ANIMAZING RACE 4 (CHAPTER 8)

*

I’ve heard of sponsors on the race, but this is ridiculous…

We’re still away from Japan, this time moving slightly south to Mexico after spending the last few legs in America – we are half way through the teams – 6 down and 6 to go – we’re now going to get a train to Mexico…a bee train that is…on the third series of a trio of the guns with girls theme. The first one was covered in AR1 (and had a team in AR3), whilst the second show would have been hard to use considering the theme and where it’s located – the third however if I had come into contact it sooner I would have definitely put in a team myself. So on we go…

P.S: No bonus points for singing taco songs. Sorry, it’s in the contract.

*

(LAST TIME ON THE ANIMAZING RACE)

Yuko: 7 teams travelled from San Francisco of the 1920s…and made the short trip to Los Angeles of the present. On the way, time lag didn’t effect the minds of Sara and Yakumo as due to some quick thinking they were able to get on a plane ahead of everyone else.

(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!

Yuko: Whilst bitter enemies Izumi and Jinnai continued their war of words.

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…

Yuko: With a strong lead, Sara and Yakumo took advantage of the situation and took the clownish fast forward…though were they clowns in helping out other teams?

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…

Yuko: The Jinnais on the last place, had an half an hour penalty to somehow try and save themselves. However, Izumi’s clouded mind due to the constant pain that he has created caused a major disaster when they hit Los Angeles and the words of the clue didn’t hit the young baseball star…

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!

Yuko: …and they realised their error possibly too late…

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?

Yuko: Lack of money, tough physical detour and a road block meant that Izumi and Keiko couldn’t make the half an hour defecit and became the latest team to feel those dreaded words…

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.

Yuko: Now, 6 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

*

(We are in the dimming light of the beautiful Los Angeles sky, a glowing surrounding the home of Layla Hamilton outside of Broadway – Yuko amazingly isn’t drunk this time (maybe because Layla is actually scarier than Satella) so she introduced the leg with a rare calm.)

Yuko: This is one of the homes of the Hamilton family, where Layla Hamilton has resided for 17 years of her life after retiring from Kaleido Stage and becoming one of Broadway’s most saught after stage stars. And this was the Pit Stop for the 7^th leg in a race around the anime world.

(Yuko admires the rainbow like light-effects of the garden area, almost skipping along as she continues.)

Yuko: Teams arrived here for a mandatory rest period…

(Shot of a garden party a few hours ago, where among the usual food and drink, a lot of the KS crew have joined in – shot of Anna and Mia juggling with glasses with Jonathan in the middle bouncing one off his nose…)

Yuko: …which allows them to eat…

(Inside the house, Bob and Nagi again wonder if they can enjoy sleeping in beds rather than hard floors for too much longer…whilst Sousuke’s eyes are wide open as he seems to have been bunked next to Leon…)

Yuko: …sleep…

(Shot of Kaname, Yakumo and Rally talking with some of the stars as some of the less patient members (May – both of them) wonder how to string Jinnai up on a lamp…apparently Sora had some good pointers but only usually work if the victim is only about a foot tall…)

Yuko: …and mingle with the other teams. The 6 remaining teams have no idea what to expect on the next leg – can the Jinnai’s, after escaping elimination after a half an hour penalty climb back up the ladder, can the uneasy alliance between Sara/Yakumo and Bob/Nagi still bare fruit now we have only half the teams remaining, and can any of the other teams throw a spanner in the works?

*

Yuko: Sara and Yakumo, who were the first team to arrive at 9.24am…will depart at 9.24pm…

*

SARA/YAKUMO – 1^ST PLACE (BEST FRIENDS – SCHOOL RUMBLE)

(Sara opens the clue…)

Sara: Travel to Oaxaca, Mexico and find the only Japanese style hot spring in the country…

*

(Just slightly south, we travel to rural Mexico, and one of the main states in the south of Mexico. Here, we get our first host, the code-named Blue Eyes, a.k.a agent Jody Hayward, a CIA agent who looks very different without her suit and glasses in the office. This brunette beauty explains what the clue means…)

Blue Eyes: Teams must travel south of Mexico, to the state of Oaxaca and it’s city of the same name. Once there, they must find this abandoned hotel Aguascolientes, where it’s been converted to the only Japanese style hot spring in the country. Once they’ve found it, they’ll have to dig deep into the water to find their next clue.

*

Sara: …teams may organise their flight as best as they can however they cannot book in advance – you have $150 for this leg of the race. (counts) Right, we’re good…

(They spot their taxi coming ahead as they wave – the driver spots them as they begin their goodbyes to the US…)

Yakumo: It’s been a long time coming…I’m not competitive by nature but sometimes I’ve felt we’ve been the best team overall and not getting that 1^st place when other teams did does seem wrong. However, it’s a race and in the end, surviving is all that’s needed. And that’s what we’ve done…and we’re still going strong.

(The girls plan their trip back to Los Angeles International and with a good lead on the other teams, we’ll skip straight to the airport to see what they’re doing…)

*

9.55AM

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Yakumo: …so we have to get a ticket to Oax..aca?

Sara: The chances of getting a direct flight to what seems a remote area is probably zero. Let’s check with the Mexican airlines first…

(Mexicanna and Aeromexico are their obvious ports of destination – late night and it’s not as busy as expected – and they’re about to get a rather pleasant surprise at the Mexicanna airport…)

Sara: So basically, there are flights leaving tonight?

Advisor: Yes ma’am. Your best that’s available still is the 12.35am flight…then there’s the 1.05am flight which is also Aeromexico’s nearest time – both connect via Mexico City though so you’ll have to make a connection.

Sara: What time do the flights project to arrive?

Advisor: 11.25am with the connection on the 12.35 flight and 11.55am on the 1.05am flight.

Sara: Make sense…can we book the earlier one please?

Advisor: Sure…haven’t got many left…but yep, you ladies are on!

Sara: Thank you!

(One ticket later, Sara and Yakumo hug as they escape to prepare being smug to the other teams when they enter…unless of course they get on the same flight…)

*

10.48PM

MIYU/YAMATO – 2^ND PLACE (ENGAGED – SUPERGALS)

Miyu: Ah, Mexico!

Yamato: We’re starting to get a feel for this side of the world…maybe we’ll have our honeymoon somewhere here…

Miyu: Kyah! Yamato-kun!!!

(One glomp later and the two rush to catch their taxi…)

Miyu: We’ve been constantly strong throughout this race, and with half the teams gone, you can see the variety in people and tactics. We’re all round in all of them and consistent. And as long as that doesn’t falter, we’ll always be better than one team in each leg, and when it counts…we’ll be better than all the teams.

*

(Knowing that Bob and Nagi aren’t far behind, Miyu and Yamato begin their planning of how to get to Mexico…)

Miyu: You get the feeling this will be an early morning so probably most of the teams will be on the same flight right?

Yamato: I think so…and because no-one’s allowed to book their flights in advance, it’s literally first come, first served.

Miyu: (smiles) No rush…

*

10.51PM

BOB/NAGI – 3^RD PLACE (BEST FRIENDS – TENJHO TENGE)

Nagi: Mexico…

Bob: Let’s hurry…hopefully we can get ahead of the couple and get the advantage at the airport…

Nagi: The mercy of someone who speaks English…

Bob: Come on!

(Nagi runs along as he is almost dragged along by Bob, as they head off, knowing full well they are barely a few minutes behind Miyu and Yamato…)

Bob: At the start of the race, I said we’re the strongest physically…half way through and we still are, but we’ve grown up mentally as well. We’ve been part of plotting, out foxing and almost fighting, but we’ve stuck to our strength and it’s served us well.

(Bob and Nagi head off…and they still don’t arrive at the airport as Nagi and Bob wonder if now they’re together, their ‘alliance’ will be resurrected…)

Bob: Sara’s probably already got the best tickets – and as she and I speak good English and the couple don’t…

Nagi: At this stage, do you think she’ll tell us?

Bob: I didn’t say that. However, we need to be quick…I get the feeling this leg is going to surprise us more than ever…

*

11.15PM

(Shot of a rare penalty less Sousuke and Kaname ready to rock…)

SOUSUKE/KANAME – 4^TH PLACE (CLASSMATES – FULL METAL PANIC)

Kaname: Mexico huh? Sousuke, any experience there?

Sousuke: Not really…

Kaname: I’d say what use you are, but I just know if I did it will bite me in the butt this leg. Come on.

Sousuke: (half-dragged) Affirmative.

(The love/hate pair get their taxi as Kaname hollers for the airport…)

Kaname: Sometimes I wonder how we’ve got this far – we’ve made every mistake in the book, suffered a few penalties and Jinnais’ laugh, and we’re in the top 6…it’s a shocker, but one I’m liking! If Sousuke can keep in control, he is the strongest person in the race, no doubt…and he can keep it this way as well to the end…

*

11.18PM

(At the airport, Sara and Yakumo are already getting ready for the plane – however, Yamato and Miyu as they enter don’t notice them…in fact, they were half expecting to see them at one of the stands…)

Miyu: The girls aren’t here…

Yamato: Ticket first, chase later.

Miyu: Probably be doing both…best hurry, Bob and Nagi aren’t too far behind…

Yamato: Yeah…

Miyu: You don’t seem to like those guys Yamato-kun…

Yamato: Yeah…they seem to have an attitude that is like anything goes and no one cares…as long as they get what they want.

Miyu: Well, I was like that…

Yamato: Yes, but you’re beautiful – difference.

(Miyu blushes like mad, but they realise small talk isn’t smart and begin searching how to get to Mexico. However, their lack of English is a problem here and they can’t follow any teams…they go to one of the main empty counters at American…)

(…just as Bob and Nagi enter…)

Bob: Mex…Mex…ah, Mexicanna…that’ll do. Come on…

Nagi: Shit, look…

(They spot Miyu and Yamato at a counter, but Bob ignores them.)

Bob: No, they’re wrong…let’s go into there…they’re wrong, trust me!!

(Bob and Nagi run past as best as they can, as back at the stage…)

*

11.22PM

RALLY/MINNIE MAY – 5^TH PLACE (WORKING PARTNERS/BEST FRIENDS – GUNSMITH CATS)

Rally: O.K, I know we were only half-joking, but we are going out of the US…down to Mexico…

May: Crap…flights are still going on to Mexico…some teams may already have left…

Rally: Can’t do anything about that – come on, maybe they’ll have some diabolos I can buy…or at least that you can make into new bombs…

May: H-ooked…

Rally: Being near the bottom isn’t as bad as it seems. We’re still in the race and there is always a chance of being on the same plane, bus, train as other teams to bring you level – and people seem to underestimate us. Whilst we haven’t done as well as we hoped we would back on US soil, we’re doing good enough to stay in the race…and that’s all that matters until it’s down to three.

*

Miyu: Nuts…where is it?

Yamato: We hit the wrong counter…this is why I didn’t like English as a subject…speaking fine…reading…

Miyu: Well, then…uh oh…

Yamato: I don’t like that sound.

Miyu: The guys…

(Shot of the head of the Mexicanna line, Bob and Nagi…)

Advisor: A flight is ready at 1.05am…let’s see if we have any seats or cancellations…(checks)…none on standby…

(Nagi, whilst a demon energy boy, seems to be in prayer…)

(…some tense moments…)

Advisor: All right, gents, you’re very lucky, we’ve got a late cancellation and 2 free seats for you! No more left I’m afraid so take them or…

Bob/Nagi: WE’LL TAKE THEM…

(After inadvertently intimidating the advisor, Bob and Nagi taste victory…and it tastes good.)

Nagi: Last ones on the first flight? Please for the love…no-one cancel…

(Bob and Nagi are on the 12.35am flight and quickly rush towards the lines as they go through…)

Bob: I knew it…(chuckles)

(Shot of Sara and Yakumo clapping as Nagi nearly facefaults…)

Yakumo: We…we were watching you from the top, Kotobuki-san and Yamazaki-san went to the wrong counter…

Nagi: You’re kidding? The counter lady just said these were the last tickets…

Bob: Then…

*

Advisor: I’m sorry…there are no more seats available. The last two for that flight went to the African American gentlemen and the Japanese blond boy…

Miyu: Un-believable…

Yamato: Any chance of cancellations or stand-by?

Advisor: I can put you on…but chances are now slim I’m afraid. Would you like to book the next flight at 1.05am?

Yamato: We’ll do both.

(Yamato looks rather annoyed at the fact Nagi and Bob got on the earlier flight and they didn’t. Inside, Nagi is looking rather smug…)

Nagi: The cop seems to have had it in for me since last leg…

Bob: Nagi, most people have it in for you…it’s just normally a lot more violent…

Nagi: Thank these rules…

Bob: Well, you’re going to join Br…

Nagi: I DIDN’T GIVE THEM THAT NAME!!!

(Bob muses over Nagi’s obvious discomfort as Sara and Yakumo are half watching them, and the wait to get onto the plane…Miyu and Yamato are more waiting on the hope of a cancellation…or not seeing Bob and Nagi as Miyu sighs…)

Miyu: The Kotobukis are showing their stubborn streak…

Miyu: I love Yamato-kun…but he can be incredibly stubborn. That’s one of the main things both he and Ran both have. I actually like Bob and Nagi – they’ve not been a problem to me, and considering how I used to act, I thought Yamato might not let it cloud his mind…

*

11.41PM

(Shot of the Jinnais, who escaped elimination last leg after suffering a 30 minute penalty for not coming first after coming last in the non-eliminaton leg in Chrno Crusade.)

KATSUHIKO/NANAMI – LAST PLACE (BROTHER/SISTER – EL HAZARD)

Jinnai: New country…new surveillance of my conquering them…

Nanami: Let’s conquer this race first before worrying about that…

Jinnai: We have the divine entities on our side sister of mine! After escaping elimination when everyone was against us, it is destiny that we win this!

Nanami: Destiny can wait…let’s make sure we get to the airport where I’m sure everyone is happy to meet us…

(Jinnai has himself a laugh…)

Nanami: I’m not the religious type, but I feel that some divine intervention just hit us big time last leg. Maybe the Priestesses back on El-Hazard had something to do with it, which if was the case why hasn’t my brother been smited yet? Anyway…we’re still here and that’s what counts. We can still win this despite my brother’s annoyance…which might have been the reason why we’re still here…

*

11.45PM

(Shot of Kaname and Sousuke heading into the filtering airport. Sousuke seems to have a bit more of an edge regarding planes, and quickly points out the Mexican based airlines on the western side. Kaname follows Sousuke’s lead, but does all the talking for his team…kind of.)

Kaname: Translate this word for word and no screw ups…

(After a few moments of Sousuke doing the work of translation, the advisor gets the hang of it that they want a plane to Oaxaca, however they get the news that the 12.35 is fully booked. They don’t go for the standby though, and instead are quite happy when they hear the 1.05am is still available…they take it with no questions asked…and as they finish…)

*

11.52PM

Rally: Mexicana and step on it!

(Rally and May rush off knowing the airlines quite well, as we see Miyu and Yamato waiting and hoping for a standby to be made available to them. Again though, once the Gunsmith Cats find out about seats available for the 1.05…)

May: If there are standbys, would they have been picked up by others?

Yamato: Well, Bob and Nagi got the tickets to the flight minutes before we were confirmed. So it can’t be a short list…

Bob: (calling) But the lady said we actually got some tickets from somebody who CANCELLED their trip…

(Not a good sign. Rally and May do go for the possibly stand-by option, but unlike Miyu and Yamato, aren’t holding as much hope.)

May: So…two teams got on the first flight then…half an hour difference…gotta think about this…and a certain other team is on their way…

(Shot of Sara and Yakumo with Bob and Nagi looking rather happy about their lead – Rally also spots Yamato looking more annoyed than ever in the race, and Sousuke and Kaname looking rather indifferent…)

Rally: This isn’t going to be a pleasant plane ride is it?

*

MIDNIGHT

(The doors open for the first flight to New Mexico, where teams have to connect to Oaxaca. Shot of Bob and Nagi along with Sara and Yakumo moving onto it – and another shot of Yamato now realising the efforts to get on that flight were futile…)

May: Rally, sometimes I wish you weren’t right all the time…

Rally: It’s a gift.

Kaname: Something tells me that gift has also predicted your victory in this race…

Rally: (smiles) Of course.

(On the plane, the ‘alliance’ as it were seems to reunite…)

Bob: So what are you girls going to do? Are you going it alone or due to our lead, do you wanna go together?

Nagi: Bob…it’s getting near the end of the race you know…

Bob: I know…trust sucks. Yet, they did kinda tell the truth last leg remember…

Nagi: True…though didn’t seem worth it…

Sara: True…but we were honest. And besides, despite a better money churn this round, I think splitting a taxi in Mexico would help a lot more…

Yakumo/Nagi: That…and she/he speaks Spanish.

Bob: (smiles) Enough to get by. Any more arguments loverboy?

Nagi: W-Wh…

(As teasing Nagi becomes the AR favourite pastime (well, of Bob and Sara’s) we pass through a few more minutes when our favourite team enters…)

*

00:11AM

Jinnai: Yes, now we’re all together and we’ll get back to the top and…

Nanami: Shut up and find the lines to Mexico…

(The one true hope that the three other teams can appreciate is the possibility that the 1.05am flight is now sold out so close to time. If so, the Jinnais are in trouble…)

Miyu: Come on Yamato-kun…let’s get ready…

(As they do, Nanami spots Miyu’s red streaks and notices the line she came from (Aeromexico) opposite. Nanami and Jinnai run like heck but fortunately the line is dead and immediately ask for Oaxaca connections…)

Advisor: There’s one in an hour…but…

Nanami: Please no…please no…

(A few tense typing moments, but a ferreted look on the face of the advisor is showing…)

Advisor: Wow.

Jinnai: What?!

Advisor: Well…I’m surprised, but there are a couple of seats left which connect through Mexico City. Would you…

Both Jinnais: YES, YES!!!

Advisor: (nervous) O.K…O.K…

(A bit of typing, Jinnai’s grin increasing in size and one rushing brother and sister heading into…and you can feel the groans…)

Jinnai: HA HA HA, WE’RE BAAAAAAAACCCCKKK!!!!

(The looks of despair from everyone with the ability to display emotions is one that both Jinnais…yep, both…seem to enjoy…)

Nanami: It was a like ‘we’re back suckers!’ from my brother, but even I felt that it was about time we got our foot back into the race. We got lucky a couple of times, but luck is better than skill at times – just look at that damn Tylor at the start! We’re ready to win now…

*

00.35AM

1^ST PLANE TO NEW MEXICO

(Bob/Nagi and Sara/Yakumo are on the 1^st flight to Mexico City, where they will connect to Oaxaco, Mexico.)

*

Jinnai: WHAT, THOSE BA…

Yamato: Oh shut up. I’m already annoyed about Bob and Nagi getting ahead of us…hearing you on this plane isn’t going to be a walk in the park…

Kaname: Get used to it…we’ve had to deal with his crap for the last plane trip…

Nanami: Oh get over yourselves…look, you know as well as I do we’ll all double cross each over at least twice before this race is over so I don’t see why anyone is complaining about it, you’ve lasted listening to my brother for 7 legs already…

May: Touche.

Sousuke: I don’t see too much…the girl is right after all – it’s a game of life or death…

Kaname: Sousuke, our version of life and death is slightly different to yours…

Rally: Not much more in our case…

Miyu: Well, all we know is that we’re half an hour behind the girls and guys and we’re stuck with it – so all we can do is despise the people we despise in our minds and shut up about it…

Jinnai: Impossible…

Miyu: I…mean…it.

(Miyu’s voice seems to lower to the tone pre-Ran befriending – it’s a cold chill which effects all the racers, even Sousuke. Jinnai slowly steps back before running off to catch a quick coffee…)

*

1.05AM

(Miyu/Yamato, Sousuke/Kaname, Rally/May and Jinnai/Nanami are on the second flight to Oaxaca, connecting through Mexico City…)

*

(One Flight one, fortunately the two teams are a fair bit away from each other though near the back, as Bob does ask something that he has been joking for most of the race…but now he’s dead serious.)

Bob: Seriously…do you like her?

Nagi: Shut up…she might hear you…

Bob: Well, I’m a bit surprised…I thought…

Nagi: Yeah…well Maya is incredibly tough…but I guess I never expected it here…but…she’s a different type of girl…

Bob: Yeah…it seems it’s a little different of a match, but at the same time considering this race it’s made sense…

Nagi: But…I don’t have time for girls! You know that! You’ve seen what Aya tries every day…

Bob: Heh…I just enjoy watching what torture she puts you through…

Nagi: Not funny.

Bob: Look Nagi, from an old friend – she’s a great girl. Heck, both of them are. After this race, no matter how far we get in though I know you actually want the 1-2 finish right…

(Nagi stays quiet hearing that…)

Bob: …but you won’t see each other again and you know that. So just enjoy the time you’ve got…I spend every moment I can with Chiaki despite our lifestyles and you know that…

Nagi: I…I never thought I, Soichirou Nagi, would be like this…

Bob: Well, let’s see what this leg brings us…just make sure it doesn’t affect our race.

Nagi: (shakes his head) No it won’t Bob…no matter what, you know me, I’m on my A game once something clicks…

Bob: Just wanted to hear that.

(The two bump fists, sit back and try to relax on Plane Ride number one…)

*

2^ND PLANE

(On the second flight, fatigue fortunately seems to have hit the Jinnais a lot more than expected. Unlike the first flight however, the teams are more closer together, making things a bit different…)

Miyu: …your relationship is something different…

Kaname: You can say that again…Sousuke…

(Kaname checks again that Sousuke is asleep. He appears to be with a newspaper over his head…)

Kaname: He’s been my biggest pain throughout everything ever since we met. He’s careless, destructive, naïve…

Miyu: …but…

(Kaname pauses…)

Kaname: How did you know there was a but?

Miyu: Trust me…if you really hated him, you’re eyes would have not had the glimpse of concern I can see now…

(Kaname’s pause…she looks at Sousuke AGAIN…)

Kaname: He’s been my best friend. As much as Kyoko will probably hate me for that…no actually, she seems to be the main instigator to pushing me towards him…

May: You sure, it’s not more than that?

(Kaname looks up and Minnie May has literally hopped onto the back of the seat, her legs dangling as Rally snores rather loudly…and with Yamato also asleep on the side, it’s suddenly become a girls plane in…)

Kaname: Y-you…

May: Trust me Kaname, you’ve got it a lot better than I did when I was young…

Kaname: Er, aren’t you still young?

May: I am 19 you know.

(This does seem to surprise both Kaname and Miyu…)

May: Do you want to know my life as a high priced ‘call-girl’ from Chinatown? Or how I learned the trade of bomb making? Or how Rally and my boyfriend Ken saved me from said trade?

(She turns to Miyu…)

May: Both you and Kaname have had some fantastic stuff happen to you with your lives…Miyu’s cleaned up her act whilst Kaname has had to do with her military partner…but trust me girls, you get happy once…and then you have to make it last. Think about it next to your beaus.

Kaname: He’s not my…

(May gives her a look that says ‘not listening’ or rather ‘doesn’t believe it so is chosing to ignore it…)

Kaname: Dammit…

(Next to her, you can see Sousuke shuffle very slightly…is it stirring…or is he asleep?)

*

MEXICO CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- 7.05AM

(Shot of Bob/Nagi and Sara/Yakumo both mildly relaxed as they quickly transfer from one plane to another for the second leg of their journey, knowing that another plane is half an hour behind…)

Bob: I would say sleep is for the weak, but I’m exhausted and you’re peppy…

Nagi: I just think she lives on sugar 24-7…

Sara: That’s not nice…16 hours really…

Nagi: Oh for…

Bob: Stop flirting you two – we’ve got a race to beat these girls at Nagi…

Nagi: For the record, only half of that was right…

(Nagi’s smile with a quick smirk…)

Yakumo: Yes…you shouldn’t flirt on the race…

(…and facefaults as Sara guffaws at Yakumo’s serious expression despite the comic comment. Even Bob tries his best not to chuckle…)

Bob: Not sure…rivals….friends…I still don’t know how those two’s minds work! But for some reason, I feel it’s better to be on their side than against them…

Yakumo: It’s…unusual company the 4 of us bring…we’re all very different yet together we seem to be at ease. I’m not nervous around these boys…because…well…

*

(Shot of 30 minutes later at 7.35am, the second flight comes in – much to the dismay of the 4 remaining teams, they don’t see the other two teams at glance – the planes have already been set up specifically on these times and flights with the plane they got – a quick cut shot of Yakumo putting on a blindfold ahead of Nagi and Bob already with their on and Sara ordering a cup of tea shows that – the four remaining teams now simply lay in wait for the second flight…)

Nanami: Half an hour gap…I think the remaining teams are all faster than Sara and Yakumo, but none are faster than Bob and Nagi as a team…

Rally: (yawns) Depends if those guys are working together.

(Jinnai coughs like he swore at the Virgin Mary…)

Jinnai: Work together at this stage? Idiotic…

Rally: Might have been worth it to see you choke…

Kaname: Well, they have been getting along…

Sousuke: Working together at this stage would be a poor move. It is all for one and one for all and with only 6 teams remaining, it would seem a perfect opportunity for the enemy to turn their backs.

Jinnai: See?

Sousuke: However, knowing that they have a distinct advantage over us because of their lead, they may do so just for relaxing purposes, knowing as long as they don’t make mistakes, they will stay ahead of us.

Yamato: Way to throw a wrench into the works…

Kaname: Problem is, he’s normally right when it comes to anything tactical…

Nanami: Well, for once, I think my brother is right…

(The teams set up on the plane…)

*

Kaname: Ugh…I just hope teaming up isn’t catching…not sure how much more I can stand being in the same plane with Jinnai…

Rally: Put that energy to making sure he’s in last place then…work’s like a charm…

Miyu: I think the problem is we don’t know what the other two teams are doing or how well they are doing…

Yamato: Yeah, but we’re going to Mexico…I mean we’ve all got the same problem there. Sure, they’ll be English speakers but Spanish?

(Rally smirks…)

Rally: I think some teams are really underestimating others. When Yamato mentioned that, both me and May have the basic downs…and we are certain that two other members of our party of 12 also have that skill…and they are both ahead of us…

*

(Shot of inside the plane to Oaxaca and right on cue…)

Nagi: Sometimes it scares me how those two work as a team – you get the feeling they’d be on an all-star version of this race…

Yakumo: Well…it certainly helps…

(Shot of Sara and Bob getting some help of some of the locals returning home – Sara is having more luck with the Spanish phrases but Bob is making sure she isn’t trying to trick them…fortunately Sara is as good as gold…)

Sara: …so the hot spring is about 13 miles from the airport?

Mexican woman: Yes senorita, they are quite a favourite place for my mother…the roads are quiet down there as well so it’s faster just to get a taxi.

Bob: I think any plans of us wanting to go our separate ways just ended…

Sara: Confirmed, approved and welcoming aboard our new best friends!

(Bob ruffles Sara’s hair a bit as Sara mock punches Bob in the arm. Bob sneaks a look at Nagi, who turns his eyes away. Bob gives a mysterious chuckle.)

Bob: Ah…let the fun begin.

*

(We fast forward as the breaking sun from the landing in Mexico City changes to a bright sun hitting the rocks of Oaxaca as the smaller airport gives away welcoming 12 racers…)

*

OAXACA STATION AND AIRPORT – 11.25AM

(After a bit more sleep, the two leading teams escape through the terminals and after quoting the advice from the locals, they rush through the people to head to the taxi rank – the humid air hits the teams a bit abruptly…)

Bob: Nagi, if you’re hoping they’re gonna strip…

Nagi: SHUT UP!

(Both girls immediately step back, both a tad embarrassed but after Nagi recovers and Bob gets the taxi, the 4 head inside.)

Bob: (in Spanish) Senor, do you know where the hot spring in this country – it’s the only traditional Japanese Hot Spring here?

Driver: Ah Senor, it seems two of your people are Japanese?

Sara: (in Spanish) Yes, they are on their honeymoon and wish to celebrate it in traditional fashion…

(Of course, Nagi and Yakumo have no idea of the joke Bob and Sara are pulling, but to be fair, it does the trick.)

Driver: Yes senorita, I know where you are speaking of.

(After confirming they take US dollars, they are on their way on the dusty roads of the ancient state…)

*

Bob: Weird that we’re working together like this…out of all the teams it’s you guys who we’ve tagged along with…and as much as Nagi will hate to admit it, got along with.

Sara: Yep, two rough and tough, yet handsome young men with a street fighting lifestyle teaming up with a novice nun and a yamato nadesico…

Yakumo: (blushing) Sara…

Sara: She’s just the cutest really…

(Sara hugs her best friends as Bob chuckles. Nagi sighs…)

Nagi: Any reputation I had for being a bad-ass went out the window the moment we hooked up with these girls Bob…

Bob: Hey, this is training as well – I believe that’s what Maya would say.

Nagi: Maya…I kinda miss home in a way. Yet this has been quite enjoyable mostly…

Yakumo: Do you see yourself more relaxed here than at home Nagi-san?

Nagi: Perhaps…the pressure of the race is like training as well – but the pressure to win is even stronger. We’re still here…we want to win and want to go home proud of what we did.

Yakumo: Same here.

(The boys are surprised by a more stern and forceful tone out of Yakumo’s voice, even Sara seems a little shocked.)

Yakumo: Don’t underestimate us – we’re strong.

Sara: Yakumo…

(Both Bob and Nagi pause for a moment…)

Bob: We know that. Why do you think we like you guys?

(Both girls look up…)

Nagi: As much as Bob will rile me for this, you guys are a different type of tough compared to the other teams.

Sara: Why’s that?

Nagi: Because everybody likes you dammit!

(Another pause…and suddenly they all start laughing. Nagi looks embarrassed but Bob puts his arm around his best friends shoulders…)

Nagi: Get off me ya big lug!

Bob: Girls, want to hug him? I’ll rent him out for $20…

Yakumo: U-Um, I don’t think that’s ap…

Sara: Let’s see $20…can I haggle?

Yakumo: SARA!

(Another round of laughter as now Yakumo is red as they drive into the distance…)

*

11.48AM

(Shot of the driver slowing down in a desilate road…it’s tumbleweed country, but what appears to be a large sign showing a hot spring is in view…)

Bob: Aguascolientes?

Nagi: Japan Onsen…

(However, the quartet continue down the road as they spot the red and yellow flags, and know they are in the right place…)

Bob: Still in good time – the others won’t have got into the country yet…

Nagi: O.K, we stop?

Bob: Stop senor?

Driver: (in Spanish) Yes senor, and tell those two to have a good honeymoon…

Sara/Bob: We will…

(Nagi and Yakumo are equally confused, as they hold the driver and head out…)

Nagi: What did he say?

Bob: He says good luck you handsome devil you.

Nagi: Now I know you two did a joke there…what did you say?

Sara: Nothing…

(Yakumo blushes red – like she just read Sara’s thoughts…and following with apology in Sara’s mind (keep in mind Sara doesn’t know about her friends ESP abilities)…)

Yakumo: N-Never mind…there…

(Salvation, thou name is route marker. The teams forget any bad jokes the most unlikely comedy duo in the AR history are making in Spanish and instead get the clue…)

SARA/YAKUMO AND BOB/NAGI – JOINT 1^ST PLACE

Nagi: Head inside the Hot Spring…relax if you can but it might be better to search the waters…

*

(We return to old Blue Eyes as she briefly explains this quicky of a clue…)

Blue Eyes: Team must now enter the hot spring and search the waters for the next clue. The catch is that they have to do it full clothed…if they wish to do it without clothing, they need to pay a fee. Once they’ve gotten themselves wet, they should find their next clue in the waters.

*

Bob: Nice and simple except…

Nagi: Ugh…this isn’t gonna be pleasant.

Sara: As for us…

(All eyes are on Yakumo, who hides her chest away from the guys. Bob and Nagi realise what she’s thinking…)

Bob: NOT THAT!

Sara: Hey, at least she’s got a chest…

(Sweatdrop around as Sara looks a little grumpy…whether she’s serious or not is another question as they head inside, and follow the red and yellow arrows. They stay fully clothed, as the guys gets inside first…and realise that they are surprisingly deep.)

Bob: This isn’t going to be good.

Nagi: Just dive in…

(The boys get in, and the two girls are a little worried considering the water’s depth…)

Sara: Swimming is something our sempais don’t seem to like…

Yakumo: Sara…this is embarrassing…and…

Sara: Just hit Nagi if his blood even remotely comes out of his nose…

(Sara pouts about her lack of chest for a moment more before jumping in. Yakumo does so as well as Bob and Nagi thrash about the water before Bob steps on a clue.)

Bob: Hold up…

(Bob ducks underwater and grabs the clue on his foot…as he does, Yakumo does the same and dunks underwater to get hers. Nagi and Sara quickly get the heck out of there (and Nagi actually does avert his eyes to the girls) as Bob opens the waterproof plastic and the dry envelope is opened…

Bob: Head to the Sierra Madre Mountain range, where the location of the main office and building of the Amigo Tacos company are located and find your next surprise there…

*

(Blue Eyes smiles once more, now her lushious long hair flowing in the wind as she removes her glasses to explain the next clue.)

Blue Eyes: After getting warmed up at the Hot Spring, teams must now head over to the Sierra Madre mountains, using vehicles provided by the Amigo Tacos organisation. Once there, they must locate the Head Office and Restaurant of Amigo Tacos, the most popular franchise in Mexico. Once they’ve found it, they will find their next clue.

*

(Sara and Yakumo have just looked at the clue as the guys wait for them. They head back out and pay the driver…who is intriguing by the wet T-shirts all 4 seem to now be establishing…)

Driver: This was a honeymoon? Are you…

(Bob and Sara pay the man before any awkward questions can be asked. They spot the ‘vans’ that are their transport…and four sweatdrops in unison…)

Nagi: You’re kidding me…

(6 white Amigo Tacos vans are all ready – and yes, they are all armed with that devastating company song…the one where victims of it not coming out of their head include Nadie, Lirio, that psycho L.A and even Ellis.)

Bob: Company image…

Nagi: I’ve heard of sponsors on the race, but this is ridiculous…

Sara: Not like we have a choice…are we still together?

Bob: We’ll get lost together if we don’t have a map, and we’ll just follow you if we do have one.

Sara: (sweatdrops) Considering you ride a motorbike, that’s not a good sign…

(They go, knowing the other teams are on their way. Fortunately the vans do have a map to their main base (don’t want their vans to get lost or damaged by racers, bad for their image) so it’s down to navigation skills.)

Bob: Right, if we can pull ahead of the girls, we’ll try…but something bothered me about that clue.

Nagi: What about it?

Bob: It said…surprise…not clue…something is up…

Nagi: Well, worry about it later. Right now, a certain pair are getting AHEAD OF US?

Bob: Ah…yeah. Damn.

(Indeed, Sara and Yakumo have already got their van in motion and head out on the dusty plains. Bob and Nagi follow them initially before seeing if they can pass them…by the time it hits 11.55am, they are edging each other on the road…)

*

11.55AM

(…whilst everyone else is trying to edge each other to avoid last place.)

OAXACA (AIRPORT)

(The Jinnais, the future Kotobuki’s, the Gunsmith Cats and the Sergeant and his classmate are now quite in the mood for some hot springs…)

Rally: Gangway, Americans and cute girls first!

May: Which makes us 3 for 4 right?

Rally: Shut up.

(Rally and May are more at home here, (have they done work before in Mexico?) whilst the other teams are struggling with the mad rush…)

Sousuke: This isn’t what I expected…

Kaname: Just keep going forward…how many Japanese hot springs in Mexico can there be?

Jinnai: Taxis…ah, over there…

(The small figure of Minnie May is shown already hopping into a taxi as Rally negotiates with the driver…)

Rally: (in Spanish) Hot spring, Japanese style?

Driver: Oh yes! It’s not that far off…hop in?

Rally: With pleasure.

(With Rally seemingly also able to speak Spanish, it appears three teams have a slight advantage over others…especially as the remaining other teams don’t have native English speakers.)

May: So long suckers…

Rally: Well, as long as we can use this to our advantage…Team Dreaddemon and Bright/Beautiful are gonna have a good time on us so we’d best stick to our strengths…

May: Dreaddemon?

Rally: Their hair.

(May thinks about it for a moment, before going ‘ooohhh!’. They head off, as unlike the leading teams, it seems the option of sharing a taxi is completely out of the question here…as the Jinnais and Sousuke/Kaname show as they get to the rank just ahead of Miyu and Yamato.)

Sousuke: We need to get to a Japanese Hot Spring in Mexico.

(Sousuke’s using English, the words Hot Spring seem to registered, whilst Nanami is using the clue as reference integrated with her basic school English – however it seems Jinnai’s threatening face is actually working for once, as the driver seems a little intimidated.)

Nanami: Japanese Hot Spring senor?

Driver: Yes, yes…come in quickly, I’ll get you there!

(It seems the driver in the Jinnais is more anxious to get there first as Jinnai is apparently more intimidating than Sousuke surprisingly. Miyu and Yamato also struggle as Yamato does his best with his English – he has to get help from another tourist who helps say the words ‘Japanese Hot Spring’ into Spanish. A light bulb lights into the driver’s head and the duo are on their way…)

Miyu: Back of the back Yamato-kun…been a while since we’ve been here.

Yamato: I know…didn’t like it then and certainly don’t like it now. Let’s hurry Miyu…

Miyu: Once it’s on foot, it’s back on!

(The two continue on as basically a trio of taxis are in sight with Rally and May a bit out ahead…)

*

Rally: So far…it’s just us, Sousuke and Kaname and Dreaddemon that haven’t use their fast forward. So that means that Bob and Nagi could have got it now…so do we risk it?

May: I’m not sure…we’re getting down to the end, and I’m wondering considering what the girls did last leg if they’d just make sure and stay ahead.

Rally: Yeah…let’s see what the detour or road block is first before we do anything…

*

Sousuke: The Fast Forward…do we consider it?

Kaname: We’re near the back at the moment, so might be smart – problem is, two teams ahead of us still have the Fast Forward in reserve , and the chances that one of them goes for it, is pretty strong.

Sousuke: With your permission though Chidori…

Kaname: Let’s see what happens first…

*

AME – 12.07PM

(It’s gone past midday and the heat is now getting pretty bad. And about to get worse for Rally and May…)

Rally: No teams in sight…route marker ahead May!

May: Onwards and forwards!

(They reach it and get the clue…)

RALLY/MINNIE MAY – 3^RD PLACE

Rally: Oh crap…

May: What?

(She reads it and pouts…)

May: Oh…

Rally: Nothing we can do, let’s dunk in before anyone else get here…

May: You’re that worried about anyone se…

Rally: NOT THAT YOU PERVERT!

(May chuckles evilly as the two head into the hot springs – they are initially impressed at the size…)

Rally: Note to self – if we get back to Japan to find something like this and enjoy it once we’ve won the money…

(Rally and May both jump in, and considering May’s small size, she simply dives underwater and swims a little and spots a clue and grabs it…)

May: Easy as pie!

Rally: O.K, let’s get out of he…aw crap.

(Another taxi or two are in the distance…Rally and May go into overdrive and read the clue…)

Rally: Right, vans outside the spring…

(The two pay their taxi driver as they spot the Amigo Tacos vans – they don’t bother with the blatant advertising and just head inside one of them just as the Jinnais park. Nanami spots the driver leaving and the girls heading inside the van…)

Nanami: O.K, looks like we don’t need to wait for the driver to wait – let’s pay him and get to the marker.

(As the driver thanks his lucky stars, Sousuke and Kaname also move just behind them – Nanami and Jinnai are already at the marker as Rally/May pull out, but have to circle around the taxis…)

May: Bastards…are they trying to block us in?

Rally: If this was back in Chicago, you know what would happen next right May?

May: Yes, but as tempting as it is…don’t. We’ll actually get in trouble this time.

Rally: Yes, but don’t we get in trouble back home as well?

May: True…but this time a million pounds isn’t at stake here!

Rally: Good point…let’s rock and roll.

(Rally and May swerve around the taxis and May begins to navigate – just come up are Miyu and Yamato, as the Jinnais are already running into the hot spring…)

Jinnai: My suits going to get all wet!

Nanami: Just take one for the team brother…

(Nanami jumps in as Jinnai sighs and also hops in. They begin feeling round the floor for a clue, and as they do, Sousuke and Kaname arrive on the scene…)

Kaname: Ugh…great. In the same water as him…I’ll feel violated…

Jinnai: Oh shut up woman, we’re getting out anyway!

(Indeed, Jinnai has found a clue himself and gets himself out, Nanami follows soon after. Kaname and Sousuke take this moment to hop in themselves, as the Jinnais read the clue…)

KATSUHIKO/NANAMI – 4^TH PLACE

Nanami: O.K, we saw the gun girls do that, so let’s go…

(The two rush off, and nearly bump into Miyu/Yamato who have just entered the hot spring after getting the route marker. One smirk from Jinnai is all that’s needed to piss off Yamato more as they rush past…)

Yamato: I’m now beginning to understand what the Himuros felt like last leg…

Miyu: Just don’t fall into the same mistake as they did Yamato-kun…

(Back in the spring, Sousuke has found a clue (much to Kaname’s release as she didn’t to dive any deeper) – a brief moment where Sousuke turns to Kaname and then turns away briefly, a little embarrassed…)

Sousuke: Ch..Chidori, it’s time to go.

Kaname: Thank the heavens.

(The two step out of the spring, as Miyu and Yamato now realise what they have to do…)

Miyu: I can’t even remember the last time I went into a hot spring…

Yamato: We’ll go to one once we’ve got back…and hopefully with enough money to enjoy hot springs for the remainder of our lives.

Miyu: Victory!!!

(The two jump in as Sousuke/Kaname read their clue in the waiting area…)

SOUSUKE/KANAME – 5^TH PLACE

Sousuke: Looks like I’m driving.

Kaname: And drying off as well…this is going to be awkward.

(Sousuke again avoids looking at Kaname as she says that – Kaname does notice for a moment Sousuke’s loss of words, but before she can question him on it, they rush off for the vans, which the Jinnais are just pulling out of…)

Nanami: You better be good with that map…

Jinnai: Heh, my dear sister – do you know how well I know El-Hazard and planning my invasions?

Nanami: Actually, forget what I just said…

(They move off as Sousuke gets behind the wheel…)

Kaname: After those smug bastards!

Sousuke: I don’t completely understand the terminology, but you mean to chase Nanami and Katsuhiko?

Kaname: In your own words Sousuke…affirmative.

Sousuke: That’s just a word Chidori.

Chidori: Shut up and drive.

(They do so as back in the hot spring, Miyu has grabbed a clue and the two drag themselves out…)

Miyu: Right…(opens clue)…Amigo Tacos…vans outside? Oh we’ve got to pay the driver first…

Yamato: Then let’s go – and I’m trying to ignore how cute you look like that…

Miyu: I could say the same thing for you Yamato-kun…

(They both blush before running out as they pay the driver (Yamato paying so he can’t see Miyu’s wet shirt) and they hurry over to the last of the vans much to their disappointment…)

Yamato: We’re not that far behind…let’s move!

Miyu: Spoken like a true officer of the law – our targets, two suspects American gun dealers, an insane would be dictator and his sister, and a firearms expert with his girlf…I mean classmate.

Yamato: Chidori would have killed you if she heard that.

Miyu: Her voice has done that too much for me already…

(As Luci Christian wonders what she done to deserve all these references, we head back to the front of the pack where tacos are waiting…)

*

12.33PM

(Past midday and Sara and Yakumo are passing through into a long road, Yakumo’s navigating skills still pretty good as they pass a hill where they stop momentarily and see the view…)

Yakumo: It must be down there…

(The hill is over some land, and a rather busy area is down there – Sara strains to read the English writing on the sign…)

Sara: Am-igo…ta-cos…(smiles)…let’s hurry before a certain team realise we’ve stopped and crash into us…

(Yakumo nods an affirmative as they go down the hill – Bob and Nagi still trail them, but see the girls head down the road – Nagi’s skills as a navigator are second nature compared to Bob’s driving though the roads are a little bumpier than he’s used to…)

Bob: The girls just went down there…is that the way?

Nagi: Huh? Oh yes…just follow them.

Bob: Truly you are a marvel with a map Nagi.

(Bob follows the girls as they head down – the way to get to the Tacos building in reality wasn’t that hard as it is a major place in Oaxaca, but the main problem with the heat is starting to bother the teams…so once the girls park outside the main offices and see the clues, they are hit with the stagnant air…)

Sara: Oh geez…

Yakumo: It’s warm…

Sara: …and not a yukata in sight…never mind, let’s take the clue.

(Yakumo nods as the girls run up, hearing the tires of Bob and Nagi also coming up to them…however, once the girls get the clue, they get a very unusual envelope…)

Yakumo: I…Intersection?

*

(We cut to another host, the girl with the SECOND best legs in anime (see previous chapter for the 1^st), tall, auburn haired, bronzed skin – this lovely leggy lady is lead character Nadie, a bounty hunter by trade though until recently had a job involving a second young lady which caused a bit of havoc to say the least. She introduces the new twist to the Ani-mazing Race.)

Nadie: This is the Intersection! The Intersection requires each team to pair up with one other team and perform all tasks and make decisions together until further notice. Should there be no other teams present when a given team arrives at the Intersection route marker, they must wait there until another team arrives, though they do not have to partner with that team and can opt to wait for another team instead. Oh…and due to the evil nature of this race, this leg will NOT have a Fast Forward so teams cannot take a second Fast Forward if they’ve already taken one previously and try to take advantage of the Intersection…ha, take that!

*

Yakumo: So…we have to team up with a team then…

(They see the van coming up…)

Sara: Time to up the charm.

Yakumo: Um…they are the only team near us so I don’t think they’ll say no…

Sara: I know…I just wanted to make Nagi more scared of me than he already is…

(Yakumo sweatdrops, but as the boys enter, they are surprised at the girls waiting for them, until Yakumo explains the situation…)

Bob: I see…well, looks like we’re stuck together.

Nagi: Nuts…

Sara: Is that because you’re with us, or pray tell, you wanted to take the Fast Forward now?

Bob: For me, just option two. For him, I’d say both.

Nagi: Bob, dammit!!!

(Yakumo opens the clue as the unusual alliance again is joined together…)

Yakumo: Detour – Fast Shot or Fast Food…

*

(Nadie struts around the nearby land, where a surrounding cliff with rock eclipses and the distant chill in the area surrounds it – the smell of death. Nadie simply plops her butt on a rock and explains.)

Nadie: In Fast Shot, both teams must avoid getting shot by yours truly, navigating this literal maze of rocks. Unfortunately for you, I’ll have a weapon…and you won’t. Fortunately, I’m using paint guns so you’ll be O.K bar being close up of course…I’ll be searching them out and if they get in a vital spot – head, throat, heart etc, they must start again. If it’s in a non-vital spot, they can remain as long as they can, however if they are hit 3 times and they must start again. If a member gets through the maze, they are safe…but they can return to help another member if they wish, though rules will be back in place, and if they’re ‘killed’ they must go back to the beginning. It’s long winded, complicated and tough…but…teams who can trust each other and spark a bit of courage, could outmove me and escape quickly. HOWEVER, if a member has to return to the start and there are teams waiting, they must make way for any teams waiting.

*

(In a quick change an old school Pokemon character could appreciate, Nadie is now in front of the Amigo Tacos restaurant, a vein popping as she’s in a waitress outfit which may or may not suit her, depending on who you ask. She tries not to curse as she explains this detour…)

Nadie: In Fast Food, the poor suckers who actually choose this have to head inside the head Amigo Tacos restaurant, and become waiters and waitresses and…learn a certain damn song…

(In the background, you can hear said song being sung by another waitress – taco, taco, taco, oishie tacos…)

Nadie: …using that song as a way to attract customers – the poor fools – they must then serve 5 customers. The task isn’t physically as demanding – but the annoyance, embarrassment and the time completing it could most likely not be worth it. (off-camera) Why couldn’t you have used Ellis for this instead at the Pit Stop…you guys suck…

*

Yakumo: Waitress…both of us do that…

Sara: …and it gets us to see these handsome men in waiter regal…

Nagi: NOT…IN…A…MILLION…YEARS…

Sara: (giggles) Hook, line and sinker…

Bob: Well, he was right in a way, but we have to work together…you girls be O.K with the maze?

Sara: Yakumo’s a top athlete – me…well, I can do exorcisms…but…

Nagi: I guess we’re gonna have to bail you out then…come on…

(Nagi, unknowing or not, grabs Sara’s hand – the British girl is surprised but doesn’t let go, as Yakumo smiles.)

Yakumo: His thoughts…they’re clean…

Bob: You say something girl?

Yakumo: (shakes her head) No…shall we go?

Bob: (smiles) I would do the same, but I’ve already got a beautiful girl back home…

(Yakumo looks at Bob for a moment…)

Yakumo: Also clean…

(Bob doesn’t hear that as they head off to Fast Shot…)

*

(…where Nadie is waiting with a grin.)

Nadie: Ah, sanity! I guess my message got across – DON’T DO THE OTHER ONE…

Bob: Yep…though I didn’t know the off-camera parts were also written down…

Nadie: THEY WERE WRITTEN DOWN? Nuts…there went my pay…I mean…no matter – boys and girls, you’re gonna have some fun…

Nagi: I bet.

(Nadie guides the 4 over to the entrance so to speak. It’s like a miniature Bedrock as the teams realise the weight of the task.)

Nadie: At the far end, the exit is there. I’m heading over there and going to try and find out and shoot you. Remember, vital spot – you have to start again. Non-vital? Fine, but three times and you strike out. I comment if it’s vital or not, k?

Nagi: So damned if we do and damned if we don’t?

Nadie: Pretty much.

Nagi: Once again…dammit.

Nadie: You can use rocks to hide, they are crooks and small caves – and of course you can use yourselves to protect your friends or partners. You can also return back in to the maze if you wish if you think you need to help someone…

Bob: O.K, let’s get this on.

Nadie: To quote my best friend…yes sir.

(Nadie heads over to the other side of the maze as quickly as possible. She tells the teams that she will fire a flare shot into the air to commence the start. All 4 members assume a runners position…)

Nadie: (shouting) READY?

Bob/Nagi/Sara: YEAH!

(The shot is fired as an explosion of paint goes into the air. The plan seems for Bob to go ahead and use his speed on the far side, with Yakumo heading down the centre, Nagi to the left with Sara deciding which route for her would be best once Nadie appears as she hides for the moment.)

(Nadie speeds through and sees Yakumo just slightly. She fires a shot which hits rock – Yakumo dodges back as her ‘armour’ she’s wearing suffers some splash but not a hit.)

Nadie: Not a hit – continue.

(Nadie knows Yakumo is there, but she obviously wants to hunt for more. She hides behind a rock on the left side, which is Bob’s right side. Bob ducks into a cranny, his large frame not helping. Nagi, to help, throws some rocks over to the side, but Nadie is a skilled veteran despite her young age and doesn’t fall for the trick – instead she fires a very precise shot to her right side diagonally – nearly catching Nagi on the side of the head, but instead, did get his ear…)

Nadie: None vital – though you may want to check your hearing before you bandage it…

(Nadie’s explanation however was just the moment both Bob and Yakumo wanted. One goes down the right and the other down the centre. Nadie, cursing her error, turns to fire at Yakumo, who slides across to avoid being shot. Bob rushes way down the side and gets to the exit easily. Nadie is debating whether to go after Yakumo or Nagi, but instead spots Sara going down Bob’s side. She forgoes Yakumo and instead focused on Nagi and Sara, with Nagi desperately bandaging his ear…)

(Yakumo makes it down the centre, but with Nagi and Sara still in there she’s debating whether to go back in there…)

Bob: Wait for a moment and see what happens…

(Nagi runs down the left side (Nadie’s right) but that’s what she wanted. Instead, she focuses on Sara who she fires to the ground – Sara makes a yelp, just the reaction Nadie wanted. Nadie slinks over…)

(…just as Nagi comes from behind. Nadie however does the splits and spins, firing. Amazingly, Nagi is able to jump to the side to avoid the shot, Nadie on reflex, launches her long legs into a jump, fires on a seeing Nagi – and hits him on the arm.)

Nadie: Non-vital, but one more and you’ve got to start again…

Bob: Dammit Nagi, you’re going to humiliate us are you?

(Fortunately, Nadie has to reload a paint cartridge, giving Nagi a second to escape. He dives to his left, where Sara is hiding. Sara seems rather nervous…)

Nagi: Man…

(Nadie is done reloading in 0.5 seconds…but Nagi has his plan ready in 0.4 seconds. He LIFTS Sara in his right arm over his shoulder (the one not shot) – Sara holds her squeal of shock as Nagi runs with Sara over his shoulder. Nadie looks on with a ‘WTF’ look but fires – Nagi’s speed and strength just avoid a shot to the leg as he races down the side, cuts in before Nadie can take him (or her) out at the exit…)

Nagi: Made it!

(Nagi gently lets Sara down, who is red as a beetroot and not from the paint…)

Sara: Um…um…

Nagi: D-Don’t read anything into it! I just didn’t want you slowing us down when the others made it – it’s not your thing…

(Sara wipes some ‘gunfire’ off Nagi’s ear. Nagi is then stunned as Sara leans up and give him a kiss underneath his ear…)

Sara: Thank you…so much…

(Nagi pauses – and turns red himself. Yakumo again…)

Yakumo: He’s strong, tough and talks trash…yet…

(Yakumo smiles brightly.)

Nadie: Man…that’s one way to escape…

Bob: Well, I don’t think it was planned shall we say?

Nadie: Note to self: Think of that the next time Ellis’ powers are restricted…anyway, I believe you four are owed something…

(Nadie hands them over a clue…)

Nadie: Well done, guys, gals and lovebirds…

Nagi: H-HEY, W…

(Sara quickly rushes over and reads the clue, trying to hide her embarrassment – and a rare moment of her being a loss for words…)

Sara: H-Head together in on-one of your vans and then h-head to the crop circle area just o-outside Wiyna Marker…

*

(Next up, we have a quiet soul, but the power of the witch burns inside her. We have the enigma herself, Ellis, a former bounty head turns partner of Nadie – an appealing cute face with curly blonde hair hides this young ladies dormant powers, she is our next host for this leg of the race.)

Ellis: Teams must head over to this place – the destiny that witches called Wiyna Marker. Once there, they must find this crop circles just outside the area, where they will find their next clue.

*

Sara: So…we have to go together still then…

Bob: Well ladies, time to hope aboard our love machine…

Yakumo: As I know you’re joking…

Bob: Nuts. Looks like we’re more innocent than expected Nagi…

(Nagi’s still holding his cheek, a bit dazed…)

Bob: NAGI?!

Nagi: Huh? Oh…yeah, all right I guess we don’t have a choice…as long as the girls are good at directions…

Bob: I’ll be the feet, they’ll be the eyes. You just stand around and look like an idiot…which is what you normally do anyway…

Nagi: Oh sh…

(He glimpses at Sara, who seems to have turned shy all of a sudden…Nagi turns and rushes back to the van…)

Nagi: Let’s just go alright?

(Nadie waves them off as the 4, still forced to work together via the intersection, though one has to wonder would have it been forced anyway?)

Bob: I don’t know how many people knew it at that point…well 4 I guess…but that was a turning point of the race. At that point, we didn’t know if it was positive or negative, but it was a start of a new effect especially for Nagi…

*

Bob: Winya Marker…it’s northern point right?

Sara: As long as we keep in that direction…keep it within the speed limit though Bob…

Bob: 4 penalties doesn’t sound nice…especially when there are more deserving teams of that honour…

(Bob begins to move, as he and Nagi stay to the front, whilst the girls remain at the back. You can see Sara trying to avoid looking at the back of Nagi’s head, and the occasional twitch of Nagi’s head suggests he wants to turn around…but won’t…)

Bob: Awk…ward…but great teasing material…

(Nagi amazingly doesn’t react. And Sara, for the first time in the race…is completely quiet. It’s a very unique atmosphere for the two teams, but it does allow Yakumo to concentrate to help Bob locate the holy area….)

Bob: It’s going to take how long?

Yakumo: I’d think on this track, about an hour and a half.

Bob: So…we’re stuck together with two attractive girls for the next hour or so…

(Yakumo blushes…)

Bob: I think the situation and material speaks for itself.

Nagi/Sara: OH BE QUIET!

(Realising they said that in unison, they retreat to shyness…Bob smirks.)

Bob: Even Sara upset? Man, the world is coming to an end…well, at least wait until the end of this leg…the chance of 1^st place beckons.

(Yakumo clutches her best friends hand as the quietness is rather nerve wracking…)

Sara: Well…they know now…

Yakumo: Mmm?

Sara: Yep…better tell the truth now…

(Nagi tries not to look at Sara as she unveils the truth…)

Sara: …it’s true, I am a reserve vampire and Nagi just provided me with lunch in the daytime…

(Bob nearly crashes as Nagi facefaults, and Yakumo does her best to not laugh. She fails as Sara’s grin comes back…)

Sara: I-I’m sorry…it’s just…th-this silence was to-too much!

Nagi: Y-You little brat!

(Nagi launches over and puts his hand on Sara’s hair, Yakumo initially flinches but sees her hair being ruffled, and Nagi has a relieved, yet cheeky grin on this features…)

Nagi: Ha, ha, make me feel nervous and awkward…you’re going into a lake over my shoulder next one we see – Bob, if you see one, take an alternative detour!

Bob: You got it boss.

Sara: (laughing) No-no…st-stop, I’m ticklish!

Bob: Weakness found Nagi – commence attack!

Yakumo: Um…

Nagi: Yakumo, this will look a bit awkward…join me in torturing your best friend?

(Yakumo pauses for a moment…)

Yakumo: Sure.

Sara: (laughing) Ya-Yakumo, you tr-traitor!

(Yakumo, at first shy, continuing in her degeneration into mixing with delinquents (albeit good natured ones) by joining Nagi in the needed torture of her best friend. The next few moments are of laughter and the shaking of the head of a smirking Bob…)

*

1.05PM

(The baking sun is now becoming a problem, but the driving skills of the teams are now based on their skills with directions and language. And over the hill, one team is down…)

Rally: I hate this heat…

(…and half naked. Rally has taken over her jacket for the moment, as May is somewhere hidden under it. Rally turns as she spots Amigo Tacos…)

Rally: Right…we need to feel warm, but I’m not wanting to feel this warm that’s for damn sure.

May: And whose the one suffocating under these clothes and heat?

Rally: And since when were you self-conscious?

May: Any jokes about nothing there to hide will be met with a bomb in the face…unless we win this damn race.

Rally: Incentive noted.

(Rally curl in – they notice interestingly that only one van is packed. They briefly wonder if one team messed up…)

Rally: Let’s see what we have to do with the clue…

May: Are we going for the Fast Forward?

Rally: Not sure…if only one van maybe Bob and Nagi already took it…

(They open it…and their answer becomes as clear as day…)

Rally: …or not. Dammit May…do you want the bad news or the really bad news?

May: Both – double the blow but only one time.

Rally: The bad news there is no Fast Forward…the REALLY bad news is that we have to work together with a team for an undetermined amount of time – so in other words, we have to wait for a team.

May: That explains the one van – the girls and the guys got together…lucky…

Rally: But who do we want as teammates?

May: Ugh…I guess Yamato and Miyu would be best – you can put the nutcases together and hey, Yamato is quite handsome…yes I know he’s taken but so am I, I’m allowed to look and not touch?

Rally: Well, he’s definitely into younger girls…shorter girls though…

May: Shut up and let’s see who comes next.

*

(Shot of another van coming over…)

Nanami: There we are!

Jinnai: Ha ha! We’re still in this…

(Nanami is about to ask him to KINDLY shut up, but as she does, she notes what is going down there…)

Nanami: Hey, are those the gun girls?

Jinnai: If it’s Shayla-Shayla, I’m gonna scream…

Nanami: No, Rally and May, what are they waiting for?

Jinnai: They’re by the route marker right?

Nanami: Yeah…I don’t like the looks of this…

(They come down and Rally and May notice who it is – and both twitch…)

Rally: Crap…how far back are the others…

*

Kaname: It’s the wrong way dammit!!!

Sousuke: But you told me…’don’t follow those idiots – they’ll curse me with their idiocy…’

Kaname: I know I said that…but I didn’t know they actually KNEW where they were going!

(Behind them, Miyu and Yamato have followed Kaname and Sousuke, when suddenly they stop as the FMP duo also stop…)

Kaname: Turn around…

(Sousuke does as Miyu and Yamato look in shock…)

Miyu: They went the wrong way?

Yamato: We’d best get back into the game Miyu and FAST…

(Shot of Kaname cursing inwardly…)

Kaname: O.K, it was kinda my fault, but Sousuke shouldn’t really take things so literally – if we’re all together it gives solid format – but Sousuke I guess has always been a loner – even in the group of friends we’re in, even Shinji the one person he can talk to – you sense he’s only true comfortable with me. Which is actually a nice compliment…but no help in this race when we make decisions…

*

May: Not in the distance…

Rally: As much as I’d like to stay and put the Jinnais into the last team, put US in the last team is another story…can you handle them May?

May: Not a problem.

(Rally calls to the Jinnais as they exit the van…)

Rally: Guys, it’s an intersection – we’ve got to work together…

Nanami: Seriously?

Jinnai: NEVER!

May: Look, we don’t like it either, but it’s this or wait or another team to come…which means one of us WILL be with the last team no matter what.

Nanami: Good point. Brother, we’re teaming with them.

(Before Jinnai can complain, Rally and Nanami opens the clue…)

Rally: Detour…Fast Shot…

Nanami: …or Fast Food.

(They both read it…Rally curses a little…)

Rally: If we had to shoot would have been a lot easier – but dodging bullets is what I’m used to.

Nanami: And we are as well strangely enough…

May: Agreed? Fast Shot…

Jinnai: Fine – I normally let my minions take bullets for me, but I guess I can use one of you two instead…

Rally: You dare and I’ll make sure you enter the Pit Stop in a body bag…

(The two teams head off towards the cliff face, where Nadie is waiting…)

*

Kaname: Straight ahead…over the hills…

(Kaname and Sousuke have entered the straight road, and coming up to the Intersection. On the left however, they see the Four Teams talking to someone (Nadie) and a bit concerned…)

Kaname: Crap…they’ve got ahead. And Miyu and Yamato are literally…

Miyu: (shouting) …just behind them Yamato-kun!

(Sousuke picks up speed, but now being careful not to break the speed limit, he cuts down the hill, followed by Miyu and Yamato…)

*

Nadie: …so, basically just don’t get killed.

(Shot of the ‘armoured’ 4 as Jinnai in particular looks uncomfortable…and ridiculous…)

Nadie: I’ll fire a flare at the end, so you guys get ready…

(Nadie skips off as Rally sighs…)

Rally: Team work guys…especially as I hear footsteps behind us…

Nanami: So if one of us screws up, we could be waiting…and as much fun as it would be to see my brother in a waitress outfit…

Jinnai: Ha ha.

May: Hmmm…how much money do we have? I can Nanami to try and get that to happen…

(Nanami’s eyes glimmer with the prospect of extra cash – Jinnai just wants to run away as he realises there are scarier things in life than what is in El-Hazard…)

Nadie: (shouts) READY?

Rally: Crap…not enough time. Just improvise and run like hell.

Jinnai: Good enough.

(As Nadie fires a flare…)

*

Kaname: Intersection…guys, we’ve gotta work together.

Miyu: No choice then…though amazed anyone can work with that Jinnai…

(They open the clue and read the Detour…)

Kaname: As much as Sousuke as a waiter would be hilarious, that just screams time penalty. Let’s shoot.

Miyu: I think the others have taken that – they went over to the caves.

Yamato: You think that Jinnai can work with the girls? They’re not going to make it first time and we can.

*

(Nadie is scurrying in the maze – however she had to step back – she being bombarded…)

(…by rocks…)

Nadie: Crafty little clover.

(Rather appropriate, as it’s May using her grenade throwing technique to fend off Nadie, using smaller and larger rocks. Nadie does some acrobatics which would make the performers of the last leg proud. Rally spins to the left – Nadie spots her briefly and fires – Rally expertly dives to the ground – which was just what she wanted. Nanami is able to sprint by to the far right – Nadie turns to fire at her, but she suddenly remembers the rocks and dodges to avoid another one. Rally however hasn’t exited the maze yet when she had the perfect opportunity to do so.)

(Jinnai is in the centre, pressing against the rocks. May is running in several directions, catching Nadie off guard. Every time she turns to fire at a moving Rally, May is able to catch her off guard. However, Nadie finally gets lucky and catches May on the leg. May rolls out, and the sound is enough for Nadie to chase after her…however it also allows Jinnai to literally run straight down the middle. Nadie realises her error too late but she’s too focused on May…)

(…who has vanished. May’s small size allows her to fit in a small crevice – Nadie doesn’t notice her as she passes, and the only clue is the small spot of ‘blood’. Nadie begins searching again…)

(…she sees Rally who goes a full sprint – it appears the Jinnais are surprised at her speed – she seems a lot faster when under gunfire – the focus on Rally as Nadie heads up the maze allows May to escape the crevice and run over to the exit.)

(It’s now down to a running race between Rally and Nadie. Nadie’s continues to fire as Rally runs, jumps and rolls around the rocks. Nadie suddenly realises her mistake, as she’s forced to reload. Rally, an experienced gunsmith and gun-user, knows that she’s out of ammo and cockily strolls to the exit…)

(…much to the shock of the arriving FMP and Supergals teams…)

Nadie: Whoa, that was a good plan – a bit more physical than the other teams, but just as effective. Well done guys…

Rally: Hey, you’re pretty good as well – are you a Mexican version of the Gunsmith Cats or that Noir?

Nadie: (winks) That’s a secret.

(Nadie instead rewards the 4 with the clue – as two stunned teams at the entrance can’t believe it…)

Kaname: They did it that quick?

Miyu: No matter what now…we’re last…joint…

(Nadie hands the clue to the teams…)

RALLY/MAY AND JINNAI/NANAMI – JOINT 3^RD/4^TH PLACE

Rally: Head together in on-one of your vans and then head to the crop circle area just outside Wiyna Marker…

Jinnai: So we’re still together dammit…

May: Yes, so you’ve got company big boy…your van or ours?

Nanami: Ours…considering I’ve seen you girls drive, I’d say ours have more tyres..

Rally: Ha ha…

Nanami: No that works for me – you’re better drivers and I can navigate. Plot a course Rally Vincent.

(The girls run, Jinnai grumbles for a moment but has to continue the truce as they head back…though he does take a moment to smirk at the other teams. Nadie dusts herself off, finishes reloading and goes to the other teams…)

Nadie: Ladies and gentlemen, you’re going to try this as well…

Sousuke: Affirmative.

Yamato: What he said…and if they can do it, so can we…

(The two other teams are back in the Jinnai’s van, Rally takes over the wheel as Nanami checks out for Winya Marker…)

Nanami: It’s far north…but it will take a while to get there…

Rally: Just keep your eye out for the signs and leave the rest to me…

(Rally pulls out as Nadie is explains the rules once more to the other teams…)

Nadie: Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately in your case, there are no more teams left, so if any of you ‘die’ you can try again as much as you want. Of course, time is of the essence and…

Kaname: We get it – I’d rather not feel worse than I already do…can we start please?

Nadie: Touchy…

(The brunette bombshell heads for the exit as the 4 briefly consult each other…)

Kaname: Let Sousuke and Yamato lead her out? I guess they’re both used to dealing with firearms…

Miyu: Yeah…though I get the feeling that Sousuke’s had dealt with ones slightly more versatile and dangerous than Yamato-kun’s…

Yamato: Please…don’t let me remember the toy gun incident…

*

(Nadie has fired and the four are on their way, desperately needing to avoid last place knowing that is what they are in now. Sousuke takes the front as Nadie fires twice – Sousuke dodges…)

Sousuke: Be careful. Use the cover…she’s good.

Kaname: Don’t need to tell me twice…

(Kaname heads to the side as Nadie begins to run side to side, and hoping to pick off anyone silly enough to peek their head over…)

(…like Miyu, who as she turns to make a run, becomes the first true victim of Nadie’s gun as she fires a very precise shot to Miyu’s skull…)

Miyu: Owwww!!!

Nadie: Trust me hun, you wouldn’t even be able to say that if this was real…

Yamato: Miyu, what happened?

Miyu: Sorry…man my reflexes must have dulled from my studying…that or I’ve been so used to Ran saving my butt when I least expect it that I’ve lost my sharp senses…

Nadie: She goes back to the start – not like it really matters considering no-one else is here…

Yamato: Just rub it in you…yipe!

(The yipe came from a bullet aiming at Yamato’s knee cap. Yamato dives to the side where Sousuke is. Miyu gets ready to get back into the maze as Sousuke begins to move…)

Nadie: Ah ha, another rock thrower…not as skilled as the other one though…

Kaname/Miyu: May. Damn her.

(Nadie hopes by Sousuke’s ‘bombs’ but it’s enough for Kaname to race by Nadie. She just about detects her, but Kaname’s speed is just enough combined with Sousuke’s distractions for Kaname to escape to the exit.)

Kaname: One through…

(Sousuke is staying behind though – his old adage of protecting his teammates coming into play as he continues the game of cat and mouse. However, Nadie is a much more formidable opponent than he expected, and actually gets hit on the hand, getting him to mumble a small curse as he runs.)

Nadie: Come out, come out wherever you are!!!

Yamato: She’s enjoying this way too much…

(Miyu now seems to go back to stealth mode, as she’s slinking about like her gang leader days…)

Miyu: Dummy Miyu…keep your eyes on her when she doesn’t see you…

(Nadie, with bounty hunters instinct, without looking, turns her gun and fires in Miyu’s direction, it hits the rock and the paint splashed back, making Miyu’s hair more red even with the streak in her blonde hair.)

Miyu: I didn’t want another red streak – one is enough!

(Miyu runs like hell, leaving it’s easy for Sousuke to exit – yet again, he doesn’t. He looks to actually sneak of Nadie to stop her…)

Kaname: Idiot…

Nadie: Actually no…there weren’t any rules in trying to stop me by force…however…

(Nadie, ballerina style, spins on her feet and turns and fires in one smooth motion. Sousuke, in equally smooth style, jumps and backflips to avoid it – it catches him on the knee, and he rolls through…)

Nadie: That’s 2 hits soldier boy. One more and you’re finished…

(She turns and sees Yamato and Miyu running past her to the exit. She sweatdrops…)

Nadie: Oh darn it…

(She turns again and Sousuke has also ran off, escaping Nadie’s attention. She sighs…)

Nadie: One of these days, I’m going to learn to pay attention to the things around me…then again, most of said things revolve around Ellis so it doesn’t normally matter…

(Nadie heads over to the group of four, as Miyu wipes off as much of the paint as she can – Kaname also tends to Sousuke’s wounds…)

Kaname: You’re a mess…

Sousuke: Any battle you can walk away from…

Kaname: (smiling) Idiot.

(They get the clue, and once they see what they have to do…)

Yamato: Right, we weren’t very far behind the others – about 10 minutes? We can still do it…come on.

Kaname: As long as you drive…I’m not risking Sousuke behind the wheel…surely a cop won’t break the speed limit…

Miyu: He won’t…he’s Yamato-kun!

Yamato: Thanks! I think…

(They head back to their van after cleaning themselves up, as can they handle the directions to the out of city Winya Marker?)

*

Jinnai: It’s a little creepy…

(The more the teams are driving, the quieter it seems to be. It’s almost like the country is deserted the closer teams get to Winya…)

Nanami: I’m amazed you said that…

Rally: Trust me, dealt with scarier things than a quiet road…

Nanami: Same here…and it’s not my brother’s constant laughing…

May: That, my dear Nanami, is the real scary thing…

(The drive is a while working, however the front two’s teamwork seems to be working well…)

*

Sara: Turn here…

Nagi: Can you see the crop circle?

Yakumo: It’s just off peak…

Nagi: Yeah, we saw it in the distance through the toll – there were a lot of roads to navigate though…

Sara: Call it the scenic route…

Bob: …or a honeymoon…

Nagi: Did I tell you I hate you?

Bob: Yes…several hundred times.

Nagi: As long as you need reminding there is no limit to the hate I can give you…

Yakumo: You get along real well don’t you…

Bob: Yep, and without a trace of sarcasm from here…Nagi on the other hand…

Nagi: I’ll be sounding like a broken record by the end of the day…

Bob: …as if you don’t already?

(Before Nagi can retort, Bob turns into a Stonehedge-esque area – the atmosphere is very unique…and creepy. Bob stops as he sees the route marker…)

Bob: You mean here?

Yakumo: Not good…

Bob: Like we have a choice…

(The four escape and head together to the route marker…)

Bob: (opening) You survived each other, but now you must depart. Back to your original pairs after you’ve handing each other the envelopes.

Sara: Back to fighting then…

Nagi: Sorry, looks like we’re competiting for 1^st now…

Sara: (smiles) Of course.

(Both teams get the envelope inside the envelope…)

Nagi: Road Block…

Yakumo: …this person must be able to return after sending…

*

(Inside the calm area of Winya Marker, Ellis reads calmly as she skips on some stepping stone across a stream of water…except there are no stones.)

Ellis: A Road Block is a task that only one person may perform. In this Road Block, that person must be able to master a skill used in aboriginal areas in Oaxaca as an alternative to shooting…

(Shot of an adorable little girl throwing something…and catching it without fuss. Next to her, a middle aged man with a small beard and a cowboy hat looks on with a nod.)

Ellis: (smiles) …the boomerang.

*

(Again, this time the man throws the boomerang as it returns perfectly to the gentleman as Ellis explains.)

Ellis: They must join Lirio and Ricardo, and throw a boomerang inside the crop circles and it must return to hit inside the crop circle. Once it’s been O.K’ed by Lirio or Ricardo, they will receive their next clue.

*

Bob: I’ll do it.

Nagi: Go for it!

Yakumo: I’ll take this one…

Sara: Go Yakumo!

(The teams pauses for a moment, realise the awkwardness…)

Bob: You’re going down Tsukamoto!

(Yakumo, not one for retorts, simply takes her boomerang handed by the adorable Liro – whose about 6/7 years old – and much like a certain host last year, doesn’t speak. She’s particularly likes Nadie and Ellis, where the two duos have a mutual trust.)

Nagi: I almost swear they planned that…

Sara: Y-Yeah.

(Awkward silence falls as the two begins their attempts at the boomerang…)

Ricardo: O.K sir and madam, you simply have to get the right angle and throw it so it returns to the circle – it’s a lot harder than you expect.

Bob: I’ve used nunchuku before, how different could it be?

(Bob goes first as he throws the boomerang – it skims wide…wide…and wider still and is probably about half a mile away from the return target…)

Bob: Nagi’s right – I do have a big mouth.

(Yakumo is now up – she calmly throws the boomerang into the distance and whilst it’s better than Bob’s powerful effective, it’s still several yards away from the circle.)

Yakumo: It’s a battle for first place…

Bob: …and to finish as fast as possible to stop those two trying to make out.

Nagi/Sara/Yakumo: BOB!!!

(The African-American chuckles as he takes his turn with the boomerang – his style seems to use his power to try and return it, whilst Yakumo is using as best a technique she can. Bob again fails to hit the target but at least gets closer. Yakumo goes up next as she gets pretty much the same direction as Bob.)

Sara: Go for it Yakumo!

Bob: Sorry Sara, but we’re not letting you become the first team to win back to back here…

(Bob’s next throw is inches close – he’s getting the hang of it. Yakumo steps up and closes her eyes…)

Nagi: The minds eye…there’s something special about her…

Sara: Aww…now I’m jealous…

Nagi: Not like that! And…and why am I apologising anyway?

(Yakumo opens her eyes and throws the boomerang – straight as an arrow, but then it returns almost smack dab in the centre of the circle. Bob is stunned, Nagi is stunned, Sara is stunned…and then runs to glomp her partner.)

Ricardo: Very good wasn’t she Lirio?

Lirio: Mmmm!

(Lirio nods her little head as she hands Yakumo the clue as Bob really wishes he doesn’t have a big mouth…)

Yakumo: Walk into Wiyna Marker and head to the entrance of the Witch Caves, the Pit Stop for this leg of the race…

*

(We return to Ellis who casually stops around to explain the final step…)

Ellis: After completing the Road Block, teams must now head on foot past the crop circles into Wiyna Marker, and just head straight to the Witch Caves, the 8^th Pit Stop in a race around the anime world. The last team to make it here…may be eliminated.

*

Sara: Hurry, Bob looks like he’s got the hang of it!

(The run ahead as Bob grabs a boomerang, looks at the girls and shakes his head…)

Bob: Karma is a…you know…

Nagi: Stop relenting and start throwing!

Bob: Will do.

(Bob does so – but does actually miss on this attempt again, but is quite close. With Yakumo gone, Bob is able to take another go…and this time it edges into the circle – much to the relief of the martial artist.)

Bob: Clue please…

Nagi: We can catch up with them, we’re faster!

(Bob gets it and reads the clue quickly…)

Bob: They’re just in sight…just run!

*

(Shot of Sara/Yakumo running…)

Sara: I think they’re done!

Yakumo: I can see Yuko-san…

(Now of Bob/Nagi)

Bob: Must be straight ahead…

Nagi: Dammit, let us get through…

(The camera shot of Yuko and Ellis as Yuko points a team out…the drawing in shot as she see a team hit the pit stop…)

*

Sara: I hate running…

Yakumo: You O.K Sara?

Sara: (smiles) Never been better.

Ellis: Welcome to the Witch Caves!

(The two bow to the cute teen as Yuko smiles.)

Yuko: Sara and Yakumo…I’m not gonna bother with the suspense, you’re team number one!

SARA/YAKUMO – 1^ST PLACE (1.48PM)

Sara: Two in a row!

(Sara and Yakumo hug as Bob and Nagi drop behind them. Bob and Nagi both smirk.)

Nagi: Never gonna get rid of them…

Bob: You think that’s a bad thing?

Nagi: Oh shut it…

Yuko: Girls, just shift over for a bit – two guys want to get on your parade…Bob and Nagi, get in here.

(The two do so, not as miffed as you’d think…)

Yuko: …Bob and Nagi, you are team number two!

BOB/NAGI – 2^ND PLACE (1.49PM)

Bob: Heh, we’re still way in this.

Nagi: 1^st place next goal…we promised those girls we’d get it where it counts.

Sara: And we’ll see.

Yuko: Weird – half way through the teams…the backstabbing should have occurred by now, yet you guys are still quite close…

(Bob put an arm around Sara and Nagi, as Sara does with Yakumo…)

Bob: It’s a very unique alliance to say the least, but it works…we leave the backstabbing back home…or in this to the other teams.

Yakumo: I think trust has to hit somewhere even in a race where winning is everything…

Nagi: Well, we are lone wolves normally, but we’ve learned at home that sometimes it’s better to rely on or be relied on.

Sara: We all have strengths and weaknesses, but you can see here that the two teams here are in 1^st and 2^nd who have remained neutral to each other…and the others…

Nagi: Sara, start praying for a team to be eliminated!

Sara: I was going to save that for next leg…

(Sara eyes Nagi evilly as Nagi goes red and mutters under his breath as everyone, even Ellis and Yakumo share a laugh…but back to the remaining 4 teams…)

*

(With 10 minutes difference, the racers begin to hope their navigating skills are top notch – however it soon becomes apparent one team have a distinct advantage…)

(…Rally Vincent.)

Rally: As long as I don’t break the speed limit, it’s fine right?

Nanami: Well yes, but I don’t think these kind of ‘short cuts’ were really in the road manuals?

(Shot of Rally cutting through some deserted road area to save some time…)

Rally: It’s a path isn’t it? I’m not breaking the law right?

May: On the road, she’s scarier than your brother Nanami…

Jinnai: Hey!

Rally: Well, hang on kids, it’s time to return to Chicago and take some sharp turns…all for the sake of getting an extra few seconds on our competitors…is it worth it? Oh hell yeah…

Nanami: No May…you’re right…she is SCARIER…

(Rally has some manic look on her face as her skills on the road are put to the test as behind them…)

*

Kaname: I’m still not seeing them guys…this catching up isn’t working…

Yamato: Maybe they got lost?

Kaname: The eternal optimist huh?

Miyu: Hey, leave him alone – he could be right…

Kaname: Notice you say COULD…normally you say IS…

(Miyu pauses for a moment…)

Sousuke: I think it’s foolish not to lose hope in the race. After all, when we approach the end of this race and even if the teams are still ahead of us…it will be down to us two – that means a 50% chance of elimination.

Kaname: Are you trying to scare them?

Miyu: Well…

(Miyu doesn’t seem want to speak to Kaname further, Kaname wonders what crawled up her butt as Sousuke looks on…)

Sousuke: No…we are going the right way – officer, can you speed up a bit – we’re still in our speed limit…

Yamato: Considering you’ve been penalised for breaking the speed limit, that’s not a comfortable thought.

(Looks like unlike the first two teams who are friendly, and the next two teams who are insane but acquired a truce, these two don’t seem to now be getting along now…maybe Sousuke was right…the threat of last place has now just entered their heads…)

*

Rally: Wiyna Marker…sounds like the latest terrorist I have to take out…

(Well, the host did have a wanted poster on her…)

Nanami: The sign?

(May reads it as it has writing in English and Spanish and they realise it’s 1 mile north. Jinnai has a good laugh as he doesn’t see the other teams behind him…)

Jinnai: Looks like my genius has infused these ladies to get ahead!

Rally: I would just agree just for the sake of shutting up, but he does realise two other teams were ahead of us?

Nanami: All other human beings are insignificant to my brother.

May: Family relations must be a bitch then…

Nanami: Oh you don’t know the half of it…

(The teams continue at a good pace before they struggle on the rougher roads…the heat is getting to them more than expected…)

May: I’m not going to take my clothes off…I got tired of that game years ago…

Nanami: Nothing…really needs…to be said more…

(The teams park in, noticed a van parked…where they momentarily panic…)

Jinnai: WHAT?

Rally: THEY GOT THERE AHEAD OF US? THEY BEAT ME AT DRIVING?

Nanami: Stop panicking, we’re still working together remember? Clue…

May: Please tell them to stop panicking…there are TWO clues left in here. That’s Bob, Nagi and I assume Sara and Yakumo’s van.

(The two see May…)

Rally: MAY, I LOVE YOU!

Nanami: (sweatdrops) Common sense prevails. And Aliele better not be watching this…she may get ideas.

(After Rally has glomped May, they open the clue…)

Rally: You survived each other, but now you must depart. Back to your original pairs after you’ve handing each other the envelopes.

May: Survived isn’t the word…

(May tosses Nanami the other envelope…)

May: Road Block…

Nanami: …this person must be able to return after sending…

(Both look at the clue with confusion and aside from Ricardo standing gallant and Lirio standing cutely, there’s no hint to what the Road Block entails…)

May: I’ll do it – I’ve got more chance at returning home after our jobs…

Rally: Nice vote of confidence Miss Hopkins.

(May runs as that’s incentive…)

Nanami: You do it – you always return like a cockroach…

Jinnai: I RESENT THAT!

Nanami: Resemble is the word we use…get your ass in there and do whatever the hell you’ve gotta do!

(Jinnai curses inside, but he follows May – May seems quite happy with the task as Ricardo explains.)

Ricardo: Simply put, you throw it ahead and it has to return to the circle. Simple…in theory.

May: Not to worry…I LIKE throwing things.

(Now it’s May with the psychotic look as she grabs a boomerang – Jinnai feels an aura of fear for a moment before heading in there as well…)

Jinnai: Normally when I throw my garbage it DOESN’T come back.

(Lirio pouts…)

Ricardo: Don’t treat these as garbage…treat them as weapons.

(That works for Jinnai. He grabs a boomerang as he waits for May to throw…)

(…which she does. A beautiful curve in the air as it not only returns to the circle 1^st attempt…it returns straight into May’s hand.)

Ricardo: Er…

May: …I know, it didn’t land in the circle, but does it still count?

Ricardo: Er…yes. Wow…Lirio, I think she’s your new teacher.

(Lirio jumps up and down as May hugs the little girl and gets the clue from Ricardo. Rally chuckles as Nanami looks stunned…)

Rally: See ya…wouldn’t wanna be ya!

Nanami: That little…

(Jinnai’s 1^st attempt is not as accurate – though closer than expected…about 3 foot outside the circle. The only plus with May completing it early is that as there are no other teams, but the bad news is…)

*

Yuko: Here comes another team…

(Rally and May run up to Ellis and Yuko…)

Rally: That was awesome…never knew your bomb throwing skills would be so effective in this leg!

May: Heh, guess little people can be of use.

Ellis: Yes sir.

(The short Ellis seems to agree readily with May, as Yuko smiles.)

Ellis: Welcome to Winya Marker.

Rally: Thank you…and why the suspense Yuko?

Yuko: Wait until the last two teams come, then you get it cheeky one. Rally and Minnie May, you are team number three!

RALLY/MINNIE MAY – 3^RD PLACE (2.15PM)

Rally: Still in it babe.

May: Yeah…problem is those Jinnais look set to stay in the race as well…

Yuko: Is there anyone that can get along with them?

Rally: His sister can’t…the nicer teams sure as hell can’t…any more questions Yuko-san?

Yuko: Not really…

*

(Jinnai however does get the knack of it as he gets closer each time – it takes 5 attempts to get it, but that’s still more than enough team before the other teams are even close to their destination.)

Nanami: (rips clue) We’re just following them into the tunnel.

Jinnai: Why did I have to do a pointless activity like that? My Bugrom should do that!

Nanami: They aren’t here and you are…GET…MOVING!

(Jinnai huffs a little but he does get his butt in gear as they run into the catacombs of the Witch Caves…they spot the route marker and the glowing like mountains in front of Ellis and Yuko…)

Ellis: Welcome to…

Yuko: …best not say too much to him – he might try and recruit you.

Ellis: Yes sir.

Jinnai: Even the hosts are against me…

Yuko: Katsuhiko and Nanami…you are team number 4.

KATSUHIKO(JINNAI)/NANAMI – 4^TH PLACE (2.18PM)

Nanami: As long as we are still in it I’ll be fine for the moment…we shouldn’t have been in it a leg ago…

Jinnai: It’s true…we haven’t dominated like I wanted to, but I guess I’ll accept survival for the time being.

Yuko: You’re a ruthless team…I emphasise team…Nanami, you’re not exactly shy of the odd trick as well…

Nanami: I’m a straight forward person. I want to win…I want the money. And if it means being with a backstabber or becoming a backstabber, I’ll take a chance.

*

(A chill hits Kaname’s back…)

Sousuke: Are you alright Chidori?

Kaname: Yeah…just got a feeling that things just didn’t go our way…

Sousuke: Is that your Whispered abilities or…what was it you called it…woman’s intuition…

Kaname: The second one.

Sousuke: Is that what Tessa has then when she…

Kaname: I DON’T WANNA HEAR IT!

(Yamato is still driving, yet there is little small talk in the van – it seems the teams seem to realise they are now fighting for last place and any chance of peace is over as they now are fighting for their lives…)

Miyu: Yamato-kun…can we outrun them if necessary?

Yamato: I think we’re even in terms of speed…it’s simply getting there faster once this intersection is over.

Miyu: That may not be the only thing that is over…this race if we’re not careful…

Yamato: I thought you were going to say something else for a moment…

(Miyu realises what he was thinking, smiles and clutches his hand for a moment…)

Miyu: Not a chance.

(Yamato smiles as a moment of peace hits the van…)

*

WINYA MARKER

(The teams make it, and seeing the two vans there just confirming the inevitable…)

Sousuke: Chidori…the marker.

(Kaname reaches in and opens it…)

Kaname: You survived each other, but now you must depart. Back to your original pairs after you’ve handing each other the envelopes.

(Kaname flicks the other to Yamato, but opens hers as soon as she does giving them a 1 second head start…)

Kaname: Road Block…this person…

Sousuke: I’ll do it.

Kaname: But I didn’t…

(Sousuke gives her a look that reads ‘time is of the essence’ so Kaname just prays that it works…he takes the clue and nods.)

Sousuke: That will do.

(He runs up to the crop circles as Miyu and Yamato see Sousuke running…)

Yamato: I’ll do it.

Miyu: The officer will beat the soldier!

Kaname: But Sousuke outranks him – he’s a sergeant.

(Miyu doesn’t take kindly to that mild insult (though true) but she doesn’t have time to be angry once she sees Lirio hand over the boomerang to Sousuke…)

Miyu: This looks like they have to throw that and it returns?

Kaname: Who has the better throw? An offical of the law or a firearms expert?

Miyu: Who said Yamato-kun doesn’t use weapons?

(Kaname just smirks…)

Miyu: Ha, we’ll see whose…

(Shot of Sousuke on his 1^st attempt, a la May throws it with the mechanics in mind of the weapon…and whilst he doesn’t catch it, it lands in the inner circle.)

Kaname: I think the words ‘you were saying’ come to mind…but I’m not Jinnai…(runs out)…Sousuke, that kicked ass!

Sousuke: Basic hunting tools…I’ve been to Australia before – never thought the skills there would work in Mexico…

Ricardo: Another fine skill – I hope you’re taking notes here Lirio!

(Yamato immediately picks one up…)

Miyu: DO IT QUICKLY YAMATO-KUN!

(Sousuke opens the clue…)

Sousuke: Witch Caves…

Kaname: Straight ahead, just run!

Sousuke: Affirmative!

(The two begin running as Yamato throws…)

*

(…and it hits the OUTSIDE of the circle by mere inches. Miyu nearly cries…)

Miyu: No, we can’t…

Yamato: Again!

(Yamato tries again and misses a second time. He’s a little angry, but he’s gets another boomerang and throws. This time…bingo.)

Yamato: Are they…

Miyu: They’re gone.

Yamato: Dammit!

Ricardo: Not in the front of the girl please.

Yamato: (sheepish) Sorry…

(Lirio just smiles as she hands Yamato the clue…)

*

Yuko: Sousuke and Kaname…you are team number five and still in the race.

SOUSUKE/KANAME – 2.30PM

Sousuke: We’re still in this Chidori.

Kaname: Yeah…don’t know how, but we’re still in it…

Yuko: Through all the squabbles, the penalties, you’re still going strong.

Kaname: Heh, whatever happens, the one thing we can always count on is that we’re a kick ass team.

Sousuke: I’m not sure of that terminology…

Kaname: Trust me, you’re allowed to agree with it.

Sousuke: Very well Chidori…that’s an affirmative.

Kaname: Damn straight.

*

(At the back, Miyu and Yamato are unsure how to take this…)

Miyu: Right at the back…I don’t believe it…

Yamato: The signs were there…I just didn’t want to believe it.

Miyu: (grasps his hand) Let’s just run all the way to the end and be proud.

Yamato: (nods) Very well Miyu. I still love you and that’s what is important.

Miyu: (Grips hand) Thank you.

*

2.33PM

(The two reaches the Witches Caves as Ellis’s bright face greets the future Kotobukis.)

Ellis: Welcome to Winya Marker!

Miyu: I guess…thank you.

Yuko: Miyu and Yamato…you are the last team to arrive.

Yamato: (nods and sighs) We knew it.

(Yuko looks at the two as Miyu tries to hold back tears…)

Yuko: (smiles) The good news is…

(Suddenly both pairs of eyes light up in shock as they forgot something else about the race…)

Yuko: …this is a non-elimination leg and you are still in the race!

Miyu: Oh my god…

(With that news, Yamato picks up Miyu and twirls her around in celebration…)

Yamato: We’re still in it…just Miyu, but just is better than nothing!

Yuko: Indeed….however…there is a penalty. I’m sure you remember it.

Miyu: Yes…but if the Jinnais can avoid being eliminated despite it…

Yuko: …yep. You must come in 1^st next time, otherwise you will immediately get a 30 minute penalty. So…you’re in it but barely.

Miyu: We’re still happy – we’re smiling, we’re safe and everyone better watch out…

Yamato: Our team togetherness is the best out of all the teams remaining – this will not slow us down, it will spur us on – we’ll get 1^st place through will power anyone.

Miyu: We can do this…we’re strong and we’re not giving up!

(Yamato puts his arm around his girlfriend…)

Miyu: The insanity of the race makes you forget there is always a chance at the end…we forget about the non-elim legs and assume the worst. And if the Jinnais can avoid elimination from it, so can we.

Yamato: There isn’t a team that we can’t beat in this race, and this setback won’t set us back so to speak. We’re going to go for the gold and nothing will stop us.

*

NEXT TIME ON THE ANIMAZING RACE…

· 9 legs on and finally we go to my home country for a two part leg…both two animes…and two times? Day and night?

· A creepy Fast Forward makes the two remaining teams eligible for it considering it deeply before one decides…but is it a decision based on trust or…love?

· When darkness hits and one part of the leg becomes alive, how strong will teams become in a belief that they thought to be only legendary?

· Sara returns home to Manchester…is it a place of joy…or hidden emotions?

· And will Miyu and Yamato escape their last place trap and stage a recovery similar to the Jinnais?

*

Whew! Shortest leg so far and it’s still over 60 pages.

This was an replacement leg used due to the fact that the Ellis/Nadie team would have been SOOOOOO awesome in a race if I had seen El Cazador before I started planning 4 (and 5). Two very unique characters and the most fun duo from a Bee Train anime and the best of the three BT girls with guns anime for me – Noir is a lot more deeper but the characters of Ellis/Nadie are a lot more fun/enjoyable and it still gives it a lot more deep thinking whilst most of the characters in Madlax (aside from Madlax herself) were too annoying or one-dimensional. And ‘yes sir’ is going in my list of cute catchphrases right next to ‘Gao’, ‘Uguu’ and ‘Hoe?’

This non-elim leg was always planned, but as it was so soon after the last one it was intended to catch the racers (and hopefully readers) off guard. This time, Miyu and Yamato get a reprieve, but will the luck of the gods that the Jinnais got apply to them? We’ll see.

As for the Sara/Nagi relationship, it was definitely planned from the start. To say polar opposites is an understatement, especially considering the demon energies Nagi has compared to Sara being a rookie nun. However, despite said differences, Nagi is actually a very nice guy with strong morals and a kin friendship with people like Bob and Maya and gets awkwardly shy as well (or in Aya’s case, afraid). Sara, despite her job (and I do have to say rookie nun, because a later chapter in the manga helps absolve any problems that could come with Sara being in a relationship with anyone) is very cheeky and sly, but always smiling and tender – she’d be a perfect person to help Nagi come out of his shell. Of course, there is the whole Nagi/Maya thing back in Tenjho, and you can argue if Sara likes Asou if you want as well, so there are some complications…but with the race heating up, will it last?

Very few notes this time but here we go;

*

Yes, in the actual show, the Fast Forward was normally in the Intersection – with the actual race using the FF sparingly, and me using it in each leg like the early seasons, I decided to reach a comprise regarding the FF/Intersection and simply not supply the Fast Forward…which in turn brought some interesting reactions from teams who both HAD and HADN’T taken it…

The Fast Shot detour was inspired back in the days of the Mole – both regular and anime based – though without the romantic ending. J

Again, no real seiyuu links in regards to the characters remaining, which included Aya Hasakawa as Blue Eyes, however must have to mention that Nadie’s seiyuu, Shizuka Ito, is voicing one of my favourite new characters at the moment, Hinagiku Katsura from Hayate No Gotoku. Ricardo’s seiyuu also, Fumuhiko Tachiki, is famous for voicing Gendo Ikari from Evangelion.

Next time, two legs set in England. One should be obvious from the little hints, but the other is a little know gem I found thanks to my Aussie buddy which has wormed it’s way into my top 20. Is it left or right…that’s the only clue I’ll say. Until next time!