ANIMAZING RACE – CHAPTER 7
*
Why does
everyone assume I’m a lesbian?
*
Well, we’re officially half-way there – we’re still IN AMERICA, and we’ll still be frustrating people with the Jinnais still in the race. However with things now starting to get ugly, can they pull of all the tricks to avoid elimination, and if so, which poor sods get the boot?
Well, you could just get to the end of the chapter, but that spoils the fun. Besides, this leg consists of the first anime ever to break the 3 year duck. Yes, you ask what am I talking about. Well, basically since 1998 when I’ve been watching anime regularly (yep, nearly 10 years) I’ve had an anime that that been number 1 in the chart for 3 years and then taken over by another series.
From 98-01, it was Nadesico. From 01-04 it was Princess Nine. And despite a
mighty challenge by Nanoha, this series remains number one in 2007 after
knocking off the baseball girls in 2004 thanks to my Australian buddy Todd –
who you all have to blame for my fanboyism of this show and this leg. The notes
tell more, but I’m probably already boring you guys and gals to death so let’s
just get it on!
*
(Shot of the remaining 7 teams heading from the Grimwold Mansion and heading to the train station…)
Yuko: 7 teams left a comfortable mansion in suburban Chicago and took the 51 hours train ride to San Francisco, California. On the train, talk, team ups and jokes were made, but tempers inevitably flared.
Jinnai: Whatever –
riff-raff like you don’t even register on my threat list.
Izumi: Riff-raff?
Keiko: It’s O.K
Izumi – you do realise that we are part of a powerful conglomerate don’t you
Katsuhiko?
Jinnai: No…and I
don’t care, because sooner or later you’ll be under my power anyway…once this
race is mine, it will be the biggest step…
Izumi: Oh, you’re
f*****g insane.
Keiko: IZUMI!
Izumi: Sorry mother, but he had to get the truth thrown in his face…you honestly think at your age you’re on a world domination kick?
Yuko: As Katsuhiko Jinnai once again made himself the enemy of many, other teams actually tried to forget the race…but May had to snap Rally out of a funk after the one person she genuinely liked was eliminated from the race…
May: Damn it Rally, you’ve been like this last night! We’re
in the US, it should be our chance to kick ass after surviving the Japanese
legs! Sure, we screwed up slightly here but we’re still in it! And now, you’re
depressed because of someone being eliminated? You know it would happen sooner
or later…
Rally: I know! I just…
May: Just…
Rally: …just didn’t want to admit it to myself.
May: (sighs) We could be winning the millions and now we
start to get depressed. God sake Rally, I know you better than that and how
damned tough you are. You’re better than this. I know you loved that kid so I’m
going to give you damn incentive.
(May grabs Rally’s collar)
May: When we win, she’s be waiting at the finish line. And you’re going to hug her like you never hugged anyone before. And so for that…KICK…EVERYONE’S…ASS…
Yuko: …and teams bared their hearts with their pasts, present and future…but once the race was on, it was business as usual, and the choice between spending more on a short taxi trip after an expensive rail ticket paid dividends, especially when the location of a church meant a travel to the 1920s, and a reminder of a life for one contestant.
(They read…and it’s no contest.)
Sara: This is our leg Yakumo. Time to earn my keep.
(Yakumo nods as they run off to join Rosette in the training area –
they follow the arrows where to go…)
Sara: I can perform exorcisms. It’s rare, especially being a junior,
but I can do it. And this detour encouraged this. Fear? I’m more scared of
Hanai marrying Yakumo than I am of demons. I don’t want to touch wood, but if
we don’t do well here I’ve lost any hope I’ve had at winning this race.
Yuko: Using the ahead teams taking the Detour as an advantage and Izumi/Keiko behind them already taken theirs, Yamato and Miyu took the Fast Forward, discovering a crypt in a forest and the most unlikely demon ever…
(The two continue to aim themselves blindly as they enter another door.
However, this time they get a pleasant surprise…)
Chrno: ARRGGHHH!
Yamato: ARGGGHHHH!
(Both fall flat as Miyu slaps her head…)
Miyu: Why did I get a sudden reminder of Nii-kun?
(Chrno and Yamato both fall on their behinds, as Chrno, the young
looking demon, and also the Order’s best cleaner and cook, adored by most of
the young nuns despite being a demon, and best friend/contract to Rosette
Christopher. Dressed in his red cloak, his dark blue hair spiking slightly
though his youthful face shines through…he seems more scared of Yamato than the
other way round…)
Chrno: Geez, first they ask me to get back to this place I hate for a
game, then a big Remington like person tries to scare me half to death…I swear
Rosette just likes torturing me…
(With the Fast
Forward won, Yamato and Miyu were able to win the leg, but the trailing teams
at the detour were quickly singled by the excellent gun skills of Rally and
Sousuke as well as their teamwork with Kaname and May…and the not-so good
skills and teamwork of the Jinnais…)
Kaname: …as soon as the enemy comes round the corner, throw down a
cross, then aim directly at the head once and then the chest. If that doesn’t
take it out, switch to the Gospel to finish it off.
Sousuke: Affirmative.
(In the centre left, a demon is coming – Sousuke has crouched on the
side. As it approaches, Sousuke rolls and slams a cross down. The flash shows
the demon physically. Sousuke doesn’t hesistate and a la Rally, takes out the
demon without the Gospel’s aid in 2 shots.)
Nanami: Crap, they’re done!
Jinnai: Just concerntrate!
(Another demon in the top right hand corner of the maze is released,
but Sousuke is out before Jinnai starts. Rosette quickly hands Sousuke the clue
as Kaname gets out as the Jinnais realise their problem…)
Nanami: From first to last…
(In the end, that, plus an unfortunate
accident…)
(Nanami sweatdrops as it seems the driver is moving a bit out of the
way, or maybe going faster to get these guys off as soon as possible…but either
way the company is having an affect on the carriage driver…to the point where
they have to swerve as he is distracted and people are crossing…)
Driver: Whoa!
(They swerve to the grass as the horse taking them bolts – Nanami
nearly falls off as she just hangs on…but the damage has been done as they
swerve onto the grass…)
Driver: Teacakes…we need to get back on the road – the horses are
nervous though, this could take a while…
Nanami: THAT ISN’T HELPING YOU IDIOT!
(…condemned the
Jinnais to last place. But they had a pleasant surprise for them waiting…)
Yuko: I’m almost regretting this next line…but let me finish. However
you idiot, this is a NON-ELIMINATION LEG.
(Nanami suddenly lights up – Jinnai is still dazed from his brush with
Satella as Nanami’s suddenly smiles…)
Nanami: You mean…
Yuko: (nods) Yes dear – this is a non-elimination leg, and you are
still in the race.
Nanami: Thank god…our prayers WERE answered.
(But it wasn’t all
good news…)
Yuko: However…
(Jinnai, seemed to be ready to celebrate,
suddenly is quiet again…)
Yuko: …there is a new catch now to the Animazing Race. Teams who come
in last on a non-elimination leg now suffer a penalty.
(The Jinnai both gulps as Satella takes over…)
Satella: You two must come in first on the next leg…because if you
don’t, you will immediately be docked a 30 minute penalty.
(Can the Jinnais survive this penalty and
avoid elimination? Or can the other teams survive them and avoid last place? 7
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 the lovely
home of Satella’s, her butler Steiner, Rosette, Chrno and Amzaria are all at
the home inside with 7 other teams, most of them expecting it to be 6…and more
than a tad disappointed when the team that came in last were still there. Yuko
outside, looking a little tipsy herself tries her best to introduce this leg…)
Yuko: I’m here…in
this lovely…hospitable…
(Too late, she
collapses. Rosette comes out, grabs Yuko by the collar and drags her inside…)
Rosette: What a
wonderful host you are…
(Azmaria bows in
apology to the audience and takes over…)
Azmaria: This
mansion, made in 1813, is the current property of the Farhenheit family, where
my good friend Satella currently resides – it is here that was the 6th
Pit Stop in a race around the world. In the last leg, the last placed team,
Katsuhiko and Nanami Jinnai, were not eliminated due to this leg being a
non-elimination leg. Can they manage to avoid last place with a penalty on top
of their problems? It brought a few problems last night…
(A quick flashback
to Katsuhiko basically enjoying rubbing it in certain people’s faces, which led
to an almost attempted exorcism by…ahem…fire by Rosette, fortunately (or
unfortunately) she was stopped…)
Azmaria: …here,
teams were able to eat…
(Shot of a dinner
prepared by Steiner, which Rosette and Chrno seem to have forgotten the terms
‘table manners’ as a few sweatdrop…then again, Nagi and Kaname aren’t much
better…the wine on the other hand is going through Satella, who has glomped
Chrno a couple of times, as Keiko sips gently, the others wondering if alcohol
really is worth it…)
Azmaria:
(sweatdrops) …sleep…
(Rosette again shows
how nun-like she is, spreading herself over her beds, smacking into anyone
nearby – Yakumo manages to finally tuck her in tightly enough to avoid any
further injuries prevented…)
Azmaria: …and mingle
with the other teams.
(The Jinnais (well,
one Jinnai) are enjoying their moment in reprieve, though Nanami is concerned.)
Nanami: We got
lucky…Jinnai can say it’s all part of the plan as much as he wants, but it
isn’t. And if we don’t kick butt this leg, we’re going to be in a LOT of
trouble…
*
Azmaria: Miyu and
Yamato, who were the first team to arrive at 10.39am…will depart at 10.39PM.
*
(The two rip open
their clue as they look forward to their next journey…)
Miyu: Return to the
present once you head outside and then travel to Cape Mery, Los Angeles…
*
(We return to the
present time – where our first host, the tall handsome Yuri Killian, part
American, part Russian and show-stealing acrobat, introduces the leg.)
Yuri: Teams must
travels from San Francisco to Los Angeles by plane this time, and then travel
to the small city Cape Mery. Once there, they must find the local police
station and find the person dubbed ‘Sora’s number one fan.’ Once they’ve found
him, he will hand you the next clue.
*
Miyu: You have $60
for this leg of the race…now it’s going to get hard. Right, but how do we get
to the present?
Yamato: Well…
(Suddenly, they
notice ahead of them in the blackness it seems wavy. Both look confused…)
Miyu: I guess…we
just head straight…
(The two do so…and
plop!)
*
Miyu: How the…never
mind, I don’t want to know.
Yamato: Never mind,
we don’t have the art of booking taxis beforehand now, we just need to grab
one…
Miyu: Run forth
Yamato-kun!
(The two do so…)
Miyu: We’re seeing
a lot of weird things, but we’re strangely getting used to them – maybe it’s
hanging out with Ran or Tatsukichi, but they aren’t as bothering me as much as
I thought they would…
(The team flags a
taxi down rather quickly, but fail to do something else…)
Miyu: To the
airport!
Yamato: We’ve got
that English down…
(The two relax…but
what have they forgotten to do?)
*
SARA/YAKUMO – 10.51AM
(BEST FRIENDS – SCHOOL RUMBLE - 2ND PLACE)
Yakumo: …and then
find ‘Sora’s number one fan’ at the Cape Mery police station…you have $60 for
this leg of the race…
Sara: Need to be
careful with money…
Yakumo: This way.
(Yakumo’s sixth
sense gives her a slightly better advantage over Miyu/Yamato as they simply
head into the waves…)
Yakumo: I’m still
not 100% comfortable with the race and the people, but I’m getting stronger,
the last leg Sara showed what she could do and makes me feel even stronger.
We’re a good team and nothing can stop us when we’re fully focused.
*
(Outside into the
world, we cut slightly to Miyu/Yamato cuddling in the taxi, without a care in
the world. Back in downtown San Francsico, Yakumo is waiting for a taxi, but
has also given Sara a bit of advice…)
Sara: Leaving the
20s, I was gung-ho and suddenly Yakumo said that the clue didn’t say HOW we got
plane tickets. She reminded me of what Saga-chan did back in the Hokkaido
leg…and suddenly I realised…
(Native English
speaker Sara is on a pay phone…)
Sara: You mean it?
Advisor: Yes,
there is ONE pair of seats left on the 6.30am flight at Delta Airlines,
otherwise you’re next available flights are at 7.40am and then at 8.05am, at
American or Alaskan Airlines respectively. Do you want them?
Sara: Yes, yes, yes!
(Is Sara getting into
the spirit of this leg or is it just overexcitement? Either way, the tickets
are confirmed as Sara squeals in delight. She hugs Yakumo after hanging up…)
Sara: This is why I
love you Yakumo…you’re calm and thoughtful no matter if we go through warp portals
from the 1920s into modern day San Francisco…
(Yakumo is a bit
embarrassed but smiles. Now it’s the work of the taxi…)
*
10.53AM – SAN
FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(Shot of Miyu and
Yamato arriving, realise their money is already down from the $60 they got, and
quickly head towards the terminals, looking for the earliest available flight
to Los Angeles…)
Miyu: I don’t think
there will be any this late…looks like everyone’s gonna catch up…
Yamato: That depends
on the flights…let’s get what we can…
(They go to American
Airlines – the queues aren’t too bad considering the time and it isn’t too long
before they get their answer thanks to Yamato doing his best in English as well
as showing the clue…)
Receptionist: The
earliest flight available here is at 7.40am.
Yamato: Are they any
earlier flights?
Receptionist: Not
here.
Miyu: Take them?
Yamato: Sure…there
can’t be anybody better travelling in the US than American right?
*
11.06PM – AIRPORT
(Shot of Sara and
Yakumo entering the airport – they stop momentarily to see if they can see Miyu
and Yamato. After the coast is clear they trot off over to Delta. And due to
Sara’s native tongue, the transaction is a lot easier…)
Receptionist: …you
girls are super lucky. (inspects them) A Japanese and a British girl?
Sara: Surprising?
Receptionist:
Mostly…we had a pair a while ago – Ana I think her name was…oh never mind,
sorry! Here you go!
(Sara and Yakumo
grabs their 6.30am tickets as Miyu and Yamato hold their 7.40am ones…)
Yamato: …so there
are only a few seats left on this plane?
(The receptionist
confirms it as Miyu and Yamato begin their own prayer that other people fill in
the gaps before other teams…and then notice Sara and Yakumo wandering about…)
Miyu: Team B’n’ B
are there…
Yamato: (confused) B
‘n ‘ B?
Miyu: Bright and
Beautiful…according to Bob, that’s what Nagi called them…or it could be just
teasing again…so hide…
Yamato: Hide?
Miyu: Just because I
like them doesn’t mean I want them with our information…
(Yamato sweatdrops
as Miyu plays the game her way – unknowing of the girls already a step ahead of
them…Sara and Yakumo head to a late Starbucks as they head over to coffee…which
breaks Miyu’s resolve instantly.)
Miyu: Need…caffeine…
Yamato: …and your
mean resolve faded in less than a minute…let’s join them.
(Miyu nods and calls
out to the girls…Yakumo waves back, Miyu glomps them as they get ready to try
and steal each others information…)
*
Miyu: I hate you
girls…
(Miyu is doing the
Yuya-kun ghosts of depression move (also used by Tatsukichi and Aya) in the
corner as Yamato sighs…)
Yamato: We didn’t
think of it…we’re just thrown into left field…
Sara: And that’s why
Yakumo is awesome.
Yamato: (smiles) She
is.
(Yakumo blushes and
Miyu sees that and launches into Yamato…)
Miyu: YAMATO-KUN,
YOU’RE LOOKING AT ANOTHER GIRL? HOW COULD YOU?!!!
Yamato: M-Miyu, I
didn’t me…
Miyu: (winks)
Gotcha.
(Yamato collapses as
Sara laughs as Yakumo wonders if she’s the only sane competitor left in the
competiton…)
Miyu: It’s weird.
I can’t hate these girls. They beat us at getting better plane tickets…if it
was the Jinnais or the Himuros, I would probably be a bit angrier…but it’s like
everyone can be peaceful with them. Well…almost everyone…
Miyu: I know he’ll
never look at another girl…I trust him that much…
Yamato: But what
about you two? I’m amazed you don’t have partners…
Yakumo: W-Well…
Sara: U-Um…
Miyu: Oh…maybe there
is something else? Maybe you two…
(The next thing they
see is Sara holding Miyu in a headlock and Yakumo on Sara’s instruction to
begin tickling…)
Miyu: (laughs) I’m
sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!
Sara: Yakumo, you
may fire when yesterday…
Yakumo: Yes sir.
(As Yakumo
inadvertingly gives away the next leg…)
*
11.25PM
BOB/NAGI (3RD
PLACE – BEST FRIENDS – TENJHO TENGE)
Bob: Well…at least
we’re getting out of this trapdoor and back to the present.
Nagi: Yeah…but just
walking here?
Bob: Let’s take the
easy option for once.
(The two escape into
the blackness from 1920s San Francisco…to the blackness of present day San
Francisco…)
Nagi: O.K genius,
where do we go now?
Bob: Airport…my life
for a motorcycle now…
Nagi: You keep
praying, hope that the people of the past leg hear you…but whilst you do that
I’ll be looking for a taxi…
Bob: (evil smile)
And the holy presences in the race?
Nagi: SH-UT UP. I
KNOW YOU STARTED THAT RUMOUR OF THAT APPARENT ‘NAME’ I GAVE THEM…
Bob: (innocent)
What?
(Nagi curses under
his breath, but waves down a taxi. His distinct hair at least makes it easier
for people to see him. Bob takes over with his English…)
Nagi: If it wasn’t
for the fact you’re pretty damn useful here I’d be kicking you out faster than
a sword strike from Maya…
(Nagi complains all
the way to the airport, but they aren’t alone…)
*
11.34PM
KEIKO/IZUMI (4TH
PLACE – MOTHER/DAUGHTER – PRINCESS NINE)
Keiko: O.K, back to
reality.
Izumi: So nothing
that has happened in this race has been real then…
Keiko: It was a
joke.
Izumi: Someone
forgot to inform me to laugh.
(The girls however
at least just step confidently into the black abyss and return to the present
time…)
Keiko: Looks like we
need to flag a taxi…
Izumi: Well, there
are a few being held there…
Keiko: O.K, let’s
go.
(The girls head over
and Keiko’s English allows them to take advantage…again however, neither them
or Bob/Nagi actually thought ahead for an earlier flight…)
*
11.40PM
Nagi: (sneezes) I
wonder whose talking about me now…
Bob: Never mind
that, let’s get to a terminal and find a plane to LA…American is best bet.
(Bob and Nagi head
to American. After a quick confirmation, they realise their luck is good…)
Bob: So now there
are only 3 seats left…
Receptionist: Yes
sir, if you want the 7.40 flight this is the only chance…
Bob: Sold!
(The two grab their
tickets…)
Nagi: Ha, that means
we’re probably on the 1st flight with the girls and the couple.
Miyu: (calls)
Bob-kun, Nagi-kun!
(We can hear Miyu
calling over as the two teams already have loaded on caffeine which suddenly
seems a good idea to Bob…)
Bob: Miyu…and
caffeine…is calling us Nagi…
Nagi: O.K, we can at
least be smug when we get there and be on the same flight of them…
(5 minutes later…)
Nagi: I hate you
girls…
Miyu: That’s what I
said as well…
Sara: But I already
knew that in his case…
(As Nagi and Bob
realise the girls are now a good lead ahead…the Himuros are approaching fast,
not knowing of their bad luck…)
*
11.50PM
SOUSUKE/KANAME (5TH
PLACE – CLASSMATES – FULL METAL PANIC)
Kaname: …I guess
you’ve seen and done weird things than this Sousuke…
Sousuke: Not sure
how to respond.
Kaname: Then don’t –
let’s just get the heck back into the present…
Sousuke:
Affirmative.
(The two run in,
feel the chilly air of San Francisco and realise…)
Kaname: Ah crap…we
need to get to the airport…do we call a taxi?
Sousuke: Or shall we
just get one from the road?
(Kaname looks, and
sees a few cars and taxis, some with people and some without. She slaps her
head.)
Kaname: Sousuke just
beat me in common sense…the world is coming to an end…
Sousuke: Let’s go
Chidori…
Kaname: If anyone
asks, I knew that…
Sousuke: What?
Kaname: Nothing…
(The two grab a taxi
as the Himuros get to the airport…and bad news…)
*
Keiko: There’s are
no more flights? What about stand by?
Receptionist: If you
want then sure, but it might be recommended just to get another flight.
Keiko: What’s the
next flight – quickest flight…at what airline?
(The receptionist
seems hesitant, but a glare of Izumi suddenly makes the receptionist realise
she may want to live…seeing them, a quick and smart accusation is given by
Miyu…)
Miyu: In reality,
Izumi is a hell of a lot scarier than you two boys.
Bob/Nagi: We know…
(The girls get the
result – Alaskan Airlines at 8.05am. They quickly run off to the nearby
counter…and after the scary encounter, they don’t even waste time…)
CURRENT STANDINGS;
SARA/YAKUMO – 6.30AM
FLIGHT (DELTA)
MIYU/YAMATO AND
BOB/NAGI – 7.40AM FLIGHT (AMERICAN)
IZUMI/KEIKO (8.05AM
ALASKAN (STAND BY FOR AMERICAN))
Izumi: Right…we’ve
got tickets and hopefully we’re on the earliest flight…
Sara: Do we tell her
or you guys?
Yamato: Please…they
actually like you…
Sara: (sweatdrops)
They probably won’t like us after this…
*
11.56PM
RALLY/MAY – (6TH
PLACE – BEST FRIENDS/WORKING PARTNERS – GUNSMITH CATS)
Rally: $60…damn this
race is getting cheap.
May: Well, at least
we’re still in. A lot of people shall we say weren’t too happy at the whole
non-elim leg thing with the Jinnais…
Rally: Yeah…that’s
as good of a reason to be as fast as possible to the airport…
May: At least you’re
back Rally…so let’s kick ass!
Rally: Hell yeah.
(whispers) We are far enough from those nun girls right so I can casually
swear?
May: Never thought
you to be the religious type…
Rally: I am when I
need to win…
(The two head into
the abyss, and Rally DOES make a phone call to the airport first…)
Rally: …so the best
offer is 8.05am…nuts. Oh well, can you book us those please?
(Sadly no luck for
the Cats, but May has got a cab, and Rally gets in and gives her the news…)
May: Nuts…wonder how
many teams are ahead of us then…
Rally: Well, let’s
find out…and then just beat the crap out of them all. Problem solved.
May: I like that
plan – straight, simple and direct. Makes a nice change.
Rally: Well, I would
say we’ve still got an advantage in the US…but I’m beginning to wonder…
(The two scarper off
to the airport…)
*
00.10PM
(…as Sousuke and
Kaname receive the bad news. However, unlike the Himuros, they don’t go for
stand by surprisingly…)
Sousuke: There’s no
point. Considering the shortness of the trip, there won’t be any. I think we’re
lucky to get a flight at this early.
(Sousuke and Kaname
have got a flight on the 8.05pm plane via Alaska, and Sousuke’s words aren’t
what Izumi wanted to hear…)
Keiko: I think we
can be thankful that at least the money used for these tickets doesn’t belong
to us…
Izumi: And to think
I liked those girls…
Keiko: Now she says
that realising they’re going to be ahead of us…
Izumi: (sighs) So
much for the no team not being a threat rule…
(Sousuke and Kaname
approach the other teams – the mood is a little heated, mainly as it seems
Kaname isn’t one-hundred percent favourable with the Himuros, but with Sousuke
as her back-up she at least feels a lot more secure than she should be…)
Kaname: What shall
we do, try to park somewhere to sleep?
Sousuke: I believe
that is a good course of action. However, an unnecessary source of noise coming
soon may prevent that from happen.
Miyu: Eh? You make
as much sense as Rei-kun…
(Kaname acts as
translator…)
Kaname: What he
means is that damn Jinnai will be here soon…
All: Ohhhhhhhhh…
*
00:14 AM - KATSUHIKO/NANAMI (LAST PLACE – EL HAZARD –
BROTHER AND SISTER)
Jinnai: ATCHOOO!
Jeez…this 1920s nights are freezing!
Nanami: Just grin
and bare it…we’re in deep enough trouble as it is and I don’t want any more
relapses…
(The more sane
member of the duo opens and reads the clue and nods…)
Jinnai: O.K, we just
walk into another world…sounds familiar…
Nanami: Airport…and
we’ve got to get 1st place.
Jinnai: Not a
problem – our only setback and we still survive! Now, we play for keeps!
Nanami: That’s both
what I want to hear…and what I’m worried about…
(The two rush off,
as Nanami hollers for a cab, and kicks Jinnai in as soon as they do…)
*
00:18 AM
Rally: O.K…American
is no good…then…
(Rally is more at
home at the airports than you’d expect, she however gets the news of the
Alaskan flight being the only available option. She sighs and has to take it,
and confirms what Sousuke said about the stand-by option being a bust…)
Rally: Take it from
Himuro…
Izumi: Well, if we
get ahead then…
May: You won’t. Even
if you got lucky, you still wouldn’t.
(A challenge. And
one Izumi didn’t like the tone of – Izumi is a lot taller than May but May
doesn’t butt an inch.)
Izumi: Seems like
you’ve got a LITTLE confidence there…you’re sure about that?
May: Oh ha ha, short
jokes. Guess what, I LIKE being this height. And even more so, I don’t take the
LOW road. Ha! See, don’t give a damn!
Izumi: Gah…fine.
I’ll go – don’t want to catch stupid.
(May just smirks,
not rising to the bait…)
Rally: She’s
starting to get a tad more annoyed…
May: Just what I
wanted. If we can at least get a few of the teams we’re in pace with annoyed,
that may help us.
Rally: So it’s not
to do with the fact the three teams ahead can probably kick your butt in
whichever method they want because we don’t have guns?
May: That too.
(The Himuros are a
little annoyed – more so than useful – and probably won’t help more when the
Jinnais turn up…)
Sara: And I thought
I was getting through to her…
Yamato: She’s like a
hawk, she’s always ready to pounce…don’t worry about it.
Bob: Of course we’re
not going to worry about it…we’re ahead of her – feel sorry for the souls which
have that AND the Jinnais on that flight…
Kaname: God don’t remind
me…
*
Jinnai: HA HA HA!
Back at the pack!
Kaname: I REALLY
didn’t want to be reminded…
00:35AM
(The Jinnais have
joined everyone as they are all packed together – some teams try to ignore him
but it’s impossible. It seems Nanami at least manages to drag him away so they
can get their tickets…)
Nanami: You’re not
helping…
(Nanami navigates as
best as she can considering her limited English, but she’s able to find her way
round decently, and after a bit of disappointment, they realise they are on the
8.05am Alaskan flight. Back with the teams, it’s now a tense atmosphere with 3
different flights…)
Jinnai: What?!
Izumi: You’re still
screwed. You’ve got the half hour thing and you have to come first…
Jinnai: …which we
will…
Izumi: …you are on
the last flight. Three teams are on early flights, you have no Fast
Forward…you’re screwed.
Nanami: Maybe she’s
just worried because she’s on the last flight and she’s trying to worrying us
so we DO fail?
Izumi: I’m never
nervous. I’m always confident.
Nanami: Oh really?
Keiko: Don’t go
there…
(The chill in the
air is bad enough with them as an evil surrounding these teams makes the other
teams worry…but not enough to break them up…)
Rally: You know…this
crap depresses the hell out of the rest of us, and considering Solider boy and
his girlfriend…
Kaname: I’M NOT HIS
GIRLFRIEND!
Rally: (smirks) Sure
hun. Anyway, Solider boy and his FRIEND…
(Kaname’s anger dies
down…)
Rally: …along with
us are also on their flight, maybe I should be pissed off and break them up…but
to be honest can’t be assed…(calls)…Bob can you kick their asses?
Bob: Sorry babe, no
penalties.
Rally: Miyu?
Miyu: Ditto.
Rally: Yakumo?
Yakumo: A-Absolutely
not…
Rally: Nuts…(lies
down)…might as well try and ignore this at least. It’s going to be a long
night.
*
(The night passes as
best as possible considering the circumstances. Movement around the airport
slows down as little sleep and walking around means little interaction…)
(Shot of Nagi and
Bob still awake as they look at the Jinnais…)
Bob: Hmmm…maybe we
should…
Nagi: Not sure…it
depends.
Bob: Problem is, our
alliance isn’t going to help at the moment due to the girls being ahead…
Nagi: I hardly it
being called an alliance anyway…
Bob: Hey, they are
still awake anyway…
(On cue, Yakumo,
Sara, along with Miyu and Yamato (well, Yamato – Miyu is asleep in his arms)
are coming out of anywhere…Nagi however is a little awestruck as Sara has
forgot to tie her ribbon and her long hair is flowing…)
Nagi: Wh-whoa…
(Bob smirks…)
Bob: Well, well…
Yamato: Hopefully
see you girls tomorrow…
Yakumo: Thank you.
(The two teams
separate as Yakumo and Sara pass by Bob and Nagi – Nagi snaps out of his tired
(or lovestruck?) face?)
Yakumo: Night
gentlemen…
Bob: Not sure you
can say that…
(They pass, as the
two boys walk away…but Sara smiles. She takes a peace of paper…)
Sara: It’s fair
isn’t it if we tell them?
Yakumo: I guess…
Sara: Yes, it could
be that they might be eliminated if we didn’t tell them…but I think they do
actually trust us. It’s the least I could for them…because of the Jinnai’s half
an hour penalty it may not matter, but just in case…
Yakumo:
Well…Nagi-san…I think he…
(Sara puts her
fingers to her lips…)
Sara: I know. I’ll
let God direct me.
(Sara writes
something down…we can’t see what…)
*
6.00AM
(Wake up call as the
early flights are starting to go and shot of a genki Sara and Yakumo earning
the glaring eyes of all the teams behind them as they go to Delta for the
6.30am flight to Los Angeles.)
Nagi: I still hate
them…
Bob: Of course…
(As the girls go,
the boys with Miyu/Yamato head over to American, Nagi feels something in his
pocket…)
Nagi: Hmmm…what’s
this…
(He looks it…and his
eyes widen…)
Nagi: Bob…look…
(Bob looks at it and
is surprised…)
Bob: Should we trust
them?
Nagi: I’m surprised
they would…but it makes sense as well – if they hadn’t told us, then we could
be in trouble…
Bob: Shall we trust
them though?
(As Nagi and Bob
contemplate this…)
*
6.30AM
(Shot of Sara and
Yakumo relaxing as best as they can considering the flight is very short…)
Yuko: Sara and
Yakumo are on the first flight to Los Angeles via San Francisco at 6.30am at
Delta Airlines due to arrive at 7.45am…
*
(With Miyu/Yamato
and Bob/Nagi ready to step on board, the remaining teams now are ready for the
Alaskan flight – most of them not happy…)
Kaname: Should we go
for…
May: Kaname, I get
this feeling if we did, we’d be screwed.
Kaname: Huh?
Rally: We thought
about it last night as well, but considering the penalty a certain team have
got without it…we’re not going to bother.
(Kaname suddenly
realises…)
Kaname: Of course…as
long as we don’t screw up…(glares at Sousuke)
Sousuke: I will be
on my best behaviour Chidori.
(The other two
teams, the Himuros and the Jinnais are not speaking – it’s a very grumpy
atmosphere on this flight as the words of Rally were proved right and no
stand-bys were available for the American flight…)
Izumi: The
preminitons are not good…as long as we can stay 29 minutes behind the Jinnais
at the word, we’re O.K…
Jinnai: Oh shut up,
it’s going to be fun watching you trail our dust!
Keiko: Izumi, he
wants you to hit him for the penalty…don’t rise to it…
Izumi: I won’t
mother.
(Nanami seems
quietly smiling about this…)
*
7.40AM
(Shot of Miyu and
Yamato along with Bob and Nagi on the second flight, again trying to relax,
though Nagi and Bob seem a bit perplexed at something…)
Yuko: Bob/Nagi and
Miyu/Yamato are on the second flight to Los Angeles via American Airlines.
*
7.46AM
LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
(Shot of the plane
hitting LA, as Sara and Yakumo stretch out and check the clue again…)
Sara: So Cape Mery –
a town in Los Angeles…that narrows it down…
Yakumo: Let’s see
what we can find…
(After navigating
through the crowds, they decide to ask for information first about it…)
Sara: …this Capy
Mery, what’s the best way to get there?
Information Bureau
officer: It’s about a 30 minute drive there…but…
Sara: But?
IB office: There’s a
shuttle service there – free from the airport.
(Considering their
money and their lead, both girls are suddenly interested…)
Sara: Shuttle?
IB office: Well,
there’s a big attraction there which people want to see from around the world
called Kaleido Stage…
Sara: I’m suddenly
thinking where this leg will be held eventually…(to officer)…we need to get to
a police station there.
Officer: Best
option? Take the shuttle, then take a taxi there if money is tight.
Sara: That…and if my
hunch is right, it gives us a good idea where to go next…(to officer)…where to?
(The officer points
them in the right direction…when they get there, the next one is at 8am…)
(…they make it.)
Sara: Relax?
Yakumo: Yes.
(The two sigh as
they get their second wind…)
*
8.05AM
(Shot of the
remaining 4 teams heading to the Alaska flight, 3 of them slightly more happy
considering the Jinnai’s predicament, but if they are also annoyed by it, they
aren’t showing it…)
Yuko: Rally/May,
Sousuke/Kaname, Izumi/Keiko and Katsuhiko/Nanami are on the third flight from
San Francisco to Los Angeles.
*
8.35AM – CAPE MERY
(OUTSIDE KALEIDO STAGE)
(The shuttle get
through to the smallish city of Cape Mery, which would be just alike any other
small city…except for the giant big top behind Sara and Yakumo’s back behind
them as they exit the shuttle.)
Yakumo: I don’t
think it’s going to be hard to miss Sara…
Sara: Right, if this
plan is going to work, we’ve got 20 minutes to make sure we avoid everyone
else…so…
(The two girls grab
a taxi outside the circus, and the police station is about…)
*
8.43AM
(…8 minutes away.)
Sara: Thank you so
much! Just hold on for a moment please…
(The two girls rush
inside the station which of course causes a little mayhem. Fortunately, due to
Sara’s English, it becomes a task of simplicity.)
Sara: Excuse me, I’m
looking for ‘Sora’s Biggest Fan?’
(Immediately a large
African-American officer with shades on stands up. This is Policeman-san as
he’s referred to, but his real name is Jerry. His intimidating figure with his
6 foot 7 height, huge muscular body that Armstrong from FMA would appreciate
and beard hides the fact he’s a huge softy. He goes over to the girls and
shakes their hands (both girls having to keep their feet on the ground…))
Jerry: That’s me!
And because you recognised me as that…you get a prize!
(Jerry hands Yakumo
the next clue, as the girls quickly open it…)
Yakumo: Travel to
Marine Park, a one time place where Freedom Lights performed – then search for
the brightest part of the park for your next clue…
*
(We change location
and host for the next part, here we have a beautiful long ponytailed girl with
a purple dress, calmly juggling with one hand and looking through a script in
her other hand. This is Mia Guillem, performer and writer for Kaleido Stage.
She notices the camera’s are on, drop the balls, hides her script, coughs and
announces…)
Mia: Ahem…er…what
was it again?
(…)
Mia: Sorry…teams
must now travel to Marine Park, where Sora, Anna, Rosetta and myself performed
when things took a turn for the worst…once there, they need to figure out that
the brightest part of the park is the realising of the balloons in the centre
of the park. There, they will need to grab one of the balloons holding a clue,
pop it and then receive it.
*
Yakumo: Back to the
taxi?
Sara: Hopefully this
will be easy enough…
(The girls run back
to the taxi, where the Marine Pack is literally just a few minutes away much to
the girls relief. They go through there…)
*
Sara: Oh nuts…
(Shot of the park –
opening times 9am-8pm. Fortunately, it’s only 12 minutes away…unfortunately…it
means that other teams will at least touchdown in LA. Sara and Yakumo also wait
in queue as a number of people are waiting in line themselves…)
*
8.55AM – 2ND
FLIGHT
(Shot of the plane
landing in Los Angeles as Bob/Nagi and Miyu/Yamato have some ground to make up,
however due to Bob’s superior English they are available to navigate around the
area a bit faster, as well as ask for where they need to go…)
Nagi: Hey, stop
tailing us!
Yamato: We’re going
to be together anyway so…
Nagi: Ignoring an
obvious fact…
Miyu: We’re playing
the game as much as anyone…
(Bob sighs –
unfortunately for them Miyu and Yamato are (along with them) pretty fast on
their feet so losing them with their speed is out of the question. Bob goes to
the same advisor that the SR girls got to and gets the same answer…)
Advisor: Ah, two
girls came here earlier as well…are they friends?
Bob: Was one a tall
beautiful Japanese girl who looked nervous and the other a smaller baby-faced
British girl with blond hair?
Advisor: Yes, are
they you’re friends?
Bob: (smiles) If
it’s me yes. If it’s Nagi…
Nagi: Oh…shut the…
(Before Nagi can get
himself a frown from the advisor, Bob quickly interrupts and gets confirmed the
same information as Sara/Yakumo. Yamato seemed to pick up enough as well so
that the boys can’t lie their way out – they run like heck to the shuttle which
is due to leave at 9am…)
Bob: Geez, no way we
can make it…
*
9.00AM
(Joint shot of
Bob/Nagi and Miyu/Yamato missing the shuttle, whilst at Marine Park Sara and
Yakumo are let in. At the airport, it’s an unfortunate plan B…)
Bob: Fine, I didn’t
like the way you tailed us with my English, but we can’t afford to do too much
now…
Miyu: Something we
agree on.
Nagi: Gah…I hate
negotiating.
Yamato: Same here.
(Yamato’s police
blood combined with Nagi’s recklessness means a not very good match, and looks
like the game is now really coming into play, but due to being careful with
their funds, the teams are forced to split a taxi to Cape Mery – the bonus is
they asking to go to Cape Mery Police Station so at least they can get there
directly.)
*
(In the park, Sara
and Yakumo have to look for the brightest spot in the park – an unusual clue to
say the least…)
Yakumo: Where would
this be?
Sara: It must be
something that is obvious…it’s plenty colourful around…
Yakumo: I think the
other teams will have got in by now…are you sure about this?
Sara: It’s up to
them if they trust us…I told them the truth – whether they choose to believe me
is another matter.
(Yakumo finally sees
something which is colourful, bright and obvious…)
Yakumo: Over there…
(They see a flood of
balloons of all colours being spun around in a fit of colour. Yakumo nods to
Sara and the two run off over there. The balloons are all colours, but the
majority are red and yellow, giving the game away. However, now comes the
second problem…)
Sara: Where’s the
clue?
(The balloon user,
actually a performer of another circus named Dio, a master of the whip, smiles at
the two ladies.)
Dio: I suggest you
look closer…
(The two do, and
looking into the balloons, realise that the clues are IN the balloons. Yakumo
grabs one, and as she does, Dio cracks his whip and bursts the balloon, giving
the girls a jump back…)
Sara: Whoa…
Dio: Sorry ladies,
just a little wake up call for this early in the morning.
(Yakumo grabs the
clue – she opens it, it’s the detour. But the girls don’t even look at it…they
grab the other clue…the Fast Forward.)
Sara: Let’s see if
they do trust us…
*
(Cue the Fast
Forward, Mia we return to as she juggles the envelopes between the detour and
the FF and explains.)
Mia: There is only
one Fast Forward on this leg of the race – any team that chooses the Fast
Forward may skip all tasks and go 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’s most advantageous to go for it.
(We cut over to a
stage – namely the Kid’s Stage – here, we actually change hosts to an adorable
10 year old girl – and to make the image even cuter, a certain baby seal is
perched on her head – the chirpy Marion Benginni and the mascot (and performer)
Jonathan greets you to explain the Fast Forward…)
Marion: In this Fast
Forward, teams must get up on to the Kid’s Stage of Kaleido Stage…and…erm…
(Cue the task. What
appears to be a giant caterpillar waddles on stage – of course it’s a costume,
but Jonathan laughs anyway. Popping out of the head of the caterpillar is one
of the top stars of the Kaleido Stage, a masculine looking tall female with
purple hair…the cool Anna Heart, female fans adore her for her masculine and
cool aura, but in reality she wants to be a comedienne.)
Marion: …well, teams
have to take part in a typical comedy routine with Anna Heart – they must fit
the two segments of the caterpillar and perform a basic trick used in Anna’s
act – namely the rolling segments. Once they’ve done that, they will receive
the Fast Forward.
(Quick shot of the
rolling in action, as Anna’s two partners Hanna and Barbara laugh in
unison…Marion sweatdrops…)
Marion: Pity them
don’t we Jonathan?
Jonathan: Arf arf
arrrffff!
Marion: Yes, we
should get the plasters ready…
*
(As we still wonder
how the heck Marion can understand the seal, both girls look a little confused
at the FF…)
Yakumo: Well…it’s
not too different from my part-time work…
Sara: Yeah…well, I
get the feeling the alternative may not be good…
Yakumo: You saw
something?
Sara: Just a
hunch…come on, we made a mistake and let our taxi go…let’s see if we can call
another one…it seems that I was right about that place though – shouldn’t be
hard to get to…
(Yakumo nods and
they run into the streets, planning on running there until they see a taxi.
Fortunately, there is a yellow one nearby already with people coming out.)
Sara: Thank you!
(Not a problem yet
as the two drive to the Kaleido Stage, as the note that Bob and Nagi got from
the girls became apparent…)
*
Nagi: They’re going
to take the Fast Forward?
Bob: I’m not sure
what the point is, considering they’re ahead, unless it’s to make sure we don’t
use it or the teams in the rear. And with the Jinnais with that penalty, is
there any need…
Yamato: Maybe it’s a
way to prove trust…you just said this race is start to affect everyone…maybe
not everyone is an untrustworthy as you say…
Nagi: Hey, just…
Bob: Calm it.
Miyu: Those
girls…they’re an enigma in this race. It’s impossible to tell what they are
thinking – and the scary thing is, they know exactly what you’re doing – I
dunno, it’s like they’re psychic or something…
Bob: Well…we trust
them or not…Nagi?
(Nagi pauses…but we
don’t hear what he says as the exhaust on the taxi drowns it out as they head
over to the police station…)
*
9.15AM – KALEIDO STAGE
(The signature big top is something a bit
surprising for both girls especially the size of it. They aren’t completely out
of the loop after helping Harima look after some of his animals at times so
they semi-know what to expect…)
Yakumo: It’s a lot
bigger than I expected…
Sara: We need to
find the Kid’s Stage…a worker around here should know where to go without a
problem…
Yakumo: Let’s go…
(The duo run up the
long ramp to the stage….one of the security guards is glad to be of help as
they race in…)
Guard: …you’re on
that race right – Kid’s Stage is through the main entrance and to the left,
second door. Can’t miss it.
(Yakumo bows (the
guard blushes) as the girls rush into the kid’s stage…they immediately spot
Marion…)
Marion: Welcome!
Sara: AWWW…
(The sight of an
adorable little girl with an adorable baby seal turns Sara into jelly. Marion
is actually quite tough being a trampoline expert at her tender young age, but
she blushes at the attention.)
Marion: Oh, I don’t
wanna get mushy – let’s get you girls changed…
Yakumo: C-Changed?
Anna: Of course!
(Out strides Anna
Heart, along with her two assistants Hanna and Barbara, who will be watching
instead of performing this time. Anna’s 6 foot 1 height is a tad intimidating
at first…)
(…and then she
imitates a monkey. Jonathan and Hanna/Barbara laugh like mad, Marion just
sweatdrops…)
Yakumo: Th-that’s
one way to break the ice…
Anna: O.K ladies, we
need you to get into costume and then we’ll go through this basic routine –
just get ready for some fun!
(Sara and Yakumo
join in the sweatdropping as they are literally pushed into a changing room…)
*
9.20AM
FLIGHT THREE
(The remaining teams
now hit the runway as it’s a mad scramble to find where they are going –
particularly the Jinnais knowing of their penalty.)
Nanami: Cape
Mery…what do we do…taxi it?
Jinnai: Just start
running…make sure those Himuros are behind us…A LONG WAY preferably…
(Knowing they are
literally just behind them infruriates Izumi even more. She and Keiko just run
straight to the taxis. On the other hand, Rally and May do the same things as
the earlier teams…and get the information they wanted.)
Rally: We’re cheap.
Next question.
May: Right…and it
seems a few other teams got the same idea…
(Sousuke is already
running as he was able to understand what they were discussing – the Jinnais
and the Himuros have overtaken them heading straight to the taxi rank…)
Nanami: Cape Mery
Police Station please!
(The taxi driver
gives a thumbs up…as Nanami begins praying…)
Nanami: God…I know
what crimes my brother has done, but if you can cause a miracle…
(Shot of the Himuros
entering as Izumi seething…)
Izumi: Police
Station please!
(Again, the thumbs
up…)
*
Anna: You know, that
fits you WAY too well hun…
Yakumo: W-Well, I have
dressed up in animal costumes…actually we both have…
Sara: That panda
costume Itoko-sensei is still in the wash last time I heard…
(Shot of Yakumo and
Sara in their caterpillar segments (Anna has the head) – as it’s just basically
a fluffed up green outfit it’s not too bad…at the moment.)
Anna: O.K, now what
we normally do is that we link together through the holes in the back of the
outfits – you grab hold of the person in front of you, and then we perform a
leaping routine – but that’s kind of difficult to say the least for amateurs…so
we’re going to do a simple rolling routine. To win the Fast Forward, you need
to match yourselves with me in unison a total of 8 times.
Yakumo: The unison
part…
Sara: We’ll be fine.
It’s like the Kino’s Journey leg – only without the motorrads and instead with
caterpillar segments.
Yakumo: Right.
Anna: You ready to
go? O.K, first, I think the taller girl should be in the middle and the smaller
one at the end – makes things a lot easier.
(Yakumo nods as she gets behind Anna and holds her – Sara does the same with Yakumo as Anna continues to explain…)
*
(Shot of Anna, Yakumo and Sara in caterpillar garb, with their audience of Marion, Jonathan, Hanna and Barbara look on with vast amusement – Jonathan begins to clap as the girls slowly begin to roll…)
Anna: Cat..er…cater…er…oh come on girls, join in!
Sara: You’re kidding…
Anna: ‘Fraid not!
Sara: (sighs) Cat-er..
(The two girls keep in good timing with Anna, though Sara has to roll a bit more due to her lack of strength, Yakumo seems to be near perfect though – they get through it twice in timing from claps and barks from Jonathan and cheering from Hanna and Barbara.)
Sara/Anna: Cat-er…cat-er…
Sara: That Fast Forward was the only time I hated my
native tongue! Yakumo got away with it – it was so embarrassing and the
laughter of the girls and that seal didn’t help…I didn’t know if it was
laughing with us or at us…
(It’s a rough Fast Forward, and the girls sides are in a bit of pain despite the trampoline like soft surface they are doing this on. Nonetheless, despite the giggles from the gallery, the 8 rolls are completed with relative ease.)
Anna: Not bad girls!
Yakumo: Thank you.
(Anna hands the clue to Yakumo as she opens it…)
Yakumo: Congratulations, you’ve won the Fast Forward, head directly to the Pit Stop, the Hamilton Estate in the border of Cape Mery direct to Los Angeles…
*
(We go to another beautiful lady – this one, tall, elegant, with long flowing blonde hair in a beautiful blue dress. This is Layla Hamilton, the former top star of Kaleido Stage but had to retire due to circumstances I won’t mention due to huge spoilers. Normally living in Broadway, she’s returned to her father’s home where she gives the hosting duties.)
Layla: Having won the Fast Forward, Sara and Yakumo can now head over to the Pit Stop, the Hamilton Estate – my father’s home.
*
Sara: …your car is in the car park area of Kaleido Stage. Right, out of costume, into car. On the double Yakumo!
Yakumo: R-Right!
(They wave to the girls (and seal) as they dash back to the changing rooms first…before they get ready for a road trip…)
9.24AM
(…but as they’re so fast ahead and the mansion is not that far away…)
Yakumo: Sara…
Sara: …I see it!
(The mansion is ahead, with bright blue lights shining around – despite the early morning.)
Sara: They were right, we can’t miss it…
(Yakumo and Sara jog gently over to the Pit Stop, their first place already guaranteed, they relax. On the mat, they see Yuko and the beautiful Layla waiting with smiles. They jump on.)
Layla: Welcome to the Hamiltons.
(Sara replies in English and Yakumo in Japanese – Layla understands both so she replies in earnest making both girls blush.)
Yuko: Sara and Yakumo…oh screw the suspense, you’re team number one!
Yakumo: Never thought we’d win a leg…
Yuko: You’ve surprised a few though…
Sara: We’ll continue to do so Yuko-san, and more until the end!
SARA/YAKUMO – 1ST PLACE
Sara: At last!
(The two hug as Yakumo laughs happily – her emotion actually surprisingly high.)
*
(Now let’s fast forward over to the rest of the teams…)
9.50AM
(Shot of Bob/Nagi and Miyu/Yamato escaping their taxi and heading into the police station – Miyu holds the taxi as a temporary truce for the sake of their wallets enters in…)
Bob: Excuse me, I’m looking for Sora’s number one fan?
Nagi: Sound’s a tad ridiculous…er…
(The much larger policeman stands over them – Nagi normally wouldn’t be worried (he’s dealt with bigger guys before like Saga Mask) but as they aren’t ALLOWED to do anything whilst there aren’t any rules regarding the hosts…)
Yamato: Whoa, he’s big.
Miyu: Understatement of the year Yamato-kun.
Bob: Do we run away now – is this the detour by any chance?
Jerry: WELCOME!
Miyu: He’s not going to eat us…*phew*
(Jerry simply hands the teams the clue…as they escape their attempt at being killed…)
Miyu: Marine Park…
Yamato: Back to the taxi…
Bob: You wouldn’t be attempted to run WITHOUT us would you?
Miyu: (sweetly) Of course not! We’re not that bad…
Nagi: That’s because they’d have to pay the full fare if they ditched us…
Miyu: Damn…saw through me…
Bob: I think this race has already proved it’s always the innocent looking ones who are the most vicious…
*
(Shot of Bob/Nagi and Miyu/Yamato, their truce officially over and now in it for themselves as they look for the brightest part of the park…)
Bob: Where the hell does it mean?
Nagi: Just keep looking…anything that looks red and yellow for a start…
Bob: You mean like that?
(Shot of Bob pointing at the balloons being released…)
Nagi: That works…AH DAMMIT, THEY SAW IT AS WELL!
(Shot of Miyu and Yamato already running there – quick on their feet and minds, they get ahead of the streetfighters – but realise the other problem as Dio welcomes them…)
Miyu: Yamato-kun, a boost please…
(Yamato picks Miyu on her shoulders – the young girl grabs one of the higher balloons which she spots a clue is in. Bob and Nagi arrive just as Miyu is let down…)
Miyu: Yay!
Nagi: Bob, give me the hands…
(Nagi is ready to just be thrown up and hopefully catch a balloon, but as he does, Miyu opens the clue up…)
Miyu: Detour! Let’s see…dive or diabolo…
*
(We now change hosts again, but this time it’s one that you can’t really see – mainly as normally you couldn’t unless you are chosen for the stage. Indeed, the people passing the camera are unsure why a camera is there. However, thanks to some Yuko magic, we reveal the Fool, the Spirit of the Stage where only those chosen can see him. He’s a 1 foot mythical genie/spirit with long green hair, a mask over one eye with a red diamond…and an utter pervert. He narrates this part of the race.)
Fool: A Detour is a choice between two tasks, each with it’s own pros and cons. In this detour, teams must choose between two skills used professionally by two of the top stars of the Kaleido Stage. Their choice…dive…or diabolo.
*
(We cut over to a grate area of metal, use for climbing when the Ferris Wheel is out of commission…and to perform death-defying moves incognito as well. Fool explains .)
Fool: In Dive, teams must head up to the wire meshing, where Layla Hamilton famously played in disguise the Kamen Star during Freedom Lights performances. There, under the instruction of Mia Guillem and the demonstration of May Wong, team must bungee jump off the 50 foot stage and hover around. The task is potentially frightening, but once they’ve jumped, that’s it. They’re done and Mia will hand them the clue.
(Also, from now on until the detours are all passed, May will now refer to May Wong, and Minnie May will be used for…er…Minnie May.)
(Not too far from the balloons, we now cut to a young teen with red hair spinning around some coloured shaped objects. Fool again narrates.)
Fool: In Diabolo, teams must locate near the route marker a young girl named Rosetta Passel, also known as the Princess of Diabolo. There, they must learn two tricks, one basic and one advanced, and once performed correctly under instruction, she will hand them the next clue. It’s a fun task, but it can take a lot longer to complete.
*
Miyu: What do you think Yamato-kun?
Yamato: We should dive. It’s faster and heights aren’t a big thing.
Miyu: This is gonna be good!
(Miyu and Yamato run off, leaving Nagi to jump with Bob’s aid and nab a clue balloon.)
Bob: O.K, they’ve gone…sounded like a detour…
(Nagi opens the clue…)
Nagi: Right…we either bungee jump or play with yo-yos.
Bob: Bungee jump.
Nagi: Thank you.
Miyu: Up there?
(Shot of Mia, now in instructor mode, explain what they have to do…)
Mia: Just go up there on the rope elevator, and let Jean up there hook you up. You’ll be safe guaranteed. Just watch out for May though…
Yamato: Why?
Mia: Just…trust me on that one.
(Miyu and Yamato are pulled up on their rope elevator as Bob and Nagi run up and get hooked up…)
Bob: Logic dictates this is where we have to be…
Mia: True, but then again I’ve never been bothered by logic…overrated.
Nagi: I’m more confused than I ever was.
(At the top, Jean (Marion’s father) is there as well as May. May is Chinese-American with dashing dark hair and a very attractive look. However, that’s where the nice things stop…)
Jean: O.K, you’re first…(calls)…May, would you demonstrate what these guys have to do?
May: As long as I don’t have to scrape them off the floor…
Jean: Not an encouraging sign…
(May takes a deep breath, and jumps. However, the breath was obviously not to keep her calm…)
May: GALAXY WARP SEVEN!!!
(…her DBZ esque way of shouting out her acrobat techniques is kinda scary. Even more so is how not only is she doing it with ease, but spins around in a complicated way it makes Miyu’s eyes spin…)
Miyu: Miyu…getting…dizzy…
Yamato: Please don’t tell me we’ve got to do that.
Jean: Oh no, you just have to jump!
Yamato: Up here now, it’s suddenly become a lot more daunting…
(The height is now suddenly dawning on them…but knowing that other teams have landed and on their way sooner than later, and Bob and Nagi climbing up, they nervously step forward…but not after they see May climb back up at a speed that would make Spiderman jealous…)
Yamato: Geez…is she a monkey?
(May does her infamous ‘bark’ at that insult…)
Miyu: No, definitely a dog…
May: Look, are you guys jumping or am I pushing you off?
(No more words are necessary as Yamato goes first – Jean gives him the O.K as he leaps down. And the screams followed.)
Miyu: YAMATO-KUN!
(The screams turn to screams of success as he twists in the air, the breath momentarily taken from him, Yamato is lowered as he breathes out, and pumps his fist into the air…)
Yamato: That…was…awesome…
Miyu: IS HE O.K, IS HE O.K?
(Miyu is semi throttling May as Jean chuckles…)
May: Man, she’s got a grip as strong as Anna’s…
Jean: He’s fine Miyu, and now you must join him…
(May glints at Miyu evilly as Miyu may have met her match…she gulps but takes a good step.)
May: GIANT-O SWING!
Miyu: I HATTTEEE TTHHHIIISSS…
(Miyu’s leap of faith is faster due to her slim build and athletism, but the fearful screams that followed her down were higher than Yamato’s. She twists and turns as she’s a few feet from the ground, the fear slowly subsiding…)
Miyu: Mi-yu…if Ran saw that…
Yamato: I think anyone would be sca…well, O.K Ran’s a special case…
(Miyu is untied as back up, Bob and Nagi are hooked up. After Miyu escapes, Mia runs up to them.)
Mia: Good work guys, here’s your reward.
(Mia hands the duo their clue, which Yamato opens and reads whilst Miyu gets her barings…)
Yamato: Head over to the Kaleido Stage now you’ve had a taste of what we do and search the dormitories for dorm manager and performer Sarah DuPont…
*
(We return to the Fool, now spinning about the dormitories, ready to explain the clue…or take a peek, we can only hazard a guess…)
Fool: Teams must head over to the infamous Kaleido Stage, but before they become part of the stage, they must first become part of the place where most of the cast live – the dorms. And where I use hang out…literally…damn you Sora…
(Fool realises he is getting off topic, coughs and resumes…)
Fool: …at the dorms, they must locate dorm manager and diva Sarah DuPont. Once they find there, she will give them spare keys to 5 of the stars – well 6 but Mia and Anna share a room – they need to find autographed photos of Sora, May, Anna, Mia, Rosetta and Marion. Once they’ve collected one of each, they must then hand them back to Sarah, who will then hand them their next clue.
*
Miyu: Right…this stage must be that big thing we passed…
Yamato: And now we ditch the guys?
Miyu: Considering them ditched…(shouts)…TAXI!!!
(The two run back to the exit/entrance as Bob/Nagi now get their turn…and they seem a little more confident.)
May: Well, well…looks like we’ve got some backbone here…
Nagi: Heh, we deal with just as hard stuff back home…not gonna scare us girly…
May: Heh heh…maybe I should show you the video of some of our performances if you survive and see how cocky you are then…
Bob: Enough ego bashing…or raising I don’t know…I’m ready to go Jean.
Jean: All speed ahead Bob!
(Bob is first to jump, and despite Nagi’s cockiness, what he said is true, and Bob doesn’t even utter a scream (Sana Kurata could have benefited from watching him). He even does a turn in his dance style, which Mia applauds from the bottom.)
Mia: Hmm…handsome and skilled. Hey Bob…
Bob: Sorry…my skills and my heart belong to one woman.
Mia: Y’know for a big tough streetfighter, you have a lot of strong principles.
Bob: You’d be surprised. (shouts) Oy Nagi, you’re coming down this century or what?
Nagi: Gimme a break, dog-girl here is barking me up the wrong tree…
May: One more quip and you’ll be barking down the wrong planet…
(Nagi takes that threat on board and leaps easily from the steel – no fancy tricks, just a whoop of joy as Bob shakes his head…)
Bob: Don’t care what he says, he’s just a kid…
(Nagi is released by Mia and handed the clue…)
3RD PLACE – BOB/NAGI
Nagi: That has to be that Big Top…
Bob: The couple got ahead…catch up time!
Nagi: They’re only 2 minutes ahead at best…we can catch up with our speed, come on!
(The two begin to rush…)
*
10.15AM – POLICE STATION (JINNAIS)
(Shot of the Jinnais who get ahead of Sousuke/Kaname and Rally/Minnie May due to the slighter faster (but more expensive) taxi. They slam down as Nanami tries her best to explain in English…)
Nanami: I’m…looking…for…fan…
Jinnai: (in Japanese) This isn’t good…looking for someone being a fan of a girl…Sora’s number one fan…
Jerry: That’s me!
Nanami: Huh?
Jinnai: He understood Japanese?
Jerry: Well, Ken and I had to go over to Japan for a little…trip shall we say…so we learned as we could…
Nanami: (slaps her forehead) I’m being way too optimistic here…can we have the clue Policeman-san?
Jerry: Heh – that’s got a good ring to it again. Here you go.
Nanami: (reads clue) Right…Marine Park, brother, let’s get back in the taxi and get the heck out of here as fast as possible…
(Jerry hands the Jinnais the clue as the shuttle hits Cape Mery, as Sousuke/Kaname and Rally/Minnie May get ready for another temporary truce…)
*
Minnie May: We’re cheap…but here, we can afford to be cheap…
(Shot of the unlikely FMP/GSG combo in a taxi from Cape Mery port opposite the Kaleido Stage, heading towards the police station…)
Kaname: I think we’re all thinking as long as we don’t mess up, we’ll be O.K because of the Jinnais penalty – it looks like it’s a packed leg with us, the Himuros and the Jinnais, with the other teams a bit further ahead.
Sousuke: What about the Fast Forward?
Rally: (shakes her head) Whether you believe me or not, we’re not going for it – no point with the Jinnais in the s**t they’re in. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the ahead teams took it to extend their lead though.
Minnie May: The advantage of watching the Races back home eh Rally?
Rally: Heh, we’ve done our research.
Kaname: An…interesting advantage….
Sousuke: Chidori, I didn’t see the Himuros at all…they may have missed the shuttle.
Kaname: They’ve probably taken a taxi…anything to get rid of the Jinnais for certain…
*
10.18AM
(Shot of the big top once more and this time Miyu and Yamato are ahead of Bob and Nagi but instead of the stage, they need to search for the on-site dorms. Not a hard task, but a navigating one…)
Miyu: There…
(They go up one flight of stairs and look for the dorm manager Sarah. Noises however are enough to confirm where she is…)
Yamato: What’s that?
Miyu: Sounds like martial-art’s sounds…
(Indeed, a female doing a very bad impersonation of the late great Bruce Lee is heard through one of the doors. Miyu rather gingerly knocks…)
*
(Shot of the Himuros travelling down a road…and Keiko is becoming a little concerned…)
Keiko: Excuse me, I thought the police station was local?
Driver: Oh no milady, the Los Angeles Police Department is still…
Izumi: WHAT?
(Izumi’s voice suddenly puts a stop to any action…)
Izumi: We wanted the Cape Mery station! I said…
Driver: But I assumed you wanted the main one, you just said ‘police station…’
Izumi: I didn’t say th…did I?
Keiko: I don’t know.
Izumi: Crap…how much money have we got?
Keiko: Not enough for a trip back…(to driver)…is there a bus or a train around here that can get us back into Cape Mery?
Driver: Yes…two roads up – I’ll drop you there…
(The driver agrees – obviously scared – but Izumi is pissed off…whether at the driver or at herself is not certain at the moment, but the worry suddenly hits…)
Izumi: Suddenly those bastards may be smirking if they know what’s happening to us…how could this happen?
Keiko: We played. They played better. But it’s not over yet.
Izumi: Pray the bus gets there quickly then…
(The two land outside a bus stop – with little money they couldn’t pay the taxi all the way back to the station – they are forced to wait a bus and pray that they can find the station themselves…)
*
Miyu: YOU DON’T FLY KICK A PERFECT STRANGER WHO IS IN A HURRY!
Sarah: Awww…
Miyu: DON’T SAY THINGS IN MY BEST FRIENDS VOICE!
Sarah: Aww…
(Yes, as if things weren’t confusing enough with two May’s in this leg, we now have two Sarah’s, not to mention they’re both British. Fortunately, with the added ‘h’ and the other one already done, this makes things a lot less confusing – martial arts nut, diva of the Kaleido Stage with a fantastic voice, dorm manager and love interest of KS owner Kalos Sarah DuPont.)
Yamato: Well madam, we believe we need something from you…
Sarah: Oh sure, here you go! And no going through anything PERSONAL…all of them are young ladies after all…
Miyu: Oh Yamato-kun is a perfect gentlemen!
Sarah: Actually, I was referring to the two men behind you…
Yamato: Nuts…
(Shot of Bob and Nagi who are a bit miffed at that…)
Nagi: Hey, what do you take me for?
(Silence…)
Bob: Just thank god the other Sara isn’t here…
Sarah: You need these as well…
(Miyu and Yamato now run down the halls looking for the doors – they basically try the keys in one door until hopefully one opens. They get one done…)
Miyu: Autograph…autograph…
(This is one with some posters with Chinese writing on it. Miyu immediately knows it’s May’s.)
Miyu: Is this her autograph?
(Of course, she writes in English much to the surprise of Miyu – Yamato just grabs it as the guys are just behind them…it’s a rush for the next place…)
*
10.21AM
Rally: Ah the police station – my second home!
Minnie May: Trust me…you DON’T want to say that out loud…
Rally: (calls) Excuse me, can I find Sora’s number one fan?
Minnie May: Yep, Miss Sora Naegino’s number one fan?
(Rally turns to Minnie May with an intrigued look…)
Rally: Oh, that’s right – you like that show don’t you?
Minnie May: Have you seen what that girl can do? If I could do stuff like that then I’m sure that Ken and I could…
Kaname/Rally: TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!
Jerry: A-HEM!
(In the sights of embarrassed police officers, Jerry stands tall and intimidating. The three girls sweatdrop as Sousuke looks on…)
Sousuke: So this is what you can grow to…
(More sweatdrops, but fortunately Jerry is able to get the game back on track and hands the two teams their next clue…)
Rally: Marine Park and step on it!
Kaname: Sorry girls, you’re not losing us!
Minnie May: And pay the whole damn thing – of course we trust you!
(Evil snickers from both Kaname and Minnie May, as the teams return to the cab, hoping for the laugh of the Jinnai’s to be denied this time at the Pit Stop…)
*
10.24AM – MARINE PARK (JINNAIS)
(Shot of the Jinnais emerging into the park…)
Nanami: I hope you don’t conquer the fun out of these places in your plans brother…
Jinnai: Oh, I’ll have my own form of fun, don’t you worry!
Nanami: Creepy…
(The two began to navigate, seeing if there is a hint of anything…and as they do, Jinnai surprisingly spots the red and yellow balloon bomb in the centre of the park…)
Jinnai: Ah ha! There we are!
Nanami: Hey, nice work brother!
(Jinnai is momentarily surprised but it’s only a moment’s distraction as they know they have to get their skates (not knowing that their penalty will now stand officially) on – Nanami immediately launches into the balloons and grabs a couple (and scaring a few kids) – one has a clue in.)
Dio: Let me do the honours.
(One whip burst (and more scaring) later and they have the clue. Jinnai opens it…)
Jinnai: Detour – Dive or Diabolo…
Nanami: Whichever’s faster, we don’t have time to worry about that now…
Jinnai: That means dive…bunging jumping off a steel rail…
Nanami: Ah…erm…
Jinnai: We’re doing it! Besides, I get this feeling we’re about to be joined by other teams any moment soon…
Nanami: O…O.K…
(Nanami seems a bit nervous about the detour, but she hides it as best as she can. Besides, Jinnai was right as two more teams get ready…)
*
MIYU/YAMATO – 4 AUTOGRAPHS (MAY/ROSETTA/ANNA/MIA)
BOB/NAGI – 3 AUTOGRAPHS (SORA/MARION/MAY)
(With Mia/Anna autographs in one room, it’s more of an advantage to Bob/Nagi that they haven’t got that room – however they are going in opposite doors meaning that is the room they’ll hit last. They get ready to enter Rosetta’s room (with Sarah with a good eye on them for some reason throughout this part) and just to confuse them even more, Rosetta’s autograph is in French.)
Nagi: Since when have we shown mercy?
Bob: Idiot…that merci.
(As Nagi gets basic French 101, Miyu and Yamato now get into Marion’s room…which is uber-cute with a lot of stuff seals (most resemble Jonathan in some way) and her autograph is semi normal…except for a certain seal print on the bottom.)
Miyu: Is this girl an animal act?
Yamato: No, that’s my sister and your best friend.
(As Miyu tries her best not to laugh at the image of Ran in a seal costume, Bob and Nagi are now searching for the last room with the double doors, though they don’t know it’s a double autograph and weren’t paying attention to Miyu and Yamato when they were searching. On the other hand, Yamato was keeping an eye on the two gentlemen, and once they are running, they go over and get into Sora’s room…)
Miyu: This is it!
(Sora’s autograph is the easiest of the girls, as her’s is in Japanese, making Miyu grab it before you can say sayonara. They escape as Bob and Nagi are trying a few doors they haven’t tried, and notice Miyu and Yamato escaping…)
Bob: Aw nuts…move like the wind Nagi!
(They return to Sarah, who confirms all 6 autographs…)
Sarah: I guess Sora has been practicing…
Miyu: Her gymnast skills?
Sarah: No, her autograph skills.
(Two sweatdrops later and one clue in their hands, the two escape the dorms.)
Miyu: Road Block – decide before you open the envelope. This person must be able to be able to navigate between an angel and a devil.
*
(The Fool spins around in a new area – this time it’s the main stage and two individuals in the background are easily visible…)
Fool: A Road Block is a task that only one person can take. In this Road Block, this person must be able to jump onto a trampoline, and be able to reach the height matched by the Kaleido Stage’s two top stars, Sora Naegino and Leon Oswald. They must, a la the legendary great manoeuvre, be able to launch hands in unison with the two stars. Here’s the problem.
(Shot of the grey haired bishie Leon (who ADV director Sandra Krasa correctly mentioned his incredible resemblance to FF villain Sephiroth) doing two arched somersaults, hitting the trampoline and leaping a height that you’d think would be impossible. Not to me outmatched, the best legs in anime, a.k.a. Sora Naegino, a teal haired slightly bronzed and muscular bishoujo arches her back, moon flips, spin, her hands hit the trampoline, she launches up and somersaults three times as she leaps back up.)
Fool: These two will be doing these type of tricks every so often to make it a tad more difficult, plus they need to get the height. But once they do and are in between and in line with the two stars, they will grabs their hands and a la the Angels Act will rise them to a ladder, which they need to climb and meet manager Ken Robbins. Once they are safe and sound, they will receive their next clue.
*
Miyu: I’ll do it – I feel like I’m a bit of both.
Yamato: You’re my angel, that’s enough.
Miyu: Yamato-kun…(she opens the clue)…head over to the main area of Kaleido Stage and get on the trampoline…
(Reading it a bit more…)
Miyu: Right – looks like I’m ready to be a star. Now we need to find…well, it’s got to be back at the other entrance right?
(The two rush off as back with the clue – the two finally get to the double room for the remaining key…)
Nagi: What next?
(Open it…and see two autographs. They wonder if it’s a trick…)
Nagi: Maybe we need to just take one?
Bob: But one is in English and one is in…actually I don’t know…
(For the record, it’s Dutch but no matter – it’s Double Dutch for the duo, but they bite the bullet and take both to be on the safe side.)
(Back with Sarah, they make sure they need to find another one…)
Sarah: Why? You got six?
(Both facefault…)
Bob: We’re idiots.
(Sarah hands them the clue, and as they decide…)
*
10.28AM – MARINE PARK (K/S AND R/MM)
(Like the Tenjho/Gals alliance, they dissolve once they get to the park and search for the clue.)
Kaname: Bright…
Sousuke: What would you consider bright here?
Kaname: Look around Sousuke.
(With the flashing lights of various rides as far as the eye can see, Kaname once again wonders if Sousuke can react to anything other than military stuff…)
Kaname: This could take a while…dammit…
Sousuke: Should we just follow the other two?
Kaname: Last thing I want to do is follow two people who may know their way in this country but then moan about it when they see other teams taking advantage of that…
Sousuke: Is that why your feet are moving in their direction?
Kaname: SHUT UP, IT’S JUST A COINCIDENCE!
Sousuke: I believe that’s my line.
(Kaname grits her teeth but stalks Rally and Minnie May nonetheless. Minnie May seems to have the correct idea…but is pouting.)
Minnie May: Are you sure no-one has been making fun of my height this leg?
Rally: Look, let’s just get one with a clue…preferably a low one…
(Rally lunges for a balloon. Once they realise what they are doing, Sousuke rushes up…May grits her teeth now but Rally does her friend and partner proud and grabs one. Dio snaps his whip and bursts it…Rally grabs the clue.)
Minnie May: Clue!
Rally: (opens) Detour…Dive or Diabolo…
(After reading it, May sweatdrops…)
Minnie May: They ARE making fun of my height! I hate heights…
(Sousuke grabs a balloon with a clue, and without a care, burst the balloon himself. Dio whistles.)
Dio: Tough.
(Rally/MM decide to avoid the apparent hate of MM’s height fears and take Diabolo…)
Rally: We juggle with our lives and guns all the time – how hard can a yo-yo be?
Minnie May: We deal with Bill all the time, you tell me.
Rally: Wrong type of yo-yo.
(Sousuke and Kaname on the other hand due dive…)
Kaname: We’ve jumped from planes before – a bungee jump is probably small in comparison…
Sousuke: It looks like they aren’t doing the dive – permission to no longer stalk them Chidori?
Kaname: IT WASN’T STALKING!
Rally: Idiots.
(Rally and MM head one way, Sousuke and Kaname head the other…as they do, three things happen…)
*
Nanami: O.K…I just jump right?
Mia: Just make sure you don’t look down…
Nanami: THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!
Mia: Exactly.
May: Oh for…just close your damn eyes…
(Surprisingly May offers a bit of good advice, especially as Jinnai has spotted the teams entering.)
Jinnai: Hurry up sister, two more teams are here!
Nanami: Not good…a little inspiration needed then…Nanami Jinnai, here I go!
(The launch off the rail isn’t quite May-standard with her Niagra dive, but it’s good enough…but meanwhile we cut over to…)
*
10.30AM
(Shot of the Himuros catching a bus to Saint Mary, Keiko saving their butts with their English, but you can tell Izumi is pissed off…)
Izumi: How long is it?
Keiko: About 12 minutes with stops as long as traffic isn’t bad.
Izumi: Early morning Los Angeles? Time to pray again…
Keiko: Izumi…
Izumi: You can say it…I messed up. That bastard Jinnai got to me more than I thought…
Keiko: Well, remember, they have a penalty. And we just need to be 29 minutes behind them and we’ll still be in this race…
Izumi: True…then we just need to be as fast as possible right?
Keiko: It’s not over until the fat lady sings…and as I don’t see any…
Izumi: Mother…
(Keiko grabs her daughter’s hand and clutches it. Izumi squeezes it back slightly as a mother/daughter moment is shared…)
*
Jinnai; YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!
Nanami: That Eyeshield leg got to him…
(Jinnai seems to be having the time of his life as he leaps from the gate, Nanami already jumped (both ignoring May on account of needing speed). Shot of Sousuke and Kaname already on their way…)
Nanami: …hurry up!
Jinnai: Hurrying dammit!
(As Jinnai gets unhooked and Kaname gets hooked, quick return to Kaleido Stage…)
*
Nagi: I’ve got the devil pit…
Bob: …whose your angel?
Nagi: Err…oh never mind, I’ll do it! (reads it and looks strangely) O.K, what do I do?
Bob: Run like hell – Miyu is already ahead of us and god knows where your girlfriends are…
(That line seems to put Nagi into running mood, looking for the stage…at the stage, Miyu has found it…and realises the pressure of the Road Block.)
Miyu: Wh-whoa…
(Seeing Miyu, Sora and Leon slowly stop their jumping, and slow down to a stop. Sora immediately grabs Miyu’s hands…)
Sora: Welcome, welcome, welcome!
Miyu: Er…thanks…(man, that voice from such an energetic person?)
Leon: Is she the first Sora?
(Leon’s captivating French accent makes Miyu feel a little faint for a moment before she spots Yamato and resumes normality.)
Sora: Yes Leon-san!
Leon: Right. Well mademoiselle, basically you need to reach us in the middle so that we can grab your hands and lift you up onto the ladder.
Sora: It’ll be alright, just get there and we’ll do the rest!
(Miyu seems a little intimidated…)
Miyu: I thought Ran and Yamato were strong – but these
two? Geez…Sora is so beautiful yet her body is strong than pretty much all the
guys I know – and Leon…I’m an engaged woman, I’m an engaged woman…
(Miyu takes her shoes off (fortunately she doesn’t have to change, whilst Leon is in a skin tight training outfit, Sora is wearing her trademark jean shorts with a white shirt) as the supergal is cheered by Yamato.)
Leon: We’ll jump high first – just start in the middle and keep higher – the trampoline as you can see is too big for you to get hurt.
Sora: Just be careful when other people have joined you – then you’ll have to navigate. We’ll move in timing to give everyone a chance.
Miyu: R-Right.
(Sora and Leon get back on the trampoline. In 3 bounces, both leap up to the ladder with an axel spin somersault. Miyu’s eyes go wide open.)
Miyu: Tatsukichi-kun would love this place…
(Miyu steps onto the trampoline. She begins to jump in place, realising this is all she needs to do. Miyu being rather athletic herself isn’t having problems with the bounce and the direction – it’s the HEIGHT. Leon then goes into a somersault dive and bounces back up, as Sora follows suit. Miyu realises she can’t get caught on what they do and focus on herself.)
(Just to help her focus…)
Nagi: Oh my god…
Miyu: Nagi-kun…(bounce)…it’s…(bounce)…hard…(bounce)…but fun…
Yamato: She’s having fun…
Nagi: So basically, I have to reach those two up…way up…there in the centre of them and they have to lift me up?
Bob: Heh, I don’t think they’d have a problem with that. The girls’ muscles are as good as yours and don’t even start on the guys…
Nagi: She’s rather attractive though…reminds me a bit of Maya…
Bob: You’ve become quite a cassonova on this race haven’t you Nagi?
Nagi: Gah…(calls)…Miyu, I’m jumping in!
(Miyu is doing well, but the tricks the two stars are confusing her. Nagi joins in as he has to step a bit away to avoid hitting into Miyu.)
Nagi: This is going to be hard…I need to get into the centre but far away to avoid hitting Miyu…
Sora: (calls) Just stay to the centre in line, there’s enough room for about 6 teams – Leon-san and I will get in time with your jumps, and basically just reach if you think you can get us!
Leon: (calls) Just time yourselves in the centre and hope you get lucky.
(We’ll get back to them in a minute but meanwhile…)
*
(The Jinnais are rushing to the taxi, but we now cut to just off the balloons as the other half of the detour is now under way…)
Minnie May: Geez…you’re only 13? She’s built pretty damn well…except one area…
Rosetta: NOT FUNNY! (pouts) I’m already teased to death by another May…
(13 year old diabolo prodigy Rosetta Passel, impossible to miss with her bushy red hair, slender legs, and a very colourful rainbow circus outfit. Like all the KS performers though, she’s also quite muscular, making MM a bit envious…but her true skill is in the Chinese yo-yos.)
Rosetta: O.K girls, what you have to do is a basic trick where you throw the diabolo into the air and then catch it. The second trick, called the elevator is a trick which allows the diabolo to travel up and down the string. I’ll be going through it so get a set and try not to kill each other or me with it.
Rally: That’s what you call talking from experience.
Rosetta: Meeting Sora does that…you’ll probably meet her later – (cheekily) but don’t touch her, she’s mine!
Rally: Why does everyone assume I’m a lesbian?
Minnie May: Oh, she’s mine anyway Rosetta, don’t worry.
Rosetta: (thumbs up) Got it!
Rally: WILL YOU TWO STOP IT AND DO THIS DETOUR?
Minnie May/Rosetta: Spoilsport.
(Rosetta gets serious and shows the basic show of holding the diabolo on the string. Rally and Minnie May try it as well – May seems at home at it, but Really is a little wobbly. They’re both getting the basic balancing though so Rosetta demonstrates the first trick.)
Rosetta: Like that!
(Rosetta tosses the diabolo up and catches it easily. She does it a second time, but shows off a bit by backflipping and catching it. MM flips hers up and with great skill of someone who juggles bombs for a living catches it as well. Rally though…)
Rally: Hey, where did it go?
*BONK*
Rally: (rubs her head) Owww…
Rosetta: This may take a while…
*
Sousuke: Are you alright Chidori?
Kaname: Not a problem Sousuke…here we go!
(Kaname jumps off confidentially, though without Sousuke’s aid when jumping from heights for once she’s a little more nervous than you’d expect. However, her scream is half fear and half happiness. Kaname’s pumping fist as she’s hanging as Mia unties her as Sousuke is ready to jump.)
Sousuke: Permission to jump?
May/Kaname: HELL YEAH!
(Sousuke does with the expertise of a parachute expert. As he lands, he quickly unties himself before Mia gets to him…)
Mia: Impressive!
Kaname: Honey, you don’t know the half of it…
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 5TH PLACE
Sousuke: The Jinnais got ahead right…
Kaname: We’re still ahead Sousuke of them so don’t worry. (reads clue) O.K, that’s so the big top back there. (calls) Taxi!!!
Sousuke: Where are the other team we shared the taxi?
Kaname: They’re scared of heights – then again there’s a reason she’s called MINNIE May…
*
Minnie May: For some reason I want to kill Kaname all of a sudden…
Rosetta: I think your partner is trying to kill herself…
(After 2 bumps later, Rally tries a third attempt and finally makes the grab. Rosetta applauds them but now it gets a bit harder.)
Rosetta: O.K, half way there – now we try something a bit harder. Turn the Diablo side ways and then shuffle it side to side. Once you do, move yourself step by step in time of the way the diabolo is moving, one step forward, then one step back.
(Rosetta demonstrates as the yo-yo spirals down the string, going up and then Rosetta steps back, making it go down. The difficult is the fact she’s moving the diabolo at a steady speed whilst moving. Both girls look a little troubled…)
Rosetta: Don’t worry, it’s the easiest of the ‘advanced’ tricks – even Ken can do this, so come on, just watch and follow!
Minnie May: Time to follow the master…
Rally: We did that in the Kino leg…
(The two keep an eye on the child genius as we briefly return to Kaleido Stage…)
*
(Nagi is now on the trampoline and he’s getting a good feel for the leaps, but like Miyu is occasionally distracted by Sora and Leon’s stunts. Both of them have seen the ladder and realise the height they need to get to – occasionally as well, the height they do reach seems to make they both a little nervous despite the safety of the trampoline.)
Miyu: I just hope Yamato-kun…(bounce)…can catch me…
Nagi: Fat chance of Bob doing that…
(Miyu’s lighter frame with good physique however plus a 2 minute head start however gets her into good shape and she’s getting closer. Leon makes a nod to Sora as they stop the theatrics for the moment and now move in unison to Miyu – Nagi is still about 3 foot away from Miyu’s height as Sora and Leon are now horizontal with Miyu and keeping in time with the super-gal.)
(Once Miyu gets the right height, Sora and Leon grab her hands – they almost hover in mid air light as a feather, and slowly raise her slightly higher. Miyu squeals for a moment as she reaches for the ladder and grabs it. She slowly climbs it (which takes a good deal of strength from her position) but fortunately stage manager Ken Robbins is there to help her out.)
Ken: Good job.
Miyu: Th-thanks. Man, that was exhausting…but exhilarating!
Ken: It’s a feeling you appreciate as a performer – and I think you’d appreciate this.
(Ken hands over the clue as Miyu bows and now heads down the stage ladder. Yamato sees her and joins his partner with a big hug…)
Yamato: You were incredible!
Miyu: Yamato-kun!
(Miyu slowly releases herself from Yamato’s grip and opens the clue…)
10.35AM – MIYU/YAMATO – 2ND PLACE
Miyu: Get to the car park outside and get in your car and head over to the Hamilton mansion…
*
(We return to Layla as she explains the last part of this leg.)
Layla: Teams must now head over to my father’s home, the Hamilton Estate which is the 7th Pit Stop in a race around the anime world. The last team to arrive here…may be eliminated.
*
Miyu: Nagi’s getting closer…
Yamato: He’s a lot heavier, won’t be as easy…
Miyu: Yamato-kun, they lifted me like I was a leaf…trust me, it’s not going to matter…JUST RUN!
(Yamato gets the hint from his girlfriend as they race off…)
*
Minnie May: Walk the dog!
Rosetta: (sweatdrops) Right idea, wrong country…
Rally: Ah, this is fun!
(It seems the two are relaxing a lot more and Rosetta’s teaching is getting through to them – the elevator is slowly rising for Rally whilst May seems to be all done as she’s relaxing by the side. Rally’s raises higher and she nervously lowers it…)
Rally: The detour would have been frustrating if it
wasn’t for a couple of things. One, we’re still in time with the Jinnais and
two, it relaxed me. And Rosetta’s a cutie – and a good teacher. May…don’t you
say a darn word…
(Rally’s yo-yo lowers as slowly, Rosetta claps in time – MM cheers along as Rally’s yo-yo lowers and Rosetta gives her the thumbs up.)
Rosetta: Done!
10.37AM – 6TH PLACE (RALLY/MAY)
(Rosetta hands them the clue as they read it…)
Rally: $10 says that’s the big top we saw from the shuttle…
May: $20 says your right.
Rosetta: $30 says you’d better go!
May: Thanks cutie-pie! Make sure that Rally doesn’t cheat on Saga with you…
Rally: (blushes like mad) GREAT, NOW YOU’RE MAKING ME SEEM LIKE A…WHAT THAT JAPANESE WORD?
Rosetta: Lo…
May: RIGHT, WE’RE RUNNING!
(The two run as Rosetta’s embarrassment is passed onto Rally as Rally bats May (reverted back to her now that at the moment May Wong isn’t in use) a couple of times, heading back into the entrance looking for a taxi…)
*
Nagi: Nearly there Bob!
(Nagi is straining himself, but Sora and Leon are ready to lift him. One more good leap with those powerful leg muscles and Nagi is in range. Sora and Leon grasp his hands and Nagi is surprised at how easily the two lift him up into the air like a feather. He grabs the ladder with ease and scurries up it to met Ken.)
Ken: Well done.
Nagi: I would say a piece of cake…maybe Maya can introduce this as a form of training?
Ken: (sweatdrops) Well, this should at least pacify…
(Nagi is handed the clue as he rushes down the ladder – Bob meets him as he tears open the clue…)
BOB/NAGI – 3RD PLACE – 10.38AM
Nagi: Looks like you’re driving again…
Bob: Just what I wanted to hear. Let’s go…
(Meanwhile, way back…)
*
10.42AM
CAPE MERY (POLICE STATION AREA)
(Izumi and Keiko are now into Cape Mery, and Keiko is busy asking for directions to the police station, Izumi looking like the older one of the two at the moment with her concern and worry. A few friendly people point the right directions as they help them get there – the two once they see it in sight begin to jog as fast as they can…)
Keiko: This is it.
(They head in and Keiko in English asks who Sora’s number one fan is…)
Jerry: Ah, another one!
(The big policeman is quite a sight for the Himuros, but fortunately they dispense the small talk and he hands them over the clue.)
Izumi: Marine Park…how far is that?
Keiko: Would we need a taxi?
Izumi: We’ve got no money dammit…
Keiko: Guess we’re catching another bus or walking – let’s head out and see where it is first…
Izumi: This REALLY isn’t looking good…
(Izumi and Keiko begin to speak to a few more people, and after 3 attempts get lucky with a family who pass by.)
Mother: Ah yes, it’s that park up there – you can just probably see the fairground…
(The Himuros squint their eyes and nod.)
Father: It’s there – I’d say it’s about a 20-30 minute walk…
Keiko: Thank you. (to Izumi) We don’t have a choice – let’s move and move fast.
(Izumi doesn’t say anything, and just follows her mother…)
*
10.45AM
(Shot of the Jinnais arriving at Kaleido Stage, Nanami counting what little money they have…)
Nanami: We’re running on empty…
Jinnai: It won’t matter if everyone is just behind us anyway, fast, faster and fastest! That’s what we need to be!
Nanami: And hope all the other teams suddenly had traffic accidents…
Jinnai: Why didn’t I think of that?
(Nanami curses her brother’s idiocy for a moment but there’s no time for that as Nanami spots the dorm area and races up the stairs. After opens a door, they notice one door open and peek in and see Sarah.)
Sarah: Ah, another team!
Nanami: Yes…so we have to search these rooms…
Sarah: Yep, here are the keys!
Nanami: We’d best do this quick – we know a couple of teams aren’t far behind us…though I think Rally did the other detour so I don’t know how fast they are…
Jinnai: Less talking, more opening!
(Nanami follows suit as they begin to fit the keys as fast as they can into each of the doors – they get Marion’s first and Jinnai almost collapses from the cuteness inside. Nanami gets Marion’s autograph as Jinnai has one eye in the back of his head to watch out for other teams, knowing that Sousuke and Kaname aren’t far behind…)
(The Jinnais get Sora’s and May autographs before the interruption of the Sergeant and his classmate puts them off…)
Kaname: They beat us here…no matter.
(Jinnai gets a little pissed off at that, but they get the keys from Sarah and begin to do their thing. They get a key in Sora’s before the Jinnai’s get their fourth (Rosetta’s). It’s going to be tight…)
*
Miyu: Yamato-kun, over there!
Yamato: I tell you, they pick some nice places so we can rest…
(Shot of the near glowing Hamilton mansion despite the early morning – Yamato parks round and notices one car there, nods and escapes.)
Yamato: So much for the hope of first place…
Miyu: Look on the bright side…it guarantees the Jinnais have that penalty.
Yamato: Of course…forgot about that.
(The two run to the Pit Stop, where Yuko and Layla are waiting.)
Layla: Welcome to the Hamilton Home.
Miyu: Glad to be here!
Yuko: Miyu and Yamato…
Yamato: We’ve already seen one car here, don’t bother…
Yuko: Aw, you’re not letting me have my fun. Oh well, no matter…you’re team number two!
10.48AM – MIYU/YAMATO – 2ND PLACE
Miyu: Best as we could hope for I think!
Yamato: Still in, still strong, still a good chance.
(The two hug as we return to the El Hazard/FMP teams…)
*
Jinnai: MUST BE THIS ONE!
(The Jinnais get the double room, as it’s apparent that Sousuke’s skills in opening doors using keys is several lacking…)
Kaname: IF YOU BREAK THE DOOR I WILL KILL YOU!
Sousuke: But it said to ‘open the doors…’
Kaname: THERE’S A REASON WHY THE DORM MANAGER HANDED US KEYS! (snatches them off Sousuke) gimme…
(Indeed, S/K only have one door done, whilst the Jinnais are on their last…Nanami opens it and sees the TWO autographs on there – briefly wonders if it’s a trick, but takes them so that Sarah can confirm if they are or not…)
Sarah: Nope, you’ve got them all! Here you go!
(Sarah hands them the clue as the Jinnais open it rapidly…)
KATSUHIKO/NANAMI – 4TH PLACE
Nanami: Road Block – decide before you open the envelope. This person must be able to be able to navigate between an angel and a devil.
Jinnai: Eh?
Nanami: That’s so me it’s not even funny.
Jinnai: What do you mean?
Nanami: I’ve got a brother for a devil of course and then my angel M…
(She stops herself in time before revealing…)
Jinnai: IT BETTER NOT BE THAT BASTARD MAK…
Nanami: WE NEED TO GET TO THE STAGE SO COME ON BROTHER, AS FAST AS POSSIBLE!
(Nanami escapes embarrassment and possible death as they escape the dorms as Kaname finally gets a door open (Rosetta’s) and she heads over to the last one (Anna/Mia’s) which she saw the Jinnai’s exit. (Note: The doors auto lock so no cheating is possible.)
*
10.51AM
Layla: Welcome gentlemen.
Bob: I’m started to wonder if we’re in the wrong line of work considering the places we’ve been staying at…
Yuko: Bob and Nagi, you’re team number three.
BOB/NAGI – 3RD PLACE
Bob: Pretty good…maybe could have been second…
Nagi: I’m just happy we’re still in it – we’ve been kicking ass as expected, and having more fun than I expected. I hope the end result will justify the means.
*
10.52AM
(The Jinnais are heading into the main stage, but in the corner of their eye, they spot a taxi heading into the stage themselves…)
Jinnai: Nuts…another team…
Nanami: Don’t worry about that, just keep running!
(They do as we see Rally and Minnie May escape the taxi and run upstairs looking for the dorms – first we check on the Jinnais, or specifically Nanami as she enters the stage…)
Nanami: Whoa.
(It seems even Sora and Leon need to rest as they spot Nanami enter – Sora wipes her head as she poured water over her head as Nanami looks embarrassed…)
Nanami: Life – you are not fair – how do they get such…
Sora: QUIET, QUIET, QUIET!
(Sora seems embarrassed for some reason, as Leon shakes her head.)
Leon: She’s mastered the Angel’s Manoeuvre, Golden Phoenix and the Legendary Great Maoeuvre, but not in taking off hand compliments…
(The two quickly recover and explain to Nanami what she has to do – as back at the dorms…)
Rally: I really want to ask…
Kaname: PLEASE…DON’T…
(It seems Sousuke is in the ‘sin bin’ as he’s basically just in the corner (Sarah seems to have a dunce cap ready for him) as Kaname is opening the doors…she now has 5 autographs with only Marion’s missing.)
May: So…er…can we do that?
Sarah: Sure.
Rally: Just don’t ask for food – we’re not having any pizza or Chinese this time…
(Sarah is confused, but hands over the keys as the girls begin searching…by fluke, the one they get is the one Kaname wants at first – Marion’s.)
Kaname: There it is!
(She gets her last key out, as Rally looks a little pissed. However, Kaname is about to enter…she stops.)
Kaname: Wait, the clue said to open the door with the keys…
(Kaname stops, steps back and waits for Rally and May to finish…)
Sousuke: Chidori, did you nearly make a mistake which may have co…
Kaname: THAT’S DIFFERENT!
(Rally and May escape with their autograph, a little annoyed at Kaname, but begin to search. As the door locks, Kaname immediately unlocks it to get autograph number 6 and hands them over to Sarah…)
Sarah: All good, here you go!
Kaname: Sousuke, assume the running position!
(Kaname opens it…)
Kaname: Road Block – decide before you open the envelope. This person must be able to be able to navigate between an angel and a devil.
(Both look strangely at that clue…)
Sousuke: I don’t understand.
Kaname: And to be frank, neither do I…well, we’re at a circus, so it could be something physical…do you want to do it Sousuke?
Sousuke: Sure.
Kaname: NO KICKING.
Sousuke: Affirmative.
(Sousuke opens the envelope and nods.)
Sousuke: Looks like basic training. We need to head to the main stage.
Kaname: (smiles) Affirmative.
(They run, leaving the GSC to their own search…as on the stage…)
*
Nanami: This…is…scary…
(Nanami’s got a decent physique on her, but the nervousness of the height is making it not as simple as it seems. With Sora and Leon ‘showing off’ as Jinnai puts it to make things worse, she’s trying her best just to concentrate…)
Nanani: Higher…higher…higher…
(The thoughts of knowing that Sousuke/Kaname are not far behind however is getting the best of her as she puts all her strength in her legs to get higher…)
(…she’s almost there but then Sousuke is running up to the trampoline…)
Kaname: I hope you don’t need any pointers…
Sousuke: No. But I’m not allowed to knock others off right?
Kaname: No…just be thankful it’s the girl and not Jinnai – otherwise if it was me, I’d be sorely tempted.
Jinnai: I CAN HEAR YOU Y’KNOW?
Kaname: EXACTLY.
(That slightly distracts Nanami, but at the same puts more pressure to finish the Road Block as fast as she can – she arches as straight as possible as Sousuke climbs on the trampoline. Seeing the Sergeant gives a second wind for Nanami, as her legs arch into a perfect bounce – she reaches her hands up…)
Sora: Gotcha!
(Leon and Sora’s grip lifts Nanami easily as she’s pretty much half way up the ladder with the lift automatically. She grabs it…)
Nanami: Don’t look down…
(She climbs the ladder but closes her eyes. She hurries up and into Ken’s arms…she was a lot more nervous than it appeared…)
Ken: (blushes) Are all Japanese girls attractive?
Nanami: Eh?
(Ken said it in English (fortunately) so he reverts to Japanese (mainly to impress a certain Kaleido Star)…)
Ken: Are you alright?
Nanami: Y-Yes…that was…different from the fears of El-Hazard…
Ken: O.K…
(Ken didn’t understand that, but hands the clue over to Nanami who a bit shakily descending now the other ladder. Jinnai joins her, quite pleased at his sister.)
Jinnai: We’re still ahead…
Nanami: Just…let me…oh never mind…
(Opens clue)
KATSUHIKO/NANAMI – 4TH PLACE
Nanami: Pit Stop…now we pray for a miracle – I’ve done my part.
Jinnai: Let’s get driving!
(The two race out as Sousuke continues to bounce…)
*
Rally: Done it!
(Rally and May have got all 6 autographs after a bit of a struggle, but they hand them over to Sarah, who hands them their next clue…)
Rally: Road Block – decide before you open the envelope. This person must be able to be able to navigate between an angel and a devil.
(Again, they both look confused…)
May: O.K, no idea…
Rally: I’ll do it – you did the last one.
May: Fair enough.
(Rally opens the envelope, looks even more confused, but nods.)
Rally: Looks like it’s time to practice my trampoline act!
(They head to the stage…)
*
Sousuke: Hmm…
Leon: What?
(A brief moment in the air of some hostility for some reason as Sora sweatdrops (in mid-air). The next bounce, Sora and Leon lift Sousuke onto the ladder, he was able to do it fairly easily as Ken helps him up.)
Ken: Well done.
Sousuke: That man…he hasn’t infiltrated any military bases has he?
Ken: Er…no…
Sousuke: Just wondering…
(Ken, understandably creeped out, hands Sousuke his clue as he rushed down the ladder with good speed.)
Kaname: Flew through that, but the Jinnais are just ahead…
Sousuke: Not for long though.
Kaname: (smiles) You’re getting into this way too much. (opens clue) O.K, Pit Stop…time to see if you’ve got enough energy to drive Sousuke.
Sousuke: Affirmative.
(The two begin to move out after getting the clue, and as they do, you can see Rally and May descending into the stage, as the acrobats catch a very quick water break before seeing Rally and May…)
May: Wow, Sora Naegino and Leon Oswald!
Rally: Bet you wanted to do this now…learn their secrets of flexibility…
Sora: (sweatdrops) I get the feeling I didn’t want to hear that…
(Rally begins her jump onto the trampoline, gets a few test bounces…and jumps, arms high – Leon and Sora quickly match to get the height as Rally seems a little nervous…)
*
11.02AM
(A very exhausted Izumi and Keiko, especially Keiko who have practically ran it to the park, deep breathing and panicking, now are searching for the brightest place…)
Izumi: Not thinking straight…where do we need to go?
Keiko: Problem is, it’s all pretty colourful.
Izumi: There must be some clue linking to the race – look for something red and yellow…
(They stop for a moment and survey the situation – after a scan around, they see the balloons of red and yellow mixed in with others, but that’s good enough.)
Izumi: I hope you’re after more running…
(The mother and daughter race over to the balloons, where Dio smiles, but it’s ignored and Izumi rushes and like a long catch, grabs a balloon containing a clue. Dio bursts it for them but again she doesn’t even react and just open the clue.)
Izumi: Detour – Dive or Diabolo. We do the faster one.
Keiko: O.K…what is it?
(Izumi reads the Dive Detour, and Keiko doesn’t seem to like it…)
Keiko: Not what I wanted…but at this point, I don’t think I’ve got much of a choice…
Izumi: Let’s go mother!
(Keiko swallows her fears and pride as she and her daughter pray they aren’t too far behind for the Jinnais penalty to hit…)
*
May: Keep going Rally!
(Rally is keeping as straight as an arrow, almost like a rising bullet as she’s getting the hang of this better than she expected. Just a little more as Sora and Leon match her jumps. After three more, she gets the height she needed and Sora and Leon launch her into the air – she grabs the ladder easily and scuffles up it.)
Ken: Well done there!
Rally: Exhilarating!
(Ken hands them the clue as Rally gets down…)
Rally: We’re still in time?
May: Yeah, no way are we half an hour behind the Jinnais.
RALLY/MINNIE MAY – 6TH PLACE
Rally: Awesome, we’re driving again May, come on!
May: Let’s go!
*
(We switch over to May number 2 as Mia on the grounds of Izumi needing to get it done as fast as possible has shuffled all her strength to get Izumi on the platform as fast as possible. Jean does a few rope checks as Keiko looks nervous…)
Izumi: I’m ready.
May: Oh goody.
Izumi: Shut up – the last thing I need is having someone who sounds like my rival sending me to my doom…
May: Whatever princess – just go.
(Izumi seems miffed, but does so – her jump is at least graceful, though the tangling of the ropes doesn’t really help her…as she unties herself, her mother is on the top of the rails, and looking a little sick.)
Keiko: O.K, these are secure right?
Jean: I work on tightropes every day ma’am. You’ll be perfectly fine.
Mia: Just breathe strongly!
(Keiko does, a simple bit of advice but it’s effective. May doesn’t seem as annoyed by Keiko, as she does seem genuinely scared…but knowing time is of the essence, she takes off her glasses, put them in a zipped up pocket, and jumps.)
(She doesn’t scream but feels the thud of the ropes stopping her collapsing into the ground. Mia quickly unties the ropes as Izumi hussles for the clue.)
Izumi: Oh no…
Keiko: Wh-what?
Izumi: We have to travel to that Stage…there’s no way we can afford a taxi to get there…we’re gonna have to catch another bus…
Keiko: It’s a big attraction, there must be a bus that goes there.
Izumi: Let’s look around here and fast!
(Keiko is a little wobbly, but she runs as Izumi and Keiko are again in a bit of trouble…)
(…there fortunately is a bus stop nearby, and a round about bus goes to Kaleido Stage every 10 minutes after 10am. At 11.10am, they catch the next bus…)
*
11.11AM
HAMILTON MANSION
(Shot of Nanami driving into the mansions park – the curse of Jinnai as they knew there would be other teams ahead of them – so now they are waiting and hoping that God can forgive Jinnai’s crimes…)
Nanami: Nothing we can do now brother…
Jinnai: Yes we can, change these damn rules!
Layla: I’m sorry?
(The stern voice of Layla Hamilton brings that thought out of the head of Jinnai well and truly removed. Yuko shakes her head.)
Yuko: Katsuhiko and Nanami…you’re the 4th team to arrive. However, as you came last in the recent non-elimination leg, and you didn’t come first this leg, you have been docked a 30 minute penalty. So you must wait on the sidelines and see if the remaining teams pass you.
Nanami: This is going to be torture…
Jinnai: Well, we know two teams are behind us but…
Nanami: That’s a point…where are the Himuros? We’re 4th…Sara and Yakumo…Bob and Nagi…Miyu and Yamato…
(Suddenly Nanami’s eyes widen…)
Nanami: Don’t tell me…
Jinnai: Oh that would be perfect!
(Nanami’s prayers become more intense…)
*
(Shot of Keiko and Izumi on the bus, which gets more worrying every time it stops to pick up more passengers…)
*
11.15AM – HAMILTON MANSION
(Shot of Sousuke and Kaname jogging up to the mat – Kaname smirks slightly at the Jinnais, who are at the side being frustrated…)
Layla: Welcome to my home.
Kaname: Thank you!
Yuko: Sousuke and Kaname…you are the 5th team to arrive…however as the Jinnais have suffered a 30 minute penalty, that makes you team number four!
SOUSUKE/KANAME – 4TH PLACE
Kaname: Makes a nice change that we’re not the team suffering from the penalty!
Sousuke: As long as you’re here, that will not happen again…
Kaname: Heh, this race is ours!
(Jinnai is pissed, but there’s still hope…)
*
Keiko: We can only hope the Jinnais didn’t get too far ahead now…
Izumi: I can’t calculate the time we lost on the taxi…and the money…and the buses being like this…
Keiko: No need to get angry now dear – we can only do our best.
(Izumi does seem rather upset…)
*
11.22AM
(Shot of Rally and May cutting into the car park – and they find it out there are 6 cars and not 7…)
Rally: Was there someone else behind us?
(Rally and May jog over to the mat…)
May: Hello there!
(The Jinnais don’t retaliate, but May’s chuckling grin is enough annoyance…)
Yuko: Rally and Minnie May, you are the 6th team to arrive, but due to the Jinnai’s 30 minute penalty for not finishing 1st this leg, you are team number 5!
RALLY/MINNIE MAY – 5TH PLACE
Rally: America is slowly being the death of us…but we’re still here!
May: Maybe we’ll have better luck outside the US?
Rally: The irony…
*
11.30AM
(Both Izumi and Keiko are getting tired, especially Keiko, but again, they’re forced to go top speed to navigate through the stairs…)
Keiko: I…never…thought…I’d be…doing this…
Izumi: This maybe the hardest thing you’ve done mother?
Keiko: Compared to dealing with businessmen, sexist community councils and sealing deals, this is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done…
(Izumi holds her hand out to grab her tired mother’s hand at the top of the stairs. They rush into the dorms as Sarah pauses from her own weight training…)
Sarah: Oh, there was one more team!
Izumi: Not a good sign…
Keiko: We’re still praying…
(Sarah hands them the keys as the girls have 11 minutes to save themselves…)
*
11.31AM
(Shot of the Jinnais back at the Pit Stop, looking in one and one direction only – the driveway to see if another car is coming by…a shot of Jinnai looking nervous (yes Jinnai) – he’s actually quiet as he hopes and prays he doesn’t see the Himuros…because either way though it will be the LAST time he’ll either see them…or not see them…)
*
11.33AM
(With the little energy the ladies have, they have been rushing through each door, and turning and unturning with speed on the keys – they’ve claimed Mia/Anna/Rosetta/Marion and May’s autograph. Only Sora’s remains but the tiredness is getting to Keiko and Izumi to a lesser extent…)
Keiko: I’m…struggle to move…
Izumi: The Road Block must be coming…rest mother…we haven’t got any time to spare so speed is at the essence…we’re not giving up after getting so far!
Keiko: (smiles) You truly are amazing my daughter.
(Izumi seems to blush at that, but quickly moves the remaining keys at a speed at another door…and get’s lucky and strikes gold.)
Izumi: Here we go…
(Izumi grabs the Japanese autograph and hands them all to Sarah – inspects them, nods and hands Izumi the clue…)
Izumi: O.K…(rips and nods)…Road Block…I’ll do it…
(Keiko nods thankfully as Izumi reads it and nods again…)
Izumi: Physically mom, I just wished I had Yuki’s agility right about now…
Keiko: Why?
Izumi: Just follow me…
*
11.35AM
(KALEIDO STAGE MAIN ROOM)
(Not knowing of the time between them and the Jinnais, Izumi rushes down and sees Sora sitting on the trampoline drinking some water – they see Izumi looking ready to jump on – immediately they hop on, jump twice and get the height they need. Izumi pauses momentarily to realise what she has to do, but she quickly resumes her normal self and hops onto the trampoline.)
Izumi: I just need to concentrate…I’ve got a good jump and strong legs…just concentrate…
Sora: You can do it!
Izumi: …and not have Hikaru shout in my ear…where did that come from?
(Naegino sweatdrops but Izumi focuses on the one spot to get in between Sora and Leon. It’s a tall order for Izumi but like the Himuro she is – she’s not a quitter. Izumi’s tall thin figure makes it easy for her to concentrate on the spot, reaching higher and higher for the two acrobats to grab her…)
Izumi: Just a bit more…
(Izumi’s sweat and focus penetrate the heights as she claws for Leon and Sora to grab her hands. Finally, she is able to clasp Sora’s. Leon follows suit as they lift Izumi up easily – her height makes it easy to adjust the height and grab the ladder at the tip of her lift. She rushes up as Ken senses the need of urgency so no small talk and simply hands the tired Izumi her clue…)
Izumi: Pit…Pit Stop…right…
(Izumi climbs down the ladder as best as she can, but tiredness after a more physical detour than she expected is now hitting her badly, and she is slower than she wanted. When she drops to the ground, her mother catches her slightly as Izumi has to stabilise…)
Izumi: Thank you…
Keiko: No problem – what now?
Izumi: Car park…get inside, drive like we’ve never driven before…
Keiko: Leave that to me.
(Izumi and Keiko run as best as they can to the outside car
park? Can they make it?)
*
11.41AM
(Cut shot of Izumi and Keiko turning a corner, Izumi clasping her hands together, not knowing of how far they have to go…)
(…but unfortunately, it’s too far the gap between Kaleido Stage and the mansion for them to catch up…)
*
(Shot of the Jinnais at this time, and see no vehicle heading this way, and hear Yuko’s magic words…)
Yuko: O.K, you guys can come in now!
(The relief and delight on both Jinnais is paramount. They eagerly hop onto the mat as the last bullet officially missed them.)
Yuko: Jinnai and Nanami, you are team number 6!
Jinnai: Never thought I’d be happy to hear that!
Nanami: Agreed – yes, that’s right, we agreed with each other!
Yuko: You guys got very lucky…
Jinnai: (shakes his head) No, we did well…we caused a victory when we should have lost. Yet we were able to avoid that.
Nanami: You know…I think he’s actually right…
(Jinnai smirk evolves into a full evil laugh – Layla does her best not to hit him over the head…)
*
(…but unknowing at the moment to the Himuros, it’s all over.)
11.58AM
(They pull into the car park at the Hamiltons, Izumi clutches her mothers hand…)
Keiko: No matter what happens, there are two things. I’m never running again, and I’ll happy I’m your mother.
Izumi: It was my fault though…those Jinnai screwed with my head when I should have been calmer – I didn’t read the clue through and messed up at the taxi. If we’ve lost because of my error…
Keiko: …think back when to Hayakawa’s third pitch was hit by Hiroki in your match against the Kisaragi boys – was that her fault?
Izumi: No…we were a team…
Keiko: Same here. So no matter what happens now, we head straight in. We hope for the best and don’t you dare blame yourself if we are eliminated.
(Izumi clutches her mother’s hand tighter as they see Yuko in sight…)
Layla: Welcome to my home.
Izumi: I’ll thank you after I’ve heard Yuko speak.
Yuko: Izumi and Keiko…
(Pause…)
Yuko: …you are the last team to arrive.
Keiko: That I expected…but…
Yuko: Yes…as you know, Katsuhiko and Nanami Jinnai suffered a 30 minute penalty in the last leg. However, you coming in was after that penalty and sadly you have been eliminated from the race.
(The two are in momentary shock…but just shake their heads.)
Izumi: The worst way to get eliminated…and…
Keiko: No. I just said don’t blame yourself.
Izumi: I’ll be feeling it though for a while.
Keiko: And that’s where I came in. We’re still mother and daughter Izumi – I can help you. We worked well on this race – and whilst at home we may not be the perfect family yet, we’ll get there.
Izumi: Mother…
(Keiko wraps her arm around Izumi in a small hug – it not a full glomp but it’s a start. Izumi closes her eyes as you can see her slightly crying…whether out of sadness, disappointment…or happiness is up to debate…)
Keiko: Let’s go home now…
Izumi: Mmmm…
Keiko: Just before the half-way point we fall. 6 teams
left which, somehow, beat us. Whether rightly or wrongly, we can say we played
our game and got as far as we could.
Izumi: I still feel I let the team down and to let the
Jinnais beat us at the end is the worst possible feeling. However, I can say
this has been the first true bonding experience that me and my mother have had
in a LONG time, so I can look at the race in a positive light because of that.
Keiko: In my mind, the race was a second priority for
me. Getting to truly be with my daughter was my first. And I feel I achieved
that. Now we need to work on the future at home.
Izumi: Both of us are always busy, so this was our
vacation. Now, I will help my mother in making sure in the next 2 years, the
Kisaragi Girls High will end up in Koshien…our dreams are now as one.
Keiko: And on one plus side…we did better than
Hayakawa and Hiroki…
Izumi: (smiles) That’s true…
*
*
Another leg is done, another show for you guys to think about, another leg to ponder and another team gone.
The Himuros, one of two teams that you like to love to hate…they are a lesser of two evils compared to Katsuhiko, but Izumi is such a paradox – you do feel for her, even when she’s being an evil bitch to Ryo in the series. There were elements in the race of her both sticking to her lone wolf act, yet also wanting to be with someone – her mother Keiko has also had a strong poker face throughout, so one of the main reasons they got stuck in the race was due to their long-distance relationship in the series, and to try and bridge the gap. Fortunately, Jinnai was there for Izumi to get pissed off at so Keiko actually helped out a lot more than she expected. However, it showed that even someone like Izumi can make mistakes when provoked, and it did cost them.
But as I said, she gets bragging rights over her rival and childhood friend, who were the 3rd team to get the boot last time, so can’t be all bad.
As for the leg, well as it’s my favourite series, I’ll keep it brief. Basically, when Todd introduced me to the series, it was just so…different. Set in America, in a circus, multi-nationalities (Japanese, American, British, Dutch, French, Italian, Chinese, Belgian, Russian) just like the true Cirque Du-Soleil, quality animation for over 50 episodes, drawing in plot even with episodic episodes, wonderful Japanese and English cast (Ryo Hirohashi and Kaori Mizuhashi are now two of my favourite seiyuus), intergrating with classic fairy tales, operas, novels, ballets, musicals and the simple focus of a dream of a Japanese girl and how she changes people without side-tracking (despite some interest, very little is of about any romance despite the large female cast). A wonderful hybrid of drama, comedy and characterisation, it was the series that officially made me a Sato fanboy (Princess Tutu and Aria also in my top 20 and an avid fan of Keroro Kunsou and enjoyed Pretear as well) – it’s good da yo, good-o!
Time for a few notes now;
*
Got another dub
reference revolving Supergals – Sousuke Sagara is played by Chris Patton, and
he does make about as much sense as lone wolf Rei Otahata from Supergals, also
played by Patton. Ironically with Luci Christian playing both Ran and Kaname,
they didn’t get to reprise their roles for season 2 which took an unexpected
twists with the Ran/Rei relationship…Luci also plays Sarah as well in KS (and
other character, Kate, not showing in the leg but is in fact Jerry’s fiancé.)
Dub voices on the KS
side are numerous and plentiful though. May’s joke that Miyu’s grip is as
strong as Anna’s – both played by Kira Vincent Davis. Miyu feeling that Sora
isn’t what she expected as she though she would be scarier and more lonely –
the infamous Miyu/Harue (Mami’s sidekick) sub plot in season 1 in effect here
as Harue is played by Cynthia Martinez, the voice of Sora. The most evil one
though is Sousuke’s moment of hostility with Leon – voiced by Mike McCrae, who
also voiced the evil Gauron in FMP. And lastly, Cynthia again as she also
voices Hikaru from Nad…well, yes Nadesico but also Princess 9 (if only the
dolls from Angelic Layer had voices…) – and Izumi of course hears Hikaru
distracting her in that final Road Block.
My favourite has to
be Izumi though – pissed off and then get’s May Wong…also voice by Hilary Haag
– the voice of Ryo Hayakawa – her rival in P9.
*
Despite the fact
that I don’t like the show (sorry Joe), Ana Coppela nearly made Strawberry
Marshmellow bareable – Ana is another famous British anime girl who seems much
more at home in Japan with her three Japanese friends. (Well, 2 bearable
friends and one Miu…)
I wonder how many
people know which anime is used for the next leg from that little hint Yakumo
gave. Even more so, how many expected it? Let’s put it this way, the main duo
from same series should really be in AR5 but it came too late for the final
cast so it got drafted it in as a leg at the last minute. The country I
mentioned should give it away though…
The comment about
Sana is nothing VA related – rather it’s probably my favourite moment of Kodacha,
where Sana proclaims she loves height, challenges Hayama to a bungee jump, and
whoever makes the most noise looses. Akito, who is afraid of heights, is forced
to accept. He makes a small noise, so if Sana doesn’t make a noise, she wins.
She jumps…and screams her head off. Hilarious stuff.
You know, with two
Mays and two Ken’s with the GSC/KS combinations, I got a tad confused this
leg…kinda ironic Minnie May is a fan of Sora’s yet May Wong is her biggest
rival. Then again, Minnie’s reason for her being a fan are rather different
than most fans of Sora…though I didn’t get any mistakes spelling wise between
Sora and Sara surprisingly…
*
O.K, next leg…ah hell, I got give
you the best hint ever…altogether…taco taco taco…oishi taco-s…