The votes have been tabulated, and the winners will be announced in the coming weeks! Who has won it all? Who is going home with a nice consolation gift? Possibly two? As things begin winding down, one thought has been nagging at my mind almost since this whole thing started. Should there be a sequel? Will there be a sequel? The first factor, of course, is you. What do you think? I want your honest opinion! It may not be the most important factor in my decision, but it is a vital one nevertheless. Keep that in mind as you place your votes. Before beginning the third to last episode, though, I’ll tell you that I’ve got a special promotion involving another fanfic of mine at the end of this episode! It’s a trial series, which will only become a permanent one if I get enough support for it. Let’s see, where did we leave off? Oh yeah, Misty, Giselle, Sora, and Mimi! Let’s see if Miss McKenzie can calm them down today on Roomies! * * * * * * * * * * Layla: (VO) On the last episode of Roomies, the girls’ edition... Once inside, Jun checks the room for something to take. Layla: (VO) As the final days tick away, Jun decides to play the role of trickster... Once out, Jun runs off to find a place to hide the evidence. Layla: (VO) She steals some personal items from Sora and Mimi, with predictable results... Most of the other girls had now gathered outside Sora and Mimi’s room to see what the fuss is all about. Eventually, Kari and Yolei make their way through the crowd and finally get a glimpse of the arguing duo... who are now whacking each other with their pillows. Jun: That ought to hold them for awhile. Layla: (VO) But when Giselle offers to help... Giselle: (runs into the room holding the items) Hey! Look at what I have! The girls gasp in disbelief. They were all thinking the exact same thing... Misty: Caught with the goods, I see. Giselle: I just found them! I didn’t steal them! Misty: That’s what they all say. Sora: (getting up and walking over to Giselle) That’s my tennis racket, no doubt. She pulls the racket right out of Giselle’s left hand. Mimi follows her roommate’s lead and snatches her diary out of Giselle’s right hand. Mimi: (beginning to cry) How am I supposed to write in my diary if I can’t even open it? Sora: Oh shut up, you big crybaby. Misty: I’ll make sure Miss McKenzie hears about this! And then out you go! Giselle: (pleading) I’m telling the truth! I didn’t steal anything! Layla: (VO) And for Giselle, gaining their trust back isn’t easy... Mimi: So Giselle, why did you steal my diary anyway? Giselle: For the last time, I didn’t steal your diary! Yolei: Oh, come on. There’s guilt plastered all over your face. Layla: (VO) And a house meeting doesn’t do anything to help... Sora: That’s the last straw! Mimi: Oh, just admit that you need me for your own success! Giselle: How many times do I have to say that I’m innocent? Misty: Ha! You’d have to say it a million times. And then I still wouldn’t believe you. Giselle: What’s it going to take to beat it into you that I didn’t do it? Misty: (smiles) A beating sounds nice. Giselle: (gasps in surprise) You can’t be serious! Misty: Oh, I’m serious. Giselle: I’m not fighting you. That’s childish. Misty: Oh... you’re just chicken! Giselle: I am not chicken! I just know better, that’s all! Misty: Why are you all on Giselle’s side? (looking at Sora and Mimi) And you two... when does the fighting ever stop? I knew you Digidestined were no good! Sora: Misty, don’t start that crap about us again! Mimi: Sora, stop arguing with Misty! You’re supposed to be arguing with me! Giselle: Why don’t you all just shut up? Misty, Sora, and Mimi: (simultaneously) Why don’t you? Layla: (VO) Looks like the only to resolve this is with some outside help... * * * * * * * * * * Duplica: Sixteen young girls... Madison: From four different anime shows... Sasami: Spend forty two days living alone in a mansion... Rita: With one lucky soul walking away with up to one million dollars in cash. (Begin theme song) Chelsea: The key to the game is getting along with everyone... Misty: Those who don’t are doomed to fail... Mimi: One act can get you in someone’s good graces... Jun: While another could turn everyone against you. (A picture of each of the contestants is shown, in alphabetical order, changing every second. In order, Casey, Chelsea, Duplica, Giselle, Jun, Kari, Madison, Meilin, Mimi, Misty, Nikki, Rita, Sakura, Sasami, Sora, and Yolei.) Giselle: It takes more than beauty to win this contest... Yolei: You’ve got to have brains, brawn, and a heart... Meilin: If you’ve got what it takes, step up to the plate... Casey: Show ‘em you’re number one! (Show several shots from past episodes, featuring several of the girls achieving victory) Kari: Some of these girls will form long lasting friendships... Nikki: Others will develop intense rivalries... Sora: But only one will walk out with up to a million dollars in cash and prizes. All 16 Girls: (together) We are... Roomies! (Four group shots, each featuring four of the girls, flashes on the screen for about two seconds each) - Group 1 - Misty, Sakura, Mimi, and Chelsea - Group 2 - Jun, Sasami, Meilin, and Giselle - Group 3 - Madison, Casey, Rita, and Yolei - Group 4 - Sora, Duplica, Kari, and Nikki (End theme song, with a picture of all sixteen contestants in front of the mansion) Sakura: The girls’ edition finals! * * * * * * * * * * Roomies Story Written by Freedom Fighter * * * * * * * * * * Episode Eighteen - Who Needs Help? We Do! Day Thirty Seven Madison: I’m going to call Miss McKenzie. This has got to stop now! Sakura: I’m coming with you! Meilin: Oh, you’re not going without me! Sasami: Wait up! You’ll need me too! The four run off as Misty, Sora, Mimi, and Giselle continue arguing. The house meeting to discuss the tensions building between the quartet had gotten out of hand. Those who stayed in the house had trouble keeping the foursome from tearing each other limb from limb. After a few minutes, Madison, Sakura, Meilin, and Sasami return with Miss McKenzie. By this time, Misty, Sora, Mimi, and Giselle were no longer attacking each other, verbally or physically. There was only one thing to do. Miss McKenzie takes the foursome out of the mansion and out of harm’s way. She leads them off the mansion grounds and to the producers’ base, just down the street. Once on the grounds, they go down to a trailer set out on a large piece of empty land. Misty, Sora, Mimi, and Giselle are brought into the trailer, one at a time, for a private conversation with Miss McKenzie. Layla: (VO) I had decided that the best way to calm them down was to talk to them individually, so that they would have a chance to let out all of their steam. [Inset: Mimi] Mimi: Why did I have to be called in first? Layla: Mimi! Patience... Mimi: (screaming) How can I have patience when Misty hates me ‘cause I’m a Digidestined, Sora uses me so she can win everything, and Giselle’s a backstabbing bitch? Layla: (sweatdrops) I see... Mimi: All I ask for is a little respect! Sure, I haven’t lived in Tokyo for almost two years now, but I know more than enough to know what’s right. And those three definitely aren’t right. Layla: Didn’t you and Sora used to be best friends? Mimi: Well, she was. Until she started using me. And don’t ask, ‘cause I’m not saying any more on the subject. But I will tell you this. If Sora ends up winning this thing, it’ll be so unfair! She never thinks of anyone else! Just herself! I think she would be better off if she would’ve stayed a tomboy. Layla: You really think so? Mimi: (smirks) I know so. [Inset: Giselle] Giselle: I’m telling you, Miss McKenzie! I didn’t steal Sora’s racket or Mimi’s diary! Layla: Yes, you told me already. Any idea who did do it? Giselle: No, but I’m sure it wasn’t me. Madison can vouch for me. (brightens up for a second) Wait! She was videotaping me that morning for that documentary she was doing! Why didn’t I think of it before? Layla: (smiles) See. If your story is true, then your worries are over as soon as you show the others that tape. Giselle: I’m glad. I wish I would have thought of it earlier. Layla: Yeah. Giselle: (CC) That reminds me... why didn’t Madison just show the tape in the first place? [Inset: Misty] Misty: There’s not much to tell, I can tell you that. Layla: Really? The girls tell me that you threatened to hurt Giselle. Misty: I didn’t threaten her. I just challenged her to a fight, that’s all. Layla: (raising an eyebrow) That’s all? You know, we don’t allow physical attacks on other contestants. Misty: It was just talk, Miss McKenzie. I was never really going to throw a punch. Layla: According to Giselle, she told me that she refused to fight you. Misty: That’s because she’s chicken! Layla: Let’s not reduce ourselves to name calling. Okay? Why not tell me why you would want to hurt her? Misty: Like I said, I wasn’t going to really hurt her. But I felt that she might be deserving of a beating after stealing Sora and Mimi’s stuff. Layla: Do you know for sure that she stole it? Misty: Of course! She walked right into the room with the stolen goods in hand! Layla: Couldn’t she just have found it? She might have done the right thing, whether or not she stole it. But are all of these threats necessary? Misty: I think anything I need to keep Giselle in line is necessary. [Inset: Sora] Sora: I’ll talk to you about anything, Miss McKenzie. Layla: That’s good. How’s your relationship with Mimi go... Sora: (crossing her arms over her chest) Anything but Mimi, that is. Layla: Okay, how are things going between you and Misty? Sora: Misty? If you ask me, she’s got a few screws loose. Layla: And how come? Sora: (shrugs her shoulders) I don’t know. As far as I’m concerned, though, we made a pact when we resolved things between the two of us a month ago. She’s broken it. Now, I have no choice but to stand up for the rest of the Digidestined and tell her who is the best! Layla: (writing something down on a notepad) Okay. [Inset: Mimi] Layla: I think it would be best if you told me when all your troubles began. Mimi: Began? Let’s see now... I think it was when I was three weeks old. I got my first piece of clothing to wear, other than a diaper, of course. It was a... Layla: Mimi, not that far back! I mean when your troubles began with Sora! Mimi: Oh. Well, I think it all started when I was two years old. I had met Sora for the first time and we became the best of friends almost instantly. We didn’t talk much, but we knew each other by acquaintance. It wasn’t until we were sucked into the Digiworld three years ago that we began to hit off. But then the following year, I moved to America. New York City, to be exact. I made a lot of new friends there... (she then stops dead in her tracks before resuming her speech, slowly) but I forgot about my old ones. Especially Sora. Miss McKenzie and Mimi sat there for a couple of minutes without saying a single word. [Inset: Giselle] Giselle: Okay, I’m not exactly humble, but when you’re as beautiful and smart as me, you’ve got to strut your stuff at every opportunity you get. Layla: Does that also mean bumping out anyone that gets in your way? Giselle: I guess. It was just the way I was raised. Layla: Do you think you bumped Misty out of a challenge in any way? Giselle: It could be possible. Heck, maybe I’ve eavesdropped on one conversation too many. But not even giving me a chance to explain my half of the story is inexcusable. She’s not really a good Pokémon trainer. She can at least prove she has some common sense. Layla: How do you know that she’s not a good Pokémon trainer? Giselle: I battled her when she and her friends dropped by my school. Layla: Pokémon Tech, right? How are you doing there? Giselle: I’ll be graduating from Pokémon Technical in December. (excited) I’m ready to compete in the Pokémon League next summer! I’ll show everyone that Tech students are the best! Layla: Let me ask you this, Giselle. Have you ever stopped to think how arrogant you’ve passed yourself off to be? Giselle: Sometimes. But I don’t consider it to be a big deal. Layla: Some people do. Misty’s one of them. Giselle: Well, I wouldn’t have to be so arrogant if people like her would open up for once and hear both sides of the story! She thinks she’s getting revenge for everything I’ve done to her, and I probably deserve it. But that’s not the point! She could have at least passed fair judgment on me, but did she? No! [Inset: Misty] Misty: I guess Giselle reminds me so much of my three airheaded older sisters. Well, except for the Pokémon training part. Giselle’s much better at that than my sisters. Layla: How so? Misty: Well, my sisters never treated me with respect. The only things I get are what’s passed down from them. I’ve looked upon earning everything in life because I was tired of being the recipient waiting at the ‘bargain bin.’ Layla: (sweatdrops) Since when did this become a place for everyone to tell their life story? Misty: (ignoring her) In a way, I envy Giselle. She’s probably gotten everything handed to her too, only in much better condition. She’s never tried to earn anything, except the role of Pokémon Master, but even that’s too far out of her reach with her attitude. Layla: Too far for her? Misty: Yeah. She’s like a robot. She never deviates from her plan. For example, she keeps saying that she was raised the way she acts and she’ll never change that. That’s the kind of stuff that keeps getting her in trouble. Layla: But recovering something that was lost is highly uncharacteristic of someone like her. Misty: Maybe, but stealing something isn’t out of the ballpark for her either, you know. [Inset: Sora] Layla: You still don’t want to talk about Mimi? Sora: Nope. Layla: Just how far have you two split? You came in here as best friends! What happened? Sora: I wish I knew. Layla: Have you taken the time to find the answer? Sora: I think so. But then again, we’ve gone through so much since arriving here that I’m not sure I remember everything that’s happened. * * * * * * * * * * Night Thirty Seven Chelsea, Nikki, and Rita are sitting by themselves in the living room. Sora, Misty, Mimi, and Giselle, are still not back from their talk with Miss McKenzie. Everyone else is off doing their own thing. Chelsea, Nikki, and Rita continue their own private discussion of the whole issue. Chelsea: I wish they’d all grow up, just like you, Rita. Rita: Easier said than done. Nikki: I’m sure Miss McKenzie will resolve their differences. Chelsea: I think this would all be solved if we could figure out who really stole Sora’s tennis racket and Mimi’s diary... and key. Rita: No one’s found that key, right? Chelsea: Nope. It’s still missing. Nikki: Madison’s camcorder is missing too. Chelsea: (gasps in surprise) It is? Since when? Nikki: Since the day of the incident. Madison put it down after she heard Sora and Misty scream. She said that when she came back, it was gone! Rita: Why didn’t anyone notice this before? Chelsea: That is strange. Back at the production area, the girls are offered separate rooms in the nearby motel. Layla: I think that for the night, it wouldn’t be safe for you four to go back to the mansion. If you spend the night by yourselves, that might calm you down just enough for you to go back. Giselle: I say we go for it! Sora: That’s just what you’d want... spending a night away from the others, so that they’d be able to plan strategy! Mimi: Aren’t motels riddled with cockroaches and other icky insects? Misty: If you’re trying to scare me, it’s not going to work! Layla: (sighs as she hands them each a key) Don’t mess up the rooms too much, okay? Giselle: What am I supposed to sleep in? I don’t like sleeping in my school uniform! Misty: Oh, you just love attracting attention! I’d keep it on if I were you! Layla: Misty... Misty: What? Sora: Mimi’s the same way! Mimi: I am not! Layla: Okay, you two. That’s enough. Go to your rooms! Not a peep more! The four girls head up to their rooms to spend some time alone. Day Thirty Eight The following morning, Sora, Mimi, Giselle, and Misty are all gathered in the production trailer. Miss McKenzie was scheduled to meet with them in a group session, but she hasn’t arrived yet. Unknown to the quartet, there was a hidden camera set up in the trailer, watching their every move. Sora: So... how did you girls sleep last night? Mimi, Giselle, and Misty: (simultaneously) It was terrible! Misty: There were bugs everywhere! Giselle: The bed was so uncomfortable! Mimi: I couldn’t take a shower because the water was so dirty! Sora: (happily) I thought having a room to myself was very relaxing. Giselle: No offense, but did you bang your head against something? Mimi: You had the same type of room as we did! Misty: (growling) She had better have... Sora: It reminded me so much of our days in the Digiworld. You know, being out there without any of the luxuries we take for granted... Mimi: At least sleeping on the ground was more bearable than that bed! Misty: And I’ve slept out in the country more than enough to know that I’ve had better than that piece of crap that motel calls a room! Sora: Oh, you two don’t know what you’re talking about. Giselle: And I think you’ve gone crazy. Misty: You would think that... (under her breath) you little thief. Giselle: What was that? Misty: (smiles) Nothing. Giselle: You just insulted me, didn’t you? Mimi: Oh, will you two shut up? Sora: Look who’s talking. As I remember correctly, you’re known as the Digidestined least likely to shut up when she’s told to. Mimi: (gritting her teeth) You’re really starting to tick me off! Sora: (raising an eyebrow) Only starting to? I guess I haven’t been doing a good job. Misty: Isn’t it obvious? I could make Mimi cry if I wanted to. Giselle: But you can’t make me cry, so you threaten to punch my lights out! Misty: (raising her fist) I could do it! Giselle: (pointing to her chin) I dare you! Over in another trailer, Miss McKenzie was watching the feed from the camera motherboard, which displays the current pictures that all of the cameras around the house, as well as those being carried by crew members, on them. Layla: I think it’s time to bring in our special guest... Back in the trailer, the massive argument between the four girls comes to a halt when the door opens. They expect Miss McKenzie to step in. But instead, they are greeted by a blue haired boy with glasses. He was wearing a ceremonial robe of some sort, but none of the girls... not even the fashion conscious Mimi recognized it. Giselle: Excuse me, but this is a private trailer. Sora: You’re not supposed to be here unless you’re working with Miss McKenzie. Boy: (bows graciously) My apologizes for intruding on your squabble, but Miss McKenzie did invite me here. Mimi: But who are you? Misty: I’ve never seen you anywhere before. Boy: Allow me to introduce myself. I am Eli. And that is all you need to know about me. I will not be here long. All of a sudden, Eli materializes a wand out of nowhere. The girls gasp in amazement. Mimi: (easily impressed) Wow! You can do that? Eli: Yeah. It’s a talent I have because of who I am. Giselle: (quickly getting annoyed) So, get on with it! What are you here for? Eli begins chanting a magical incantation. All of a sudden, long chains of energy bubbles start to gather around the four girls. They are unsure of what to do. Misty: What are you doing? Sora: Stop this immediately! Eli: Don’t worry. This won’t hurt at all. I’m just fulfilling the wishes of my master. With a quick twist of his wrist, Eli ends the incantation with a blinding white flash of light. When the light finally fades, the girls are all okay. Eli, on the other hand, has fainted onto the floor. The girls go over to check up on the fallen sorcerer, but Miss McKenzie picks that point to walk over to their trailer. Layla: Good morning, girls. (looks down at the fallen Eli) I see that our plan worked perfectly. I have to admit that I didn’t expect him to faint afterwards, though. Two strange men run into the van, grab Eli’s limpless body and carry it out of the trailer. Miss McKenzie then closes the trailer door behind her and takes a seat across from the four girls, who are still confused about the whole ordeal, but they take their seats anyway. Mimi: (in Sora’s voice) What just happened there? Sora, Misty, and Giselle look weirdly at Mimi. Giselle: (in Misty’s voice) Stop talking like Sora! (gasps as she covers her mouth) Why am I talking like Misty? Misty: (in Giselle’s voice) Stop talking like me! Why am I talking like you? This is insane! Sora: (in Mimi’s voice, sarcastically) Just great. I must be so lucky to have the voice of the great Mimi! Mimi: (happily, talking like Sora) Darn right you’d better be happy! Giselle: (speaking in Misty’s voice) She was talking sarcastically, you idiot! Mimi: (angrily as Sora) There you go again, Misty! Always calling me names! Giselle: (as Misty) I’m Giselle, you dummy! Misty: (as Giselle) Hey! If anyone gets to call Mimi names, it’s me! Giselle: (as Misty) Stop putting words in my mouth! Sora: (as Mimi) As if it’s, like, ever closed. Mimi: (as Sora) I do not talk like that, Sora! Layla: (coughs) Ladies, if I may interrupt... Misty: (talking as if she were Giselle) Just what is going on? Sora: (talking in Mimi’s voice) And what did he do? Layla: That was Eli from the ‘Cardcaptors’ show. I asked him to do a magical incantation that switches your voices. Giselle: (putting her hands on her waist, while speaking in Misty’s voice) How long is this going to last? Layla: Don’t worry. The effects of the spell will wear off in two hours. (smirks) In the meantime, it allows us to do a bit of role-play. Mimi: (in Sora’s voice) Role-play? What’s that? Everyone else in the room facefaults. Giselle: (in Misty’s voice) If I become a doctor when I grow up, the first thing I’m going to do is give her a brain transplant! Misty: (as Giselle) Hey! Giselle: (as Misty) You think I didn’t know about your dream of becoming a doctor? Sora: (dragging her hand down her face, still talking like Mimi) Can we just move on? Meanwhile, inside the mansion, Chelsea, Nikki, and Rita are still searching for Madison’s missing camcorder. After they come up empty several times, they decide to give up. Chelsea: A camcorder doesn’t just get up and walk away, you know. Rita: It’s got to be somewhere. Nikki: My hunch is that if we find the missing key to Mimi’s diary, we’ll also find Madison’s missing camcorder and the tape proving that Giselle was innocent. Chelsea: If she is innocent... Nikki: You still think she really stole Sora’s tennis racket and Mimi’s diary? Chelsea: (shrugs her shoulders) I wouldn’t necessarily eliminate any possibility of it. Off in another part of the mansion, Yolei and Madison are sitting in their bedroom. They’re just staring at each other as they sit backwards on their chairs. They can’t seem to take their eyes off one another for some reason. It seems that they were having a conversation of some sort. It’s hard to tell, though, because as soon as one of them opens their mouth to say something, they retract their statement. They also seem to have noticed that Sakura is standing in the doorway, watching them silently. The trio continues their quiet conversation as Meilin walks by. Meilin: What’s going on? Sakura, Madison, and Yolei keep quiet as they continue their ‘conversation.’ Meilin: (excited) Oh! Are you playing charades? Once again, the trio ignores her, as well as each other. Meilin: (throws her hands up in frustration) What is wrong with you people? Is there anyone who is normal here? As Meilin walks away, Sakura begins to snicker. She can’t hold it in, as she begins to laugh hysterically, falling to her knees. Madison, unfortunately, was the one who was facing Sakura. After seeing her friend succumb to laughter, she too begin to laugh, amazed that they completely stumped Meilin. Yolei finally gave in as well, joining in the laughter. Sakura: Did you see the look on her face? Absolutely priceless! Madison: Yeah! That was so cool! Yolei: (coughs) Ahem... don’t you two owe me something? Sakura and Madison reach into their pockets and pull out a dollar each. Yolei pockets the money and then turns to the duo. Yolei: So... who’s up for another game? Sakura: (happily) You’re on! Madison: Double or nothing? Yolei: (smiles) You’re going down, Madison! The three suddenly become quiet, as they once again resume the ‘silent conversation’ they were having a few minutes ago. Meanwhile, outside the mansion, Duplica and Casey were involved in a simple game of catch. Casey: (throws the baseball) Did I ever tell you how much I love baseball? It’s so exciting! Duplica: (catching it with her glove) How are the Electabuzz doing this year? Casey: Not too bad. They’ve lost a few games, but they’re still in the hunt for the pennant. Duplica: (throwing the ball back) I wish I could play baseball all the time like you. I’m always too busy doing my Ditto shows. Casey: (catching the ball) Why do you do them? Duplica: I need them so that I have enough money to live off of. Casey: Don’t your parents ever give you an allowance? Casey then gasps, remembering that Duplica was an orphan. Casey: (apologetically) I’m sorry, Duplica. I didn’t mean to... Duplica: (walking over to her friend) It’s okay. I’ve grown to accept it. Casey: Is there anything I can do to make you feel better? Duplica: Well, for starters, how ‘bout throwing the ball back? Casey and Duplica continue to play under the sun as the minutes go by. Finally, back in the trailer, Miss McKenzie has the four girls going. [Author’s Note: To make things easier, I will refer to each of the girls with first the name of the character and then the voice she has, i.e. Sora-Mimi] Sora-Mimi: Sora, I want you to stop arguing with Misty! Mimi-Sora: Well, I wouldn’t have to argue with her if she would just forget about this whole Pokémon-Digimon rivalry thing. Giselle-Misty: You Digidestined are alike! Misty-Giselle: Yeah! Training a Pokémon is much more of a challenge than training a Digimon is. Mimi-Sora: Oh? Have you ever tried it? You’ll find the results to be shocking! Giselle-Misty: Ha ha, very funny! That’s the lamest Pikachu joke I’ve ever heard! Mimi-Sora: Stop putting us down! Giselle-Misty: But that’s what I do all the time! Misty-Giselle: I’m glad you finally realized that. Sora-Mimi: I think we’re honestly making some progress. Layla: I agree. Let’s continue to explore. Maybe we can get all of you to admit your errors. The session goes on for about another hour. Finally, Miss McKenzie brings it to an end. They decide to wait until the spell wears off before the girls head back to the mansion. At the mansion, the doorbell rings. Rita and Nikki, still searching for the missing camcorder, go to the front door and open it. They find Miss McKenzie standing there, along with Misty, Sora, Mimi, and Giselle. Nikki: So, how are they? Layla: (smiles) I’m happy to report that they’ve worked out their differences and that they’ll be perfectly fine. Nikki: That’s good to know. Layla: Well, I’ve gotta go. I’ve got work to do, as always. Until tomorrow, girls! The girls wave goodbye as Miss McKenzie leaves. Nikki, Rita, Sora, Mimi, Giselle, and Misty close the door and head off to the living room. Nikki: So... what was it like? Sora: It was very weird. Very, very weird. Giselle: But surprisingly, it worked! Misty: I’m even amazed myself. Mimi: We’re happily getting along now! Nikki: That’s great! Misty: So, have we missed anything? Rita: Well, we might have found something to prove Giselle innocent. Giselle: Really? Madison finally decided to show the tape, right? Nikki: (rubbing the back of her neck) Actually, she lost the camcorder. Giselle: What do you mean lost it? Nikki: As in, nobody knows where it is. Sora: That’s very strange. It disappeared just like my racket and Mimi’s diary did. Mimi: (whines) Speaking of which, I never got my key back! Chelsea: (running into the room) Hey! We found the camcorder and the key! We’ve also got the thief who stole them, too! Misty: What? Mimi: Where’s my beloved key? Giselle: Where is this thief? Chelsea: Meilin’s interrogating her in the recreation room upstairs! The group follows Chelsea to the room in question. When they arrive there, they find Madison fondling her recovered camcorder, Yolei and Sakura watching her closely, and Meilin glaring at the thief herself... Sora: Jun? Giselle: You stole everything? Nikki: I would have never believed it... oh wait, I probably would. Misty: I knew Giselle didn’t steal all of that stuff! Giselle: (sarcastically) Oh yeah, you’re a real Sherlock Holmes, aren’t you? Meilin: (pointing at Jun) I caught her trying to steal a Pokéball from Casey’s room. Chelsea: It looks like our search is finally over. The group glares angrily at Jun as she hangs her head in shame. * * * * * * * * * * Night Thirty Eight Over in Sora and Mimi’s bedroom... Mimi: (writing in her diary) Dear diary... I’m so glad to finally write in you again! You won’t believe what’s happened the past few days. And you can blame Jun for all of the days that I missed. At least she’s getting her just desserts... Down in the kitchen, Jun is washing dishes in the sink as Sasami and Chelsea look on. Sasami: When you’re done with the dishes, you can vacuum all of the rooms on the first floor, take out the trash, and clean the guest bathroom! Chelsea: Don’t forget... you have to cook breakfast and lunch tomorrow! Jun: (grumbling) I can’t believe I have to do this... Sasami: What was that? You want more? Jun: (in a panic) Oh, of course not! I’m sorry! I’ve got enough, thanks! Sasami and Chelsea continue to watch as Jun continues her chores. Chelsea: (CC) Sure, it seems harsh, but it’s a small price to pay for all of the anguish she’s caused everyone the past few days. Sasami: (CC) I was relieved that the tape proved Giselle didn’t do it. She’s pulled some crazy stunts here the past few weeks, but I knew that she wasn’t so stupid that she’d do something that low. Day Thirty Nine At around ten thirty in the morning, Rita and Chelsea are talking in the living room. Chelsea: So, what do you think about the girls? Rita: I think they’ve made quite the improvement. Chelsea: I’m surprised that I didn’t hear any arguing at all last night! Rita: Get used to it. Whatever Miss McKenzie did, she made sure that they’ll go the rest of the way without fighting each other. Chelsea: Speaking of the rest of the way... Rita: (sighs) I know. It’s almost over, isn’t it? Chelsea: It’s been fun, though, hasn’t it? Rita: You can say that again. Suddenly, the doorbell rings. Chelsea goes to answer it. She is greeted by the mailman, who hands her an envelope. She thanks him and closes the door. Waving the envelope at her friend, the duo splits up to find the others. About ten minutes later, the sixteen girls are in the first floor recreation room, watching the videotape. Layla: Six down, two to go! Now, I know most of you are taking a special leave from school to participate. Did you really think you’d get through this without learning anything? I hope you’re all good at mathematics! You’ll need it to win this challenge! The tape then ends. Chelsea opens the envelope and reads the instructions aloud. Chelsea: (reading aloud) Challenge Seven - You are to split into two teams: one led by Nikki and another led by Casey. In this challenge, the other team members will be locked into hotel rooms at the Miyamoto Grand Hotel in the West Shinjuku district of Tokyo. Using mathematical clues, the team captains will attempt to free their captured comrades. The first team to do so wins the challenge and another hundred thousand dollars. Casey: Another puzzle game? Nikki: That’s the kind of attitude that’s going to cost you the game! Casey: We’ll see about that! Mimi: What if we aren’t found? Does that mean we have to stay locked up forever? Meilin: I wouldn’t mind! It would be nice to live here without hearing your voice. Duplica: Be nice. Mimi just went through counseling, you know. Misty: We’d better start this challenge before we really do start getting at each other’s throats again. They split up into two teams and then head off to the vans, which will transport them to the Miyamoto Grand Hotel. [The team assignments (picked in random order): Blue - Nikki, Chelsea, Sora, Giselle, Sakura, Yolei, Rita, and Mimi Green - Casey, Duplica, Sasami, Misty, Meilin, Madison, Kari, and Jun] At the hotel, Miss McKenzie welcomes them. Layla: Good morning! Ready for another challenge? Duplica: As ready as we’ll ever be. Layla: Casey and Nikki, I need you two to follow me to Conference Room A. As for the rest of you, we’ll have escorts here shortly to lead you to your rooms, two at a time. Twenty minutes later, all of the girls are in place. Miss McKenzie, Casey, and Nikki are still in Conference Room A. Layla: Well you two, it’s just about time to begin. I’m going to make it easy on you to find the first person. I’m going to give you their room numbers and the combinations to their doors. From there on, you’ll have to follow the clues. Okay? Nikki and Casey nod. Layla: (glancing at her watch) They should all be in position. (turning back to them) From this point, you have two hours to complete the challenge. (hands them each a small card) Go! Casey bursts out of the conference room, with Nikki right behind her. They both head to the same elevator. It opens up, and the two step in. Checking their cards, Casey pushes ‘5,’ while Nikki pushes ‘7.’ Casey: (turning to Nikki and sticking her hand out towards her) Good luck, Nikki! Nikki: (turns to Chelsea, smiles, and sticks her hand out) Good luck to you too, Casey! The two girls shake hands as the elevator doors close. When the elevator reaches the fifth floor, the doors open and Casey gets out. As Casey begins looking for the right room, the doors close and the elevator takes Nikki to the seventh floor. Casey: (to herself) 508... 509... ah, here we are! 510! Casey looks at the card and then at the numbered keypad on the door. She punches in the combination given on the card: 3949. The light on the door turns from red to green. She opens the door and finds Duplica waiting on the bed. Duplica: (getting up with something in her hand) Boy, that was quick! Casey: (giggles) Of course it was! I want to win this challenge! Duplica: (handing the thing in her hand to Casey) Look at what I found! Casey: (opens it and reads the clue) The room number ends in the ones digit of the sixth prime number and is located on the floor whose square equals nine. The combination consists of four consecutive numbers, one of which is a zero. (looks at her teammate) I was never good at math, you know. Duplica: Well, neither was I. I haven’t been in school in a few years. Up on the seventh floor, Nikki types in 2902 into the keypad of room 718. The green light comes on and Nikki opens the door. Chelsea runs towards her, happy that she’s free. Chelsea: Nikki! Nikki: Ready to go? Chelsea: Yep! I already know where to go next! Chelsea hands the clue to Nikki. Nikki: (reading the clue) The room number ends in the ones digit of the second prime number and is located on the floor whose square equals sixteen. The combination consists of four consecutive numbers, one of which is a five. Chelsea: The second prime number is two! So the room number ends in two. And since four squared equals sixteen, we’re looking for room 402! Nikki: Good deducting, Chelsea! Chelsea: Let’s go! About an hour passes. As the teams go along, the clues get harder and harder. At this point, Nikki, Chelsea, Sora, Giselle, and Sakura are free for the blue team, while Casey, Duplica, Sasami, and Misty are free for the green team. Let’s see how the green team, down by one, is doing. They’re currently on the fourteenth floor. Misty: I’m pretty sure this has got to be it. Duplica: That’s what you said about the last three floors we were on. Sasami: Well, this is as high as we can go, so it’s got to be here! Casey: Room 1415, right? Misty: (looking at the clue) It says every single number in the combination is the same. Sasami: (arriving at the door) Anyone want to take a shot? Meilin: (inside the room) It’s about time you dodos got here! Misty: Looks like we got the right room. Casey: She sounds angry. How about we leave her here for awhile then come back? Duplica: (snickers) That would be nice, but she has the next clue. So we can’t leave her. Misty: (going up to the keypad) Let me try to crack it. She types in 4444. The door does not unlock. She types in 7777. Once again, the door does not unlock. Misty: (shrugs her shoulders) Oh well. Third time’s the charm. Meilin: (shouting from inside) Get this door open or I’ll bust it down myself! Sasami: The management won’t like that. Meilin: Who cares? Miss McKenzie reserved the hotel, not me! Misty types in 3333 into the keypad. The green light comes on. Misty rejoices as she opens the door. The group sees Meilin standing there, tapping her feet impatiently. Meilin: While you guys we’re taking your sweet time, I figured out my clue. We’ve got to get to the second floor. Meilin walks out of the room, with Misty, Sasami, Casey, and Duplica following close behind. The blue team waits by the elevator. Finally, the doors open... to reveal Nikki, Chelsea, Sora, Giselle, and Sakura. The blue quintet steps out and heads down the hall, as the green quartet steps in and pushes the button for the second floor. Sakura: Room 1404! Hurry! Sora: (pointing it out) Here it is! Chelsea: (knocking on the door) Anyone in there? Yolei: (from inside) It’s me, Yolei! Nikki: We’ve got the right room. (turns to Sakura) You’re on, girlfriend! Sakura punches in 2992 as the combination. The green light turns on and Sakura opens the door. Yolei runs out and gives Sakura a big hug. Yolei: Thanks a lot! I felt like I was going crazy in there! Giselle: Do you have the next clue? Yolei: You bet! We’re going to room 920! Chelsea: (pointing to the elevator) To the ninth floor we go! Some more time passes. With twenty five minutes left to go in the challenge, the blue team arrives on the fifth floor. Nikki, Chelsea, Sora, Giselle, Sakura, Yolei, and Rita make their way to room 502. Rita punches in 2581. The green light turns on and Rita opens the door. Mimi runs out, holding a card with the words ‘You win!’ on it. The whole team begins to jump up and down in celebration. Meanwhile, up on the tenth floor, Casey, Duplica, Sasami, Misty, Meilin, and Madison are at room 1001, trying to break the combination to Kari’s room. But they aren’t having any luck. Kari: (from inside) Come on guys! Hurry up! Madison: None of us can figure out the combination! All of a sudden, the phone from inside the room begins to ring. Kari goes to answer. She returns with some disappointing news. Duplica: What’s up, Kari? Kari: (sighs dejectedly) It’s over. The other team’s finished. Misty: (snaps her fingers in disgust) Rats! Kari: Miss McKenzie gave me the combination. It’s 4927. Open the door so we can go get Jun out of her room. Madison punches in the combination and opens the door. Kari sadly walks out. The group hangs their heads low as they walk towards the elevator. End Episode Eighteen Layla: (VO) With two episodes to go, anything can happen... Duplica: (down on her knees now) I’m begging you! Please vote for me! Giselle: (CC) Since I probably won’t get picked, I’m going to try and get one of the favorites to trip up so that she doesn’t get chosen either. Layla: (VO) We’ll start things off with the final physical challenge... Jun: I see we’re going old school this time around. Mimi: It’s a bird! Casey: I don’t think I can do that one. Mimi: It’s a plane! Madison: But I’ve never seen a Cyndaquil before! (gasps, realizing her error) Oops... Mimi: It’s Superman! Giselle is tapping the chalk on the board like crazy because they’re getting close. Layla: (VO) Then, Chelsea and Sora tie up some loose ends... Chelsea: (with tears in her eyes) It can’t be... Sora: Guys, I’ve made my decision. (pointing at one and then the other) I choose... Layla: (VO) And finally, who will make the final four? Sasami: (CC) My picks are Misty, Chelsea, Kari, and Sakura. If they don’t make it in, then something’s wrong, because they’re the ones who deserve it the most. Jun: See if I vote for you tonight! Sakura: Madison... I have something to tell you. Yolei: Perfecto! I’ve got it! Rita: No matter who makes it in, we all promise to be good sports about it. Right? Outside the mansion, someone growls angrily and bangs her fist against the wall. Layla: (VO) There’s only two episodes left of Roomies, so make sure you stay tuned! Copyright Date: 11/26/01 * * * * * * * * * * This December, check out Digimon like you’ve never seen it before! Join Tai and Kari Kamiya, a sibling team of detectives whose sole job is to protect the city of Tokyo from crime. And this time around, the villains aren’t just going to roll over and play dead. It’s got everything you wouldn’t normally see in an episode of Digimon! Action! Comedy! Drama! Dirty Language! Adult Situations! And Matt Ishida as the chief! For those of you who miss the characters of the first season of Digimon and would like to see them in a whole new environment, then don’t miss “The Detectives Kamiya!” The pilot mini-series airs this month, only on Fanfiction.net! “The Detectives Kamiya” Rated R for language, intense action scenes, and adult situations Only on Fanfiction.net in December 2001