THE ANI-MAZING RACE 4
*
Dammit sister,
do you want to be dog food?
*
Heh, welcome to your daily dose of race mayhem. This is where things get a bit more interesting. The first time leaving Japan, an insane leg with just as mad characters, and another chance to screw up at the airport…except this time it’s to the US.
So let’s start this…YA-HA!
*
*
(10 teams left the beautiful world and Kino and her master, and travelled in style to chilly Hokkaido. In this leg of the race, air travel was required, and whilst almost everyone took the obvious route…)
Attendant: We can
only book you on the 10.40am.
Sara: Fine…it’s a direct flight…can’t be much better…
(…the most surprising person in the race proved that taking risks can work greatly if you have the bravery, as Saga was able to arrange a flight which got them in Hokkaido several hours earlier…)
Saga: Is there
something earlier that connected to Hakkodate that would arrive before 10.40am?
Operator:
Well…yes…there is a flight at 7.40am to Okadame, and then a connection flight
to Hakodate at 10.15am…
Saga: That’s a 25
minute advantage over any teams on the direct flight automatically not to
mention the time it takes to get there…
Operator: It’s
about 50 minutes from Okadame to Hakkodate, and about 1 hrs 20 minutes from
Haneda to Hakkodate.
Saga: That
works…can we get that?
(A few tense
moments…)
Operator: Yes,
you are on the flight, a miss Saga and Reggina Bergman. You can collect your
tickets from the Nippon Collection Counter immediately.
Saga: We’ll be
there in 10 minutes…thank you ever so much!
(…earning the surprise and respect of many teams.)
Bob: You do
realise…we’ve just got owned by an 11 year old German girl…
Jinnai: They…they
won’t have made it – I refuse to be beaten that way…
Yamato: Face
it…they planned ahead, and they are now ahead of us…if they got on. (chuckles)
And I can’t hate them for it…they outsmarted all of us…
(The one smiling
the most is Rally…)
Rally: I knew it…I knew those two would be trouble…Saga, I swear I will be getting you once I see you…
(The Jinnais and the Himuros butted heads once more…)
Jinnai: Woman, do
you know who I am?
Izumi: An idiot, a
moron, a guy whose ass would be broken in half by at least half the people
here, myself included, if it wasn’t for the rules?
Nanami: Hold it
there…
(Surprisingly, his
sister breaks them up…)
Nanami: Hey, don’t
get me wrong – this guy is a pain in the ass and you have no idea what he done
to me and my friends in the past…but…
(Nanami puts her
foot down…)
Nanami: …he’s
still my brother and my teammate, and whilst we will want to kill each other on
the race, I want to win the money. And if we have to use his tactics to do it,
so be it. So mark my words Himuro, if you get in our way, you’re going down…
(…which eventually led to a decision by the mother/daughter pair to take the Fast Forward…whilst in Hokkaido, whilst Saga and Reggina enjoyed their detour…)
(Reggina is all
smiles as she slowly tags in Saga who is very excited. Suomi, with a little
mischievous chuckle, lets Haruto grabs both her and Saga’s hands, and same with
Kuda, leaving them a bit more red than they expected…)
(Fortunately, Saga
is way into it. She giggles all the way and indeed, seems a bit better than
Kuda at skating and about equal with Haruto, so they are able to go at a much
quicker pace. Suomi slows down only ones because Saga got a bit overexcited and
she had to put on the brakes. After making sure the German girl is O.K, the 4
continue their skate around the rink…)
Suomi: O.K,
and…brake!
(The four do as
Saga shakes a little but is all smiles.)
Saga: That was
fun!
(…the others taking the quicker option, certainly weren’t…specifically Rally and May…)
Rally: Geez, I can
read this damn map…
May: Rally, let’s
stop…
Rally: It can’t be
that heavy…
May: But if we
don’t have a good look and think we’ll be screwed…let’s wave someone and see if
they can help us or let us follow them…
(At the Fast Forward, the Himuros enjoyed a sweet feast and were able to discover the Fast Forward…however were unable to beat Saga and Reggina to first place.)
Yuko: …you
are…TEAM NUMBER ONE!
SAGA/REGGINA – 1ST
PLACE (1.33PM)
(Saga’s serious façade changes and she erupts into immense joy. She glomps her grandmother as they both cry with joy. Yuko smiles and even the coldish Kyoko has to smile at this sight…)
(When Rally and May got to the Pit Stop, they got a surprise…)
Yuko: You’re…team
NUMBER 9!!!
May: Yeah, we
kn…huh?
Rally: Wait Yuko,
you said 9? Are you sure you got that wrong?
Kyoko: Oh boy…(in English)…YOU DUMB AMERICANS, YOU’RE NOT LAST!
(Tylor and Yamamoto, seeing other teams ahead of them, went for the safe option of the Fast Forward, unaware that the Himuros had got ahead of them. And thus, when they found the Fast Forward had been taken, it was a slow trek back…and then elimination.)
Yuko: Tylor and Yamamoto…you are the last team to arrive. I’m sorry to say you have been eliminated from the race.
(NOW, 9 TEAMS REMAIN. WHO WILL BE ELIMINATED…NEXT?)
*
TEAMS REMAINING;
BOB/NAGI – BEST
FRIENDS – TENJHO TENGE
GAI/ROCK LEE – MASTER/STUDENT – NARUTO
KATSUHIKO/NANAMI
(THE JINNAIS) – BROTHER AND SISTER – EL HAZARD
KEIKO/IZUMI –
MOTHER/DAUGHTER – PRINCESS NINE
MIYU/YAMATO –
ENGAGED – SUPERGALS
TAMAYO/KOTAROU – CHILDHOOD FRIENDS –
ANGELIC LAYER
RALLY/MINNIE MAY –
WORKING PARTNERS – GUNSMITH CATS
ROY/HUGHES –
FRIENDS IN THE MILITARY – FULL METAL ALCHEMIST
SAGA/REGGINA –
GRANDAUGHTER AND GRANDMOTHER – TINY SNOW FAIRY SUGAR
SARA/YAKUMO – BEST
FRIENDS – SCHOOL RUMBLE
SOUSUKE/KANAME –
CLASSMATES – FULL METAL PANIC
TYLOR/YAMAMOTO – CAPTAIN AND LIETUENANT – IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR
*
(Shot of a snow covered park, where tents in the shape of igloos have been arranged for our rather cold 9 teams. Yuko of course, seems completely unaffected and seems to smile at some of the teams discomfort. She turns to announce…)
Yuko: This is Inori Park, a beautiful haven of Hokkaido showing peace and beauty, where millions of people travel to witness festivals, parties and to find the elusive diamond dust. It is here as well, where the 3rd pit stop in a race around the anime world took place. Teams here arrive at the end of each leg…
(Shot of Nanami eating ice cream in the cold temperatures as everyone looks at her strangely…)
Yuko: Which allows them to eat…
(…the tents are fairly big so cue the body heat sequences, though Rally’s attempts at getting body heat from Saga seem to verge on strangulation…)
Yuko: …sleep…
(…shot of Bob, Hughes and Nagi all smirking at Roy’s discomfort in the cold weather, whilst Kaname, Miyu and May all enjoy some of Yakumo’s brewed green tea round a camp fire…)
Yuko: …and mingle with the other teams. The 9 teams remaining have no idea what is in store for them. Will Saga and Reggina’s surprise 1st place cause them to now be hunted? And can Rally and May, in last place, get back to the head of the pack?
*
Yuko: Saga and Reggina, who were first to arrive at 1.33pm…will
depart at 1.33am.
(Shot of the two, shivering a little but more used to it than most of the teams as they open the clue…)
SAGA/REGGINA – 1ST PLACE (1.33AM – TINY SNOW
FAIRY SUGAR)
Saga: Travel to Deimon High School in Southern Tokyo and find the infamous Deimon Devil Bats clubhouse for your next clue…
*
(We cut over now outside a rather nice looking clubhouse…which for some reason seems to look more like a casino. Second year student, the slightly balding, yet intelligent bench warmer Manabu Yukimitsu is our first host of the day.)
Yukimitsu: Teams must travel back to Tokyo from Hokkaido, and then located Deimon High School, a remote school which up until recently, wasn’t famed for much. Here, they must find the reason why Deimon is now on the map…the football team. Once they’ve found this…clubhouse…they will receive their next clue.
*
Sara: …you have 18000 yen for this leg of the race…come on grandma, it’s time to plan ahead again!
Reggina: Saga, you continue to amaze me.
(Shot of Saga and Reggina already in a taxi, two already there, seems like the teams are ready and prepared…)
Reggina: After last leg, teams are now preparing in
advance – they know we’re not a soft touch and Saga cannot be beaten in terms
of preparation. So now we’re all equals…and that spurs us on to be even better.
(Saga and Reggina get in their taxi…)
Saga: Airport please! Back to New Chitose!
Reggina: Can we also borrow your phone please?
(After a quick little bit of help from the driver, they begin to try and find out the best way to return to Tokyo…)
*
1.35am
IZUMI/KEIKO – 2ND PLACE (PRINCESS NINE)
(Keiko rips the clue up…)
Keiko: Back to school then Izumi.
Izumi: I just hope it’s a sports theme…
(Izumi and Keiko get into the remaining taxi and begin to head off…Keiko does exactly the same things as the Bergmans…)
Keiko: Time for my business skills to show we can match anyone.
Izumi: Ignore the fact that the teams who did this best was a little girl and a grandmother not even born in this country…
(Keiko ignores her and begins to call the airport…)
Keiko: We were able to dig ourselves out of that ditch
but we’ve still got plenty of work to do before the sunlight hits our faces. So
far we haven’t really been using our strengths…and even the Fast Forward didn’t
bring us the elusive 1st place. So now, we have to keep up,
otherwise it will be an early shower the next morning…
*
(Saga is talking with Reggina and someone on the phone…regarding flights…)
Saga: O.K…let me recap…there are only two direct flights into Narita…one at 7.50am and one at 1.50pm correct?
(A confirmation and Saga nods…)
Saga: Are there any available flights on the 7.50 one?
(A few buttons are heard clicking as Saga and Reggina wait and hope…)
Airport worker: Yes, there are 5 seats left baring cancellations…we can put on there right now.
Saga: Brilliant!
(The two are all set…as are…)
*
Keiko: …there’s only three left?
Izumi: 100 yen says Saga got a couple…
Keiko: Well, we’ll be joining them…can we book two seats please quickly?
(A few button bashes and they get the affirmative…)
Keiko: So basically, it’s us and the Germans on the first flight…and everyone else behind us.
(Izumi smiles…)
Izumi: That’s the way it should be.
(The mother/daughter pair smile as they head off to the airport…)
*
1.55AM
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 3RD PLACE (FULL METAL PANIC)
(Kaname opens the clue…)
Kaname: O.K, let’s rock…
(Again, the taxis are slowly coming and Kaname and Sousuke hop in theirs and get ready to rock…)
Sousuke: I think Chidori works well in this game for
organising, and I’ll take the action. It’s simple…and simple battle plans
always seem to work the best.
*
Kaname: We should see how we can get into Tokyo…excuse me sir, do you have a phone?
(Again, they go for it…but just before the clock hits 2…)
Kaname: …so there is only 1 seat available for that flight now…(thinks)…right, can we be put on standby for that flight, and get a ticket for the 1.50 flight please?
(Kaname gets the confirmation and sighs…)
Kaname: Seems the second flight everyone can get on, but the first flight is pretty much packed…
Sousuke: Do you think the enemies in front of us got on the earlier flight?
Kaname: I don’t like referring Saga and Reggina as enemies, but for the sake of argument, I wouldn’t be surprised. Heck, nothing surprises me on this race anymore…
*
2.00AM
MIYU/YAMATO – 4TH PLACE
Miyu: …back to school Yamato-kun…
Yamato: It’s worked so far…let’s roll Miyu.
Miyu: Miyu ready!
Miyu: Everyone was over-prepared last night…it was a
mad scramble to the phone to book taxis for the early morning. So we know that basically
the positions really counted, and with the top two teams with nearly a half an
hour head start, that is the difference between victory and defeat…and I don’t
want to be part of that…
(Yamato this time is also on the phone as seems like after Saga’s efforts last time everyone is following in her direction…)
Yamato: …I see. Right, well we’ll go on standby for that flight and can we to be on the safe side book the 1.50 one please?
Worker: Of course officer.
Yamato: (sweatdrops) How did he…
(The two get their flight confirmed as they hope for standby…)
*
2.02AM
(Shot of Saga and Reggina’s taxi park outside Terminal 2, as they head off to collect their tickets, knowing that the Princess Nine duo are also on their heels…)
Reggina: Logic dictates that Keiko probably snapped up the other two tickets…she is a businesswoman after all.
Saga: Which means that we’ll be at least sharing with the Himuros…they’re a little intimidating…
Reggina: But they’ve not had a bad thing to do with us dear, Keiko even said that she respected us after winning that leg so it’s going to be relaxing.
Saga: I guess…it’s just that I miss a few of the teams and aside from the talks at the Pit Stop I don’t get a chance to enjoy the race…
Reggina: I thought winning was the most enjoyment…
Saga: Grandma, you’re sounding like Greta…
(Reggina simply smiles and taps her nose, as they get ready to try and find somewhere to sit down to perhaps get a little sleep…)
*
2.05AM
5TH PLACE – BOB AND NAGI (TENJHO TENGE)
Bob: School again? Let’s see if we can take over this one…
Nagi: Heh, not like anyone tougher than us…
(The two (not realising who they inadvertently dissed) follow through as they get on their taxi, ready to rock…)
Bob: Airport please and don’t conserve the gas…
Bob: We need to be very careful here. We know now Gai
and Lee have gone that a lot of teams seem to be focusing on us for our
physical skills. Well so far we haven’t had a chance to use them, so sooner
than later, when we do, we will give all the teams something to worry about…
(Bob and Nagi head off…they don’t actually call the airport though…)
*
2.09AM
(Shot of the Himuros cutting into the airport, Keiko pays the driver as they head into a slightly bustling airport, and locate where to pick up their tickets…)
(…and spot Saga and Reggina half comfy on a couple of chairs. Saga looks half asleep, whilst Reggina is still awake with an arm around her granddaughter…)
Keiko: Cute.
(Izumi collects the tickets, yawns herself…)
Izumi: They got the right idea though – nothing much to do aside from mocking the Jinnais that we’ll be on the earlier flight…
Keiko: I guess you won’t let that blow over…then again, he is rather obnoxious…
Izumi: I meant both of them now…the sister is an annoying whelp as well…let’s just keep out of the sight, we had 20 minutes on team Full Metal Jacket…
(Keiko sighs but follows her daughter…)
*
2.11AM
ROY/HUGHES – 6TH PLACE (FULL METAL ALCHEMIST)
Roy: …Deimon High School…wonder if we’ll find minisk…
Hughes: Don’t even say it…
(The two get their taxi and head on outta there…)
Hughes: It sucks having to be used to a completely
different time. We’ve been holding out so far quite well, but everything is
something to struggle against…and getting homesick sucks as well…but the thrill
of victory at the end is always there, and we can grab it…
(Again, Roy and Hughes don’t think to try and get tickets at the airport, they just try and get a quiet ride and enjoy the late night at Hokkaido…)
Roy: Snow doesn’t work for me…
Hughes: …the view does though…
*
2.22AM
JINNAI/NANAMI – 7TH PLACE (EL HAZARD)
Jinnai: Another school which I shall have control over…ha ha ha!
Nanami: First get control over your fantasies and then we’ll talk…
(The Jinnai’s get inside their taxi, and Nanami DOES ask for the phone…)
Nanami: …so…basically, all the flights are sold out for the flight at 7.50…and the only other direct one is at 1.50pm…right…we’ll take that, and put us on stand by for the earlier flight as well please…
(After getting it confirmed, Nanami relaxes…)
Nanami: It’s funny being on a race with my brother,
because he’s as unpredictable as the race – and it actually can work to our
advantage. Everyone hates his guts, and they want to make sure we’re out of
this race. But they make mistakes from their head clouded like that…whilst I
remain calm and he…well he doesn’t have anything in his head to be clouded by…
*
2.25AM
SARA/YAKUMO – 8TH PLACE (SCHOOL RUMBLE)
Sara: Deimon High School…how bad it could be?
Yakumo: Well…
Sara: Actually don’t answer that…we’ll know soon enough…
(Sara and Yakumo get on their taxi, and again they do get on the phones, Sara doing the talking…)
Sara: …O.K, we’ll take that. Just put us on stand-by for the first flight please…
(Sara gets the A O.K, as the two enjoy the scenery…)
Yakumo: Being with Sara, travelling, meeting other
people…it’s both the most nervous time of my life, and also the most exciting
as well. I’m shy, and it’s hard to really enjoy myself even with my best friend
with me. But there is always something I can appreciate, and I’m suddenly
getting more enthusiastic for the race…
*
2.28AM
(Shot of Sousuke and Kaname at Chitose Airport, as they look around, find where they can get their tickets…)
Ticket seller: …you’re on stand by for the earlier flight as well right?
Sousuke: Affirmative.
Kaname: Yes in normal speak.
(They get their bumper tickets and glance around for signs of other teams…)
Sousuke: You think the enemy got ahead of us?
Kaname: I’m certain…and don’t say that, makes me thing you’re going to try and attack them…
Sousuke: If necessary, victory is all…that’s what you said…
Kaname: AND REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED THAT’S FIRST LEG?
(Sousuke begins to sweat and gulp with Kaname’s proximately…Kaname then turns and sees Keiko drinking some coffee.)
Kaname: The Himuros are here…I think we should just try and get a little rest…
(Kaname plops down – almost subconsiciously, she plops her head on Sousuke’s shoulder. The sergant is a little surprised…)
Sousuke: Chidori?
Kaname: (quietly) Just shut up and let me sleep a little…
(Kaname does seem to doze off as Sousuke sits there, quiet and straightens up. He stays awake, alternating between scanning the airport and looking at Kaname…)
*
2.30AM
RALLY/MINNIE MAY – LAST PLACE (GUNSMITH CATS)
Rally: …looks like we’re heading to school again.
May: Any jokes about me still being eligible for elementary school gets a swift kick up the ass…
Rally: I thought half the teams went through that on the first leg…
May: But I’m not allowed to hurt THEM…
(Rally makes herself scarce as they head to the taxi. May does call the airport and despite her voice surprisingly the Japanese speaker of May’s Japanese, she’s able to confirm and collect…)
May: O.K Rally…all of the earliest flight to Tokyo is sold out so we’ve got a date at 1.50…I’ve booked us on standby to be on the safe side.
Rally: Cool, let’s hope luck is on our side this leg…
Rally: We’ve sucked so far – but we’re still alive. We
could use the excuse of our origin, but then what does that little German girl
do? Yep, kick ass last leg. So no more excuses, we’ve sucked. And that is the
last thing Rally Vincent does…and not going to do now. It’s playing for keeps
girlfriend, and we’re the dealers.
*
2.34AM
Miyu: Miyu here!
Yamato: Except it’s not like anyone wants to see us…actually, I can’t see them either…
(Miyu and Yamato are just about to pick up their tickets and with an airport still with people but quieter than normal, it’s a bit unnerving…)
Miyu: Travelling back to school here, seems a little eerie…
Yamato: I think we should either overload on coffee or find somewhere to re…st, like the most unexpected pair I thought would be…
(Yamato smiles and points somewhere. Miyu spots Sousuke and Kaname – Sousuke has his eyes closed, asleep or not they don’t know, but it looks pretty sweet…)
Miyu: How unexpected…but cute all the same!
Yamato: Just don’t go near them – this is Sousuke, he could unexpectedly reach for your arm and yank it out of your socket.
(Miyu and Yamato decide to take in the air, knowing the other teams will all be arriving soon…)
*
Bob: Turning in here right?
Nagi: Yep…we’re there.
(Bob and Nagi exit their taxi as they head inside. They spot Miyu and Yamato early as they point out where to collect their tickets…)
Yamato: Considering everyone else will be getting them now…
Nagi: Fair point cop.
(Yamato doesn’t seem to like that…)
Yamato: There a few questionable people on this race
where, on another time and place, could be easily arrestable. Nagi, Katsuhiko,
Rally and May, Sousuke…they all have things which shouldn’t be right. So I do
get an unnervy feeling around some of the teams…
Miyu: (clutches his hand) Just let it be Yamato-kun…
Yamato: It’s just I feel that I should be questioning some of these rather than competing against them…
Miyu: Well we could be all together so it might be a long wait…
(It isn’t long before the FMA team arrive as well, who are quite relieved by the early bustle…)
Roy: I love these taxis – if they didn’t exist, I’d say we were screwed…
Hughes: Taxis? Ha…it’s the coffee that I couldn’t do without…speaking of which…
(A spare yen or two later and the officers are indulging in caffeine, with three teams awaiting and 5 hours to go to see if a few can get on the stand-by tickets, the next team unfortunately means instant caffeine…)
*
Nanami: Sometimes I wonder how you can be so energetic even this early in the morning?
Jinnai: But my dear sister, conquest is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day – I have to be ready any time of the day…
Nanami: That’s actually a useful skill in this race…
(Fortunately the Himuros aren’t anywhere near when they arrive, with just the Gals and FMA teams in sight (not noticing the napping Kaname). Bob and Nagi however spot them as they come back from a walk about…)
Nagi: Gah, I hate this no violence rule…
Bob: We’ll just beat them in the race – that will be satisfying enough…
(Jinnai isn’t particularly loud though and instead they pick up their tickets as Hughes realises after seeing them they need to get theirs.)
Hughes: Gah…I hate having to do stuff…
Roy: Since when is that any different?
(As they do, team number 8 arrives as Sara and Yakumo get through the slightly busy airport…)
Yakumo: Busy…
Sara: You should see Gatwick airport at 4am on a weekday – the term ‘packed like sardines’ would give you an idea, and you’re on the quiet period…
(The girls locate the ticket counter and now rely on Sara’s holy abilities to create a miracle to get on stand-by, they at least get a better welcome than most teams as Miyu and Yamato greet them.)
Miyu: There are a few tired faces…
Sara: The worst is yet to come…
Yakumo: Rally-san and May-san looked like…
Sara: …the term you’re looking for Yakumo is ‘the living dead…’
Yakumo: R-Right…
*
(Right on cue…)
Rally: I…hate…taxis…
May: Coffee…where is the coffee?
(Hughes helpfully points out as they screw the tickets as a second priority as coffee is first on the agenda. However, as both gulp it down instantly, they are briefly re-energised and head over to get their tickets with stand-by.)
Bob: Ah, you’re all here now…
Rally: Yes, we’re semi-even. Did any of the teams get on the first flight?
Bob: Dunno…but I’d guess the Germans probably did.
Rally: Damn their hides to Hades!
(Rally quick looks around and spots Saga and Reggina on a bench, Reggina is now asleep with Saga now on her lap. Rally immediately softens.)
Rally: Oh then again, I can’t be sure so I’ll let them off for now…
Nagi: For a tough Chicago girl, you seem to be soft on little girls…
May: I suggest you choose your next words VERY carefully…
Nagi: (panic mode) I wasn’t going to say anything! It’s just that we need to be tough on everyone and I’m certainly not…
Sara: (sweetly) Oh really Nagi-kun?
(Nagi finally notices Sara and jumps back – Bob sighs…)
Bob: A note for Nagi – back EVERYTHING UP…
*
(6.00am)
Tanoy: Attention – the 7.50an flight from New Chitose to Narita will now be boarding due to depart at 7.50am. All people on stand by between now and 7.30am listen to see if you are able to make it on board.
(By now, all the teams are awake, and with the Bergmans and Himuros already on the flight, there’s a little nervousness on the ground – though that doesn’t stop Saga from being hugged by Rally, Miyu, May, Sara and even Kaname…)
Rally: Go you little brat before I pretend you’re not cute!
(Saga bobs her tongue at Rally before she and Reggina head off, the Himuros simply enter as they are now in competiton mode. However, a few teams not doing the standby know they are in trouble…)
Roy: I never heard of this so we didn’t go for it…
Bob: We’re just stupid…
*
6.30am
Ticket master: Sousuke Sagara and Kaname Chidori, you are now able to go on the flight.
Kaname: Excellent! Let’s go Sousuke!
Sousuke: Affirmative – we are now tracking ahead.
(A few pouting faces as Kaname and Sousuke end up on board…)
*
6.50am
Ticket master: O.K…a Miyu Yamazaki and Yamato Kotobuki, you have been moved from stand-by to on the plane – here you go!
(Miyu and Yamato get their tickets and head off, Miyu ecstatic as they hug, as a few teams openly vent their disgust…)
Nagi: It’s not rubbing it in, yet…
Jinnai: Bah, they’ll see the true power…
*
7.25am
(It takes until 5 minutes before the end-time for standby, but another team…)
Master: O.K, I have tickets here for Katsuhiko and Nanami Jinnai for the 7.50am flight to Narita…
Jinnai: YES!
Nanami: Oh hell yes!
(Needless to say, the remaining teams, especially the Rumblers and Gunsmith Cats who did go on stand-by are rather disappointed…)
Jinnai: See ya suckers!
(That didn’t help either…Nagi looks ready to punch someone as does Rally…)
Nagi: Bastard…
(Yakumo however of all people, looks the most angry – her face is strained and is into ‘don’t mess with my sister’ type of look she gets…)
Yakumo: Sometimes there is no justice. Sara keeps
telling me you can see the good in all people, and up until she is right with
people like Harima-san…but Jinnai-san…I’m really having problems seeing it…
Nagi: So we’re at the back now…dammit…
May: I just hope there is something delaying them when they arrive…
(The teams try to sit down and relax, but it’s going to be a long wait…)
*
7.50am
FIRST FLIGHT FROM NEW CHITOSE TO NARITA DUE TO ARRIVE AT
9.25AM
Yuko: (VO) On this flight to Narita, where teams will
then have to find the infamous Deimon High School are Saga and Reggina, Izumi
and Keiko, Sousuke and Kaname, Miyu and Yamato and Katsuhiko and Nanami.
(Shot of 4 teams now trying to not seem too disappointed and looking to kill time, which seems to revolve around Bob trying to convince Sara to tease Nagi as much as possible however our favourite blond fighter seems a little pissed off, with Rally and May talking to Roy and Hughes and comparing driving techniques…it’s all a little subdued.)
Yuko: Awaiting for the flight at 1.50pm are Roy and
Hughes, Sara and Yakumo, Bob and Nagi, and Rally and May.
(A quick shot of the plane on the way, as Miyu warning one of the online staff to get ready to inject an anaesthetic to Jinnai, Saga and Reggina try to get a little more sleep, Nanami tries to beg for something alcoholic (and fails) whilst Izumi tries to pretend that she can’t see or hear the Jinnais (and also fails), whilst Sousuke actually now actually does get a little sleep as Kaname watches over him and smiles a little…)
*
9.30AM
NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(A touchdown (pun intended) at the airport as teams need to mass rush out of there, and need to find how to get to Deimon, a small area in the mass exodus that is Tokyo but has now gotten quite famous…)
(Due to their speed, Sousuke and Kaname after getting through customs are able to get ahead of Miyu and Yamato…)
1ST PLACE – KANAME/SOUSUKE
Kaname: Would it best to get a taxi or would there be trains running there?
Sousuke: Considering it’s a high school there must be a train or bus service – shall we investigate this first?
Kaname: Time is of the essence…let’s see how long it would take first.
(They do so, Yamato and Miyu however decide to research…)
2ND PLACE – MIYU/YAMATO
Yamato: …being used to getting asked for directions now we need to find what is the best option there…
Miyu: Miyu will search the leaflets…
(The rail lines however are a problem. They can get a train from the station on site, but then it requires 3 changes to get to Deimon…direct into Tokyo, then from Tokyo to Kashima and then Kashima to Deimon.)
Yamato: That will take about I’d say about 3 and a half hours…
Miyu: But price wise…
Yamato: It’s better doing this than spending a lot of money on a journey that might not be even that much quicker, if it’s quicker at all…let’s do it.
Miyu: Right!
(Narita Station it is, inbound from the airport to get directly to Tokyo Station and then connect into Kashima via the Narita line and then to Deimon.)
(As they do this, it seems Kaname and Sousuke have realised the same thing…)
Kaname: Crap…it would take forever and would drain all our money…we have no choice, let’s find the train station and work it out from there…
Sousuke: Affirmative.
(As they do, the Jinnais see them and follow them…)
Kaname: Dammit…
Nanami: Any more proof that taxi wasn’t the way to go here?
Jinnai: Let’s just run!
IZUMI/KEIKO – 4TH PLACE
(Keiko’s advantage now comes into play…she KNOWS the route and heads directly to the station where the Jinnais and the FMP teams don’t see them – Izumi smirks past the Jinnais…)
Keiko: Business in Deimon is small but sturdy, especially with the raise of this American Football Club people are talking about…
Izumi: As long as you don’t intend to try a Kisaragi Ladies Football Team…
Keiko: Now that you mention it…
(Izumi just groans at Keiko’s ‘humour’ as they head to the station. Saga and Reggina emerge from customs as they also go for the trains…)
SAGA/REGGINA – 5TH PLACE
Saga: We’ve always been saving money…why stop now?
Reggina: Let’s just hope we know where we’re going dear…
Saga: Ah…yeah…
(Problem – written Japanese. Saga uses her age again to her advantage as she speaks to a few travellers and work staff to try and help her out – one worker shows her the train schedules…)
Staff: So you’re looking for Deimon…it’s a bit out of the way but if you take the main station and then get off the line into Kashima, and then it’s about 20 minutes to Deimon…though the Kashima trip can take about 3 hours…
Reggina: Common sense dictates this is the best route though…
Staff: Yes ma’am.
(Saga then spots the Jinnais running...to the direction of the station. Saga nods.)
Saga: Running racers also suggest that possibility grandma.
Reggina: That too dear, let’s go.
Saga: Right!
(All 5 teams are heading to the station to get into Tokyo’s main station to then navigate to Deimon from there…)
*
NARITA LINE (TO TOKYO)
(Shot of Miyu and Yamato buying a ticket…)
Miyu: O.K, so we’ve got the ticket to Tokyo, then to Kashima and then to Deimon at 3570 yen. I’ll take that over the taxi fare.
Yamato: Let’s hope everyone else decided to waste their money…
(Shot of Kaname and Chidori and the Jinnais in hot pursuit of the Himuros…)
Yamato: Aw crap.
(It’s soon obvious that everyone is sharing the 10am train and when Saga/Reggina make it they at least comfort in the knowledge that they are still going to be way ahead of the other teams…well, 3 of the 5 teams take comfort…)
Miyu: Not comfy…
Saga: It’s a bit scary…
(Shot of the Jinnais and the Himuros trying hard not to say anything, which is near impossible when one of the parties consists of Katsuhiko Jinnai and the other consists of Izumi Himuro.)
Kaname: I believe we have found the impossible…people that can be more annoying than Sousuke…
Sousuke: I thank you for that Chidori.
Kaname: (sweatdrops) That wasn’t particularly a compliment but what works for you…
Reggina: I think this is simply a case of two families who don’t get along and are trying to put aside everything for the greater good…
Yamato: …unfortunately, they didn’t realise there would be a team similar and they end up clashing.
Reggina: Exactly dear.
*
10.00AM
(Shot of the direct Narita line directly into Tokyo. The train from Tokyo to Kashima will arrive every 20 minutes so with the train arriving in Tokyo at 10.08am they should make the 10.20am train no problem, and then depart for Kashima at 3.15pm, and then it’s the 3.28pm to Deimon arriving at 3.40pm.)
*
10.08AM
Saga: Which platform is it?
Miyu: I would lie to you…but I can’t. Besides, you’ll just end up following us anywhere – come on sweetheart.
(Mother Miyu holds Saga’s hand as they head over to Platform 3 where a mass of people are awaiting to get to Kashima…)
Yamato: Ouch.
Kaname: I don’t suppose being an officer helps here?
Yamato: Trust me, if I did, I think I would have arrested Jinnai already but sadly, breaking through queues doesn’t help.
Sousuke: Permission to…
Kaname: NOOOOO!
(The uncomfortable silence between the Jinnai’s and the Himuros continues as the Bergmans, the future Kotobuki’s and Kaname try to drown the silence with chatter, knowing this will be a long train ride…)
*
(Shot of the remaining 4 teams now boarding the plane)
Nagi: It was very uncomfortable to be honest…we had
Rally and May who are tough but I have trouble speaking to them, Roy and Hughes
aren’t even from this time and Sara and Yakumo who…well…I just can’t even look
at dammit! So yeah, it was very long and uncomfortable…
(The short plane trip is needed, because these teams will be playing catch up big time…)
*
(A quick shot of the teams on the train as they enjoy a fair bit of sleep as best as they can…Nanami probably had to hit her brother a few times, as they prepare for the next part of this race…)
*
3.15PM
KASHIMA TO DEIMON
(Shot of the 5 teams exiting after a few stretches – they navigate to platform 2 to head to the train station to Deimon, then it’s basically a few minutes walk to the school.)
(Shot of Yamato watching Miyu with a smile talking and holding hands with Saga…)
Yamato: Miyu will be a great mother one day- my own
mom is an inspiration to me for the force as much as my dad, but despite their
tough police background are already asking us for grandchildren. I just know
Miyu will be the perfect mother if her interactions with Saga are any
indication…
Kaname: Well, at least there is a little peace around here…
Sousuke: From the sounds of what you are saying, that is projected to be destroyed soon Chidori?
Kaname: Oh hell yeah…and 7 out of 10 chance it will be from one of those two teams…the other 3 from yourself.
Sousuke: Only if it’s asked from me.
Kaname: Trust me, if it’s asked…it will be 10 out of 10.
(The silent treatment between the Himuros and the Jinnais not to mention the fact that they aren’t exactly comfortable talking to the other teams either makes a divide between the two friendly (Gals/Sugar), the neutral (FMP) and the outsiders (Himuros/Jinnais…)
Nanami: These waits feel a heck of a lot longer than they actually are…
*
3.25PM
(Shot of four rushing teams running like heck – Bob and Nagi are just ahead of Roy and Hughes, with the two all female teams neck a neck at the back. Now they need to find out where to go…)
(…and three teams immediately look confused.)
Hughes: Like hell we can find the way to Deimon from here…
Bob: Logic dictates we find somewhere to find the trains or we should get a taxi…but in Tokyo where the hell is Deimon?
Rally: Don’t ask me, I’m American…hey wait…we’re missing one team…
Nagi: Crap. If anyone would know, Yakumo would…
(Shot of Yakumo and Sara trying to sneak away at a phone booth and actually calling for information to get to Deimon…)
Yakumo: I see…and therefore…it’s best to take the trains…right, we’ll book those tickets now please…
(Yakumo suddenly feels a few presences around her…)
Rally: (sweetly) Oh Yakumo-chan….
(Yakumo sweatdrops as three other teams follow her lead…Sara sighs…)
Sara: Should have expected it…sometimes being honest doesn’t work…
*
3.28PM
(Shot of the first 5 teams hoping on the Kashima-Deimon line as the race returns…)
*
(…whilst the others are now waiting for the next Narita direct line train to central Tokyo, arriving at 3.33 – in fact the train is already awaiting and the teams get on to get ready to move…)
Sara: Are you alright Yakumo?
(Yakumo seems a little shaken…)
Yakumo: I-It’s O.K…just a crowded presence of people can make me a little…nervous…
Sara: Yeah…best not try and show that though…half of these teams will take advantage of that…
Yakumo: Y-Yeah…sorry…
Sara: (smiles) And that’s why I’m here – I’m not letting anyone get to your pretty little head Yakumo.
(Sara grabs Yakumo’s arm and relaxes. Yakumo smiles as well and does the same. Behind them, May and Rally begin strategy…)
May: O.K out of the 8 of us, only 2 are pure Japanese and one of them is an idiot…
(We hear Nagi sneezing…)
Rally: …so we should try and follow Yakumo if possible.
May: Yeah, Sara is a lot better at Japanese than us as well…problem is they are obviously the slowest team out of our four so if people follow us, we’re screwed.
Rally: True…maybe we should consider the Fast Forward…
*
(We head over to a local pastry place off site at Deimon- our new host, a quarter American bishoujo and Deimon Devil Bats team manager, Mamori Anezaki is our next host.)
Mamori: There is only one Fast Forward on this leg of the race. A team that takes the Fast Forward can skip all tasks and head directly to the Pit Stop. However, once a team has used the Fast Forward, they cannot use another one for the remainder of the race, so they must decide when it is most beneficial to use it.
(Outside the shop we see it’s specialities, cream puffs, on sale. Mamori is half drooling and half gleaming for a moment at them before she regains control and explains the Fast Forward.)
Mamori: In this Fast Forward, teams must search throughout the hundred cream puffs available, and find the one that is 1.5x larger than the rest. I have the ability to recognise it so they can’t fake me out – however, if they can recognise it and hand it over to me, they will receive the Fast Forward.
*
Rally: What do you think May?
May: Let’s see when we get there and what we’ve got to do first before we go for the fast forward…
(The team agrees to disagree as they head over to Kashima, but as they do, five other teams are about to indulge in a different type of activity…)
*
3.40PM – DEIMON (HIGH SCHOOL)
(Shot of the teams escaping the train and they see the long brick wall up to the side leading up to Deimon High. Needless to say it’s a mad dash for the front with Sousuke/Kaname and Miyu/Yamato leading the pack, the Supergals teams just ahead…)
Yamato: You won’t beat an officer of the law!
Kaname: Sousuke, as tempted as you maybe, DON’T.
(The teams have to find the clubhouse which is on the reverse side of the school, so teams head inside the school where people are just leaving school or going to their clubs so asking for people is easy, and considering how famous the football club is now, locating it is even easier.)
Girl 1: Just through the opposite doors, and it’s the first big place on the right. You can’t miss it.
Yamato: We can’t miss it?
Girl 1: You CAN’T miss it.
(Yamato takes that on board and runs across – Kaname gets lucky and actually speaks to fringe player and basketball player Yohei Satake.)
Satake: …well yeah I’m on the basketball team but the football guys need to practice more because I’m such an important player!
Kaname: (not buying it) That’s great but WHERE THE HELL IS IT?
(Satake finally gets the hint and points where Miyu and Yamato are already running…it isn’t long before the Jinnais get ahead of the Himuros and just spot the FMP pair running.)
Jinnai: Follow the ignorant masses!
Nanami: You shouldn’t really say things which could get you beat up here…I just get this weird feeling…
(The Himuros and the Bergmans a little behind begin to run, as the future Kotobukis realise what the student meant…)
Yamato: This is a club house?
(The Devil Bats club house is…well…a bit flashy. The Devil Bat logo flashing out with lights makes it seem more like a casino. With a pig snoozing nearby (and an empty doghouse) as the plane scours overhead, Miyu just heads in.)
Miyu: Ah, Yamato-kun!
(On the top are the clues. Miyu immediately snatches one up.)
MIYU/YAMATO – 1ST PLACE
Miyu: Head to the football field and find your next clue under the seats of the stands…
*
(We head over back to Yukimitsu as he explains this clue.)
Yukimitsu: Teams must now locate their next clue underneath the seats of this now vastly improved football ground. There are around 2000 seats so it’s going to take a fair bit of searching and exercise, but they will find a clue underneath one of them.
*
Yamato: So we head out to the field and search under the benches and seats then…
Miyu: It’s a dirty job but someone’s gotta do it…
Yamato: Let’s go…
(The two rush off to the nearby field as Kaname and Sousuke get their clue…)
KANAME/SOUSUKE – 2ND PLACE
Sousuke: Football…
Kaname: We’ll see it when we get to it…as long as it’s not rugby…
(The two follow the gals teams as the other three teams exit the school to find the Bats clubhouse. Jinnai stops for a moment to look…)
Jinnai: Somebody here has the power to ask for funds…I might have to recruit them into my army…
Nanami: Stop admiring and start running, we’ve got a pissed off mother and daughter on our tail and I for one would rather not stop and chat!
(Jinnai rushes in as the two collect their clue…)
JINNAI/NANAMI – 3RD PLACE
Jinnai: Ugh…more manual labour…
Nanami: Tell that to the princesses…let’s run quick!
(There is a moment of anger as the Himuros pretty much enter as the Jinnais exit, so there’s a bit of shoving there, but the Himuros quickly get their clue…)
IZUMI/KEIKO – 4TH PLACE
Izumi: A football field then it is mother.
Keiko: Let’s hope there’s a baseball part of this leg then…
(The two follow down the hills to the football field as a few more moments pass before the Bergmans enter the clubhouse…)
Saga: This is rather impressive…should I even be in here?
Reggina: As long as you don’t actually use the machines I think it’s fine…
SAGA/REGGINA – 5TH PLACE
Reggina: O.K, time for some grafting…
Saga: Let’s do it grandma!
(The two leave as Miyu and Yamato are down the steps and witnessing some football practice. We see someone with spikey blonde hair throwing to a smaller young man, a large, fat but powerful guy pushing two smaller people back, whilst on the side we see a tall-ish man on a track running. The two head up to the seats and begin searching.)
Yamato: Split into two rows and keep moving to the side and then up Miyu!
Miyu: Got it!
(The two are quickly followed by Sousuke and Kaname who rush to the top and one row away from Miyu and Yamato…)
Sousuke: If we just keep going down it will be easier and quicker.
Kaname: Heh, military strategy working for something like this? Never would have thought…
(With basically three large standards on each side, it’s basically 6 in total. Once the Jinnais and the Himuros see this, they immediately navigate to the other side to find for clues there…)
(…it isn’t long before Sousuke’s strategy pays off.)
Kaname: Eureka!
(As the Bergman’s slowly get down, Sousuke and Kaname open their clue as the Gals sighs…)
Yamato: They got one before us?!
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 1ST PLACE – 3.46PM
Kaname: Detour – Offence or Defence.
*
(We return to Yukimitsu, who is warming the bench as he does watching players doing their warm ups and practicing. Time for the detour explanation!)
Yukimitsu: A Detour is a choice between two paths, each with it’s own pros and cons. In this detour teams must take the two basic forms of combat in American Football – offence…or defence.
*
(Shot of the big, fat, but muscular lineman pushing back a couple of players in red shirts, one of them is his own protégé a small, chubby but again quite muscular 1st year and the other being a tall man with long wavy hair, a permanent cheesy smile on his face with pearl white teeth. These are in order, Ryokan Kurita, Daikichi Komosubi and Natsuhiko Taki.)
Yukimitsu: In Defence, teams must be able to somehow push by Kurita and be able to sack our infamous quarterback and captain Yoichi Hiruma before he can make a pass to our ace receiver Taro Raimon, a.k.a. Monta-kun.
(Shot of Hiruma who is a sight to behold. Fairly tall with Cloud Strife like hair, elf ears, a demonic grin and for some reason, holding a uzi nearby with his American Football in one hand. On the other side of the field, the small, monkey like Raimon, (but will be called Monta as he is always known as Monta) catches another one of his bullet passes with ease.)
Yukimitsu: This is quite tricky and physical considering Kurita-kun’s power and weight could lead to disasterous consequences. However, if they can by pass him and tackle Hiruma, they will receive their next clue, so it can be quite fast. HOWEVER, if they fail, they will have to get to the back of any queues which have been formed…courtesy of Yoichi Hiruma.
*
(Shot of the track side as a plain looking 2nd year is running the 100. Timed at around 4.9 seconds which is actually quite good, Yukimitsu explains.)
Yukimitsu: In Offence, teams must be able to run the 40 yard dash 10 times relay style EACH. For some reason we actually have each competitors 40 yard dash info…
(In the distance, Hiruma grins and holds out an infamous black book which is almost as deadly as a Death Note…)
Yukimitsu: …teams must keep within .2 seconds of that time at worst. If they don’t it doesn’t count…plus…
(The grinning eyes of a certain dog can be seen in the distance…)
Yukimitsu: (sweatdrops)…there is a penalty of such. Once teams have completed the run 20 times in total, they will receive their next clue. There is no threat of injury here however this could take a while.
*
Sousuke: Taking down someone like that shouldn’t be a problem.
Kaname: Just remember just to take him down and don’t kick the living hell out of him…
(Sousuke and Kaname head for Defence, as the Gals team find their clue…)
MIYU/YAMATO – 2ND PLACE TO DETOUR (3.47PM)
Yamato: Defence or Offence…we’re both quite fast but keeping in that time 20 times will be hard.
Miyu: But I’m not sure if I can outpower that huge guy…
Yamato: Don’t worry, this is where my bodybuilding comes into play…besides I’m not letting you get hurt, got it?
Miyu: (smiles) O.K Yamato-kun.
(Two for defence as the other teams continue to look for their clue…)
*
(The FMP pair are the first to make it down as the other teams bar Miyu/Yamato continue to search for the clue…Kurita sees the teams come down and is quite happy…)
Kurita: You guys came to play?!
Monta: Kurita-sempai, don’t hug them…we don’t want any possible injuries before the game…
Kaname: For us or for him?
(Hiruma cackles)
Hiruma: O.K you damn sergant and damn girlfriend…
(Kaname immediately blushes (fortunately Suzuna isn’t here so no questioning) and denies…)
Kaname: IT’S NOT LIKE THAT!
(Hiruma just grins as he does…)
Hiruma: Whatever you damn brats – you’ve simply got to get past that damn fatty by knocking him over before I can get a pass to the damn monkey. However, if you fail, you’re to back of the line and the next damn team have a try.
Sousuke: Affirmative. This won’t be a problem.
(Sousuke and Kaname line up to charge against Kurita…as they do…)
*
Jinnai: Ha, got it!
(The Jinnais get the clue ahead of the Himuros (much to Izumi’s disgust hearing Jinnai screech). Nanami opens it…)
Nanami: Detour – Offence or Defence. (reads through it) Well let’s see…
(They then spot Sousuke and Kaname rushing Kurita…)
*
Sousuke: What…this is…
(Sousuke suddenly feels Kurita’s immense power on him that the Sergant wasn’t expecting, and whilst Kaname isn’t weak, Kurita is holding the two well. Kaname tries to sneak off to the side but Kurita holds her firm. Hiruma smirks as after a few more moments, he launches the football into the awaiting arms of Monta. Hiruma grabs his uzi…)
Hiruma: Damn brats! To the back of the line!
(Almost out of habit, Sousuke dodges but then they both get out of dodge as Yamato looks on in shock at the psychotic quarterback…)
Yamato: Who is this guy and how hasn’t he been locked up yet?
(Hiruma shows a black book…)
Hiruma: Let’s see…Yamato Kotobuki…you have a history of…
Yamato: DAMMIT!
(The two now line up against Kurita, and seeing his power, the Jinnai’s take a raincheck on that…)
Jinnai: We’re running.
Nanami: Can you handle it?
Jinnai: Be that than get crushed by that giant of a man…besides, I feel that there is something or someone here that even I’d have problems negotiating with…
Nanami: Right, let’s run…
(The two head off to the track as the Himuros find their clue…)
IZUMI/KEIKO – 4TH AT DETOUR
Izumi: We’re not going to out power that man…but sharing a track with the Jinnai’s…
Keiko: Not a pleasant thought…
Izumi: I’ll guess have to use my baseball and tennis skills in other ways and see if we can get past that guy. Come on mom.
(The Himuros follow to get to Kurita as we see Miyu and Yamato have a crack…)
*
Kurita: FURUNRABA!!!
(Yamato is giving Kurita a few problems due to his impressive strength and Miyu is no slouch either considered only second to Ran in terms of fighting ability. Kurita holds his own but Miyu suddenly dashes to the side. Kurita holds her for a moment, enough for Yamato to pull him down…)
Kurita: H-HUH??????!!!
(Hiruma is ready to launch as Miyu rushes him…)
(…and takes him down! SACK!)
Miyu: Yes!
(Hiruma is surprised for a moment but then smirks.)
Hiruma: Not bad you damn cop and damn girlfriend.
Miyu: At least this time it’s legit.
(Taki spins around and hands them the clue as Yamato helps Kurita up and shakes his hand. Whilst Hiruma gets ready to blast Kurita…)
MIYU/YAMATO – 1ST TO COMPLETE DETOUR
Miyu: (opens clue) You damn guys did well. Now time for a little bit of travelling so get yourselves back to the airport and head for…HOUSTON, TEXAS?!!!
*
(Time for an out of country experience! We head over to Houston, and to one of their many beaches, where a beach volleyball tournament is held…but also of interest, a beach football tournament. We switch hosts to the Devil Bats coach, Doburoku Sakaki, a small man who looks like a kung-fu master, tattered clothes, sake bottle at the ready, beard and smiling. He takes over for this part of the leg…)
Doburoku: Teams must fly over from Tokyo to Houston, Texas. Once there, they must find the nearby beach from the airport known as Tate and then get ready to join in some beach football fun. Once there, they must find their next clue on a sign in sheet…HOWEVER…they can only get their tickets AT the airport so they cannot pre-book them. Also…
(Doburoku then turns and something else is in view in yellow…)
Doburoku: …there is something else awaiting them once they’ve found their location…
*
Miyu: We’re going to America!
Yamato: Bout time!
Miyu: Come on, let’s go!
(The two rush off as they head into the school, knowing they have to now get back on the trains back to Narita, as well as see if they can find any flights to Houston…)
Miyu: It will take another 3 and a half hours to get there so basically we need flights from after 7.30pm.
Yamato: We need to see if we can find a phone to see what flights are available from Narita to Houston.
Miyu: We’ll do that on the train…(spots Saga and Reggina still searching)…could use their help though…
Yamato: Come on Miyu before we get too soft…
(The two start running…as do the Jinnai’s…)
*
Ishimaru: O.K, your best times according to Hiruma are as follows. Katsuhiko Jinnai at 6.1 seconds.
Jinnai: Hey, I don’t need to run, my Bugroms take me wherever I want to go!
Ishimaru: And Nanami Jinnai, you’re best time is 5.98 seconds.
Jinnai: SHE’S FASTER THAN ME?!
Nanami: When you’re running for your life, it helps!
Ishimaru: I’ll pull that aside. Basically during 10 laps each, you must keep within 0.2 seconds of those times – I suggest you get changed into some tracksuits first because the clothes you’ve got on probably won’t help your speed. You can rest as much as you like between laps but if you get outside the 0.2 barrier…there is some…persuasion available…
(Shot of Cerberus waiting in the background…)
Jinnai: Fine, let’s get this over with…
(Jinnais’ ego is slightly bruised, and speaking of bruised…)
*
Izumi: Dammit…this isn’t working…
(Shot of Hiruma easily making the pass to Monta. It appears Izumi is using a bump like technique similar to her tennis swing but it’s not enough to dislodge Kurita. Keiko sadly is not very strong and isn’t helping too much, making it easy picking for Kurita, Hiruma and Monta.)
Hiruma: Damn princesses, get to the back of the queue!
(Sousuke and Kaname get ready for their second attempt as the Bergmans finally find their clue as the Jinnai’s have now changed…)
SAGA/REGGINA – 5TH PLACE
Saga: Detour…
(Saga reads it and sighs.)
Saga: They’re both physical grandma, and I don’t think we have a chance even scratching that big guy down there.
Reggina: Agreed. I can’t run fast but I can at least run.
(By default, Saga and Reggina are joining the Jinnai’s in running. Natsuhiko is the first running…)
Nanami: JUST PRETEND THAT MAKOTO-KUN IS BEATING YOU IN THE ELECTION FINALS!
Jinnai: DAMN YOU MAKOTO!
(It seems to do the trick as Jinnai runs off as fast as he can. Ishimaru times him…)
Ishimaru: 6.08 seconds – a new record for you. Rest as the young lady must go now…ah more people.
(The Bergmans have arrived as Nanami gets ready to dash. The two realise they need to change and sneak to the cloakroom as Nanami rushes off.)
Ishimaru: 6 seconds on the money. We’ll need a second timer now…hey Omosadake!
(Cue the second helper…albeit against his will…part time lineman, sumo club member and lazy bones Futoshi Omosadake, a short fat man whose eyes never open (because it’s too much effort) troddles along.)
Omosadake: All this for a mango pudding…
Ishimaru: You don’t need to do much, just start the timer when they run and stop it when they get past the 40 yard line.
Omosadake: So much trouble…
(Jinnai takes a few deep breaths for his second run as back on the field…)
Sousuke: CHIDORI, NOW!
(Sousuke, after watching Yamato, uses the same technique to hold off Kurita for a split second, enough for Kaname to break free and to sack Hiruma just in time.)
Sousuke: Strategy worked.
Kaname: What, copy the other team?
Sousuke: Affirmative.
Kaname: Fair enough.
(Komosubi hands them their clue as the Himuro’s get ready for their second attempt…)
2ND AFTER DETOUR – SOUSUKE/KANAME
Kaname: Awesome, we’re going to America!
Sousuke: Let’s see if navigating to a different country will change how this race is operated.
Kaname: In other words, will it get even more exciting?
Sousuke: Affirmative.
Kaname: Then let’s kick ass!
(Back on the track as the FMP due leave, we catch up on the Jinnais and the Bergmans…)
JINNAI (3 SPIRITS) NANAMI (2 SPRINTS)
(Saga and Reggina are ready to start their first runs…)
Saga: 40 sec dash – 6.8 seconds.
Reggina: 40 sec dash - 8.5 seconds.
Omosodake: Go!
(Saga runs first – she’s actually quite athletic for her age and as she sprints…)
Omosodake: 6.5 seconds…broke your record already!
Saga: Heh…helps when Greta’s voice is in my head…
(Hiruma shouts to Kurita whose holding up the Himuros that an 11 year old girl just got the same time as he did forcing Kurita to panic and knock the Himuros down. Hiruma smirks and throws the pass to Monta as the girls curse before getting ready to try again.)
(Reggina obviously is a lot slower due to her age and weight, but she does it at a tender pace to make sure she doesn’t over exert herself. She clocks in at 8.45 seconds making her pass her first spirit. Saga is ready again as Nanami completes her third in 6.13 seconds. Only just outside the 0.2 limit which would be 6.18)
Nanami: Cutting…it…close…and still got 7 to go…
(Jinnai runs and clocks in at 6.1 seconds on the dot on his fourth run…shot of Saga making her second and clocks in at 6.56 seconds.)
Saga: I guess thinking of my rivalry with Greta is making me faster…I never really bothered competing with her…maybe that’s why my speed was slower previously…
(Back at Kurita, Izumi and Keiko are on their 4th attempt…)
Izumi: Time to get rough I think…
(Izumi raises her arm like a tennis racket and goes down hard on Kurita’s chest. Kurita steps back slightly, all that Izumi needs to circle round. Keiko is able to grab onto Kurita’s arm to hold him as Izumi runs to tackle Hiruma. Hiruma is about to pass but Izumi blocks it and tackles him down with her remaining arm.)
Keiko: That…was bad…
(Shot of both Himuros looking worse for wear, seems like Kurita has done a bit of a number of them. The gentle giant looks guilty as hell though, bowing forgiveness with his trademark waterfall tears…)
Izumi: It’s O.K…I’m used to it…but my mother…
Keiko: Never mind me…get the clue…
(Taki spins towards Izumi with the clue…)
Taki: AH-HA-HA! Mademosielle, I have a gift which you should be honoured as knowing I will be a star in the future…
(Izumi ignores him, causing Taki to go into his idiot despair as she rips up the clue…)
IZUMI/KEIKO – 3RD TEAM TO COMPLETE DETOUR
Izumi: Right…we’re going to America.
Keiko: Excellent.
(Izumi smirks…)
Izumi: After the Fast Forward things have been going
our way and in America, where my mom speaks English, things can only get
better…and it helped running up that hill to see the Jinnai’s sweating and
getting annoyed…
(The Jinnais are getting tired, Nanami is on her 5th run…and now the problems begin…)
Ishimaru: Nanami…6.2 seconds. That’s outside your barrier so that doesn’t count…so Hiruma has some incentive for you…
(Shot of Cerberus now emerging on a leash. With no one else at the other detour, Hiruma, Monta, Taki, Kurita and Komosubi are now watching with interest, Hiruma in particular. Nanami gulps.)
Nanami: Not good…
(Saga is starting her third run with Reggina competing her second in 8.51 seconds. Saga has also noticed the devil-dog and picks up in speed though she’s still way above her best at school with 6.55 seconds on her third run.)
Jinnai: Dammit sister, do you want to be dog food?
Nanami: Let me rest dammit!
(Shot of the Himuros leaving however gives Nanami a second wind…)
Nanami: Dammit, we’re in trouble. Nanami Jinnai, here I go!
(Nanami sees the fangs of Cerberus ready to chomp at them and if that isn’t incentive to run faster I don’t know what is. It works as Nanami clocks in at 6.17 seconds…just within the limit by point 0.01.)
Nanami: So…I…need…to…keep it at that….
(Jinnai now gets ready…)
*
Miyu: So we have to go all the way back the way we came from – so Kashima, then Narita Station, then Narita Airport…
Yamato: Yes, but we’ve got the tickets…just that the next train is at 4.28…and it’s 4 o’clock now. We could all be on this train…
Miyu: Yamato-kun, the chances are that we’ll all be on the same flight anyway…
Yamato: Hopefully that’s everyone HERE and not EVERYONE.
(On cue, Sousuke and Kaname head up the stairs to purchase tickets to get back…)
Miyu: 2 down…
*
(Jinnais – 7 runs each. Bergmans – 4 runs (Saga) 3 runs (Reggina))
Nanami: Maybe…you should hire that dog as a pet or something Jinnai…
Jinnai: The beasts will come willing to me when it senses true power…
(Cerberus promptly launches for Jinnai’s arm causing Jinnai to run like hell…)
Ishimaru: Well…it worked for Sena-kun…(timers) 6.13…that’s fine.
(Reggina has rested well enough and does her jog to beat 8.5 seconds. She’s just within that as she passes just as Nanami goes for her 8th run…Reggina clears in 8.45 seconds whilst Nanami cleares in 6.08 seconds.)
Nanami: I’m getting reserves of speed and strength I never knew existed…
Jinnai: I swear never to exercise again…
Nanami: Do you ever anyway?
(Jinnai ignores that as Saga is stretching out for her 5th run…)
*
4.08pm
(Shot of the crowds of children as the Himuros have now joined Miyu/Yamato and Sousuke/Kaname awaiting the 4.28 train back to Kashima…)
Sousuke: If we’re fortunate the other teams may not make it to arrive on this train.
Miyu: It’s a lot of running to do and I’m not sure Reggina-obachan can handle it…
Izumi: So you think the Jinnais will make it though?
(A bit of silence…as Miyu sighs…)
Miyu: 20 minutes…I think so.
Izumi: I’ll just echo the thoughts of everyone here as no-one else but me will say it…damn.
(Whilst Izumi’s comment is cold, it’s something they also seem to agree on, as Kaname grips her fist…)
Kaname: That…and we’re all hoping we can steal any ideas from Saga to get on the plane…
(Now everyone’s eyes rise up, including Izumi’s.)
Kaname: What? I can’t say what I know everyone’s thinking as well?
(Interestingly, there is no denial…)
Kaname: Izumi can moan about the Jinnai’s as much as
she wants, and she’s right, they are total morons. But not one of us admitted
that we wanted Saga on board not just because she’s a picture of innocence on
this damn race, but because she’s also damn smart on the planes. She kicked our
asses last leg and damn we don’t want the same thing happening this time…
*
4.15PM
Ishimaru: All done!
(The Jinnai’s collapse as Cerberus inspects them to see if any bits of their body have fallen off as Ishimaru hands them their clue. The Bergmans have completed 6 runs as Saga is letting Reggina rest a bit more to get ready for her next run as she gets ready for her own.)
JINNAI/NANAMI – 4TH TO FINISH DETOUR
Jinnai: Back to the station sister!
Nanami: Let’s see if my legs work…
(One shot of Cerberus growling immediately gets them to work as Nanami shoots up and the two slowly jog to return to the train station as Saga continues her good pace.)
Omosodake: 6.51 seconds.
Hiruma: Heh, she’s as quick as you damn fatty – a 13 year old girl is on your level…
Kurita: H-Hiruma…
(Kurita bawls as Komosubi holds up buckets to make sure they don’t hit anyone – Reggina gets ready to run…)
Omosodake: 8 seconds.
Reggina: Getting…better…but…
(Reggina has to keep herself slowed down knowing her heart rate. Saga sits by her as she waits for her to be O.K before she runs again…)
4.22pm
Nanami: Yes!
(Shot of the Jinnais getting the tickets, but more important, they’ve spotted three teams waiting for the train. Katsuhiko in particular seems way too pleased…)
Jinnai: Ha ha ha! Despite that setback we caught up sister!
(That voice immediately alarms Izumi as she sighs…)
Izumi: Dammit…
Miyu: I was right then…
(So now the teams are waiting to see if the Bergman’s can make it…)
*
(They are on their last run, both of them have got within their times easily but Saga has had to rest more now and Reggina of course has to continue to rest strongly. Monta is cheering them on in the background as is Kurita.)
Monta: Go Chibi power!
Hiruma: Heh, she has an excuse because she’s 3 years younger…
Monta: That sucks MAX Hiruma-sempai…
Kurita: GO FOR IT!
Komosubi: FUMO! (Translation: GO FOR IT!)
Taki: Ah ha, go for it and perform 100% to your best so you can become like me!
(Saga stretches as she pouts a little…)
Saga: If Greta saw me now…
(Saga goes as she sprints as best as she can – she has beaten her time every time so far and now…)
Saga: Time?
Omosodake: 6.72 seconds. Still well within.
(Saga pumps her fist in the air as a few of the Devil Bats applaud. Now Reggina has to try. She’s not looking too comfortable and is sweating a bit – considering her age and physique this is quite difficult for her but she sees her granddaughter and smiles.)
Reggina: There’s still life in this old girl left.
(Reggina takes her jog across as the sumo boy times her. Reggina stops exhausted and prays for a good time…)
Omosodake: 8.17 seconds. Passed.
Reggina: Th-thank you!
(She sits down to rest as Saga hugs her from behind. Ishimaru smiles at the two and hands over the next clue.)
SAGA/REGGINA – 5TH TO FINISH DETOUR
Saga: (reads) O.K…let’s rest a bit more grandma and then we need to get back to the airport. We’re going to America!
Reggina: Really? Not sure I can handle it…
Saga: Let’s rest at the train station…the others may already be on a train for all we know…
Reggina: Good incentive – let’s go.
(Saga grabs her grandmother’s hand as they walk over to get out of there and get to the station…)
*
4.28PM – TRAIN TO KASHIMA
(Shot of Miyu/Yamato, Sousuke/Kaname, the Jinnais and the Himuros boarding the train on their long trip back to the airport. As they do, with the knowledge that the Bergmans are not there (plus they can’t pre book like they did last leg) they can relax. Even the Jinnais are subdued due to their exhausting detour.)
Kaname: …the only thing now is basically that the teams that are way behind us could join us on the plane anyway, so we need to find what is the quickest way to Houston by checking with the airways.
Sousuke: That shouldn’t be a problem.
Keiko: I think this will be our main chance to get ahead. Out of the 4 teams here, I’m the only one who speaks fluent English thanks to the Germans not being here, and Bob, the Gunsmith Girls and Sara way behind.
Izumi: Right…if we can connect in Houston before the others…
(The Himuros plot as the Bergmans realise the truth…)
*
4.33PM
Ticket vendor: I’m sorry but you just missed the recent train to Kashima…next one is in half an hour…
Reggina: Very well…
(The Bergmans are a little disappointed…)
Saga: We rested too much but it’s not like we had a choice with our age difference…
Reggina: I’m sorry dear…
Saga: Don’t apologise grandma! We knew this would happen…we just need to take advantage of the things we can do like we did last leg…and hopefully we can do that at the airport…
Reggina: We can’t pre-book though.
(Saga smiles)
Saga: I know that…but there is still things we can do…
(Saga’s pretty smile fills Reggina with intrigue as they wait for the train which comes promptly on 4.58pm. The two leave as we now return to our other teams, finally ready for the detour themselves…)
*
8.50PM
(Shot of a tired remaining 4 teams as they’ve had to travel from Narita Airport, Narita, Kashima and now Deimon…)
Bob: I bet everything is closed…
Rally: So we’re going to be even further behind…
(Surprisingly the school is still open as they reach the route marker – they read the clue…)
Sara: So the football club is…
(The teams have to find the clue – as they head over and see the open door and spot the outside field, we can clearly see Hiruma, Kurita and Monta still there though no sign of Ishimaru or Taki – Komosubi is still there though.)
Bob: We need to find a clue under these chairs…this is stupid…
Nagi: Just suck it up Bob, there’s only 4 left so this may take a while…
Hughes: Not used to night work…
Roy: That’s because you usually have someone else do your night shift…
Hughes: I have to see my daughter before she goes to bed!!!
Roy: Yeah…
(The four teams have literally separated into corners to search for one of the remaining clues. The speed advantage goes to Bob and Nagi (with Bob able to jump from chair to chair to look under…not surprisingly, they get first blood…)
Bob: Nagi, to your far side, 3 rows up.
(Nagi does so as he picks up the clue before any other team can react…)
Nagi: Awesome! (opens) Detour – Offense or Defence…
(Nagi reads a bit more…)
Nagi: Note – after 8pm, the track team closes so until 10pm the only option you have is Offence – after that the football club closes…crap.
Bob: No choice then…
(The street fighters seem confident though considering they are quite strong. Hiruma notices Bob’s dreadlocks…)
Hiruma: Heh, another reason to say damn dreadlocks now…
Nagi: So we have to knock this fat ass down and then tackle the spikey blonde guy…
Bob: Sounds similar to back at school huh?
Nagi: Shut up and let’s run this truck over…
(As they set up, the Cats also pick up their clue the same time as Roy and Hughes do…time for a rush to the queue after they read the instructions though the GSG girls aren’t looking too happy…)
Rally: Run I can do – knock a guy that size down without physical violence?
May: No choice Rally. And if he lands on me, I’m toast…
Rally: I think the FF will be closed now so we’re screwed…
(Because of that, the FMA duo reach Hiruma before the GSG duo. However, they realise how tough it is as Bob and Nagi push and Kurita is able to hold them off…)
Nagi: DAMMIT, HE’S FAT BUT HE’S STRONG…IT’S LIKE SHIFTING A TRUCK…
(They slowly try to get Kurita down but it’s not good enough, Bob seems to get by but Hiruma has already passed to Monta. With the queue forming, Hiruma gets his uzi…)
Hiruma: DAMN DREADLOCKS, DAMN SPIKE, TO THE BACK OF THE QUEUE!
(Aside from Maya and Aya (but for different reasons) Nagi rarely gets scared. Hiruma changed that as the FMA duo are next. As they prepare, Sara and Yakumo finally spot the last clue…)
Yakumo: Detour…
(Yakumo reads it, looks around and spots everyone else in queue…)
Yakumo: We’ve got to tackle those men…
Sara: Not good…I can barely watch rugby, American Football? Not a chance…
Yakumo: Let’s see if we can though…
Sara: I’m putting my faith in you Yakumo.
(The SR girls join the back of the queue (and the fact Bob/Nagi failed doesn’t escape their attention much to Sara’s amusement and Nagi’s sweating) as Roy and Hughes, both strong adult men push Kurita…)
Roy: It’s not about power…it’s about tactics…that’s the basics of war…
Hughes: Easier…said than done…
(Suddenly Mustang lets go out of nowhere. The lack of holding forces Kurita a bit lower pushing against Hughes. Mustang is able to skim past Kurita’s arm and rush Hiruma. The quarterback curses as he is sacked by Mustang…but then chuckles hearing a splat.)
Roy: Got him…er…Hughes?
(Shot of Kurita getting up after turning Hughes into a pancake. The paper pusher is dazed for a moment as Rally and May gulp. They’re next.)
Hughes: Ouch…
Roy: You O.K?
Hughes: I’ll let you when my ribs pop back in…
(Komosubi hands over their clue…)
ROY/HUGHES – 6TH TO FINISH DETOUR
Roy: We’re going to…somewhere called Houston…
Hughes: What does that mean?
Roy: Not sure…I think it means we have to head back to that airport and find a flight over there like we did on that last leg.
Hughes: Useful things these planes…
Roy: So we need to go back the same way…(checks old tickets)…so the reverse of what we just did…
Hughes: Hurry up before they all catch up…
Roy: You recovered fast…wait…let me guess…rejuvenated by your husband and papa love.
Hughes: How did you guess?
Roy: No reason…let’s go.
(The FMA guys go as Rally and May now step up to the plate…)
Rally: Can we reconsider?
Kurita: S-Sorry…
Rally: Aw the hell with it!
(Rally and May push but are no match for Kurita’s power. Rally however seems to have knowledge of American Football and pushes her shoulder up into Kurita’s chest. This catches the lineman by surprise and May nearly skids by, however with ONE HAND Kurita holds her put. Hiruma passes to Monta as the ladies fail.)
May: Dammit…
Rally: It’s O.K, we can do this…
(Next up is Bob and Nagi. This time they don’t simply use their power as Bob angles one arm for a technique. Nagi pushes on the side and they send Kurita down. Nagi runs and sacks Hiruma.)
Nagi: That’s more like it!
Bob: Brains over brawn – or both in this case.
(Komosubi hands over their clue…)
NAGI/BOB – 7TH TO FINISH DETOUR
Nagi: To the US? Awesome!
Bob: Back the way we came – let’s hurry up – we should be able to catch up with those guys.
(Next up as they run off is Sara and Yakumo. The two girls gulp…)
Kurita: S-Sorry about this…
(Sara and Yakumo are obviously no match for Kurita in power so Sara tries to slink by with her small size. However, like with May Kurita is able to easily stop her and Hiruma makes the easy pass.)
Hiruma: Heh heh, damn ladies won’t know what will hit them now…
(Yakumo’s eyes narrow slightly hearing that…)
(May and Rally again make their efforts..)
Rally: Don’t bother trying to outpower him, just try and get round him!
May: Easier said than done Rally…
(Kurita again stops May with one hand, this time as Kurita diverts his attention to May, Rally tries to blitz by Kurita. The giant lineman simply steps to the side and blocks Rally with her body.)
Rally: How big is this guy?
(Hiruma makes the pass and the GSG duo have to try again…)
Rally: Girls, this could take a while…
Yakumo: Let’s go Sara.
(Yakumo’s look of determination catches the Americans off guard as they make the field. Kurita blocks them again…)
Kurita: FURUNRABA!
(Yakumo’s eyes slit down and Sara pushes forward. As she does, Yakumo grabs Kurita’s arm and in one swift motion…)
Kurita: E-EHHHHHHHHHH?
(…slams him down in a judo technique. Yakumo runs towards Hiruma and jumps to him, just about knocking him down before he can throw the ball.)
Monta: Awesome! How the heck does such a beautiful and frail looking girl do that?
Sara: Dealing with Hanai-sempai, that’s how…
Monta: Eh?
Sara: Never mind.
(Yakumo dusts herself off as Hiruma looks slightly surprised, but his devil’s grin returns.)
Hiruma: Not bad damn esper…
(Yakumo’s eyes widen as she looks around making sure no-one heard that. Hiruma doesn’t say anything else though and hands Yakumo the clue. She opens it as Sara rejoins her…)
SARA/YAKUMO – 8TH TO COMPLETE DETOUR
Yakumo: America…
Sara: (smiles) Advantage us. Let’s go Yakumo!
Yakumo: Indeed…
(Yakumo seems to want to get the heck out of there as soon as possible as Rally and May look on…)
Rally: How did she do that?
May: Who cares? They’re past us which means we’re last now Rally – let’s do this before we are kissing that mat with the words ‘I’m sorry you’ve been eliminated.’
Rally: That’s good inspiration. Let’s go.
(Rally and May rush in…literally. May literally jumps into Kurita which knocks him slightly off balance. That slight moment is all Rally needs to be able to push him down (with May still on top of him) as Rally is able to sack Hiruma just before he makes the throw.)
Hiruma: Heh, rather unorthodox – just like the Devil Bats you damn Yankee.
Rally: Heh, I’ll take that as a compliment…er…May?
May: Sorry, but if you rolled on top of me I’d probably die…sorry big boy…
(Shot of Kurita’s chestnut face turning tomato – you can see Monta in the background cursing with envy…)
Rally: Oh HELL YEAH!
May: Houston? That’s close to our home turf as anywhere!
Rally: May babe, our luck has changed. Let’s just hope we can avoid last place before we get there otherwise we can’t take advantage of this…
May: Back to the station and pray that we’re all there…
*
Hughes: Well…we kinda missed the last train and now waiting for the…uh…what time?
Bob: 9.28pm train – we’re catching the last but one back to the airport so we should make it around 2.30am.
Roy: If we’ve worked it out that means that the other teams should not have got a plane or whatever until tomorrow morning, which means if we get the right planes we’ll all be level.
(Rally jumps and pumps her fist in the air giving a hug to May…)
Bob: Needless to say, the Americans are quite happy…(in English)…but don’t think you guys are the only team with an advantage.
Rally: (in English) Oh come on, you don’t think I know that? But the US is our home handsome, and we’re gonna so kick ass!
Sara: (in English) Oh? Then I guess we’ll be following you then throughout the leg to make sure we do well right?
(Rally sweatdrops, Bob chuckles and everyone else bar Yakumo looks completely confused at what is being said…)
9.28PM
(Shot of the Kashima train heading in as the revitalised remaining 4 teams head off to see if they can spot 5 teams looking for their trip to America…)
*
9.35PM
NARITA AIRPORT
(…4 of the teams however have just arrived at the airport and now have a few problems.)
Keiko: The problem is finding what is open and hopefully the tickets we find are the best ones.
Izumi: I assume we should try Nippon and American Airlines…
Keiko: You assumed right, let’s hope for a direct connection and avoid everyone seeing anything.
Izumi: Kinda hard considering you’re the only one who speaks fluent English…
(Not the case…)
Sousuke: Direct me Chidori.
Kaname: Sure, just make sure you don’t intimidate anyone…
Kaname: People tend to forget about Sousuke’s military
background and that he’s taught in multiple languages. He hasn’t revealed it
because he hasn’t needed to whilst people like Bob, Sara and the Americans
it’s hard to hide anyway. So whilst Keiko is getting spied on, we can do
our own thing.
(Kaname is looking through directions through the hubbub of the airport as it’s still quite busy as expected. Kaname sees one that isn’t too busy and lucky, it’s an American Airlines counter.)
Kaname: English or Japanese?
Worker: Either is fine.
Kaname: We’d liked to get the earliest flight to Houston which is available please.
(A few buttons are pushed…)
Worker: O.K, we’ve got several flights at 12 tomorrow – that’s midday – which connect in Chicago with a nearly 3 hours connection, and you should arrive in Houston at 2.45pm US time.
Kaname: Are they available or is there anything else?
(A few more buttons are pressed)
Worker: Yes and yes. There is an alternative flight that leaves at 11.30 that connects in Dallas, but the connection is very tight at an hour and 35 minutes connection. However, you would arrive at 1.35pm.
Kaname: An hour advantage on the other teams, but hard to get through – but this is where Sousuke would shine. Shall we take the risk?
(Sousuke thinks for a moment…)
Sousuke: Affirmative.
Kaname: We’ll take the Dallas flight.
(Sousuke and Kaname are confirmed…)
Worker: That flight is an American Airlines only, the flight in Chicago also has several Nippon Airways flights…
Kaname: Interesting…but this could pay off big or completely backfire…I’m counting on you Sousuke…
Sousuke: I will do my best Chidori.
(Meanwhile, as expected Keiko and Izumi are being followed, and just as expected, Izumi is getting rather miffed…)
Izumi: Will you guys stop following us?
Miyu: Hey, we don’t know where we’re going!
Izumi: That’s still no excuse to follow us – do your own work! And I don’t even want to say anything to you two hypocrites basically leeching off everyone’s work…
Nanami: Oh shut up Izumi, we know you don’t like us but don’t excuse us of anything like…
Jinnai: What? We’re doing what she says sister so why hide it?! It’s always the smartest thing to follow what appears to be the strongest, then cripple them at the core before removing them completely.
Izumi: You know, I’m starting to think a time penalty maybe worth smacking you upside down…
Keiko: Izumi please…
Miyu: I’m beginning to think that actually searching on our own might be easier Yamato-kun…
Yamato: Sure, let’s leave this tension meter…
(Miyu and Yamato begin to run as the Himuros and the Jinnais do the Tenchi eye-spark thing – finally Nanami grabs her brother’s arm…)
Nanami: In that case, fine. We’ll simply find a better connection than you guys.
(The Jinnais run off as Izumi sighs…)
Izumi: They bring out the worst in me…and not in the same way Hayakawa did…
Keiko: Well, we’ve done one better than Hiroki and her so far so let’s just make sure we can continue to gloat…and hopefully put a certain brother and sister out of action as well.
Izumi: That’s the mother I know.
(Izumi and Keiko continue to look for an American Airlines connection, whilst the Jinnais find the closest Nippon Airways one…which Miyu and Yamato are already in queue…)
Miyu: You’re not copying us now are you?
Nanami: For god’s sake…
*
10.07PM
(We see Saga and Reggina arriving at the Airport, but instead of heading straight into the mass they instead opt for the phones. Meanwhile…)
Miyu: So in the end you DID copy from us…
Nanami: What? We were going to reach the same conclusion anyway…
(The two have got the same tickets, the midday flight to Chicago and then connect to Houston. Basically, the slower of the two but the easier chance to connect…)
Yamato: Let’s go Miyu – the whole world is against them and we’re not going to convince them otherwise…
(The engaged couple leave as Nanami fumes…)
Nanami: Gah – this is ridiculous. It seems I’ve been tainted with the same brush as you brother…
Jinnai: Oh so this is MY fault?
Nanami: In a way, yes, but in a way I also don’t care. Listen brother, I’ve said this before, I don’t like the way you do things. However, if it means victory, then by all means go for it. I want the money and I want to shut their faces up…
(Jinnai is midly surprised, but his face gets a devil’s smirk and he Naga laughs.)
Jinnai: Now THIS is more like it! Come on sister, let’s rest ourselves to prepare for the next dominant day…
(As they do, let’s check up on what the Germans are doing…)
Reggina: …so the quickest flight is at American Airlines and that connects in Dallas to arrive at 13:35, whilst the other main flight connects in Chicago at 14:45 and that’s both Nippon and American…
(Before the worker can ask if they want to pre-book, Reggina thanks them and puts the phone down.)
Reggina: Saga, you’re a genius.
Saga: (smiles) They never said anything about CHECKING by phone what the best flights were. Problem is that the connection is gonna be risky…
Reggina: …we’ve already survived one risk and if we don’t take them we’re not going to survive any leg. Let’s go to American.
Saga: That’s the spirit grandma!
(The two look for American, and are spotted by two people who have just come from American…)
Keiko: Ah, the Bergman’s.
Izumi: Probably one of the few teams I can do with seeing now in terms of like, though that means more pressure…
Keiko: Did we do what we needed to do?
(Shot of Keiko holding their 11.30 flight with the tight connection through Dallas…)
Izumi: Still think this could be a mistake…
Keiko: If it gets any advantage we need it against some of these teams, not to mention that Rally and May come from the US so once they get here we could be in trouble.
Izumi: True, let’s hope flights are sold out soon then…
(The two teams pass each other as the Himuros look for somewhere to rest whilst the Bergman’s search for an American Airlines post…)
*
Saga: …thank you very much!
(Saga/Reggina have got their tickets for the 11.30 flight connecting through a tighter connection through Dallas and then to Houston joining the Himuros and Sousuke/Kaname. The Jinnais and Miyu/Yamato are taking the 12 midday flight via Chicago to Houston with the easier connection however the 11.30 flight is potentially faster if they can connect quicker.)
Reggina: O.K, so we’d best rest our legs more then…we could be running again…
Saga: Well, do we need to sleep here?
Reggina: True enough, but I’m not sure I want to risk too much money…
Saga: True. Well, let’s see what happens when a few more teams turn up…
(It seems the Bergmans aren’t the only ones thinking of having a more relaxing sleep as the Himuros and Jinnais have one thing in common…)
Izumi: This is ridiculous…why should we sleep here again?
Keiko: We may not have much of a choice considering our budget. Unless you want to split a room with another team…
Izumi: Anything but that – the comfort of my own space is much appreciated.
Keiko: Then on our budget…
(Izumi bites her tongue as Jinnai and Nanami however are seriously contemplating it…if it wasn’t for Nanami’s money mind on full throttle…)
Nanami: Trust me, I’d rather have a good shower and a sleep – however with money as it is, and needing it when we hit the US, we’re gonna have to exchange the money anyway so I’m afraid we’re gonna be stuck here…
Jinnai: Sister this is unreasonable…
Nanami: The sister has spoken – the money is saved – discussion, end of…regrettably.
Jinnai: Bah…
(Miyu and Yamato and Sousuke/Kaname seem to be fine with the circumstances, as Yamato hands his bride to be a cup of coffee…)
Yamato: Coffee, the police officers best friend…
Miyu: Thank you Yamato-kun.
(Shot of Kaname as Miyu worries about her similarities to Ran both physically and voice wise…)
Kaname: Hey, you still relatively sane?
Miyu: Yeah – just trying to get away from the hubbub…the Himuros and the Jinnais are hard to be around and I can’t see the Bergmans…
Kaname: Got your flight?
Miyu: Yeah…
Kaname: Same here…I suppose you won’t tell me which one?
Miyu: Miyu isn’t dumb.
Kaname: Neither am I.
Sousuke: Chidori, it was…
Kaname: Shut up or harisen-san comes out to play…
(Sousuke becomes tight lipped as Miyu rested her head on Yamato’s shoulder. Yamato puts an arm around her as Kaname looks a little envious…)
Kaname: It’s weird. There is a good age difference
between Yamato and Miyu, yet they do really fit well together and I can’t
explain it. I guess I’m a little jealous…
*
(The teams seem to be done for the night at the airport. We see the Bergmans have now joined Miyu/Yamato and Sousuke/Kaname and the three teams are sitting with blankets over them trying to sleep. Shot of the Himuros not really asleep or awake, fidgeting uncomfortably whilst the Jinnais seem to be asleep using their backpacks as pillows, though you can hear Nanami cursing slightly, whether she’s awake or not is open to debate…)
(However most of the airlines are shutting up shop now, not a good sign for our remaining teams…)
*
2.30AM
NARITA AIRPORT (TRAIN STATION)
(Shot of a very tired 4 remaining teams struggling off the train and see the few doors open to the airport.)
Nagi: Crap…we’re not going to be able to get any tickets before the morning…
Bob: Perspective.
Roy: Shall we find somewhere to sleep then?
Rally: I’m just gonna see what is going on in there…
(Rally and May lead the way, as they see various people resting in the airport. They spot the familiar faces of the Jinnais as Rally smirks as Jinnai’s uncomfortable looking face…)
Rally: Well, at least we’re all here together – not sure if they’ve got tickets or not to Houston though…
May: So what do we do?
Rally: Night staff. We see what we can do and then decide on sleep.
(The American duo seem to be on a second wind as they find a porter/worker on site and speak…)
Porter: You can still use the internet around here and see if you can look up the flights…I’m sure a 24 hour line service is available as well…
Rally: Of course! Just because we can’t book the tickets doesn’t mean we can research them…
(The two thanks the worker and begin to look for an on-line area. Meanwhile, Bob/Nagi and Sara/Yakumo have also come to the same conclusion…)
Nagi: So tell me again why we’re asking for their help?
Bob: Because we’re gonna trick the alchemists.
Nagi: And we need them…how?
(Bob ignores him as Sara is at a telephone. Roy and Hughes are also there…)
Receptionist: Hello, Narita flight schedules – how can I
help you?
Sara: Hello there, I would like to request an English
interpretation service if possible please…
Receptionist: Right. This may take a while madam but please hold the line.
(Roy and Hughes didn’t quite hear what Sara said as Yakumo stands by her side…)
Nagi: This is REALLY sneaky…but why couldn’t you do it?
Bob: If you had the choice who would you listen to?
(Nagi turns slightly red, turns and looks ready to punch the wall. Their arrival has alerted a few groggy eyes though…)
Sousuke: Chidori, it seems the remaining enemy has arrived.
Kaname: (yawns) Can’t you at least call them our competitors?
Sousuke: Same thing…
(Back with Sara, it takes a few minutes due to the late night but she gets the interpretation service…)
Interpretor: (in English) Hello, this is English
interpretor 241, how can I help you?
Sara: (in English) Oh hello there! I’m sorry to bother you this late at night but I need some help…
(Roy and Hughes eyes suddenly widen and realise what is going on…)
Roy: Hey wait? She’s speaking…
Hughes: Sara-chan, what’s…
(Bob smirks…)
Bob: I didn’t think they’d agree to it, but amazingly
she did. The Americans seemed to ditch us before we could do this plan but we
know call agencies have language lines. With 3 of the 4 teams with someone who
speaks English, we knew we could really screw with Roy and Hughes. However, for
someone as sweet and innocent looking, and indeed, religious, as Sara, I would
have never guessed she would come round to our side for something this tricky…
Sara: …right, so there are flights available at midday tomorrow to Houston via Chicago arriving at quarter to two…
Bob: (chuckles) She’s even deliberately saying the times phonetically rather than by numbers which they may recognise.
(The FMA duo are looking stumped…)
Roy: It’s O.K, we’ll get round this…I dunno what they are doing but I think it’s booking the tickets.
Hughes: (whispering) Then the joke is on them. They can’t pre-book them.
Roy: Of course…
(Roy seems to smile a bit now as Bob looks confused. However Sara continues to confirm…)
Sara: …there’s also an American Airlines flight available at half past 11 tomorrow which connects through Dallas and arrives at 35 minutes past 1. Right…it’s tight though…that will do, thank you!
(Sara ends the call…)
Roy: What were you doing?
Sara: Just confirming what flights I can get on…
Hughes: Liar. You were buying your tickets weren’t you?
(Sara remains quiet…Yakumo appears to step in…)
Roy: Never mind…I thought you guys were trustworthy…
(Roy stomps off but he’s smiling.)
Roy: Idiots.
(Behind him, Sara smiles.)
Sara: A nun never lies.
(Bob is ecstatic and he and Sara high five. Yakumo obviously is a little more apprehensive but Sara glomps her making her embarrassed…)
Yakumo: Sara…how did…
Bob: Language lines are useful devices. If it means taking advantage of someone…
Nagi: Dammit, I’m just confused.
(Meanwhile…)
Rally: Ah, if we see this…there are TWO flights available, one via Nippon and one via American. The American is faster but has a tougher connection…
May: The first one is via Chicago as well…tempting.
Rally: I know…would be nice to visit home again, however I think we need to take the risk. We’ve been at the bottom for so long that if we take the lead on home turf we need to do it now and keep it that way.
May: Dallas?
Rally: Dallas.
(They high five as they leave as they spot The Tenjho and Rumble teams talking. They do what they should do – gloat.)
May: …oh that ruins the fun!
Bob: Heh, I think the military stiffs got the wrong idea and are kinda pissed at us….but I think they think we screwed up.
Rally: Interesting…so what do we do?
Bob: The plan is simple – we’re gonna wait outside American offices out of sight and pray there are some tickets left, otherwise we’re gonna be at Nippon.
Yakumo: You want to make sure Mustang-san and Hughes-san don’t see us right?
Bob: That’s the plan my dear.
Yakumo: Very well…
Nagi: So we’re killing time for a couple of hours as the earliest flights from their airlines are 6am – what do we do?
(Suddenly Sara feels someone grab her from behind. She is about to panic but then realises who it is…)
Sara: Hello sweetie!
Saga: (half-asleep) It’s…been a while…
Rally: Awwwww!!!
May: (smirk) I thought you hated her…
Reggina: I’m sorry but she’s sleep-walking a bit…I think this isn’t quite what my body wanted but not much of a choice…
Bob: We know the feeling Reggina. Besides, not even Nagi can begrudge this…
Nagi: Hey!
(Saga half falls asleep/half hugs Sara and then Yakumo. Yakumo is surprised but smiles and caresses her hair motherly.)
Reggina: You’ve got a real motherly instinct Yakumo-chan.
(Yakumo blushes as she gently picks up Saga.)
Rally: You guys got your tickets?
Reggina: Yep. We’re on…oh wait…should we say?
Rally: (laughs) Don’t worry Reggina – you’ve got your tickets so it doesn’t matter. We’re all going to try and get on the flight to Dallas to connect to Houston.
(Reggina sighs with relief and shows them their tickets. Rally just grins.)
Rally: I should have known. At least if we make it we may have a chance against you guys…
Saga: (Half-asleep) Sugar…no…that’s Kanon’s waffle…
(Rally, May and Sara all squeal…)
Rally: We’ll try and sleep with you guys for a couple of hours…do you gents want to join 4 cute girls?
Bob: I’m taken, sorry. However Nagi…
Nagi: URGE TO KILL…IMMINENT…
(As poor Nagi reflects on the evils of women and the girls join three teams as Yakumo gently puts Saga down, Roy and Hughes wonder what their next move is…)
Hughes: I think we just need to wait and see what we have to do and where to go…surely one of these terminals has to have a connection.
Roy: Like we have a clue! I think we just need to go to one and pray, because we’re not getting any help now…damn them.
Hughes: It’s O.K…Alicia will guide us to victory!
Roy: I sure hope so…come on, let’s find somewhere to rest for tonight and away from prying eyes…
Hughes: Don’t trust anyone now eh?
Roy: The game is ugly, uglier than anything in the Ishmar wars…no, I wouldn’t go that far…
(Roy contemplates his thoughts as Hughes looks on in concern…)
Hughes: Roy has got a lot on his chest – his past, his
present and his future always worry the pants off him. He takes his work in
good humour but being his best friend and superior I can see the signs of
cracking. And this race isn’t good for that…we just now need the luck to get
through this new era…
*
(Shot of Roy and Hughes asleep on a corner as whilst they are snoozing away, shot of Bob/Nagi and Sara/Yakumo heading over to an office directing to American Airlines. As they do, the two teams park their butts outside the office…)
*
4.10AM
(Shot of a couple of representatives from American Airlines surprised to see 4 people waiting outside them, perhaps more so with two very distinct non-Japanese people there. However, they approach them as Bob explains the situation.)
Bob: Hello there…we’re basically are trying to get to a flight today through American Airlines as an emergency…
(Bob continues to explain as the representatives let them into their office as the deals begins…)
*
AA rep: So the four of you wish to travel to Houston, via Dallas at the 11.30 flight today is that right?
Bob: If possible yes.
AA rep: Let me see if there are any seats available on economy…
(The rep boots up her system as they look to see if they can supply the 4 with a trip. Sara unsurprisingly has her hands in prayer…)
(A few more clicks…)
AA rep: Yes, we can get the 4 of you on…there are only 7 seats left so consider yourselves lucky and dedicated.
(Bob and Nagi high five as Sara and Yakumo hug as Yakumo cracks a happy smile herself. They get the tickets but as they do…)
Rally: Gah – they beat us to it…
May: That’s what you get for not having your light as an alarm…
Rally: Did you really have to go BANG in my ear really loudly though?
Bob: How many tickets did you have left?
AA rep: 3.
Nagi: You guys are so damn lucky…
May: Huh?
*
May: We were lucky…
Rally: But that means Roy and Hughes missed out. Shame.
Bob: We could be screwed as well if we miss the connection…
Rally: At least we’ve got a few teams with us…that and I can now torture Saga from here to Houston…
May: You really are evil Rally…
(They return to the main area and now begin to relax. Roy and Hughes are still napping and completely unaware of what is going on…)
*
5.25AM
(The airport is beginning to get a little busy as Roy and Hughes emerge from their slumber…)
Roy: Oh crap…people are moving…we’d better find tickets.
Hughes: Well, we need to get to America so…I guess this American Airlines would be the best bet?
Roy: Sounds good to me, let’s go…
(Roy and Hughes wait in queue for a bit as a few other teams are starting to awake…)
Izumi: It seems…(yawns)…everyone is here…
Keiko: Roy and Hughes are seeing for the same flight we’re on…wonder if anyone else got on it?
(Roy and Hughes are about to be disappointed…)
AA rep: I’m sorry…the earliest flight to Houston, via Dallas, at 11.30 is completely sold out.
Roy: You’re joking. (sighs) O.K, what is the next flight out to Houston?
(AA types in a few buttons…)
AA rep: That would be at 4.30pm.
(Neither of them look happy at that…however…)
Roy: Fine. We’ll take them.
(Roy and Hughes are now on the much later 4.30 flight. Roy yawns…)
Roy: I’m not saying here for half a day…besides if the other teams pre-booked we’re gonna get the last laugh. Let’s find somewhere to stay for a bit…
(Roy and Hughes head outside to get a taxi to go to a local hotel. Back inside, the Jinnai’s noticed their leaving…)
Nanami: Where did those guys go?
Jinnai: Probably running away. They knew they didn’t have a chance against us.
(Back on the ground, the Bergmans have been rejoined by Rally/May and Sara/Yakumo as they try to get a little more sleep, whilst Bob/Nagi are enjoying a coffee with Miyu/Yamato.)
Miyu: So we’re all back at square one…
Bob: You could say that…
Yamato: (a bit wary) What do you mean?
Bob: Hey, I didn’t mean anything. I just want to be back at the front…
Nagi: And thanks to Bob, we will.
Miyu: A little arrogant…
Bob: Well, we are going to the US…
(Yamato groans a little…)
Yamato: Of course…excuse us a minute…(to Miyu as they leave)…I forgot Bob can speak English.
Miyu: Oh…but so can you right?
Yamato: Enough to get back but I’m not fluent. Which means if we’re level pegging, a number of these teams, specifically the two Americans, are gonna be laughing all the way to the Pit Stop.
Miyu: Yamato-kun…it can’t all be the way we want it. We can get through this – some English is better than none…
Yamato: I know…it just bites when two thugs like Bob and Nagi are gonna get the better of me…
Miyu: You know Miyu was like that once…Bob is a nice guy and Nagi seems tough but he’s embarrassed around girls…
Yamato: Miyu…
Miyu: Yamato is getting a bit too into the game I
think and is seeing people through police eyes. I know people like Bob, Nagi,
Rally, May – they’ve all got things to hide but Miyu does as well and he’s
forgiven me. I think we need to make sure Yamato doesn’t do something which he
will regret…
*
9.00am
(Now the problems begin. Shot of a number of teams now getting in line for American whilst the remaining teams get in line for Nippon – the two terminals are further away so they can’t see, but Miyu/Yamato immediately notice something odd…)
Yamato: It’s weird…
Miyu: Yeah…I can’t see any of the other teams…
(A familiar laugh is heard as Miyu sweatdrops…)
Miyu: O.K, I can HEAR Jinnai. But are they the only other team on his flight?
Yamato: I’m trying but I can’t see any of them…
Miyu: Not good…
(Shot of American Airlines as the Himuros, Bergmans, Sousuke/Kaname, Bob/Nagi, Sara/Yakumo and Rally/May all step up through the queues to head off to Dallas.)
Keiko: So quite a few teams are taking the risk.
Reggina: I believe this amount of teams makes us very calm – at least if things go wrong…
Kaname: They won’t go wrong Reggina-obaa-san. Besides, Keiko-san wants to smirk at the Jinnais so it has to work…
(Keiko doesn’t reply, she simply smiles…)
*
11.30AM – AMERICAN AIRLINES – FLIGHT TO DALLAS, CONNECT
IN DALLAS TO HOUSTON (CONNECTION LAG – 1 HOUR AND 5 MINUTES)
(6 teams are heading on this flight to try and connect to Houston via Dallas….)
*
(Shot of Miyu/Yamato on the plane realising the worst…)
Miyu: Everyone else is on a different flight…is it better or worse than this one?
Yamato: Never mind that…realise something else…we’re only with the Jinnais on this flight.
Miyu: (shudders) Not a good reminder…
*
12.00 MIDDAY – NIPPON AIRWAYS – FLIGHT TO CHICAGO,
CONNECT IN CHICAGO TO HOUSTON (CONNECTION LEG – 2 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES).
(Shot of Miyu/Yamato and the Jinnais sitting down, as Miyu is relieved that their seats are actually further at the back though the Jinnais being closer to the front means they’ll exit first.)
*
(Shot of Roy and Hughes at a hotel to try and get a little sleep, not realising the error they’ve made…)
*
DALLAS (10.55AM – US TIME)
(Shot of the horde of teams trying to escape the plane – with the English writing, it’s rather simple…)
Nagi: Follow those who can read English!
Bob: You do realise that a) that includes me and b) everyone here has an English speaker in their team?
Nagi: Oh.
(Nagi’s slip-up however doesn’t mean the duo are any slower and are the 1st team rushing out of the airport looking for the connection to Dallas at Terminal 6A. Sousuke and Kaname are able to keep up with them, whilst the other teams are keeping at a steady pace as Bob and Nagi head up an elevator as Sousuke/Kaname keep on their tail.)
May: Come on Rally!
Rally: Home is where the heart is…
(They get ahead of the other all female teams however it’s not mattering considering the teams can read the signs anyway. Shot of Bob and Nagi making up the terminal in record time and there’s a decent sized queue but not huge…)
Bob: We might just make it…
(About 5 minutes later, all the teams are in queue waiting for the Dallas trip. In 20 minutes, the queue has caught up to Bob/Nagi…)
Bob: We clear?
Officer: You’re through. Flight is in half an hour, make yourselves comfortable.
Nagi: Excellent!
Bob: (turns) Guys, you can officially relax.
(5 more teams pass through but it isn’t until they do pass through that they do relax.)
Rally: Oh hell yeah!
(The teams are in the plane awaiting flight as they celebrate their fortune…)
Yakumo: That means…
Sara: There are 3 teams behind us now, the Jinnais, Miyu and Yamato, and Roy and Hughes…they’ll probably be on the Nippon flight.
Izumi: So as long as the road block doesn’t take forever…
Sara: If it’s physical, you can say bye bye to us already…I tossed the coin for this road block?
Izumi: That seems at least fair…
Sara: It was a double headed coin – Yakumo cheated…
Yakumo: Th-that’s not…
(Sara is unable to hold her giggles as Yakumo is caught hook, line and sinker. Surprisingly, Izumi also smiles and shakes her head…)
Izumi: I refuse to get close to any team – however I
must admit there is something charming about Sara and Yakumo – you can tell
they are a team who has a good all round strength and a bigger threat than
teams give them credit for.
(Izumi ponders her thoughts as Saga and Reggina are behind Rally and May…)
Rally: You’re lucky Saga – if it was the other way round you would have choked on your sleep…
Saga: Well…
May: Yeah, but that’s because Rally would be hugging you to death…
Rally: May you little…
Reggina: Sorry Saga, no matter how mature you are, you are just too huggable.
Saga: (blushes) Grandma…
Rally: O.K, I’ll fess up – I love the Germans to bits.
I’m a tough, hard working girl from Chicago and work in a dangerous profession.
However I’m not made of ice – if there are people I like, whether for their
personalities, their smarts, their energy, I’ll be friends with them. And Saga
and Reggina are just darling – heck, a few teams I could say that about them
but because Saga is the only person smaller than May here, I’ll stick with
them.
(Shot of Sousuke and Kaname about 2 seats away from Bob and Nagi…)
Bob: …I think we both are smiling at the fact we avoid the Jinnais and maybe feel sorry for those sharing the plane with them…
Kaname: At least it’s a chance for those guys to get eliminated though…
Nagi: Gah – and I thought I was an ass back at school, but that suited maniac needs a slap in the mouth…a week in the Jyuken Club would shut him up…
Kaname: (smiles) With all due respect to you guys, I’d rather let our Sergeant here deal with him…
Bob: Ah.
Sousuke: So you want me to plan what things of torture I need to administer to Katsuhiko Jinnai once they are eliminated from the race?
Kaname: I know…probably take longer to make a list from the time we are on the plane but knock yourself out Sousuke.
(Nagi and Bob sweatdrop…)
Nagi: I thought I was badass, but Sousuke is on a
completely different level altogether. You can’t mess with him – even through
speaking to him you think he has 23 ways of putting the hurt on you. I’m just
hoping his ways actually could cause them to fall…
*
12:00 (DALLAS TO HOUSTON)
(The 6 teams are flying out to Houston to Dallas, where they are going to have a real beach blast…)
12:00 (CHICAGO)
(…at the same time, a plane to Chicago has touched in from Tokyo, carrying the Supergals and El-Hazard teams.)
Miyu: Next time…I’m making sure at least another team is with us…
Yamato: Let’s hope this has paid off…
(They are behind the Jinnais as they look for the terminal to Houston…neither team are fluent in English so it requires Yamato’s and Nanami’s broken English to get help from passers-by…)
Yamato: Houston, Houston…
(The Jinnais seem to actually be better prepared and thanks to Nanami, the two get to the terminal on 11B after a fair bit of running, much to Jinnai’s annoyance…)
Jinnai: Gah – all this just to find a part of the world ready to conquer?
Nanami: We were lucky and I don’t see the couple anywhere…
Jinnai: Ran away of course!
(5 minutes later…)
Nanami: Maybe not…
(There’s a gap between them in the queue but the two teams are waiting on the flight to Chicago with a much easier connection. The queue is larger than the Dallas one, but hardly takes any time at all for them to get through and wait for the plane to arrive…)
(…though makes for a bit of an awkward silence between the two teams.)
Miyu: Listen guys, I don’t know what’s happened with everyone else so I’m just going to assume we’re last and go for it…
Nanami: Like you had to tell us Yamazaki, this guy wouldn’t do anything half assed anyway…
Jinnai: Leave them in the dust Nanami, talking with those will just lower our standards…
(Yamato clutches his fist…)
Yamato: If this wasn’t the race, I’d probably arrest you just on principle…
Jinnai: Ha, like a mere police officer would have a chance at stopping Katsuhiko Jinnai!
(A laugh later and Yamato looks ready to rip his head off…)
Miyu: (clutching his arm) Yamato-kun…no…
(Yamato is controlling his temper well and simply walks off. Miyu does so as well…)
Yamato: I’m really struggling to hold back Miyu…
Miyu: Please Yamato-kun…Miyu doesn’t want this…
Yamato: I know, but when I see a kid that is quite obviously un-moralistic, and obviously has some past that doesn’t want me to find out, then…
Miyu: I know Yamato-kun…I know all too well…
(Miyu hugs Yamato as the police officer sighs, holds Miyu’s hands and relaxes…)
(As the plane arrives, we now fast forward to…)
13:35 – HOUSTON
(The teams have landed and as Izumi and Keiko along with Sousuke and Kaname run off a bit faster than normal before they meet their English Vas, they know have to realise where they need to go…)
Sousuke: Tate Beach.
Kaname: It says it’s near the airport, a taxi should be able to get there quickly…Sousuke, let’s go – and please don’t scare this driver…
Sousuke: I thought intimidation was the best way to get people to do what you want…
Kaname: One of these days I’m going to have a VERY long talk with you…
(Sousuke/Kaname are the first to get out, followed by Bob and Nagi, however Rally and May seems to zip around almost knowing the place, and indeed where the taxi ranks are. They manage to sneak into 2nd place from this as the FMP team already get in a taxi.)
Rally: Tate beach please!
May: Ah, it feels awesome to speak English again…
(The taxi driver shoots them a weird look but goes on his way, literally following the Sousuke/Kaname team…)
Bob: Ah, there we go…
(Bob and Nagi head across, as the Himuro’s come into view. They spot the dreadlocks of Bob and run towards the taxi rank…)
Bob: Crap, let’s go.
(The two men head in as they go to Tate Beach…the Himuro’s shortly behind them.)
Izumi: Rushing out in America…I get the feeling you’d be used to this mother…
Keiko: You’d be surprised…
(Finally, we see Sara/Yakumo and Saga/Reggina making the rear. However, the two teams wait for each other and decide to split a taxi…)
Reggina: I think they’ve kind of forgotten that there are 3 teams way behind us so why waste money?
Saga: Common sense isn’t working but ego for 1st is…for us, survival works.
Sara: Says the girl who came 1st last time…
Saga: (embarrassed) Um well…
(The 6 teams are all on their way to Tate beach, where they will now get introduced to a new problem…)
*
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 1ST PLACE (2.05PM)
(Shot of the FMP duo seeing the Tate beach where they immediately notice a large line of people…and two yellow and red markers. They just spot the distance marker but something else catches their attention…)
Kaname: What’s that?
(They stop the cab outside the beach and after paying the driver, the two hussle over to the beach and their first stop…)
Kaname: Oh crap, it’s the Yield.
*
(Ladies and gentlemen, the debut of the Yield. To introduce this part of the leg, and this new concept for those who haven’t watched the Amazing Race in recent seasons, we leave it over to a cute blue haired cheerleader on the sand, dressed with a red skirt over her bicycle shorts, on roller blades and a uniform with ‘DEVIL BATS’ over her chest, as well as devil wings on her back. This is Suzuna Taki, Natsuhiko’s younger sister and head cheerleader of the Deimon Devil Bats.)
Suzuna: Ya, welcome to the Yield! The yield allows any one team to force another team to stop racing for a predetermined amount of time. To Yield an opponent, a team places the picture of the team they wish to yield onto the Yield sign, found near one of the Route Markers. When the yielded team arrives at the Yield, they must turn over an hourglass on the Yield sign and wait for all the sand to drain before continuing.
(Shot of all the photographs of the 9 remaining teams as Suzuna continues to explain…)
Suzuna: All teams MUST stop at the Yield and then say whether they are going to yield someone or not. Also, once a team has used their yield, they cannot use it again for the remainder of the race.
*
(We now see Sousuke and Kaname step onto the Yield platform on the beach. Both think for a moment…)
Kaname: We choose not to yield anyone.
Kaname: There is no real point yielding anyone from
the 6 teams here considering that 3 teams are way behind. They’d be more
inclined to use the yield than we would, and besides, if there is anything that
would make you hated by everyone else, it’s the yield.
(The two bypass the yield and open the route marker envelope…)
Kaname: Road Block, this person must be ready to get down and dirty…
*
(Shot of the beach where there are some very interesting people there playing beach football, albeit with a stronger American Football twist. Suzuna again explains.)
Suzuna: A Road Block is a task that only one team can perform. In this Road Block, that person must be able to do what my team enjoy doing a lot…scoring touchdowns.
(Shot of a grey haired boy sprinted past some tanned guys to score a touchdown.)
Suzuna: They must select 4 teammates in a 5 a side match using American football rules – that means that tackling is included though the two teams they will be facing are more used to beach football rules so they will go easy. All equipment is provided and the member must score a touchdown using whatever methods necessary. Also, they need to see who would be best as a teammate from first glance and there are a LOT to choose from. Once the member has scored a touchdown, they will get their next clue. Up to two teams can play at a time against the Too Tattoos and the…ahem…Sexy Queens team.
*
Kaname: Down and dirty…I guess that’s you Sergeant.
Sousuke: Affirmative…(reads the clue)…so what does this mean?
Kaname: I’m sure they’ll explain it to you.
(Sousuke heads over to the two sand pits where the matches are being played. Doburokou smiles and explains.)
Doburokou: Basically, you can suit up in those sheets over there, and then you simply need to get this ball over to where the flags are. You can choose 4 teammates, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
(Sousuke turns – and oh boy, it’s a who’s who of high school American football…)
(We see from the Deimon Devil Bats, Sena Kobayakawa (Eyeshield 21), Kazuki Jumonji, Koji Kuroki and Shozo Togano, from the Seibu Wild Gunmen, Riku Kaitani and Jo Tesuma, from the Ojou White Knights, Shin Seijirou, Haruto Sakuraba, Makoto Otawara, Ichiro Takami, from the Zokagu Chameleons, Rui Habashira, from the Taiyo Sphinx, Mamoru Banba, from the Shinryuji Nagas, Unsui Kongo and Ikkyu Hosakawa, from the Nasa Shuttles, Patrick ‘Panther’ Spencer, from the Hashiratani Deers, Onihei Yamamoto, from the Kyoshien Poseidons Kengo Mizumachi and Shun Kakei, and from the Bando Spiders, Hayato Akaba and Kotaro Sakaki.)
Sousuke: This game looks similar to rugby…then power must be used.
(Sousuke picks Otawara, Banba, Shin and Mizumachi as his four.)
Otawara: HAHAHAHA! Now I get a chance for the Deimon guys to tell Kurita how much I’ve gotten stronger…
Banba: Hmm…so this is the cream of the crop then…
(Shin silently walks onto the field as Mizumachi stretches out…)
Mizumachi: Hey, if they are going to strip, then I should…
Kakei: (from the sides and stern) No.
(As Sousuke is changing, the Gunsmith Cats are now also at the beach. After exiting, they spot the Yield…)
Rally: We choose not to Yield anyone.
Rally: Road Block…down and dirty huh? That would be you May…
May: (blushes) You’re horrid…and besides, this looks very different…
(They see the sand football teams lining up and Sousuke in what appears to be a White Knights jersey. With the opposite teams all in either black or yellow it doesn’t matter as all the Japanese players have their respective jerseys on (and Panther with his Shuttle uniform).
Rally: You’re right…(thinks)…O.K, I’ll do it.
(Rally opens it and nods…)
Rally: Yeah, probably best I took on all those men…don’t want Ken to get jealous…
May: RALLY!
(Sousuke steps onto the field against the Sexy Queens, very feminine and over the top beach footballers.)
Queen 1: Ooh how ugly this team is, we need to crush them…
(The ball is sent the make shift teams way as Sousuke catches it.)
Sousuke: Now what?
Shin: Just get over there as fast as you can. We’ll take care of those.
(Sousuke runs over as Shin gets ahead of everyone before you can blink. As one of the queens attempts to tackle Shin, Shin reaches his arm back and swinging his hand into the chest of one of the Sexy Queens, and sends him flying a few feet…)
Sena: It never ceases to amaze me how impressive Shin-san is…
(Shin actually looks at Sena for a moment before turning back his attention to the enemy. However…)
Sousuke: So it is like rugby…
(Sousuke runs forward. Another Queen gets to his side…)
(…and Sousuke KICKS HIM.)
Kaname: Hey, what the…
(Too late. Sousuke can sent him flying and probably out of the game. Sousuke calmly runs to the other side with the ball but Doburokou looks concerned.)
Doburokou: That’s an illegal move. However, I think it counts as that Yuko woman said she’d deal with all problems.
Mizumachi: Huh, that’s it…WHOA?
(Shot of Rally emerging from the changing area. She decks in a Devil Bats outfit and looks very embarrassed. May wolf-whistles as we see Bob/Nagi AND Izumi/Keiko appear…)
Doburokou: Are you going to pick your team?
Rally: I’m gonna go with speed to get me through to protect me…
(Rally’s instinct is good, as she picks Panther, Sena, Akaba and Riku.)
Riku: Onto the field Sena, together for once…show me your speed…
Sena: Right!
(Sousuke is handed the clue by Doburokou as Kaname slaps her head…)
Kaname: We’re so screwed…
(As Sousuke heads back, it’s harisen time…)
*
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 1ST PLACE(?)
Kaname: YOU WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO DO THAT! REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE RUGBY MATCH?
Sousuke: We won.
Kaname: BUT YOU WERE SUSPENDED AFTER KICKING THAT GUY….
Sousuke: That person smashed a guy with his arm…
Kaname: THAT IS LEGAL…AND I’M GOING TO SO KICK YOUR ASS NOW…
(Kaname pissed off, opens the clue…)
Kaname: Travel to the Seibu Wild Gunmens Ranch 3 miles off this beach and head over to the Pit Stop…
*
(We now head over to our final host of the day, the quarterback of the Seibu Wild Gunmen, the Kid (real name Shien Mushanokoji) outside the large cattle ranch owned by the Gunmen’s manager Doc Horide. Dressed like a cowboy, he finishes the hosting duties for the day.)
Kid: Teams must now head 3 miles off road and find our ranch which is hard to miss – of course, when things are that easy that mean hard times are ahead – once they’ve found it, they will have arrived at the Pit Stop. The last team to arrive here, may be eliminated…
*
Kaname: …and considering what penalties that woman has that could be us Sousuke…
Sousuke: For what?
Kaname: I don’t even have the time to argue…let’s go…
(They head back to their taxi, Kaname depressed and pissed off…meanwhile Rally’s team are taking on the Too Tattoos, a much more organised and less egotistical team than the Queens. Their captain Simon goes after Rally…)
Simon: We don’t go easy on girls or kids so brace yourself…
(Rally dives to the right and hands the ball to Panther. Panther, Sena and Riku suddenly become a triangle…)
Sena: Rally-san, go to the side!
Rally: Right.
Panther: Sena, Riku, you ready?
Sena/Riku: Yep!
(Two of the Tattoos looks ready to launch into them but Akaba steps up and puts his hands on them. A moment and something flows into their body and forces them back…)
Kotarou: (on sidelines) Spider Poison, that’s smart!
Akaba: Sena-kun, Riku-kun, Panther…you’re up.
All: Right!
(All three unleash their tremendous speed techniques at the Too Tattoos, alternate taking the ball each. Riku’s Rodeo Drive, Sena’s Devil Bat Ghost and Panther’s Zero-Gravity Run blitz by them, confusing them.)
Tattoo 2: Huh?
(Shot of all of them dazed and confused as they simply see Rally go on the far side. Sena (who had the ball) simply hands her the ball and she scores a simple touchdown.)
(From the distance, the Himuros and Bob/Nagi look stunned…)
Izumo: Even Seira would have trouble…
Nagi: What kind of devil tricks is this?
Bob: Never mind, let’s go…
(Bob and Nagi are first to the yield, where they pass it by. The Himuros do seem to consider it…)
Izumi: No…not worth it and not needed.
Keiko: Agreed.
(Both teams get their Road Block as Rally get her clue…)
RALLY/MAY – 2ND PLACE
Rally: May, get to the taxi…
May: On it!
(As they get ready to head out, we see another taxi pull in, this time consisting of Sara/Yakumo and Saga/Reggina. At the Road Block choice…)
Izumi: Safe to say this is mine.
Keiko: I have faith in you daughter.
Bob: Do you want to do it?
Nagi: You’ve done two – besides this seems right up my alley.
(Nagi and Izumi, after confirming what they have to do now have to choose their teammates. After seeing what the speedsters can do, they begin to argue…)
Suzuna: Oh, just choose one at a time – here…
(Suzuna tosses a coin.)
Suzuna: Heads or tails young man?
Nagi: Tails.
Suzuna (nods) Tails it is. You pick first.
(Izumi isn’t too happy but Nagi picks Panther. Izumi picks Sena and then Nagi picks Akaba. Izumi picks Riku.)
Nagi: Now some power…you.
(He points at Kakei. Izumi surprisingly picks Jumonji. Nagi picks Unsui and Izumi lastly picks Ikkyu.)
Ikkyu: Unsui-san, we’ll finish this game before you can!
Unsui: I don’t doubt you could Ikkyu-kun.
Kakei: Time to rope in some new blood.
Jumonji: Rough housing in the sand brings back memories…
(The two now go over to chance. The other two teams head over to the Yield…)
Sara: Not yielding anyone.
Saga: Ditto.
(The two leave as they get to the Road Block.)
Saga: That’s…a bit…
Sara: Look.
(Both Nagi and Izumi look a bit embarrassed by their attire – Nagi has got a Bando Spiders uniform whilst Izumi looks rather good in a Kyoshien Poseidon (the name Kyoshien fits her well of course) and is getting a few admiring eyes…not least from Ikkyu…)
Ikkyu: B-Beautiful…I mean…let’s do this Izumi-san.
(Izumi is up against the Queens whilst Nagi has got the Tattooed. The teams remember are Izumi, Ikkyu, Sena, Riku and Jumonji whilst for Nagi it’s Panther, Akaba, Kakei and Unsui.)
(Back at the Road Block, Yakumo takes it…)
Sara: Yakumo…
(Yakumo nods as she has to wait until a team finishes. The Germans…)
Saga: It’s got to be me grandma.
Reggina: I’m sorry dear…
Saga: This won’t be pretty…
(Saga waits, looking nervous…)
*
2.28PM
Kaname: There it is…
(Shot of the ranch which was so obvious down the north road – the huge scores of cattle give it away – as they turn into the cowboy ranch. They spot Kid, Doc, Yuko and also another person, Gen ‘Mushashi’ Takemura, the Devil Bats Kicker at the Pit Stop.)
Kaname: Let’s hear the worst…
(They exit as they land at the Pit Stop. Kid greets them.)
Kid: Welcome to Doc’s Ranch.
Kaname: Thanks…or possibly no thanks…
(Yuko nods…)
Yuko: Kaname and Sousuke…you are the first team to arrive…however, because Sousuke broke the rules of the game by kicking an opponent which isn’t allowed and causing an injury to said player, you have been fined a 2 hour penalty which starts from now…
(Kaname looks ready to drop dead…)
Kaname: 2…hours?
Yuko: (nods) So I suggest you wait by the side and just pray your luck is with you…
(Kaname is close to tears and Sousuke’s façade has melted as he now realises he screwed up. Kaname is forced to sit down…)
Sousuke: Chidori…
Kaname: Just…don’t say anything…
(It’s going to be a torturous wait…)
*
(Not too surprising Ikkyu is working well with Izumi who seems to have acquired a method of Agon’s tackling techniques…basically Izumi is using her tennis forehand like a chop as Ikkyu’s running backwards style is confusing the hell out of the Tattoos…)
Simon: This mon what the hell?
(Of course, the distraction is perfect as they totally ignore Izumi as Sena comes dashing with the ball. Jumonji blocks a Tattoo as Sena gives Riku a short pass…)
Riku: RODEO DRIVE!
(He distracts the remaining Tattoos as Riku hands the ball to Ikkyu, who simply tosses it to a wide open Izumi who easily catches it and makes her touchdown…)
Nagi: Crap, she beat me?
(Nagi is surprisingly having trouble against the Queens – Panther is blasting through but Nagi can’t keep up to take the ball for the touchdown. He’s forced to go back and try again. Izumi gets the clue…)
Saga: Ah, um, who goes next?
Yakumo: Um…if you don’t mind…
(Fortunately Suzuna interrupts them…)
Suzuna: Gah, stop seeing so nice. If you had a brother like mine…
(Suzuna tosses the same coin. Yakumo calls heads and heads it is. Yakumo goes first, though Saga actually seems relieved…)
(…meanwhile as Yakumo gets ready to choose, Izumi changes out of the Poseidon outfit to return to her mother…)
KEIKO/IZUMI – 3RD TO COMPLETE DETOUR
Keiko: Shouldn’t be hard to find?
Izumi: Let’s hope so…come on.
(Mother and daughter return to their taxi, as Nagi goes for a second attempt against the Queens. However, a lucky break hits Nagi…)
(…as one of the queens spots Yakumo emerging from the changing area dresses in the Seibu Wild Gunmen outfit. To say it suits her is an understatment and a moment’s distraction…)
Queen 3: SHE NEEDS TO JOIN OUR TEAM PRON…
(Shot of Kakei and Akaba on them before they can say ‘uncle’)
Queen 3: …TO?
(Floored, Nagi runs forward as Panther distracts the remaining Queens. In fact, the ball is with Unsui and with an arced pass, he throws to Nagi who is able to catch it much to his own surprise…)
Nagi: Never though Maya’s training would be useful for something like this…
(Shot of Yakumo able to hit the stage. With fewer choices, she gone for a fresh look with Togano (who seems to fall in love with Yakumo at sight), Kuroki, Kotarou, Testuma and Onihei as her line up.)
NAGI/BOB – 4TH TO COMPLETE DETOUR
Nagi: Can’t believe that princess beat me!
Bob: Let’s talk, more walk…or in this case, run.
(We see Saga now nervously jogging along as Yakumo is ready to start…)
*
2.33PM
SEIBU RANCH
May: There it is, there it is!
(May spots the ranch which is hard to miss as the taxi driver turns in. Rally and May are out of there and are not so surprised to see Sousuke (wears a cap and sitting on a seat with his name on, now dubbed ‘THE SOUSUKE SEAT’.)
Mushashi: I should really show him what kicking truly means in this game…
(Rally and May step on, Kaname glares at them but kicks a stone in anger…)
Yuko: Rally and May, you’re the second team to arrive. But as you probably guessed, Sousuke and Kaname have been given a time penalty due to…ahem…a misunderstanding of the rules, so because of that…
Kid: …you’re team number one!
RALLY/MAY – 1ST (2.33PM)
Rally: From worst to first without the aid of the Fast Forward, viva la AMERICA!
(Rally grabs May in a hug, spinning her around. May laughs madly as the two pump their fists in the air…)
Yuko: Nice change of fortunes for you two then?
Rally: Oh yes, we’re on home turf after being chasing mostly Japanese shadows and we’re hoping now we can hit our element here…
May: A bit of luck like today would help as well…
(The two celebrate, and whether deliberately or not, pissing off Kaname…)
*
Sena: What did Kid-san tell Tetsuma-san prior to this?
Riku: Basically, just crush anyone who comes his way that is dark skinned and tattooed…
Sena: (sweatdrops) Makes sense.
(Yakumo’s doesn’t need much help. Tetsuma alone is able to hold off a number of the Too Tattoos alone as Sagano and Kuroki hold off a couple more.)
Sasaki: Not smart going after a lady!
(Whilst Sasaki is a kicker, he, like all the Bando Spiders, has learned Akaba’s Spider Poison technique, and is able to hold off another member with ease. However, Yakumo seems to have copied a technique straight out of the Ha-Ha Brothers playbook…)
(…SMASH. Another single arm takedown reminiscent of the Deliquent Method as Yakumo receives a pass from Onihei who holds off the last Tattoo for Yakumo to touchdown.)
Togano: What’s her number?
(Yakumo pretends not to see that in her head as she escapes to change. On the far side however, Saga is ready to start and is rather nervous. Her team is Shin, Sakuraba, Takami, Habashira and Panther.)
Saga: I have to score there…I can’t…get over there…
(The Sexy Queens aren’t intimidating enough to really frighten Saga, but in a world of giants where even Sena is taller, Saga is very nervous…more so when Yakumo gets the clue and gets running…)
YAKUMO/SARA – 5TH TO FINISH ROAD BLOCK
Yakumo: Let’s go Sara…
Sara: Sorry Reggina…
(The two run as Reggina knows Saga has her work cut out for her…)
Takami: We don’t expect a small girl like you to do anything here. That’s what we’re here for – we’ll make sure you get to the other end with the ball. Shin?
(Shin nods once, his stern face not moving, but you can tell he’s ready to crush anything in Saga’s way…Saga appropriately is wearing a White Knight uniform to clash with the three Knights there…)
Hashabira: Bah, why do I have to do this, I mean why waste effort…
Queen 1: Ha, you ugly lizard…I’ll take that ball now…
(Hashabira’s long arms smack the queen away as Saga steps back…)
Hashabira: Oh well…could be fun…
(Panther grabs the ball as Saga tries her best to catch up, with Shin and Panther that’s nigh on impossible. Takami get’s the ball as Hashabira joins as best as he could to sweep the queens away.)
Takami: Saga, just run to the end! We’ll do the rest!
Saga: R-Right!
(Suzuna helps by cheering for Saga, as do Sena and Ikkyu surprisingly.)
Suzuna: Go Saga!
(The young girl does her best to run over, but a Queen gets in his way…)
Queen: Ah ha, you won’t get by me little pipsqueak…
SMACK
(Shin’s Spear Tackle sends him flying into the second field…)
Sena/Riku/Ikkyu: Ouch…
Sasaki: Not smart…
(The block stopped, Saga keep running. Takami launches a huge pass into the air. The remaining Queens can’t even see where it’s going as the tall Sakuraba launches himself into the air and catches it.)
Onihei: Everest Pass!
Sakuraba: (in mid air) Saga, hold out your hands!
(The former pop idol and model drops the ball as slowly as he can. Saga in the touchdown area runs as best as she could and jumps for the ball. Her dives gets the ball clutching in both hands as sand goes through her throat as she coughs it out…)
Saga: (coughs) G-Got it…
Riku: (smiles) Never let go of the ball – you’d learn from her Sena.
Sena: (sweatdrops) Riku…
(Saga is elated at that as she hugs Sakuraba much to the boy’s embarrassment, as she runs over to the clue, Suzuna glomps her before Doburokou hands it over…)
SAGA/REGGINA – 6TH TO COMPLETE DETOUR
Saga: I can’t believe I did that!
Reggina: Good work granddaughter, very good work!
Saga: Let’s go before this elation vanishes…
*
2.37PM
(Izumi and Keiko are on the scene and looking behind…)
Keiko: They’re not there.
Izumi: Come on mom.
(The mother/daughter escape as they see the mat, and indeed Sousuke/Kaname at the side. Izumi smirks a little at Kaname before they step on the mat…)
Kid: Welcome to the Seibu’s Ranch.
Izumi: It’s…interesting.
Yuko: Izumi and Keiko, you are the third team to arrive, but due to a time penalty incurred by Sousuke/Kaname…
Kaname: Must you say that every time?
Yuko: …(ignoring)…you are team number two!
KEIKO/IZUMI – 2ND PLACE
Izumi: We’re holding strong mom.
Keiko: That Fast Forward seems to have got our confidence again, though we still can’t get first.
Izumi: We’re working on that – we’ll save that for the final leg.
*
2.40PM
NARITA AIRPORT
(Shot of Roy and Hughes waiting in queue to get to Houston, looking a little nervous…)
Roy: This was the next best option right?
Hughes: Why you say that?
Roy: Well, there isn’t anyone here…
Hughes: (looks around) I can’t see anyone we know…
Roy: That’s a worrying sign…
Hughes: We know it’s the best option as it was the one after the one the other guys took, we’re behind but surely not out…
Roy: I just get this horrible feeling…)
*
Yuko: Did you enjoy your ego’s being beaten?
Nagi: Don’t talk to me about that…
Kid: Bob and Nagi, you are the 4th team to arrive, but because bad things happens to people who get ahead…
Kaname: Stupid…
Kid: …you guys are team number three.
BOB/NAGI – 2.40PM (3RD PLACE)
Bob: That works – we’ll get the girls next leg.
Nagi: Heh, I guess I’m beginning to realise I don’t mind just surviving as long as it’s one step to the gold…
*
2.45PM – HOUSTON AIRPORT
(We can see two panicking teams heading out of there, trying to realise where the hell they have to go to get to the taxis and to get to Tate…)
Miyu: Nuts…we’re lost…
Yamato: Do we even dare follow them?
(Shot of the Jinnais running like mad as they search for the exits and how and the hide to avoid getting stopped by officials…)
Nanami: …it’s not my fault you look suspicious.
Jinnai: I guess power flows from me makes everyone naturally in awe…
Nanami: Yeah…you could say that…
(The Jinnais however get the better luck and find the taxi rank, and despite Jinnai being Jinnai, they head off to Tate beach…)
*
2.45pm
Kid: (takes his hat off) Welcome ladies.
Yuko: Don’t ask Yakumo to join your team…either of you…
Mushashi: Heh.
(Yakumo blushes…)
Yuko: Sara and Yakumo, you are the 5th team to arrive, however due to a slight error on Sousuke’s part, you are team number 4.
SARA/YAKUMO – 4TH PLACE (2.45PM)
Sara: It’s seems were destined for top half or bottom half, never the middle…
Yakumo: As long as we survive, it’s worth it…
(Sara smiles hearing that – Yakumo is getting into the game…)
*
2.50pm
(Shot of Yamato and Miyu finally escaping the airport and finding the taxi rank – after waiting a few moments to remind themselves of their destination, they are on the way to the beach…)
*
Yuko: Saga and Reggina, you’re the 6th team to arrive…however due to…
Kaname: WE GET IT ALRIGHT!
Yuko: Temper…won’t allow me to have my fun…but anyway, you’re team number 5.
SAGA/REGGINA – 5TH PLACE (2.50PM)
Reggina: We’re still hanging in there dear…
Saga: Still…people are going to worry about us now!
*
3.15PM
(Shot of the Jinnai’s arriving at sunny Tate beach, complete with American Football players, a cute cheerleader, sand…and…)
Nanami: The Yield…
(Jinnai smirks…)
Jinnai: We could effectly take out that damn police officer and his bitch out the race…
Nanami: But is this a bit early?
Jinnai: But it could be just us two teams…if they beat us at this detour…then…NO…MONEY…
(That hits hard.)
Nanami: So long cops and robbers…
(The two hit the mat…)
Nanami: We choose to yield Miyu and Yamato.
(Miyu and Yamato’s lovey-dovey picture is placed on the marker complete with a picture under the ‘courtesy of’ Katsuhiko and Nanami. They head to the envelope…)
JINNAI/NANAMI – 7TH AT ROADBLOCK
Nanami: Road Block…this person must like getting down and dirty…
(She looks at Jinnai…)
Nanami: …you’re the dirtiest one of all.
Jinnai: You think I’m going to get dirty?
Nanami: I’ve done two…time to get your ass in gear, and start running…because those two will be here soon and be very pissed off…
Jinnai: I don’t see why, but yeah…let’s have some fun…
(Jinnai opens the clue and reads the clue…)
Jinnai: So I get to control people…that works…
(Jinnai runs over to the players and sees that he has to change. He picks his team quickly – Shin, Sena, Banba, Testuma and Mizumachi)
Jinnai: 4 big brutes and one wimp to control…that works!
Sena: I can’t help it…
Mizumachi: Aw, you have your strengths shall we say?
Shin: Indeed.
Sena: Shin-san…
(Jinnai changes with about a minute to spare before Miyu and Yamato turn up…Jinnai is dressed in the Bando Spiders outfit as they face off against the Too Tattoos (due to the Queens refusing to face Shin again…)…)
Jinnai: Protect me my soldiers!
(As irritating as he is, Tetsuma follows orders of course and is able to hold off two of the Tattoos as Shin and Sena team up for the first time…Shin acts as a shield and spear tackles a Tattoo as Mizumachi runs ahead of Jinnai.)
Mizumachi: Ah boo, you can’t see him!
(Banba blocks a Tattoo as Sena runs ahead as Jinnai follows behind. As he does so, a taxi appears ahead as Nanami decides to make herself scarce…)
Miyu: Let’s go…
(Jinnai meanwhile is using Sena speeds into the last Tattoo in Jinnai’s way. Despite his small size at that speed it’s near impossible to not fall – Jinnai escapes past and scores the touchdown…and as he looks up, he’s able to see Miyu and Yamato run towards the Yield…)
(Cue Jinnai laugh…)
Miyu: The Yi….oh no…
Yamato: What Miyu?
(He spots it and stomps his foot down…)
Yamato: Dammit!
Miyu: Just turn it over Yamato…I can’t believe it…
(Miyu looks over for Nanami, who is hiding like her life depended on it. Yamato turns the hourglass over and they sit down, and glare at Jinnai who has finished the detour and changing…)
Sena: A different kind of evil than Agon-san…
(Nanami is forced to reveal herself now, with Jinnai getting the clue…)
Jinnai: Look at them sister! Pathetic as they waste away into defeat!
Nanami: Just shut up on the chance this is a non-elimination leg!
Jinnai: Oh…I guess we run?
Nanami: Smartest thing you’ve said all day.
(They do as Miyu kicks some sand in their direction as they run past – their taxi is a safe haven for them as Miyu and Yamato agonise as they wait…)
Miyu: That’s it…we’ve lost…dammit, not like this…
Yamato: There is always hope Miyu.
Miyu: Sorry Yamato-kun, I’m not feeling it…
Yamato: A team may have made a mistake, a late flight, an error previously, remember what Sousuke did? Non-elimination leg?
Miyu: I guess a little hope is better than none at all…
3.28pm
*
Nanami: Um…what are those guys doing at the side?
Kaname: Being an idiot…and knowing we’re finished if you guys are here…
(Jinnai now looks a little nervous…)
Jinnai: Um, those guys…how long is their penalty?
Yuko: Now that would be telling guys. But due to their
idiocy, yep, you are actually team number six.
(Even worse…)
Jinnai: 6? There’s another team…
(Hearing that, Kaname’s eyes open…)
Kaname: Huh? 6? That means there are 2 teams out there…right?
Nanami: Um…er…we’ll be going now…
(Suddenly Kaname looks up…)
Kaname: If there is a god up there…
*
3.30PM
YIELD RUN OUT
(Shot of the hourglass finally removing the sands of time as a very upset Miyu/Yamato run to the Road Block…)
Yamato: Road Block…this person must get down and dirty…
Miyu: Let me do it…I’m rather pissed off so anything to relieve me…
(Yamato sighs – he seems to feel he’d be better at this, but no stopping Miyu her. Reading it however doesn’t seem to make her seem like she made a wrong choice. )
Miyu: O.K, rough and tumble guys…let’s go with…
(Miyu picks Hashabira, Ikkyu, Unsui, Riku and Akaba. She begins to change, as a few of the guys try their best not to stare…)
Ikkyu: She’s…stunning…
Akaba: …she got rhythm…
Yamato: SHE’S TAKEN!
(Yamato’s anger seems to resurface as the guys quickly turn around as the Sexy Queens take their place. Miyu comes out, in a bright white and blue outfit of the Zokagou Chameleons. Needless to say, the Queens eyes are shining…)
Queens: Score for us!
Miyu: Give me the ball.
(Rui, as a street fighter, recognises this girl also has fighting expertise. Ikkyu again uses his reverse running to confuse the teams and whilst Unsui wanted the long throw, Akaba shakes his head…)
Akaba: Don’t let the lady wait.
(Unsui simply passes the ball short to Miyu who runs like hell. Her speed is pretty good but not obviously at some of the guys level. However, she’s also shockingly…)
*SMASH*
(…powerful. One Queen is flattened as Hashabira launches his long arms to block two, allowing her to run around. Kakei’s Spider Poison technique is pretty devastating…)
Miyu: Path open!
(Miyu screams as he runs with increased speed, the last Queen cannot stop her as she swerves in a Sena like turn and arcs to the left. She hits the touchdown area, ball intact.)
Yamato: At least leave with a bang…
(Miyu is handed the clue as she sighs. She thanks the guys but is clearly disappointed…)
Miyu: To be beaten like this…
Yamato: Let’s just get this over with Miyu and pray for a miracle…
(Miyu changes back into her normal wear, as after reading the car, they get to their taxi…)
Miyu: We may not miss the ranch but me missed the boat off this race…wrong flight, and wrong team to be against…dammit…
Yamato: I’m tempted just to make a report on that Jinnai when we get home…
(That seems to cheer Miyu up a bit…)
(…but as they drive, cuddling each other on what they feel their last moments of the race are…)
*
3.45PM
(Shot of Miyu and Yamato walking up the long road to the Pit Stop. However, once walking, they notice something odd…)
Miyu: Sousuke…and Kaname…why are they th…
(Miyu gasps)
Miyu: No way…a miracle may have happened! Yamato-kun, run for it!
(Yamato does, as they realise something is unusual, and hope the miracle is in their favour as the two hit the Pit Stop…)
Miyu: Please…please…
Yuko: (chuckles) There is only hitzusen Miyu…praying won’t work here…but…Miyu and Yamato…
(Dramatic pause…)
Yuko: You are the eighth team to arrive. However, due to an error by those two over there, you are team number seven!
(Miyu and Yamato’s relief is evident, they don’t cheer as they are about to turn to apologise to Kaname…but then realise what Yuko said.)
MIYU/YAMATO – 7TH PLACE (3.45PM)
Miyu: 7th? That means…
Yamato: …there still one team out there…
(Now Kaname starts the praying…Yuko just chuckles…)
*
(Shor of Roy and Hughes waiting on the 4.30 flight…)
Roy: I’m getting a really bad feeling about this…
*
4.28PM
(The most agonising wait ever for Kaname has ended. Shots of her biting her nails and glaring at Sousuke now end.)
Kid: You guys got the best luck…but will it run out?
Musashi: You can come in now.
(Kaname’s is crying as she steps on the mat. Sousuke joins her, as he does look guilty to say the least…)
Yuko: Sousuke and Kaname, by hook or by crook, or should I say luck…you are team number 8.
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 4.28PM (8TH PLACE)
Kaname: I’m going to have some very strong words with you mister…
Sousuke: I’m…
Kaname: Huh?
Sousuke: I’m sorry Chidori.
(Kaname pauses…)
Sousuke: I need…to realise what to do on this race…otherwise…
Kaname: Damn right you do! I would beat the crap out of you…
(Kaname sighs…)
Kaname: …but somehow we survived. I’ll just have to give you a rather large rule list…in the meantime, let’s get our butts in there and see how much blood is on there from Jinnai before I add yours to the list…
(Kaname drags Sousuke into the Pit Stop…)
*
4.30PM
(Shot of Roy and Hughes on the flight from Tokyo and then connecting via Dallas…)
Roy: The feeling on the flight felt eerie. There was no one else from the race there, and after the conversation that Sara/Yakumo with Bob/Nagi had I knew something was wrong, but I felt it was them shooting themselves in the foot.
*
(Shot of the two just as confused making the connecting flight…)
Hughes: …I was keeping the spirits up. Roy was worrying and I felt he was just overreacting…yet being in the unknown world, a new country and away from my family, I did feel like home was calling…but I didn’t know why…
*
(Shot of the two asking for a taxi to get to Tate and step on it…)
Roy: We approached the beach after getting off, hoping that I was wrong.
*
TATE BEACH (ROAD BLOCK)
Roy: The couple got yielded…
Hughes: So other teams were here then…
(Roy rips the clue…)
Roy: Head directly to the Pit Stop – the…
Hughes: PIT STOP?
(Hughes reads the clue and yes, Pit Stop.)
Hughes: Why the Pit Stop?
(Roy hangs his head…)
Roy: I know why…
*
(Shot of the two arriving at the ranch in their taxi. It’s now getting dark as the two jog over to the Pit Stop, knowing the inevitable result…)
Kid: Welcome to Doc Horide’s ranch, the staying overseas place of the Seibu Wild Gunmen.
Roy: I would say thanks, but I know what’s coming next.
Yuko: Predicting the future…well, here it is. Roy and Hughes, you are the last team to arrive.
(Hughes does looks surprised, but Roy just shakes his head…)
Hughes: How…
Yuko: I’m sorry to tell you have been eliminated from the race.
Hughes: But…didn’t the teams…they booked their flights…that was illegal…
Yuko: There WAS an error by one team – though not the ones you’re thinking of – but even despite that error which cost them a time penalty, it was not even close for you guys to catch up.
Roy: We screwed up on the flight Hughes. Not sure what happened but everyone else got much earlier flights…and we didn’t.
Hughes: How did that happen?
Roy: We didn’t know anything here – that was our mistake. We’re strong and resourceful, BACK home. Here, it was a whole new world…and we failed.
(Hughes has to stand back and take it all in. He sighs…)
Hughes: Dammit.
(Another moments pause…)
Hughes: I guess I’ll be seeing my wife and daughter earlier than I expected…
Roy: (smiles) That’s good in a way. It’s your daughter’s birthday soon right.
Hughes: I was hoping to win this for her…
Roy: You’re still a winner to her Hughes. And you’re still the best person I wanted on this race.
Hughes: (smiles) Thanks Roy.
(The two shake hands as they step off the mat, another team fallen…)
Hughes: Seriously? I didn’t think we’d be eliminated this early. However, reality checked up on us. We were fooled, tricked, and our own misunderstandings cost us. That doesn’t mean we didn’t enjoy the game…
Roy: More research and we would have done well. However,
we were foolish to realise any tricks would work as well as the smiles of a
pretty face or the words of a maniac. However, at least it gave us a chance to
enjoy a vacation of sorts, away from chibi alchemists, horrid pasts and paper
work…
Hughes: …but doesn’t that mean we’ve got to return to
said work>
Roy: Ah. Crap…forgot about that…
Hughes: You could always burn it.
Roy: (smiles) Good point…haven’t been able to use my
powers here…ready made excuse coming up!
Hughes: Heh, and there went your promotion chances…
Roy: Damn…
*
Next time on the Animazing Race;
*
And so yet another popular team is eliminated early – well in a similar fashion to Spike/Jet, the problem is simply the time. Roy and Hughes unfamiliarity with this world and their mistake at the airport cost them even with the FMP time penalty. Everyone likes Hughes and I’m no exception whilst Roy with his mini-skirt army is a good all-round character (and the banters with Ed and Hughes are classic). However, the classic ‘I’m not from this time or country’ caught up to them and they had to go.
Hughes of course was pre the time that something happens to him…he was easily my favourite character and ironically after ‘it’ happens I haven’t watched FMA after that. I should get back to it – everyone rates it as unholy goodness and it’s certainly very good. I’m probably just being cheap and waiting for box sets…
Not too many notes for this race but here goes…
*
Houston of course is the home of ADV films so naturally teams like the Himuros, Sousuke/Kaname and Yamato/Miyu wanted to move a bit quicker…I didn’t mention the Cats though as the two Vas of them, whilst an ADV production, they seem to be MIA and normally now work in Manga Entertainment (and considering one of those is Amanda Wynn-Lee (a.k.a the voice of Rei) I would love to know what is happening with her…
*
Yep, that’s it! See you in Chicago next time (again)…
*
There was a subtle reference to Magical Security Taskforce with Cerberus attempting to bite Jinnai’s arm – Donavan anyone?
Amazingly it took me 4 chapters to mention the Luci Christian connection to Miyu, with Ran voiced by Luci. Surprisingly, there was no real Japanese connections to any of the characters aside from a few minor ones like Togano’s seiyuu with Eri’s butler from School Rumble (though a few interesting ones – specifically pop idol Sakuraba playing the very creepy L.A in El Cazador…)
Nice little pun play with Izumi wearing the Poseidon outfit considering that the Japanese high school baseball tournament where the girls are aiming for is also called Kyoshien.
*