“Roomies 2: Country Living” Fanfic Written by Freedom Fighter Well, we're now officially back on track as we hit the halfway point! By the way, there will be two more double-length episodes before the end of the season. The first will be within the next few weeks, and the second will be the dramatic finale, which is now set to premiere sometime towards the end of September. Speaking of back on track... back to Okayama already? Mimi provides the scoop on that... Episode Rating: PG Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me. Still, I'm free to portray the characters as truthfully or untruthfully as possible. Guess which one I'm doing more of. ***** Mimi: (VO) On the last episode of Roomies... Jeri watches tensely as Melfina reaches into the yellow pouch that Mimi is holding in front of her. Jeri: (CC) I don't know if I can live with an older roommate. Mimi: (VO) I pulled the old switcheroo on the roommates. But not all of them were happy... Bit: (ducking down) I don't think Roger and I are going to get along too well. Joey sees Roger glaring in his direction. Scared as well, he ducks down and joins Bit, cowering. Faye: This is my side of the room! That is your side! Jessie: So you think you can keep that side just because you didn't move? 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! 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. Mimi: (VO) Jessie doesn't stay angry at Faye for long, as she seeks help to get rid of another nuisance of hers... Jessie: What do you say? Everyone always talks about Pokémon vs. Digimon. For once, why can't it be Pokémon and Digimon? Jeri: (smiles) What do I have to do? After a small pep talk with Jessie, Jeri looks all over the barn until she finds Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi: What do you mean it's not fair? Jeri: How come I have to do as much as work as you do? 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. Jessie and Jeri then run out of the stall, off to find a place to relax. Mimi: (VO) Luckily, leave it to a fellow Final Fantasy look-alike to help me straighten things out in time for a challenge... 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? Mimi: (VO) One person she can't help me with though is Jeri... Jeri 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. Kiyone: (running towards Jeri) Oh my god... Jeri! Jeri: (holding her head) Wha? Kiyone: Are you okay? Mimi: (VO) And as a result, she continues to do poorly... Jeri is just pushing hers, not showing any attempt to pick it up and try to run. Chi-Chi: She's not making any effort at all. Mimi: (VO) Poorly... Jeri is doing even worse, as she is barely making any progress moving her haystack. Mondo: (CC) Jeri doesn't look as if she's going to hang around much longer. Mimi: (VO) And did I mention... poorly? Yelling fills the background as Jeri begins to walk away from the field. Chi-Chi: Jeri! Jeri! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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 9 - Limitations and Expectations Day Eighteen (Seventeen) As the challenge from the last episode resumes, Duo reaches the start/finish line and tags off to Melfina, who lifts the six -pound haystack and starts walking down the course. As Duo catches his breath, he sees Kiyone return and tag off to Roger, who gives chase after Melfina, carrying the six-pounder as best as he can. Only now do both Duo and Kiyone realize what's going on, as they see Mondo running over to Jeri, who is sobbing on the sidelines. Chi-Chi watches them, standing there with her hands on her hips. Kiyone: (to Joey) What happened to Jeri? Joey: She quit. Kiyone: (gasps in shock) Are you serious? Duo: (looking over) I feel sorry for her, especially after everything that's been happening the past few days. Kiyone: I know. Duo: (CC) For the first time, someone's actually quit a challenge midway through. *** Mondo stops in front of Jeri, reaches down with his hands, and starts shaking her shoulders. Mondo: Jeri, snap out of it! Jeri: (sobbing) I'm useless. I can't do anything right! Mondo: Don't say that! It's not true! You can do this! Jeri: (looking up at Mondo, who stops shaking her) I can't! Stop telling me I can! Mondo: You've got to believe in yourself! Jeri: (screaming at the top of her lungs) Go away, Mondo! Mondo: But... Jeri: (still screaming) Leave me ALONE! Mondo takes a step back, a little surprised that Jeri would be so distraught over this. He slowly backs away and starts walking back towards Chi-Chi and the others, taking one more solemn glance back as Jeri sinks her head back between her knees and starts crying again. Chi-Chi: (CC) I'm so torn right now. I want to go over there and tell Jeri to finish up her leg of the challenge. Then again, I feel like I'm pushing her too hard again. Mondo: (walking up to Chi-Chi) She won't let me help her. Chi-Chi: (sighs) And I don't think she'd want to talk to me. Mondo: So, what now? Chi-Chi: Looks like we're done, at least for this challenge. Mondo clenches his fists in anger as he glances down the course, spotting Jessie as she pushes the four-pounder the last few feet of the course. Mondo: Why did Jessie have to play with her mind? Didn't she get enough out of arguing with Faye? Chi-Chi: Something's got to be done about her. *** As Jessie wipes the sweat off her forehead and starts running back, she sees both Melfina and Roger heading her way, with their six-pound haystacks in tow. Jessie tries to sprint back in order to make up some ground, but she quickly tires herself out, slowing to a jog by halfway, and then to a trot. Melfina and Roger run past her just before the three of them reach the start/finish line. Roger goes for the ten-pounder, attempting to lift it up, but to no avail. He decides to push it down the course. The same goes from Duo, who after receiving the tag from Melfina, also begins pushing the big haystack. Jessie, meanwhile, passes off to Keitaro, who also pushes his haystack down the course, although his is four pounds lighter. Kiyone: Go Roger! He's right behind you! Melfina: Go for it, Duo! Jessie: Keitaro, you slowpoke! Move it already! Keitaro: (grumbling) I'd like to see you push this dang thing. Roger, Duo, and Keitaro are all pushing their hay bales at about the same speed, though Keitaro starts to edge ahead of the others thanks to lighter weight of his stack. Cheers continue to fill the background as Keitaro reaches the end and then begins running back. His teammate, Bit, gets behind the ten-pounder for his leg of the race. But Bit can only watch as Roger and Duo reach the other end of the course at the same time. The two of them sprint back to the line as they race for first place. Keitaro reaches the start/finish line first, tagging off to Bit, who starts pushing the ten-pound haystack down the course. Just as he gets underway, Duo sprints ahead of Roger by a few feet, beating him to the finish line. Both of their respective teams celebrate, although Duo, Faye, and Melfina are extremely happy over their first place finish. Everyone then watches as Bit reaches the end and runs back, crossing the finish line about a minute and 40 seconds behind the other two teams. With that, the challenge has come to an end. *** A few minutes later, the group gathers around Mimi so that she can announce the official results. All except for Jeri, who is still sitting on the ground, off to the side. Mimi: As promised, the two teams that finished this challenge first would be eligible for the Sony Ericsson T68 cell phone. So that means that Faye, Duo, Melfina, Roger, Kiyone, and Joey are all in the running. Congratulations! A round of applause can be heard from the other contestants, even though they're disappointed that they're not in the winner's circle. Mimi, meanwhile, pulls out a pack of gray index cards and a few magic markers. She hands them out to each of the winners. Mimi: As usual, write your name on your card, and then make sure you hang on to it until the end! Okay? Anyway, your day with me is done, so you guys can head back to town and rest for the remainder of the day. *** Once the group arrives back at the loft, Jeri immediately heads up the stairs to her room. Upon seeing this, Mondo decides to follow her, in hopes of getting to talk to her this time. A few of the others watch the chase before turning their attention to Jessie, the cause of all of Jeri's problems. Joey: Why'd you have to go and pick on Jeri? Roger: I've never seen someone stoop so low for attention. Jessie: You think this is all my fault? Kiyone: Of course it is! Without your persuasion, Jeri would have never skipped out on Monday! Jessie: It was her decision. I didn't force her to follow me. Keitaro: You expect us to believe that? Jessie: (growls angrily) Believe what you want. I don't know what caused the twerpette to give up today, but I have nothing to do with it at all. Jessie then starts walking towards the staircase. Jessie: Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap. Joey, Roger, Kiyone, and Keitaro watch Jessie head upstairs towards her room. Roger: (CC) For someone who's serious about winning it all, she has yet to earn the one thing that'll help her win... a vote. Or, at least currently, no one who would willingly vote for her in three weeks. Joey: (CC) Are Jessie's clothes too tight? 'Cause I'm sure there's not enough air getting to that brain of hers. I'm not Yugi, but it's plain to see that she's not gaining any friends here. *** Upstairs, Jeri has just entered her room. She immediately jumps on to her bed and buries her face in one of her pillows. But as everything around her is drowned out by the sound of her crying, she doesn't hear Mondo enter. Mondo walks over to Chi-Chi's bed, which is located next to the nightstand that lies in between the two beds. Hearing the sound of someone moving on the other bed, Jeri raises her face away from the pillow and turns to see Mondo sitting there. Mondo: (softly) Jeri... Jeri lays her head back down, although she turns so that her entire body is facing away from Mondo. Jeri: I thought I told you to... Mondo: Leave you alone? Yeah, I know. Jeri: Then why are you still here? Mondo: Because I'm genuinely worried about you. That, and the fact that I can't bear to see you cry all day. Jeri: (defiantly) Stop sucking up, 'cause I'm not buying it! Mondo: I'm not sucking up! It's the honest to goodness truth! Jeri: If I'm to believe that, then answer this for me. Why do I have to be the youngest one here? Mondo: Why? Um... He thinks for a few seconds before answering her question. Mondo: Technically, we're the same age, so you're not THE youngest. Jeri: (sniffles) I don't know if I'm cut out for this. Mondo: Why do you keep saying that? You wouldn't be here for nothing. You have a reason for being here, just like I do. The same with Joey, Chi-Chi, and everyone else. Jeri: Chi-Chi... why does she have to be so bossy? Mondo: I guess she's used to being in charge, seeing as she's the mother figure and all. Jeri: I haven't gotten a moment's rest since I became her roommate three days ago. She keeps telling me that only lazy bums lie around all day and do nothing. She expects me to help out with the chores everyday, even though I'm doing a lot more than most people are. Mondo: Doesn't she realize that you're just a kid? Jeri: Maybe this is how she treats her kids. They must be very strong if they can tolerate living like that. But I don't think that I have the strength to last much longer. Mondo takes this opportunity to move from Chi-Chi's bed to Jeri's before responding to her statement. Mondo: From what you've been telling me about your life the past few weeks, something like this shouldn't be a problem for you. You told me about that terrible experience with the D-Reaper. You told me about losing Leomon. You even told me about losing your mother. Jeri: Mother? She'll never be... Mondo: Huh? Jeri: (slowly) After we got back from the farm on Monday, Chi-Chi was trying to convince me to stop listening to Jessie. But then she said something about me seeing her as her mother. Mondo: (sighs deeply) I do remember you saying you never got used to your stepmother. Jeri: Yes, I did say that. It's hard to forget that. I cared the most about her before she died. She sits up and turns towards Mondo, spotting the worried look on his face. Jeri: Mondo, are you okay? Mondo: I heard from Kiyone that after Chi-Chi talked to you that day, she regretted herself. I guess Chi-Chi's finally realized that we're not like her normal family. That we're not used to being ordered around all day. Jeri: Chi-Chi said that? Mondo: Well, at least that what's Kiyone said. Chi-Chi knows what she's done wrong. She's admitted to it. And you've got to do the same. Jeri: Admit the same? Mondo: You quit work twice this week. You haven't been as forgiving to Chi-Chi as you should have been. And then you let both her and me down by walking out on the challenge today. Jeri: (after a minute) I guess I have been letting everyone down these last few days. Mondo: I wouldn't worry much about it. I think everyone's willing to forgive you. Jeri: Not really. Mondo: Not really? Jeri: You said that I have a reason for being here. Jessie said that I'm here to be the innocent one; the one that everybody feels sorry for when I mess up in a challenge. Mondo: I don't think that's why you're here. You're here because you were hoping to get through this with a life experience worth remembering, without any doubts. And you seemed to be accomplishing that fine when you were having fun, instead of this seriousness that's come about from you lately. Jeri: So I should stop playing the game? Mondo: I'm not saying that! Sure, we all want to win in the end, but we want to have fun doing so too. All I'm saying is that you should relax and stop worrying about your performance so much. As long as you do your best in every challenge, that's all anyone asks for. Mondo then reaches over and wipes the tears away from Jeri's eyes. She smiles, then wraps him in a hug. Mondo, naturally, wraps his arms around her and hugs back. *** Night Eighteen (Seventeen) That evening, Mimi treats the group to dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Sitting at a set of tables pushed together, they sit with Melfina, Mondo, Jeri, Kiyone, Roger, and Bit on one side, Duo, Faye, Keitaro, Chi-Chi, Jessie, and Joey on the other, and Mimi at the head of the table. Of course, Bit and Joey are sitting next to Mimi, talking with her at every possible opportunity. Bit: And so, with pieces of the judge satellite still hurling towards us from the sky, Liger and I use the Burning Big Bang to obliterate it and save us and the transporter! Is that skill or what? Joey: You call that intense? You should see what I go through in a Duel Monsters game! Bit: There's no way a card game can compare to the thrill of two Zoids battling it out for prize money. (to Mimi) What do you think? Mimi: All I care about is getting this over with so you two will stop drooling over me. Before either of them can respond, Mimi stands up to make an announcement. Mimi: I don't know how many of you have figured it out, but there is a reason that we're here tonight. Jessie: (happily) Yeah! Free food! Chi-Chi: Jessie! Behave yourself! Mimi: Actually, this is more of a goodbye from me. Tomorrow morning, you'll be heading back to Okayama. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Duo: We're going back already? Mimi: Yep! Tonight's your sixth and final night here in Smallville. Being so, you can't leave without some souvenirs from the trip. Therefore... Mimi reaches into her purse and pulls out a wad of $20 bills. She then goes around the table and hands 2 $20 bills to each person. Mimi: (returning to her seat) Since we lost a work day because of me being delayed in New York that day when it was snowing, all of you are being paid in full for that fifth day. With all of the money you've earned this week, you can blow it all on momentoes of your trip here! Or you can keep it for yourselves. It's up to you. At that moment, two waiters come to their table and drop off four baskets full of biscuits for them to snack on while they're meals are being prepared. The waiters leave and then return, passing out drinks this time. Once the waiters depart again, Joey decides to take advantage of the situation by jumping out of his seat, with glass in hand. Joey: I propose a toast! This is for Monty and Clarissa, who couldn't be here with us tonight, as well as for our beautiful hostess Mimi, who I think did a tremendous job by putting up with all of us! Bit: (smirks) Especially you, right? Joey: Stop dissin' my toast, man! Faye: (shouts) Stop arguing over Mimi and get it over with already! Joey: (raises his cup in the air) To Monty, Clarissa, Mimi, and let's not forget, the town of Smallville! Cheers! Everyone: Cheers! The group takes the time to toast and tap everyone's else glasses before finally getting a sip of their drinks. Things finally settle down as they all eventually return to their seats. Mimi: (smiles) Well, after this wild week, I'm happy that we're ending this on a high note! We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful dinner! Down near the end of the table, Mondo is about to cut his biscuit down the center when Melfina accidentally bumps him while she's reaching for her napkin. Melfina: (apologetically) Sorry. Mondo: (seeing his biscuit rolling down the table) My roll! Keitaro reaches out to grab it, but misses. He jumps out of his seat to give chase. As the biscuit rolls in front of Jessie, Keitaro reaches out to get it. He misses again, but this time because Jessie grabs it first. Naturally, the miss causes Keitaro to lose his balance and fall forward, right into Joey, who is raising his glass to take a sip of his soda. Keitaro knocks Joey and his chair over, causing the soda to fly out of the glass and right onto Mimi's face, as well as her blouse. Finally, gravity takes over as Keitaro finally falls to the ground, landing on his own face. Joey: (trying to get up) Hey Keitaro, you've gotta be more careful! Keitaro: (grabbing something to hold onto as he gets up) Sorry about... Mimi: (screams) Eeeeekkkkk! Keitaro looks up and sees that his left hand is currently resting on Mimi's left leg, right where her skirt ends. Keitaro: (sweatdrops) This isn't what it looks like, I swear... Mimi swings her purse and hits Keitaro on the side of his head, sending him flying into a nearby table, where a family was sitting at. The table breaks in half, as all of the food slides to the break in the center, causing it all to fall all over Keitaro. Mimi, still steaming mad about what trasnpired, walks off to find the restroom to clean herself off. Roger shakes his head, then reaches for the $40 he had just been given a minute ago. Chi-Chi: What are you doing? Roger: Just being prepared. It doesn't look like Mimi's coming back anytime soon. Bit: Lucky devil. He actually got to touch her. Joey: If you're saying that's the easiest way to get a girl, you've gotta be crazy! Not for that type of punishment! Bit and Joey glance over at Keitaro, whose eyes are swirling just before they are covered by fish bones and empty crab shells. *** Day Nineteen (Eighteen) [Travel Trax: Smallville to Kansas City to Detroit to Osaka to Okayama] The sun is not yet up in the sky, but our favorite group of twelve are finishing their packing and are beginning to load their belongings into the back of the bus. Around five thirty, the twelve them make a final check before locking the loft up and getting onto the bus. Soon after, the bus is rolling back towards Kansas City to catch an eight o'clock flight out. Keitaro: We're going back to Japan, and we haven't seen hide nor hair of Superman himself. Mondo: I know. Isn't that what we came here for? Joey: We didn't see Superman at all. (blushes) But we did see someone who'd pass off as a good Supergirl. Keitaro: You still sad that Mimi didn't fall for you? Joey: It probably would've helped if you didn't spill my drink all over her, but hey, what can you do? Keitaro: I apologized for that already! Joey: (shrugs his shoulders) Doesn't matter anyway. Mimi was never truly interested in me. (happily) But, at least she didn't fall for Bit! Mondo: Well, at least you're looking at it from a positive perspective. (sighs) Wish I could say the same about Jeri. Joey: I'm sure that talk you had with her did wonders. Just give it some time. Keitaro: Joey's right. I'm sure she'll be fine by the time we get back to Japan. Kiyone: (moving up to join them) Can I join the 'disappointed we didn't see Superman' group? Joey moves over so that Kiyone can sit next to him. Joey: Sure. It's not like anything's going to change between here and Kansas City. As the bus heads east towards Kansas City, the passengers miss seeing Superman actually appear, flying over the town of Smallville, surveying for trouble as he searches from something to do. *** [Continental Airlines 5433 - departs Kansas City for Detroit, 8 a.m. local time] [Travel Trax: Kansas City to Detroit to Osaka to Okayama] *** [Continental Airlines 5433 - lands in Detroit, 11 a.m. local time] The group switches planes at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport, now getting on a flight heading straight to Osaka. But as they begin boarding, they notice fog developing outside. Kiyone: Looks like we may be sitting here for awhile. Faye: What's wrong with taking off with fog? Kiyone: Faye, the way you ask that question makes me worry about the future. Faye: What's there to worry about? The Earth's practically a barren wasteland 70 years from now. Kiyone: (sarcastically) That's so encouraging. *** [Continental Airlines 5069 - departs Detroit for Osaka, approximately 11:50 a.m. local time] [Travel Trax: Detroit to Osaka to Okayama] *** [Continental Airlines 5069 - lands in Osaka, 4:30 p.m. local time] After a lengthy trip across the Pacific, the plane finally lands at Osaka Kansai Airport late in the afternoon. The group gets their bags and heads immediately out towards the extended parking area, to find their vans. Kiyone: (stretches her arms) It's nice to be back in our part of the world. Mondo: I'm with you! My system's still out of whack living in a place where you sleep during the day and are wide awake at night. At least, that's what it would be like if we didn't adjust our schedules. Melfina: Let's just hope our drivers are awake enough to get us back to the mansion. *** After a slow, but steady ride, the two vans carrying the group pull up to the mansion's driveway. As soon as the vans stop, they file out and start pulling their bags out from the back so they can go and unpack. Bit: (yawns) Traveling takes a lot more of me than I thought. Faye: I can't wait to take a nap! Keitaro: (cries) Why did it have to be my turn to cook tonight? *** Night Nineteen With all of the flying behind them, the house members go their separate ways for the remainder of the evening. Joey, along with Keitaro, Jessie, and Mondo, are in the first floor computer room, checking their e-mail accounts. He doesn't stay long, though, as he gets up and exits the room. He heads for the phone in the kitchen. He picks up the receiver and dials a number. He waits for the phone to ring twice before someone answers on the other end. Callee: (VO) Hello? Joey: Hey Yug, it's me! Yugi: (VO) Joey? Is it really you? Joey: Yep! We just got back two hours ago. Yugi: (VO) Did you get a chance to see anyone famous? Joey: Not really. We didn't even see Superman once. Yugi: (VO) So, what did you guys see then? Joey: (smiles) Wait 'til I tell you about this cute girl named Mimi that I met... *** As Joey catches up with Yugi on the phone, Roger decides that it's time to catch up with one of his so-called friends here. Roger: (shouting) Faye? Faye sticks her head out of the doorway to her room to see who's calling her. Faye: Who wants me? Roger: (heading towards Faye) I did. Faye: (uninterested) What do you want? Roger: Remember when I proposed that alliance last week? Faye: (raises an eyebrow) The one I promptly refused to join? Yeah, I remember. And your point being? Roger: What do you say we give it another go? Faye: Are you crazy? What makes you think I'll join your alliance this time around? Roger: Because I've got an offer you can't refuse. Roger grabs Faye by the arm and pulls her to the lobby. Faye pulls her arm from him, rubbing the place where he had grabbed her arm at. Faye: A simple 'come here, I don't want anyone else to hear' would've sufficed. Roger: Promise to vote for me in three weeks, and if I win, we'll split the grand prize money 70-30! Faye: 70-30? That's it? Roger: Think about it! If I walk out of here with just half a million, that's a hundred and fifty grand alone for you, at least! Faye: What are you going to do with the rest of the money? You've already got more than enough cash to spare. (smiles) Maybe if it was 70-30 my way... Roger: No way! That's more money than you deserve! Faye: Now now, is that how you treat your potential business partner? Roger: I'm not splitting it if you're taking 70% of the pot. Faye: (smirks) Well then, I guess negotiations are over. Looks like you'll have to find someone else to help you out. Faye then heads back to her room, strutting happily as she does. Roger is a bit irate, not being able to make a deal with her. Roger: (CC) Faye's not weasling all that money out of me! If she wants the whole pot herself, she's going to have to earn it! Although I think that's going to be a bit hard to do once the guys and I enact our plan. Roger heads upstairs to his room as he sees Faye walk into her room and close the door behind her. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Day Twenty Mondo is in the first floor computer room, trying to design something on the computer's art program. Needless to say, he's having a hard time adapting to it. Mondo: (growls) Come on, you stupid pointer! Man, how the heck am I supposed to draw a straight line if the pointer keeps bouncing? This is so frustrating! Voices from Another Room: (cheering) Yeah! Woohoo! Mondo: (shouts out) I'd like to see one of you do better! He expects to hear a response from someone, but he doesn't get one at all. Mondo: (getting up) Did you hear me? I said that I'd like to see one of you do better! He looks out the doorway, but the only person he sees in the hall is Jeri, who is heading towards him. Mondo: Jeri, was that you? Jeri: (blinks her eyes, confused) Huh? Mondo: Never mind. You'd never do something like that anyway. Jeri: What? Mondo: Somebody heard me say that the computer's dang art program is frustrating, and I heard him cheer the computer on! Jeri: (sweatdrops) You're not making any sense, Mondo. Mondo: Just tell me where the cheers are coming from! Jeri: (smiles brightfully) That's easy. It's coming from the living room. Mondo: (thinks aloud) He yelled all the way from the living room? Jeri: Bit, Chi-Chi, Joey, Kiyone, and Melfina are all watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. They were cheering because the Japanese team just entered the stadium. Mondo: (shocked) The Olympics? Already? Jeri: (nods) It's in the U.S. Salt Lake City, I think. It would've been nice if we could actually be there, though. As Jeri thinks about what could have been, Mondo runs past her and heads for the front door. He opens it, allowing a cold gust to enter the mansion. Mondo quickly shuts the door again. Through all of this, the group in the living room has turned their attention from the TV to Mondo. Mondo: (shivering) Cold enough... but no snow on the ground at all. Chi-Chi: (curiously) What are you up to? Bit: And why'd you let in all the cold air? Mondo: (heading for the stairs) Too cold to do it outside. Melfina: Do what outside? Mondo: (as he starts going up) You'll see! Chi-Chi: (seeing Jeri walk into the lobby) Jeri, what is Mondo up to? Jeri: (shrugs her shoulders) I'm not sure. I just told him that you guys were watching the Olympics, and he got all excited. All of a sudden, the sound of bell ringing can be heard from the kitchen. Chi-Chi gets up out of her seat and heads that way immediately to check up on lunch. Mondo: (shouts) Jeri, come up here for a sec! Jeri obeys, walking to and then up the staircase. Joey: I know the Olympics are special and all, but didn't Mondo seem a little too excited? Kiyone: Mondo's still a kid, remember? And kids are more easily amused by big events like this then we are. Melfina: Are you sure? That doesn't sound right. *** As Jeri reaches the top of the stairs, she looks on strangely as Mondo drags a large piece of cardboard before stopping about ten feet from the stairs. Jeri: Mondo, what's with the cardboard? Mondo: We're going to go sledding! Jeri: But isn't that something you do outside? Mondo: Nonsense! The staircase will make a great slope! And we won't have to worry about freezing our butts off! Mondo sits down on the front half of the cardboard. He then taps the back half, as if he's motioning for her to get on. Mondo: Well, what are you waiting for? Get on! Jeri: No offense, Mondo... but have you gone bonkers? At the bottom of the stairs, Bit's already looking up at the pair and their 'sled,' as the others come over to look. Joey: What's up? Bit: Mondo's about to slide down the stairs on a piece of a cardboard! Kiyone: What? Playing video games is a lot safer than that. Melfina: (worried) I think it might get worse... Mondo wants Jeri to go down with her! Back up top... Jeri: (a little hesitant) Are you sure this is safe? Mondo: Trust me! Nothing will go wrong! Kiyone: That's dangerous, you two! Come down here! Mondo: We're coming! Jeri reluctantly sits down on the back half of the cardboard piece, as Mondo starts scooting forward, moving the 'sled' with every hop. Jeri catches onto the rhythm as she helps inch the 'sled' to the edge of the top step. About a minute later, the 'sled' is seen veering off of the stairs. Bit, Joey, Melfina, and Kiyone all move out of the way of the oncomers. Jeri and Mondo try to turn and avoid hitting the front door by leaning to their left and raising the right side of the cardboard up off the ground., but to no avail. As the 'sled' hits the door, it tips over, causing both Jeri and Mondo to fall on their sides. Mondo: (with excitement) Let's do it again! Jeri: (with swirly eyes) Uuuunngghhh... Kiyone: Let's just stick with playing video games, okay? *** Night Twenty After a day of fun and games downstairs in the basement on the Playstation 2, two of the mansion's older residents decide to step out and have some fun of their own... out on the town. In the mansion, Duo is frantically searching for Roger and Faye on the second floor. He peeks into the green bedroom and sees Jessie lying on her bed, reading a book entitled 'How to Get the Most Out of Your Life without Wasting It.' Jessie: (lowering her book) Looking for Roger and Faye, I take it? Duo: Where are they? Jessie: They went out. What do you expect? They're probably out somewhere having some fun of their own. *** Roger and Faye are dancing at a nearby night club... awfully close to each other. Neither of them seem to notice it, though, because by now they've already had a few drinks each. Most of the crowd watches practically dumbfounded, seeing a gorgeous woman like Faye dancing with a handsome stud like Roger, even though the alcohol hasn't seemed to help their dance steps any. Roger: (to Faye) Why's everyone staring at us? Faye: (to Roger) 'Cause you're not dancing raunchy enough yet! The rest of the night goes on without incident, not counting the fact that a new pair of eyes was watching them every minute. *** Day Twenty-One As the sun rises above Okayama, the residents of the mansion are still deep in pleasant slumber... Keitaro: (yelling at the top of his lungs) Aaaaaahhhh! Well, they were... Roger: (sitting up) Keitaro, what's with all the noise? Faye: (sitting up... next to him) Yeah... I'm trying to sleep... here? Roger and Faye: (yelling at the top of their lungs) Aaaaaahhhh! Sure enough, Roger and Faye had spent last night sleeping in the same bed together. And they couldn't believe it one bit. Keitaro couldn't either. Neither could anyone else in the mansion, as Chi-Chi and Duo are the first to enter the room, followed shortly by everyone else. Keitaro: (CC) I wake up to find the two of them in bed together! When did they hook up? Chi-Chi: Why are you two in the same bed? Duo: I bet the two of you had a bit too much to drink last night. Jessie: (pointing at Keitaro) I bet you put them up to this! Keitaro: (defending himself) What? I have nothing to do with this! Roger and Faye: (simultaneously) How did you... why... where... how much did you... did we? The two quick throw the covers off to see that there are still clothed, although the clothes are wrinkled and smell just like alcohol. Roger's even wearing his shoes in bed. Chi-Chi throws her hands up in disbelief as she walks out of the room. Chi-Chi: Has everyone in this house gone nuts? Duo: (following her out) I don't see the problem. They were just making out. Faye hops out of bed and quickly makes her way out, in order to go shower. Roger: (looking at Keitaro) We didn't do anything, did we? Keitaro: Why are you asking me? You think I want to know about what you two did? Kiyone: They probably have hangovers from last night. It'll be a few hours before they remember everything in detail. (gulps) Let's just hope the truth isn't too detailed. *** Even though the gang can't immediately figure out the exact details of what happened last night at the bar as of yet, they don't have any time to think about it now. After getting a message from Tenchi, the gang piles into the vans (with Kiyone driving the red van instead of Roger, for obvious reasons). They're heading on an hour and a half drive to the west, followed by a twenty-minute ferry ride to a metropolis on a nearby island. They will have their next challenge here. Once back on land, the group walks the short mile to their destination... which Chi-Chi recognizes instantly. Chi-Chi: Hey! This is the same arena that the World Martial Arts Tournament was held a year ago! Jeri: Martial arts? Keitaro: (gulps) Oh boy. Duo: I guess that means that we're going to have to fight somebody. *** Once on the grounds of the battle stadium, Tenchi waits for them at the center of the ring. The twelve of them gather around their host as he welcomes them back to Japan. Tenchi: Didn't think I'd see you guys again after I heard Mimi got held up in New York. Melfina: Yeah, but everything worked out in the end! (thinks about Jeri) Well, almost everything. Jeri: That's okay, Melfina. I'm feeling better now. No need to worry about skipping out on this challenge! Tenchi: I hope not, 'cause this challenge isn't for the faint of heart. As you've probably figured out already, you're standing in the stadium where the World Martial Arts Tournament is held every year. And that ties into today's challenge, which is a team physical one, by the way. You will spend the next few hours learning some martial arts techniques, and then you'll use those in fights against each other. A look of worry develops on Keitaro's face. Keitaro: (CC) Fighting? Couldn't we pick something safer? Or at least something that doesn't result in me being blasted off, as Jessie would say. Kiyone: (points at Tenchi) Are you teaching us? Tenchi: (shakes his head) Not me! But trust me, I've got some great teachers for you! *** Tenchi leads them to the waiting area, and then back to the practice arena, where two figures are engaged in battle, exchanging punch for punch and kick for kick while floating in mid-air. Everyone watches as the two of them continue to fight. Finally, after about a minute of non-stop limb throwing, they push away from each other and start charging up for their energy attacks. By now, the two combatants can be recognized. Chi-Chi: Gohan! Kiyone: And Ryoko? Ryoko: (breathing hard) You're pretty good. But not good enough! Gohan: (breathing hard) Really? Let's see you dish it out! Ryoko: (creating a fireball out of energy) Now, you die! Gohan: (creating a fireball himself) Kamehameha! The two fireballs collide above the center of the arena, cancelling each other out as the attacks disappear. By now, most of the group is shaking in fear... Keitaro's so scared that he looks like he's about to wet his pants! Kiyone: He stopped Ryoko's fireball? Chi-Chi: Gohan's the strongest fighter in the world! How can his fireball cancel out with hers? Gohan lands on the ground, off to the left side of the arena. Ryoko does likewise, except she lands on the right side. Gohan: I can answer that, mom. I wasn't using my full power. Roger: (in surprise) What? You mean your attacks are more powerful than that? Gohan: (smiles) Yep. Ryoko too. (turns towards her) Right? Gohan and everyone else look over and see that Ryoko has now clamped herself to Tenchi. Ryoko: (hugging him) Tenchi, my darling! Tenchi: Hey! Cut it out! Not in front of the contestants! Ryoko lets go of Tenchi, only to turn her attention towards Kiyone, who she notices for the first time. Ryoko: Well well, didn't know you were here. (slyly) Trying to impress Tenchi by winning a reality series, huh? Kiyone: (as Tenchi blushes in the blackground) It's nothing like that! Tenchi regains his composure and resumes his speech about the challenge. Tenchi: Gohan and Ryoko here will be teaching all of you martial arts today. Although I'm sure some of you won't need as much training as others because of prior xperiences. Gohan: That's for sure. Everyone better watch out! My mom's not as strong as me, but I bet she could still beat the pants off of anyone here, Ryoko included! Ryoko: Really? (flies over to Chi-Chi) Then I guess we'll have to have a little sparring match later. Tenchi: Ryoko, behave yourself. (to the group) Anyway, this is a physical challenge, so you'll be split into two teams of six. And naturally, the two Roomies with the most fighting experience will be the captains. That will be Chi-Chi and Duo. Chi-Chi and Duo look over the group as they try to decide who the strongest fighters are. Keitaro: (CC) After seeing the display that those two put on... I seriously hope they aren't the ones that we're fighting. I don't think I could last three seconds with either of them. End Episode Nine Tenchi: (VO) On the next episode of Roomies... DBZ Announcer: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the first ever Roomies Martial Arts Tournament! Tenchi: (VO) South City's a perfect place to get beat up at... Bit: (jumping all around) Come on, you're too slow! Gohan: You keep jumping around like that and you won't stand a chance at all. Ryoko: (smiles) This ought to be interesting! Mondo: Take this! Kiyone: I'll win this time! Tenchi: (VO) But at least they'll get another free meal out of it afterwards... Joey: (holding his hand over his mouth) I think I'm gonna be sick... Tenchi: (VO) And since we've dislodged some hate, how about showing some love? Chi-Chi: I've come to a decision! Melfina: You're breaking us up? Faye: (pointing at Roger) I never loved him in the first place! Tenchi: (VO, coughs) Ahem... I said love... Mondo: (with hearts in his eyes) They're so beautiful! Duo: (bows) Melfina and I will proudly play the roles of the lovely couple. (sweatdrops) I can't believe I just said that. Keitaro: Maybe we should do one based on my love life! Chi-Chi: (down on one knee) I want you to marry me! Tenchi: (VO) Um... maybe a bit too much love... Duo watches as Joey is hit in the head with a slushy snowball. Jeri: (happily) Don't you feel better now? Tenchi: (VO) Where's the love? It's here next week on an all-new episode! 'Til then! Additional Author's Notes: I know that most of you are Digimon fans, but for the Tamers unenlightened... Jeri lost her mother at a young age, and she's never seen her stepmother as a suitable replacement. Not to say that Jeri's stepmother is unbearable to live with, it's just saying that Jeri will never see her as her new mother. To Jeri, she has only one mother. Of course, the subsequent references to losing Leomon and being trapped by the D-Reaper are also from the series. Oh, and keeping on Jeri, I figure that Mondo may eventually have to slap some sense into her. I'm tired of seeing her cry every time she makes a mistake, and I'm the one writing those very scenes! Actually, we need less of Jeri crying and more of Keitaro falling onto one of the ladies. I think it's been a few episodes since that happened last, but Mimi sure wasn't happy being his latest accidental victim! By the way, I did not intend on the group meeting Superman at all while in Smallville, though it did strike my mind a few times as I created the hang glider challenge from last episode. Ever try working in Microsoft Paint with just a keyboard and a mouse? I'd do a better picture by hand, and technically, I don't draw people that well! So you can see how futile Mondo's efforts are with the art program he's using. But what is he making? Just to remind everyone, the group lived in the house between mid-January and the beginning of March. We're at halfway now, when the recent Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City began. Don't worry... this is the only reference to it you'll see here. I've always wondered what a battle between Gohan and Ryoko would be like. We get a mini-battle here between the two. It'll be interesting to see what their training techniques are like. Although we know how Gohan is as a martial arts teacher. Well, at least those of you who watched him train both Goten and Videl last season know. The fists will be flying next week! Who will still be standing when all's said and done? Come back Tuesday to find out! Copyright Date: 7/30/02