“Roomies 2: Country Living” Fanfic Written by Freedom Fighter Here's a chance to make up one of the missed weeks... a double-length episode! Twice the romance, twice the fighting, twice the challenges, and twice the surprises! Get a snack before sitting down to read this big one! And as if all of that wasn't enough... the second guest cameo appears in this very episode! Oh joy! Episode Rating: PG, maybe borderline PG-13 for a few bad words in the first part of the episode. Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me and never will. No wishful thinking here! ***** Mimi: (VO) Last time, on Roomies... Jeri: I've never been out of Japan before. This should be exciting! Mimi: (VO) The gang leaves Okayama and heads for Smallville. Does that mean it's time for a vacation? Mondo: Los Angeles! I've heard a lot about this place! This is where stars are made! Duo: Don't forget that we're still playing the game here! Jessie: So where's this girl that we're supposed to meet here? Bit: (snickers) Maybe he heard that Keitaro was coming. Keitaro: Hey! Chi-Chi: (CC) We've got quite a dilemma. Roger: (CC) The girl that's meeting us here is stranded and won't get here 'til morning. Mimi: (VO) Alas, the weather kept me in New York for the night, forcing the cast to sleep in Kansas City without me... Roger: You should've gone out, like Faye, Kiyone, and I did. Mimi: (VO) Or so we all thought... Chi-Chi: I can't believe you went out drinking last night! Roger: What was I supposed to do, lay on my bed? Chi-Chi: You should be ashamed of yourself! Roger: You're treating me as if I'm the father of this group! Chi-Chi: You practically are! Kiyone: (CC) Chi-Chi's not happy about us going out last night. Mimi: (VO) And despite my delay, the twelve of them are glad to see me... Jeri: You're Mimi Tachikawa, the Digidestined of Sincerity! Bit: (whispering) You think she's got a boyfriend? Joey: (whispering) With a figure like that? I'd be surprised if she didn't have one. Mimi: (VO) Okay, maybe a little too glad. But who has time to idolize me when the group goes to work... Clarissa: Four of you will be working here, milking the cows. Faye: How exactly do you milk a cow? Mimi: (VO) And then competes in an overdue physical challenge... literally... Mondo: Christmas was over a month ago! Clarissa: Like the young lady said, some of our neighbors are very lazy. As Bit stumbles left and right trying to get back, he's barely halfway home as Chi-Chi reaches her tree and easily lifts it out of the stand. Kiyone: (as Joey crosses the finish line) Good work, Joey! Melfina: We did it! Jessie: You weren't trying hard enough! Bit: I'd like to see you carry that tree! Mimi: (VO) Things have gotten off well... yeah, right. The action continues tonight on a double-length episode of Roomies! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mimi: (VO) 12 anime characters, from different genres, places, and time periods, have been gathered to live together for 42 days in a mansion. But only one will win the grand prize... (Begin theme song, showing each of the contestants one at a time) - Bit, races on jetskis against fellow Zoid pilot Leena - Chi-Chi, preparing dinner for her two sons Gohan and Goten - Duo, piloting the Gundam Deathscythe into battle - Faye, dealing cards to Spike at a casino - Jeri, chasing Leomon all over Shinjuku park - Jessie, reciting the motto with James and Meowth - Joey, beating Mai for his first ever victory - Keitaro, making a sketch of a very sad Shinobu - Kiyone, shopping for groceries with her partner Mihoshi - Melfina, asking Gilliam some questions - Mondo, jumping into the chute leading to the hangar - Roger, getting a rude awakening from Dorothy (Show scenes of Melfina moving her things to a new room; Jessie talks to James and Meowth; Keitaro being chased around the mansion by someone; and Mondo looking out the window at the airport terminal) Mimi: (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 foreground, with the Masaki shrine barely visible in the background.) Mimi: (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 8 - I'm Not That Innocent Day Fifteen (Fourteen) Jeri watches tensely as Melfina reaches into the yellow pouch that Mimi is holding in front of her. The others look on, wondering if they'll have to switch rooms or not. Jeri: (CC) I don't know if I can live with an older roommate. I'm worried that she'll treat me like a kid for sure. Melfina pulls out a slip of paper from the pouch and prepares to read the name aloud to everyone. Jeri closes her eyes and begins to pray. Melfina: Kiyone. She then hands the slip of paper to Mimi, who pockets it and moves on. Melfina: (CC) It'll be weird actually rooming with someone other than Duo. I mean, the two of us have been hitting it off lately. Duo: (CC) I bet Mel's worried about how things will go. But I don't think she could've picked a better female roommate than Kiyone. I'm sure she'll be fine. Duo and Melfina murmur a few things to each other as Mimi turns to Jeri. Mondo: (in the seat behind Jeri) Don't worry! You'll be fine! Just pick one! Jeri reaches into the yellow pouch and quickly pulls out a name. She quickly glances at it, then shows it to Mimi. Mimi: Chi-Chi's your new roommate, it seems. Jeri slumps in her seat, a bit worried over this. She doesn't see Chi-Chi, who seems to be taking the change quite well. Mimi: (walks over to Faye) And by default... Faye reaches in and pulls out Jessie's name from the pouch. Mimi: Faye and Jessie are the last pair of female roommates. The two of them look at each other, but neither of them says a word. Mimi: Now for the guys. (hands the blue pouch to Keitaro) How about you first? Keitaro: (nervously reaches in) Let's see... He ends up pulling out Joey's name. Taking the pouch, Mimi heads for Bit. Joey: (to Bit) At least it'll give me a chance to learn more about him. Bit: (to Joey) What's there to learn? He reaches out, touches a girl in the wrong place, and gets whacked. What more is there to know about him? Mimi: Bit, right? Your turn to draw. Bit reaches into the pouch and fishes around for a name with his hand. As he does, he's staring at Mimi again. Bit: I'm fishing for a name with four letters. Only someone as delicate as you would have a name to match your good looks. Mimi: (not really paying attention) Come again? Bit: (pulls out a slip of paper) Huh? Was I dreaming? Mimi: (takes it from him) Beats me, but I do know that you'll be rooming with Roger for the next few days. Mimi walks off, heading for Duo. Bit turns around to see Roger's reaction. Roger is glaring at him. Bit: (ducking down) I don't think Roger and I are going to get along too well. Joey: (turning around to look at Roger) Why's that? Joey sees Roger glaring in his direction. Scared as well, he ducks down and joins Bit, cowering. Joey: Gee, what's his problem? Bit: (CC) Right now, Roger's the last person I want to share a room with. While this was happening, Duo pulls Mondo's name out of the blue pouch, making them the final pair. Duo: (CC) At least now, I'll get a chance to see how Mondo ticks. He could very well be a threat towards the end. Mondo: (CC) I don't know what to expect from Duo, but who knows? Maybe we'll become best friends by the time this is all over! As the group takes time to absorb this new development, the bus rolls on back into town. *** Upon arrival back at the loft, the first order of business is to move into their new rooms. But there seems to be some discussion over who should keep their current room. Bit: Why do I have to move? Why don't you move? Joey: Because I've got more stuff then you do! It would take longer for me! Bit: So? That's no excuse! Joey: Oh yeah? Says who? Bit: Says me? Keitaro: (entering the room) Bit, you and I are switching roommates, so it would be easier if the two of us switched. Joey: He's right, you know. Bit: (to Keitaro) Who died and made you the room exchanging expert? Keitaro: I'm just trying to help! Sheesh! Finally, things start to get going. Bit finally agrees and switches rooms with Keitaro. Mondo and Jeri are the only ones to completely vacate their room. With help from their new roommates, Chi-Chi helps out Jeri, while Mondo is assisted by Duo. Faye stays in her room, having Jessie use the side of the room Kiyone originally had. And Kiyone, now paired with Melfina, takes the now vacant room left by Mondo and Jeri. *** Soon after all of the moving is done, though, one pair of roommates are already at each other's throats. Faye: This is my side of the room! That is your side! Jessie: I called that side hours ago! Faye: How can you call it? I've been in here the whole time! Jessie: So you think you can keep that side just because you didn't move? Faye: That's how it works, you numbskull! Jessie: Who are you calling a numbskull? Faye: You, you peabrain! The two of them then begin glaring daggers into each other, practically on the verge of tearing each other apart. Luckily, Chi-Chi sees the whole debacle unfolding, so she breaks them up. Chi-Chi: Stop this nonsense, both of you! Jessie: (points at Faye) She started it! Faye: (points at Jessie) You're not putting it on me! It's your fault! Chi-Chi: I don't care whose fault it was! All I know is that the two of you were going to beat the living daylights out of each other if I hadn't stepped in! Faye: (turns away and walks towards her bed) I wouldn't waste my time beating this lowlife up anyway. Jessie: (growls angrily) Tell that to my face, you bitch! Chi-Chi: Hey! Faye: (stands up and stomps back over) Bitch? Who are you calling a bitch, bitch? Both Jessie and Faye lunge for each other at the same time. But Chi-Chi easily overpowers both of them and keeps the two of them from actually touching. Chi-Chi: That's it! You both need a time-out, right now! She then starts pushing Jessie out of the room. Faye follows them out, as now a shouting match erupts between her and Jessie, drawing the attention of almost everyone in the mansion by now. Faye: You think you're so tough? Jessie: I'll fight you right here and now! Faye: You can't take me! Jessie: Just wait 'til I knock you to the ground! Faye: You'll be out like a lamp before that happens! Jessie: I'll tear you limb from limb! Faye: You and what army? Jessie: Why you little... Jessie tries to break free from Chi-Chi's grip, but to no avail. As Chi-Chi starts to drag Jessie downstairs, Kiyone and Roger finally step in and grab a hold of Faye before she is able to lay a hand on Jessie. The two continue to yell at each other until Jessie and Chi-Chi disappear from sight. Duo: (CC) All hell has broken loose. Faye and Jessie are just one step away from a humongous catfight. Keitaro: (CC) I'm lucky I wasn't in the middle of that one. Kiyone: (CC) Thank goodness for Chi-Chi, or things would've gotten a whole lot messier. *** The only two people not upstairs at that moment were Melfina and Jeri, both preparing a late lunch for the group. But even they were wondering what was going on after all of the loud yelling reached them in the kitchen on the first floor. Melfina: I wonder what all of the fuss is about. Jeri: I hope everything's okay. It sounded like there was some fighting going on. Melfina: (gasps) Oh my. I'd better check and see if something bad has happened. Jeri, stay here and watch the soup. As Melfina runs off, we see that Jeri is standing on a stool so that she can see and reach over the stove. She carefully glances inside a giant pot, where the soup is being cooked. Jeri: Melfina... I don't know the first thing about knowing when a soup's done! (yelling) Melfina! *** Melfina finds Chi-Chi in the study on the second floor. Chi-Chi has already gotten Jessie to sit down in one of the chairs. Chi-Chi: Calm down! Jessie: Faye is so obnoxious! The nerve of her to not give me what I want! Melfina: What's going on? Jessie: This doesn't concern you! Chi-Chi: Just because you're mad at Faye doesn't mean that you can take it out on Melfina! Melfina: You were fighting with Faye? Jessie: (jumping out of her seat) I don't have to sit here and answer 20 questions! I'm going out for a walk! Jessie walks past Chi-Chi and Melfina and heads downstairs, on the way out of the loft. Melfina: Why did you let her go? Chi-Chi: It might be best for both her and Faye if they avoided each other for a few hours. At least until they cool down. *** As Jessie walks out the front door and starts making her way down Main Street, Faye goes back to her room and lies down on her bed. Faye: If Jessie thinks she can get her way with me, she's got another thing coming. Jessie: (CC) Our alliance is already on the ropes. And it looks like after this, there won't be an alliance between us, period. Jessie continues to walk away, trying to find a way to get rid of her anger. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * After spending some time with Faye to help calm her down, Kiyone decides to head downstairs and watch some TV before Melfina and Jeri finish making lunch. As she makes her way to the first floor, she sees Keitaro heading in her direction. And he seems to have something in hand. Kiyone: Keitaro, you're just the guy I'm looking for! Keitaro, noticing Kiyone for the first time, tries to hide the object in his hands behind him. Keitaro: (nervously) It's nothing, really! It's just something I do in my spare time. Kiyone: What are you talking about? I just need to talk to you about something. Keitaro: Huh? *** Kiyone leads Keitaro past the dining room, which is already set for lunch. The two enter the living room and head straight for the couch. They both take a seat, with Keitaro remembering to hide his object from Kiyone. Kiyone: I'm worried about Faye. She didn't seem to be too happy with Jessie. Keitaro: That's an understatement... they nearly tore each other apart! Kiyone: They were arguing over which side of the room belonged to whom. Keitaro: But didn't Faye stay in the same room? Kiyone: Yes. Keitaro: Then how does Jessie get to choose? Kiyone: (shrugs her shoulders) Beats me. I don't know where she got the idea from. Keitaro: If that's the case, then why didn't Faye just tell her that? Kiyone: That's what I wanted to talk to you about. It seems that there's more to this argument than I originally thought. Keitaro: You mean... Kiyone: (nods) I really think that they have a grudge against each other. Keitaro: When did this all come about? Kiyone: A few days ago, she said that she had made an alliance with Jessie. She told me that they were planning to find ways to decrease Roger's chances of winning. They thought that he was too athletic. Keitaro: I guess I can agree with that. So, what happened? Kiyone: Faye doesn't trust Jessie. She has reason to believe that Jessie's just using her to get ahead. Keitaro: I could've told you that. She's from Team Rocket. I thought that they were supposed to be ruthless criminals. Kiyone: But for the most part, she's been anything but that. Keitaro: True. But she hasn't been in everyone's good graces either. Kiyone: She must be up to something. That's why Faye doesn't want to be her ally any more. Keitaro: But what is she planning? Kiyone: Keitaro, do you know of any other alliances that she might be a part of? Keitaro: I think she's allied with Chi-Chi, but that's all. Kiyone: Then I guess I'd better go warn her then. Keitaro: (getting up) I'll tell her. Keitaro grabs the object he was holding and runs out of the room before Kiyone can say anything. Kiyone: I guess I'll talk to Jessie then. *** After talking briefly with Chi-Chi, Keitaro heads for the confessional room, which is located on the second floor. He is also still holding that object from earlier. Keitaro: (CC) Two close calls in just a few minutes... that's too much. First, I almost spill the beans about my alliance with Roger. Wait, she knows about that. But she doesn't know that Jessie's in our alliance too. Keitaro then raises up the object he's been holding all of this time up to the screen... his sketchbook. Keitaro: (CC) And the second one is this little beauty. After Naru and the others looked through it when Shinobu returned it to me once... there's no way I want to be embarrassed like that again. Especially with everything I've got in here. *** When Jessie returns to the loft an hour or two later, Kiyone confronts her almost immediately. Kiyone: Whatever you're up to, you need to stop right now before someone gets hurt. Jessie: What are you talking about? Kiyone: Faye thinks that you're up to something. Jessie: She was arguing with me because she thought that? Kiyone: Your track record isn't exactly on par with the rest of us. You have a reputation of being bad. Jessie: It's in my blood. I'm a member of Team Rocket! Kiyone: And that's exactly why I'll be keeping a close eye on you from now. Jessie: You've got nothing on me! Besides, you can't harrass me for something you have yet to prove! Kiyone: For some reason, I have a feeling that that's going to change. Jessie sneers at Kiyone as she walks past and heads to the kitchen to see what's left of lunch. *** Night Fifteen (Fourteen) That night, Faye walks into her bedroom to go to sleep. As expected, she finds Jessie lying down on a bed. Her bed. Faye: (putting her hands on her hips) What are you doing? Jessie: (smirks as she gets off and heads to her bed) Just keeping your bed warm, that's all. Faye: No matter what you do Jessie, I am not giving you my half of the room. Jessie: (jumping on her bed) I don't want it any more. Faye: I'm not giving it to you, and that's... (does a double take) What? You don't want it? Jessie: It's not worth fighting over. Besides, I've got more important things to worry about than which side of the room I'm going to sleep with. Faye: (smiles) Well, I'm glad that you've come to your senses. Jessie: We're going to be roommates for the next few days, so I might as well make the best of it. Faye: (glancing at her weirdly) The best of it? Jessie: (nods) We can't be in an alliance if we don't trust each other, right? Faye: Right... Faye walks over to her side of the room to look for something comfortable to change into. Faye: (CC) If Jessie thinks I'm buying her goody-goody act, she's got another thing coming. Jessie: (CC) So far, so good. My new plan's working. I know Faye's already trying to figure out what I'm up to. She'll never figure it out, though. *** Day Sixteen (Fifteen) The following morning, the group gets up early again to head to the Ten Acre Farm and feed the animals. Everyone has the same duties as they did yesterday, which means that Chi-Chi, Kiyone, Jessie, and Jeri are milking the cows again this morning. Chi-Chi: Everyone hurry up! The faster we get this done, the sooner we can go in and have breakfast! As Chi-Chi begins milking another cow, Jeri walks into the stall. Jeri: I'll be right back. I'm just going to get a drink of water. Chi-Chi: Okay. Don't take too long. Jeri heads out of the barn, but her exit doesn't go unnoticed by Jessie, who is in the process of moving from one cow to another. *** Jeri returns a few minutes later, having satisfied her pallet for the moment. All of a sudden, Jessie pulls Jeri into one of the stalls before anyone can see them. Jeri: Jessie, what's the meaning of... Jessie: (covering Jeri's mouth with her hand) Quiet! Do you want Chi-Chi to hear? Jeri calms down, convincing Jessie to remove her hand from Jeri's mouth. Jessie: You're tired of this, right? Jeri: (wiping the sweat from her forehead) A little bit. This isn't easy, milking a cow and all. Jessie: What would you say if I could get you out of this? Jeri: (blinks) Why would I want to get out of it? We're earning money for working, after all. Jessie: But we shouldn't be forced to work. Especially you! You're just a kid! Jeri: But I'm trying to do my part! Jessie: Where's that going to get you? You know just as well as I do that only one person a month from now will walk away with any money in their pockets. (holding a finger up) Only one! Jeri: And it's going to be me, as long as I do what I'm supposed to. Jessie: You really think that? You're the innocent little girl of the group. You're here so that everyone feels sorry for you every time you trip up in a challenge. That's your only role. Jeri: That's not true! Jessie: Oh really? In both of the physical challenges, you were picked dead last. Doesn't that tell you something? Jeri: I know I'm not the most athletic person here, but I always contribute whatever I can. Jessie: That'll only get you so far. However, if you stick with me, I'll guarantee that you'll get to the top. Jeri: (raises an eyebrow) Can I trust you? Jessie: Think about it! Out of all of the people here, we share a bond that causes us to be despised by everyone else. Jeri: What's that? Jessie: We're in shows in which our monsters are more adored than we are. Jeri: (gasps) You're kidding! Jessie: Ever been to an anime store before? You'll see a whole lot more stuff modeled after our monsters than ourselves. Jeri: Really? Jessie: The point is, by that bond, we should be the closest ones here. What do you say? Everyone always talks about Pokémon vs. Digimon. For once, why can't it be Pokémon and Digimon? Jeri: (smiles) Okay, you convinced me. What do I have to do? *** After a small pep talk with Jessie, Jeri looks all over the barn until she finds Chi-Chi. Jeri: Chi-Chi... I don't think it's fair that I have to work. Chi-Chi: What do you mean it's not fair? Jeri: I'm still a child! How come I have to do as much as work as you do? Chi-Chi: (getting up) Jeri, I do twice as much as you do, so it's unfair for you to be criticizing me. Jeri: (angrily) There are laws against child labor! Chi-Chi: If there were, would Monty and Clarissa let you work out here with us? Besides, no one here is being forced to do this. Our only motivation is that we're getting paid for our services. Jeri: (crosses her arms over her chest) I don't think that this is worth it. Chi-Chi: Jeri, stop this right now! Jeri: (yelling) Stop treating me like I'm your daughter! Chi-Chi: (unfazed by her remark) Young lady, talking back to an adult is inexcusable! Jessie: (stepping in behind Jeri) If the twerpette doesn't want to work, then let her be. Chi-Chi: Jessie! I knew you were influencing her! Jessie: And what are you going to do about it? Chi-Chi: You two get back to work this instant! Jessie: Work is for losers! Jeri: Yeah! I'm not working any more today! Jessie and Jeri then run out of the stall, off to find a place to relax. Chi-Chi yells at them to come back, but they don't reply. Chi-Chi: Jessie! Jeri! Soon enough, the two girls disappear out of her sight. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Chi-Chi: Jessie! Jeri! You two march your butts back here! (looking around) Kiyone, help me out! She looks around the barn, but Kiyone's nowhere to be seen. Chi-Chi finally locates Kiyone in one of the stalls, listening to some music through some headphones that are connected to a portable cassette player, while she milks another cow. Chi-Chi: (shouts) Kiyone! Kiyone sees Chi-Chi and takes off the headphones. Kiyone: Sorry Chi-Chi, was I singing too loud? I always get that way when I listen to my Craig David tape. Chi-Chi: Forget that! Jessie and Jeri just walked out! Kiyone: What? To get a drink? Chi-Chi: No! They walked out and didn't finish their work! Kiyone: (getting up off of her stool) Jessie and Jeri? Those two? Jessie I understand, but Jeri too? Chi-Chi: I say we find them and drag them back! Kiyone: Hold on... I have a better idea. *** At breakfast later that morning, everyone is gathered at the table inside the farmhouse. By now, the whole group knows that Jessie and Jeri walked out on their morning duties. Even Roger was surprised over this turn of events. Roger: (to Jessie) How did you convince Jeri to walk out with you? Jeri: I walked out under my own power. I felt that I wasn't being treated fairly because I'm a kid. Keitaro: Is that the baloney Jessie told you? Jessie: It's not baloney! It's the truth! Roger: So you did influence her! Jessie: I never said that! Melfina: Jeri... say it isn't so! Chi-Chi: They walked out. I saw it with my own two eyes. Roger: Then why didn't you stop them? Before Chi-Chi could answer, Monty and Clarissa enter the room to speak with them. Monty: It's nice to see that you're all lively today. Clarissa: Thank you all for another hard day of work. Monty: Everyone will get $40, as they did yesterday. Clarissa: With two exceptions... The old couple turns towards Jessie and Jeri and hands them one $20 bill each. Monty: For quitting work almost two hours early today... Clarissa: We're cutting the missed time out of your pay. So you both will only get $20 each today. As the couple walks out to finish cooking breakfast, Jessie sticks her tongue out at them. Jeri, on the other hand, is a little sad. Mondo: Jeri, are you okay? Faye: She only earned 20, so they only gave her 20. Bit: How ironic is that? She doesn't want to be treated like a kid, so the old folks dock her the same amount they did for Jessie. If I were them, I wouldn't have paid either of them at all. Roger: Bit's right. Chi-Chi and Kiyone had to work twice as hard to pick up the slack. They should be getting all of Jessie and Jeri's pay for today. Jessie: Who cares about pocket change? I've got my eyes set on the grand prize! Duo: You'll never get it at this rate. Jessie: (growls) You just watch! By the time it's all said and done, you'll be kissing my boots! *** Later that day, things are going on as usual in the loft. Upstairs, Mondo is in his bedroom, sitting on the bed with Jeri, as he tries to figure out her rationale of thinking today. Mondo: You bought that old story? Jeri: It's true, though. It's always Pokémon vs. Digimon, not Pokémon and Digimon. Why can't we work together for once? Mondo: In normal circumstances, I'd agree with you. But it's Jessie we're talking about! Jeri: What's wrong with Jessie? Mondo: She's from Team Rocket! Haven't you got it through your head that she's one of the bad guys? Jeri: So? Bad guys can be good once in awhile too! Mondo: Jeri, she's using you. Everyone knows it. Right now, it's the only way she can get things to go her way. If she can get you to pull stunts like the one you did today and then have you admit your own guilt for doing so, your chances of winning go straight out the window! Jeri: Like you care. You want to win so that you can prove to Rockna how great of a boyfriend you are. Mondo: Don't bring her into this! This has nothing to do with her! Jeri: You told me yourself a few nights ago. You're doing it for her. Don't lie! Mondo: This isn't about me or Rockna! This is about you, getting ready to dig your own grave and spend the remaining four weeks here as dead weight! Do you want people to ignore you for that long? Jeri: They already do, so what's the point? Mondo: (sighs, then throws his hands up in defeat) I give up. I've tried everything except slapping you across the face. Jeri: And why don't you do that? Mondo: Because then it makes me look bad! Jeri, I don't know what's happened to you in the past 24 hours, but something's changed you for the worst. You're not the same girl that I met two weeks ago. Jeri: Two weeks ago, I was just here for fun. Now, I'm playing the game. And I'll push and pull and tug at any string I can get my hands on! Anything to win! Jeri then walks out of the room. Mondo just sits there, staring at her as she exits. Mondo: (CC) That's definitely not the same Jeri that I saw rejoicing yesterday after the Christmas tree challenge. How can she have changed so much that quickly? What did Jessie do to her? It's like she's a different person! *** Jeri walks down to the second floor, where Chi-Chi cuts her off. Chi-Chi quickly pulls Jeri into the study and starts scolding her. Chi-Chi: Whatever Jessie promised you, forget it! It's not worth it to team-up with someone as low as she is! Jeri: (rolls her eyes) There you go, lecturing me again! Chi-Chi: This is for your own good! Now, unless you want the whole house to turn against you, just like it currently is against Jessie, you'll drop this false charade of yours and turn back to the sweet girl that was with us yesterday. Jeri: Why don't any of you give her a chance? Chi-Chi: She can't be trusted! Jeri: You have an alliance with her. Kiyone told me so last night. Chi-Chi: Not any more I don't. (softly) I want you to take her place. Jeri: Huh? Chi-Chi: We can trust each other. We'll look at each other as parents, instead of you seeing me as your mother, and me seeing you as the daughter I never had. Jeri: I'll never see you as my mother! I never will! Chi-Chi: You don't have to. We can just be friends if you want. Forget the stupid alliance. Jeri: (starting to back away) Leave me alone! Jeri then runs off, back up the stairs, and towards her bedroom. Chi-Chi sighs in defeat as she hears a door slam. *** A few minutes later, a very despondent Chi-Chi enters the living room, where Bit, Joey, and Kiyone are all watching a game show on TV. Joey: What's up with you, Mother Goose? Kiyone: (elbowing him) Joey! Joey: I'm just having some fun. (to Chi-Chi) Really, I am! But Chi-Chi's not responding at all. Bit, sitting the closest to her, waves his hand in front of her face. Bit: Chi-Chi, are you okay? She seems out of it. Chi-Chi: (sighs) I'm a bad mother figure. Kiyone: Why do you say that? Chi-Chi: I try to do what I normally do in my house. But it seems that I'm making enemies instead of friends. Bit: If you'd be a little more lenient, maybe it wouldn't be that way. Kiyone: (coughs) What Bit meant to say was that it's taking us time to adjust to having a stranger act in such a way. Some of us just aren't prepared to make the change. Bit: I didn't say that at all! Chi-Chi: Jeri isn't taking it too well. I thought that she looked up to me as a mother. But then she yelled back at me saying that she'll never see me that way. Joey: Maybe she's really attached to her real mother that no one will ever replace her. Kiyone: Either that, or Jessie's got a better hold on her than we thought. Bit: What if this has been happening since the start? The two have been together all of this time and are only now making their alliance known? Kiyone: I don't think so. Then again, stranger things have happened. Chi-Chi: All I wanted was to steer her down the right path. It looks like I haven't done that at all. Chi-Chi glances sadly at Joey, Bit, and Kiyone, wondering where she should go from here. Joey: (CC) Chi-Chi has been acting a bit too motherly, but she's doing it for us. I think it's a noble cause, even though some people have yet to realize that. Kiyone: (CC) If there was some way that we could get the group more unified, so that we weren't always at someone's throat, we could use it right now. *** Night Sixteen (Fifteen) The door to the red bedroom is closed, as there seems to be a conference of some sort going on. Roger, Keitaro, Bit, and Joey were all there. Roger: Now's the time to strike. The girls are in disarray! We have to sink them now, before it gets too far in the game. Bit: With the four of us, we should be able to outshine the women easily! Joey: I don't know guys. Maybe we're just misunderstanding some of them. Keitaro: Yeah. Jeri was nice. Bit: Only 'cause you've seen her in the buff twice already! Keitaro: The first time she was in a towel! The second, she was behind a shower curtain! I'm not so perverted that I'd want to see a 13 year old girl completely naked! Roger: Let's stay on topic, you two. The point Keitaro was trying to make was that Jeri was nice before today. But even if it is Jessie's fault that she's like that, we've got to take her out just like the rest of them. Keitaro: I can't do this. We'll hurt their feelings too much. Joey: I can't either. I promised Miss McKenzie that I'd win truthfully. Bit: (slaps himself on the forehead) For crying out loud... Roger: Look, are you two in or not? Bit: We'll cream you with the girls if you're not! Keitaro: (quickly) That's good enough for me! No need to get beat up by them again. Roger: Joey? Joey: (thinking about it) Um... Bit: They'll forgive you for it! We're just playing the game here! We're doing what it takes to survive! After a few more seconds to ponder his decision, Joey decides reluctantly to agree. Joey: Okay, you talked me into it. But only because I'm playing the game. I don't hate any of the girls, okay? Bit: Whatever you say, bud. Roger: From this day forth, the four of us will take control of this game and play it as we see fit. Bit, Keitaro, and Joey nod their heads in agreement. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Day Seventeen (Sixteen) As the chilly air continues to linger through the early morning, the group is back on the farm, feeding the animals, as usual. Although it seems that Jessie alone jumps ship once again, today she decides to let Jeri decide for herself. Jeri decides to stick around and do her share of the work today, although she's not happy about it. The action this morning takes place with the men, who are trying to complete their gender alliance. Roger and Duo are watching the goats and sheep as they eat up on the grass fields. Roger: Think about it! If we have all of the men unified now when the women aren't, we'll be at an advantage! There's no way that they can overpower us. Duo: Are you serious? I'm not in to the whole male vs. female thing. I'm sick of it already. Roger: Is it because of Melfina? Duo: (ignoring the question) Look, if I'm going to be in an alliance, I want to be in one that's going to be worth it. Roger: This one will be, I promise! Duo: (sighs) Okay, I'll think about it. But I'm not guaranteeing a thing, got it? *** At the same time, Keitaro and Mondo are walking around the farm, sweeping up debris and other waste as they do. Mondo: Are you crazy? It'll never work! The girls will have our heads! Keitaro: Mondo, it's just a game! I don't want to do this either, but I need a way to survive in this game. And this could be my only chance. Mondo: Take it if you need to, but I don't need it. I'm sure my charisma and handsome good looks will get me to the end. Keitaro: Gee... never thought of you as one with an overinflated ego. Mondo: I don't have an ego! I just have a big head! Keitaro: That's mildly putting it. *** The farmwork pretty much goes without incident, as everyone is paid in full, except for Jessie. The group heads back to the loft, where things get back to normal. About halfway through the day, though, the blue cell phone rings, as a message appears on it. Melfina, who was holding onto it at the time, shows the message to everyone. Melfina: (reading it aloud) Be prepared to leave at one fifteen for today's challenge. Make sure to wear sweats and athletic shoes, if you have them, because things are going to get cold and windy as you fly into the wild blue yonder. Joey: We're going to fly? That's so awesome! Faye: What's the big deal? Flying's easy. *** Meanwhile, out in an undisclosed location, a small dressing room can be seen. Sitting in front of the mirror is a girl, around twenty, dressed like Quistis from Final Fantasy VIII. Her hair, blonde now instead of its usual red, is done up like Quistis' as well. She spins the chair around, facing the camera. Kacee: Konichii'wa! I'm Kacee, if you haven't figured it out yet. You've caught me right before I head off to an anime convention, it seems. But, it's my turn to have some fun as a cameo spot, so that comes first! Today... well, I'm sure the challenge has been explained already, and if it hasn't, it will be! Honking can be heard from outside. Kacee: Oops! Looks like that's my ride! See you there, everyone! *** At around one fifteen, the twelve residents can be seen piling onto a bus and heading back into the countryside. It's longer than the usual trip, as they go several miles pass the Ten Acre Farm, where they work. They eventually come across a somewhat hilly area, where Mimi and a giant delivery truck are waiting. The group gets off of the bus and heads over towards the hostess. Mimi: (waving hello) Good afternoon! How is everyone today? Bit and Joey: (dreamily) Just fine. The two then look at each other, and start growling angrily before Kiyone breaks them up. Mimi: (sweatdrops) At least I know who's always happy to see me. Kiyone: (to Bit and Joey) Calm down, you two! Bit and Joey: (simultaneously) Yes, Kiyone. Mimi: Anyway, I have to explain what you guys are doing today. First of all, today we have a roommate challenge, so pair up! Duo: With our old roommates? Mimi: Nope, the new ones that you have for this week only. [The team assignments [starting from Mimi's left]: (Blue) Duo and Mondo, (Red) Roger and Bit, (Green) Chi-Chi and Jeri, (Pink) Jessie and Faye, (Yellow) Keitaro and Joey, (White) Kiyone and Melfina] Mimi: Today's challenge is designed to allow all of you to feel how it's like to fly like Superman. Or at least glide, anyway. To do this, your first job is to create a hang glider big enough to hold one person. To construct it, you will be given three kites, a pair of skis, a pair of scissors, and a roll of duct tape. Mimi points out a sample set, which is lying next to her feet. Mimi: You'll find all of this in the back of the delivery truck over there. You may modify these items however you wish, but there must be no holes in any of the kites. Also, it has to be sturdy enough so that it doesn't fall apart when someone tries to fly with it. Mimi then points in the direction of a nearby hill, where two safety experts are standing by. Mimi: Over on that hill is your runway. Each member of the team, one at a time, will run up and off of that hill and try to hang in the air for as long as possible. The best time for each person will be combined for a team time. The team that together stays up the longest will win the challenge. Melfina: How many runs will we get? Mimi: You can make as many attempts as possible, as long as your glider remains in good condition. Of course, I'm only going to give you ninety minutes to construct and then have each person make at least one run. All of a sudden, a taxi pulls up, with Kacee jumping out and yelling a few choice words at the driver. Kacee: Give me back my whip! Kiyone: Did she say... Jeri: Whip? Grabbing her whip from the driver, Kacee turns to face the cast, smiling and waving cheerfully, then coughing as the taxi takes off, leaving her in a cloud of dust. Kacee: That's the last time I take a taxi... Anyway, I'm your guest... host... thingy... for today. Duo: Err... Please don't let that be who I think it is... Kacee: Anyway, my name is Kacee- Duo: AHHHHHH!!! Duo hides behind Mondo, or tries to, since Mondo's a bit shorter than him. Duo: Hide me, hide me! Mondo: Hey man! Don't hide behind me! Kacee: (sweatdropping) Err... what do you say we get this challenge started? Mimi: Everyone, this is Kacee. She will be responsible for providing advice on how to construct a glider, as well as inspect the gliders prior to being used. Note that she is not here to construct the gliders for you. That's your job. *** [Roommate Challenge 3: Up, Up, and Over] The teams are lined up about ten meters away from the back door over the delivery truck, which is now open. Mimi, with a whistle in hand, stands off to the side and signals for the challenge to start. Mimi: Isn't it great? I actually have a whistle! I don't have to say ready, set, go! Um... okay, go when I blow. Got it? Jessie: Not really. Could you... Mimi blows the whistle to start the challenge. The teams take off, with some of them leaping into the truck upon getting there. As fast as they can, the teams unpile what they need and then try to find some room to work. *** (Time elapsed - 0:05) Right off the bat, one of the teams is off to a slow start. Joey and Keitaro have no idea how to put their glider together. Joey: Dangit, I can't seem to get this stupid ski to fit right. Keitaro: You're putting it in the wrong way! Kacee: Need any help? Joey: (waving around the pair of scissors) Yeah! How do you put this thing in here? Kacee: (taking a step back) I'll tell you if you put down those scissors. Joey: Ehehehe... sorry. Meanwhile, Kiyone and Melfina are already at work cutting out the parts of the kites they don't need for their glider. Melfina: (CC) This doesn't seem to be as hard as I thought it would be. I think we'll have plenty of time to do our runs. As they continue to work, we see that Chi-Chi and Jeri are also working pretty fast. Chi-Chi's doing all of the cutting and directing, while Jeri simply tapes the glider parts together. The other teams seem to be working diligently as well, all trying to be the first to make a run off of the hill. *** (TE - 0:09) After checking their glider to make sure that it's stable, Kiyone and Melfina are the first to run to the hill with it. Upon arrival, they meet the safety personnel. They start fitting the girls with a blue and black jumpsuit. Soon after, they are trying on elbow pads, knee pads, and helmets to make sure that they fit correctly. As all of this is happening, Kacee makes her way over and inspects their glider. Chi-Chi and Jeri are also finished constructing their glider, so they make their way over and join in all of the outfitting. Both teams listen in as one of the safety men starts explaining to them a few pointers. Safety Man: (points to a set of cones placed just before the hill drops off) From here to those cones, it's about 25 feet. That's your runway. You need to gradually speed up as you go along, reaching full speed by the time you get to the cones. Upon reaching the cones, that's when you need to jump forward. Make sure not to lean forward too much, or you'll come crashing back down... Jeri: (CC) I'm getting more worried about this with every second that I stand here. I just want to go already! After a few final words, Kiyone decides that she will go first. Jeri, wanting to get it over with, decides to go after her. Kiyone: (taking a deep breath) This ought to be a piece of cake. Just stay calm and everything will be fine. She takes a good, long look at the cones as she prepares for her run. Mimi: (VO) Each glider is timed on how long they stay in the air. The timer starts when both feet leave the ground, and stops when both feet touch the ground. It's important that both feet land on the ground, with the glider standing up, for the time to count. Kiyone takes off, yelling as she heads down the runway, reaches the cones, and leaps into the air. Once she's airborne, the glider starts to tip back a little, but Kiyone manages to keep it level enough to land just a few seconds later. (Kiyone's Time: 2.28 seconds) Kiyone: (coming to a stop after running a few yards) Whew! That was so fast! That runway is a lot shorter once you start running, so I was off before I knew it. That's probably why I started tipping back right away, because I wasn't expecting that jump quite so soon. *** Melfina applauds Kiyone's flight as she drags the glider back. Meanwhile, Jeri stands ready to take her run, but she's still very nervous. It doesn't help that Roger and Bit are now here as well, getting instructed on how to fly. Safety Man: (pointing off near the end of the field) And we have emergency personnel around, just in case. Jeri glances over and spots the ambulance... which knocks her confidence factor down a few notches. Melfina notices this and tries to cheer her on. Melfina: Don't even think about the ambulance, Jeri! You can do this! Chi-Chi, Jeri's teammate, also decides to chime in. Chi-Chi: You can do it, Jeri! Jeri: (to herself) It's now or never. Just remember what they said to do. Jeri rears back on her right leg, then takes off running as fast as she can for the edge of the hill. She reaches the cones and prepares to jump into the air. But as she does, she trips over her own legs. As she goes over the hill, the glider and Jeri quickly tip forward and hit the ground almost immediately. Jeri releases her grip from the glider as it makes a full revolution before it comes to a stop. Jeri also rolls a couple feet before coming to a stop. Kacee: (wincing) Oooo... that was some crash. Chi-Chi: Jeri? Jeri! You alright? Kiyone: (running towards Jeri) Oh my god... Jeri! Bit: (CC) It was hard to tell from where I was standing, but Jeri was leaning forward just as she jumped. Kiyone: (CC) The first thing that came to mind was that she was going to crash. Being on the way back, I decided that jumping in and checking on her was the absolute priority. Kiyone reaches Jeri and shakes her to see if she's awake. Kiyone: Jeri, are you okay? Say something! The sound of a siren fills the air as the ambulance is already on its way over. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Kiyone pulls off Jeri's helmet just as she regains consciousness. The young Tamer is a bit dazed, but is otherwise fine. Jeri: (holding her head) Wha? Kiyone: That was one nasty crash you had. Are you okay? Jeri: I think so. Chi-Chi finally reaches the duo, as she sees that Jeri is just fine. Chi-Chi: (catching her breath) I felt scared there for a moment. Jeri: It caught me by surprise too. But I think I'll be just dandy. Jeri stands up, then stumbles a bit as she tries to walk upright. Kiyone and Chi-Chi catch her, keeping her from falling. Jeri: Or maybe not. The ambulance pulls to a stop at the site, as two paramedics jump out and open the back door so that they can give Jeri a quick check-up. Kiyone and Chi-Chi lead Jeri over as the paramedics prepare to receive her. By this time, all of the other teams have heard what happened and are at the top of the hill, observing things. Duo: (CC) I had a feeling that someone was going to crash. But I didn't think that it would be this early. Chi-Chi drags a torn-up hang glider next to the ambulance, so the competition could continue while Jeri was checked out. *** (TE - 0:18) As the competition resumes, Mondo and Duo have a lot on their minds as they return to their glider, which they are struggling to build. Mondo: How the heck are we supposed to make a hang glider out of this junk? (sighs) Maybe we should ask for help. Duo: Anything but that! Mondo: We need help, Duo! I'm calling her over. (yelling) Hey Kacee! Duo: NO! Oh, great... Mondo: I don't see what the big deal is... Duo: ACK! Here she comes! Hide me, Mondo! Mondo: I told you once, I'm not hiding you! I don't want to find out if that whip is real or not. Besides, why are you so afraid of her? Kacee: DUO! She glomps Duo until he turns blue. Mondo: Never mind. Duo: Can't... breath... Roger: (walking over) Hey, why don't you glomp me instead? Kacee: (lets go of Duo, who promptly starts coughing and taking deep breaths) Because Dorothy might kill me. Roger: Dorothy? Aheh heh heh... Forgot about her. Kacee: Riiiiiiight... Anyway, need help on something, Mondo? Mondo: No, I think I have it now. *** [Challenge Fast Forward] Mimi: (VO) Let's check on the individual teams, shall we? Eventually, all of the teams get their gliders built by the thirty-minute mark. Jeri also rests a little before helping Chi-Chi reconstruct their glider with a spare set of materials. So now the teams are focused on getting good air time, even though the slight wind is not helping matters much. (Red) - Roger and Bit make a few runs each, improving their times each time. Roger's best is 3.13 seconds, while Bit's best is 2.40 seconds. (Team Time: 5.53 seconds) (Blue) - Despite having trouble constructing a glider, neither Duo or Mondo make any bad runs. In fact, Duo only has to make one run after staying in the air for 5.72 seconds. Mondo only has to go twice, recording a best time of 3.89 seconds. (Team Time: 9.61 seconds) (Yellow) - Keitaro and Joey are having the most trouble, as every time they jump, they keep forgetting to lift their feet or they tip forward so much that they come right down. Keitaro's top time is 1.28 seconds; Joey holds on for only 1.98 seconds. (Team Time: 3.26 seconds) (Green) - Jeri manages to recover, but she only gets one good landing. Chi-Chi has a much easier time, as she picks up some of the slack. Jeri hangs in the air for 1.65 seconds, while Chi-Chi stays up longer with a time of 4.09 seconds. (Team Time: 5.74 seconds) (White) - Kiyone and Melfina also catch on real quick, as they seem to be matching Duo and Mondo run for run. The fastest times so far: Melfina with 5.22 seconds and Kiyone with 4.71 seconds. (Team Time: 9.93 seconds) (Pink) - Jessie and Faye are struggling so much to stay in the air for a long enough time that they go back at about the fifty minute mark to reconstruct their glider. It helps a little bit, but Faye is having trouble sticking a landing. Thus, she doesn't have a time yet. Jessie's best time is 2.15 seconds. (Team Time: 2.15 seconds, with Faye needing a legal time) *** [End Challenge Fast Forward] (TE - 1:25) With five minutes left in the challenge, teams are jockeying for position. Faye is preparing to make a run she desperately needs, while Roger and Mondo are lined up, waiting for their turn. Everyone else is on the side, debating if their team should make one more run. Kiyone and Melfina are focused on Duo and Mondo in particular, seeing if they pass them for first place or not. Faye starts running down the runway with glider in hand. She jumps into the air and stays up for a short time before coming down. This time, she manages to land on her feet, getting her first recorded time of the day. (Faye's Time: 2.04 seconds; Team Time: 4.19 seconds - moves up to 5th place) Faye: (happily hollering) Yes! I stuck the landing! Jessie: (shouting at her) Good one! (under her breath) Took you long enough. As time continues to tick down, Roger prepares for her run. Kiyone steps in line, deciding that she will make another run if their team needs one after Mondo goes. Roger: I've got to get in the air and hang in there as long as I can. It's our only shot at the top. Roger rears back once, twice, and thrice, before running as fast as he can for the drop-off point. He leaps into the air just before the cones in hopes of adding some extra time, but he loses concentration and has both feet touch the ground just as the hill slopes down. (Roger's Time: 0.79 seconds) It's all up to Mondo now, as this run will determine whether his team will finish first or second. Kiyone is waiting in the wings in case she has to make a last second attempt. Mimi: You need a time of at least 4.22 seconds for your team to take over the lead, Mondo. Mondo takes a deep breath and tries to concentrate. He knows that it's all on the line now. Mondo: Here goes! He runs as fast as he can to the take-off point. Jumping up, he lifts his legs up as high as he can as his glider flies along. The glider slowly approaches the ground, as Mondo makes sure to wait as long as possible before putting his legs down. Right at the bottom of the hill, Mondo puts his feet down and runs out the few extra feet he needs to stop. He then pumps his arms in the air, overjoyed with his success. Mondo: I did it! Duo: (yelling) Mondo, you're the man! Mondo: (yelling) What's my time? Duo turns to Mimi, who shows him the stopwatch. (Mondo's Time: 4.40 seconds) Duo: (jumping up and down, yelling his response) 4.40! You did it, man! Mondo is so happy that he actually does a somersault right on the spot. He then happily runs back to the starting line, dragging the glider along. (Team Time: 10.12 seconds - moves up to 1st place) Kiyone is already preparing for her run as Mimi quickly calculates the time that Kiyone needs. Mimi: You need a time of 4.91 seconds to win the challenge, Kiyone. You've got a minute and a half left to make your attempt. Since no one else is willing to make an attempt, Kiyone decides to bide her time before making one last run at beating Duo and Mondo. Melfina: Do your best, Kiyone! Kiyone: I don't know if I have anything left, but I'm going to try. Making one last check to see if her glider's in tip-top condition, Kiyone then takes one last deep breath before taking off towards the end of the runway as fast as she can. Kiyone runs to the edge of the hill while gripping her glider, jumping off as she reaches the dropoff. Everyone watches as Kiyone tries to do the same thing that Mondo did. But because of the fact that she's taller, she can't wait as long as Mondo to put her feet down. Her feet touch the ground only about halfway down the hill. Duo celebrates as Mondo finally rejoins him, knowing that Kiyone didn't stay up long enough. Mimi: (announces Kiyone's time) 2.45 seconds. Duo and Mondo give each other a high five as they hop up and down, celebrating their victory. On the other side of the hill, Kiyone already knew that she didn't stay up as long as she would have liked. Kiyone: (walking back, dragging the glider with her) From the moment I jumped up off the ground, I knew that it was a bad jump. There's no way I would have stayed up for close to five seconds. *** Mimi, Kacee, and the roomies are gathered around the runway starting line, to hear the final results. Mimi: First of all, you all did a wonderful job today! So give yourselves a hand! As the group applauds their efforts, Mimi and Kacee announce the final standings. Mimi: In sixth place is the yellow team, Keitaro and Joey. Kacee: In fifth place is the pink team, Jessie and Faye. Mimi: Fourth place goes to the red team, Roger and Bit. Kacee: Third place is the green team, Chi-Chi and Jeri. Good effort you guys, especially after that crash. Mimi: I agree. Now, in second place, is the white team of Kiyone and Melfina. Kacee: Which means the blue team is first! Congratulations, Duo and Mondo. Everyone congratulates the winning team for their efforts today. *** Kacee: Well, I really must be off. My ride should arrive here any- The Ragnarok, with Selphie piloting it, comes in to view, setting down next to Kacee. Kacee: Minute. Bye everyone! Have a good show! Mimi: (waving goodbye) Thanks for your help! Kacee gets in the Ragnarok, which lifts up and speeds off. Mondo: I want one of those! Faye: Don't we all. *** Later that day, as the sun sets in the western sky, Duo and Melfina hold hands as they walk around the grounds of a nearby park. The two are smiling as they enjoy the unusually sunny Winter day. Melfina: You were great today, Duo. Duo: I couldn't have done it without Mondo. Of course, you and Kiyone gave us a run for our money. Melfina: We did, didn't we? Duo: (smiles) I couldn't have asked for better competition. The two walk silently for a minute, thinking about what to say next. Duo: How's Kiyone as a roommate? Melfina: She's great. She talks a lot about her partner Mihoshi, though. Seems that she annoys her a lot. Duo: I bet. I heard that Kiyone's one of the best, too. Melfina: (nods) Yeah. Graduated near the top of her Police Academy class. Duo: And for her to get stuck with this Mihoshi girl, that must have been a blow. Melfina: She says that the day they were assigned to work together, her career went down the drain. Duo: Poor Kiyone. The duo trots along for another long period of silence. Once in awhile, they'll shoot each other odd glances. Other than that, nothing else happens as they head back to the loft. Duo: (CC) There's no one here that I've confided in more than Mel. Melfina: (CC) There's something special about Duo that I can't put my finger on. Duo: (CC) I've never felt this way around someone before. Could it be? Melfina: (CC) Duo seems to care so much about me... just like Gene. Is it possible? Duo and Melfina: (CC, split-screen) Have I fallen in love? *** Night Seventeen (Sixteen) A few hours later, Melfina hums to herself as she lies on her bed in her room. Kiyone enters, coming from the bathroom after washing her hair. With the towel still wrapped around her head, Kiyone notices Melfina's singing and decides to pry. Kiyone: You're really happy tonight. Something good happen? Melfina: (smiles as she turns towards Kiyone) I'm in love! Kiyone: (gasps) Really? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Kiyone and Melfina are now facing each other as they sit on their beds. Melfina is feeling a bit giddy as Kiyone continues her personal inquiry. Kiyone: So when did you start feeling this way? Melfina: (shrugs her shoulders) I'm not sure when exactly. But I have been feeling a bit funny every time I'm around him, especially the last few days. Kiyone: How does he feel about you? Melfina: I think he feels the same way. But I'm not sure. Kiyone: I've been watching you two a lot recently. It's not hard to tell that you two like each other. Melfina: Really? Kiyone: (nods) I just wasn't sure how far you guys were along. Melfina: We've cuddled once or twice. (nervously) Why? Kiyone: Don't worry! I'm not here to encourage you to speed things up. Melfina: Why would I want to? Kiyone: You two need to take it slow. Find out if you're really destined to be together. After all, both of you do have significant others, right? Melfina: I believe so. I have Gene, while Duo is friends with a girl named Hilde. Kiyone: That's why you need to find out how compatible you are. It's no use continuing this relationship if you two don't connect on more than a physical level. Melfina: How do you suggest I do that? It's not like you've had any success in love. Kiyone: (gulps) How did you know? Melfina: It's Tenchi, right? You like him, don't you? Kiyone: (nods sadly) He'll never see me as a love interest. Not when I have a lot of competition from Ryoko, Ayeka, and the others. Melfina: Have you ever tried getting him to notice you? Kiyone: I'm not really the type of person that sticks out. Melfina: Just openly admit your love. Look at Bit and Joey and how much they like Mimi. Kiyone: It's not like she's replying back to them favorably. Besides, Ryoko and Ayeka already do that a lot. Melfina: Who do you have fighting for Tenchi? Kiyone: There's Ryoko, the space pirate, Ayeka, the royal princess of Planet Jurai, Sasami, Ayeka's younger sister, Washu, the universe's greatest scientific genius, and then there's my partner, Mihoshi. Melfina: Mihoshi too? Kiyone: It's hopeless. I might as well give up and go back to Galaxy Police headquarters. Melfina: There's one way you can impress him. Kiyone: How? Melfina: You can win this game and take home the prize money. Kiyone: You really think I can win? Melfina: Sure! I'll vote you in! You're one of the nicest women I've ever met. Kiyone: Thank you, Melfina. That really makes my day. Melfina: No problem. Besides, you can't win if you're thinking about Tenchi all of the time. Kiyone: (smirks) Couldn't the same be said for you and Gene? Or even Duo too? Melfina: (laughs) You've got me there. Kiyone: I'm sure we'll both be in the final. As long as we keep doing the things we've been doing, we'll be fine. Melfina: I agree! Finals, here we come! *** Day Eighteen (Seventeen) The next morning, the group heads to work at the Ten Acre Farm, as usual. But things are about to hit the repeat cycle, as around six thirty, Jessie is thinking about jumping ship for the third day in a row. Finding a pitchfork in one of the stalls, Jessie decides to use it to show her disgust. Jessie: (throws the pitchfork and grumbles) Why do we have to do stupid farmwork anyway? Chi-Chi: (glancing at Jessie) Are you thinking about leaving again? Jessie: Why am I even doing this? It's not worth it! Chi-Chi: Are you going to be lazy all the time? You have to do your share of the work. Jessie: Why do I have to do as much work as you do? You're stronger than I am! Chi-Chi: That has nothing to do with you! Jeri: (coming out of her stall) Jessie's right. You do as much work as we do. You should have more. Chi-Chi: Jeri, you too? What's wrong with you? Kiyone: (coming out of her stall) Jeri, you're acting like a spoiled brat right now. Jeri: I am not! Jessie: We don't have to stand here and be insulted! (to Jeri) Let's go! Jeri follows Jessie out of the barn. Chi-Chi and Kiyone watch dejectedly as they exit. Chi-Chi: Why won't they ever learn? Kiyone: I don't know, Chi-Chi. Maybe they're just too tired to work. Chi-Chi: We're all tired as well. That's no excuse. They're going to have to adapt. We are halfway across the world, by the way. We're all feeling the time zone difference. Kiyone: Something tells me we shouldn't be pushing them too hard. Chi-Chi: That's how you build character. Adapting to different conditions is part of life, Kiyone. They need to learn that. *** Across the farm, news spreads that Jessie and Jeri have walked out again. Things get more complicated, though, when a few of the others also think about quitting. Bit has already walked away from the chicken coops, joining Mondo and Keitaro as they clean the farm grounds. Keitaro: You quit? Bit: I heard Jessie and Jeri walked out again this morning. Mondo: Why does Jeri keep doing that? It's not like her. Keitaro: It's Jessie, I tell you. Bit: For once though, I agree with Jessie. This work sucks. Keitaro: But you won't get paid in full today if you walk out. Bit: So? This is all chump change compared to the grand prize money I'll get if I win. Keitaro: You're right. I'm not getting paid enough to clean the farm! Mondo: Keitaro... what are you saying? Keitaro drops his stuff and runs away with Bit. Mondo starts yelling at them. Mondo: Keitaro! Bit! You're going to get in trouble! (sighs) Never mind. *** Keitaro and Bit run past the pig pen, where Faye is still feeding the pigs. She sees them coming. Faye: Where's the fire? Bit: We're skipping out on our chores! Keitaro: Want to join us? Faye: Are you serious? Bit: (running away) Go ahead and work the day away then, if you want. Faye: (getting up) Hey, wait! Faye drops her things and runs off after Bit and Keitaro. *** Jessie, Jeri, Bit, Faye, and Keitaro are now standing outside the farmhouse, resting their bodies after deciding that working today wasn't worth it. As a result, everyone else is forced to pick up the slack. The five of them have the appropriate amount of pay abducted from their paychecks, as usual. Mimi isn't happy either when she comes to see how the group is doing. *** Immediately after breakfast that morning, Mimi and the others head back to the portion of the farm they had the Christmas tree challenge earlier. This time around, the same course is set up, except there are numerous haystacks of various sizes on one end of the course. Mimi: Well, we're back here again for another challenge! This time around, it's a prize challenge. She points at the haystacks at the other end of the course. Mimi: Split into four teams of three, you'll have to move all of those haystacks from that side of the course to this side. As you can see, they are all of different sizes. That means that they also weigh differently. From smallest to largest, the haystacks weigh, in pounds, one, two, three, four, six, and ten. The group tries to examine the haystacks from afar, but they're finding that hard to do. Mimi: Each member of the team has to push two haystacks. They can do it any order, but they must be pushed in order of weight, from the smallest to the largest. The two teams that complete this challenge the fastest win today's challenge. Wondering what you're competing for today? Mimi pulls out a cell phone from her pocket. But it's no ordinary cell phone. It has a 256-color display screen, a caller ID, and a whole lot of other stuff. Mimi: (holding it up) This is a Sony Ericsson T68 cellular phone. It has a display screen, caller ID, a connection to the GSM 1900 network, which enables you to surf the 'Net, and a whole lot more. This is one of the world's premier cell phones! It's valued at approximately $600. And six of you will be eligible after today to get the two of these that we have. Ooh's and aah's rain through the group, as they imagine themselves with the phone in their hands. Mimi: Trust me, these are much better than the phones I gave you to use the last few days. I'm sure you'll love them. (claps her hands once) Now, I want Roger, Faye, Keitaro, and Chi-Chi to come up. The four of them do as they are told. Mimi gives each of them three headbands, each set a different color. Mimi: I want you to pick who will be on your team. Each captain has to pick one guy and one gal. You'll pick in the order that I called you up. That means that you're first, Roger. [The team assignments: (Red) Roger, Kiyone, and Joey, (Blue) Faye, Duo, and Melfina, (Yellow) Keitaro, Jessie, and Bit, (Green) Chi-Chi, Mondo, and Jeri] *** [Prize Challenge 3: Haystack Heave-Ho] The teams put their headbands on and try to determine which haystacks they'll push down the course. Mimi stands at the other end of the course as the people who are pushing the one pound haystacks line up at the starting line. That happens to be Joey, Melfina, Keitaro, and Jeri. Mimi: (raising her whistle) Ready? She blows the whistle, signifying for the challenge to begin. Joey and Melfina jump out of the gate quickly, with Keitaro trailing and Jeri really struggling early. Joey and Melfina are carrying their haystacks easily. Keitaro is doing his best to keep steady as he walks with the stack in hand. Jeri is just pushing hers, not showing any attempt to pick it up and try to run. Mondo: Jeri, come on! Chi-Chi: She's not making any effort at all. Melfina reaches the end of the course, just ahead of Joey. They run back to the starting line, running almost dead even as Joey catches up to Melfina just as they return to the starting line. Joey heads for the two-pound haystack and starts heading down the course as Melfina tags off to Faye, who takes the two-pound one for her team. Keitaro finds his way to the other end a few seconds later. Jeri also gets her across the line. The two head back to the starting line, with Keitaro tagging off to Jessie, while Jeri passes to Mondo. [Challenge Fast Forward] Mimi: (VO) Let's see how they do in each of the individual legs, shall we? (Two-pound) - Joey and Faye stay right by each other as they run their legs without any trouble at all. Jessie doesn't gain any distance from third place, but Mondo closes the gap on her. (Three-pound) - Faye decides to carry the three-pounder, but fatigue starts to sink in. Joey passes off to Kiyone, who on fresh legs, rockets into the lead. Bit keeps his team in third, but he's really struggling to hold his haystack up. Mondo decides to stay in and carry the three-pounder, which he has a little trouble with, but not much. [End Challenge Fast Forward] Mimi: (VO) We now resume the challenge in progress, as the lead teams start on the four-pound haystack. Kiyone runs back in the lead and picks up the four-pound haystack. She carries it slowly down the course as Duo gets the four-pound haystack and begins to close the distance. Bit returns to the starting line, but his team is arguing over who should carry the four-pound haystack. Keitaro: I'm going to carry it. I'm the weakest. Jessie: But I'm the woman of this group! I should be getting the easy jobs. Bit: (sighs) Our team is not getting along together that well. Jessie: (heading for the haystack) Enough of this! I'm going! Keitaro tries to object, but Bit stops him. Bit: Let her go. We can't risk falling any further behind. Jessie tries to pull the four-pound haystack on the ground, strugging to do so as her teammates look on. Bit: (sweatdrops) Of course, this isn't helping us at all. Mondo returns to the start line, with his team still in last place. He tags off to Jeri, who starts pushing the four-pound haystack as hard as she can. Of course, she's struggling with it as well. Mondo: (catching his breath) Hang in there, Jeri! You can make it! Duo and Kiyone, meanwhile, have reached the end of the course. Dropping their haystacks over the line, they run back to the starting line. Duo, of course, is faster, and thus pulls his team into the lead. Jessie is about halfway down as she tries to tug her haystack along. Jeri is doing even worse, as she is barely making any progress moving her haystack. Chi-Chi: (CC) She looks as if she's about to quit. Mondo: (CC) Jeri doesn't look as if she's going to hang around much longer. Chi-Chi and Mondo: (shouting) Come on, Jeri! Give it all you got! Jeri makes a few final pushes forward, but after moving the haystack only a few inches, she stops moving. Mondo: Jeri! What are you doing? Yelling fills the background as Jeri begins to walk away from the field. Chi-Chi: Jeri! Jeri! A few of the others glance towards Jeri, surprised to see her actually quitting a challenge. Joey: (CC) I hear Mondo calling Jeri's name, thinking that she's making up some ground. But now I see her walking off the field. What's going on with her? Jeri walks a few feet from where the course is and takes a seat on the ground. She then lowers her head in between her bended knees, as she begins to sob. End Episode Eight Mimi: (VO) Next time, on Roomies... Duo: (CC) For the first time, someone's actually quit a challenge midway through. Jeri: (sobbing) I'm useless. I can't do anything right! Mondo: Don't say that! It's not true! Mimi: (VO) Jeri debates her usefulness as Mondo tries to comfort her... Jeri: She keeps telling me that only lazy bums lie around all day and do nothing. Mondo: Doesn't she realize that you're just a kid? Jeri: Why do I have to be the youngest one here? Mimi: (VO) Maybe it's time to head back to Okayama... Keitaro: We're going back to Japan, and we haven't seen hide nor hair of Superman himself. Kiyone: (stretches her arms) It's nice to be back in our part of the world. Mimi: (VO) Well, it's a good excuse to have some fun... Bit: Mondo's about to slide down the stairs on a piece of a cardboard! Kiyone: Playing video games is a lot safer than that. Duo: Where are they? Jessie: They went out. What do you expect? Roger and Faye are dancing at a nearby night club... awfully close to each other. Mimi: (VO) Maybe a bit too much fun... Keitaro: (CC) I wake up to find the two of them in bed together! Chi-Chi: Has everyone in this house gone nuts? Duo: I don't see the problem. They were just making out. Mimi: (VO) This Tuesday, join us at we hit the halfway mark... Ryoko: (creating a fireball out of energy) Now, you die! Gohan: (creating a fireball himself) Kamehameha! Mimi: (VO) With a blast! Tee hee... I made a funny! Additional Author's Notes: Ah yes, Keitaro's sketchbook finally comes into play. I'm surprised no one's brought it up yet. Just what is he keeping secret from the others in the mansion? Especially the girls? Stay tuned... the answer will be coming very soon! And welcome aboard our second author cameo. Drag Girl Kacee contributed a few wonderful scenes for this episode! I hope she's satisfied with what made the episode. And remember, we've got three more author cameos to go! Regular length episode, back on its regular day, this Tuesday! We've finally reached midway... next episode! Copyright Date: 6/28/02