“Roomies 2: Country Living” Fanfic Written by Freedom Fighter We're finally into the second week! What will happen next? Read on and find out! Oh, and get ready for a whole lot of cameo appearances in this episode, including the first author cameo! Episode Rating: PG Here comes the fourth episode... Disclaimer: No one in this fanfic, whether competitor, host, or cameo, belongs to me. ***** Tenchi: (VO) Previously on Roomies... Keitaro does his best to catch a goldfish in his net, but he keeps on missing. Keitaro: What's up with the fish? Tenchi: (VO) It seems that the magic challenge wasn't as easy as our competitors thought... Melfina: (glancing at Chelsea) It's harder than it looks, that's for sure. Kiyone pulls the flounder off the scale, reaches into a different ice chest, and starts stuffing the flounder as fast as possible. Kiyone: (shouting as she stuffs this fish) My hands are going to freeze at this rate! Tenchi: (VO) Especially when the last part of the challenge causes some problems... Duo: Gee, you look really winded there, Kiyone. Kiyone: (pants) Pedaling that bike is harder than it looks. Mondo: (shouting angrily) Whomever thought this was an efficient way of creating electricity needs to be struck by lightning! The light continues to get brighter and brighter until finally the bulb is fully lit. Duo: (CC) Kiyone came back out of breath, while Mondo had to be carried back after his legs gave out on him after he finished. Eli: Time! Duo slows down and hits the handlebars with disgust as he stops pedaling completely. Tenchi: (VO) Rockna, Mondo's girlfriend, isn't happy with him when Jeri answers the phone... Jeri: Mondo did tell me about you. Rockna: (VO) And who are you? You haven't been flirting with him, have you? Jeri: Of course not! Mondo: Rockna? Rockna: (VO, yelling) Who is that girl that answered the phone? You haven't been flirting with her, have you? Mondo: Jeri's just a good friend! Rockna: (VO) And I bet you spend every waking moment staring at her! Mondo: I mean, we do share the same bedroom... oops. Tenchi: (VO) But things take a turn for the worst when Joey and Bit pick almost all of the guys first... Kiyone: (CC) Maybe Faye was right. Look at the order Joey and Bit picked! Faye: (CC) With the exception of Mondo, Joey and Bit decided to pick all of the guys first! Chi-Chi: (yelling back) I'll show you who the dominant sex is! Kiyone and Jessie cheer from nearby, applauding Chi-Chi's outburst. Tenchi looks on in confusion, wondering what's going on. Tenchi: (VO) In the end, the male dominant team of Duo, Roger, Melfina, Kiyone, Joey, and Mondo wins... Duo, Roger, Melfina, Kiyone, Joey, and Mondo are rejoicing, although solemnly. The whole uneasiness between the men and the women was still showing, as no one on the team gave everyone a high five. Tenchi: (VO) Are Faye and Kiyone reading too much into it, or is there truly a gender barrier? Find out tonight... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tenchi: (VO) 12 contestants from 12 different anime shows. 42 days living by themselves in a mansion. But only one will walk away with a grand prize of up to one million dollars. (Begin theme song, showing each of the contestants one at a time) - Bit, pilot of the Liger Zero - Chi-Chi, housewife and daughter of the Ox King - Duo, Gundam Deathscythe pilot - Faye, a bounty hunter/cowboy - Jeri, Digimon tamer - Jessie, member of Team Rocket - Joey, a card duelist - Keitaro, manager of a girls' dorm building - Kiyone, a Galaxy Police officer - Melfina, navigator of the Outlaw Star - Mondo, a Mon Colle Knight - Roger, negotiator and pilot of Big O (Show scenes of Duo carrying a haystack, Bit throwing a picture frame at someone, Kiyone trying to crawl under a security sensor, and Faye pumping her fist in the air in glee) Tenchi: (VO) Some of them will become the best of friends. Others will develop grudges against those they hate. But only one will walk out with a million dollars or more in cash and prizes. (The mansion appears in the background, with the two minivans parked out front.) Tenchi: (VO) These men and women are... roomies! (End theme song, with a picture of all 12 contestants standing in front of the mansion.) ********** Roomies 2: Country Living Story Written by Freedom Fighter ********** Episode 4 - The Rise and Fall of Speedy Night Seven Returning from the challenge that night, the mansion seems to be quiet as everyone eats dinner in small groups rather than altogether. There was still some tension between the members of the house, especially after what happened at the challenge. Kiyone, Faye, and Jessie were having a discussion in the pink bedroom on whether or not Bit and Joey in their decision to choose all of the guys first. Faye: They're playing us for fools, plain and simple. Jessie: I agree! Chi-Chi has got to be the strongest person in the house. Why wasn't she picked first? Faye: Even Keitaro got picked before she did! There's definitely something wrong with that. Kiyone: You know, maybe we're blowing this out of proportion. I'm sure they had good reason to choose the way they did. Jessie: Look who's talking, miss goody two-shoes. Stop defending them because you were on the winning team! Faye: It's blatantly obvious. We yell at them for skipping out on chores, so they retaliate by choosing all of the men first. Jessie: I say we teach them a lesson! Faye: We can leave it to Chi-Chi. She'll knock some sense into them. Jessie: Good idea! I'm sure Chi-Chi will agree to that! Faye: Then it's settled then. We're confronting the men tomorrow. Kiyone: All of them? I thought this was just about Joey and Bit? Faye: They're all the same, Kiyone. No one man is different from any other. Jessie: So are you with us or not? Kiyone hesitates for a second. Jessie and Faye notice this and start to head out of the room. Kiyone: Wait! Where are you two going? Jessie: It's obvious you don't want to go with our plan, so we're going to put this together ourselves. Faye: Besides, the three of us should be able to handle them. We won't need your help at all, Kiyone. Jessie and Faye then exit, leaving Kiyone to think about her decision. Meanwhile, upstairs in the yellow bedroom, Joey and Bit are discussing the exact same thing. Joey: Are you sure that we weren't wrong in picking teams the way we did? Bit: I think so. Why did I pick Faye and Keitaro in the first place? Joey: I mean the way we picked all of the guys before the girls? Except for Mondo, of course. Don't you think there's something weird about that? Faye, Jessie, and Chi-Chi didn't seemed too please about our decisions. Bit: Well, there's nothing wrong with that. We're free to pick teams the way we want to. When they're the captains, they'll choose the teams however they want. And if they want to choose all of the women first, that's fine by me. Joey: You seem so calm about this. Are you sure about this? Bit: Trust me! Everything will blow over after a good night's rest. Things will be back to normal in the morning. *** Day Eight The regular noises of people getting out of bed to start their day fill the mansion. But instead of heading straight to breakfast afterwards, three of the women are having a conversation alone in the recreation room in the basement. As this is going on, we quickly get a glance at what some of the other residents are doing. Keitaro is cooking breakfast, Bit is watching TV in the living room, Melfina, Roger, and Jessie are typing away in the computer room, and Mondo is in his room fixing his hair, just to name a few things. Finally, the three women, Chi-Chi, Faye, and Jessie, emerge from the basement and head for the living room. At the same time, Joey appears at the top of the stairs leading to the second floor, wondering what's going on. The trio enters and surrounds the chair that Bit is sitting on. Faye is on the left, Jessie is on the right, and Chi-Chi stands right in front of him. Bit: (trying to see around Chi-Chi) Watch out, Chi-Chi! I can't see the TV! Chi-Chi grabs the remote control to the TV and turns it off. Bit: What's this all about? I'm watching a very important program right now! Jessie: That documentary on the dangers of robots can wait. Bit: Actually, it's a documentary on whether or not giving robots the ability to think on their own is safe. Faye: Right now, I think you should be more concerned about what happened yesterday. Jessie: Do you know how sexist you acted? Chi-Chi: I can't believe you'd be so unfair as to pick all of the guys first! Bit: I didn't think any of you were strong enough. Chi-Chi: (angry) What? You don't think I, of all people, wasn't strong enough? Faye: That's the best you can come up with? Jessie: We need to teach you a lesson! Bit: Honestly, that's what I was thinking! Jessie: Stop lying, twerp! Faye: I knew that you were nothing but a deadbeat from the first minute I saw you! Bit: You don't really mean that, do you? Chi-Chi: It's men like you who keep women like us from getting the respect we deserve! Bit: I respect women! I always have! Well, almost always... Chi-Chi, Faye, and Jessie: (shouting) Almost? Before the three could start pummeling poor Bit, Joey appears, out of breath. Joey: Hold on! Bit's telling the truth! Faye: (turning towards Joey) It looks like Bit's accomplice has come to save him. Joey: (a bit confused) Accomplice? Bit: (shouting) I don't need saving! Jessie: (to Bit) Shut up! Joey: Bit's telling the honest truth, whether or not you want to believe him. Chi-Chi: You know damn well that I'm stronger than Keitaro, who you guys picked before me! Joey: (defending himself) Don't look at me... Bit picked Keitaro. Bit: (to Joey) Stop putting all the blame on me! Faye: Yeah! Why didn't you pick Chi-Chi? Joey: You want to know why I didn't pick you? Chi-Chi: Yes, I do. Joey: The truth is... Chi-Chi, Faye, and Jessie: Yes? Joey: (coughs to clear his throat) It had slipped my mind. I had forgotten how strong she was. Chi-Chi: (angrily) You forgot? Faye and Jessie: (in a similar tone) How could you forget that? Joey: (sweatdrops) Um... *** A few seconds later, the front door opens in a hurry. Joey runs out, with Chi-Chi, Faye, and Jessie in hot pursuit. As the four of them run down the driveway and down the hill towards the main room, Bit appears in the doorway. Bit: (sighs) I'm glad they're gone. But why don't they believe us? We're telling the truth. Well... I know I am, at least. *** At that same moment, looking on from his second floor bedroom window, Roger comments on the situation. Roger: I wish those three would've let Bit and Joey explain themselves. I'm curious as to their decision as well. Still... if that's the way Faye and the others want to play, then it's fine by me. I wouldn't mind playing a game of men vs. women. (smiles) It might be fun. *** An hour later, Joey finally returns to the mansion. After getting jumped by Chi-Chi, Faye, and Jessie, the young teen is finally making his way back. His hair and his clothes are messed up, but he seems otherwise fine. Well, other than the fact, that he's now sneezing up a storm. He reaches the front door and opens it, where he is greeted by Bit. Bit: Welcome back! Nice to see that you're still alive. Joey: You could've helped, you know. Bit: And get beat up? Joey: (raising an eyebrow) You mean they didn't pummel you when they got back? Bit: (shaking his head) They managed to get all of the anger out when they jumped you. So they let me off the hook. Faye told me in particular to watch my back, though. That women scares me, I swear! Joey: (sneezes) So cold... Bit: We'd better get you warm. How about a dip in the hot spring? Joey: (nods slowly) As long as none of THEM are in there. Bit nods as he helps Joey make his way down the stairs and to the spring. Joey: (CC) I don't see what the big deal is. I did save Mondo for last, you know. Bit: (CC) I'm glad that they forgave us. At least I know now not to make the same mistake later on. *** Night Eight Jeri is in her bedroom, dressed in a white T-shirt and a pair of lemon yellow shorts, examining her Digimon cards as she lies down on her bed. She takes one of them and recites its name and power out loud. Or tries to... Jeri: I can remember this... I think this one allows one Digimon to be immune to attack for three turns. (reads the description on the card) That's not right. (sighs) I thought I had all of the cards in my deck memorized by now. I'll never be as good as Rika is. The door to the room opens. Jeri looks up as Mondo enters, closes the door behind him, and wipes the sweat off of his forehead. Jeri: Rockna called again? Mondo: I don't believe this! It's the third night in a row! She's really worried about me and you... well... Jeri: Didn't you explain to her that you're in love with her and that I already have a crush on someone? Mondo: Yeah, but when it comes to me and cute girls... Rockna gets jealous. And she won't stop yelling at me until she makes sure in person. Jeri: Talk about being overprotected... wait, did you just say I was cute? Mondo: (realizing his slip-up) Um, well... Jeri: I didn't know you thought of me that way, Mondo. Mondo: Well, to tell the truth, I'd probably flirt with Melfina or Kiyone if given the chance. They're cute too... but why exert myself when I'm sharing a room with a girl my age that's as cute as you? Jeri: (blushes) Oh Mondo... I... I don't know what to say! Mondo: I do. (smiles) Jeri, I... Before Mondo could say the 'L' word, he is hit in the face with a pillow. He pulls it away and sees that Jeri is smiling and giggling at the same time. Jeri: I'm sorry, Mondo, but... (laughs) oh my! Mondo: What? What did I do now? Jeri: (getting a hold of herself) Sorry about that, but I think you were starting to fall for me. Mondo: (nervously) I was? Jeri: (nods) We wouldn't want to put ourselves in a position to get beat up by your girlfriend. Mondo: (thinking of Rockna beating him up) Yeah... she's not too gentle when she gets like that. Jeri: She's kind of like my friend Rika... only she's not the romantic type. Mondo: I just wish Rockna would cut me some slack once in awhile. It's not like I'm trying to dump her or go after other girls. It's just that I can't help falling in love with a cute girl! Jeri: Maybe you two need to spend more time together. Mondo: We go to the same school! We're in the same class! We're both Mon Colle Knights! And I practically live in her house! How much more time together can we spend? Jeri: You've got a point. Mondo: I just wish she'd trust me for once. Jeri: Why? Mondo: What do you mean why? Jeri: Why doesn't she trust you? I mean, if you two have been a couple as long as you said you have, shouldn't you already be at the point where you two are truthful and faithful to each other? Mondo: That's a good question. But I can't help falling head over heels for a girl as cute as you are, Jeri. Jeri takes her other pillow and throws it Mondo's head. Mondo rubs his nose in pain as he tosses the pillow aside. Jeri: Will you stop it with the flirting before you get me beat up by your girlfriend? Mondo: Sorry... but I told you that I can't help myself! Jeri: (sighs) At least I can see why you two aren't completely faithful yet. Mondo: I'll work on it! I promise! Jeri: And I'll help! We'll strengthen the friendship between us so that you can improve the bond between you and Rockna! Mondo: Yeah! And we'll help you gain the courage to ask your friend Takato out on a date! Jeri: (surprised) What? I don't think I'm ready to go that far yet! Mondo: (smirks at Jeri) The only way I'm going to keep you from falling for me is to keep your eyes focused on him. Jeri: Isn't there another way? Mondo: Not unless you want to deal with the wrath of Rockna. Jeri: (after thinking about Rockna yelling at her) I think I'll pass on that, thank you. Mondo: Okay then! To strengthen the bonds between our loved ones! Jeri: To strengthen the bonds between our loved ones! The two give each other a high five to seal their agreement. Jeri: Now that we're done with that, I need to ask you a favor! Mondo: (blinking his eyes, confused) I thought we just agreed that we weren't going to fall in love with each other! Jeri: (frowns) Not that kind of favor! Jeri takes a pile of her Digimon cards and hands them to Mondo. Jeri: I need you to help me memorize these cards. Mondo: (sweatdrops) Again? Why don't you let your puppet help you? Jeri's Puppet: (appearing out of nowhere) Because I can't read, silly! Mondo groans as he takes one of the cards and begins to drill Jeri on her Digimon card game knowledge. Jeri: (CC) I just hope that this works out for the best. For all of our sakes... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Day Nine At around ten o'clock in the morning, the doorbell rings. Curiously, Jessie and Melfina go to answer it. They open the door to find a young girl standing there with a picnic basket. The girl seemed to be from around here, as she seemed very confident as she stood there. Young Girl: Is Kiyone around? I hope this is the right house. Melfina: I think she's in the shower right now. May I ask... Jessie: (pointing at the girl at the door) I know you from somewhere! Young Girl: You do? Jessie: You're that little chef, aren't you? The one with the long ponytails? Sasami: (nods happily) That's me! I'm Sasami! Jessie: Sasami! That's what your name is! Say... are you here to cook us something? Sasami: (nodding again as a caption appears) Yep! I'm preparing lunch for the entire mansion! [Sasami - Cast Member: "Tenchi Muyo!" and "Roomies: GE"] *** About an hour later, Sasami has managed to prepare a substantial feast for everyone to enjoy. Kiyone is telling Bit, Duo, Jessie, Keitaro, and Melfina about Sasami's great cooking skills. Sasami: (entering the room) Who's ready for a free lunch? Kiyone: Sasami's an awesome cook. Heck, even someone without taste buds will enjoy it! Sasami: (blushes) I'm not that good, am I? Kiyone: Don't be so modest, Sasami! I could eat anything you prepared forever! Jessie: Now this is what I expected living in a mansion to be like! Keitaro: I can't believe how good like this! You remind me of how good Shinobu is at cooking. Sasami: I'm glad that you're comparing me to one of your friends! Keitaro: Yeah! You two should meet or something. I think you two would get along well. Eventually, the rest of the residents of the mansion smell the food and join the group at the table. All of their reactions are the same... they can't get enough of Sasami's cooking. Joey: This is so good! I've got to have another helping! Chi-Chi: I can't believe that you're this good at your age! Faye: We could use someone like you on the Bebop. Roger: Forget that! We need a lot of people like her in Paradigm! Kiyone: I told you all that Sasami's a great cook! Sasami: I'm glad that you all enjoyed it. Kiyone: Sasami, can I ask you something? Sasami: About Mihoshi? (smiles) Don't worry. She's asked all of us, but so far we've kept your secret. Kiyone: That's good. The last thing I want is for her to barge in and embarrass me. *** Later that afternoon, Sasami and everyone in the mansion heads out. Piling into their two vans, Roger and Chi-Chi drive them to Ohbara Koger Resort in the small town of Kamisaibara, about fifteen miles to north. They are dressed warmly, as the cold weather has caused wet snowflakes to fall from the sky. Upon arrival at the ski resort, Sasami leads them to a small set of hills off to the west end, where Tenchi is waiting for them with inner tubes stacked in groups of threes behind him. Tenchi: Good afternoon! Glad to see that Sasami fed you well for lunch! Sasami: You know I always do, Tenchi. Tenchi: Isn't it great that we've got some snow falling? The weather's perfect for today's prize challenge. And for once, we're going to have a little fun. Tenchi takes one of the inner tubes and hands it to Sasami. Sasami: Today, we're going snowtubing! The challenge is called Totally Tubular. You'll use these inner tubes to slide down the hill that's behind me. Tenchi: You'll have to compete in and win four races. A one-on-one, a two-on-two, a three-on-three, and a six-on-six. You'll also have to complete a time trial run, which basically you have to come down the hill by yourself. Sasami: You'll be given thirty minutes to complete the challenge. You may partner up with anyone available at any time during the challenge to complete it. Tenchi: Today, those of you who complete the challenge will receive a chance to get a $400 gift certificate from Nike, the world's number one supplier of athletic apparel and footwear. Sasami: Of course, we've employed some help to give you guys as many opportunities as possible to complete this challenge. Tenchi: After a certain amount of time has elapsed in the challenge, you'll be allowed to pick one of them to help you. Sasami: For example, after four minutes, you can ask me to be a partner or an opponent in one of your races. Tenchi: Including Sasami, we have six helpers. A new one will enter every four minutes, so by the challenge's end, you'll be able to use all six, if necessary. Sasami: And now, let's introduce our other helpers. Tenchi walks to the other side of the inner tubes and grabs a green flag from behind it. He then sticks it in the air and waves it. All of sudden, everyone looks towards the top of the hill and sees five individuals, one after another, come down the hill inside inner tubes. The first to reach the bottom is a Pokémon watcher named Tracey Sketchit. Tracey: Hello everyone! I'm Tracey and I'm here to help out! Joey: The artist, right? Jessie: The artist twerp. Tracey: (sarcastically) Nice to see you too, Jessie. Number two is a young girl who won hearts and the first Roomies last year... Kari Kamiya, the Digidestined of Light. Kari: My name's Kari! Pleased to meet you! Jeri: It's her! Oh my gosh, it's really her! Roger: (pointing at Kari) She's Kari? She was the one who won? Bit: She looks a lot shorter in person. Keitaro: She's even cuter than the girl who just cooked us lunch. Kiyone: (sighs) Keitaro, you're a hopeless romantic. The third cameo is a beautiful young woman with red hair. She was the caretaker of the Reedington mansion, Layla McKenzie. Miss McKenzie: Things are not what they seem. And Kari proved that she could work well with others. That's why she won. Oh, and my name's Layla McKenzie, elementary school teacher and... Joey: The one who was in charge in Reedington! Miss McKenzie: That's right, Joey Wheeler. Joey: How do you know my name? Mondo: (whispers to Joey) She's the one with magical powers. Joey: Oh yeah... that was the show Jeri told Bit about after that magic challenge. The next person is an old man who spent his life studying Pokémon. He's the caretaker of the Pallet Town mansion, the world renowned researcher, Professor Samuel Oak. Prof. Oak: My, that was exciting. Hello there! I'm Professor Oak! It's nice to get a chance to see you young people show off your athletic and mental skills in these challenges! Oak then tries to get out of his inner tube, but he slips and lands on his butt. Duo: Ouch... what's up with the old guy? Melfina: I can't believe he actually did that! Sasami: One more cameo to help out. And here he comes! The last cameo comes sliding down, sitting in the inner tube. As he reaches the bottom, he gets out. The strange figure approaches the group. Although he doesn't look as if he's from this world, he looks quite familiar. Keitaro: He's the guy that runs very fast, right? Jeri: Are you sure? He doesn't look the same. Guest A: Hey! Hello! Konichiwa and all that good stuff. Name's Ashura the Hedgehog and the first person to compare me to Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog or anyone like them is going to regret it later... Ashura notes that some of them are looking at him fearfully. Ashura: Just kidding! Really! Now, where can I find a decent pair of pants? I'm cold! Mondo: (whispers to Jeri) Looks like someone didn't check the weather report. Tenchi: Now that introductions are all taken care of, let's get this challenge under way! [Prize Challenge 2: Totally Tubular] With the exception of Tenchi, everyone grabs an inner tube and is towed on a pulley line up to the top of the hill. The cameos stand off to the side as each of them picks up a sign with a certain amount of time on it and holds it up for the contestants to see. [Cameo Order: Sasami (4:00), Tracey (8:00), Kari (12:00), Ashura (16:00), Miss McKenzie (20:00), and Professor Oak (24:00)] Tenchi, at the bottom of the hill, waves the green flag, signifying that the thirty minutes have begun. Sasami: If anyone's ready, you can start! Tenchi's given the go ahead! Bit: Here I go! Before anyone can react, Bit runs for one of the lanes. He jumps into the air and lands on his tube as it starts going down the hill. He screams with joy and delight, as the others note, as he slides down and eventually reaches the bottom. Melfina: (watching Bit) Are you sure that this is safe? Miss McKenzie: I assure you that nothing can go wrong. Prof. Oak: No offense Layla, but you weren't the one who just landed on his rear. (rubbing his butt) Ow... At the bottom, Bit gets out of his tube and starts jumping up and down with excitement. Bit: That was fun! (to Tenchi) Man, you sure know how to pick the right challenges! Tenchi: (making a mark in his notebook) Glad to see you enjoyed it! Bit: (heading back to the pulley) I can't wait to do it again! Tenchi waves the green flag again to tell them that the next race can begin. [Challenge Fast Forward] Jessie decides to take advantage of Melfina's reluctance and challenges her to a one-on-one race. The two start off evenly, but Melfina purposely leans back to keep her from going too fast. As a result, Jessie wins easily. The one-on-one races continue with the next three groups. The lane to Tenchi's right, the opposite of the one Jessie was just in, turns hot as Joey, Kiyone, and Mondo win races against Keitaro, Faye, and Jeri, respectively. (Time elapsed: 3:00) In order to comfort Melfina's fears, Duo teams up with her against another pair of roommates, Chi-Chi and Jessie. Working together as the went down the hill, rather than against, as Chi-Chi and Jessie did as they tried to keep themselves straight, Duo and Melfina win the race. Melfina: (gives Duo a hug) Thank you, Duo! Duo: I'm telling you. It's all in the mind. Back up top, Roger and Bit face off. Roger gets the early jump on Bit and never looks back... he wins the race. Next up, Sasami is no longer holding her sign, but the competitors for now ignore her. Keitaro and Joey are going to race against Kiyone and Faye. Keitaro and Joey decide to both sit down and inch their way towards the slope line. Kiyone and Faye, on the other hand, decide on a push start. Faye manages to get into her tube as they start to go down the hill, but Kiyone misses by inches, as she's forced to chase Faye, who has one hand hanging on to Kiyone's tube and the other reaching out for Kiyone. By the time Kiyone catches up and gets in, Keitaro and Joey are already at the bottom. [End Challenge Fast Forward] (TE: 5:02) Jeri and Melfina are at the top of the hill. Both of them are sitting in their tubes as Tenchi, at the bottom, waves the green flag just as Kiyone and Faye get out of the way. Cheers fill the air from the other contestants as the two inch their way over to the slope and start heading down. Jeri, though, has a problem, as she is drifting towards the lane divider in the middle of the track. Jeri: (CC) I had just pushed off and all of a sudden, I found out that I was heading right for the divider! Jeri closes her eyes as the left side of her inner tube collides with the snow barrier with a hard slushing sound. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Everyone at the top of the hill watches with horror as the tube hits the barrier and bounces off, causing the divider to partially collapse at the point of impact. Luckily, Jeri and the inner tube are okay, except for the fact that the impact causes the tube to turn around so that she is now facing the top of the hill. Jeri didn't know this, though, because her eyes were still closed. Mondo: (yelling) Just hang on tight and you'll be alright! Jeri's tube eventually reaches the bottom safely, but way behind Melfina, who won the race. Melfina: Are you okay, Jeri? Jeri: (opening her eyes) You mean I made it? Melfina: Yep. That was a big hit you took into that wall. Tenchi: (running over) Is she awake? Melfina: She's fine. (to Jeri) You think you can give it another try. Jeri: (smiles) That was so exhilarating! Of course I want to go again! Jeri hops out of her tube and picks it up before following Melfina back to the pulley to the top. There, everyone's cheering since she's okay. Mondo: That was a close one. Sasami: Thank goodness. Mondo: (grabs Sasami by the hand) Come on! I choose you as my partner! Sasami: (a little surprised as she's pulled to the start) What? [Challenge Fast Forward] Mondo and Sasami form one team in the left lane, while Chi-Chi and Jessie form the one in the right. They leap off of the starting line and are running side by side almost the entire way down. In the end, Mondo and Sasami pick up speed at the bottom due to the fact that they are lighter, and win the race. Roger and Duo follow within a few seconds of each other, both completing their time trial runs. Bit and Keitaro are featured in the next singles race, in which Bit wins rather easily by keeping his speed all the way down. Jeri decides to race Faye the second time around. And although Jeri keeps her tube straight this time, Faye does so too and beats Jeri to the bottom as well. Tracey drops his sign and enters the fray, but is not picked for the day's first triples race, which features Chi-Chi, Jessie, and Kiyone against Melfina, Joey, and Mondo. After losing back-to-back doubles races together, Chi-Chi and Jessie finally get the hang of things and win with the help of their 'third leg,' Kiyone. A disappointed Melfina, Joey, and Mondo head back up, as they thought they had the race won. Melfina: I thought that we won. Mondo: How were they fast enough to pass us at the bottom? Joey: Don't look at me... physics was never my strong suit. Tracey begs Keitaro to pick him as his opponent in a singles race, but he chooses Sasami. It turns out to be a good choice, as Keitaro beats Sasami to the bottom. Jeri then tries to get a better feel for the course by going down the hill solo in her personal time trial. Tracey finally gets a chance to show his stuff as Bit picks him to run with him in the right lane. In the left lane, Faye and Roger come to a truce and decide to go down together. Bit and Tracey think that this is an easy win, since those two would find it hard to work together. No such luck, as Roger and Faye win the race. Duo and Chi-Chi race against each other next, with Duo just edging ahead where it counted... at the finish line. [End Challenge Fast Forward] Melfina and Jessie are the next pair to step up to the starting line. Melfina: Good luck! Jessie: I won't need luck! I'm going to win this race! Melfina: But isn't this just a... Tenchi: (yelling from the bottom) Go! Melfina and Jessie run as fast as they can before jumping in the air and pushing the inner tube in their hands down to the ground. Their bodies land on the tubes as they go sliding down the hill. Melfina seems to be ahead and pulling away. Jessie, frustrated that she's going to lose, scoops up a hand of snow and throws it towards the other lane. She doesn't come anywhere close to hitting Melfina or her tube. Melfina wins the race. Melfina: (happily) That was fun! I'll never get tired of this! Jessie: (getting out of her tube) You're just lucky you beat me. Melfina: But wasn't this just a time trial? Jessie: Yeah... but you still won't be as lucky next time. Back at the top, Kari drops her sign... and just in time, as Jeri takes her by the hand and leads her to the starting line. Jeri: You'll help me, right? Kari: Jeri? Of course! Anything for a fellow Digidestined. Jeri: That's Tamer, Kari. Kari: Tamer? Kiyone and Sasami: (together) You two ready? Jeri and Kari put their tubes down at the starting line and sit down in them. Kiyone and Sasami are in the other lane. They then start pushing themselves over the edge and down the hill. This ends up being another close race, but the bottom ends up being the difference, as the two Tenchi girls beat out the two Digimon girls by only a few inches. Kari: We almost had it! Jeri: We tried, though. Sasami: You two are fast! Kiyone: It was a great race! Kari: I guess you've got to go back and try again, Jeri. At the top, another group gets ready for a 3-on-3. It's Keitaro, Joey, and Mondo versus Roger, Faye, and Bit. Joey: See you at the bottom, Bit! Bit: The only thing you'll see at the bottom is us beating you three! Mondo: We'll see about that! 25 seconds later, at the bottom... Bit: (shouts as his team crosses first) Yeah! We did it! In your face, Joey! Joey: (sarcastically, as his team comes in) I'm happy for you. [Challenge Fast Forward] (TE: 13:38) Chi-Chi, finding herself with no one to pair off with, decides to go down alone for her time trial run. Melfina asks Duo if Jeri can team up with them, and he complies. The three race against a cameo team of Kari, Sasami, and Tracey, and win. The winning trio celebrates enthusiastically. Over the course of the next minute, Faye, Kiyone, and Joey alternate lanes as they complete their time trial runs. Ashura becomes eligible for a race and is promptly picked up by Keitaro and Mondo for a triples race. Kari, Sasami, and Tracey, at the top once again, are picked to take them on, in hopes that they're tired from their run. But the cameo trio shows no signs of fatigue as they win the sprint to the bottom. Bit and Chi-Chi, if any reluctance to be partners after what happened in the last challenge, don't show it. They win a race against Jeri and Jessie, who struggle to keep from separating from each other on the way down. [End Challenge Fast Forward] (TE: 19:20) The cameos watch from the side as the six men form one team and the six women form a second team. Kari: It's about time someone tried to run a six-on-six. Tracey: But why the men against the women? Ashura: THIS should be interesting... On the men's side, Duo is in front, with Joey and Bit behind him, Mondo and Keitaro behind them, and Roger in the back. On the women's side, Jeri is in front, Jessie and Faye are behind her, and Kiyone, Chi-Chi, and Melfina make up the back row. Faye: (to her team) This is for all of the women in the universe! Roger: (to his team) Let's show these ladies that the men are the best! They watch as Tenchi waves the flag at the bottom, signifying the start of the race. Both teams try to push off as fast as possible, but with the women have their strongest people in the back, they jump out in front early. As the two teams try to keep their speed up and stay together, the men do a slightly better job and start to inch their way back into the race. But by the time they reach the finish line, there's not enough room left. The women win the race. Jessie: Who's the best now? Faye: Just admit it... women are better than men! Keitaro: They're acting like they just won the World Cup. Roger: Let them. We'll get back at them later. After a few minor celebrations, Chi-Chi, Jeri, and Jessie leave the rest of the women and head back to the top with the boys. With that last win, Faye, Kiyone, and Melfina had completed the challenge with just under ten minutes left, so they are staying at the bottom. Faye: (CC) It feels so good to get those guys back for not picking us fairly in the last challenge! On the way back to the top, Joey is trying to make a deal with his roommate, Bit. Joey: I really need to win a 3-on-3 to catch up with you. Will you help me out? Bit: Well, I've already won one, but why not? This should be easy. Joey: We'll pick the hedgehog as our third. We should be able to win with him. At the top, Joey follows through and selects Ashura to help him and Joey win. Keitaro and Mondo, the only other ones yet to win a triples race, decide to pick Miss McKenzie, who is no longer holding her time sign. Bit: It's her. What's her name... Joey: Miss McKenzie. There's something fishy about her. Miss McKenzie: (turning towards Joey) Be careful. The race begins, as the two teams start off pretty even. Things seem pretty normal. That is, until the unexpected happens... About halfway down the hill, Joey tips over and falls out of his inner tube, separating from Bit and Ashura. He starts rolling down the hill as he tries to slow himself down. Everyone at the top of the hill looks on with worry as those now at the bottom check on Joey as his body comes to a stop. Sasami: (at the top of the hill) Is he dead? Duo: (also at the top) I'd rather not think about that. Keitaro: (at the bottom) I hope he's not dead. Bit: (also at the bottom) I hope not. He owes me money from that lunch on Saturday. Suddenly, Joey starts getting up. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Melfina: Are you okay, Joey? Joey: (getting up slowly as snow falls from his coat) I think so. (grits his teeth) Although my left arm is a bit sore. Bit: You think you can go on? Joey nods before Melfina, Bit, and Keitaro help him get to his feet. Joey grabs his inner tube with his right arm before walking over to the pulley. Ashura, Bit, Keitaro, Mondo, and Miss McKenzie walk back over with him. Joey glances towards Miss McKenzie, who only smiles in return. Joey: (CC) Weird... it's like Miss McKenzie knew that I was going to fall off. At least I had enough time to have my arm shield most of the impact as I rolled down. Otherwise, I would've been injured a whole lot worse. Joey begins to speak as if he's going to thank her, but she stops him. Miss McKenzie: As long as you're not hurt, that's enough thanks for me. Joey: But how did you know? Keitaro: How did she know what? Joey: How did she know I was going to fall off? Bit: You mean she told you? Joey: Yeah! Mondo: When? I didn't hear her say anything to you before the race. Joey: But I swear... He turned to Miss McKenzie to prove his point, but she was already on her way back up the hill in her inner tube. [Challenge Fast Forward] After everyone's gotten their breath and wits back, Professor Oak steps up for his first race. The men try to finish their 6-on-6 quota by attempting to beat the six cameos. Unfortunately, they fall apart on the way down... literally. The team doesn't exactly come across the line as one. The cameo team wins, making all of the men go back up to try again. (TE: 25:50) As time begins to run down, Chi-Chi and Jeri, the only two yet to win a singles race, take off from the starting line. Chi-Chi uses all she has to beat Jeri to the bottom, leaving the young Tamer as the only one without a win in the one-on-one. Chi-Chi is now also done, so she does not head back to the top. Keitaro and Mondo are the last two to do a time trial run, as they go down the hill next. Joey, fully recovered, from that spill, teams up with Bit and Ashura again. This time, they're racing against a cameo team of Tracey, Kari, and Professor Oak. This time, Joey and his team wins, since the cameos have trouble getting off the starting line. Jeri and Jessie are deep in discussion. Jessie still needs to win a doubles race, Jeri needs to win a singles and a doubles. Finding out that the guys are going to use the cameos in the last race, they're forced to do a single. A single that results in Jeri just beating Jessie by an arm's length. The final race starts just as time expires. The men this time try not to tempt fate, so they split up. Bit, Joey, and Mondo form one team with Sasami, Miss McKenzie, and Professor Oak. Duo, Roger, and Keitaro form the other team with Ashura, Kari, and Tracey. Whichever team won the race would determine who would complete the challenge. Ashura: I hope this is over soon... I think my tail has frostbite! Duo: This is it, guys! Let's win this one! The two teams leave to the starting line and start coming down the hill. The race is pretty much even all the way down. But the team of Duo, Roger, and Keitaro finds some extra speed at the bottom and wins the race. [End Challenge Fast Forward] *** As a few light flurries fell from the sky, the twelve competitors and the six cameos are gathered in front of Tenchi at the bottom of the hill. Tenchi: First of all, I'm glad that everyone made it through the competition safely, despite a few mishaps. But as for the final results, seven of you will get a chance to get that gift certificate. Faye, Kiyone, Melfina, Chi-Chi, Duo, Keitaro, and Roger. Congratulations! The remaining competitors congratulate as each of the cameos hands a white index card and a marker to the winners. Tenchi: Each of the winners will get a white card signifying that they're qualified to win the gift certificate. Hang on to them, because you'll need them at the end for our prize drawing. Sasami: Now that we're done having fun, the resort has been kind enough to prepare dinner for us! Duo: What are waiting for? Let's go! *** At the dinner, the cameos and contestants mingled with each other as they ate, drank, and got warm after the day's challenge. Among the highlights: Sasami, Tenchi, and Kiyone talking about how things are back at the shrine, Keitaro and Jessie drinking hot chocolate to stay warm, and Jeri and Kari comparing the differences between their adventures as Mondo looks on. As all of this is happening, Joey is sitting in the corner alone, trying to rest his sore left arm. Ashura then walks up to him to talk. Ashura: Hey, man. How's your arm? That was a pretty nasty spill you took there. Joey: It's fine. It'll probably be back to normal in the morning. Miss McKenzie then walks up to the duo. Ashura decides to step aside and mingle while the two of them talked. Joey: Miss McKenzie! Miss McKenzie: I'm glad to see that you're so happy after what happened. Joey: So what if I didn't get the gift certificate? I'm sure there's a few prizes that are better than that. Miss McKenzie: True. Plus, you're in it to win the money to pay for your sister's operation. Joey: Serenity? Yeah... she desperately needs it. Miss McKenzie: (smiles) I'm sure everything will work out. Joey: You mean I'll win! I know you can predict things and such. Miss McKenzie: I never said you would win. Joey: So I'm not? Miss McKenzie: You know, this would be a great time to quote your friend, Yugi. 'You have to believe in the heart of the cards.' Or something like that. (sweatdrops) I apologize... I only started watching your show a few weeks ago. Joey: I get what you're saying. If I want it to happen and I do everything to make sure it happens, it'll happen? Miss McKenzie: Well, yes. That's pretty much the deal. But you've got to do it by yourself and do it truthfully. Joey: Right. The only one that can win this for Serenity is me. I could have Bit and the others help me get into the Final Four, but no one's going to let me win if they don't think I'm deserving enough. I've got to play this game as hard as I can while making as many friends as possible! (turning towards Miss McKenzie) Thanks! Miss McKenzie: No thanks necessary. As long as you play this game to the best of your ability, that will be thanks enough for me. Joey nods as the two of them shake hands and then embrace in a hug. Miss McKenzie then gives him a pat on the back as she leaves to talk with someone else. Joey continues to sit in the corner to think about what she said as he finishes the plate full of dinner he has in front of him. *** Night Nine Eventually, the twelve residents have to say good-bye as the sun has already gone down and it's time to return to the mansion. They all wave as the two vans pull away from the resort. Off to the side, we see Joey waving at Miss McKenzie. She responds by smiling happily and mouthing something to him, as if she was wishing him good luck. Joey: (CC) Miss McKenzie's a very mysterious women. But she's very wise too. I just hope that she's right. I really need to win this. For Serenity's sake... End Episode Four Tenchi: (VO) On the next episode of Roomies... Roger: (CC) They've gone too far. It's time to form an alliance against them. Tenchi: (VO) The battle lines are drawn as the sides begin to become definitive... Keitaro: Are you nuts? I'm not going to agree to that! Jessie: You bet! I'm in! Faye: What makes you think that I'm going to form an alliance with you? Tenchi: (VO) While in another part of the mansion, romance fills the air... Duo: What can I say? There's no one else like her in the mansion! Melfina: It's funny. You would think that I'd try to defend my relationship with Gene, but... I can't help myself. Jeri: (talking on the phone) I'm finding it hard to help him and keep from falling in love at the same time. Tenchi: (VO) But all of that normal stuff aside... who's up for a game of cards? Faye: You mean people actually trade these stupid little cards? Tenchi: (VO) Um... we want to play with the cards, not trade them... Seto: No one can beat me, the ultimate Duel Monsters champion! Joey: (whispers to Bit) There's Kaiba, blowing hot air again. Mondo: (facefaults) I'll never win at this! Why can't we play with my card deck? Jeri: (CC) I hope that I won't live to regret my choice. Jeanette: Bellsprout, I choose you! Yugi: And that takes your life points down to zero! Additional Author's Notes: First and foremost, the identity of the first author cameo is revealed! Ashura Hedgehog, thanks for all of your input! Sorry that I didn't get a chance to put in all of your dialogue. But as promised, I kept all of the good parts in! Keeping on the cameos... remember Sasami and Kari from "Roomies: Girls' Edition?" How about Tracey from "Roomies: Boys' Edition?" And let's not forget the two hosts of those shows, Miss McKenzie and Professor Oak, respectively. Glad to see them all back again. And we're still cameo crazy... we've got even more next episode! You won't believe your eyes! More cameos and trading cards all over the place! Don't miss next Tuesday's episode! It'll be action packed! Copyright Date: 5/21/02