The Anime-zing Race
Episode Eleven
Author’s Notes
Somehow I got this done on time. So read. I need a drink after this sucker…
But incidentally- I know some people have been asking when I’m taking the race
to the digital world. That would be now… it’s just not the digital world you
were thinking of.
Recap
(Shot of Takato and Henry running to the Pit Stop in China.)
Lina: (VO) Takato and Henry. Two friends and Digimon Tamers from West Shinjuku.
(Shot of Takato taking out Koshi Rikdo.)
Lina: (VO) Takato is able to think on his feet, and is very adaptable to his surroundings.
(Shot of Henry piloting his Aestivalis.)
Lina: (VO) While Henry is level-headed and logical.
(Shot of the two standing in front of the boulder, waiting to be sliced by Motoko.)
Lina: (VO) The two form a potent combination, and have been in the lead pack for much of this race.
(Shot of Yukino and Arima looking through the microfilm.)
Miaka: (VO) Yukino and Arima. A dating couple from Kawasaki.
(Shot of Yukino translating the clue in Pais.)
Miaka: (VO) Yukino strives for the best, and tolerates no less from herself.
(Shot of Arima outrunning Meiling in the foot race.)
Miaka: (VO) And Arima is equally gifted, but doesn’t let his skill get the best of him.
(Shot of Yukino and Arima riding with Yukari-sensei.)
Miaka: (VO) The perfect pair has rarely been in significant trouble in the race.
(Shot of Syaoran and Meiling outrunning Spike and Jet in
the Hong Kong airport.)
Lina: (VO) Syaoran and Meiling. Betrothed cousins from Hong Kong.
(Shot of Syaoran evading Bill in the museum.)
Lina: (VO) Syaoran is athletic and focused.
(Shot of Meiling casting Flare Arrow.)
Lina: (VO) Meiling is fearless and willing to jump into anything.
(Shot of the two collectively taking out Tatewaki Kuno.)
Lina: (VO) The resiliency of the two is remarkable, and they’ve come back from the worst to become one of the best.
(Shot of the three riding their wagons to Saillune.)
Miaka: (VO) And the three best duke it out here. Tonight, we crown the winners
in a special two-hour edition of The Anime-zing Race!!
**** THE ANIME-ZING RACE
****
11 TEAMS OF 2:
SYAORAN & MEILING (The Cousins- Cardcaptor Sakura)
TAKATO & HENRY (The Tamers- Digimon)
YUKINO & ARIMA (The Dating Couple- Kare Kano)
ASH & BROCK (The Trainers- Pokémon) {ELIMINATED}
KIYONE & MIHOSHI (The Police Officers- Tenchi Muyo) {ELIMINATED}
SAKURA & TOMOYO (The Best Friends- Cardcaptor Sakura) {ELIMINATED}
MISATO & RITSUKO (“The NERV Girls”- Evangelion) {ELIMINATED}
SPIKE & JET (The Bounty Hunters- Cowboy Bebop) {ELIMINATED}
GARY & SAMUEL (The Grandson/Grandfather- Pokémon) {ELIMINATED}
TAKUYA & ZOE (The Digi-Destined- Digimon) {ELIMINATED}
AEKA & SASAMI (“Team Princess”- Tenchi Muyo) {ELIMINATED}
12 LEGS…
15 SERIES…
5 COUNTRIES, 2 PLANETS, 3 DIMENSIONS, AND A SPACE STATION…
**** THE ANIME-ZING RACE ****
Leg Eleven
(Majestic wide shots of the royal palace in Saillune.
Amelia is standing at the front gates.)
Amelia: This is Saillune, the white magic capital of the world, and the tenth Pit
Stop in the race.
(Shot of all three teams arriving in order.)
Amelia: (VO) The final three teams arrived here for a mandatory twelve-hour rest.
(Shot of the six remaining contestants enjoying a very long eating match between Miaka and Lina… there is no clear winner, but the people making the food are clearly the losers.)
Amelia: (VO) The teams have no idea where they’re heading next. And they will need to get to the next yellow-and-red route markers solving clues found in sealed envelopes.
(Shot of the surrounding kingdom.)
Amelia: (VO) There are no more eliminations. All teams have proved themselves worthy to reach the end of the race. The next leg is simply a chance to position themselves better.
(Shot of Syaoran and Meiling arriving at the Pit Stop.)
Amelia: (VO) Syaoran and Meiling were the first to arrive at 5:54 p.m.
(Early morning. Syaoran and Meiling are bright and ready with clue.)
Amelia: (VO) So they’ll depart at 5:54 a.m.
(Syaoran rips the clue open.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- Cousins- First to Depart]
Syaoran: Walk just outside of town and have Yukino Houjou transport you back to
the roof of the library.
Meiling: Well, at least it’s not that Xelloss guy.
(Rapid shots to the outside gate of town. A flash of
light, and the teams are on the roof of the library. Follow that with rapid
shots of a taxi driving to a high school. Host is now the young mystic
Gatekeeper Yukino Houjou, called Yukino H. to avoid confusion.)
Yukino H.: (VO) In the strange land of Saillune, a desire to return home is
common. Only the powers have the true power, but Hisame and I will channel the
power to grant their desire. They shall return to the house of books, but
decades in the past. And they will find what they seek at the Tategami High
School.
(Syaoran and Meiling are jogging through Saillune, heading outside town.)
Meiling: You know, maybe it wasn’t a good idea.
Syaoran: Mei, we had to do that. Now we’re in first and they have to take us seriously.
Meiling: Yeah, but did we want them taking us seriously?
Meiling: I’m starting to have second doubts about the
way we passed Yukino and Arima. It was fun beating them, but we always had the
feeling they didn’t take us seriously. And that’s the problem- because they do
now!
(They take the gate out of town. They look around for Yukino H.)
Meiling: Well, where is she?
Yukino H.: Haste is a natural enemy, but sloth is an
equally conflicting adversary.
(Yukino H, a young girl in a white kimono steps out. Her trusty ermine, Hisame, is on her shoulder.)
Syaoran: We ask that you take us back to Tokyo.
Yukino H.: It is the enemy haste that prevents one from conversation. But it is the enemy sloth that drags them on.
(Yukino H. waves her arms until they meet in the center. A dimensional vortex appears and Syaoran and Meiling are sent through it until they arrive on the roof. It is now the year 1969. They stand up and look around. She’s no longer there.)
Meiling: Well, thank you I guess.
Syaoran: C’mon. We’re supposed to go to Tategami High School.
Meiling: Where’s the door?
Syaoran: Hold on…
(Syaoran walks to the edge of the roof and surveys nearby buildings.)
Syaoran: Mei… we’re nearing the end. We need to stop holding back.
(Meiling looks at the buildings as well.)
Meiling: Right. On the count of three.
Syaoran: One… two…
Meiling: Three!
(They both jump off, bouncing off buildings on their descent. Syaoran makes a nice three-point landing on the sidewalk while Meiling loses her balance immediately. She turns the fall into a cartwheel and ends up on the curb. She raises an arm.)
Meiling: Taxi!!
(Yukino M. and Arima are set for takeoff.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- 2nd to Depart]
Arima: Take a cab to Tategami High School.
Yukino M: Okay, time to get back at the cousins.
(They set off.)
Yukino M: (VO) Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad we had the
Fast Forward. We heard about the Detour, and it very easily could have been
tough for us to make it through that. But half the fun of using it is to finish
first. And Syaoran and Meiling took that away from us. They may be happy about it,
but it wasn’t a good idea to drop the gloves like that right now. They’re going
down.
(They reach the outskirts.)
Arima: What I’m saying is that I don’t think we should contest them because they beat us last time. I’m saying we should contest them because this is a race, and they’re our top competition right now.
Yukino M: As long as we get to contest them, that’s all that matters.
Yukino H: Is a contest ever truly over? Is a contest ever truly started?
(Both high-schoolers look over at the little mystic nearby.)
Yukino H: Or is this contest merely the same one repeated… and destined to last forever.
(Miyazawa suddenly becomes perfect student pleasant Miyazawa.)
Yukino M: Ooh… philosophical. I’d really love to stay and discuss
the principles of infinite and never-ending conflict, but I’d really prefer it
if you’d send us back to the real world… my you’re a little cutie!
(Yukino H. does her thing and sends them back. Both wave at her as they head for the stairs.)
Arima: You study philosophy?
Yukino M: Hey, I never know what I’m going to get stuck talking about.
(Syaoran and Meiling are at a high school… the wrong one. They climb back into their cab.)
Meiling: It’s Tategami! Don’t you know where Tategami is?
Syaoran: Let’s find a directory somewhere… stop at a phone booth.
(They do so. Syaoran climbs in. Meiling climbs in afterwards, cramping the conditions.)
Meiling: Find anything?
Syaoran: No… I’ll call information…
(He does so.)
Syaoran: Yes, I’m looking for the address for Tategami High School.
(After waiting an extended period of time, he gets an answer.)
Syaoran: Thank you.
(He hangs up.)
Syaoran: Mei, I found it, let’s go.
(Meiling slowly squeezes out. Syaoran pops out later.)
(Meanwhile, Yukino and Arima are more informed.)
Arima: I’m pretty sure Tategami’s on the east side. One of my opponents at a kendo meet went to Tategami.
Yukino: Ah.
(They continue to speed down the highway.)
(Syaoran & Meiling finally stumble upon it with help
from their directions. They see the route marker. Syaoran retrieves the bags as
Meiling runs to the marker.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- Currently in First Place]
Meiling: Route Info- find a secret passage somewhere in the high school to take
you to AEGIS headquarters.
(Syaoran comes up with the bags. Meiling takes hers and runs inside.)
Syaoran: Time for school already?
(Secretary Keiko Ochiai is standing in a large underground
base that seems a lot more organized than Il Pallazzo’s.)
Keiko: Teams now must look for a secret passageway to AEGIS headquarters. Our
crew of Gatekeepers uses the secret passages for easy access from their school
to HQ, but they are all well-hidden.
(Syaoran and Meiling walk slowly through the halls. Class is in session, so they do their best not to disturb anything.)
Syaoran: Let’s just take this slowly. We’re in the lead and we don’t want to cause a ruckus.
Meiling: Hopefully the other teams are still way behind us.
(Meiling isn’t joking. Takato and Henry are finally
checking out of Saillune.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Digimon Tamers- Last to Depart]
Takato: Have Yukino Houjou transport you back to the roof of the library…
Henry: Okay, this is where the fun starts…
(They move out.)
Henry: We are a little worried about starting this far
behind, but we see teams make up this kind of ground all the time. I’m sure
that if we need to, we can do the same thing.
(Takato and Henry run through the streets of Saillune.)
Henry: Okay, no mistakes this time.
Takato: Gotcha. You know what we should do? While we’re in the library, let’s find a directory that tells us where this high school is.
Henry: Good idea.
Takato: We’re the underdogs all of a sudden. We have a
load of time to make up, and it’s almost exciting in a way. Sure we’d rather be
in first, but it’s kind of fun having to claw our way back up.
(They reach Yukino H.)
Yukino H: And thus, the third magi arrives to give divine order.
Takato: We’re not that bossy are we?
Henry: Please, Yukino?
Yukino H: Like the blind faithful, I obey the order from on high.
(She sends Takato and Henry back to the library.)
(Yukino M. and Arima arrive at Tategami. Yukino gets to
the route marker.)
Yukino: Ooh… find a secret passage somewhere in the high school.
Arima: Let’s go in around the back.
Yukino: Okay.
(They begin looking around for something suspicious.)
Arima: (VO) We spend a lot of time around high schools.
So we have a feel for what’s supposed to be where. Even in 1969, not much has changed,
so finding a secret passage wasn’t difficult.
(Takato and Henry are looking through one book at a
library. Henry points.)
Henry: Here it is. Tategami High School.
(Takato writes down the information.)
Henry: I’ll go get a cab.
Takato: Almost got it… good!
(They run out and fetch a cab. They get in and after feeding the driver directions, sit back.)
Henry: The question is how much trouble did the other teams go through to find it?
Takato: Well, it’s not a nearby school. Maybe they’re still lost.
Henry: We can only hope.
(Yukino and Arima are in the school library. They see a bookshelf… or rather two lined up next to each other.)
Arima: Look at this. The wall is slightly cracked right above this divide in the bookshelves.
(Yukino examines the books closely. She sees a small marker on the shelf.)
Yukino: (reading) AEGIS. I think I found it.
(Yukino pushes the button. The bookcases separate and the wall opens slightly, revealing an effective secret passage.)
Arima: Good work.
(They dive in.)
(Syaoran and Meiling are still looking around. Now they’re outside.)
Meiling: I’m getting a little nervous.
Syaoran: Don’t be. We’ll find something eventually…
Syaoran: It’s hard keeping Mei calm sometimes. And it
always seems like she gets most riled up during times when staying calm is the
best option. I’m never looking at the short-term for so long that I forget the
big picture. Even if we’re not the first to find the passage, it’s not the end
of the world.
(Yukino and Arima fall into the headquarters. Both are in
seats, which pull up to a table. There are computer terminals everywhere and a
big radar overhead. At the command post is the Commander.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- Currently in First Place]
Yukino: Nice digs.
Arima: There’s the clue box.
(Both run for the route marker and get a clue.)
Arima: Detour- Offense or Defense.
(Keiko is standing in front of a cleared street in the
city and three high-school students.)
Keiko: Oh… a Detour is a choice between two tasks. Each have its own pros and cons.
And in this Detour, the teams need to pick between Offense and Defense.
(Shot of an Invader attack. Invaders are aliens dressed in suits, ties, and sunglasses. However, they seem to be getting blown up by something.)
Keiko: (VO) In Offense, both team members will receive
powerful gate weapons designed to destroy low-level Invaders. They will need to
destroy five Invaders without getting hit five times. If either team member is
hit five times by the Invaders’ weapon, they will need to return to home base
and reset.
(Another Invader attack, this time, Gatekeepers Captain Shun Ukiya is skillfully defending himself from the attack.)
Keiko: (VO) In Defense, teams will be responsible for one Gatekeeper, and needs to get him or her across the battlefield safely. They will have weapons, but only powerful enough to disrupt the Invaders. Again, five hits against either the team or the Gatekeeper will mean they have to start over.
(Yukino and Arima think about it.)
Yukino: Well, we either blow stuff up or get shot at.
Arima: It looks like blowing stuff up is easier.
Yukino: And more fun too…
(The commander walks up to them.)
Commander: You are charged with the task of destroying the evil Invaders! You are Gatekeepers in training! Report to the elevator to begin your first mission.
Arima: Uh… yes sir.
(It takes them awhile to find the elevator, but once they do, it’s a smooth ride up.)
(Syaoran and Meiling are in back of the school. Meiling is analyzing a flower bed.)
Meiling: Hey… what’s this?
(She sees a little AEGIS logo and pushes it. The bed starts moving.)
Meiling: Syaoran… I think I found it!
(Syaoran hops on and they descend into the base. Again, they are carted in on chairs.)
Syaoran: Is this it?
Meiling: (sarcastic) No, it’s the wrong secret underground base.
(Syaoran runs up to the route marker.)
Syaoran: Well, this isn’t the first one we’ve been to.
(He gets the clue.)
Syaoran: Detour- Offense or Defense.
Meiling: Offense, please!
Syaoran: All right…
(Syaoran reads through the clue and the Commander sends them on their way.)
(A street has been cleared and is now being used as a
battlefield. Yukino and Arima ascend and are standing next to a heavily armored
bus. Keiko greets them. Three Gatekeepers are standing nearby- two girls and a
boy, but they stay quiet.)
Keiko: Please go inside and put protective equipment on.
(They do so. Yukino and Arima step out with helmets and chest pads. Both have weapons that resemble machine guns.)
Keiko: Remember, you need to destroy five Invaders without either of you getting hit five times.
Arima: Right.
Keiko: Whenever you’re ready.
Yukino: Which would be now!
(They rush into the street. Immediately, a group of Invaders rise up from under the ground. Their briefcases turn into weapons and they open fire at Yukino and Arima.)
Arima: Yukino!
(He dives at her and knocks her down just in time to avoid a shot.)
Yukino: Thanks.
(Yukino gets back up and clumsily fires the weapon. It manages to hit one, destroying it and turning it into a little green crystal.)
Yukino: Waugh!
(She has trouble controlling the weapon and is unable to get it on course to meet a second Invader who has already locked on target. Yukino takes a couple hits before Arima rushes in and kills the Invader.)
Arima: Okay, that’s two…
(More Invaders surround them. They don’t have a chance to dodge this one. Yukino takes three more hits.)
Yukino: Shoot! That’s five.
(The Invaders suddenly sink back into the ground.)
Arima: Looks like we have to go back.
(Syaoran and Meiling exit the bus with their equipment.)
Keiko: Ready?
Meiling: Yep!
Keiko: Go for it then.
Meiling: Roger!
(They run out as Yukino and Arima return.)
Keiko: I’m sorry, but you’ll have to take turns with the other team. You can’t go again until they’re finished.
(Syaoran dives behind a car to avoid Invader fire.)
Syaoran: Mei! Where are you?
(Meiling is frantically and wildly firing her gun around, trying to hit anything. She manages to hit a few Invaders, but most wisely stay back and fire at Meiling from a distance.)
Syaoran: Mei! Get back here!
Meiling: I’m trying! I can’t turn this damn thing off!
(Syaoran runs out and helps her with it, taking a few hits in the process. He takes her hand and runs back to the car, but he continually gets pelted with shots and the round ends for them.)
Meiling: Oh no… I’m sorry!
Syaoran: It’s alright, let’s get back to the bus.
(They run back.)
Meiling: It was hard. It really was. We’re all
using these rapid fire things that are hard to control, and the Invaders are
really hard to beat!
(Takato and Henry finally make their appearance at the
high school.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Currently in Last Place]
Henry: We have to find a secret passage to AEGIS Headquarters.
Takato: Okay. Where do we start?
Henry: How should I know?
Takato: You go outside, and I’ll go inside. How does that sound?
Henry: Sounds fine. Let’s go.
(Takato rushes in while Henry runs around the back.)
(On their second attempt, Yukino and Arima split up. Yukino charges to the left while Arima slowly heads right.)
Yukino: Take this Invader scum!
(She fires, this time with a little better control. She hits two before they can return fire, but a third gets two shots on her before she can kill him. She lands, and finds herself in the clearing.)
Yukino: Got three Arima!
(Arima is cautiously watching three come his way. He shoots at one but misses. The Invader returns fire and hits Arima twice. While he stays with Arima, a different Invader turns suddenly and fires at Yukino. It hits her dead on twice.)
Arima: Yukino!
(He steps towards her, but the one he was busy with nails
him twice more. He turns and fires. He kills it, but another Invader is able to
hit Arima one more time.)
Yukino: Got you now…
(Before Yukino can get the fifth kill, the Invaders sink back into the ground.)
Yukino: Hey! I didn’t get you! Arima! Did you get killed?
(Arima bends over. He throws his gun down in frustration.)
Arima: Damn!
(He begins to walk back. Yukino has no choice but to follow.)
----
(Syaoran and Meiling are let loose for their second attempt. Two Invaders attack immediately.)
Syaoran: Now!
(The two jump over the Invaders. Meiling turns around.)
Meiling: Mine Syaoran!
(Meiling fires constant shots at the two they jumped over. She manages to hit them both at least once in her massive barrage of fire.)
Meiling: Got ‘em!
(Syaoran doesn’t acknowledge. He’s busy heading for the
car again. This time, he backs up next to it and turns in time to catch a third
Invader approaching him. The Invader gets two hits on Syaoran before going
down. Syaoran crouches down and edges around the car.)
Syaoran: I’ve been hit twice!
(Meiling dodges out of the path of another Invader, but doesn’t kill it. Instead, she takes an easier shot at another one, but misses. Both change direction and continues to pursue Meiling. He hits a couple times, and Meiling is unable to hit him. She backpedals, dodging blasts the whole time. Finally, she turns around and runs to the car. She sees Syaoran aiming at the ones on her tail… and another Invader approaching Syaoran from the side. She aims her weapon at that one. Both Syaoran and Meiling fire at the same time. As soon as Syaoran fires, he turns around and sees an Invader dissipate into a crystal.)
Meiling: Did I get him?
Syaoran: Yeah.
(Meiling turns around. The second Invader chasing her drops to the ground.)
Meiling: All right! We did it!
(Syaoran walks up to her. Meiling gives him a little hug and they run forward to a blue Toyota and the clue box next to it. Meiling takes the clue.)
Meiling: Head to the train station and take a bullet train
to the salt fields outside Himeji.
(This time the Commander explains as we see rapid shots to
the train station.)
Commander: Fresh off a victory in Tokyo, our Gatekeepers-in-training have their
next assignment- Himeji. They must return to the bullet train station any way
possible and board a Hikari train to Himeji, about 300 miles away.
(Continue the rapid shots along the train, followed by a taxi going to some salt fields by the sea.)
Commander: Once there, they will find their next
assignment in the salt fields owned by Castle Industries.
(Syaoran and Meiling immediately fetch a taxi.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- Currently in First Place]
Meiling: Nearest train station.
Syaoran: Anything works.
(They drive off and sit back.)
Meiling: At least we don’t have to chase after this one.
(Syaoran smiles lightly.)
Syaoran: Yeah. It’s nice to be in first place this time too.
Syaoran: We needed to work well together in the Detour.
It was the only way we’d get through it in one piece. But we were able to
predict each other’s moves, and we were both there for one another. If you had
asked us to do that towards the beginning of the race, I don’t think we could
have performed at the level necessary.
(Yukino and Arima are giving it yet another shot. This time, both are lined up back to back, but it leaves the Invaders with only one spot to aim.)
Yukino: (getting hit) Arima! This isn’t working!
Arima: Okay! Split up!
(They do so, both running in both directions. The Invaders all decide to pursue Yukino.)
Yukino: Hey! Why are you going after me! Arima, a little help!
(Arima turns around and takes shots where he can.)
Arima: I’m doing what I can!
(The Invaders finish off Yukino well before Arima can mow them down. They sink back into the ground. Yukino is getting seriously frustrated.)
Yukino: How the heck did those two do it?
Arima: I’m sure we can, we just need to get a better plan together.
(They run back.)
Yukino: My worst fear came to pass during the Detour.
It required agility, teamwork, and a lot of things that Syaoran and Meiling are
really strong at. I guess they study martial arts together, which really helped
them out. Maybe Arima and I need to take some tae kwon do classes together or
something, because those Invaders really set us back.
(AEGIS Headquarters. Takato and Henry both spill in,
ending up in seats which fly over to the table. They immediately stand up.)
Henry: Great work Takato. How’d you find it?
Takato: I don’t know… I was about to flush the toilet and it tried to flush me instead.
(They run over to the route marker. Henry reads.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Currently in Last Place]
Henry: Detour- Offense or Defense. Offense means kill Invaders, defense is protect an Gatekeeper from attack.
Takato: I don’t like the sound of that killing stuff; let’s protect the Gatekeeper.
Henry: Yeah. Hopefully he can help us out.
(The Commander directs them to the right exit.)
(Yukino and Arima reset at the bus. They slowly walk back
to the battleground.)
Arima: This time, we need to get them to go where we want them to instead of the other way around.
Yukino: And how do we do that?
Arima: You lure them, I’ll kill them.
Yukino: Okay… cool.
Arima: Swing left, while I sneak over to the right.
(Yukino does so, running into the battle. The Invaders immediately give chase, but Yukino is able to use her speed to run past the blasts.)
(Takato and Henry arrive on the bus and walk up to Keiko.)
Takato: We’re here for the Detour. We’re taking the Defense.
Keiko: Wonderful. Please choose a Gatekeeper to protect.
(Takato and Henry look the three over. One is a smug looking boy with black hair. Another is a girl has long brown hair in a ribbon and wearing a standard fuku. The other girl has short hair and is in gym clothes. Henry points to her.)
Henry: We’ll take her. She looks athletic.
(Kaoru smiles and steps forward.)
Kaoru: I don’t think you’ll have a problem with that!
Keiko: This is Kaoru Konoe. She possesses the Gate of Strength.
Takato: Nice!
Henry: Hey, can we talk strategy before we get started?
Keiko: Of course. There are two already in battle, so you’ll have to wait until they’re done.
(Keiko turns to the other two.)
Keiko: I guess you’re dismissed.
(Both salute by rotating their right arms until they’re upright, then flashing a backwards peace sign.)
Shun / Ruriko: Roger… AEGIS!
(Ruriko walks away without saying much more… until Shun puts his hands on the back of his head.)
Shun: I’m surprised they wouldn’t want to do more with us. I mean, I’m the captain of the team.
Ruriko: Well, I guess they had enough for the hosting responsibilities.
Shun: Yeah. I mean who’d want a snuffle-nose like you hosting?
(Ruriko glares madly at Shun before pounding him into the bus. Takato cracks at Henry.)
Takato: Well, I wonder who the romantic couple of this series is.
(Henry is about to respond, when he steps back. He sees Kaoru, staring very angrily at Takato for making the suggestion. Takato sees her and begins to sweat.)
Henry: Uh… under your theory… perhaps it’s you and Kaoru.
(Yukino is running backwards so she can better dodge blasts. She gets in a few of her own, but only hits one. It doesn’t help, considering she’s already been hit twice.)
Arima: (OS) Keep going Yukino!
Yukino: You better have good aim Arima!
(One Invader prepares to fire at Yukino, but a blast from behind takes him out.)
Yukino: Thank you!
(Yukino quickly dives off to the side, leaving two Invaders exposed. Arima pops in from behind the car and easily takes out those two.)
Arima: Good wor…
(Arima stumbles for a second as he sees an Invader right next to him. But a well-placed shot from Yukino eliminates the threat.)
Yukino: I don’t know if they did exactly what we wanted, but at least we’re done.
Arima: Yeah. Let’s get out of here.
(They run off to the Toyota and get the clue.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- Currently in 2nd Place]
Arima: We need to get to the train station. We’re off to Himeji now.
Yukino: Hey, we’re already on the right dimension, planet, continent, and island. I feel like we’re halfway there already.
Arima: No kidding.
(Arima hails a cab.)
(Behind them, Takato, Henry, and Kaoru begin their first attempt. Takato and Henry have smaller pistols instead of the guns the other teams had.)
Henry: Okay, we can only distract them, so the best thing is to just avoid them completely.
Kaoru: (sarcastic) Oh yeah, I’m sure that’ll go well.
Takato: If it’s not a bother, could you just shut up and let us protect you?
Kaoru: Not that I really need protecting, but sure.
Henry: Go for it Takato.
(Takato sneaks ahead and begins scouting for the Invaders. He sees a couple.)
Takato: Oh jeez… they didn’t say they were so scary-looking.
(He leads them away from the sidewalk so Henry and Kaoru can sneak along it.)
Henry: Hopefully Takato can draw their fire.
(Henry comes across one, but he’s able to use his pistol to distract it long enough to break into a run.)
Henry: Or not! C’mon Kaoru!
Kaoru: Right behind you!
(They run along the left side of the street while Takato continues to run down the center.)
Takato: Okay… I need to help them some more…
(Takato turns around and fires a pair of shots at the two Invaders chasing him. They are temporarily incapacitated and Takato runs in behind Kaoru.)
Henry: We’re not done yet Takato. Sneak off ahead a little bit. See if there’s one waiting behind that post.
(Takato does so. He sees an Invader and knocks him back a little bit. He fires. By now, more Invaders are summoned and they all converge on Takato.)
Takato: Henry! Kaoru! Run!
(Henry and Kaoru do so as Takato is forced to run into the street even more to keep the heat off Henry and Kaoru. They continue to run along the sidewalk as fast as Henry can go.)
Kaoru: Jeez, can’t you go any faster?
Henry: Sorry, I’m not a track star with superpowers like some people here!
(Takato backtracks until he reaches the car. He is able to move towards Henry and Kaoru, firing shots to keep the Invaders at bay. Henry joins Takato while they both serve as a shield to Kaoru. They make it to the car safely. They all were hit, but not enough to end the game.)
Takato: We did it!
Henry: So why aren’t they backing off??!!
Kaoru: I can handle this!
(Kaoru approaches the car.)
Kaoru: GATE… OPEN!!!
(She hoists the car above her head and launches it at the Invaders. The car lands on top of the bunch, destroying them all easily. She rubs her hands together as Takato and Henry look up at her in awe. She grabs the entire clue box, stand and all, and holds it towards the Tamers.)
Kaoru: Well, do you want your clue or not?
(Syaoran & Meiling are pulling up to a train station.)
Syaoran: Okay, we've done this before.
Meiling: Which is why I'm worried. This isn't the right station.
Syaoran: I know. We're taking a train there.
(Syaoran and Meiling buy tickets to that train.)
Syaoran: Say, when's the next bullet train leave?
Clerk: Next one leaves at 9:18.
(Both sigh in relief.)
Meiling: Plenty of time.
(They head to the rails and sit down. Meiling smiles.)
Meiling: We don't have to rush. I'm a little disappointed.
Syaoran: It's better off having to rush. Then we'd know we'd beat Yukino and Arima.
Meiling: Oh yeah.
(In due time, a train pulls up and they board.)
(Yukino and Arima are in a taxi driving through the town.)
Yukino: Please hurry up, we're in a race.
Arima: We need to catch a train.
Driver: What time does it leave?
Yukino: How the heck should we know? We just know we have to be on it.
(Meanwhile, Takato and Henry are also in a cab heading to the station.)
Takato: I don't see them anywhere.
Henry: They couldn't have been too far ahead of us. We had to wait for somebody to finish. Did we take that long to get done?
(Takato leans back.)
Takato: Well, it's not up to us right now. Either the train gods are nice to us or we're still stuck in last.
Takato: There's a huge sense of luck in all this. We had no idea when the next train to Himeji is. We knew that we weren't that far behind the other teams, and that it was entirely possible to be able for all of us to be on the next train. Or one team being ahead and us and the third team behind them. It was out of our hands.
(Yukino and Arima approach the station and get ready to run out.)
Arima: Remember. Move fast. I'll get the bags, you get the tickets.
Yukino: Right...
(The cab pulls over. Instantly, Yukino charges out and runs inside. Arima heads to the trunk and grabs both his and Yukino's bags.)
Arima: (VO) We had no clue what the train schedules
looked like. But Syaoran and Meiling had a good lead on us. We decided to move
as fast as possible, just in case there was a chance for us to be on the same train.
You never know in these situations.
(Inside, Arima carries his bags past the ticket desk as Yukino takes a pair of tickets from a machine.)
Yukino: Thank you...
(Yukino chases after Arima.)
Yukino: We've gotta move!
(Yukino gets her bag from Arima and carries it.)
Yukino: Platform three...
(They hang a left. After some running, they get there. They catch their breaths for a few moments before the train pulls in.)
Arima: That was close.
Yukino: No kidding. But this wasn't the important one.
(The train pulls out.)
(Takato and Henry pull up. They get their bags and run inside. They also elect to get tickets from the machine. However, when they reach the platform, there's nothing waiting for them. They ask a fellow passenger-in-waiting.)
Takato: Hey, when did the last train go through?
Man: According to the schedule, you missed it by five minutes. There's another one in ten. Just hang tight.
(Both take seats.)
Henry: This can't be good.
(Takato and Henry continue to wait.)
Henry: (VO) The waiting really kills you. Waiting is
usually the best place to think about what you could be doing, and what
everybody else probably is doing, while you're stuck doing nothing.
(Syoaran and Meiling's train pulls into the station. It's the same station that offered ten teams a ride to Kyoto in episode two. Syaoran and Meiling walk out casually.)
Meiling: What time is it?
Syaoran: Ten to nine. The train we want leaves at 9:18.
Meiling: Barely even exciting!
(They walk up to get tickets for the train.)
Syaoran: Yes, but now we have to wait and see if the other teams get on.
Meiling: Oh, yeah, that would suck if Yukino and Arima got on.
Syaoran: It would be even worse if Takato and Henry made it.
(They get their tickets, go to the platform and wait.)
Meiling: I hate waiting…
(Yukino and Arima are standing with their bags. They get a good spot around the door.)
Yukino: I think it said the next one left at 9:18.
Arima: We're cutting it close then. I'll run ahead and see if I need to delay the train at all.
Yukino: Good luck.
Arima: I don't think we're cutting it that close, but we can't take chances.
(They get ready as the train pulls into the station. Yukino heads for the ticket counter while Arima runs to the platform. He immediately slows down when he sees Syaoran and Meiling waiting. Meiling is resting her head on Syaoran's shoulder.)
Arima: Hey.
(Both turn and look. Meiling's initial disgust is obvious.)
Arima: Happy to see us?
Syaoran: Not really.
(Arima laughs a little.)
Arima: Well, at least the Tamers are still behind us a ways. That should be some relief for you.
(Yukino and the train arrive at the same time. All four load their bags in and board the train.)
Arima: (VO) Syaoran and Meiling's reaction at the train station? Perfectly understandable. I could tell they weren't happy to see us, but it didn't bother me. We're all fighting for some sort of an advantage this leg and I'm guessing they were hoping to be the only ones on the first train. I find it very easy to put myself in their shoes.
(Takato and Henry's train is arriving at the station. They run out the instant the doors open and hit the ticket machine. Henry sneaks ahead, just in time to see the bullet train depart. Henry frowns and turns to Takato.)
Henry: Never mind. We just missed it.
(Takato looks over to see for himself.)
Takato: Man... are we ever going to catch a break?
(They're left waiting at the train station for the next Hikari.)
----
(Syaoran & Meiling and Yukino & Arima are on the
train, riding towards Himeji.)
Ruriko: (VO) Teams are on bullet trains to the city of Himeji, where they must
find the salt fields owned by Castle Industries. Syaoran & Meiling and
Yukino & Arima are on the lead train...
(Takato & Henry are seated on the second train, looking a little nervous.)
Ruriko: (VO) While Takato & Henry are on a second train, which will arrive in Himeji 37 minutes after the first.
(Yukino and Arima enjoy the view, even though they've seen it before. The only difference is that this time they're in 1969.)
Arima: (VO) It's incredible. Last time we were on this train, things were so different. We were all just starting out, and there were so many teams that it was easy to get lost in the shuffle.
(Joint confessional with Yukino and Arima.)
Yukino: Now we're nearing the end, and there's only one
team on the train with us.
Arima: Yeah. We shared the train with four other
teams... and three of them are gone now. I remember that Ash and Brock had just
gotten the Fast Forward, and they were both so happy that they had found a way
to stay in the game a little longer. I don't think either of them realized how
far they'd end up going.
Yukino: The NERV girls... of course. I know I got off
the wrong foot with them, but they are two of the most amazing women I've ever
met. The things they do every day... it's just incredible. I really thought
they'd have made it farther.
Arima: There was also Gary and Sam, who were two really
great guys. Gary was a little cocky, but he was all about this race for the
short time I got to spend with him. And Sam... he was the oldest in the group,
but you couldn't tell that by his attitude. He was one of the guys everybody
silently rooted for.
(Meanwhile, Syaoran and Meiling are in a different car of
the same train. They too are in a joint confessional.)
Meiling: Yeah, we shared the train with four other teams. And a lot of those
teams we were really scared of.
Syaoran: It was on this train, when we were in the last
tier with teams like Spike & Jet or the cops... that was when I realized
how competitive this was. We were staring up at those teams. I didn't know how
we were going to get past them, but we did. We got past all of them.
Meiling: Let's see... there was Kinomoto and Daidouji
obviously. Still our friends hopefully after what happened at University
Satellite.
Syaoran: They helped us and we helped them. It was a
good alliance. We also worked with Kanbara and Orimoto in the sewers. It's a
shame we had to go against each other right away.
Meiling: The cops were cool too. I should have spent
more time getting to know them. They seem like really nice girls.
Syaoran: I don't know what to say about Spike and Jet.
It's still hard to believe that we were the main reason they got eliminated.
Meiling: Well, I know that if we didn't, they'd probably be here talking about how cool we were instead.
(Syaoran nods in agreement.)
(Takato and Henry are also talking on the second train.)
Henry: The first time we made this trip, we felt
overwhelmed because of everything we had lying ahead. And we knew that some of
the teams, including us, may not make it all the way.
Takato: Now we're overwhelmed because we actually did
make it this far and have this huge task of being in front when we finish.
Henry: I mean think about all the places we've been to since
the last time.
Takato: Antarctica, Mars...
Henry: That weird jungle.
Takato: That very weird jungle. It's amazing that we
made it through all that.
Henry: And we aren't even done yet. We still have a leg
and a half to go. For all we know, there's still something big in front of us.
(Overhead map of Japan. A line goes between Tokyo and Himeji, which is between Okayama and Osaka. The train pulls into Himeji. Syaoran & Meiling and Yukino & Arima run out and hail cabs. Yukino & Arima pull out first.)
Yukino: We need to get to some salt fields. They're owned by Castle Industries.
Driver: I can't help you.
Arima: Then stop at someplace that can.
(Syaoran and Meiling are behind them.)
Driver: I know where Castle is, but I don't know where their salt fields are.
Meiling: Fine. We'll ask somebody then.
(Syaoran nods as they drive along.)
(Yukino and Arima stop at a service station. They run in and start asking around. One person walks up to a map of the city and points out the location.)
Yukino: So it's right near the sea. Thank you!
(They run back to the cab.)
(After some driving, Syaoran and Meiling reach Castle Industries. They run up to a receptionist.)
Meiling: We're looking for your salt fields.
Receptionist: Our salt fields? Okay...
(She pulls out a map of all their property and sets them on the right course.)
Syaoran: Looks like we passed it. Shoot.
Meiling: Let's get going. We can still beat Yukino and Arima there.
(Takato and Henry's train is in Osaka.)
Henry: Okay. Himeji's the next stop.
Takato: Do we know where the salt fields are?
Henry: No. Let's find out right away at the station. I don't want to waste money looking for it in a cab.
Takato: Right.
(Down by the sea, the salt fields seem to be where all the
action is. There's construction workers and a few protesters trying to stop the
construction workers. Away from the mob, Yukino and Arima find the route marker
first.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- First at Road Block]
Arima: Road Block. This person must be observant.
Yukino: You take it.
Arima: Okay. A number of the people in the crowd are actually Invaders in disguise. Identify one and steal their sunglasses.
(Arima nods his head and runs into the mob.)
Arima: Well, we've done worse.
(For an explanation, Commander narrates over the shot of a
crowd of people.)
Commander: (VO) A Road Block is a sortie for just one person. That person faces
a difficult assignment. Invaders often disguise themselves in human form, and
use that form to disturb the peace in different ways. They feed off the
negative energy they receive. When the energy reaches a peak, they don
sunglasses and transform into Invaders. In this Road Block, each person will be
sent out into a crowd filled with several Invaders in disguise. They must
recognize the Invader and take their sunglasses before they can transform. Once
they get a pair, the sunglasses must be taken to agent Choutarou Banba to get
the next clue.
(Arima runs into the field, looking around for anybody who comes across as annoying. There's not much to tip him off right away, so he's left walking around quietly, looking for something obvious.)
(Meanwhile, Syaoran and Meiling pull up. Meiling gets the
clue.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- 2nd at Road Block]
Meiling: I'll take it.
Syaoran: You sure?
Meiling: Relax, I got this one covered.
(Meiling reads the clue and runs into the fray.)
(Takato and Henry arrive at the station and forego the taxis. They run to an information desk.)
Henry: We need to know where the salt fields are.
Desk Lady: The salt fields?
Takato: Yeah. Uh... Castle Industries.
Desk Lady: I'll see what I can do.
(After a bit of digging, she finds the information.)
Desk Lady: Okay. I have directions.
Henry: Great...
(He pulls out a sheet of scratch paper.)
Henry: Go for it.
(Both Arima and Meiling are looking for anything annoying. Meiling is a little more aggressive.)
Meiling: Hey! Annoying, annoying, annoying!
(Someone walks by.)
Protester: Yes you are!
(Meiling spins him around and reaches into his shirt. Nothing.)
Meiling: Damn! You're not an Invader.
Protester: Uh... no I'm not.
(Meiling lets him go and continues to yell out loud.)
Arima: Gotcha!
(Arima spins Meiling around and frowns. Meiling jumps back and takes a defensive stance.)
Meiling: The hell are you doing?
Arima: Sorry. You're the most disruptive person I've seen so far.
Meiling: And a hello to you too.
(They each go their separate ways to find an Invader. Arima checks out the construction workers. One of them is particularly aggravating.)
Worker 1: Okay, these protesters are too much. What say we just bowl them over?
(Other workers are hesitant.)
Worker 1: C'mon! They don't know what the hell's going on. Now we've got to pave this over for the sake of peace. So let's take them with and show them what peace is all about!
(Slowly, the other workers begin to come around. Arima nods and approaches the man. He reaches for the glasses, but is caught.)
Worker 1: What are you doing?
Arima: Well... uh...
(The worker jerks a little, before mechanically reaching for his glasses. He puts them on transforming into an Invader. The other workers quietly back off as the Invader sets his sights on Arima. Arima is obviously worried.)
Megumi: (OS) Wall of Steel.
(The Invader attacks, but is repelled by a force field around him.)
Feiling: (OS) FIRE PANDA!
(A fireball hits the Invader, destroying him. Two girls run up to Arima. One is of the cute Chinese variety.)
Feiling: It's a good idea to get glasses before they wear them!
Megumi: Incompetence...
Arima: I take it you two are here to make sure I'm safe?
Megumi: And apparently you need us too.
(Arima walks off, looking for another Invader. The other workers approach the girls.)
Worker 2: Who are you girls?
Feiling: Show over! Nothing to see!
(A different cute Chinese girl is with the protesters. She's having no luck either, but for a different reason.)
Meiling: Oh... they all seem annoying! They can't all be Invaders, can they?
(She picks a random annoying protester and reaches down his shirt. Nothing. He smiles.)
Protester 1: Aren't we forward?
Meiling: Ew...
(She shoves him aside.)
Meiling: This is impossible!
(She continues looking for anything that seems overwhelmingly disruptive.)
Meiling: It wasn't so much that I was worried about
stealing someone's glasses. I didn't know what an Invader was supposed to act
like!
(Back to Arima. He sees another unruly construction worker and approaches him from behind. The large worker turns around.)
Worker 3: What do you want?
(Arima backs off. However, he notices the glasses hanging off his shirt.)
Arima: Uh... nothing.
(Arima watches him carefully as he continues to back away. He bumps into another guy.)
Worker 4: Hey! Watch it!
Arima: Sorry!
(Arima slinks away. He continues to watch Worker 3, but can't find an opening.)
Arima: What am I supposed to do now?
(Meanwhile, Takato and Henry are still riding a cab.)
Henry: We're getting close. Make a left here.
(The cab does so.)
Takato: How far behind are we?
Henry: Tough to say. Hopefully it's a tough Road Block.
Takato: That would be so good right about now.
(The cab continues to speed along.)
----
(Arima continues to pursue the big fat construction worker.)
Arima: Looks like I'm just going to have to take a shot at this.
(Arima positions himself properly using his kendo experience. He waits for just the right moment and charges. The worker notices soon enough.)
Worker 3: Hm?
(He reaches for his glasses, but Arima is too fast. He yanks them away before the would-be Invader can get them on. Arima sighs.)
Arima: About time. Now to get to...
Worker 3: Hey! Come back here!
(Arima shuts up and runs, easily outpacing Worker 3.)
(Meanwhile, Meiling finally comes across a suspect.)
Protester 2: Hey! What's the point in protesting if we're not going to create an uproar! I say we turn this into a real statement!
(He pulls a lighter out and starts waving it in the air.)
Protester 2: Who's up for some fires and rioting!! Burn baby burn!!
(Meiling gulps.)
Meiling: This has to be one of them...
(She cautiously walks up to him before darting towards the glasses. He notices just in time and steps back.)
Protester 2: What the?
(He grabs her arm with his free hand and drags her forward a little ways. She tries to wrestle free, but can't.)
Protester 2: Well, are you one of the bad guys trying to take me down or a good girl who wants to get up close with my leadership skills? Mind you, I'm great with my leadership skills.
Meiling: I'm sure you are!!
(Meiling pulls her arm, twisting him around and sending him falling to the ground on his back. She uses her free hand to grab the glasses from the neck of his shirt.)
Protester 2: What the??
(He's forced to let go. She makes sure she has the glasses and runs off.)
(Yukino and Syaoran are both eagerly anticipating the two. They are with Choutarou Banba, or Bancho for short, who looks like a gang member but is actually one of the Gatekeepers' biggest supporters. Yukino gets excited.)
Yukino: There he is!
(Arima runs up, holding the glasses in the air.)
Yukino: Now that's what I'm talking about!
(Syaoran is a little disappointed as Arima turns the glasses in to Banchou.)
Banchou: Hmm... I guess it looks okay.
(Banchou hands Arima the clue.)
Banchou: Not that I could tell anyway.
(Arima goes up to Yukino.)
Yukino: Let's go, we'll read the clue on the way.
Arima: Right.
(They get out of Syaoran's earshot before he opens the clue.)
Arima: Check in at the next Pit Stop- Himeji Castle.
Yukino: We'll need another cab for that.
(They run off.)
(Rapid shots of a taxi going to Himeji Castle, a
traditional Japanese castle that has stood the test of time. The empty-headed
Reiko Asagiri reads off a teleprompter.)
Reiko: (VO) Teams must check in at the next Pit Stop at a castle. It's, um... a
big white castle in the sky! Oh- no wait it's a castle nearby that's really old
but doesn't look like it. I think it's called Himeji Castle. That's a pretty
good name because the city's called Himeji too!
(Syaoran isn't worried for long, as Meiling is right behind.)
Syaoran: Did you have any trouble?
(Meiling waves off the suggestion.)
Meiling: Nothing I couldn't handle.
(Meiling turns the glasses in to Banchou. Banchou doesn't even look at them.)
Banchou: Good enough.
(Banchou hands Meiling a clue. She opens it.)
Meiling: Pit Stop's at Himeji Castle.
Syaoran: Good. We saw that on the way.
(They run to hail a cab.)
(As they both ride back into the city, Takato and Henry
pull up to the Road Block.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Last at Road Block]
Henry: I'll do it.
Takato: Identify an Invader and steal his sunglasses.
Henry: What?
(Takato hands Henry the clue. Henry reads it more thoroughly before rushing in.)
Takato: Hustle Henry! We can't lose any more ground!
(Syaoran and Meiling are in a cab trailing Yukino and Arima.)
Meiling: Is that them?
Syaoran: Yeah.
Meiling: Great. We can sneak ahead of them at the end.
Syaoran: Get ready to make a run for it.
(In Yukino and Arima's cab, Yukino notices the vehicle behind her.)
Yukino: Arima, they're right on our tail.
Arima: There's no sense in trying to shake them now. Let them do what they want. We know what we have to do.
Yukino: Here's the castle.
(They pull into the castle and see the path lined with yellow-and-red flags. The car pulls over and pops the trunk door.)
Yukino: Let's go!
(Yukino swings around immediately and grabs her pack. Arima is conditioned to move quickly, but doesn't exert himself. In fact, that pretty much describes his run down the path. He jogs, but doesn't sprint. Yukino jogs ahead at the same pace as Syaoran and Meiling pull up behind them.)
Yukino: They're here!
(The cousins move much faster. Syaoran swings his bag around and helps Meiling get into hers. They begin to sprint up the path.)
Yukino: Arima! Faster!
Arima: There's no reason to hurry Yukino.
Yukino: Yes there is, they're gaining on us!
(Arima doesn't run any faster, and doesn't fight when Syaoran and Meiling pass them. Yukino tries to go faster, but gives up before long. She looks back.)
Yukino: (angry) Arima!
Arima: A couple minutes isn't going to kill us. Let them go ahead. Let them wear themselves out.
(Syaoran and Meiling slow down a little after passing Yukino and Arima. They have slowed to a walk by the time they reach the Pit Stop inside the castle walls. Reiko is waiting for them, looking cluelessly pleasant. On the route marker's screen, in large green letters, is “GATEKEEPERS.” Above it, in smaller white letters, is "HIMEJI." Syaoran & Meiling step on the mat. Reiko smiles brightly.)
Reiko: Welcome to Himeji Castle! I actually went to the right one this time! Syaoran and Meiling, you are team number one.
Syaoran: Excellent.
(Reiko blinks and grabs Meiling’s face.)
Reiko: Fei? Why are you in this race?
(Meiling tries to find an answer, but Syaoran walks away.)
Syaoran: Never mind, Mei. We need to rest up for tomorrow.
Meiling: Right. This was only practice!
(Henry's hunting for Invaders, and is with the construction workers. One of the workers is talking to Megumi.)
Worker 2: Seriously, you aren't pulling some weird witch stuff, are you?
Megumi: Go away.
(A policeman comes up. Henry watches the standoff closely.)
Policeman: What seems to be the problem?
Megumi: He's annoying me.
Worker 2: Well, she's got some sort of weird magic powers.
Policeman: Weird magic powers, huh? Look, I'm really having a rough day. What say I take her downtown... then why don't we open fire on those protesters? We'll say they had weapons.
Worker 2: Hey, don't be too rash.
Policeman: Why not?! I'm law enforcement. I can be rash as I want to be!! Now, let's deal with little Mary Potter first.
(Henry moves in closer, and then charges the second he sees the police officer reach for his glasses. Henry strikes the cop's arm, causing the glasses to fly out of his fist. Henry catches them, ending up somewhere near Megumi. He stands up and sighs.)
Henry: That wasn't that bad.
Megumi: For the record, I could have handled that.
(Henry runs off.)
Henry: Yeah, but you're not in the middle of a Road Block!
(Yukino and Arima are still talking when they reach the Pit Stop.)
Arima: This isn't the one that matters. And I'm sure we can beat them in the one that does.
Yukino: Well I don't know if you've noticed, but they've beaten us three straight times! I'm starting to have doubts.
Arima: Don't worry, we'll be fine.
Reiko: Yukino and Arima?
Yukino: I'm just saying- they beat us in Chicago, they beat us after we got the Fast Forward, and they beat us after we were ahead of them today.
Reiko: Oh, I'm sorry. I'll let you finish arguing.
Yukino: We're not arguing. Go ahead.
Reiko: Okay. Yukino and Arima? You're team number two.
Arima: Yukino, we definitely agree that we're going all-out tomorrow. Hopefully, they'll be too exhausted to keep us worrying about it.
(Henry turns in the glasses and gets the clue. Takato joins him.)
Takato: I guess that wasn't that bad.
Henry: I can't imagine the others going much faster. Let's see... check in at the Pit Stop- Himeji Castle.
Takato: I'll call the taxi.
(They both get into the taxi and ride back into town.)
Takato: (VO) Well, our big goal this leg was to catch up to the others. And we blew it. We're still a half hour behind everybody, which may be a disadvantage. One of the biggest things that I can never get used to is that leads are either invincible or worthless depending on the leg. There might be a place to catch up next leg... but then again, maybe that half hour kills any chances of us winning.
(Takato and Henry check in at the Pit Stop.)
Reiko: Takato and Henry? You're the last team to arrive.
(Takato smiles.)
Takato: (sarcastic) Really?
Reiko: Uh... I think so... let's see... Feiling and her boyfriend were first... then the one who looked a little like Ukiya-kanchou was second. Is there a team behind you?
Henry: No, really, we're last. We know.
Takato: But it's okay, because this is a non-elimination leg, right?
Reiko: I think somebody said something like that. I was supposed to tell the last team that it's okay because it's not an elimination and you're still in the race.
(Takato and Henry smile, shake their heads, and walk off.)
Ruriko: (VO) This is the final Pit Stop in the race. After a mandatory rest period, it will be a race to the finish line. The first team to cross it will win ten million yen.
(Yukino and Arima are in a converted bedroom chatting.)
Yukino: (VO) I think this race is going to come down to who is able to think
rationally in the last moments. We're all a little crazy, and part of that is
because we've made it this far through quite a bit of adversity. And although I
haven't always been the calmest, I know I can keep my head together when it
matters most.
(Takato and Henry are getting some last minute rest before
their date with the mat.)
Ruriko: (VO) The teams have no idea where they're going next... but that's
never stopped them before!
(Syaoran and Meiling are at the Pit Stop the next
night/morning.)
Ruriko: (VO) The teams will now be sent out of 1969 and into what they would
consider the near future. Syaoran and Meiling will be the first to depart at
1:34 a.m.
(Syaoran opens and reads the clue.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- First to Depart]
Syaoran: Drive back to Tokyo and find the route marker behind the Kanto Region Angelic Layer arena.
(Meiling nods.)
Syaoran: I guess Wei's keeping us company tonight.
(They run out.)
(Rapid shots of a car driving the mountainous Japanese
countryside. Angelic Layer deus Misaki Suzuhara, who makes Ash Ketchum's rookie
year look like a complete failure, eases us into the final leg.)
Misaki: (VO) Teams must take a compact car back into Tokyo and find the Angelic
Layer arena that hosts the city, regional, and national championships. The
route marker is located in the courtyard behind the arena, which opens at
eight.
(Syaoran and Meiling enter their car, a small compact. Meiling hops in back as Syaoran takes the front with Wei.)
Syaoran: Okay, we just have to get to the highway. Then we'll be fine for awhile.
Wei: Do you have money for the tolls, Master Syaoran?
Syaoran: Like I said, we have to get to the highway, find a convenience store to get some change, then we're fine.
Meiling: Grab me some instant noodles while you're in there!
(Yukino and Arima are walking out.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- 2nd to Depart]
Yukino: What time does it open?
Arima: Eight. We'll be there in time, but Takato and Henry might have to hurry.
Yukino: I guess it depends on the roads.
(They hop into their vehicle and drive off.)
(Syaoran and Meiling are at a store. They take some time to refuel, and stock up on caffeinated beverages. Yukino and Arima see them from their car.)
Yukino: Think we should sneak ahead?
Arima: Sure.
(They drive on. Meiling notices.)
Meiling: Syaoran!
(Syaoran exits with some snacks for the road.)
Syaoran: What is it?
Meiling: They got ahead of us.
(Both hop into the car and give Wei the go ahead to drive off.)
Syaoran: They may need to stop. We won’t.
Meiling: What if we have to go to the bathroom?
Syaoran: Either hold it or use a cup.
Meiling: (dry) That’s very reassuring, Syaoran.
(They drive on.)
Syaoran: (VO) We rested up as much as we could for this
leg. There isn’t much room for error. We have tough competition, and we can’t
afford to stop for anything.
(Takato and Henry are at the Pit Stop. Takato takes a deep
breath and opens the clue.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Last to Depart]
Takato: Drive back to Tokyo and find the Kanto Region Angelic Layer arena.
Henry: No sense waiting here then.
(They get into the car. Janyuu drives.)
Takato: It opens at eight. Think we can make it in time?
Henry: Only if we limit our stops.
(Henry turns to Janyuu.)
Henry: On to the highway here, Dad. Eastbound.
(As Janyuu does so, Henry turns to Takato.)
Henry: How far can you make it without stopping?
Takato: Why?
Henry: I don’t want to get stuck having to stay up the whole time. One of us should stay up halfway, then we can pull over somewhere and switch.
Takato: You’re in the front seat, so why don’t you take the first half? Wake me up when we get to Nagoya.
Henry: Deal.
(Takato lies back and gets ready to get some extra sleep.)
Henry: (VO) Last time we faced a long road trip, I
couldn’t stay awake and we suffered a time penalty. I’m sure that’s the last
thing we want to be faced with in this leg, so Takato and I are splitting the
time. Of course, we’ve been through so much that it amazes me that the other
teams don’t have this probably. You can only wonder what they talk about to
stay awake.
(Wei is driving peacefully as Syaoran and Meiling have their “stay awake” discussion.)
Meiling: I can’t believe this is the last day.
Syaoran: And soon we’ll be back home trying to remember everything we did so we can tell our friends.
Meiling: Nah, we don’t have to do that. This is on television.
Syaoran: I guess. But we’ll have some stories to tell. I bet this is going to be more impressive than one of Yamazaki’s stories.
Meiling: Oh, I don’t doubt that. Naoko and Chiharu will be impressed!
Syaoran: What about Sasaki?
Meiling: Rika? Oh, I forgot about Rika! How’d I forget her, she’s the nicest one of them all!
(Arima is driving while Yukino keeps him company. She shivers a little.)
Arima: Cold?
Yukino: Yeah. The heater must be busted on this thing… not to worry!
(Yukino reaches in back and pulls out her bag. She digs around and finds a sweater.)
Arima: That’s a nice sweater. Where’d you get it?
(Yukino puts it on.)
Yukino: Oh, this is the one Rika made me before we left. It really surprised me when she gave it to me.
Arima: Rika’s really nice like that, isn’t she?
(Yukino smiles and nods.)
(Meanwhile, Janyuu’s doing his best to keep Henry awake.)
Janyuu: So what do you think you got out of all this?
Henry: I don’t know. I’m a little more open to all sorts of different places now. Takato and I are now invincible against anything the world throws at us…
(Henry smiles at his father.)
Henry: …and it was also nice to get away from Rika for a month!
(Janyuu laughs.)
Janyuu: You know you’ll be happy to see her when you get back.
Henry: I’m sure of it. I just can’t believe it’s almost over.
Janyuu: Don’t forget it’s not though. This is the most important day of them all.
Henry: Yeah. Oh, and thanks for helping us out. We couldn’t have done this without you, Dad.
(Janyuu smiles.)
Henry: Although you could go a little faster, we are half an hour behind.
(Yukino and Arima are really quick with a rest stop. They each get some cans of juice and hop back in. This time, Arima takes the wheel.)
Arima: Hey, we’re going to pass through Kawasaki. Maybe we should stop home quick.
Yukino: Very funny, Arima?
Arima: Well, Takato and Henry went to Shinjuku and Syaoran and Meiling went to Hong Kong. Why don’t we get to go home?
Yukino: You’re nuts, you know.
(Arima laughs as they drive on.)
(In Nagoya, Janyuu pulls over at a rest stop. Takato runs inside and loads up with snacks. He rushes back to the car and dives into the front seat. Henry is in the back, curling up.)
Takato: (to Janyuu) Hello, Mr. Wong. For the second half of the trip, the part of your son will be played by me.
Janyuu: Great! Where to?
Takato: Hang a right up here, Dad.
(Henry laughs from the back seat.)
Takato: Hey, you don’t mind that I bought all this, do you?
Henry: Just as long as we have enough for tolls and a couple taxi rides, we should be clear.
Takato: Shouldn’t be a problem.
Henry: (yawning) Good. Wake me when we get close.
(Montage of driving shots as the three teams near Tokyo as the sun begins to rise in the land of the rising sun. Syaoran and Meiling are both awake as they enter the city. Since they’re both up, they have access to a map.)
Syaoran: Get off here and turn left.
Meiling: Hopefully we’re in first place. We were right behind Yukino and Arima, but we lost them somewhere.
Syaoran: They probably had to stop somewhere.
(They find the place with minimal trouble. It’s an
incredibly large arena for what is apparently a popular spectator sport. At the
entrance, Wei pulls up at the nearest parking spot, right next to the arena.
Syaoran and Meiling get out. Meiling nervously holds a cup.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- Currently in First Place]
Meiling: Woo, first ones here.
(Meiling drops the cup in a garbage can.)
Syaoran: That doesn’t mean anything. It’s only quarter after seven.
Meiling: Wow. We made good time.
Syaoran: Doesn’t matter. It doesn’t open until eight.
(Meiling slumps down on a bench.)
Meiling: Well, that’s stupid. Why did we bother taking the lead then?
Syaoran: That’s a good question…
(Syaoran pulls out the clue.)
Syaoran: Hm, it says it’s behind the arena, in the courtyard area.
Meiling: Do we need to get in to get to the courtyard?
Syaoran: Probably. Otherwise they wouldn’t say it opens at eight.
(Meiling stands up.)
Meiling: Well, there’s only one way to find out!
(They begin to walk around the perimeter of the building when Yukino and Arima pull up. They both get out and up to the entrance.)
Yukino: Oh, you guys weren’t that far ahead of us.
Meiling: No, I guess not.
Arima: Eight o’clock huh? I guess we’re playing the waiting game for the last time.
(Syaoran and Meiling are suddenly nervous. They begin to slink around.)
Syaoran: Yeah. Well, since there’s nothing to do… we…
Meiling: We’re going to take a little walk. We’ve got plenty of time, and we need to stretch out after such a long car ride.
(They hesitantly walk out as Yukino and Arima sit down at the bench.)
Yukino: See, those two are really stressed out.
Arima: I can tell.
Yukino: Not us though- we’re very collected. Ready to win this thing.
Arima: Do you think they’re up to something?
Yukino: I doubt it. But it may be a good idea to keep tabs on them anyway.
(Syaoran and Meiling walk around to the back of the arena. They see the courtyard, and the route marker in back. It’s fenced off, but not very well. The fence is only about five feet high.)
Syaoran: There it is.
Meiling: Maybe we should get there now.
Syaoran: We can’t. It’s closed.
Meiling: C’mon Syaoran, give me a boost…
(Meiling jumps up and grabs the top of the fence.)
Syaoran: Are you sure about this?
Meiling: Sure I’m sure! I don’t see anybody around. Now come on and help me. I’ll be in and out in two seconds.
(Syaoran gives Meiling a boost over the edge. She rushes over, grabs a clue, and rushes back. She throws the clue over first, then makes a running leap. She gets her upper half over, and extends her arms.)
Meiling: Syaoran!
(Syoaran takes her hands and pulls her over the rest of the way. She tumbles down, but lands on her feet. Syaoran picks up the clue.)
Syaoran: Good work. The only problem is that we have to get out of here before Yukino and Arima notice.
Meiling: Maybe not. See what the clue is. I’ll cover for you.
(Syaoran turns around and Meiling faces towards the front. Syaoran attempts to open it.)
Meiling: Scratch that! Hide the clue, I see Arima.
(Arima comes running up to them.)
Arima: Having a good walk?
Meiling: Of course! I think this path just goes around the building, so we’re going to head back.
Arima: Great! I’ll join you!
(Syaoran hides the clue in his shirt and walks back with Meiling and Arima.)
(Takato wakes Henry up.)
Takato: We’re getting there. Want to take over?
(Takato hands Henry the map. Henry yawns.)
Henry: Sure thing.
(Syaoran, Meiling, and Arima reach the front of the arena. Yukino smiles at the three.)
Yukino: All stretched out now?
Syaoran: Yes. We’re all set.
(Meiling stretches a little.)
Meiling: Hey, Syaoran? We have more than half an hour. Let’s get some breakfast!
Syaoran: Mei?
(Meiling tries to lead him on with her facial expressions.)
Meiling: Yeah! I’m starving after that trip and I need something in my stomach…
(Meiling aggressively points to her stomach… where Syaoran is hiding the clue.)
Meiling: If we want to stay *ahead* of these two.
(Meiling nods and points at Yukino and Arima. Yukino laughs quietly. Syaoran nods.)
Syaoran: Okay, Mei. We have time. We have money. Let’s do it.
(Meiling sighs and the two head to their vehicle. Yukino and Arima look at each other. Yukino stands up.)
Yukino: (cheery) Why don’t we all go together!? We need something to eat too!
(Syaoran and Meiling freeze in their tracks. Meiling swears under her breath. Arima stands up and walks to his and Yukino’s car.)
Arima: Yeah, we’re going to need some food too if we want any chance of beating you two. In fact, why don’t we all take our car?
Yukino: Good idea, Arima. We save gas, and since those cars are so small, it would be hard to fit all of us if your butler had to come too.
(Syaoran relents.)
Syaoran: Uh… sure. Sounds like a deal.
(Meiling gives in as well and walks to the couple’s car.)
Meiling: Heh heh… yummy breakfast here we come.
Syaoran: Can we get you anything Wei?
(Wei sticks his head out of the car.)
Wei: I’m fine, Master Syaoran. Thanks for asking.
(They all pile into Yukino and Arima’s car. Arima drives off to a nearby café.)
Yukino: (VO) I can’t tell if they were nervous, or if
they were up to something. Either way, at this point in the game, we can’t
trust them. I don’t want to take my eyes off of them until they’re running
behind us en route to the finish line.
Meiling: She’s shrewd that Yukino. They’ve never asked us to join them for anything, and now they do when we’re trying to get away from them. She must have suspected something. There’s no way she’s just being nice. Damn that girl!
(They find a place nearby to eat and all get food. None order anything too extravagant, as they’re in a hurry. But they all have a nice conversation, even if Syaoran and Meiling are a little nervous.)
Arima: Seriously? Magic?
Yukino: Now I’m really glad we took the Fast Forward.
Meiling: It wasn’t too bad. Even I was able to do it, and Syaoran’s so much better at magic than I am.
Yukino: What do you mean, so much better? You can do it in real life?
Meiling: No! I can’t! But Syaoran’s great at it!
Syaoran: (bashful) Well… it helps me out once in awhile. I’m not as good as Clow Reed, that’s for sure.
Arima: So you really have honest magic powers?
Syaoran: I’m the descendent of a powerful sorcerer. So magic runs in the family.
Yukino: So why doesn’t Meiling have any power?
Syaoran: Magic runs on my mother’s side… Meiling’s related on my father’s side.
Meiling: Hey, I don’t see any of your sisters using magic!
Syaoran: That’s because you’ve never been at home when I’m supposed to do the dishes…
(For some reason, Yukino starts roaring with laughter.)
Yukino: That’s so funny… I wish I could do that…
(Yukino holds out an arm.)
Yukino: Tsukino! You’re not getting out of doing the laundry this week!!
(Yukino continues laughing. Arima checks his watch.)
Arima: We should think about going back.
(Syaoran and Meiling eye each other carefully.)
Syaoran: I have to use the bathroom. Excuse me.
(Syaoran excuses himself and goes to the bathroom. Yukino recovers and helps Arima and Meiling get ready to leave.)
Yukino: I’m sorry… you know it’s about time we got to know you two a little better. After all, it’s our last chance before we all start hating each other before the finish line.
(Meiling laughs and puts her hand behind her neck.)
Meiling: No problem! It’s been a lot of fun racing against you!
Arima: (VO) Syaoran knows magic. Once again, it shows how
we have a lot less experience than the other teams when it comes to the
supernatural.
(While Meiling distracts Yukino and Arima, Syaoran sneaks into the bathroom and opens the clue envelope.)
Syaoran: (reading) Get back in your car and drive to… perfect.
(Syaoran stuffs the clue again and walks back out.)
----
(Takato and Henry arrive at the arena, shocked to find out that nobody is there.)
Takato: Where is everybody? It was eight o’clock right?
Henry: That’s what the card says.
Takato: Well, how come there’s nobody here? The other teams should be all waiting.
Henry: Well, it’s ten to eight. Let’s just get the clue and play as normal. Hopefully we’re either in front or we’ll catch up.
(On the way back, Arima is driving while Yukino is in the front passenger’s seat. Syaoran and Meiling are in back. Syaoran tries communicating to Meiling. He has her attention and points to the clue. Meiling nods. Then he simulates a walking movement with his fingers, followed by driving a steering wheel. He points downwards. Meiling nods and gives the thumbs up.)
Arima: Do you suppose Takato and Henry are there by now? It’s ten to.
(Syaoran and Meiling are startled, but Meiling is quick with a reply.)
Meiling: God I hope not.
Yukino: No kidding. Although if they are, they’d probably expect us to be there. I bet we’d be messing with their heads pretty good.
Arima: Not a bad way to start the last leg…
(They pull into the arena again. Yukino & Arima get out first. Takato & Henry walk up.)
Takato: Where did you guys go?
Yukino: Breakfast with the cousins.
Arima: Yeah. Just a little pre-competition snack.
Henry: Sorry we missed…
(Henry trails off when he sees Syaoran and Meiling racing to their car.)
Syaoran: He saw us…
Meiling: Crap!
(Yukino and Arima turn around just in time to see Syaoran and Meiling dive into the car.)
Syaoran: Drive Wei!!
(Wei starts the car, puts it in gear, and drives off. Yukino suddenly gets really mad.)
Yukino: Crap! They must have the clue already!!
Arima: They were standing by a fence out back…
Yukino: C’mon!!
(Yukino and Arima run down the path around the arena.)
Takato: What the heck just happened?
Henry: I don’t know but we’d better follow them!!
(Takato and Henry do so and the two teams race furiously down the path.)
Henry: (VO) I didn’t know what the heck was going on. For a moment, I thought the other teams were aligned against us. Then I saw Syaoran and Meiling ditching us. I guess they must have gotten the clue and somehow kept it hidden from Yukino and Arima.
(They race around the path. Yukino and Arima have the lead, and aren’t really being challenged by Takato and Henry. Yukino and Arima reach the wall first and stop.)
Arima: This is it. The marker should be over this fence.
(Yukino jumps up and sees it. She lands.)
Yukino: Do you want to go get it?
Arima: No thanks. I just ate.
(Yukino rubs her hands together and leaps, pulling herself over the fence. Takato and Henry arrive. Henry stops. Takato doesn’t.)
Takato: Monkey see, monkey do!
(Takato hurls himself over the fence. He chases Yukino to the route marker. Yukino gets there first, grabs a clue, and turns back around. She vaults over the fence again, sticking the landing with help from Arima.)
Yukino: Got it.
Arima: Good, let’s get to the car.
(Takato gets the clue. He struggles to get back over, but
does without losing too much time. He dusts himself off and runs back to the
car.)
Takato: (VO) This is what happens when all hell breaks loose. It probably
would have been so much easier to run through the arena, since it hit eight
o’clock right after we chased Yukino and Arima around the arena. But instead,
we get caught up in the heat of the moment.
(Yukino and Arima drive off as Takato and Henry reach
their car. They take their seats and Henry grabs the map as Takato opens the
clue.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Currently in Last Place]
Takato: Drive yourselves to the Piffle Princess store in downtown Shibuya.
Henry: Shibuya. I can do that…
(Rapid shots of a car driving down to Shibuya. There’s a large
store marked by a giant winged crown downtown.)
Misaki: (VO) Teams must drive to Shibuya and find the area’s Piffle Princess
store downtown. Piffle Princess is your one-stop shop for all of your Angelic
Layer needs! The teams will find the route marker on the second floor, by the
battling Layers.
(Yukino is practically flooring it to Shibuya. Arima is
trying to reason with her and trying to navigate.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- Currently in 2nd Place]
Arima: I think we’re going fast enough Yukino. Getting pulled over wouldn’t be
a good idea at this point.
Yukino: Okay, fine, I’ll slow down. Just a little though.
Arima: Good. We’ll catch up to them. I’m sure there’s enough opportunities to catch up.
Yukino: That was a nice trick they pulled though. I salute those bastards.
Arima: We have to get to them before we can salute them. Keep driving.
(On route to downtown Shibuya, traffic is starting to get tangled up. Syaoran and Meiling are left stuck. But it gives Meiling a chance to notice the store, and the route marker.)
Meiling: There it is! Park somewhere, quick.
(They spend a little time finding a parking spot, and rush in immediately. The Piffle Princess is truly the Angelic Layer superstore, with everything on every young deus’ list. Syaoran and Meiling skip the merchandise on the first floor and rush up to the second. They find a route marker near two girls and one boy. Syaoran opens the envelope.)
Syaoran: Road Block- this person must enjoy playing God. Decide before opening the envelope.
Meiling: Excuse me?
Syaoran: Never mind, I’ll do it.
(Syaoran opens the card.)
(Angelic Layer expert and freaky adult-type person Ichiro
Mihara, better known as Icchan, explains the final Road Block. He stands at the
second floor of the Piffle Princess.)
Icchan: A Road Block is a series of tasks that only one person may perform.
(Stock footage of Angelic Layer fights- two dolls kicking the crap out of each other!)
Icchan: (VO) In this Road Block, that person must borrow an angel and become a deus for a day, strapping on a helmet and defeating an opponent in the hottest toy sensation to hit Tokyo ever- Angelic Layer! He or she can challenge any other deus they want and as many as they need to in order to score a victory. To win, they must knock the opposing angel out, force the other angel off of the layer, or take less damage than the opponent after the ten minute time limit expires.
(Back to Icchan and the three kids.)
Icchan: To help them out a little, they’ll have access to one of three extremely powerful speed-based angels.
(One of the girls, a five-year-old that looks disturbingly like Tomoyo Daidouji, speaks up.)
Hatoko: Powerful, that is, if you know how to use them.
Icchan: Er, right… anyway, this is Hatoko and her angel Suzuka.
(Hatoko smiles pleasantly, holding Suzuka, which in a way resembles a ninja. Given her reflexes, that’s appropriate.)
Icchan: Next up we have miracle rookie Misaki and her angel, the Rayearth-inspired Hikaru.
(Misaki smiles and shows off Hikaru, who has short, red hair.)
Icchan: And finally, my little brother Oujirou and two-time defending champion Wizard.
(Wizard has light blue hair and is one of the few “male” angels. Not surprising, since Oujirou is a rare “male” deus.)
(Syaoran is reading the clue, a little uncertain about it.)
Meiling: Why do I get the feeling I should have done it?
Syaoran: Don’t worry. It says you can be my second anyway.
Meiling: Great! So which one’s ours?
(Syaoran looks all three over and points to Wizard.)
Syaoran: Let’s go with this one.
Oujirou: Very well. You can hang on to Wizard. Meet me by the layer when you find an opponent.
(They take Wizard.)
Meiling: Now we just have to find somebody.
(They look around and see one pleasant-looking girl and a pleasant-looking angel.)
Meiling: Hey- she looks pretty easy to beat.
(Meiling taps the girl on the shoulder.)
Meiling: Excuse me, we’re looking for somebody to fight in this Angelic Layer thing.
(The girl turns around. Her angel is dressed as a nurse. Both look extremely nice. The girl turns to the nurse.)
Kaede: My Buranshe, are we ready to compete on this beautiful morning?
(Kaede mimics Buranshe’s response.)
Buranshe: Of course. I’m ready for anything Kaede!
(Meiling smiles at Syaoran. They have an opponent.)
(Yukino and Arima try to find a place to park.)
Arima: I think I saw it up a couple blocks. Park here and we’ll run the rest of the way.
Yukino: Fair deal.
(They find a parking lot, unload their bags, and run up the block. On the way, they are passed by Takato and Henry’s car.)
Yukino: That was Takato and Henry!
Arima: And they’ll have just as much trouble parking as we did…
(Takato and Henry see the place, but no parking spot.)
Henry: I’ll get out with the bags. You and Dad find a place to park nearby.
Takato: Okay. Then run like mad back here.
Henry: Yeah. I’ll hop in and scope everything out. Meet me on the second floor.)
(Janyuu drops Henry off with both bags and Henry rushes inside.)
(Oujirou has gotten Syaoran hooked up to the layer. It’s a large helmet and visor that sends psychic signals to the angel via the layer.)
Oujirou: Just stay calm and visualize Wizard doing what you want it to do.
(Oujirou steps down and walks over to Meiling. Meiling is standing nearby with a little control panel.)
Oujirou: Your job is to keep him informed of what’s going on. If there’s anything he should know about the timer, health points, or the opposing angel’s position, let him know.
Meiling: How? Do I get a psychic connection with Syaoran?
Oujirou: No. If you need to tell him something, the best way to do it is scream at him.
Meiling: Gotcha.
Oujirou: Syaoran? Kaede? Whenever you’re ready!
(Kaede, like the veteran she is, throws her angel onto the layer.)
Kaede: Angel- Fall In!!
(Buranshe lands expertly onto the layer. Syaoran mimics Kaede.)
Syaoran: Angel- fall in…
(Syaoran throws in Wizard. After a clumsy start. Syaoran quickly figures out that he should visualize Wizard landing on his feet. Wizard does so.)
Oujirou: So far so good. Ready… Angelic Fight!!
(Yukino and Arima reach the store and run inside, passing
Henry on the way. They hustle up the escalator and find the route marker.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- 2nd at Road Block]
Yukino: Road Block- this person must enjoy playing God.
Arima: You get a bigger kick out of it than I do. Why don’t you try?
Yukino: Okay, defeat a deus at Angelic Layer…
(Yukino reads the clue over more, and then walks up to the two remaining angels.)
Yukino: Hmm… let’s go with this one.
(Yukino points to Hikaru. Misaki smiles.)
Misaki: Great! Find an opponent and I’ll meet you at your layer.
(Takato is huffing when he gets to the store. Henry meets him outside.)
Henry: Good job Takato. I saw the route marker upstairs.
(They rush upstairs and find the marker. Henry reads the
clue.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Last at Road Block]
Henry: Road Block…
Takato: Hey, I’m already on an adrenaline rush, hook me up.
Henry: Sure thing.
(After reading over the clue, they head over to the rent-an-angel department. Hatoko and Suzuka is the only pair left.)
Takato: I guess we get you two.
Hatoko: It’s a pleasure working with you. Find your first opponent and I’ll meet you at the layer.
(Syaoran is having some troubles keeping his mind on the match, but he’s doing surprisingly decent for a first timer. He’s using his own martial arts skills to get an advantage over Kaede and Buranshe. Meiling is guiding him on.)
Meiling: You’re doing good Syaoran! She’s almost halfway down!
(Kaede is not unnerved at all. In fact, she’s smiling.)
Meiling: A few more times! Try to knock her out of the ring! You’ve got this one Syaoran!
(Syaoran nods and Wizard delivers a kick to Buranshe’s midsection. Buranshe is sent flying back, but lands before falling out of the layer. Pan up to Kaede, who sighs.)
Kaede: Buranshe… hyper mode…
(Suddenly, Buranshe glows and rises. In a burst of speed, she attacks Wizard, pummeling him relentlessly and drop-kicking him out of the ring.)
Oujirou: Buranshe is the winner!
(Syaoran is left dazed and confused.)
Meiling: What the hell happened?!!
Oujirou: By my observation, you just got an injection of pain from Nurse Buranshe.
(Syaoran lifts his visor up and joins Meiling and Oujirou.)
Oujirou: While I fix up Wizard, you can either find a new opponent or get ready for a rematch with Kaede.
Meiling: No way! We’re finding new opponent! We’re not getting schooled by that nurse again.
(They run off as Kaede picks up Buranshe.)
Kaede: (pleasant) Very good work Buranshe!
Buranshe: I try my best!
(Yukino and Arima have found an opponent in Ringo Seto, a pop star who participates in Angelic Layer as a way to unwind. Misaki, as good a friend as she is to Ringo, is still surprised.)
Misaki: Ringo-san! I didn’t know you were coming today!
Ringo: I heard it was going to be fun. I thought I’d stop by!
Misaki: Well, aren’t they lucky!
Yukino: Why, does she suck?
Ringo: No… Ranga’s still going to give you a run for your money. Angel… Fall In!
(Ringo throws her angel into the ring. The visor descends on Yukino as she does the same.)
Yukino: Grant me the power to bring the world revolution, because it’s time to duel… Angel- Fall In!
(Takato is walking back to the layer. He has found an opponent, a young boy that seems to be just starting out.)
Takato: Well, you have more experience than we do. This should be interesting…
Boy: I hope so.
Henry: What does your angel look like?
(The kid takes his angel out. The angel is also a male with short, sky blue hair.)
Boy: One of these days, this is going to be the best angel of them all!
Takato: What’s his name?
Boy: Kaoru.
(Takato and Henry sweatdrop.)
(Yukino and Hikaru aren’t having much luck. Yukino’s concerned mostly with making sure Hikaru is balanced. Ranga is making sure Hikaru is not. Hikaru is on the ground. Yukino gets her to hop onto her feet, when Ranga attacks once more.)
Yukino: Aw, buzz off!
(Hikaru delivers a punch, sending Ranga flying on her back.)
Arima: Good work, Yukino. Keep it up.
(The battle continues. Yukino seems to have a feel for it now, and Hikaru and Ranga are in a deadlock. Hikaru knocks Ranga back farther. Ranga lands on her feet and shoots a blast of air towards Hikaru. Yukino doesn’t see it, and can’t dodge in time.)
Yukino: Ow… that looked painful.
Arima: Yukino! Get out of there! You’re not going to win this one.
Yukino: But Arima! I was just starting to figure this thing out.
Arima: Yeah. So give up and ask for a rematch.
Yukino: Okay, okay…
(Hikaru stands up again. Ranga kicks Hikaru. Hikaru doesn’t fight it, but rather falls back and off the layer.)
Misaki: Ranga is the winner.
Yukino: Stay put there Ringo, I want a rematch.
Ringo: Sure, sounds like fun!
Misaki: It’ll take a few minutes to get Hikaru rested and healthy.
(Misaki picks up Hikaru.)
Misaki: Sorry you had to go through that, it’ll be better next time… I hope.
(Suzuka seems to have the upper hand over Kaoru.)
Henry: That’s it, Takato. You’re doing it…
(Kaoru is not going down easily. He ducks in and out, scoring the occasional hit.)
Takato: (VO) It was interesting working with Suzuka.
There seemed to be some sort of a connection. Like she was more than a doll.
It’s like she’s alive, and relying on me to tell her what to do.
(Kaoru lands a kick to the face. Suzuka is knocked back, almost out of the ring.)
Takato: Whoa, that was close.
Henry: C’mon, Takato, you’ve got to do something!
Takato: Okay… what’s he going to do next?
(Kaoru waits for the right moment and rushes in again. This time, Takato reads it and gets Suzuka in a position to counter. Suzuka grabs Kaoru in a chokehold.)
Henry: Now’s your chance Takato! Finish him off!
Takato: How!?
Henry: Um… good question.
(Takato closes his eyes to think of something, and finally does. Suzuka kicks Kaoru upside the head in a powerful move. Kaoru lands on the layer, but stops moving.)
Hatoko: Kaoru is knocked out. Suzuka is the winner.
(Takato lifts the visor excitedly and rushes up to Henry.)
Takato: All right!!
(They high-five as Hatoko gives Takato the clue.)
Hatoko: Very well done. How did you know Suzuka’s finishing move?
Henry: Finishing move?
Takato: Uh… I think Suzuka told me.
Hatoko: I’ll have to tell her not to give away my secrets. Congratulations!
(Hatoko walks away, leaving Takato and Henry to wonder if she
was serious. No matter, as they run out in first place. As soon as they get
outside, Takato opens the clue.)
[TAKATO & HENRY- Currently in First Place]
Takato: Drive to Ouka Junior High and get a Navi from Alice, Reika, or Juri.
Henry: Lead the way.
(Takato runs back to the car. Henry follows.)
Henry: Takato, you may have just won us this thing.
(Yukino is pretty even against Ringo and Ranga, but she’s not throwing in the towel this time.)
Arima: Shoot…
Yukino: What is it?
Arima: Don’t worry about it!
Yukino: Why? What is it?
Arima: Takato and Henry are already gone.
Yakino: Damn!
Arima: Just stay focused and worry about this match!
(Yukino tries, but the thought of second place is clearly unnerving her.)
----
(Syaoran and Wizard are holding their own against the cat-like angel they face. Syaoran deftly dodges an attack and rifles a punch from behind, sending neko-tenshi flying off the layer.)
Oujirou: Wizard wins! Good work!
(Syaoran lifts the visor. He’s all business as he receives a hug from Meiling and gets the clue from Oujirou.)
Syaoran: Drive to Ouka Junior High and get a Navi from Alice, Reika, or Juri.
(They run out, past Yukino’s angelic fight with Ringo.)
Arima: Hang in there, Yukino. You’ve got a slight lead on her…
(Ranga shoots another air missile, which hits up Hikaru for some damage.)
Arima: Maybe not… Yukino! You’ll have to attack!
Yukino: Don’t have to tell me twice…
(Hikaru rushes in, dodging a few more ranged attacks and getting in close. She pulls in a leg sweep, which sends Ranga to the ground. Hikaru drops an elbow, landing squarely in the back. Ranga takes a while to get up, but it doesn’t matter.)
Arima: Good work!
Misaki: That’s time!! Hikaru wins by decision!
(Yukino releases the visor and gives Arima a quick hug.)
Misaki: Good work. I’m sure Hikaru was much happier the second time.
Yukino: And I’m sure we’ll be happier if we got a clue.
Misaki: Oh, right.
(Misaki hands Yukino the clue.)
Yukino: Drive to Ouka Junior High and get a Navi from Alice, Reika, or Juri.
Arima: Hopefully we don’t have to drive through downtown to get there.
(They run out.)
(Rapid shots of a car driving through the city, resting at
a junior high school. Representative for the fifteenth and final series, Alice
Mizuki of Serial Experiments Lain, stands in the parking lot by a black van. A
route marker is nearby.)
Alice: Teams must park their cars one more time next to this van at Ouka Junior
High School. They must leave their bags in their cars, taking only what they
think they need- like maps and money. Then each team must rush inside and find
either me or one of my friends Reika or Juri. Once they do, they’ll get a
portable Navi computer and the next clue.
(Takato and Henry drive past Yukino and Arima, who are just making their way out of Piffle Princess.)
Takato: Do you see it on the map, Henry?
Henry: I’m still looking. I’m hoping it’s nearby.
Takato: Mr. Wong? Pull over so we can ask somebody.
Henry: You sure that’s smart?
Takato: If it’s close, it’s worth it.
(They pull over and Takato asks. He gets a solid answer, and the person points it out on the map.)
Takato: Thank you!
(They get back in.)
(Syaoran and Meiling have problems getting out of traffic.)
Meiling: Shoot.
Syaoran: That’s okay. We have to find the place before we can go anywhere.
(After some searching, Syaoran finds it.)
Syaoran: Got it. Keep going straight, Wei.
Wei: Yes, Master Syaoran.
(Takato and Henry are still the first to arrive at the junior high school. They park by the van and leave their bags in the seat.)
Henry: Takato, do you have the money?
Takato: Do you have the map?
Henry: Yeah, let’s go.
(They rush around the corner and into the school. However, class is in session, and they don’t want to disturb anybody.)
Takato: Do you think they’re in class.
Henry: Let’s hope not. I bet they’re in a hallway somewhere.
Takato: Only one way to find out…
(They roam the hallways, looking for her.)
(Yukino and Arima make their plans for the stop while
Arima drives to the school. Their smart parking got them ahead of Syaoran &
Meiling.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- Currently in 2nd Place]
Arima: So what happens if it’s not immediately obvious where those three are
hiding?
Yukino: Maybe we should check the school office and see if we can get some pictures.
Arima: They also may be in class right now. It’s a school day.
(They pull into the school, ditch everything except for money and maps, and rush inside.)
Yukino: Okay, I don’t see them anywhere.
Arima: And I don’t see any route markers pointing the way. Let’s go to the office.
(They rush into the office.)
Secretary: Can I help you?
Arima: Yes. We desperately need to find somebody.
Secretary: If it’s important, I can have them paged. What’s the name?
Yukino: Alice, Reika, or Juri. Any one will do fine.
Secretary: Do they have a last name?
Arima: No, but see how many there is of each girl. I can’t imagine too many girls named Alice.
(After typing on the computer, the secretary looks up and smiles at Yukino and Arima.)
Secretary: You’re in luck. There’s only one Alice in this school. Alice Mizuki. Do you want me to page her?
Arima: Actually, why don’t you tell us where she is, so we can go meet her?
Secretary: All right…
(Syaoran and Meiling arrive. They get the essentials out
of the car and run inside.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- Currently in Last Place]
Syaoran: (VO) I guess the way we fell from first to
last demonstrates how the game works. No lead is safe. We didn’t even make any
major mistakes.
(Takato and Henry run into a second girl.)
Henry: Hey, we’re looking for a girl.
Takato: Any one of three actually. Named Alice, Reika, or Juri.
Girl: Juri? Because I know a Juri Kato.
Takato: Hey, any Juri’s fine at this point.
Girl: She’s in class…
(The girl points to a row of classrooms in the hallway.)
Girl: I, uh… just don’t know which one.
(She walks off.)
Henry: Well, assuming that it is Juri Kato we’re looking for…
(They share an odd glance at the name.)
Henry: …then all we have to do is get her out without being a public spectacle.
Takato: Henry, I think ten million yen is worth being a public spectacle…
(Takato runs down the hallway, shouting.)
Takato: KATO-SAN!!!!
(The secretary takes Yukino and Arima to Alice’s classroom.)
Secretary: Alice? You have visitors.
(Alice quickly drops everything and rushes outside. She smiles at Yukino and Arima.)
Yukino: Do you have something for us?
Alice: Of course…
(She hands Yukino a portable Navi computer. Then she hands Arima a clue.)
Alice: Good work!
(Alice stays while Yukino and Arima read the clue.)
Arima: Walk to the commercial district and find the Cyberia nightclub.
Yukino: Walk? Does that mean we can’t sprint?
Alice: No, but I’d recommend not taking a taxi.
(Yukino and Arima rush out.)
(Shots of the Cyberia nightclub, and three youngsters
hanging out inside.)
Alice: (VO) Teams are now headed on foot to the popular nightclub called
Cyberia. Once inside, they’ll need to find a boy named Taro. He’ll hook them up
with the next clue and a Psyche processor that goes with their Navi.
(The processor is pronounced “fushuke,” most likely due to some bad Engrish.)
(Takato is still running down the hall, shouting.)
Henry: I don’t know if we’re having any luck.
Takato: I just hope she’s in here somewhere!
(Fortunately, they get lucky as Juri Kato steps out of the classroom, looking annoyed.)
Juri: Well, that’s one way to be completely embarrassed in class. Did you have to shout it?
Henry: Sorry about that. Do you have a Navi to give us?
Juri: Oh yeah… I got that in here somewhere…
(Juri digs through her backpack and pulls out the Navi and the clue. She hands both to Henry.)
Juri: There you go. Can I go back to class now?
Takato: Sure. Thanks!
(Juri barely acknowledges it with a wave as she returns to class.)
Henry: We’re running now… better get going.
Takato: Hopefully the others aren’t here yet.
Henry: I didn’t hear anything…
(They run towards the nearest exit.)
Takato: Hey, she was kinda cute…
(Henry looks back. Takato raises his hands.)
Takato: I’m kidding, I’m kidding!!
(Syaoran and Meiling see Yukino and Arima run out of a hallway. They take that hallway and catch Alice just as she was walking back in.)
Meiling: Hey! Are you Alice, Reika, or Juri?
(Alice turns back around and smiles.)
Alice: No, I’m just Alice. Looking for your Navi?
Syaoran: Yes.
Alice: I already gave mine to somebody, but I’ll get Reika for you.
(Alice goes inside the classroom and pulls out Reika Yamamoto.)
Reika: Is this about that weird race you talked me into helping out with?
Alice: Yeah. You have to give them the Navi.
Reika: Oh… okay…
(Reika hands Syaoran the Navi and clue.)
Reika: (insincere) Here… uh… have a nice day.
(Syaoran rips open the clue.)
Syaoran: Go to Cyberia on foot.
Meiling: Where the hell’s Cyberia?
Reika: You don’t know where Cyberia is? Boy do you two need a life.
(Reika and Alice go back inside as Syaoran and Meiling run out.)
(The race to Cyberia is on, as all three teams try jogging there. All seem to know the general vicinity of it. Yukino and Arima remain in the lead, and are the first to see it.)
Yukino: Arima! Right there!
Arima: Got it…
(They head inside.)
(Syaoran & Meiling have charged forward, and are engaging Takato and Henry in a dead heat. They pass someone on the sidewalk.)
Takato: Cyberia?
(The guy points them in the right direction.)
Meiling: Thank you!
(They go forward and catch sight of the sign.)
(Inside, things are pretty slow. Probably because
nightclubs usually aren’t that busy at ten in the morning. Yukino and Arima run
across the dance floor. Arima checks his clue.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA- Currently in First Place]
Arima: We’re looking for someone named Taro.
Yukino: Up there, by the booths.
(Yukino runs up to a booth, with Arima right behind. She walks up to three kids… pretty much the only people in the place. Two smug looking boys, Taro and Masayuki, and a skeptical girl, Myu-Myu.)
Yukino: Hi. Are you Taro?
Taro: That depends on who’s asking.
Arima: We’re looking for some sort of processor.
Taro: Ah… looking to pimp up your Navi?
(Taro hands Yukino a manila envelope.)
Taro: Just remember- you didn’t get it from me.
Yukino: Uh huh…
Masayuki: Jeez, can the underground dealer act, Taro. This is for a TV show or something.
(Yukino looks inside.)
Yukino: Thank you.
Arima: But what about…
(Yukino drags Arima away.)
Yukino: I said “thank you!”
(Yukino walks over to another part of the room and opens the envelope. Aside from a very small processor, there’s a clue envelope. She opens it.)
Yukino: Take the Navi and the Psyche processor to Tachibana Labs near Shimbashi.
(Rapid shots of a subway cruising down an underground
tunnel.)
Alice: (VO) With computer and processor in hand, teams must navigate the
complicated Tokyo subway system to reach the Tachibana Labs near the Shimbashi
district of Tokyo.
(As Yukino and Arima rush out, the other two teams rush in. Takato and Henry get there first, with Syaoran and Meiling right on their tails. Takato and Henry find Taro and get their clue without much hassle. Syaoran and Meiling see the Tamers as they get their clue, and follow up right away.)
Meiling: We need to get that processor from you, Taro.
(Taro smiles and eyes Meiling.)
Taro: Hm… maybe I should ask for a date in exchange.
Myu-Myu: (furious) Taro!!
Taro: Nah, I’m just kidding you. You know, gotta keep Myu-Myu on her toes.
Myu-Myu: That’s not funny Taro. I bet you were serious.
Taro: Yeah, and I bet you were jealous.
Meiling: Uh… the processor?
Taro: Oh, right. Here you go, cutie.
(Meiling takes the envelope as Myu-Myu fumes. She sticks her tongue out at Meiling as she leaves.)
(Yukino and Arima race to the nearest subway station. They are still in the lead as they descend. When they get there, they see three train lines, all heading in the direction they need to go.)
Arima: They’re all going east.
Yukino: Which one do we take?
Arima: Well, we’ve got a little bit of a lead. Let’s take the first one going our way just so we have a little bit of a lead. If we need to transfer, no problem.
(Just their luck- An eastbound train arrives on the Ginza line. They hop aboard, and it departs.)
(Takato, Henry, Syaoran, and Meiling continue their footrace to the station. However, once they arrive, their strategies change. One train on a different line is there already.)
Meiling: Syaoran! Let’s board!
Syaoran: Mei! How do we know that’s the right one?
Meiling: How do we know that’s the wrong one? It’s worth a shot, right?
(After some hesitancy, Syaoran nods.)
Syaoran: If it’s wrong, we’ll transfer.
(They make a run for it.)
Takato: Um… Henry? They’re getting aboard already.
Henry: Let them. I don’t think that’s the line we want.
(Henry unfolds a map.)
Henry: Let’s see… according to the address, we want to get off at Hibiya.
(Takato looks over at a big, complicated subway map.)
Takato: Here it is… the Chiyoda line takes us straight to it!
Henry: Then that’s the one we want.
(They only have to wait a couple minutes for a train to appear for the Chiyoda line.)
(Yukino & Arima are on the wrong line. It’s a mistake they realize soon enough.)
Yukino: Looks like we should be on the Chiyoda line.
Arima: Okay, let’s look for a place to transfer.
(They both study an overhead subway map to try to decipher the best place to transfer.)
Yukino: Arima- right there. The one by Kasumigaseki.
Arima: Yeah. Good idea. That’s two stops from now. Not too bad.
(Syaoran and Meiling, meanwhile, are silently beginning to worry, because they seem to be swinging north of the target.)
Meiling: There’s gotta be someplace we can transfer.
Syaoran: Hmm… doesn’t look like it- but look at this. Up at Nagatachou there’s a transfer point. It doesn’t go to Hibiya, but it’s awfully close.
Meiling: And there’s only one stop on the way…
Syaoran: It’s the best we can do right now.
Meiling: Well, where are we?
Announcer: (VO) Now approaching Nagatachou.
Syaoran: We’re here…
(They get off and scuttle to another line.)
Meiling: Which line was it?
Syaoran: Yuurakuchou Line. Over this way!
(They get to the platform. They don’t have to wait long for a train to arrive.)
(Yukino and Arima arrive at their transfer point and run like mad to the platform. It’s a long run, and both are exhausted when they arrive. Naturally… there’s nothing there.)
Arima: It’s okay. There’s no way the other teams can get ahead of us.
Yukino: How do you figure?
Arima: We weren’t moving in the wrong direction… it just wasn’t going to get us where we needed to go. Since we were still headed east, there’s no way the other teams found rides that are faster.
Yukino: Ah…
(Takato and Henry approach a stop.)
Henry: Two more after this, Takato.
Takato: Do you know which way to run once we get there?
Henry: I’m working on it.
(The train stops and Takato and Henry make way for the new group of arrivals on an already crowded subway. Two of the arrivals… are Yukino and Arima. Both teams look at each other, a little threatened.)
Yukino: You were saying?
Arima: I didn’t say anything about not being tied with the other teams.
(Syaoran and Meiling have taken advantage of fewer stops and reach theirs first. Syaoran immediately runs for a tunnel.)
Meiling: Where are you going? Aren’t we going up?
Syaoran: There’s a tunnel to the Hibiya stop. Let’s get over there, then go up.
Meiling: Okay, just hang onto that Navi!
(They run down the tunnel, surface, and look around for the right building.)
Syaoran: (VO) It was very tough. The subway system in
Tokyo is very complicated, and it’s easy to get lost. It was almost like having
to face a Detour with several different options… and only a couple practical
choices.
(Meiling jumps for joy when she sees the Tachibana Labs sign and the route marker outside.)
Meiling: There it is!
(They rush inside and see an arrow leading them upstairs.
They follow arrows to a large room, empty except for a clue box, three sets of
tools, and three network cables. Meiling opens a clue envelope. Out pours a set
of instructions and a clue. Syaoran takes the instructions while Meiling
reads.)
[SYAORAN & MEILING- Currently in First Place]
Meiling: Use the enclosed instructions to install the Psyche into your Navi.
Then connect to the Wired using the nearby data cables. Enter the Wired and
seek out Lain to receive directions to the finish line.
(Meiling sets down the clue.)
Meiling: Did you hear that Syaoran, the finish line!
Syaoran: I also heard a bunch of stuff before that. This isn’t over by a long shot. Give me that processor and I’ll try to hook this up.
(Shot of the Wired, a visualization of the internet that
doesn’t involve cute monsters… or much of anything for that matter.)
Alice: (VO) Teams must install their processors into the Navi to increase their
compatibility with the Wired. They’ll need that compatibility to enter the
Wired and seek out the way to the finish line. This information will be
provided… by a friend.
(The other two teams ascend the stairs and make a dead
sprint for the labs. Yukino and Arima have a slight advantage going in, but
it’s definitely not anything conclusive. Both reach the room and the route
marker at the same time.)
[YUKINO & ARIMA / TAKATO & HENRY- Currently Tied in 2nd
Place]
Henry: Use the enclosed instructions to install the Psyche into your Navi.
Arima: …enter the Wired and seek out Lain to receive directions to the finish line.
Takato: Henry, you’re up to bat.
(Takato hands Henry some tools and he goes to work.)
(Time lapses. Syaoran does his best, and is helped frequently by Meiling, but clearly is not an electronics expert. However, he did have a head start. Arima and Yukino go at it together, and maintain a solid pace. But they still lag behind both teams. Takato lets Henry go wild, since he has more computer expertise.)
Henry: (VO) Installing the processor wasn’t extremely difficult. I’ve done worse to my own computers. But it’s just the pressure that builds up. You’re going at it thinking that the race could be decided on who gets the job done fastest.
(Henry is the first to put down his soldering iron and unstrap a wrist band used to prevent static electricity.)
Henry: Plug it in, Takato!
(Takato plugs in the nearby network cable.)
Takato: Ready!
Henry: (sotto) Digi-port open…
(He fires up the Navi, which displays the usual Copland O.S. intro.)
Navi: State your name.
Henry: Takato and Henry.
Navi: Access granted. Good morning Takato and Henry.
(Before they realize it, Takato and Henry find themselves inside the Wired… massive amounts of information flying around three dimensions, and probably more that we can’t see.)
Takato: Uh… Henry… problem!!
(Takato and Henry are quick to notice that they are without legs or torso. They are just heads and arms.)
Henry: This is new…
(Syaoran manages to keep his cool and get his installed, despite the pressure from Yukino and Arima. Meiling plugs it in.)
Yukino: C’mon Arima, we’ve got to hurry…
Arima: I’m going as fast as I can.
Navi: State your name.
Syaoran: Syaoran and Meiling.
Navi: Good morning, Syaoran and Meiling.
(The cousins are brought in second. They too are missing some body parts.)
Meiling: Hey! Where’re my legs??
(Miscellaneous voices of the Wired speak to them.)
Voice: What do you mean where are your legs?
Voice: Yeah, we’re wondering how you got your arms?
Voice: Must be a kick-ass Navi. What’s your RAM, babe?
Meiling: Man… didn’t Takato and Henry say they were in a digital world once?
Syaoran: I don’t think this is what they meant…
(Yukino and Arima aren’t far behind. They enter the Wired and get down to business after recovering from the shock of not having legs.)
Yukino: Hey! We’re looking for Lain!
Voice: Join the club. Everybody’s looking for Lain!
Voice: Lain is the greatest!
Voice: Lain is Lain!!
(A frustrated Yukino starts swimming through the data.)
Yukino: (sotto) Jeez, why couldn’t they end it on Sailor Moon or something?
(Takato and Henry are swimming through the data. They aren’t completely baffled by it… only a little mystified.)
Voice: Lain only talks to who she wants to talk to!
Voice: She talked to me last week!
Voice: You liar!!
Henry: We need to know where the finish line is!! Does anybody have this information?
(Data is suddenly sorted out and replaced by Lain herself, looking confident… even if she is standing in her underwear. The digital angel approaches Henry.)
Lain: I have your information right here. Hardcore, X-rated infornography.
(She summons an envelope and delivers it to Henry’s hand.)
Henry: Thanks.
Takato: Now how do we get out of here?
(Takato and Henry find themselves back in the lab. They look around. Yukino, Arima, Syaoran, and Meiling all seem to be knocked out. But Takato and Henry are awake, and they have the clue. Henry opens it.)
Henry: It doesn’t matter how you get there as long as you get there first- report to the finish line at Tokyo Tower!
(Henry can barely contain his excitement as he and Takato are the first to leave.)
(Syaoran and Meiling must have said the magic words, as they are the next to receive a visit from Lain.)
Meiling: There you are!
Lain: I am? To be honest, I’m everywhere.
Syaoran: But where’s our information?
Lain: It’s right here, just as you asked for it.
(Lain drops Syaoran and Meiling the envelope.)
Meiling: So can we leave now?
Lain: Don’t you know you can leave whenever you want?
Syaoran: Good. We want to leave.
(They are expelled from the Wired and arrive in the labs. Syaoran opens the nearby envelope.)
Syaoran: Report to the finish line at Tokyo Tower.
Meiling: How do we get there?
Syaoran: Let’s take the subway.
(Yukino and Arima are slightly concerned about the voices.)
Voice: You’re amazing Yukino! You’re number one again!
Voice: I love you son! You make me so proud Arima!
Yukino: What’s going on… not that I mind the compliment…
Lain: (OS) Don’t you see? When you’re online, you can be anything you want.
(Lain materializes in front of them.)
Lain: I suppose this is perfect for you two. My sources tell me you two have a slight problem with being yourselves.
Yukino: Yeah, well ourselves have a race to win so yourself better give us a clue!
Lain: I’m only saying… the Wired lets you be whoever you want.
(Lain disappears, leaving a clue in her wake. Yukino and Arima arrive back at the labs just as Syaoran and Meiling run out.)
Arima: We have to go after them! Open the clue on the run…
(They chase after the cousins.)
(Meanwhile, Takato and Henry wait impatiently at a busy subway station.)
Takato: C’mon, get here… if we’re the only ones on this train, it’s all ours!
(The train begins to pull in. Henry stands up excitedly.)
Henry: This is it!!
(Syaoran and Meiling still have a lead over Yukino and Arima as they climb down the steps. They both get their tickets.)
Yukino: Come back here!!
(Yukino and Arima are still behind, and Syaoran and Meiling sneak through the crowd waiting for the train.)
Yukino: No!!
(Takato and Henry get on easily, and Syaoran and Meiling are able to sneak on seconds before the train leaves. The doors shut and the train departs as Yukino arrives in time to give it a knocking in frustration. She collapses to her knees, the energy completely drained out of her. Arima is disappointed as well, but recovers sooner.)
Arima: Come on… maybe there’s still a chance on the other line.
(Yukino picks herself back up. Arima takes her hand and they walk to the other platform.)
Yukino: I doubt it…
----
(Takato is a little frustrated that Syaoran and Meiling found their way onto the train. But Henry’s not worrying about it. Although he is staring them down from across the car. Syaoran notices and stares back. After some tense moments, Syaoran finally does what both were thinking… he stands in the corridor and bows towards Henry. Henry nods and bows towards Syaoran. Henry returns to Takato.)
Takato: What was that?
Henry: Just wishing each other luck. Get ready to call a cab when we get upstairs.
(On the other end.)
Meiling: Will we need a taxi or should we go on foot?
Syaoran: Take a cab. I think we still need to go a few blocks.
(The train arrives and both teams run like they’ve never ran before up the escalator. Both reach the street at about the same time.)
Takato / Henry / Syaoran / Meiling: TAXI!!
(Taxis pull over for both teams… but hitting Takato and Henry first. They take the lead. Syaoran and Meiling are right behind them, dodging heavy traffic.)
Syaoran: This could come down to a running race, Mei.
Meiling: I’m ready, Syaoran. No stopping me this time.
(Meanwhile, Yukino and Arima are on a train on a different line. Yukino is still depressed.)
Yukino: What if this doesn’t work?
Arima: Then just remember that we gave it all we could. We finally found something that could beat us. But we still did really good, and nobody’s going to look down on us for that.
Yukino: I guess. It was kinda fun now that I think about it.
(Arima rubs her hair.)
Arima: Atta girl.
(A traffic light. It’s green as Takato and Henry approach it.)
Takato: A little bit further. Turn left at the next light and pull over right away.
Henry: C’mon… c’mon… c’mon…
Takato: What are you waiting for, a yellow?
(On Takato’s command, the light turns yellow.)
Henry: Floor it!
(The cab driver speeds through, reaching the other side of the intersection right before the light turns red. Syaoran and Meiling’s driver stops.)
Meiling: Dammit! Didn’t we tell you to run those? Syaoran, yell at him.
(Syaoran looks across the corner. It’s the block that Tokyo Tower is located on.)
Syaoran: Mei, we’re running the rest of the way.
Meiling: What?
(Syaoran takes half the money out of the billfold and throws it at the cab driver. He flies out of the car and jaywalks across the intersection. Meiling does do, expertly dodging cars along the way.)
Meiling: Syaoran are you nuts?!
Syaoran: Jump Mei!
Meiling: Over what?
(Syaoran jumps over a fence separating the sidewalk from the monument. Meiling does the same. Syaoran picks up his speed, and Meiling boosts hers as well.)
(Takato and Henry’s taxi hangs a dangerous turn into the parkway leading up to Tokyo Tower. The taxi pulls over. Takato and Henry rush out. Henry throws the entire billfold on the driver’s lap.)
Henry: Take all of it!!
Takato: No time for chatting Henry, I see it!!
(Takato and Henry start running. They see a line of route markers guiding them along. But they still have a ways to go to reach the center of the block.)
(A pair eyes watch as a pair of runners comes into focus. Zoom
out. It’s Sasami.)
Sasami: I see them, they’re here!
(Sister Aeka and Naru Narusegawa flank her.)
Naru: Here we go!
(Takuya and Zoe watch carefully as Excel and Sana wait
apprehensively behind them, holding hands.)
Zoe: I think it’s Takato and Henry!
(Takuya cups his mouth.)
Takuya: C’mon Takato! Show them what us goggle boys are made of!!
(Gary is clapping along, driving them home while Samuel
has little Chiyo hoisted on his shoulders. Chiyo is cheering as well.)
Gary: Pick up the pace, guys!
Chiyo: Yay! Yay! Yay!
(Syaoran and Meiling see the flags… and Takato and Henry running for them.)
Syaoran: Faster Mei!
Meiling: I’m trying!
(Syaoran takes Meiling’s hand and she speeds up to match his pace.)
(They get in range of the welcoming party, as Spike notices
them. He alerts Jet, who was busy avoiding Shampoo.)
Spike: Check it out. The cousins want to make this interesting.
(Meanwhile, Misato and Weda are too busy arguing over a
bottle of beer to worry about the race. Misato finally steals it and chugs the
last bit of alcohol, much to Weda’s dismay.)
Misato: WHOO HOO!!
(Ritsuko has been watching the race the whole time, not paying attention to
Misato.)
Ritsuko: I know, this is getting exciting.
(There’s a slight bit of bias with the next group…)
Sakura: C’mon Li-kun!
Tomoyo: Come on Meiling-chan!
(Next to them, Akari and Yurika look at the CCS girls, then at each other, then
at the race.)
Yurika: Come on Takato!!
Akari: Come on Henry!!
(They both start laughing as they get a strange look from Sakura and Tomoyo.)
(Syaoran & Meiling, still holding hands, cross into the flags right behind Takato & Henry. Takato notices.)
Takato: Henry…
Henry: No looking back Takato! Keep going!
(Syaoran and Meiling force the issue, as they begin to outpace Takato and Henry.)
Syaoran: Tired, Mei?
Meiling: Not at all! Faster!
(Syaoran listens to his cousin and they go even faster. They overtake Takato and Henry, not looking back.)
(Kiyone, Mihoshi, Mireille, and Becky all notice Syaoran and Meiling overtake the Tamers. All are impressed. They clap on, encouraging both teams.)
(Ash, Brock, Miaka, and Lina have mixed reactions. Miaka and Brock are cheering full-force, while Ash and Lina are politely cheering along, Ash because he still has a little grudge against Meiling, and Lina because she’s only here to get paid.)
(Finally, Ruriko, Alice, and Misaki stand at the center of a giant mat with the Anime-zing Race logo sprawled over it. Alice steps forward.)
(Takato and Henry are running as fast as they can, but they begin to realize that it’s not going to be enough. Syaoran and Meiling are not to be denied. They don’t back off until Syaoran runs up to the mat. He turns around in time to catch Meiling as she tries to glomp him. But there’s one more order of business to take care of…)
Alice: Through fifteen different anime series… through twelve legs… past ten opponents. You’ve been to five countries, three dimensions, two planets… and a space station.
(Brief shot of Akari smiling, then back to Alice, Syaoran and Meiling.)
Alice: Congratulations Syaoran and Meiling, you are the official winners of the Anime-zing Race!!
(Let the glomping commence. This time, however, Syaoran’s hugging back just as strongly. Both are all smiles, which is quite unusual for Syaoran.)
(Henry and Takato have both backed off to a walk. Both are disappointed, but not completely down. But after giving Syaoran and Meiling a few moments to celebrate, Takato starts jogging to the finish line. Henry forces a smile and follows suit. They get up to the mat, where Alice greets them.)
Alice: Takato and Henry, congratulations, you’re team number two.
(Takato and Henry shake hands.)
Henry: Good work Takato.
Takato: Yeah… it was a good ride…
(They proceed to congratulate the victors. Syaoran releases himself from Meiling and bows once more to Henry, who returns the favor. Then they smile and shake hands. Henry shares some quiet congratulatory remarks. Takato happily hugs Meiling. They switch, with Takato and Syaoran shaking hands, and Henry hugging Meiling. Henry even adds a kiss to the cheek for good measure.)
Takato: (VO) You’re definitely going to be down after
coming so close and losing, but I’ll tell you what- you don’t stay down for
long. It’s just too much for that. We’re not going to lose sight of everything
we accomplished, everything we went through, and all of our experiences just
because we fell a little short at the end.
Henry: I could replay everything in my head a million times and pinpoint a hundred things we could have done to win. But it’s not going to matter in the end. Syaoran and Meiling had a little extra in the tank, and used it at just the right moment. They were fantastic towards the end, and they definitely deserved to win.
(Not to be forgotten, Yukino and Arima make their arrival. They begin by jogging slowly towards the finish line, knowing that they’re behind. But Yukino smiles, takes Arima’s hand, and starts running. Arima runs as well, and they even stick their arms out for the flight effect. They reach the mat and join Alice.)
Alice: Yukino and Arima? Congratulations, you’re team number three.
Arima: Thank you.
(Yukino and Arima hug… and then kiss for the first time in the series, generating quite a few whoops from the others. After breaking it off, Yukino turns to the other two teams.)
Yukino: So which one of you scamps won it?
(Takato and Henry point to Syaoran and Meiling. Yukino shakes both of their hands.)
Yukino: Good work… you little bastards.
(She starts laughing. Meiling joins in, as do Takato and Henry.)
(At this point the other eight teams, and the reps from the fifteen anime series, join them on the mat. Naturally, Sakura and Tomoyo are all over Syaoran and Meiling. Sakura gets a hug in, but Meiling refuses to let Syaoran go. Meanwhile, Takato and Henry get a hearty seal of approval from Takuya and Zoe, while chatting with Gary and Samuel.)
Yukino: (VO) So we came up a little short in the end. I
guess it’s no big deal. What we did was so much more. This was an adventure,
and we were a lot more successful than some of the others. We went full circle,
and were only about eight minutes off the lead. Not bad considering this trip
took a month.
(Yukino and Arima shake hands with Aeka and Sasami, followed by Kiyone and Mihoshi. The former alliance jokes around a little.)
Arima: (VO) I feel revived by all this. This race
replenishes all that you lose on the way. After all we did, we should be
exhausted. But I’m just excited by all of it. It was an unbelievable
experience, to see these other worlds and to feel what it’s like to go into
space or pilot mecha or whatnot. So many stories to tell.
(Takato & Henry discuss the last few legs with Misato & Ritsuko and Spike & Jet. The NERV girls seem particularly fascinated with the whole fighting angels concept. Takato points out Misaki, causing Ritsuko to walk over there and have an interview.)
Syaoran: (VO) It’s so rare to get a chance to see what
you’re actually made of. This race does it in more ways than one. It tests you
by bringing you to your very limit, and then demanding more. But it does this
in settings you aren’t comfortable with. When we’re standing in front of kendo
blasts, killing manga authors, and racing through jungles, we find out who we
really are, and the kind of world we live in. The only way to know is to be outside
it for awhile.
Meiling: I didn’t know what I was capable of until now. I now realize that I can do anything as long as I believe I can. And not by boosting myself up or demeaning others- by just trying. It’s the first step to succeeding and the first part of anybody’s race.
(Things seem to be wrapping up. The anime reps are now giving Syaoran & Meiling their regards. Meiling and Chiyo hug as Ash walks by.)
Ash: Uh… Meiling? Now that the race is over and you won and all… would you mind giving me that antidote now?
(Meiling and Chiyo release. Chiyo skips over to her new best friend Gary.)
Meiling: I guess there’s no harm in it now… I don’t see the leopard coming back any time soon. Where’s my bag?
(Alice points them out. Reika and Juri are both lying down by them. Juri has fallen asleep on one.)
Alice: (OS) Over there by the bushes. Reika and Juri are watching them.
Meiling: I see that.
(Meiling and Ash walk over. Fortunately, it was one of the unoccupied ones. Meiling digs the packet out and gives it to Ash.)
Meiling: Here you go! No hard feelings, I hope?
(Ash mutters as he runs off to find a hose. Shampoo and Brock approach Meiling.)
Shampoo: What that?
Meiling: That instant Nyannichuan Great-Grandma gave me.
Brock: Ash had an ox curse that went under the radar for a little while.
Shampoo: But… Nyannichuan is for Spring of Drowned Girl. It work to cure girl.
Meiling: So what does that mean?
(They hear a piercing scream over where Ash was. It sounds an awful lot like… Amelia. Brock raises his eyebrows.)
Brock: Hello!
(Meiling shudders.)
Shampoo: No worry. Instant Nyannichuan only work once.
Meiling: Well that’s a relief.
Shampoo: Aiya… he be back to ox in no time!
(A parting shot. Everybody gathers on the mat underneath the
tower. The first row kneels in front. From left to right- Excel, Sana, Misaki,
Tomoyo, Sakura, winners Syaoran and Meiling at the center, Zoe, Takuya, Sasami
with an arm around Chiyo, and Shampoo. Standing in the center are Miaka, Lina,
Brock trying to put an arm around Lina, a redhead named Ashley, Takato &
Henry and Yukino & Arima right behind Syaoran and Meiling, Gary, Aeka with
an hand on Sasami’s shoulder, Akari, and Alice. In the back row, standing on
the mat, are Becky, Mireille, Yurika, Misato, Ritsuko, Mihoshi, Kiyone, Spike,
Jet, Samuel, a Weda who has regained possession of her beer, Ruriko, and Naru.
The group poses for pictures as the camera zooms out, getting a full shot of
Tokyo Tower on the way up.)
The End
Author’s Notes
This is where I keel over and die... fortunately, it seemed to be worth it.
It’s been a blast, and now all that’s left to do is explain this chapter… no
easy feat.
First and foremost, why Syaoran & Meiling? As anybody knows, any reality
series knockoff worth it’s salt only makes it look like the winner is the team
that would most realistically win in this format. But of course it all comes
down to the author picking an appropriate winner to climax the mood of the
series. Syaoran & Meiling are two very underrated characters in CCS.
Meiling isn’t all that popular, and Syaoran’s only popular for purposes of
finding a mate for Sakura. They’ve had plenty of opportunities in the reality
fanfic world, and neither have anything shining on their resume. This is their
moment in the spotlight, and a chance to explore two characters who have a very
complicated relationship that doesn’t get nearly enough focus in the series.
Since I have written a fic featuring the cast of Digimon portraying
Gatekeepers, I felt that it wouldn’t be too much of a loss putting Gatekeepers
in the second-to-last leg, an often overlooked and meaningless leg. Although
I’ll have you know I was good and only accidentally referred to Tai’s cast of
Gatekeepers once- and having Henry landing next to Rika after retrieving the
glasses was a pretty easy mistake to make. BTW, the cast seen in this episode
is portrayed by the following Digimon characters- Ryo, Mimi, Joe, TK, Kari,
Yolei, Rika, Davis, Sora, and of course Cody as the cute Chinese girl.
Even though it is usually considered a meaningless leg, the coincidence that
they took the same train to Himeji as in episode two did allow the look back on
previous competitors. Other shows do that a lot better than Amazing Race, so it
was a good chance to remember the previous eight.
Yes, Kanto is a real region of Japan and not just Ash’s home state. And if
Ash’s rise to glory and success seems to fast and too unrealistic… don’t ask
about Misaki’s career.
CLAMP, despite their cute productions, actually have quite the marketing sense,
and like to put in references to previous series. Hatako’s resemblance to Tomoyo is made worse with the fact that
there’s another character in the series named Tamayo that serves as Misaki’s best friend. And yes, Hikaru is
named after Hikaru from Rayearth.
Kaede and Ringo are characters in the series. It’s hard to make up somebody as
strange as Kaede. As for Ringo- she can hold her own, but when compared to the
others, Yukino’s right- she does kinda suck. If you want a mental image, the angel
Syaoran & Meiling beat was Shadow Panther from episode two. And Kaoru was
obviously an Eva reference. Duh.
With Angelic Layer having the same writers as CCS, it’s only fair that Serial
Experiments Lain has the same head writer of Digimon Tamers. Whenever Chiaki
Konaka deals with series involving a real/digital world connection, he always
makes sure to put in characters named Alice and Juri. The Juri’s in Lain and
Digimon were both named Juri Kato. Takato’s shout is a reference to pretty much
the only thing he says in the second half of the Japanese version of Tamers.
Like Yukino and Arima, they’re a couple… just not on a first name basis yet.
Plenty of Lain-isms abound, even if the series was just a third of the episode.
The Lain that they met was not the timid, bear-obsessed Lain of the real world
most people associate with. This was a second, digital Lain who’s a lot more
confident and sassy. And I don’t want to get into the voices, the lack of a
body, or the whole “you can be someone else” on the Wired.
Finally… oh yes! The contest winners! Saving the best for last!
In third place, with 357 total points, is D Marco. D didn’t jump in until the
third episode, so was pretty much off the radar for awhile. But after nailing
the high score in the last two episodes, including a 100 this time, he takes
home third prize… again.
In second place, with 359 points, is Javeman. Javeman started out slow, but was
the master in the mid-game, ending up with one of the three top scores for four
straight weeks. He was also one of only three people who submitted picks every
week. For that, he definitely earns second prize… again.
And in first place, by a mere four-point-spread, was somebody who was
consistently in the lead the whole way through. A 50 in week two shot him up
there, and he never looked back. The only person to have a 41 dropped as a low score, with 363 total points. The
winner… Chromus! Again!!
For those of you who remember the Mole 2 contest… this final three looks
awfully familiar. In fact, it’s the same final three. In order. Same trifecta.
I don’t know how this happened. It’s weird. This is what I get for ending with
Lain. Whatever, for finishing in the top three for the second contest in a row,
Javeman and D Marco will be taking home the Anime-zing Race soundtrack,
featuring opening theme songs for each of the fifteen series, from “Sakura
Saku” to “Duvet.” And Chromus’s grand prize will be a choice of any of the
fifteen featured series in whatever format I can get a hold of. Whatever it is,
he has fifteen series to choose from… although I doubt he’ll pick Love Hina.
He’ll also get a copy of the soundtrack.
I’m now nearing two pages worth of author’s notes, so I’ll leave it at that.
Thanks to all who participated, all who read this, and all who reviewed. Although
I have completed casting for a sequel, if I ever want to write an Anime-zing
Race 2… I’m going to have to find time to watch a whole lot of anime. Yeah, I
know, it’s a tough life.