitaro and Motoko sweatdrop.)

Day Six
(Everybody is enjoying dinner. Barb addresses the group.)
Barb: I hope everybody’s been enjoying dinner, because it’s the moment of truth. Mitsune, I know you’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and have been trying to cash in as much as possible on this. So it’s time to find out either who Mitsune picked, or who paid the most money to get it.

Mitsune: Well, believe it or not, nobody paid me anything, so I actually have to make a decision. I’ve been really thinking about it, and I have quite a few reasons for doing this. It’s a person who faced Jun-chan, and didn’t have much of a chance to win. It’s a person who hasn’t gotten one before, and it’s also a person who tried sucking up to me. You know I like that! So therefore, I am giving the second exemption… to Takeshi.

Barb: Okay. Interesting choice. Any other reasons behind the decision?

Mitsune: Not really. I think it’s fair enough. (to Takeshi) Right?

(Takeshi, although surprised, smiles and nods. Mitsune smiles back. Most of the rest of the room is stunned.)

Barb: With that, you can head back to your rooms, and everybody except Mitsune and Takeshi will take the third quiz.

Kenji: (VO) I’ll give her credit for another big power move. That’s probably as big as Jenrya’s stunt with the neutralizer. I don’t know what she was thinking in giving Takeshi the exemption, but there was definitely an ulterior motive for it.

(Mitsune is heading up the stairs to take the quiz, when Motoko walks up to her.)

Motoko: Kitsune? Can I talk to you?

Mitsune: Sure!

(They go off into a corner.)

Motoko: Why did you give him the exemption?

Mitsune: Simple! Haven’t you ever heard Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

Motoko: Excuse me?

Mitsune: Only the strong survive!

Motoko: Takeshi isn’t strong.

Mitsune: Exactly! He needs me to survive. And being in that position is better than just getting to pick somebody to receive one exemption. See you after the quiz!

(Mitsune continues to her room, leaving a very confounded Motoko.)

(Shot of Miaka taking the quiz. Her question is "During the Jun-kun/Jun-chan game, whom did the Mole face?")
Miaka: (VO) Keitaro was the only person who lost to Jun-kun in the challenge. He just went up there and tripped. I beat Jun-kun and I’m five years younger than him. Why couldn’t he do the job?

(Shot of Akane taking the quiz. Her question is "What is the Mole’s weakness?")
Akane: (VO) Washu is incredibly out of place. She hasn’t been too active in sabotage, but she hasn’t been giving much out for information, she always stands at the back of the group, and she is the only player who hasn’t been forming alliances. We haven’t been having much luck as a team, but maybe the Mole hasn’t even come out of its hole yet.

(Shot of Tamahome taking the quiz. His question is "Who received the Mole’s journal?")
Tamahome: (VO) Motoko excels at kendo. It’s an art that requires tons of concentration and discipline. I don’t know how strong Jun-chan really was, but I refuse to believe that she couldn’t be beaten. And the most skilled fighter that went up against her was Motoko.

(Shot of Washu taking the quiz. Her question is "Does the Mole wear a uniform to school?")
Washu: (VO) A good strategy for the Mole would be to try to disrupt the thought process of a person who had to make a decision. I think that’s what Kenji did when he confronted Mitsune about the exemption. He tried to screw her up so she would pick somebody she didn’t want to. I don’t know what she was thinking in picking Takeshi, but Kenji might have had an influence in the decision.

(A large open room at the hotel. The usual setup. Barb presides with the computer nearby.)

Barb: Although it’s the third time, I’m sure most of you are still not used to this. But alas, one of you will be executed. I’ll enter your name, and if red pops up, you’re done. Mitsune has earned an exemption, and she has also given an exemption to Takeshi. They can not be executed this round. I’ll start the bidding with Akane.

(Barb types in "AKANE." Shot of Akane, fairly nervous.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Washu.

(Barb types in "WASHU." Shot of Washu, calm.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Ruki.

(Barb types in "RUKI." Ruki has a straight face.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Keitaro.

(Barb types in "KEITARO." Keitaro is nervous.)

(It flashes red.)

Barb: Boy, you and Ranma really did need that exemption.

(Keitaro stands up and retrieves his bag. They head out.)
Keitaro: (VO) I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I was wrong. This was too much to handle, and the game got the better of me. I tried. I did my best. I’m usually not one to give up after being handed defeat, but there’s not much else I can do but grin and accept it. So that’s what I’ll do. It was fun, and I wish everybody the best of luck.

(Back inside, the others reflect.)

Akane: I don’t know… it was kinda fun kicking him around.

Jenrya: He clearly had fun here. He gave us a lot of laughs, and he definitely tried.

Kasumi: If Satoshi ever needs a stand-in for Pikachu, we know who to call.

(laughter among others)

Tamahome: It’s just a bit strange… that’s another guy down. We’re dwindling.

Takeshi: I don’t mind!

(Outside, Keitaro shakes hands with Barb as he gets in the van.)

Barb: Good work. I can’t think of anything you did particularly well, but you will be missed.

Keitaro: Thanks. Say goodbye to Motoko and Kitsune for me.

(Barb walks back inside as the third victim heads out of the picture.)

End Episode Three

Author’s Notes
Now that "Mole 2: The Next Betrayal" has been shelved on ABC, I have to stop going off of the real episodes. Since I managed to find a way to keep writing the series... I also know what's in store for the team for future episodes. And that means more accurate teasers! So therefore, stay tuned for next week when the alliance between Tamahome and Akane hits full stride, Washu gets a crack at detective work, and you get two backstabs for the price of one! Read it with everybody!