“Roomies 2: Country Living” Fanfic Written by Freedom Fighter From one cameo-filled episode to another, we've reached episode five! In fact, the challenge is so long that it takes almost a full episode to tell what happened! Unfortunately, we don't have all of that room available in this episode, so some of it will extend over to the next episode. Which, conversely, will be the last episode for a few in... oops, I guess I said too much! Come back next week to see what I mean! In the meantime, enjoy episode five! Episode Rating: PG Disclaimer: Nothing here still belongs to me and that's the truth. ***** Tenchi: (VO) Previously on Roomies... Faye: They're playing us for fools, plain and simple. Tenchi: (VO) Chi-Chi, Jessie, and Faye weren't too happy about the way Joey and Bit picked teams in the physical challenge... 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. Faye: That's the best you can come up with? Bit: I respect women! I always have! Well, almost always... Chi-Chi, Faye, and Jessie: (shouting) Almost? Joey: Bit's telling the honest truth, whether or not you want to believe him. Tenchi: (VO) Meanwhile, Mondo was falling head over heels for Jeri... 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. Tenchi: (VO) Um... scratch that... 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! Tenchi: (VO) And Sasami led the residents to a nearby resort for a snowtubing challenge... Bit: Here I go! Bit 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. Bit: That was fun! Tenchi: (VO) But it didn't come without a few close calls... Jeri closes her eyes as the left side of her inner tube collides with the snow barrier with a hard slushing sound. Melfina: Are you okay, Jeri? Jeri: (smiles) That was so exhilarating! Of course I want to go again! 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. 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. Tenchi: (VO) In the end, seven of the twelve complete the challenge and are in the running for the gift certificate... The remaining competitors congratulate as each of the cameos hands a white index card and a marker to the winners. Tenchi: (VO) Could the challenges get any wilder? 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 5 - A Couple Here, A Couple There Day Ten It's business as usual at the mansion. Everyone is up and about in the mansion except for three of them. Jessie is walking up the stairs, on her way to wake them up. Chi-Chi: (yelling from somewhere in the mansion) Hurry and get those lazy people out of bed! Jessie: (yelling back) I'm going! For crying out loud... Jessie reaches the top of the stairs and heads to one of the open bedroom doors. She peers inside and sees Joey still snoring peacefully in his bed. Jessie stomps in and walks up to the side of his bed. She then grabs a hold of the sheets and pulls them hard towards her. And just as she had thought, Joey had the sheets wrapped around his body. So when Jessie pulled the sheets off of the bed, she pulled Joey off of it with them. Of course, Joey wakes up upon hitting the ground, favoring his left arm. Joey: What's the big idea, Jess? You know I hurt my left arm yesterday! Jessie: Chi-Chi told me to wake you up! And besides, if your arm was injured, you would've been in the hospital last night! Joey: I bet you wouldn't know pain if it hit you on the head. Jessie: (starting to walk out) I don't have time for this. I have to go wake up Duo and Melfina. As Joey gets up and tries to shake the last bit of sleep out of him, Jessie heads across the hall to Duo and Melfina's room, where the door is closed. Jessie raises her arm to knock on the door. But as she does, she hears mumbling from inside. Jessie: (knocking on the door) Are you two awake in there? Melfina: (after a second or two) Just a minute... Jessie: (reaching for the doorknob) Screw that! I'm coming in! Jessie opens the door and sees Melfina in the process of running to her bed as Duo watches. Melfina jumps on her bed and tries to get the covers over her, but it's too late. Jessie already has the door wide open and she is standing in shock. Jessie: You mean you two... Melfina: What are you talking about? Jessie: Don't try to fool me! I saw you running back to your bed. Duo: (sighs) She's caught us, Mel. (to Jessie) We just snuggled last night, that's all. It's not what you think. Jessie: As if! Wait until Chi-Chi hears about this! Jessie runs off without closing the door. Duo hops out of bed and tries to chase after her, but he trips over his own bedsheets, falling to the floor on his face. Duo: (getting up) Of all the... Jessie, wait! Duo runs out of the room and heads for the stairs, passing Joey, who is heading to the bathroom with a toothbrush in his mouth. He heads down the stairs and towards the kitchen. But he's too late, as he sees Jessie already shouting what she saw to Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi then turns towards Duo with an angry glare on his face. Duo: Chi-Chi, I assure you! It's not what you think! Honest! Chi-Chi: It better not be! (turns back to her cooking) I want to meet with you and Melfina after lunch. Got it? Duo decides to agree and not argue with Chi-Chi. A wise decision indeed as Chi-Chi relaxes and tries to finish cooking lunch. Duo: Fine. But I swear... Chi-Chi: We'll talk about it after lunch. I don't want to hear anything about it until then. Chi-Chi then catches Jessie snickering at Duo behind her back. Chi-Chi: (to Jessie) And that goes for you too! Jessie: (sighs) Fine. Chi-Chi: I don't want this getting too far out of proportion before I figure out the truth. Okay? Duo and Jessie nod in agreement. Chi-Chi: (to Duo) You, go and take a shower. (to Jessie) And you, go tell Melfina about the meeting. *** As promised, Chi-Chi, Duo, and Melfina were talking up in the study room after lunch. Chi-Chi wasn't too happy with them, but she wanted to find out the facts before passing judgment on them. Chi-Chi: (closing the study door behind her) Okay, what happened between you two last night? Duo: (to Melfina) I'll explain. (to Chi-Chi) It was late last night and I was already fast asleep. Melfina wakes me up and tells me that she's cold. So, I offer her to sleep in my bed with me. At first, things seemed normal. We were facing in opposite directions. I fell asleep again, until I felt Melfina's arm drape over my shoulder. I ignored it, thinking it was nothing. Before I know it, she's snuggled up against me. Chi-Chi kept an eye on Melfina while Duo told their story. Melfina didn't seem to be reacting at all. Chi-Chi couldn't tell if she was so sure that Duo was telling the truth or if she was just hoping that Duo would cover up for them well enough. Duo: I turn to wake her so that she would move, but then I saw her face. She seemed so content and peaceful, so I let her be. When I woke up at about a quarter to eleven this morning, her head was resting against my chest. I woke her up and we talked, making sure that we didn't actually do anything last night. Then we heard Jessie knock on the door. Melfina jumped out on the wrong side of the bed and was trying to get back to hers before Jessie could come in. But she opened the door without waiting. And that's basically what happened. Chi-Chi: Melfina, is that true? Melfina: I was asleep most of the time. But for the parts for which I was awake, he's right. Chi-Chi: And nothing happened between you two? Duo: Nothing. Melfina: We're sure of it. Chi-Chi: I hope you don't mind me asking, but is there anything between you two period? Duo: Well... Melfina: Um... Chi-Chi: Do you really love each other? Duo: I guess it depends on what you mean by 'really love each other.' Melfina: I think we care about each other enough to, well, maybe love each other. Duo: What can I say? There's no one else like her in the mansion! Melfina is so special. She does everything without arguing, she does well enough in the challenges, and she's friendly with everyone. I know it's weird, but I might love her. Chi-Chi: Melfina? Do you feel the same way? Melfina: It's funny. You would think that I'd try to defend my relationship with Gene, but... I can't help myself. Maybe it has to do with the fact that he's the only person here I've trusted since day one. I guess the first bond is always the strongest. Chi-Chi: (nods in agreement) I think it's great that you two are in love. Duo and Melfina: (together) You do? Chi-Chi: Yes. But you two are still young teenagers. I hope you know that you've got to keep your urges down. Duo: (sweatdrops) No problem. I don't think we're anywhere close to having urges yet. Melfina: Yeah. Whatever urge you're talking about, I'm sure I won't get any. Chi-Chi: I hope so. We do have impressionable young ones in the house. You understand that they're the last two people I want in the house finding out about... Duo: (stopping Chi-Chi) We understand, Chi-Chi. I promise... we'll talk and cuddle, but that's as far as we'll go. Melfina: I promise as well! It wouldn't do me any good if I'm on your bad side, would it? Chi-Chi: (smiles) Good girl. I think you two are mature enough to handle yourselves. Now, I want you two to help out with the chores today. Okay? Duo and Melfina nod before Chi-Chi turns and opens the door leading out of the study. Duo and Melfina both breath a sigh of relief. Melfina: I'm sorry about last night, Duo. I didn't know just sleeping with you to stay warm would be so troublesome. Duo: Don't worry about it. As long as we keep ourselves in check, we'll be fine. Duo then walks past Melfina and heads out into the hall. After standing there for a few seconds to think about things, Melfina follows him out. Duo: (CC) Maybe sharing a room with Melfina wasn't my brightest idea after all. I just hope things don't get any worse. *** A little later in afternoon, a hesitant Jeri picks up the phone and starts dialing a number on it. She shakes nervously as she takes a seat on a nearby chair and waits for someone to pick up. After a few rings, her prayers are answered. Female Voice: (VO) Matsuki Bakery. May I take your order? Jeri: Hi, Mrs. Matsuki. It's me, Jeri. Mrs. Matsuki: (VO) Jeri? It's nice to hear from you. Do you want to talk to Takato? Jeri: Yes. Please. Mrs. Matsuki: (VO) Hold on. I'll get him. He just got home from school a few minutes ago. The other end goes silent except for some background noise. Jeri waits for what seems like forever until she hears Takato's voice on the other end. Takato: (VO) Hello? Jeri? Jeri: (smiles) Takato. Takato: (VO) What's up? Are you okay? Jeri: I'm fine. I just felt homesick a little today, so I wanted to call someone from home. Takato: (VO) I see. So, how are you doing so far? Jeri: (lying a little bit) Okay. I'm kind of in the middle of the field right now. Some of the challenges are a bit harder than I thought. Takato: (VO) Stick with it, Jeri. I know you'll do fine. We're all cheering for you at home. Rika too. She says she hopes you kick their butts! Jeri: That's just like Rika. Tell her that I'll win it for all of you. Minus the actual kicking their butt part, of course. Takato: (VO) Of course. Jeri: Takato... can I ask you something? Takato: (VO) Sure. Jeri: There's this boy hear who's having trouble with me and his girlfriend. Takato: (VO) Come again? He likes you? Jeri: Sort of. But he has a girlfriend already. It's not like he's trying to backstab her or anything. He just likes to flirt a lot. Takato: (VO) Uh huh. But do you have feelings for him? Jeri: I'm finding it hard to help him keep his relationship in check and keep myself from falling in love with him at the same time. Let's just keep it at that. Takato: (VO) How can I help? Jeri: I think I've got it pretty much under control. I just... I just wanted to calm my nerves, so I decided that talking to you was the best way to do that. Takato: (VO) Glad I could help... I guess. Jeri: Sorry about bothering you, Takato. It's just... Takato: (VO) Don't worry about it. Just call me whenever you need to talk. Okay? Jeri: That's so sweet. Thanks, Takato. Takato: (VO) You're welcome, Jeri. Goodbye! Jeri: Bye! Talk to you later! Jeri hangs the phone up and then breathes a sigh of relief. She sits there for a few minutes and tries to contemplate her next move. Jeri: (to herself) How can I draw Mondo's attention away from me and keep him focused on not upsetting his girlfriend? *** Later that same day, Roger and Keitaro were in their bedroom, talking strategy. Roger: (CC) They've gone too far. It's time to form an alliance against them. Keitaro: (CC) I think I have an idea of what Roger's going to suggest. I'm not going to like it, though. Roger: We've got to do this quickly if we hope to salvage any chance we have at winning. Keitaro: What? It can't be that hopeless already! Roger: Chi-Chi's motherly instincts are already kicking in. She's already got Jessie in the palm of her hand. She just reprimanded Duo and Melfina this afternoon. And you know Mondo and Jeri won't go against anyone of authority. Add in the fact that she helped teach Bit and Joey a lesson too. Keitaro: That's eight out of twelve! That just leaves... Roger: You, me, Kiyone... and Faye. Keitaro: You're not exactly in Faye's good graces. I bet she wouldn't team up with you. Roger: Let me worry about her. You've been getting very close to Kiyone. I want you to get her on our side. Keitaro: Are you nuts? I'm not going to agree to that! Roger: Why? Because you're in love with her? Keitaro: Why do you always think that? Duo and Melfina share a room and here we are, ten days later, they like each other. Mondo and Jeri share a room. They may have significant others, but they're fighting the urge to fall in love. Roger: (raising an eyebrow) And what's your point? Keitaro: It's all a bunch of crap! All four of them aren't in love. They're just trying to take advantage of each other! Just like you're trying to take advantage of Faye and you're making me try to get the upper hand on Kiyone. It doesn't work that way! Roger: And this from a guy who's already seen half of the females in the house practically naked on accident. Keitaro: All I'm saying is that if we are going to team-up, we should focus on taking away from Chi-Chi's followers, not what she has yet to convince yet. Roger: It's not going to work. We should stick to my plan. I'm the one who negotiates with terrorists, mad bombers, and insane asylum escapees. You're the one who's failed the entrance exams to Tokyo University three times! Who do you think is smarter? Keitaro: (sighs in defeat) Fine. We'll stick to your plan. But I'm warning you, it's not going to work. Roger: Just worry about getting Kiyone and I'll worry about getting Faye. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Day Eleven The next morning, Roger and Keitaro were putting their plan into action. Whether they were following the same plan or not was another story... Roger headed downstairs and towards the front door. He opens it and finds his target right where he expected her to be. Faye, as usual, was having her morning smoke. Roger was staring at her back. That is, before she notices that he's staring at her. Faye: (turning to face him) Why are you pestering me so early in the morning? Roger: I want to make a deal with you. Faye: I'm not interested in going on a date with you. I'm not going to keep telling you that. Roger: No. A different kind of deal. Faye: What makes you think that I'm going to form an alliance with you? Roger: Why not? Faye: Because I don't trust you! In fact, I don't trust any of the men here! Not even you! Roger: I'm not going to backstab you. I promise. Faye: I've made too many deals in the past where people have taken advantage of me. It's not going to happen again. Roger: Faye, this will be worth it! Faye drops what's left of her cigarette onto the ground before stomping out the flame with her boots. She then pushes Roger aside as she walks back inside. Faye: 50-50. Roger: What? Faye: I get you into the Final Four vote, push some support towards you so you win, and then we split the prize money. Roger: It's not that kind of deal! Faye: Then there's no deal at all. Faye closes the door behind her, locking Roger outside in nothing but his black robe and underwear. Roger: Faye, open the door! It's freezing out here! You know I don't have my key with me! *** While this was all going on, Keitaro had confronted Jessie in the hallway and was talking with her, in hopes of swaying her towards their alliance. Jessie: You bet! I'm in! Keitaro: That's it? Just like that? Jessie: Of course! I've been waiting for the opportunity to get back at Chi-Chi, but I've been lacking the support to do so. Keitaro: Great! Roger and I will let you know when we're ready to go. Keitaro then walks away, happy about his accomplishment. Jessie just stands there, thinking about the deal she just made. Jessie: (VO) This is great! Once we overthrow Chi-Chi, I'll get rid of Roger. Then Keitaro will have to follow me or suffer just like them. It's perfect. As Jessie is enraptured thinking about her plan, she doesn't notice Keitaro open the door to one of the second floor bathrooms and enter it. For some reason, Keitaro, as he enters, fails to notice the sound of water running in the shower from inside. Keitaro: I'm coming in to relieve myself! Don't mind me! He then notices that someone's in the shower. Someone small, as was apparent by the silhouette that could be seen bouncing off the blue shower curtains. Keitaro: (thinking to himself) Probably Mondo. He won't mind. He walks over to the toilet and begins to do his business. Things seem to be going very smoothly as he finishes. He then goes to flush it, only to hear a shriek from the shower as he does. Jeri: Eeeekkkk! Keitaro: (cautiously) That didn't sound like Mondo... Jeri pops her head out from behind the shower curtains and sees Keitaro standing there. Keitaro: (screams) Aaaaahhh! Jeri: (screams) Aaaaahhh! Keitaro: (points at Jeri) Jeri? Jeri: (shouts) Dad! Keitaro: (confused) Dad? Jeri: (blushes) Sorry. Force of habit. (shouting again) Keitaro! Jessie: (bursts in the door) What's going on now? Keitaro: Jessie? Jessie: (growls) Keitaro. Keitaro: Jessie, it's not what you think! Jessie: (starts to approach Keitaro) Oh, someone already used that excuse yesterday! *** Outside, on the second floor outdoor greenhouse/balcony, Kiyone was glancing over at the Masaki shrine. She was wearing her trench coat over her normal clothes because it was quite cold outside. But she was able to bear it... just for another glimpse at the life that's she taking a vacation from. Kiyone: It was nice to see Sasami the other day. And I'll see Tenchi at all the challenges. But it still doesn't feel the same. I thought my life would be better for these six weeks because I'm away from them all. Kiyone then sighs with disappointment. Kiyone: But it's been anything but that. I miss seeing Ryoko and Ayeka bicker over who should marry Tenchi. I miss seeing Washu and her crazy experiments. I miss eating everything Sasami could cook. Heck, I'd even go out on a limb and say that I miss that blunderhead, Mihoshi. Then again... Kiyone's thoughts were interrupted when Keitaro comes flying onto the balcony and over the railing... until he manages to catch it with his arms. Kiyone gasps in horror and runs over to try and pull him back up. Kiyone: Hold on, Keitaro! Keitaro is hanging on, but we can visibly see a red boot print... Jessie's, to be exact, on his face. *** Back inside... Jessie: (yelling in the bathroom) Be useful for once, twerpette! Lock the door when you're in the shower! Jessie then closes the door and walks away, dusting her hands off as she does. Jessie: I swear. One moment, Keitaro's a tactical genius. The next, he stupidly stumbles across a girl in a compromising position. What is his angle, anyway? *** And back on the balcony, Kiyone has managed to pull Keitaro back on to the balcony and out of harm's way. They're both breathing heavily; Kiyone facing up towards the sky, while Keitaro is breathing right into the cold balcony cement floor. Kiyone: Let me guess... you did it again, didn't you? Keitaro: (looking up at her) Like I said before, I don't do it on purpose! It's just that I have stupid luck! Kiyone: That stupid luck is going to make a lot of enemies for you. Especially among the women. Keitaro: Don't I know it. (thinking to himself, VO) Wait! This is my chance to ask Kiyone about our alliance. Kiyone gets up and walks back over to the railing, where she resumes her watch of the Masaki shrine, more than a mile away. Keitaro eventually gets to his feet, gaining the courage to ask Kiyone as he does so. Keitaro: Sorry to bother you, Kiyone, but can I ask you something? Kiyone: (without turning around) Go ahead. Keitaro: Roger, Faye, Jessie, and I are forrming an alliance to go against Chi-Chi and her supporters. I was thinking... well... would you like to join us? Kiyone continues to talk to Keitaro without detracting her attention from her view of the shrine. Kiyone: One, I don't see how in the world you're going to get Roger and Faye together without some special perk. Keitaro: (laughs nervously) I told him that too, but he won't listen to me. Kiyone: And two, I don't think getting into an alliance is worth it. Keitaro: (becoming serious) Why not? Kiyone: Frankly, alliances don't last forever. Someone eventually has to backstab someone else in the group. Sure, you may be all focused on the same immediate goal. But in the end, only one person is going to win the prize money. And every single person on that team wants to win it as bad as you do. Keitaro: I know that! But none of us will have a chance if we don't do this! We're not even sure if the five of us will be enough. As far as we know, everyone else listens to Chi-Chi. You're our only hope. Kiyone: Keitaro. Keitaro then glances at Kiyone as she finally turns around to face him. Kiyone: Do what you wish. But it's not in my best interests to join an alliance. It's nothing personal against you, despite what you may think. I just wish to follow my own path. I hope you understand. Keitaro nods and then slowly starts to back away. As he does, Kiyone turns back around and starts glancing at the Masaki shrine again. *** Just after lunch, the residents receive an e-mail informing them of their next challenge. Melfina and Joey are there, printing out all of the information they need. Joey: The e-mail says that our next challenge will test our card playing skills. But it also says you'll have to work together with your partner to beat the master. Melfina: It means we have another roommate challenge. Joey: And that means another chance to earn some money! Bit and I will get through this, no sweat! (VO) Especially if I think they're talking about that type of card game. *** Twenty minutes later, the 12 residents are in front of the Okayama Community Center, where Tenchi is waiting for them. Tenchi: (waving hello to them) Good afternoon! Are you guys ready for your second roommate challenge? The whole group nods in agreement. Tenchi: Great! Now, get into your respective pairs, and then we'll head in to start today's challenge. The group does so before following Tenchi inside. Tenchi leads them into the main gym, where they see sets of tables set up at the other end. They line up in a straight line, facing Tenchi. [The team assignments [starting from Tenchi's left]: (Yellow) Joey and Bit, (Pink) Kiyone and Faye, (White) Mondo and Jeri, (Red) Keitaro and Roger, (Green) Chi-Chi and Jessie, (Blue) Melfina and Duo] Tenchi: Today's challenge is called 'Card Game Medley.' Over the next three hours, you are going to learn how to play card games based on three immensely popular anime shows. Of course, I'm talking about Pokémon, Digimon, and Yu-Gi-Oh! Joey and Jeri seem to be excited about this challenge. Mondo and Jessie show some signs of happiness, while everyone else is confused over the whole thing. Tenchi: At the end of the three hour period, each team will challenge one of our three master players. Your job is to beat the master player for the card game you select at his game. You will be given thirty minutes to do so. The group continued to listen on with interest. Tenchi: The results of that battle will determine how much money each of you will add to your personal pots. I'll explain how that's going to work in detail later on. First of all, we need to deal with the issue of the games themselves. With the exception of Jeri and Joey, I hope, none of you have any idea of how to play any of these card games, right? Faye: Well Tenchi, it's not something we exactly make a living out of it. Tenchi: Fair enough. And I don't expect you to learn the games from instruction booklets and pamphlets. I've called in some assistants to help you 12 learn the games first-hand. The back door of the gym opens as six individuals step out. Three of them are teenagers and the other three are in their tweens (i.e. between 10 and 13 years old). Four of them are guys, while the other two are girls. One of the assistants recognizes one of the competitors and runs excitedly towards him. Y Assistant 1: Joey! It's me! Joey: (noticing her) Téa? Joey runs up to meet Téa at mid-court. They share a hug, as they haven't seen each other in almost two weeks. Joey: Unbelievable! They picked you? Téa: Well, I did beat you once. Remember? Joey: (sweatdrops) Don't remind me. Y Assistant 2: (walking up to them) It's you again. Joey: (in surprise) Kaiba? You're helping out too? Kaiba: It's not like it'll help you. The master will beat you, hands down! Joey: We'll see about that! The two Digimon assistants run up, also noticing someone familiar. D Assistant 1: It's Jeri! What is she doing here? D Assistant 2: I dunno know. Beats me. Jeri: Kazu? Kenta? Kazu: We have to tutor the pipsqueak? Kenta: Kazu! You know Rika's been tutoring her! She could probably kick our... Jeri: At least I'll have someone who's on my level to battle with. Kazu: You wish, Jeri. Rika may be training you, but you're still not as good as me. Finally, the two Pokémon assistants walk up. The first one recognizes Jessie, but the second one doesn't. P Assistant 1: It's you! Jessie: The twerp's twin! P Assistant 1: My name's Richie and Ash is not my twin! P Assistant 2: Are you sure? You look quite alike. Jessie: I don't remember you. Who are you? P Assistant 2: Jeanette Fisher, trainer and card game expert from Crimson City. Richie: Just be glad she didn't bring her fan club with her. Jeanette: I'm a good card player! I don't need their support all of the time! Tenchi then coughs, getting everyone's attention. The competitors get back in line while the assistants get in a line opposite of them. Tenchi: Let me do introductions for the cameos, since some of you don't know them. Our Pokémon reps are Richie and Jeanette, both highly skilled Pokémon trainers and card game players. Our Digimon reps are Kazu and Kenta, who are among West Shinjuku's best Digimon card game experts. And our Yu-Gi-Oh reps are Téa and Kaiba, the best that the world of Duel Monsters has to offer. Tenchi then points to the tables in the back of the gym. The assistants take their places and start setting up a few practice decks. Tenchi: When I say 'Go,' you will have exactly three hours to learn how to play these card games. Now, here are the rules of the training session. The pair may stay together and play one game at a time, or split up so that each of you learn a different game. You may try to learn one game over the whole three hour period, or split your time amongst all three. It's up to you. Just know that session will end in three hours and not a second later. At that moment, each team must decide which game they will play. Each team will then play a game against that particular master, in hopes of winning. That's basically the gist of it. The teams start discussing which game they want to try out first. Their discussions are cut short though, as Tenchi raises his hand into the air. Tenchi: Ready? (dropping his arm) Go! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * [Roommate Challenge 2: Card Game Medley] The teams try to decide where to start. Mondo and Jeri, Chi-Chi and Jessie, and Kiyone and Faye head off immediately. Mondo and Jeri start at the Digimon table, while the other two teams go straight for the Pokémon game. Joey and Bit initially head off towards the Yu-Gi-Oh table, while Melfina and Duo and Keitaro and Roger continue to think about it. Seto: No one can beat me, the ultimate Duel Monsters champion! Joey: (whispers to Bit) There's Kaiba, blowing hot air again. Bit: I see. Seto: So, are you going to try and beat the Yu-Gi-Oh master, Joey? Joey: (smiles) I might give it a try. Seto: Good luck. With your luck, you'll never beat him. Joey: Hey! Téa: Kaiba! We're trying to help them, not discourage them. Bit: (looking at one of the cards) This looks interesting. I think I'll try this game. Joey: I'll go look at the other two games and see if they're worth learning. I'll be right back. Joey walks off as Bit sits down at the table, waiting to see if Joey, or anyone else, for that matter, would join him. While this was all happening, Duo and Melfina join the large congregation at the Pokémon table. That leaves Keitaro and Roger, who finally make their decision. Roger: There's too many people trying to learn the Pokémon game. We'll never get enough time to learn it. I think we should spend our time split between the two other games. Keitaro: So, which one should we try? Roger: I'll start with the Yu-Gi-Oh game, you start with the Digimon one. At halfway, we'll switch. Keitaro: That way, we'll know both games and figure out which one will give us the best chance to win. Roger: Exactly. So, they split up as stated. So Chi-Chi, Jessie, Melfina, Duo, Kiyone, Faye, and Joey are all at the Pokémon table, Mondo, Jeri, and Keitaro at the Digimon table, and Bit and Roger at the Yu-Gi-Oh table. Faye: You mean people actually trade these stupid little cards? Jeanette: Don't let these cards fool you. The Pokémon card game is very complex. Jessie: What are you talking about? I bet that it's easier than you put on. Richie: And what do you know about the trading card game, Jessie? Jessie: I've never played it, but it can't be any harder than actually catching a Pokémon in real life. Richie: In that case, how about a practice match? Just so the others can see how the game actually works. Jeanette pulls out a card out of nowhere and puts it down on the table. Jeanette: Bellsprout, I choose you! Jessie: You're on! *** As the practice match begins, we hop over to the Yu-Gi-Oh table. Since there's only two of them there, Bit and Roger are getting one-on-one help. Téa is helping out Bit, while Kaiba is assisting Roger. Téa: You always have two decks in front of you. A main deck, which consists of a minimum of 40 cards, and a side deck, which consists of exactly 15 cards. When gameplay starts, you draw five from the main deck and play off of those. Bit: Uh huh. (pulling out a card from the deck) And what does this card do? Seto: (butting in) Fissure. Eliminates the Duel Monster currently on the field with the lowest attack power. Téa: I was about to tell him that! Seto: Just trying to help. (to Roger) Now, the perfect deck not only consists of the most powerful monsters, but also a good number of magic and trap cards to compliment them. Roger: What's the game's most powerful monster? Seto: (smirks) My one and only speciality... the Blue Eyes White Dragon! Bit: (shouts) Cool! Can I see that one? Téa: (yelling at Bit) I'm the one teaching you, not Kaiba! Pay attention to me! *** (Time elapsed - 0:15) The practice game at the Pokémon table is about to come to an end... Jeanette: And that Ember attack from my Charmander should easily knock out your Gloom. Jessie: (getting up in a hurry) That's impossible! How could you beat me that easily? Jeanette: I'm one of the experts, remember? Jessie: I don't have to stand here and be embarrassed? I'm going to go try out another game! Jessie then walks off towards the Yu-Gi-Oh game, leaving her teammate Chi-Chi and the others stunned. Chi-Chi: Jessie, give it another chance! Richie: (sighs) Forget it. She's not coming back. Jeanette: So... who wants to try and learn this game? *** [Challenge Fast Forward] (TE - 0:30) Duo and Melfina, employing the 'check out all of the games first' strategy, move from Pokémon to Digimon. (TE - 0:45) Chi-Chi, not getting enough attention at Pokémon, joins her teammate Jessie at Yu-Gi-Oh. [End Challenge Fast Forward] *** Meanwhile, Mondo is struggling at Digimon as Jeri and Kazu watch. (Kenta's currently showing Duo and Melfina how to play.) Mondo: (facefaults) I'll never win at this! Why can't we play with my card deck? Jeri: That's not how it works. You can only play one of the three games that they have here. Kazu: You're just not cool enough to learn it, that's all! Mondo: Do you mind if we try something else, Jeri? I don't feel comfortable with this. Jeri: (sighs, then turns to Kazu) We'd better... Kazu: Go ahead. But there's no game cooler than Digimon! Mondo and Jeri decide to try out the Pokémon game. *** [Challenge Fast Forward] (TE - 1:00) Joey moves to Digimon, while Melfina, Duo, Kiyone, and Faye all move to Yu-Gi-Oh. (TE - 1:30) Keitaro and Roger switch games, as planned (Keitaro goes to Yu-Gi-Oh; Roger goes to Digimon). Meanwhile, Duo and Melfina decide to go back to the Digimon game and stay there. (TE - 2:00) Kiyone and Faye move over to try the Digimon game. Bit joins his teammate Joey at the Digimon game as well, after finding out that the Yu-Gi-Oh game wasn't as easy as he thought. [End Challenge Fast Forward] *** Time for the practice session has expired. Tenchi has gathered the six teams in front of him. The six assistants stand off to the side. Tenchi: Well, your three hours are up. Let's see how much you've learned. Tenchi produces a small bag and six little scraps of paper. He throws the scraps into the bag, closes his fist around the opening, and then shakes the bag to mix the papers up. Tenchi: The six scraps of paper I just put into this bag each have a number from one to six. Whatever number each team draws will determine the order in which you will go. Only one team will go at a time. As you pull a piece out, please keep your number to yourselves until I tell you otherwise. Tenchi walks up to each of the teams. One at a time, Mondo, Chi-Chi, Melfina, Kiyone, Bit, and Keitaro draw a number. Tenchi: Here's how it works. Whomever has the scrap with a '1' on it will go first. The assistants that correspond with the game that they choose will lead them to the proper game and the awaiting expert. I will lead the other teams to a room off to the side, where they will wait their turn. Téa: You may be playing to win these games, but time is your main adversary. Kazu: How long you last in your respective battles determines the finishing order of this event! Richie: The first place $50,000 addition will go to the team who wins their battle in the least amount of time. Jeanette: Places continue down with the teams who win their matches, according to time. Kenta: If your team expends the thirty minute limit without winning or losing, you will be given the next placements. Seto: And if your team loses, you will be ranked according to time as well, with the team that was eliminated the fastest finishing in last. Tenchi: Those are the rules, folks. Now, may I ask which team drew number one? Chi-Chi and Jessie raise their hands. Tenchi: And which game are you going to play? Chi-Chi: We have chosen to play Yu-Gi-Oh. Tenchi: Kaiba and Téa, please escort them to the dueling room. The rest of you, please follow me to the waiting room. *** As the other teams head off to the waiting room, Jeri and Mondo are deep in discussion. Mondo: Are you sure about this, Jeri? Jeri: Yes. I need to win a challenge! I haven't won one yet. I'd like to play the Digimon game, but I have an idea of who the expert might be. If it's her, then we won't stand a chance. She is the one who taught me the game after all, but I'm not anywhere near as good as she is. Mondo: I'm not too sure about the game we chose, though. I was struggling with it too. Jeri: We'll just have to trust our instincts. Mondo: We can do it. I bet we can! Jeri: (CC) I hope that I won't live to regret my choice. *** Meanwhile, the first team enters the dueling room. Kaiba and Téa glance over to the other side of the room, where the three experts are sitting. Chi-Chi and Jessie look over there as well. There, they see that the experts look like children. Jessie: Figures... only brats would spend their time playing cards. Chi-Chi: Jessie, quiet! D Expert: You're just lucky you're not playing me. P Expert: Rika! We're supposed to keep our identities a secret! Rika: Like you're helping matters, Joe! Joe: Hey! Kaiba: Pipe down, you two! Rika jumps out of her seat to yell back, but Joe grabs her by the shoulders and holds her down in her seat. Y Expert: You'll have to excuse them. They're just itching for a fight. Seto: If they want one, Yugi, they should see us battle. Yugi: Another time, Kaiba. (turns to Jessie and Chi-Chi) Ready to battle? Yugi had already uses his Millennium Puzzle to transform into his battle ego, so all that was left was to call forth the battle field and get the cards ready. Seto heads for a laptop on a table on one side of the room, while Téa goes to the other side and searches for a few Yu-Gi-Oh decks. She finds what she's looking for as Chi-Chi, Jessie, and Yugi come up to her. Téa: Chi-Chi, we have two starter decks here. Pick one for your team. Yugi will get the other one. Chi-Chi does as she is told, taking one of the decks from Téa. Yugi takes the other. Téa then shows them six more decks of forty cards each on the table. Téa: Jessie, pick one of these random decks. Yugi, pick one as well. The two quickly take a deck of their choice. Téa: Combine the two decks you now have. The cards in them, ninety in total for each side, will be what you'll be using for this match. Good luck! As this is all happening, a virtual computer generated field appears in the center of the room. Two podiums also appear on either side. Chi-Chi and Jessie go to the blue platform, while Yugi goes to the red. Seto: At this time, you may set up your deck as we taught you in the practice session. 15 cards in the side deck, 5 cards in your hand, and the rest in your main deck. Make sure to shuffle both decks. (to Chi-Chi and Jessie) As the challengers, you will draw the first card. Téa: (after a minute) Both teams will start with 2000 life points. The team that runs out of life points first, loses. If you're all ready, then the 30 minute time limit begins now! Chi-Chi holds the cards while Jessie picks one and plays it face up. Jessie: I'll start by summoning the Dark Titan of Terror, in attack mode! Yugi: And I'll call forth Neo the Magic Swordsman in attack mode! Neo the Magic Swordsman eliminates the Dark Titan of Terror, taking away 400 life points. Chi-Chi draws another card from the deck and places it in her hand. Jessie picks two cards to play. (Chi-Chi/Jessie 1600, Yugi 2000) Jessie: Destroyer Golem, in attack mode! Plus, I'll also play Wasteland, which raises my monster's attack points by 200! Yugi: Fair enough. But that makes it a draw, since both monsters have the same amount of attack points. Both Neo the Magic Swordsman and Destroyer Golem are discarded. Yugi draws a card, then puts one down. Yugi: Gaia, the Fierce Knight, in attack mode! (plays two more) I'll also play Aqua Madoor in defense mode, as well as place a card face down. Chi-Chi: (to Jessie, after drawing two cards) I have an idea... try this one. Jessie: Judge Man, in attack mode! Judge Man destroys the Aqua Madoor. Yugi doesn't lose any life points though, since it was in defense mode. [Challenge Fast Forward] Yugi has Gaia the Fierce Knight destroy Judge Man. (Chi-Chi/Jessie 1500, Yugi 2000) For lack of a better monster, Jessie summons Silver Fang. Gaia the Fierce Knight defeats that one, too. (C/J 400, Y 2000) The team gets a break when they place the Dark Magician on the battlefield. They win the battle and finally cut into Yugi's life points. (C/J 400, Y 1800) Yugi then comes upon a lack of good cards. In the next three turns, he draws Spike Seadra and Metal Dragon in attack mode and Tyhone Winged Beast in defense mode. All three are eliminated by the Dark Magician. At the same time, Chi-Chi and Jessie draw Sparks, a Magic card that inflicts 200 life points of damage, and then the monster Koumori Dragon, in attack mode. (C/J 400, Y 250) [End Challenge Fast Forward] Jessie: (laughs) You're the expert? It looks like you're about to lose! Yugi finally gets a stroke of luck, as he pulls out and plays the Red Eyes Black Dragon. Téa: What you two don't know is that Yugi always believes in the cards! He'll find a way to win! Yugi: Too little, too late, Téa... because I've got the card I'm looking for right here. (drops a card) The Red Eyes Black Dragon, in attack mode! Jessie: What are you talking about? That's still weaker than the Dark Magician! Chi-Chi: (sighs) But it's much stronger than the Koumori Dragon you put down last turn! Jessie: (in surprise) What? Yugi: Your partner's right. My dragon has an attack power of 2400. Yours only has 1500. The Red Black Eyes Dragon irradicates the Koumori Dragon. (C/J 0, Y 250 - Time: 09:17) Yugi: And that takes your life points down to zero! Jessie: Damn! We were so close! That's not fair! Yugi: You were too focused on your Dark Magician that you didn't consider how putting a monster like the Koumori Dragon would put you at a disadvantage. Looks like you two have learned your lesson. Chi-Chi: How come we didn't see that coming? Jessie: Because I really thought we could win this! Seto: It looks like that even the great Yugi can be beaten if given a completely random deck. Yugi: But no matter the circumstances, trusting in the heart of the cards lead me to victory. *** A few minutes later, Kazu and Kenta escort Joey and Bit to the dueling room as a defeated Chi-Chi and Jessie are shown to the waiting room by Téa and Kaiba. Joey: Any luck, ladies? Jessie: (without looking at him) Shut up. Bit: Looks like they lost. *** In the dueling room, the foursome enters. Upon seeing Kazu and Kenta enter, Rika smirks and gets out of her seat. Joe and Yugi decide to chat a bit while this battle goes on. Rika: About time you two dummies brought me someone to battle. Kazu: I don't think you should be so smug. We trained these two real good. Rika: We'll see. Kenta, get the virtual field ready. Kazu, get the cards. We'll see how talented these two stooges are. Joey: Who are you calling a stooge? Bit: Yeah! We can beat a little girl at a card game! Rika: (raises an eyebrow) Little? Kazu: Shouldn't have done that, guys. You picked the wrong girl to mess with. Rika: Let's battle! I'll show how much of a 'little girl' I really am! Well, this little girl's named Rika Nonaka. And I never lose at a game of Digimon! Kazu: (to Kenta) Except to Ryo, of course. Rika's face turns white at the sound of his name. But she keeps her composure and ignores them... for now. Rika: (coughs) Ahem. Let's get this battle started. End Episode Five Tenchi: (VO) On the next episode of Roomies... Rika: Nobody makes fun of the Digimon Queen and bests me in a battle! Tenchi: (VO) The card experts defend their honor by taking it out on our teams... Mondo: (puts a card down) I'm adding a water energy card to my Gyarados! Joe: I'll switch my Cubone out and make my Haunter my active Pokémon! Rika picks a card from her deck and smiles as she looks at her opponent. Rika: And now, the final blow! Melfina: (smiles) Add that one, that one, and that one! Duo: Mel... are you sure? Roger: Play that one! (points to a card) That one! Yugi: I call forth the Celtic Guardian, in attack mode! Tenchi: (VO) With mixed results... Kiyone: (CC) Why couldn't we finish him off? It's like he had something for every situation! Duo: Melfina seems so sure of it. Tenchi: (VO) And after the challenge, it's back to politics in the mansion, as usual... Jessie: It's time put part two of my plan into action! Faye: Can you believe he, of all people, asked me to help him? Tenchi: (VO) But the biggest surprise thus far shocks everyone... Keitaro: (gasps) We're going to... Tenchi: (VO) Keitaro! Don't spoil it for everyone! Kiyone: I've always wanted to go to... Tenchi: (VO) Sorry Kiyone, but you can't say it either. Joey: (CC) This ought to be super... Tenchi: (VO) Joey... oh, never mind. Just don't dare miss the next episode of Roomies! Duo, Bit, Joey, and Keitaro: (simultaneously shouting) Road trip! Additional Author's Notes: Anyone keeping track of the couples is probably somewhat confused after this episode... or they've lost their minds trying to write them all down. I wonder which ones you guys think will hold throughout the course of the series. Yeah, I made a joke about Jeri's dad in the scene where Keitaro catches her in the shower. Well, for those of you who don't know, Jeri lives in a restaurant with a bar. Put together a drunk man and a girl in the shower, and well... Anyway, I already know that recent episodes of the series did show that Jeri's dad does treat her well and care for her. So don't think that the whole scene actually happened sometime during the show, because it sure didn't. Character introductions... let's start with Yu-Gi-Oh. Yugi Moto and Seto Kaiba are two of the best Duel Monsters players in the world. While Yugi believes in the heart of the cards, Kaiba believes in sheer power and high magic. It's always a great battle when these two are involved. As for Téa, without spoiling it since to my knowledge, there's only been one hint of it in the dub, she's the female that travels with Yugi, Joey, and Tristan when they first get to the Duelist Kingdom. Digimon characters, most of you should know already. Rika, better known as the Digimon Queen when it comes to the card game, is one of the main Tamers. Kazu and Kenta are two of the smaller, minor characters, but they have their own Digimon too. Small roles, but they usefulness always comes in handy at the right time. Pokémon characters include Richie, Jeanette, and Joe. Richie, as mentioned, has gained the reputation of Ash's twin. That's because they look the same, act the same, and practically battle the same. Jeanette is a refined trainer from Crimson City, as well as a good grass and bug trainer. Both Richie and Jeanette met Ash as two of his opponents at the Indigo Plateau. Richie's also famous as a competitor from "Roomies 1: Boys' Edition." Joe is probably the one most of you either don't know or don't remember. Joe is a former Pokémon Tech student... the one who was getting 'trained' by his classmates. He also left Tech after Ash and the gang dropped by, but not before making friends with Giselle, our resident 'girl everyone disliked last season for whatever reason.' The conclusion of the card game challenge and departure for a new, temporary mansion... next Tuesday! Copyright Date: 5/28/02