The Mole 2: Anime Edition

Episode Eleven

Week Ten Mole Poll: Mitsune, Takeshi- 33% (tied), Washu- 22%

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 Eleven
(Mike is leaning on the railing on top of a large dam.)
Mike: The Mole is not picky about who gets executed. Irregardless of your financial condition, irregardless of your age, and irregardless of what show you’re from, the Mole will make an effort to stop you. Tamahome received the pleasure of a visit from his father and youngest sister, and the dismay of being executed before their eyes. Despite his efforts, Tamahome was the Mole’s tenth victim. Four remain. Two more will fall victim to the Mole. One will lay claim to over 400,000 yen. And one… is the Mole.

Takeshi: There is no way you can’t feel sorry for Tamahome. He had a real incentive to win, and he was executed in front of that incentive. My heart goes out to him.

Washu: Me and Jenny were actually trying to get him executed. Then you learn about his family and it certainly paints Jenrya and I as bad guys. But it’s just something that has to happen in the game. And besides, every person controls their own destiny.

Day Twenty-Four
(All the guests are still here, save for the extras and Tamahome’s group. Jenrya, Janyuu, Shiuchon, Mitsune, Naru, Seta, Munou, Washu, Tenchi, and Barb are down in the lounge relaxing. Satoshi comes downstairs and sniffs the air.)

Satoshi: Hey… something smells great!

Naru: I know.

Washu: Whoever’s cooking breakfast is obviously putting some effort into it.

Barb: Huh. And I assumed that when we told them they’d be cooking for thirteen people, they’d go nuts again.

Tenchi: Where’s Mike anyway?

Barb: Setting up the next challenge. He’s new, so he gets the menial labor.

Mitsune: Sounds fair.

Jenrya: Where’s everybody else? They’ll miss out on this.

(From the kitchen, Sasami and Takeshi both walk out holding trays. Both are wearing aprons.)

Sasami/Takeshi: Breakfast is ready!!

(massive face fault)

Tenchi: Sasami, you cooked breakfast?

Sasami: Don’t worry. Takeshi helped!

Takeshi: With so many people here, it’s good that everybody gets a properly balanced diet for breakfast.

(Jenrya pulls out his journal and starts to write something down. Mitsune slaps it away.)

Mitsune: Give it a rest Jenny.

Seta: Oh yeah, you guys are playing a game, aren’t you?

Munou: I hadn’t noticed either.

Sasami: Hurry up and sit down or it will get cold!

Tenchi: Right away Sasami!

(They head to the table.)
Jenrya: (VO) Takeshi just suddenly decides to cook breakfast for the group. I don’t know if I’m supposed to read into that or not. I mean, on one hand Satoshi says he does that all the time. On the other hand, he hasn’t done it yet on the trip. We’re in a bit of down time in terms of challenges, so everybody’s guard is down a little bit. People would go far to endear themselves to the group right now.

(Everybody is around the table eating breakfast.)

Jenrya: This is great, guys.

Sasami: Thank you!

Mitsune: Man, imagine if Shinobu were here too…

Naru: I can’t. Breakfast would be so good we’d never leave.

Munou: I think it’s that good already.

Barb: So Tenchi, how does it feel to be back on the road again?

Tenchi: I don’t know. It’s interesting just watching this group. It would be great to just watch and follow along. Right now we’re stuck making nice with everybody.

Naru: Yeah, forget the friendly stuff- we wanna see some Mole action!

Barb: Well. You are in luck. It just so happens that some of you will be watching the group play a game later today. One that can net the group as much as 35,000 yen. One of you, however, will actually help participate in a challenge.

Satoshi: Cool.

Barb: It is. However, this challenge is only for three people. One of you will sit out. Three of you will be subjected to a physical challenge, while the other person gets to spend a day in town with their friends. On their own. No hosts, no friends of Keitaro, no camera… wait. Okay, cameramen. But that’s it. And I’m letting you all make that decision.

Janyuu: Well I think it makes sense for Takeshi to be in a physical challenge.

Takeshi: Yes, sir, I do have the best physique of everybody here.

Washu: See this is a challenge where we wish we had Tamahome.

Jenrya: If somebody else wants to take this challenge off, I’m okay with it.

Takeshi: Okay… so either Kitsune or Washu.

Tenchi: Who’s done better in the physical challenges?

Jenrya/Takeshi: Neither of them.

Sasami: Well, who actually wants to take a break?

Mitsune: I do. I wouldn’t mind sitting this out.

Takeshi: Yeah. I say Kitsune sits out.

Jenrya: I’m cool with that. Washu?

Washu: Sure. I’ll miss out on a lovely afternoon with Tenchi, but I guess I can do without.

Takeshi: All right then. Kitsune it is.

Barb: Okay Mitsune, you’ll be spending the day with Naru and Seta. We’ll be leaving in a couple hours. We have to wait for Mike to get back. Until then, you may continue to talk freely.

(The group does so, continuing the conversation as normal. Focus on Naru.)
Barb: (VO) Since Mitsune was the one that gets the challenge off, it will actually be her friend Naru Narusegawa that will help us out for a challenge.

(Later, Barb is alone with Naru in Naru’s room. Barb hands Naru a cell phone.)

Barb: Congratulations Naru, you’ll be helping out with a challenge.

Naru: (taking the phone) Oh. Goody.

Barb: While the others are with Mike doing their thing, I will be relaying instructions to you on what to do for Mitsune’s free day. Mitsune is to be under the impression that it is just a day off her. In reality, an upcoming challenge will be centered around Mitsune’s actions in a number of different situations. Your job is to make sure that Mitsune comes across these situations. These are seemingly normal situations, you just have to make sure she’s in the right place at the right time. Okay?

Naru: I guess so. So this game does get more complicated than jumping out of a plane.

Barb: Oh yes it does. Oh, and take care of that phone.

Naru: No problem. I’m not going to do anything to your phone.

Barb: That’s just it… it’s not mine. I stole it from Mike when he wasn’t looking. We’ve had some problems with him lending them out.

Challenge Twenty-Five
(A very tall dam on a river. There is a road over the top of it. At various spots on the dam face, there are flags fixed to it. Two vans arrive and everybody spills out except Barb, Mitsune, Naru, and Seta. They stay in one van, which drives off.)

Mike: Okay, it’s Mole with an entourage. As Barb said, this one does get a bit physical. It involves rappelling down the face of this dam in order to pick up flags fixed at various distances. Each of you will get one shot at pursuing a flag. You will have five minutes to go down and get it. Depending on which flag you get, money will be added to the pot. Take a look down there.

(The group does so. A few are amazed at the sight.)

Mike: (OS) Thirty feet away is a green flag, which is worth 4,000 yen. Sixty feet away is the yellow flag, worth 8,000. Ninety feet down is the orange flag for 12,000. And if you have the guts, the red flag 120 feet away will net 15,000 yen. Each player will make their decision, and head down to get it. To offer some expert advise on how the hell to do this, we have, fresh from Battle Athletes- Jessie Gurtland!

(The blond, muscular, New Yorker Jessie Gurtland comes out.)

Jessie: Rappelling isn’t as hard as it looks. At least it isn’t if you follow directions. You’ll be perfectly safe, and once you do get your flag, we’ll pull you back up right away.

Washu: (looking over the railing) What happens if somebody chickens out?

Jessie: Then they’re losers. Any more questions?

(silence)

Jessie: Good. Who’s first?

Washu: I am. I don’t want trust anything I didn’t invent.

(Washu walks up to Jessie, but turns towards Jenrya and Takeshi.)

Washu: Is it okay if I just grab the first one and leave it at that?

Takeshi: Sure. We can get the hard ones. Right?

Jenrya: You bet.

Mike: Okay, first up will be Washu attempting the green flag for 4,000 yen.

(Jessie gets Washu strapped into the proper gear, and gets her on the side of the dam, over the green flag.)

Tenchi: Go for it Washu!

Sasami: Good luck Washu!

Mike: Again, you have five minutes. If you’re ready… go!

(To the cheers of everybody watching, Washu cautiously walks down the side. She uses up most of her time, but she does manage to get the green flag. The crowd cheers as Jessie pulls her back up. Caption: "Win ¥4,000")

Satoshi: Money in the bank!

Jenrya: Takeshi, want me to go next?

Takeshi: Fine by me.

Janyuu: Well, son, what do you think you’re going to go for?

Jenrya: Hmm…

(Jenrya looks down the side and sees how far down the remaining three flags are.)

Shiuchon: Looks like a tough call!

(Meanwhile, in town, Barb drops off Mitsune, Naru, and Seta.)

Barb: I’ll pick you up right here in a few hours. Shouldn’t take that long for those guys to finish.

Mitsune: What are they doing anyway?

Barb: Jumping off a dam.

Mitsune: (dry) Ooh. Fun.

Barb: I know.

Mitsune: So why is it only those three? Can’t you do a challenge for all four of us?

Seta: Or at least wait until somebody else leaves, then do the dam one?

Barb: You know, you only have so much time. I’d get going if I were you.

Seta: Do you want to come with?

(Barb is surprised)

Barb: Excuse me?

Mitsune: Sure! Why not?

Barb: Sorry. I have things to do. Besides, why would you want me tagging along?

Mitsune: Hey, we could always use a Haruka for the group!

Barb: Haruka? Now I’m definitely not going with you guys.

Naru: Well, see ya!

Barb: Yeah…

(The three head down the street. Barb remains behind.)

Mitsune: I don’t know what the heck this is about, but if they’re telling me to enjoy myself, I might as well, right? I’m sure this is some sort of wild setup for something, but I’m just going to go wild. This is all about having fun, so I’m going to have fun. Simple enough?

(Jessie is preparing Jenrya for his descent. Janyuu is trying to encourage him.)

Janyuu: Remember, don’t look down!

Jenrya: (nervous) Then how do I know where I’m going?

Janyuu: Oh yeah. Good point.

Satoshi: Go for it Jen…Jenr… how do you say his name?

(Janyuu sweatdrops. Washu leans in.)

Washu: Jenny. It’s easier.

Satoshi: Go Jenny!

Washu: Mr. Lee, do you think Jenny’s capable of 90 feet?

Janyuu: I’m not sure. He’s always surprising me, so I can’t say.

Tenchi: C’mon Jenrya!

Mike: You have five minutes to reach the orange flag.

Jessie: Okay, whenever you’re ready?

Jenrya: Okay.

Mike: Go.

(Again, with a lot of encouragement, Jenrya starts down. He is moving at a steady rate, a little faster than Washu.)

Sasami: Hurry up!

(Jenrya is pretty nervous, and holds steady.)

Tenchi: (quietly) He’s not going to make it at this rate.

(He’s halfway there.)

Mike: Two minutes left!

(Jenrya is still going at the same rate, and passes the sixty foot mark.)

Mike: One minute…

Washu: Hustle!

Takeshi: I don’t think he’s going to make it…

(Jenrya is unable to go any faster, and is unable to get to the flag in time.)

Mike: That’s time! Jessie, hoist him up.

(Jenrya is obviously disappointed as Jessie starts to hoist him up.)

Takeshi: I guess it was just too much for him.

Washu: He should’ve gone for the second one instead.

(Takeshi claps politely.)

Takeshi: (very polite) Good effort.

(Takeshi and Washu sigh.)

Washu: So what are you going for?

Takeshi: I think I’m going to try the same one. Maybe I’ll have better luck.

Washu: Let’s hope so.

(At a restaurant, the Hina trio is waiting for lunch.)

Seta: So why did you want out of that challenge anyway?

Mitsune: Huh? Oh, no reason. You just need a break every once in awhile.

Naru: That makes sense. I suppose after a few weeks it does start to wear on.

Seta: That’s what we’re here for, right?

Mitsune: Exactly. Shouldn’t be too much longer anyway.

Naru: So who do you think is the…

(Naru’s cell phone rings.)

Naru: Hold on…

(Naru answers it.)

Naru: Hello? Okay…

Mitsune: Who the heck is that anyway…

Naru: Yeah, no problem. Gotcha. Bye.

(Naru hangs up.)

Mitsune: Seriously, who keeps calling you?

Naru: Hm? Just a… just a friend of mine.

(Mitsune nods, then stops.)

Mitsune: Wait a second, you don’t have any friends besides me!

Naru: Uh… er…

Seta: Is it Keitaro?

Naru: (offended) Why would that pervert call me?!

Seta: Just a thought…

Mitsune: Yare yare…

(Jessie is getting Takeshi strapped in. Takeshi is in love-love mode.)

Jessie: I don’t know what you’re thinking, so please don’t tell me.

Takeshi: I think I’m falling for you…

Jessie: In a second, you’re going to be falling period.

Mike: Ready? As with Jenrya, you have five minutes to reach the orange flag.

Takeshi: Ready…

Mike: Go!

(Again, lots of encouragement.)

Satoshi: Go for it Takeshi!

Munou: What else is he going to do?

Satoshi: Hmm… good point.

Washu: Come on… huh?

(Washu looks over. Jenrya isn’t watching. He’s turned around, visibly angry.)

Washu: Hey, Jenny… what’s up?

Jenrya: I couldn’t do it.

Washu: No kidding. Why’d you go for such a hard one anyway?

Jenrya: I thought I could do it. I guess I was wrong.

Washu: Well… well… um… now you know better.

(Jenrya walks away towards his dad and sister.)

Shiuchon: You okay?

Janyuu: You did fine. It’s not the end of the world.

(Washu continues to observe.)
Washu: (VO) What am I supposed to say? I’m not exactly Miss Consolation. I just don’t see why he didn’t go for an easier target, like I did. Jenny’s been really trying lately. I’m really starting to get suspicious. I just can’t tell whether or not I’m supposed to, or if I’m just being paranoid.

(Takeshi is continuing to pursue the orange flag.)
Mike: (OS) Two minutes.

Munou: Pick up the pace!

(Takeshi does a quick gauge of where he is, and proceeds to move faster.)

Satoshi: Come on…

(With seconds left, Takeshi reaches the flag, to cheers from above. Jessie starts to hoist him up. Caption: "Win ¥12,000")
Mike: (VO) Takeshi does what Jenrya can’t and gets the orange flag. Combined with Washu’s green flag, this nets the group 16,000 yen.

(The entire group is back up top, as Mike addresses them. Caption: "Challenge Completed")
Mike: Congratulations on earning 16,000 yen. But we’re not done with you yet. We have yet another challenge in store for this group. As you know, Mitsune spent the day with her friends in town. A few particular things happened to Mitsune during the trip. We have 20,000 yen riding on whether or not you can predict what she does or does not do in response. Come with me.

(The group gets into two different vans as Mike and Jessie drive them to where Barb was stationed. In Jessie’s van, Jenrya still looks down.)

Takeshi: What’s wrong?

Jenrya: Once again, you make me look bad.

Takeshi: What do you mean?

Jenrya: I can’t get the flag, so you go and get it instead.

Takeshi: Well, I’m out to earn the group money, so I’m obviously going to…

Jenrya: It’s fine that you got the money, but it just makes me look bad when I can’t do something and you can.

Takeshi: Jenrya, I am a little older, so…

Jenrya: I know. I guess… I guess… I don’t know.

Takeshi: Okay then.

Jenrya: It does bother me a little bit. I try to do something and fail, and then the person who I suspect as the Mole comes in and does it instead. It’s frustrating. There was 12,000 yen riding on it, my family was watching, and I couldn’t do it. I just feel terrible.

Challenge Twenty-Six
(A small conference room. Barb is preparing a VCR as Jenrya, Takeshi, and Washu enter.

Barb: Has Mike given you the basics on this challenge?

(The players nod.)

Barb: Excellent. Mitsune has spent the day believing it was just an innocent romp with a few friends. However, her actions today are a test for you. I’m going to present you with five situations. Your job is to decide whether Mitsune will or will not do something. After you make your guess, we’ll check the tape to see whether or not you are correct. If you can correctly predict Mitsune’s behavior in three of the five situations, we will add 20,000 yen to the pot. Ready?

Takeshi: Yeah.

Barb: Excellent.

(Barb turns on a television, which shows a freeze frame of Mitsune walking down a street, with Naru and Seta right behind. There is a ladder ahead of them.)

Barb: As you all know, walking under a ladder supposedly gives you seven years bad luck. Does Mitsune care? The first question- "Will Mitsune walk under the ladder or avoid it?"

(The three collaborate.)

Takeshi: I don’t know. Is Kitsune superstitious?

Jenrya: I wouldn’t think so, but I can’t be sure.

Washu: It’s all a bunch of nonsense. Walking under a ladder can’t give you bad luck. I think she knows that.

Jenrya: So you think she’d walk under it?

Washu: Definitely.

Takeshi: Okay…

(Takeshi turns to Barb.)

Takeshi: We’ll say she walks under it.

Barb: Okay, let’s see what happens.

(Mitsune does indeed walk under it. Naru, however, avoids it.)

Mitsune: Wait… you aren’t superstitious are ya?

Naru: Um… never know.

(Seta walks under the ladder.)

Seta: See Naru, nothing to worry about…

(From out of nowhere, a flower pot crashes on Seta’s head.)

Naru: Are you okay?!

(Seta’s forehead is bleeding.)

Seta: Yeah, I’m fine!

(They walk away. Barb stops the tape.)

Barb: That is a correct guess. Situation two…

(Barb fast forwards for a second, until it shows the three entering the restaurant.)

Barb: At the bar, will Mitsune order something alcoholic?

(Jenrya, Takeshi, and Washu just stare at each other. They smile.)

Washu: Do we really need to discuss that one?

Takeshi: I’m pretty sure she will.

Barb: Let’s see what happens.

(The tape starts and a bartender asks Mitsune what she wants.)

Mitsune: Sake!!

Bartender: Um… sorry we don’t serve sake here.

Mitsune: No sake? What kinda place is this Naru?

Naru: Heh… just get something to drink.

Bartender: We have plenty of alcoholic…

Mitsune: Yeah, but I’d be willing to bet none of what you got packs as much punch. Getting drunk isn’t fun if it takes awhile. I’ll just have a soda.

Seta: (still bleeding) I’ll take a beer!

(Barb stops the tape.)

Barb: Technically, since Mitsune didn’t actually get anything alcoholic in the end, we can’t give it to you. Hopefully it won’t matter. If it does, we’ll argue over it later. Next question…

(The three are sitting down and preparing to eat.)

Barb: Mitsune’s meal is going to be served to her cold. Will she or won’t she complain to a waiter about it?

(Collaboration amongst the group…)

Takeshi: I don’t know about this one.

Jenrya: On the one hand, she’s lazy as hell…

Washu: On the other hand, she’s always willing to try to make a quick buck.

Takeshi: Decisions decisions… I honestly have no idea.

Jenrya: Neither do I. Washu, it’s your call.

Washu: Well I think she would. I mean, if the food is cold, she’s going to make a fuss.

Takeshi: So you think she would… I guess I’m okay with that. Jenrya?

Jenrya: Why not? Let’s pull the trigger.

Barb: So you’re saying she will complain?

Washu: Yep.

Barb: Let us see…

(The waiter delivers the food. Mitsune takes a bite of it.)

Mitsune: Hey… this is cold.

Seta: It is?

Mitsune: Yeah. Very cold.

Seta: Maybe it’s meant to be served like that.

Mitsune: I don’t think so…

Naru: What are you going to do…

Mitsune: Hold on… waiter!

(A waiter sighs and walks up.)

Waiter: Yes?

Mitsune: This is cold. Really cold.

Waiter: Um… I see that.

Mitsune: So uh… how about we don’t have to worry about that check?

Waiter: Well, obviously we can cook it a little longer…

Mitsune: (leading him on) And…

Waiter: And perhaps we can negotiate a discount.

Mitsune: How much of a discount…

(the waiter sighs)

Waiter: 100% alright with you?

Mitsune: Hmm… I suppose I can live with that.

(The waiter walks away. Mitsune smiles at Naru.)

Mitsune: I still got it.

(Barb stops the tape.)

Barb: That is two correct. One more and the money is won.

(Mitsune, Naru, and Seta are walking down the street. Somebody drives by in a car and throws a beer can near their feet.)

Barb: Question Four- Will Mitsune pick up the can that was just thrown at them?

Jenrya: Does she care?

Takeshi: Did she notice?

Washu: I have no idea.

Takeshi: I say no.

Jenrya: That would be my guess.

Takeshi: We’ll say no.

Barb: Okeydoke.

(Barb hits play.)

Mitsune: Hey what the…

(Mitsune picks up the can… and hurls it back at the car. Barb stops the tape. Jenrya, Takeshi, and Washu are all wearing sweatdrops.)

Barb: Okay, so you’re going for drama. Before going into question five, I have to tell you how all of this was done. I gave Naru Mike’s cell phone and called her with instructions on how to put Mitsune into these situations. I called her about four or five times. Now… onto question five…

(In front of a bathroom, Naru hands Mitsune her purse.)

Naru: Could you hold that while I run to the bathroom?

(Naru enters the bathroom. Some time after she enters, the cell phone rings.)

Barb: Question five. Will Mitsune answer her friend’s cell phone?

(The three playing the game stare at each other, then stare at Barb.)

Jenrya/Takeshi/Washu: Yes.

Barb: Let’s find out.

(Sure enough, Mitsune answers the phone.)

Mitsune: Hello, Naru speaking! What do you mean I don’t sound like Naru? Hey… Barb?

(Barb stops the tape. The three players are proud of themselves. Caption: "Challenge Completed")

Barb: Congrats- 20,000 yen will be added to the pot.

Jenrya: See why couldn’t my dad watch this one?

Takeshi: That was a nice way to get back into the swing of things. In the rappelling game, we didn’t get nearly as much money as we could have, and I’m sure Jenrya feels a little bit better after a good win.

(Back at the hotel, everybody is regrouped. Naru and Mitsune hug.)
Barb: (VO) With the day at an end, it’s time for the visitors to say their farewells, so that the four remaining contestants can continue the game without distraction.

Naru: Good luck, Kitsune.

Mitsune: Thanks. Thanks for helping out with that challenge.

Naru: Any time!

(Seta approaches.)

Seta: Well, it was a blast. I hope you find a restaurant in the area that serves sake.

Mitsune: Me too. I’m going through a bit of withdrawal right now.

Naru: See you at the finish line.

Mitsune: Yep!

(Satoshi and Munou are parting with Takeshi.)

Satoshi: Well, good luck. Nothing’s standing in your way…

Munou: …Except for the smartest person in the universe.

Takeshi: Hey, don’t worry. If Satoshi has taught me nothing else, it’s that intelligence is overrated.

(Munou nods. Satoshi does too, then realizes what was implied.)

Satoshi: Hey… Takeshi!

Takeshi: Just kidding Satoshi. Anyway… only a few more days.

Satoshi: I can’t believe that you actually got this far. I’m really proud of you.

Takeshi: Thanks.

(Tenchi and Sasami are doing the same.)

Tenchi: Really Washu, don’t you think it’s a little bit hard to win?

Washu: No. I think I’m doing fine.

Sasami: Well, it’ll be really wonderful to have two Mole champions under the same house. It makes me want to try to win one of these. But I wouldn’t be too good…

Tenchi: Oh, I’m sure you’d be fine Sasami.

Washu: She’d make a good Mole, that’s for sure! Nobody would suspect her!

Sasami: Oh stop… you’re embarrassing me.

Tenchi: Well, goodbye Washu. Don’t win more than me, okay?

Washu: Given this group, I don’t think that’s a problem.

(Jenrya is hugging Shiuchon.)

Janyuu: Just remember not to let the game get you down. Keep fighting hard and I’m sure you’ll do well.

Jenrya: Thanks.

Shiuchon: And don’t worry! I’ll still be taking good care of Terriermon!

(Jenrya sweatdrops.)

Jenrya: Oh. Thank you. I’m sure he’s very happy.

Janyuu: We’d best be heading off. Don’t worry about how you do in the challenges. It’s all in how you play the game.

Jenrya: Okay. I still think I can do well.

Janyuu: Sometimes that’s all you need.

Jenrya: See you.

(Shot of the eight guests walking out of the hotel and boarding a van. The four players stay at the door and wave them goodbye. After the van is gone, the four quietly walk back into the hotel and sit down on recliners in the lounge. They all simultaneously pull their seats back.)

Jenrya: I don’t know about you, but I miss them already.

(Mitsune nods.)

Takeshi: Yeah. Not just Satoshi and Dad, but the whole group was pretty fun. You have a cute sister there Jenrya.

Jenrya: You don’t mean that in a…

Takeshi: No, no, just a cute sister. Like Yuiren. Too bad my sisters couldn’t come by. Sasami was the same way. Now Naru… she was cute in the hottie sort of way.

Mitsune: Great. But you’re right. I do miss them already.

Jenrya: Well, at least you got to spend the day with them Mitsune.

Mitsune: (a bit annoyed) Okay, Jenny, this has been bugging me for awhile, and I think I have to put a stop to it now.

Jenrya: (confused) W… what are you talking about?

Mitsune: We’ve been here for three and a half weeks, and you and Washu are still calling me Mitsune.

Washu: That’s your name, isn’t it?

Mitsune: Yeah, but my friends call me Kitsune. I think you qualify as friends now.

Washu: Call a fox by its name. Will do Kitsune.

Jenrya: Call a fox by its name? Maybe I’ll start calling you Renamon. But anyway, at least you did get to spend a day with your friends.

Mitsune: Yeah, that’s true. So what did you do while I was away? How was your dam thing?

Takeshi: Not too bad.

Jenrya: Speak for yourself. Damn dam.

Washu: Still, we made some pretty good scratch this time. What was it, thirty-six grand?

Mitsune: And hopefully we can do it again tomorrow.

Jenrya: You know, it does feel good to be in the final four.

Takeshi: Yeah. I know the final three is what they really hype in this game, but we actually get to bond now. Remember when we had fourteen people? That was nuts.

Washu: No kidding. I can’t even remember some of the people that started out.

Mitsune: I know. I honestly don’t remember what Takato looked like.

Takeshi: That’s pretty bad.

Jenrya: (smile) You know what’s even worse… it’s getting to the point where I don’t even remember what Takato looks like.

(Laughter)

Mitsune: Of course you know- technically this is the final three. One of is a Mole.

Washu: Oh yeah.

Takeshi: In moments like this that’s hard to remember.

Jenrya: Who cares? Whatever’s going on right now, the Mole can’t sabotage it.

(Mitsune and Takeshi smile and nod.)

Mitsune: It’s interesting the way we’re bonding. We are all totally different people. We’re not even close to the same age group. Jenrya’s a few years younger than Takeshi. Takeshi’s a few years younger than me. I’m a few hundred years younger than Washu. But yet, we’re all working together about as well as we can under this situation.

Jenrya: We are getting closer to each other. But I think what Mit… er Kitsune said with her name really tells us something. Although we are fairly close, it is still two groups. Washu and I associate heavily with each other, and we work together in a coalition. Then there’s Kitsune and Takeshi who also associate with each other more than us. I think that is a rift, but I also think that Kitsune is trying to reach across that rift.

Day Twenty-Five
(Once again, the group is on the road, driving down Italy’s West Coast.)
Barb: (VO) With the guests gone, there’s nothing left to do but finish the game. The four remaining players near their final destination. They head to Grosseto where the players will find themselves in a potentially explosive situation.

(An army encampment. Barb and Mike walk through with Jenrya, Mitsune, Takeshi, and Washu. Barb stops and turns towards the group.)

Barb: Mitsune, you got the last challenge off, so you’ll play a big part of this game. I need you to select one person to work with as a partner.

Mitsune: (after a second) Takeshi.

Barb: Very well. Mitsune and Takeshi come with me. Jenrya and Washu go with Mike.

(They do so. Follow Jenrya and Washu as they inside a dark cell. They are greeted by a blonde girl who leads them into the cell.)

Mike: To you, this game is probably the most simple one we’ve had so far. We’re locking you into this cell with a bomb, and you have to diffuse it before it goes off. If you do so, 30,000 yen will be added to the pot. If you don’t- kaboom.

(Jenrya gulps.)

Mike: Now, we had Jessie Gurtland here yesterday. She’s from New York. Now, we were thinking that we want to keep things fair, so we’re bringing in a cameo from another swinging city to show you how the bomb works. From Chicago, Illinois, here is Minnie May Hopkins.

(The blond bomb specialist from Gunsmith Cats pulls a time-bomb from out of nowhere and smiles.)

Minnie May: Thanks Mike. This is one of my favorite bombs, since it’s a very elegant design, yet is very hard to diffuse. Made by PYRO Weaponry of Seattle, Washington, this guy has a nice digital interface, with no-nonsense digital letters highlighting exactly how long it will be before you die. The disarmament is also extremely tricky. There are twelve colorful wires inside- Blue, Green, Lavender, Magenta, Pink, Orange, Red, Silver, Tan, Violet, White, and Yellow. To disarm the bomb, four of the twelve wires have to be cut in precise order. But I’m not telling you which ones!

Mike: Thanks Minnie. It will be up to Mitsune and Takeshi to help you determine which colored wires to cut in which order. As soon as I get the call from Barb, the bomb will be set for thirty minutes. Again, if you can disarm it in that time 30,000 yen is added to the pot.

Challenge Twenty-Seven
(Another room at the camp. Barb walks in with Mitsune and Takeshi. There are various cards on easels in the room. One of the easels has a list of the same colors Minnie May mentioned, with the first letter of each color highlighted.)

Barb: Takeshi, you are very lucky that Mitsune selected you for this challenge, since Jenrya and Washu are being locked into a cell, along with a time-bomb. When we start the clock, they will have thirty minutes to diffuse the bomb, or things will get very, very messy. In order to diffuse the bomb, they have to cut four colored wires in consecutive order. Your job will be to assist them in deciding which wires to cut.

(Barb approaches the list of colors)

Barb: This chart shows the twelve colors on the bomb. In order to find out the colors, you two will be solving a series of four different puzzles. Upon solving the puzzle, you will receive a letter- the first letter of the name of the color. For example, if the puzzle’s answer is B, you will know to cut the Blue wire. The puzzles are in order of cutting. The first puzzle’s answer is the first wire to cut. So far, so good?

(Mitsune and Takeshi nod.)

Barb: Excellent. Once you have the puzzles solved, you will run to the cell- Mike will be waiting outside for you. From there, you’ll give them the wires to cut. If they do, 30,000 yen will be added to the pot. Now there is one more thing- in case you get hung up on a puzzle, you can ask me for the solution, but only after you’ve worked on the puzzle for ten minutes. Asking me for the answer will take 10,000 out of the 30,000 up for grabs. Since you only have thirty minutes, you can only do this twice. Are you two ready?

(Mitsune and Takeshi quietly nod. Both are pretty nervous.)

Barb: Okay then…

(Barb holds up her phone.)

Barb: Mike, set the bomb.

(In the cell, Minnie May sets the bomb for thirty minutes. She stands up. The camera focuses on the "PYRO" logo on the side of the bomb.)

Mike: Your thirty minutes begin now.

(Mike starts to walk away, then stops.)

Mike: Wait a minute, I forgot the most important, crucial element that makes your purpose necessary in this challenge.

Washu: I was going to say, I didn’t think we were just supposed to sit here and…

Mike: Wire cutters!

(Washu face faults as Mike hands a pair of wire cutters to Jenrya.)

Mike: Now… I’m going to get as far away from that thing as possible!

(Mike rushes out, leaving Minnie May to stand outside the cell.)

Washu: This is not what I want to be doing during a major challenge. I’m waiting for those two to do whatever it is they’re doing. And if they don’t do it, we’re the ones who get blown up. It’s not a good place to be.

(Focus on one of the easels, which shows puzzle number one, which is as follows)

Which of the letters is in the wrong row?
AEFHIKLMNPTVWXYZ
BCDGJOQRSU

(Mitsune and Takeshi puzzle over it.)

Takeshi: What do you think?

Mitsune: I think I should’ve picked Washu.

Takeshi: Oh, come on. I think we can figure this out.

Mitsune: Okay… let’s see here. Where are the vowels?

Takeshi: Hmm… three on top, two on bottom.

Mitsune: And we’re looking for one that’s out of place.

Takeshi: Are they all in alphabetical order?

(Mitsune looks closer.)

Mitsune: Yeah.

Takeshi: Okay… what else…

Mitsune: Hey, get a pen.

(Takeshi does so.)

Mitsune: Well it has to be something that’s on the color list, so circle those twelve letters.

(Takeshi circles the twelve letters on the chart. Mitsune stares at it.)

Mitsune: That doesn’t help.

Takeshi: Well, we’re down to twelve.

(Mitsune and Takeshi continuing looking at the puzzle.)
Takeshi: (VO) We were in no frame of mind to do a bunch of puzzles. It was the last thing we were expecting from a challenge in an army encampment.

(Mitsune and Takeshi finally figure it out. The digital display from the bomb appears at the lower right of the screen and reads, "24:39")

Takeshi: So the top ones are all straight lines…

Mitsune: And the bottom ones all have curves. And the one that’s out of place, is…

Mitsune/Takeshi: P!

Takeshi: Okay, that’s one out of the way. P… got it.

Mitsune: What’s next?

Barb: Listen carefully. I’ll repeat this whenever you want me to, but you may want to take notes.

(Mitsune and Takeshi both grab a sheet of paper and a pen.)

Barb: (carefully) Four local teams stage a round robin soccer tournament. They have Blue, Green, Yellow, and Violet as their colors. The fourth place team was from Tripham and had 3 players injured in the tournament, 1 fewer than the Yellow team, but the team from Foulmare had the most injured. The Violet team's home field was Dawson Field. Their leading scorer was Fred Hacker who also was one of their 2 injuries. Teams from Foulmere and Bootingly came second and third respectively. Joe Kilmore, leading scorer on the Blue team did not like playing on Quartz Field or Hardacre Park, where he had away games. However, Sid Spoiler, Tripham's leading scorer, did enjoy playing on his home ground of Hardacre Park. The Violet team won. The question is, for which color team was Bill Death the leading scorer?

(Mitsune and Takeshi are standing there with sweatdrops.)

Barb: I’ll say that again…

(In the cell, Washu is investigating the bomb. Jenrya is trying to stay as far away from it as possible.)

Jenrya: Um… Washu? Could you please not fiddle with that thing?

Washu: Why not? Maybe I can disarm it before the other two even get here.

(Washu starts picking around at the device.)

Jenrya: Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

Washu: Not a clue! I’m hoping that maybe I can figure out what I’m doing… then maybe I can figure out a way to disarm it.

(Washu stares at all the wires.)

Washu: You can do the cutting.

Jenrya: (dry) Thanks.

(Washu picks up the bomb and looks under it, around it, and throws it around to test its weight. Jenrya’s just about going nuts.)

Jenrya: Washu?! That’s a bomb, you know!

Washu: Yeah, I already figured that much out. There has to be something that can help us disarm it. I mean, are we just supposed to wait here?

Jenrya: I don’t know. I just hope they get here soon.

Washu: Well if you’re not going to help, I’ll just have to do this myself.

Jenrya: What if you set it off?

Washu: What? You’ve never been blown up before? I’m used to it!

(Washu continues to fiddle with the bomb. Jenrya goes up to Minnie May.)

Jenrya: They, uh, aren’t really going to blow us up, are they?

Minnie May: Sure! Why not?

Jenrya: Aren’t bombs dangerous?

Minnie May: Sure they are! But the folks at PYRO are very careful in making sure that their bombs only go off when the time runs out or somebody cuts the wrong wire. Aren’t they great?

(Jenrya shakes his head.)

Washu: Hey, you don’t think that PYRO thing is a clue, do you?

Jenrya: I don’t know. I say just don’t fiddle with it until Kitsune and Takeshi get here.

Washu: How do we know they’ll even get here? One of them’s the Mole… right?

(Jenrya stares at Washu.)

Jenrya: One of them’s not the Mole… right?

Washu: I don’t want to just wait here.

Jenrya: I don’t think we have a choice. That’s just how it works.

(Washu sits down in the corner.)

Washu: The fun never stops.

Jenrya: I’m definitely scared. I mean they lock us in a room with a bomb. How are you supposed to react? I’m trying to stay calm and think straight, but it’s extremely difficult. I think the best move would just be sit down and wait it out. It’s out of our control.

(Mitsune and Takeshi are working the second puzzle. The timer reads "16:10")

Mitsune: So Sid Spoiler’s on green…

Takeshi: So by process of elimination, Bill Death is on the yellow team!

Mitsune: All right! That’s two!

Takeshi: Bring on the next one.

Barb: You may not want to. Unless you remember your algebra…

(Barb shows a panel, with an algebraic proof.)

Barb: The following demonstrates how two equals one. Your job is to determine which step is the flaw in the proof-

G- Start with X=Y, then multiply both sides by X. Result- X²=X*Y
L- Subtract Y² from both sides. Result- X²-Y²=XY-Y²
M- Factor both sides. Result- (X+Y)(X-Y)=Y(X-Y)
R- Divide by common factors. Result- (X+Y)=Y
S- Substitute in from line G. Result- Y+Y=Y
T- Collect the Y’s. Result- 2Y=Y
V- Divide both sides by Y. Result- 2=1

(Mitsune and Takeshi are obviously overwhelmed.)

Takeshi: Okay… let’s look for any kind of math errors…

Mitsune: Man… where do you start?

(Jenrya and Washu are seated, watching the timer tick away.)

Washu: Jenrya…

Jenrya: Yeah?

Washu: I’m trusting you.

Jenrya: Hm? Well I trust you too.

Washu: (slightly paranoid) No. I’m serious. I am trusting you. You wouldn’t be trying to fool me, would you?

Jenrya: What do you mean?

Washu: Jenny, if you’re trying to get me executed, it’s not going to work, okay?

Jenrya: I… have no idea what you’re talking about.

Washu: Good. It’s you and me in the finals, and whichever one of them isn’t the Mole is getting executed tonight, right?

Jenrya: Uh… yeah.

Washu: (not fully believing it) Excellent.

(After going through for the ten minutes, Mitsune and Takeshi can’t settle on an answer.)
Barb: (VO) Apparently Mitsune and Takeshi have forgotten their algebra, and after ten minutes, ask for the answer.

(Barb explains. The timer now reads "5:57")

Barb: As you can see at the beginning, X and Y are the same. Therefore X minus Y is zero. So anything divided by zero is undefined, which messes up everything. Therefore line R is the flaw.

Mitsune: Hip hip hooray, where’s hassle number four?

Barb: This equation should prove to be a bit easier…

(Another card. This one reads-
TWO
+TWO
FOUR

(Barb reads off her own card.)
Barb: Assuming that every letter represents a different number from zero through nine, and letter "U" is the number six… which letter equals four?

(Mitsune and Takeshi look over the puzzle.)

Takeshi: How much time to we have left?

Barb: Less than six minutes. And that includes running over and cutting the wires.

Mitsune: Okay… let’s see here… if both W’s have to be the same digit, and they equal six, then that must make the W’s three.

Takeshi: Or they could be eight. Eight and eight are sixteen.

Mitsune: Oh yeah…

Takeshi: Let’s see…

(After working the puzzle for awhile. They finally think they’ve come up with an answer. Timer- "1:44")

Mitsune: Okay, so 581 and 581 are 1162.

Takeshi: Excellent!

(They stare at it for a couple seconds.)

Barb: So uh… which letter's four?

(They face fault.)

Mitsune: Oh I see… both F and O are ones.

Takeshi: We’re running out of time, we’re going to have to step on it. Hmm… how about this…

(Takeshi starts to work the problem.)

Mitsune: Hurry up…

Takeshi: Let’s see… since there can’t be a one carried over, O has to be something under five…

Mitsune: And the T’s do have to be over five since they do have a one carried over.

Takeshi: F is definitely one… and if W was three, then O has to be even.

Mitsune: That leaves two and four.

Takeshi: Yeah… if it was…

Mitsune: Two and two are four!

Takeshi: That’s where we started.

Mitsune: If O was two, then R would be four…

Mitsune/Takeshi: But R was the answer to the last puzzle!

Takeshi: It has to be O, there’s no colors left!

Mitsune: Yeah. W has to be either three or eight- we’ve got it!

(Mitsune and Takeshi high-five.)

Barb: One minute left.

Mitsune: Oh crap…

(Mitsune and Takeshi scramble out the door.)

(They are running furiously towards Mike. Timer- "0:45 Remaining")

Takeshi: So what were the colors?

Mitsune: Purple, Yellow, Red, Orange… right?

Takeshi: Yeah, I think so.

Mitsune: Or was it Pink, Yellow, Red, Orange?

Takeshi: Uh… uh… uh oh.

(They continue to rush to the cell. They reach the cell, where Minnie May is standing outside. Jenrya and Washu immediately rush up to them.)

Mitsune: We got it- the first one’s purple!

(Jenrya heads to the bomb to try to find the purple wire.)

Jenrya: Let’s see… let’s see… got it!

Takeshi: Wait! It was Pink!

Mitsune: You sure?

Takeshi: Yeah. Because if violet was one of the answers for a different puzzle, they wouldn’t have purple and violet. It has to be pink.

Mitsune: That’s right. Pink!

Jenrya: Pink… okay…

(Jenrya looks for the pink wire. He finds it and cuts it. As soon as he does, the time expires.)

Washu: Uh oh…

(The bomb gives off a huge explosion, and everybody winds up covered in soot. Jenrya gets the bulk of it. Caption: "Challenge Failed.")

Minnie May: (cheery) The soot bomb! Another fine product of PYRO.

Mitsune: Thanks for sharing…

(Everybody coughs simultaneously. Barb and Mike enter the room.)

Mike: Well… you blew it.

Washu: That’s for sure.

Barb: Jenrya, Washu, just to fill you in, Mitsune and Takeshi had to solve four puzzles in this time, each of which yielded a color.

Mike: But of course, you weren’t completely helpless. If you paid attention to Minnie May or noticed the side of the bomb itself, the manufacturer name was PYRO- which are the wires to cut- Pink, Yellow, Red, and Orange.

Washu: I knew it! I knew that had something to do with it. I just didn’t put two and two together.

Mitsune/Takeshi: Putting two and two together isn’t as easy as it looks.

Barb: Either way, the game is over, and no money is added to the pot. Regardless, the pot still stands at 438,000 yen. We’re going to spend the night here, and we’ll get you cleaned up and eat dinner. After that is the quiz, and the execution, where one of you four will leave the game.

(Jenrya, Mitsune, and Takeshi cough up some soot and walk away. Washu takes a good long look at Jenrya.)

(Shot of Takeshi taking the quiz. His question is "Where did the Mole's visitor finish in the first series?")
Takeshi: (VO) Mitsune could have very easily tried to sabotage the predictions game by simply acting in ways we wouldn’t expect. I bet that’s the real reason why she didn’t order anything alcoholic. She also put herself in a position to choose who did the puzzles. Nothing against her or me, but we would have done a lot better if Washu was in there.

(Shot of Jenrya taking the quiz. His question is "Did the Mole get a flag in the Rappelling game?")
Jenrya: (VO) I really wish I could have seen Takeshi and Kitsune do those puzzles. It would be extremely easy to try to sabotage one of those without getting noticed. Even though he hasn’t been as active, I still think Takeshi could be the Mole, and I know that it’s either him or Kitsune.

(Shot of Mitsune taking the quiz. Her question is "Where was the Mole in the Bomb game?")
Mitsune: (VO) I can’t believe that Washu and Jenrya missed that PYRO clue. It was right in front of them. Hell, I saw that logo, and I only was in there for a few seconds.

(Shot of Washu taking the quiz. Her question is "Is the Mole's show on network television in the United States?")
Washu: (VO) When I asked him about the PYRO thing, he told me to just forget about it. He also missed a flag when rappelling. He’s driving me insane… but I still trust him. I look at him, and I still can not see a Mole behind those eyes. So I’m going to have to focus and continue voting the way I have. Because Jenrya is not the Mole.

(The cell has been cleaned up, and is now the site of the execution. Barb presides. All four players seem a bit unnerved. Barb smiles.)

Barb: (stern) Who does not hold the high card? Whose hand most certainly does not indicate a straight? Who is one pair short of a full house? It’s time to give somebody the royal flush.

(Barb sits down at the computer.)
Barb: Mitsune.

(Barb types "MITSUNE" into the computer. Mitsune is somewhat calm.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Washu.
(Barb types "WASHU" into the computer. Washu is more nervous than normal.)

(It flashes red.)

Takeshi: (quietly) Wow.

Washu: Damn.

(Washu stands up shakes her head, and gets her bag. She walks out with Barb.)
Washu: I just got beat. There’s no other way I can say it. I wasn’t going easy on anybody, I was taking the game seriously, and I still lost. I’m at a loss for words. My mistake was putting my faith in somebody, and I really should have known better. This is just… unbelievable.

(Among the final three, most of the three are in awe.)

Mitsune: I don’t think it’s about Washu losing. I don’t think anybody here considers Washu a loser in this game. It’s just the thought of getting past a big hurdle and reaching the final three.

Takeshi: Definitely. When I first got here, I looked at Washu and knew that she was a person to beat. And it is just an unbelievable feeling to have defeated her. And that is no sign of disrespect. She was a fantastic player, she was everything that I expected and more. It just makes being here in the finals all that more amazing.

(No response from Jenrya. He merely sighs in relief.)

(At the street, Washu gets into the van.)
Barb: Washu, you *are* the Mole’s eleventh victim… sayonara.

(The van drives off, ensuring that the Mole trophy will leave Okayama.)

End Episode Eleven

Author’s Notes
Okay. Now it’s interesting. The mind game continues, and another heavy favorite gets executed. Next episode wraps up the main part of the game, and hopefully I can offer up a huge finale.

Would somebody please e-mail me saying exactly what’s going on with Kenji??!! I’ll be very vexed if nobody figures it out. I’ve offered enough hints!

If anyone's curious, Jessie Gurtland really got noticed in previous AA series "Pokéball Run" for her rappelling abilities in one episode. That particular series doesn't enter into the canon of this series too much, but does serve to rationalize a few of the decisions made in the game, such as Ruki's decision to have Akane teach her how to drive the Off-Road vehicle in episode four.

The puzzles in the bomb game can be figured out on your own, and all were found online at various locations. The game itself was used in different Moles, but the version I based this on is from Australia. Again- I wouldn’t be surprised to find it in the US version later on. And yes- the bomb did go off in the Australia version. Don't ask how it worked there.

Next time- the last challenges and the final quiz. Compare notes with the final three as they head to their final destination of Rome. Once again, both the "Mole 2" and the "AE" aspects are explored, as one challenges involves initials familiar to any Mole fan- BCH, and another involves initials familiar to the anime nuts- DDR.