The Mole 2: Anime Edition

Episode Seven

Author’s Notes
Well, I finally went out and did some research on Italian cities and stuff, so I can pretty much map out a course to the end, taking into consideration some of the games playing (Okay, so I don’t know that Grosseto has a dam the AA can use, I’m not getting that picky) and such. If curious, Episode 4 took place near Trentino, Episode 5 near Vicenza, and Episode 6… well that one was in the Digital World, wasn’t it? Don’t ask what this revelation could be used for… I just know that some people are curious. Anyway, we have a two-part challenge today, which was actually two different challenges combined into one. The segment in the beginning is veeeeery loosely based on a neat stint that was done in one of the Belgian versions. Most of these games are loosely based, since my information doesn’t usually have much for specifics, therefore I have to make my own.

Week Six Mole Poll: Motoko, Takeshi, Tamahome- 18% (tied)

English/Japanese Name Changes
Vulpix/Rokon

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 Seven
(Mike is walking on a tennis court in Bologna, Italy.)
Mike: In games such as these, very little credit is given to those who are eliminated early. Often, they are looked at as weak, defenseless, or not capable of taking the game seriously. But where is that line drawn? When is the distinction made between weaklings eliminated via natural selection and serious contestants eliminated by simply being outplayed by the Mole? Surely Ruki Makino played the game, proving that she is definitely not a weakling. But eight players remain in her absence, and even if they are serious, only two will avoid elimination. The eventual winner… and the Mole.

Akane: Ruki just did things her way. I don’t know if the things she did were an effort to draw suspicion, or she just played the game the way she wanted to. Compared to all the people here, I don’t really mind that she’s gone, but you know I’ll miss her anyway.

Jenrya: I think things have actually gotten worse. I mean, that whole backstab thing was a little easier to swallow when I considered the possibility of her being the Mole. But she’s definitely not now… which means she really tried to get me executed. I don’t know what to make of that.

Day Fifteen
(The team is divided into two vans and driving through the Italian countryside.)
Barb: (VO) The team now heads from Vicenza to Bologna. Besides the drive, it’s a nice day off after the Digimon adventure.

(Shot of Mike driving the van, with Jenrya in the front seat, Kenji and Takeshi in the center, and Mitsune sitting in back.)

Mitsune: One nice thing about having less people… I can stretch out back here!

(Kenji looks at Mitsune, then at Takeshi, and then at Jenrya and Mike. He seems bewildered.)

Takeshi: Something wrong Kenji?

Kenji: No… I’m just thinking… you’ve got fox-eyes. (pointing at Mitsune) She’s nicknamed "fox." (pointing at Mike) He runs Fox Kids… (pointing at Jenrya) and his show’s on Fox. I’m surrounded by foxes!

(the other four smile.)

Mitsune: So we got four foxes and a Mole!

(Takeshi and Jenrya laugh. Mike smiles and shakes his head.)

Mike: Heh… too bad Ruki isn’t here. You should see her Digimon.

Takeshi: Well I have…

Mike: Oh yeah, you have um… Vulpix.

Takeshi: It’s Rokon.

Mike: Right, whatever.

(the other four look at Mike)

Kenji: Oh, don’t start that again!

(Jenrya’s enjoying the conversation.)

Jenrya: Do you think the other van has this much fun?

Mitsune: Nah, this is the party van.

(Shot of said other van. Washu is sleeping. Tamahome is sleeping. Motoko is sleeping. Barb is sleeping. Akane’s half-awake… and that’s only because she’s driving. She doesn’t seem too pleased about that.)

Akane: Barb… isn’t this your job?

(Barb starts snoring. Akane shakes her head and continues.)

(Dinner at the hotel, Barb addresses the group.)

Barb: So, I hear that other van was a lot livelier than ours.

Akane: I was the only one awake!

Takeshi: Yeah, we’re just enjoying ourselves. When the game’s not going on, might as well have fun and try to be friends.

Kenji: That reminds me. Where’s Mike? Why isn’t he ever at dinner?

Barb: Mike felt tired. He’s sleeping. I don’t know what his problem is… I feel fine!

(Akane shakes her head.)

Barb: Anyway, I have to ask. Besides the harsh competition, constant backstabbing, and traitor-amongst-us hoopla, we’re all getting to be pretty close. The team’s recent success in challenges shows that. So I’m kinda curious- is there anything you’d like to know about your fellow competitors that they aren’t telling you? What is one general question you’d like to ask everybody in the group?

(pause)

Barb: Well?

Tamahome: Oh, is this like a sanctioned game or something?

Barb: Yes. We’re going around the table. Akane?

Akane: Oh. Uh… I’m wondering, um, out of all the people who got executed, who does everybody feel upsetted them the most? Or even if they felt happy about someone executed.

(Over to Motoko, and her question.)
Motoko: Why are you playing?

Barb: Surely not because we picked you.

Motoko: Seriously, why are you trying to win the game?

Barb: Okay… Mitsune?

Mitsune: What have you done that has kept you in the game?

Washu: How about this… what kinds of activity do you find suspicious? What triggers the red light?

Jenrya: Are any of you acting different than normal because of the game? And uh… how are you acting differently?

Kenji: I’m curious as to what your expectations were prior to this game.

Takeshi: Hm… who among here would you most like to see executed next?

Barb: I suppose that with Ruki gone, you have to pick someone else to vote off the island. Tamahome, your question?

Tamahome: Uh… how much do you think the Mole has sabotaged so far? Like in terms of yen.

Barb: Interesting.

Mitsune: So did we win the challenge?

Barb: That wasn’t a challenge.

Takeshi: Then what was that all about?

Barb: Oh… nothing.

Kenji: You sure?

Barb: Yeah. By the way, on a completely unrelated note, tomorrow is another off day. Considering how much you’ve won recently, we’re scared to give you guys another challenge. Hopefully a nice day of relaxing around the hotel and camera confessionals will freeze you guys enough to get you to start screwing up. Again, nothing to do with that little question thing.

Washu: You certainly aren’t very supportive of us winning money.

Barb: Well duh- we have to pay it. Whichever one of you eight is the Mole better get your butt in gear, okay?

(The group goes back to eating, peacefully)

Takeshi: After the success we’ve been having, a day off doesn’t sound that bad. It’s a very strenuous pace we have to keep up when playing the game.

Day Sixteen
(A swimming pool by the hotel. Kenji, Mitsune, Tamahome, and Takeshi are in the pool, going about normal recreational activities. Motoko is also in the pool, but is quietly relaxing in a corner by herself. Akane and Washu are sitting on lawn chairs. Jenrya is as well, but he is on the other end of the pool, sitting upright, mired in thought.)

Washu: I wonder what’s up with Jenny.

Akane: Hm?

Washu: Look at him, he’s thinking about something, that’s for sure.

Akane: Yeah. But about what?

Washu: Let’s find out!

(Washu walks over to talk to Jenrya.)
Washu: (VO) I am not a coalition-type person. I’m not going to just team up with somebody just for the sake of teaming up with somebody. But if I were to team up with anybody, and it’s something I have to consider, I’d look at Jenrya. Given the situation, a coalition with Jenny wouldn’t be so bad.

(Jenrya is still talking with Washu. Akane is trying to watch them. She looks over at Tamahome, in the pool, who is attempting to do the same.)
Akane: (VO) When we started this coalition, we had four suspects- Jenrya, Washu, Ruki, and Motoko. Ruki’s been executed, and we’ve slowly eliminated Motoko from consideration. But between Jenrya and Washu, it’s really tough. With Ruki gone, Washu is my new roommate, so I can watch her more closely. And Tamahome and Jenrya are roommates, so he’s been keeping close tabs on him. But I can’t say for certain whether or not Jenrya’s the Mole until I get a chance to watch him myself. From what happened between him and Ruki, and the way he seems so quiet sometimes, the possibility is definitely there.

(Tamahome is in the pool, watching Jenrya and Washu chat. He gets splashed with water by Mitsune and turns his attention to her.)
Tamahome: (VO) I’ve been leaning more towards Jenrya than Washu or Motoko recently. But that’s probably because I’ve been able to watch him, and he does a lot of things that are suspicious. But in that Mobile Suit challenge, Washu was right up there as well. Obviously, with Akane and Washu as roommates, it might get a little better. But unless I can really observe Washu more, I can’t confidently say it is or isn’t Washu or Jenrya.

(Shot of Barb walking through an empty hall at the hotel.)
Barb: As I’m sure you’ve seen so far, everyday players pour their hearts out in occasional confessionals between them and the camera. These are done at various points in the game by having our producer Manny Edwards feed questions to the players. Under normal circumstances, only Manny and you reading at home get to see these answers. But this is the Mole, where we try challenge normality every day.

(Shot of Manny Edwards interviewing Motoko. He has a sheet of paper.)

Manny: Okay… first question… why are you playing this game? Why are you trying to win?

(Motoko is confused.)

Motoko: Didn’t I ask that question last night?

Manny: Yes… answer the question Miss Aoyama.

(Motoko slowly answers the question.)
Barb: (VO) This time, however, each of the eight will be asked the eight questions the players themselves formed last night. Not only that, but the audience has changed too.

(Barb addresses the group.)
Barb: I would like you each to get into four pairs. Since it’s possible, we might as well make this interesting- make it intergender.

(After some discussions, and good communication between Akane and Tamahome, the pairs are set up.)

Barb: Okay… Jenrya and Akane, Tamahome and Washu, Mitsune and Takeshi, and Motoko and Kenji.

(Barb walks up to a table. On the table are eight video cassettes. She takes two and hands them to Akane. Then repeats by handing to each to Tamahome, Mitsune, and Takeshi.)

Barb: In your hands are the videos of the confessionals you taped today. Each video contains one person answering the eight questions posed last night at dinner. Each pair has their own videos and will go into a room to enjoy watching them. Popcorn is optional.

(Jenrya is shaking his head is disbelief.)

(Inside the rooms, there are two televisions set up. Mitsune is putting a cassette into one VCR while Takeshi puts a cassette into a second.)
Barb: (VO) Each of the questions were asked in order. After a question is asked, the pair will watch both answers consecutively before moving to the next question. The first question- people that got executed that made them feel happiest and saddest.

(Shot of Mitsune on tape as she answers the question. Mitsune and Takeshi are watching.)
Mitsune: (VO) Well, I actually felt pretty good when Takato got executed. It was the first one, and it just kicked the game off right. It was also one of the first things that turned me on to Kenji being the Mole.

(Over to Motoko answering on tape as she and Kenji watch.)
Motoko: (VO) The saddest one probably was Ruki. She was just starting to get the team spirit down and was starting to work with the rest of the group.

(…and Kenji’s answer.)
Kenji: (VO) I guess the happiest was probably Ruki. She just didn’t work with the group, you know? Kasumi was definitely the worst though. I seriously felt bad about that one.

(Washu and Tamahome are watching their tapes. Caption: "Question 2- Why are you playing this game?")
Washu: (VO) It’s the thrill of it all! Trying to expose whoever the Mole is. I’m having a blast, it’s been a really interesting game so far.

Tamahome: (VO) Oh, the money. It’s all about the money.

(Washu looks over at Tamahome.)

Washu: I see that some people just don’t enjoy a good mystery.

(Akane and Jenrya are watching. Jenrya appears nervous. Caption: "Question 3- What have you done that has kept you in the game?")
Akane: (VO) I think it’s a combination of good observations, making sure your notes are accurate, and settling on the right person. I think Tamahome has definitely been helping with all of these. I definitely wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for him.

Jenrya: (VO, sarcastic) It’s because I’m the Mole… (smiling) no, seriously, I think I’ve been associating with other people without relying too heavily on other people.

(Akane looks over at Jenrya, who feigns ignorance.)
Jenrya: (VO) Of all the people to get paired up with, I end up with the one person who would actually take that little ad lib seriously.

(Takeshi and Mitsune are watching. Caption: "Question 4: What kinds of activity do you find suspicious?")
Takeshi: (VO) At this point in the game, you definitely have to look at the subtle things. Just little stuff that the Mole could do without getting any attention brought to him or her.

Mitsune: (VO) Confrontations. The Mole can only do so much by themselves, but if they can tear the group apart by creating arguments, then there’s no limit to how much can be spoiled.

(Akane and Jenrya are watching. Caption: "Question 5: Are you acting different than normal because of the game?")
Jenrya: (VO) I definitely think I am. It’s hard not to. Impression management is a key element in the game.

Akane: (VO) Um, I’m trying to be myself as much as I can. Obviously, I have to behave a little different because of the game, but if I’m not myself, then it isn’t fun to play.

Jenrya: I did not like that question…

Akane: Uh… you asked it.

Jenrya: Oh yeah.

(Motoko and Kenji are watching. Caption: "Question 6: What were your expectations prior to this game?")
Motoko: (VO) I had expected a serious test of my abilities. I wanted to be challenged both physically and mentally, through the challenges and the tests. So far, this has met almost all of my expectations.

(Back to Mitsune and Takeshi. Caption: "Question 7: Who would you most like to see executed next?")
Mitsune: (VO) Oh, Kenji. Without a doubt. Obviously, I doubt that’s gonna happen, but he’s just kind of a jerk.

Takeshi: How did I know that was coming?

Mitsune: What, did you think I was hiding something?

Takeshi: Heh…

Mitsune: So what did you say?

Takeshi: (VO) Hmm… probably Kenji. I don’t think he really respects me as a player, and while I definitely respect him, I definitely can’t trust him. It would probably be better if he was executed.

Mitsune: Ooh… you little fox.

Takeshi: Well, Jenrya’s not so bad, and I don’t put much chance on Tamahome getting executed… and I don’t want any more girls to leave, for obvious reasons. In other words…

Mitsune: You think he’s a jerk too.

Takeshi: Yeah, pretty much.

(Motoko and Kenji are watching the answers to the same question.)
Motoko: (VO) I would probably have said Takeshi a few days ago. But I’m slowly starting to respect him. First impressions can be misleading. So right now… I’d probably say Kenji.

Kenji: Hey! I am really offended by that! What do you have against me?

Motoko: What do I not have against you? What did you say?

Kenji: (VO) Executed next… I think Motoko.

(Motoko shoots Kenji a look. Kenji puts a hand to the back of his neck.)

Kenji: Oh… heh heh… I kinda forgot about that.

Motoko: Right… still offended by my answer?

Kenji: Hey, we’ll just see who gets executed next. Because it won’t be me!

Motoko: We shall see.

(Washu is watching as Tamahome explains why he wants Washu gone.)
Tamahome: (VO) I think she’s just too smart for her own good. If she is the Mole, she’s doing a great job. If she isn’t… she’s utterly insane.

(Washu turns to Tamahome.)

Washu: Insanity and genius come hand in hand you know. The only thing separating the two is success. And I’ve got plenty of that to throw around!

Tamahome: Goodie… I still don’t have to like you.

Washu: But I’m so cute!!

Tamahome: No… Chiriko… he’s cute. You… you’re just annoying.

(Akane is watching Jenrya’s answer to the question.)
Jenrya: (VO) Who do I want executed? I don’t know. Maybe Akane. I mean, this whole secret coalition she has with Tamahome bugs me a little bit. I mean, I’m getting the impression that she thinks I’m the Mole. I don’t know where to begin saying what’s wrong with that. And to make matters worse, she’s been trying to convince Tamahome that I’m the Mole, which really makes it hard to become friends with him. Tamahome’s a fun guy, but whenever I try to just chat with him, just talking about stuff outside the game, he’s always trying to observe me. I guess it’s no big deal, but you know. It’s just a bit troubling.

(Jenrya is bent down, not sure how Akane’s going to take that. Akane meanwhile, is simply shocked.)

Jenrya: Sorry it had to come out like that. But… that’s how I feel. Since you are a mature, sensible person, I’m sure you’ll understand that…

(Akane whacks Jenrya with her mallet and storms out of the room.)

Jenrya: Why is she mad at that? It’s the truth. I’m not going to dance around the subject. I think I explained it well enough.

Akane: If he’s such a baby that he can’t stand receiving a little bit of suspicion, then he should get out of the game. Especially if he really is the Mole. I have to figure out whether or not he really meant all that. Either way, he has to realize that this is a game, and he has to take as much as he dishes out. But hey, on the plus side- I finally got to hit somebody!

Day Seventeen
(A sports complex. Mike and Barb are with the eight contestants.)
Mike: For the next game, I need two people who have something of a competitive edge.

(Tamahome raises a hand. Jenrya quickly follows suit.)

Mike: Tamahome? Jenrya? Swell. Come with me.

(Mike, Tamahome, and Jenrya walk off into the distance. Barb addresses the remainder of the group.)

Barb: Since we don’t want the rest of you to feel left out, we going to be doing some competing of our own. I need you to get into three groups of two. I need two who would like to go biking, two to go swimming, and two to play tennis.

Takeshi: Hopefully we can keep Akane out of the swimming group.

Akane: Hey! Besides, it doesn’t matter. I’ll play tennis.

Washu: I guess I can bike.

Takeshi: Great, I’ll join ya.

Kenji: Looks like I’ll swim.

Motoko: Given the choice, I’ll swim.

Mitsune: Okay, I guess I’m stuck with tennis.

Barb: Okay- so it’s Takeshi and Washu biking, Kenji and Motoko swimming, and Akane and Mitsune at tennis. You will each be competing against each other in your selected sports. Takeshi and Washu will have a one mile bike race, Kenji and Motoko will have a 100-yard freestyle swimming race, while Akane and Mitsune will play one set of tennis. Play as hard as you can, as the winners in each event will have the opportunity to earn an exemption later.

Challenge Fourteen
(Shot of the three groups splitting up and going to various areas of the complex. They also dress appropriately for each event.)
Mike: (VO) While the six gear up for their events, Jenrya and Tamahome are introduced to the challenge proper.

(Mike is in a small room with Jenrya and Tamahome. In the room are three television monitors, each with one of the three different sports on it.)

Mike: Each of the other six are pairing up into three different sports- biking, swimming, and tennis. They will be competing in these sports, believing that there is an exemption at stake. Your job is to decide the winners of each of the three events. For every winner you successfully predict, 10,000 yen is added to the pot. You have slightly less than ten minutes to pick each winner.

(Jenrya and Tamahome look at the three screens.)

Tamahome: Well, I think it’s safe to assume that Akane will beat Mitsune.

Jenrya: I dunno… if there’s an exemption involved, Mitsune would probably fight for it… but she still wouldn’t beat Akane. Yeah, Akane’s the best choice for that one.

(The two continue to analyze the others.)
Jenrya: (VO) I’m really making an effort at convincing Tamahome that I’m not the Mole. I don’t know what Akane has against me, but I’d like to keep Tamahome from siding with her on something like that.

(They are looking at the Kenji vs. Motoko swimming match-up.)

Tamahome: That one’s easy! It’s gotta be Motoko.

Jenrya: Not necessarily… Kenji’s got muscle. And he’s from an archipelago. He’s probably a good swimmer, we have to think about this one.

Tamahome: Wait a second… Kenji’s got muscle?

Jenrya: Yeah. Look at him- he’s ripped.

(Tamahome looks at Kenji.)

Tamahome: No he’s not!!

Jenrya: Sure he is…

Tamahome: He’s… he’s… Kenji’s a chubbo!

(Jenrya looks at Tamahome oddly.)

Jenrya: Are we looking at the same person?

Tamahome: You seriously think chubbs can win?

Jenrya: I’m not saying he’s going to win… I just think it would be a good match.

Tamahome: And I’m saying kendo girl blows him out of the water.

Jenrya: Okay, fine, we can go with Motoko…

(Tamahome nods.)

Jenrya: …but Kenji will cover the spread.

(Tamahome sweatdrops.)

Tamahome: This isn’t Vegas.

Jenrya: Whatever, what about that last match?

Tamahome: Takeshi and Washu?

Jenrya: Yeah. Takeshi probably has the advantage.

Tamahome: Finally we agree on something…

Jenrya: …which is why we should pick Washu.

(Tamahome face faults, then recovers)

Tamahome: But you just said we should pick Takeshi!!

Jenrya: No… I’m saying Takeshi’s favored. But any good prognosticator will tell you that you have to pick an upset once in awhile.

Tamahome: But Washu over Takeshi??

Jenrya: It’s that or put the money on chubbo. I have a feeling about this.

Tamahome: You better be right.

Mike: Can I confirm that order of Akane, Motoko, and Washu?

Tamahome: I guess so.

Jenrya: Yes.

Mike: Very well… while you see how they do, I have to go supervise a few of them.

(On the tennis courts, Akane and Mitsune are playing a fast-paced game, while Barb observes. Mitsune is playing hard, and manages to get a point off of Akane.)
Mitsune: All right! That’s another game.

Akane: What does that make it, Barb?

Barb: Akane, you’re still up four games to Mitsune’s three, but she’s catching up fast.

(Swimming pool. Kenji and Motoko are both set to go, and are waiting for Mike’s signal.)
Mike: On your mark… get ready… go!

(Kenji and Motoko jump into the water and start swimming furiously. Although Kenji isn’t a complete slouch, Motoko wins easily.)
Mike: Motoko wins!

(Inside the room, Jenrya and Tamahome nod in appreciation. Caption: "Win ¥10,000")
Tamahome: Told ya.

Jenrya: Hey… Kenji beat the spread. That’s all I was asking for.

Tamahome: What was the spread anyway?

Jenrya: I have no idea.

Tamahome: Hey… check out the biking.

(Track, Takeshi and Washu are in a very tight race. Takeshi has a slight lead, but can’t seem to shake Washu.)

Jenrya: C’mon Washu!!

Tamahome: Yeah, pump those legs!

(Meanwhile, back in tennis, Akane and Mitsune are still going at it. Caption: "Akane leads 5-3." Akane prepares to serve.)

Akane: 40-15! Match point!

(Akane serves, Mitsune returns it, Akane volleys with a nice backhand. Mitsune hits one short, and Akane drives it to the other side of the court, winning the match.)

Barb: Akane wins, six to three. Good work, you can take a break.

(Akane and Mitsune shake hands and walk off. In the war room, Jenrya smiles. Caption: Win ¥10,000")

Jenrya: Looks like Akane just won.

Tamahome: (watching the bike race) Swell… this one’s getting close.

(On the track, with one lap left, Takeshi still has a very slim lead heading into the last turn. On that last turn however, Washu sneaks inside, and uses the inside track to make things neck and neck heading into the final stretch. In an extremely competitive finish, Washu just barely edges out Takeshi and wins the race. Back in the room, Jenrya is ecstatic. Caption: "Win ¥10,000")

Jenrya: All right! I told you, you have to pick an upset.

Tamahome: I’ll give it to you.

(Mike walks back into the room.)

Mike: Congratulations Jenrya, Tamahome. Three successful picks results in 30,000 yen added to the pot. You can head outside with me and we’ll explain part two of the game.

(Tamahome and Jenrya do so.)

Tamahome: Sure I’m acting happy. But I’m really just bewildered. I mean, Washu got lucky. Akane told me about all that stuff with the interviews… I don’t care. Jenrya is still my top Mole suspect. I’m only pretending to be all buddy-buddy with him.

(Outside, Barb is with Kenji, Mitsune, and Takeshi. There is an easel with three pictures on it. Each is a character from Battle Athletes. One is of a purple-haired girl with a sweet looking face. The second is a lavender-haired girl with a no-nonsense face. The third has dark blue hair, glasses, and is smiling, almost to the point of being neurotic. Mike enters with Jenrya and Tamahome.)

Kenji: Hey… what went on with you two?

Mike: Jenrya and Tamahome had to try to predict the winners in each of the three matches. And amazingly enough, they did so, picking Akane, Motoko, and Washu.

(Applause from Kenji, Mitsune, and Takeshi… until they think for a second. They stop.)

Jenrya: What’s wrong?

Kenji/Mitsune/Takeshi: (angry) You picked us to lose??!!

Tamahome: Well yeah… it’s Akane and Motoko.

Takeshi: What about Washu?

Jenrya: We had to pick an upset!

Tamahome: Yeah… we still got you making the playoffs Takeshi!

(Takeshi shakes his head.)

Takeshi: I suppose.

Mike: Anyway, it may actually be an advantage to your health to have lost, as the winners will have to play one more match… against athletes competing for the title of Cosmo Beauty. On this easel are the pictures of three of them. Anna, Ayla, and Ling-Pha. Each of them specialize in one of the three events, although one is still really good in all three. Jenrya and Tamahome have the task of assigning the three to each of the events. From there, Anna, Ayla, and Ling-Pha will play in whatever event they are assigned to. It’s crucial to select the proper events, since every victory scored by Akane, Motoko, and Washu adds an additional 10,000 yen to the pot.

Barb: There’s one additional element to spice things up. We told you that you were playing for exemptions. We still mean it. Since you three lost, you are out of the running. But Jenrya and Tamahome can still each earn one. Listen carefully. If none of the three beat the beauties, no money is added, but Jenrya and Tamahome earn an exemption. Should only one win, that player gets the exemption. Should two win, the one that loses gets the exemption. Finally, should all three win, Jenrya and Tamahome did such a good job picking that they again get exemptions. To keep things fair, I need two of you losers to assist Jenrya and Tamahome in their decision-making. I need one of you to make a different crucial decision. Who wants to do that?

Kenji: I will.

Barb: Okay. Kenji, come with me.

(Barb and Kenji walk off. The others go to work.)

Tamahome: Well how do we want to go about the whole exemption thing?

Mitsune: How about nobody gets it?

Jenrya: Well somebody has to. That’s the problem.

Takeshi: I don’t think it should be a consideration. Somebody’s going to end up with one regardless of what we do.

Mitsune: Right… so let’s look at these three.

(They do so. Mitsune notices the straight-faced Ayla.)

Mitsune: Whoa… I don’t wanna mess with her.

Tamahome: I would imagine she’s the swimmer.

Jenrya: You don’t know that for sure.

Tamahome: Well… she doesn’t look like any tennis player I’ve ever seen.

Jenrya: Either way, she’s probably the one that’s good in all three.

Mitsune: So let’s let Motoko take her to school!

Takeshi: If she really is the best athlete, Motoko would be the best candidate to try to beat her.

Tamahome: I think we should give Motoko one of the others so that she would definitely win.

Takeshi: So there are two possible strategies here- give the person good in all three to Motoko and hope she can beat her, or give her to Washu to cut our losses.

Tamahome: What about Akane?

Mitsune: Akane can hold her own.

Takeshi: Yeah, for Akane we should just avoid giving her the tennis specialist.

Tamahome: Well, the one in the middle ain’t the tennis expert.

Takeshi: That’s very true, but she looks dangerous. I wouldn’t chance putting Akane against her. I say give Akane the cute one on the left.

Jenrya: What about that cute one on the left? What’s her specialty?

Mitsune: It could be anything. I agree with Takeshi, she looks the least dangerous.

Tamahome: The one on the right side looks like a nut… she’s probably the biker.

Takeshi: So should we give her swimming and wish Washu the best?

Tamahome: That’s probably the smartest move.

Mitsune: Are we agreed then?

(The four put their hands together)

All: Yeah!

Mike: Very well… Anna for tennis, Ayla the biker, and Ling-Pha swimming. Let’s go see how they do, shall we?

(Meanwhile, Barb is walking alone with Kenji. She stops and pulls something out of a pocket. It is a green envelope.)

Barb: Kenji, there are currently five people eligible for the exemption. I’m giving you the opportunity to reduce that number by one.

(Barb pulls out a neutralizer card.)

Barb: Remember this?

Kenji: Do I?! I get one now?!

Barb: That is correct. Once again, this card ensures that the selected person can not receive an exemption in the current round. They will be forced to take the quiz, no matter what happens. This card also will add 10,000 yen to the pot upon activation. Of Jenrya, Tamahome, Akane, Motoko, or Washu, who would you like to neutralize?

(Kenji thinks for a second, then smiles and hands Barb the card.)

Kenji: Motoko.

Barb: Very well, 10,000 is added to the pot and Motoko can not receive an exemption. We’ll deliver the bad news right before her match.

Kenji: Perfect!

(Swimming pool. Mike is explaining the rules to Motoko, including the part about the exemptions. Jenrya, Mitsune, Takeshi, and Tamahome are seated off to the side.)
Mike: …and finally, should all three win, Jenrya and Tamahome get exemptions. Got that?

Motoko: Yes.

(Barb and Kenji enter the room.)

Barb: Unfortunately, there is one more catch. Motoko, rather than help Jenrya and Tamahome match up athletes, Kenji received the opportunity to neutralize somebody.

(Barb shows Motoko the exemption.)

Barb: He used it on you. 10,000 yen has been added to the pot, and you are officially neutralized. Have a good race!

(Barb and Kenji head towards the other spectators. Motoko shoots Kenji an angry stare, Kenji smiles back at her and sits by Mitsune and Takeshi.)

Mitsune: You neutralized Motoko?

Kenji: What did you expect me to do, tear it up??

Mike: Anyway, let’s get going with the round one of Mole players vs. Cosmo Beauty applicants. First off is a 100-yard freestyle swimming race. For the contestants- Motoko Aoyama!

(Applause from the peanut gallery for Motoko.)

Mike: And her opponent- from China… Ling-Pha Wong!!

(The girl from the right picture, Ling-Pha Wong, enters dramatically and starts laughing insanely.)

Ling-Pha: Aiya! How nice of you to challenge the great Ling-Pha Wong! Prepare to be defeated at the hands of the great Wong family!!

(Ling-Pha strikes a dramatic pose. The group watching is stupefied.)

Jenrya: (sotto) I’m glad I’m not in that family…

(Motoko looks over Ling-Pha)

Motoko: You don’t look that strong.

Ling-Pha: Who needs to be strong… I’m rich!! My servants will assure me a victory!

(Ling-Pha snaps her fingers and four men, completely dressed in black, surround her.)

Mike: Motoko…

(Motoko pulls out her kendo stick…)

(Moments later, the four servants are in a mangled heap off in the corner, while Ling-Pha and Motoko are ready to rumble.)

Mike: On your mark… ready… go!

(Both dive into the water, to the cheers of the observing players. Ling-Pha actually puts up a really good race, but Motoko maintains a lead easily, even after Ling-Pha tries to cheat by putting mines on Motoko’s side of the pool. In time, Motoko easily wins, to cheers from the rest. Caption: "Win ¥10,000")

Mike: Congratulations, that’s one victory, 10,000 yen, and a good start to the matches. After Motoko showers off we’ll head on down to the biking venue.

(The group congratulates Motoko, and heads out.)

Takeshi: Even though she was neutralized, it’s great to see Motoko put forth the effort that she did. I don’t even think being neutralized affected her one bit. She fought hard, and won us the money.

Mitsune: Seems like we didn’t get all our money off of Motoko’s talents. Given the competition, there was no competition. We should’ve given Motoko somebody tougher to beat.

(Next venue is biking. Mike is preparing to announce the match to Barb, Jenrya, Kenji, Mitsune, Takeshi, Tamahome, and Motoko, who has joined them.)

Mike: The next match is a one-mile bike race. For the contestants, Washu-chan!

(Washu smiles.)

Mike: And her opponent, from Russia… Ayla Roznovsky!

(The lavender-haired Ayla enters. She is well-built, and has a serious look.)

Washu: Oh… lucky me.

Takeshi: You can do it Washu-chan!

(More reassuring cheers as Washu gets on the bike.)

Mike: On your mark… get set… go!

(Both Ayla and Washu take off, with Ayla taking the initial lead.)

Tamahome: C’mon Washu! You beat Takeshi, you can beat her!

(Takeshi sweatdrops)

Takeshi: Hey, give it a rest…

(Unfortunately, Washu does not beat Ayla, as Ayla gets enough of a lead to easily cruise to a victory.)
Mike: (VO) Ayla wins that one, so it means that Jenrya, Tamahome, and Akane are now out of the running for the exemptions. With Motoko neutralized, the only way an exemption will be given will be if Akane wins, giving the exemption to Washu.

(In the stands at the tennis courts, Akane is practicing.)

Tamahome: That Ayla had to be the biker.

Takeshi: I certainly hope so. Ling-Pha definitely wasn’t the swimmer, so that means that the third girl must be the swimmer instead of the tennis player.

Mitsune: Great, so Akane can whoop some booty.

(Ling-Pha starts walking down the aisle, with a tray slung around her shoulders.)

Ling-Pha: Boxed lunches! Who wants boxed lunches?!

Jenrya: What are you still doing here?

Ling-Pha: I’m selling boxed lunches to potential patrons. The Wong family is always looking for a quick way to make a buck.

Mitsune/Tamahome: Amen to that!

Takeshi: Hey… Ling-Pha… what’s your special event?

Ling-Pha: Me? Oh, I, Ling-Pha am a master on the bike. I have ridden bike since I was a child, and nobody can outshine my biking skills!

Washu: Wait… YOU’RE the biking expert?

Ling-Pha: Indeed!

Mitsune: So what’s Ayla?

Ling-Pha: She’s the swimmer.

Jenrya: So that means that Akane is stuck with the tennis player.

Tamahome: Well… here goes nothing.

(Mike is ready to introduce the tennis match.)

Mike: Finally, the tennis match. For the contestants- Akane Tendo!

(Akane bows, to cheers.)

Mike: And her opponent… Anna Respighi!

(Anna is a quiet little blue-haired girl. For the Love Hina fans in the audience- think Shinobu with longer hair. She bows.)

Anna: Um… hello. It’s nice to meet you.

Mike: Let the battle begin. Anna has first service.

(Akane gets ready to receive the serve. She smiles at Anna.)

Akane: Good luck! If you want, I can go easy on you!

(Anna is scared of Akane.)

Anna: Um… no thank you. I mean, I don’t think you’re supposed to… I’m sorry!

Mike: Just serve Anna.

(Anna bows to Mike.)

Anna: I’m sorry! I’m sorry!

(Anna quietly starts her serve. Akane waits to return it. She… continues to wait.)

Mike: (OS) Fifteen-love!

Akane: Wait a second… she hasn’t served it!

(Anna has already served.)

Anna: Um… yes I have.

(Akane turns around. The fence behind her has a tennis-ball-sized hole in it.)

Mike: Still your serve Anna.

(Akane prepares herself again, and continues waiting.)

Mike: Fault!

(In the stands, Kenji turns to Barb.)

Kenji: How can he tell, I can’t even see the ball.

Barb: If you look closely, the ball is leaving slight indentations in the court.

(After Anna easily wins the first game, Akane serves. With Akane serving, things become interesting, as both have very strong arms. After a lengthy volley, Anna hits into the net. Akane breathes a sigh of relief, and gets applause from the crowd.)

Takeshi: Anna’s really talented, but Akane’s no slouch either. This could be a good match.

Washu: So what’s the prediction from Jenny the Greek?

Jenrya: Hm… this looks like it could be close. I have to pick Anna to win 6-4.

(It looks to be that close indeed, as Akane takes game two, evening things up.)

(Montage of scenes, as Akane and Anna are both playing their guts out, while those watching cheer on in approval. In all honestly, it’s really good tennis.)

Mike: (VO) It’s a back and forth game between Tendo and Respighi. Anna gets a 4-2 lead at one point, but Akane battles back, tying things back up at five each.

(Akane returns a serve, playing very tough. However, the shot sails out of bounds.)

Mike: Game Respighi!

(Akane sighs.)

Mike: (VO) Anna now has a 6-5 lead. If she wins the next game, she takes it all.

(More wild competition, as Akane’s serves are really fast as well. But Anna returns them, and the struggle continues. Akane prepares to serve again.)

Mike: The score is 30-40. Match point!

(Akane’s first serve lands slightly out of bounds.)

Mike: Fault!

(Akane gets another ball, looks at Anna, and delivers another wallop. Unfortunately, it lands just to the right of the box.)

Mike: Double fault! Game, set, and match go to Anna Respighi.

(Anna smiles slightly. Akane is too exhausted to react.)

(Up in the stands, there’s a general look of disappointment, until Takeshi starts clapping slowly. The others look at him.)

Takeshi: Hey, it was a good effort from where I sit.

(Others nod and join in. Akane, though quite depressed, manages a smile when she sees them.)

Kenji: I think that turned out pretty well actually. Washu didn’t have a chance to begin with, and how were we to know that little Anna was such a tennis wiz? Akane gave it her best shot, and it’s not her fault for losing. Meanwhile, I neutralized the one person that would have gotten the exemption in this scenario. So nobody gets the exemption, and we take home ten grand. I’ll take it.

Motoko: Knowing now that I would have earned the exemption makes me even madder at Kenji. I don't want to admit it, but I am really unsure who the Mole is. I can only hope that Kitsune can help me out enough to keep me alive until the next round.

(Dinner at the hotel.)

Barb: Well, you won’t be hearing any more questions from the rest of the group. Tonight, as I’m sure you know, is the seventh quiz, followed by the execution. According to the rules of the game, Motoko would have earned an exemption had she not been neutralized previously. Still, the act of using the neutralizer, coupled with Motoko’s victory over Ling-Pha, combined with the three successful picks by Jenrya and Tamahome add a total of 50,000 yen to the pot, bringing it to a total of 267,000. It’s starting to grow before our eyes, but only one of you can claim it. The Mole’s seventh victim will be announced tonight.

(Shot of a hand knocking on a closed door. No response.)
Jenrya: (OS) C’mon, open up! Tamahome!

(Inside the room, Akane and Tamahome are discussing strategy.)

Akane: I don’t know. I’m voting both of them tonight, but I’m starting to lean towards Washu.

Jenrya: (OS) Let me in!!

Tamahome: Hmm… see I’m leaning a lot towards Jenrya. Something was fishy about the way he picked winners.

Akane: Hmm… well I just can’t figure out if his interview was sincere or not.

Jenrya: (OS) Hello? Hey, give your secret coalition a rest and open the door!

Akane: Tamahome, tell him to shove off.

Tamahome: Jenrya! C’mon! I’m with a girl!

Jenrya: (OS) Tamahome! You’ve been hogging the room so long I had to take a shower in Takeshi and Kenji’s room!

Tamahome: So what’s the problem?

(Jenrya is standing outside, clad in only a towel.)

Jenrya: Takeshi and Kenji stole my clothes!!

(Tamahome pops his head out the door.)

Tamahome: Huh. That they did. Is that all part of that Digimon/Pokémon rivalry I keep hearing about?

Jenrya: No, it’s about Takeshi and Kenji being idiots. Can you let me in now?

Tamahome: Like I said, I’m with a girl- man you’ll never survive dorm life in college.

(Tamahome hangs a necktie around the doorknob and shuts the door.)

Jenrya: (sotto) Why is the youngest person here the most mature?

(Back in the room, Akane shakes her head.)

Akane: I hope I’m not supposed to read into that whole "I’m with a girl" thing.

Tamahome: Nah, it was just to get him off my back. You know that Miaka’s the only girl for me.

(Akane nods.)

Tamahome: (smiling) And I know that Ranma’s the only girl for you.

(Akane shoots Tamahome a death glare. So much, in fact, that Tamahome reels back in fear.)

(Kenji is taking the quiz. His question is "What sport did the Mole play?")
Kenji: (VO) I heard from Takeshi that Kitsune wanted to pair Motoko up with Ayla. Not only was Ayla the all-around best athlete, she was the swimming expert. Motoko wouldn’t have had a chance against her.

(Tamahome is taking the quiz. His question is "Who did the Mole watch interviews with?")
Tamahome: (VO) I don’t know about professional prognosticators, but in something like this, upset picks just don’t apply. Jenrya’s predictions were shaky at best. That whole interview about wanting Akane executed makes me even more suspicious. Jenrya may have sounded really offended by Akane… but he also sounded like he had that speech prepared.

(Jenrya, still wearing a towel, is taking the quiz. His question is "What was the Mole's question to the group?")
Jenrya: (VO) After he said not to give Akane the tennis expert, Takeshi out of the blue suggests that we match her against Anna. Sure Anna didn’t look like a tennis expert, but why is it that Takeshi picked the cute girl on the left instead of the cute girl on the right?

(Takeshi is taking the quiz. His question is "How many times did the Mole play in their sport?")
Takeshi: (VO) I’ll give Akane an A for effort, but it’s the results that count. It doesn’t matter how hard you play, if you still lose you get nothing to show for it. It would be a great strategy for the Mole to give an all-out effort at one of the sports, only to wind up a little bit short at the end. And that’s exactly what Akane did.

(Hotel. Almost everybody is seated normally. Barb is waiting. Finally, Jenrya shows up, back in his normal clothes, and has a seat.)
Barb: About time. I will type your names into the computer one at a time, in random order. If a green thumbprint appears, you will advance to the next round. If a red thumbprint appears, you are the Mole’s seventh victim.

(Barb sits down at the computer.)

Barb: Mitsune.
(Barb types "MITSUNE" into the computer. Mitsune is only slightly nervous.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Takeshi.
(Barb types "TAKESHI" into the computer. Takeshi is somewhat anxious.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Kenji.
(Barb types "KENJI" into the computer. Kenji is composed.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Jenrya.
(Barb types "JENRYA" into the computer. Jenrya closes his eyes.)

(It flashes green. Jenrya opens his eyes and smiles.)

Barb: Motoko.
(Barb types "MOTOKO" into the computer. Motoko is nervous.)

(It flashes red.)

Barb: Sorry.

(Motoko shakes her head, gets her bag, and starts to head out. She stops and turns back towards Kenji. He’s smiling at her. Therefore, one last time, just for good measure…)

Motoko: Special technique- Zankuusen!!

(Kenji is blasted out the window. No reaction is incited from any of the other six. Motoko resheathes her sword and heads out with Barb.)
Motoko: (VO) As the game progressed, I slowly became weaker. I doubted myself, and I doubted my abilities. I hope Kitsune does well, and I hope she will be able to pound Kenji into the ground as well as I can someday. Until then, I must train harder, for I still have a long way to go.

(Most of the others are particularly sad to see her go, especially Mitsune and Takeshi. Kenji, however, is still gone.)

Jenrya: She was definitely the most level-headed one in the group. She had a few moments of weakness, but who doesn’t? She went all out for the team, and made up a lot of the slack that was present in the group. She was an asset more often than she was a liability.

Mitsune: She’s been my friend for a long time, and I know that it’s really hard to be who she is. She is about being the strongest she can humanly be, and nobody here can really understand what she goes through to accomplish that. I know that whenever a guy does something stupid here, we’ll look back at Motoko and wish she was around.

Washu: She was never the most talkative. She was never the most noticeable. And she was never the most normal. But you know something- she was still one of the most popular.

(Motoko is being led into the van.)

Barb: Good work. A lot of us have been wanting you to do that to Kenji for a long time.

Motoko: Tell Akane to hit Tamahome once for me… I don’t think I ever got around to him.

Barb: I will.

(Motoko smiles as the van drives off. No more special techniques today.)

End Episode Seven

Author’s Notes
This is the third week in a row that the executed player was in the top three in the weekly Mole poll. I would like to reiterate that executed players, along with the Mole and winner, have been established well before the series started. Go ahead and talk about how much you want Kenji executed (wanting a character’s head on a platter is all part of the fun!), but only I know if and when each player will be executed

The argument between Jenrya and Tamahome regarding Kenji’s build is a direct homage to the website Pokémopolis. In it, one webmaster believes that Tracey/Kenji is a sexy bodybuilder type, while another thinks he’s a fat chubbo. If you enjoy Pokémopolis, make sure to check out my other fic "Pokéball Run," as there are a few James lines you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Anyway, next time we get a double dose of Osaka, as Battle Athletes steps up to the plate again while Pokémon and Fushigi Yuugi get their first cameos. And if you are sick of tennis, swimming, and biking… I hope you like baseball!