"Roomies 2: Country Living" - written by Freedom Fighter Finally, "Roomies" gets that small cosmetic makeover that you've already seen in some of my newer fanfics. By the way, this is the tenth of eighteen scheduled episodes. I have to work extra hard the next two weeks because the end of this week's episode leads into the longest challenge of the entire competition, which you'll see next week. Two more of the scheduled author cameos are contributing to it, and I thank them in advance. You'll see who they are next episode, but until then, you'll have to just wait! Also, since the actual halfway point is hit in this episode, I'm offering a look at the current standings, which I have been keeping track of since the beginning. You'll see who's been winning challenges, who's already eligible for a few prizes, and who right now could be walking away with the most money! Those of you on the mailing list have already received a copy of it for your enjoyment. Okay, enough stalling! Here's episode number ten! Episode Rating: PG Disclaimer: As per usual, I do not own any of the shows or characters borrowed for use in this fanfic of mine. ====== Tenchi: (VO) Previously on Roomies... Kiyone: (to Joey) What happened to Jeri? Joey: She quit. Tenchi: (VO) Jeri fell into a slump, believing that she's not good enough to be competitive... Jeri: (sobbing) I'm useless. I can't do anything right! Mondo: Don't say that! Tenchi: (VO) And while some of the Roomies lash out at Jessie... Joey: Why'd you have to go and pick on Jeri? Roger: I've never seen someone stoop so low for attention. Tenchi: (VO) Mondo goes to comfort Jeri... once again... Mondo: (softly) Jeri... 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: You said that I have a reason for being here. Mondo: I don't think that's why you're here. 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. Tenchi: (VO) Thinking that they've had enough, the group returns to Okayama... Kiyone: (stretches her arms) It's nice to be back in our part of the world. Faye: I can't wait to take a nap! Tenchi: (VO) But their rest doesn't last long... 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! Keitaro: (CC) I wake up to find the two of them in bed together! 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. Ryoko: (creating a fireball out of energy) Now, you die! Gohan: (creating a fireball himself) Kamehameha! Keitaro: (CC) I don't think I could last three seconds with either of them. = = = = = = = = = = Tenchi: (VO) For 42 days, 12 anime converge to live in a mansion somewhere in Japan... Mimi: (VO) But one of the 12 will leave with nearly a million dollars in cash... (Begin theme song, showing each of the contestants one at a time for two seconds each) - Kiyone, working as a cashier at a fast food restaurant - Melfina, guiding the Outlaw Star to the Galactic Leyline - Joey, standing aside as Yugi examines his card deck - Duo, setting up explosives in order to destroy a Gundam - Mondo, asking Beginner to summon a monster for him and Rockna - Roger, climbing down into an abandoned subway tunnel - Jeri, telling Takato how cute Guilmon is at their first meeting - Chi-Chi, cheering Goten on at the World Martial Arts Tournament - Keitaro, watching Naru and Mutsumi splash each other in the sea - Faye, noticing that Ed is still playing an online chess game - Jessie, reading through the Pokémon Fortune Tellers' guide book - Bit, examining the three Liger Zero armor packages (Show scenes of Chi-Chi in the process of cooking dinner; Roger standing outside in only his robe; Jeri delegating duties to her team; and Joey openly flirting with a girl) Mimi: (VO) Some of them will become friends... Tenchi: (VO) Others will develop grudges against those they hate... Mimi and Tenchi: (VO) But only one will walk away with up to a million dollars in cash and prizes. (End theme song, with a picture of all 12 contestants standing in front of the mansion.) = = = = = = = = = = Episode 10 - All's Fair in War and Love (08.06.02) Day Twenty-One [Team Assignments: - Black: Chi-Chi, Roger, Jessie, Bit, Mondo, Keitaro - Blue: Duo, Faye, Kiyone, Joey, Jeri, Melfina] Tenchi: Your itinerary for the day is this, guys. You will be working with your training coaches until one o'clock, learning any martial attacks that they're willing to teach you. You'll then break for lunch, go through final practice, and then today's competition will officially start at three. Keitaro: Just what exactly are we doing, Tenchi? Tenchi: You'll find out at three. Right now, it's time to split up. (turning towards Gohan and Ryoko) Gohan, take Chi-Chi's team to the other practice arena. Ryoko, you'll stay here and work with Duo's team. Ryoko: Wait a minute! Why does Gohan get to work with the team that his mother is on? Gohan: Afraid that my mom can kick your team's butt? Ryoko: Oh, hell no! (turning towards her team) Alright, I'm gonna turn all of you into fighters! We'll show them who's the best! ====== Gohan leads the black team over to the practice arena on the east side of the complex. He then turns to them, looking each of his team members over. Gohan: Okay, which of you has been in a physical fight before? Chi-Chi, Roger, Mondo, and Keitaro all raise in their hands. Gohan: I already know what you can do, mom. (looks at Roger) You've been in a few? Roger: I work as a negotiator, so it always helps to be prepared should negotiations fall through. And that happens a lot. Gohan: So, you fight with others often? Roger: Actually, it rarely gets to the point where we have to actually punch and kick each other. I'd rather use my Big to conquer the forces of evil. Gohan: (blinks confusedly) Big? What's a Big? Roger: You know, a giant robot! What? You've never seen one before? Gohan: (not believing Roger at all) Uh huh... Gohan then points at Mondo and motions for him to step forward. Gohan: You know how to fight? Mondo: Of course I do! I'm a Mon Colle Knight! Gohan: (scratches his head) Sorry, but I've never heard of a Mon Colle Knight. Is that the traveling team that your part of? Mondo: It's not a team! Well, it is, but not the team you're thinking of! There's just two of us, me and my girlfriend Rockna. Oh, and Rockna's dad, the professor, he's part of the team too! He doesn't actually fight, though. Gohan: Have you actually punched or kicked someone? Mondo: Well, not with my own two hands, but technically yes, I have. You see, Rockna and I have the ability to become part of a monster from Mon World. We use the monster to help us defeat Prince Eccentro and his crew, who also take over a monster to fight back. Everyone in the room gives Mondo an odd look, having no idea what Mondo is talking about. Mondo: (to the others) I thought I told you guys what my job is! Bit: You never told us that you actually become a monster! Mondo: Did I forget to mention that? I knew I forgot something... Gohan: (sweatdrops) Swell. (turns to Keitaro) Keitaro, right? You've been in a fight? Keitaro: Yes. More than I'd like to remember. Gohan: Thrown any punches or kicks? Keitaro: Eh... not really. Gohan: (yelling) What? Do you take control of something to fight in too? Keitaro: Actually, I'm usually out with one hit. Gohan: One... hit? You're... joking... right? Keitaro: I have this weird knack of stumbling into rooms where I catch a girl wearing practically nothing. Happens with Naru a lot. She tends to be the one who throws the punch that sends me flying into the stratosphere. Gohan facefaults, not believing a word of what Keitaro had said. Gohan: You got punched that hard that many times by one girl? Keitaro: (counting off on his fingers) Well, sometimes Kaolla would kick me or use her gadgets, or Motoko would send me flying because of one of her sword techniques. Gohan: And you're still alive to tell about it? Keitaro: I seem to have a resistance to getting seriously injured. Gohan: Tell me about it. Oh boy... looks like we've got a lot of work to do. ====== On the southside practice arena, Ryoko was hard at work putting together a punching bag. The blue team looks on, waiting for their lesson to begin. Finally, Ryoko finishes and turns around to face the team. Ryoko: Okay, I want to see what all of you are able to do. Ryoko steps aside, revealing the punching bag... which looks exactly like Princess Ayeka, except for the fact that it is hanging from a chain. Kiyone: (putting her hands on her hips) Ryoko! Ryoko: Kiyone, work with me! I actually can watch someone beat up Ayeka for once, and not feel guilty about it! (snickers) This ought to be fun! Joey: (stepping up) I don't know who this Ayeka is, but I've got a challenge to win! Heads up! Joey throws a hard right jab, causing the punching bag to swing far enough so that it's parallel with the wooden bars holding the bag. Joey turns around to see the others' reactions. Joey: Easy as pie! Everyone tries to warn Joey as the bag swings back towards him, but it's too late. The bag hits Joey with enough force that it knocks him to the ground. Ryoko, hovering in the air above him, is laughing hysterically. Ryoko: Ha ha ha! I saw that one coming from a mile away! ====== Bit: (jumping all around) Come on, you're too slow! Mondo: (swinging a punch at Bit) Stand still! Gohan watches as Bit and Mondo are sparring with each other. He's commenting on their techniques as he observes them. Gohan: Mondo, mix up how fast or slow you throw those punches. You'll be more likely to hit Bit if you do so. And Bit... Bit: (glancing at Gohan) Yeah? Gohan: You keep jumping around like that and you won't stand a chance at all. Bit: What are you talking about? Mondo then gives Bit two quick jabs in the stomach. Bit's face turns pale white as he falls to his knees and clutches his stomach with his hands. Mondo: (to Gohan) You're right! It worked! (to Bit) Um... you okay? Gohan: You'd better go and put some ice on to keep the swelling down. Bit crawls off, heading for the infirmary. ====== [Physical Challenge 3: Martial Arts Tournament] At exactly three o'clock, the competition begins. The ring announcer from "Dragonball Z" steps out into the arena, as the small crowd there cheers with excitement, ready to see some fighting. DBZ Announcer: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the first ever Roomies Martial Arts Tournament! Six great battles for your enjoyment, featuring some of the world's most adored and revered anime characters! Musical fanfare is heard from the sidelines as the fans cheer once again. DBZ Announcer: Let's start by introducing our teams! The first team, dressed in black, is led by a former competitor here at our very own World Martial Arts Tournament. That might have been many years ago, but she still packs quite a wallop, even though she hasn't competed in recent years. Introducing Chi-Chi and the Black Marauders! Chi-Chi and her team (Roger, Jessie, Bit, Mondo, and Keitaro) run out into the arena to the cheers and jeers of the crowd. They are wearing black sweatshirts and sweatpants, as well as red rubber foam helmets. DBZ Announcer: And now, their opponents! They're dressed in blue and are led by a mobile suit pilot! Although he's never battled in the World Martial Arts Tournament, fighting is still a way of life for this young warrior. Nicknamed the 'God of Death' because he always goes for the kill, here's Duo and the Blue Bombers! Duo and his team (Faye, Kiyone, Joey, Jeri, and Melfina) appear from the tunnel and wave to the crowd. Their outfits are similar to the other team's, except in color. Duo's team has blue sweats and white foam helmets. DBZ Announcer: Here's how today's competition works! In each round, one member for each team will come up to the wheel behind me. A red and white roulette wheel appears behind him. The wheel is split into six equal parts. Four of the parts are numbered 1 to 4, in order. The other two parts have the letters 'VS' in them. (i.e. going clockwise, the panels are '1', '2', 'VS', '3', '4', 'VS') DBZ Announcer: One of the challengers will spin this wheel. If it stops on a number, then each challenger will have to face one of our champions! But if the wheel stops on one of the two 'VS' spaces, the two challengers must fight each other in that round! The two teams continue to listen as the announcer explains the battle rules. DBZ Announcer: A fighter loses the match if he or she falls out of the ring, doesn't get up after a ten count, or gives up. Fighters are not allowed to pull their opponent's hair, hit an opponent in the face, or give low blows. Anyone caught breaking the rules will be disqualified instantly. A team earns two points if their team member wins a round. A team will earn one point if their fighter lasts the full time limit, which will be 15 minutes today. At the end of the competition, the team with the most points wins the challenge and adds $100,000 to each of their personal pots! The crowd and the teams cheer after hearing about the money. DBZ Announcer: Oh, one more thing! Although it's probably something we shouldn't worry about here, a fighter is automatically disqualified if he or she, during the course of the match, kills their opponent. This made a few of the competitors a bit worried, especially Keitaro. Keitaro: We could actually die doing this? Chi-Chi: Stop worrying! I'm sure all of the fighters are trained not to go that far. You'll be fine! DBZ Announcer: Now, to begin the tournament, here's this season's host for the Roomies gang, Tenchi Masaki! Tenchi: Thank you! Before we begin, I must warn all of the fans out there, especially the young ones, that today's competitors know what they are getting into. They are all wearing protective equipment for their own protection. Please, do not try any of today's fighting moves at home! DBZ Announcer: With that out of the way, it's time for the first pair of fighters to come out. Tenchi: They were randomly selected just minutes ago, so none of the competitors know who they're matched up with. DBZ Announcer: And without further ado, the first pair is Roger from the Black Marauders and Kiyone from the Blue Bombers! Roger and Kiyone walk out onto the field, to the delight of their teammates and the fans. Tenchi: The teams will alternate turns spinning the wheel. Roger, you have the choice of spinning or letting Kiyone go first. Roger: (stepping aside) Ladies first. Kiyone steps forward and spins the wheel. It comes to a stop on the number '2.' Tenchi: Champion number two, please come forward! At center ring, a figure rises from the concrete padding. It happens to be Ryoko, dressed in safety equipment as well and itching for a fight. Kiyone: Ryoko? (to Tenchi) How can I fight her? She's our team's coach! DBZ Announcer: I guess we forgot to mention that the training coaches are among the champions! Fighting them is an absolute possibility! Ryoko: (smiles) This ought to be interesting. Ryoko lands in front of Kiyone, as the two former rivals start staring at each other. Roger stands off to the side, unaware of how close Ryoko and Kiyone really are. Kiyone: I'll win this time! Ryoko: We'll see about that! = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Ryoko and Kiyone are now in the ring, waiting for the round to begin. Ryoko: You don't have any weapons to help you out here, Kiyone! Kiyone: (smiles) I don't need them! Ryoko: That confident, huh? (rolls up her sleeves) Let's see what you got! DBZ Announcer: Believe it or not, these two women have quite a history between them! Ryoko is a space pirate; Kiyone a Galaxy Police officer. They're on complete opposite sides of the law, and today's another chance for them to settle their differences! Any comments, Tenchi? After all, you do live with these two. Tenchi: (holding up an umbrella) Just hope Ryoko doesn't tear the ring apart. A gong is hit, signifying the start of the match. Ryoko decides to stay on the ground, thinking this'll be a piece of cake. Kiyone: Go! Kiyone and Ryoko head straight for each other, running/gliding as fast as they can. They meet at center ring, locking hands with each other. As they push against each other, they grit their teeth, trying to psych the other out. Ryoko: This won't last long! I'm more than you can handle! Kiyone: Maybe so, but I'll outwit you at your own game! Kiyone quickly rears back on her legs, allowing Ryoko to push Kiyone's arms forward without any trouble. Kiyone takes the opportunity to give Ryoko a knee in the stomach. The hit is just strong enough to temporarily daze Ryoko, giving Kiyone a chance to release her grip on Ryoko's hands and fall back. She does so quickly, jumping back. Kiyone prepares for her next attack, only to find out that Ryoko has disappeared. And reappeared right behind her. Ryoko: Surprise! Ryoko interlocks her fingers, raises her arms over her head, and then brings them down, right into the back of Kiyone's head... all in less than a fraction of a second. Kiyone falls to the ground, but she hops right back up, rubbing the back of her head. DBZ Announcer: This is unbelievable! Ryoko's too fast for Kiyone! She won't last long at this rate! Spotting Ryoko to her right, Kiyone turns and punches hard. But all she hits is air and an afterimage of her opponent. Ryoko reappears and gives Kiyone a few quick jabs to the midsection before disappearing again. Ryoko: Give it up, Kiyone! You won't catch me! Kiyone: Try me! Ryoko flies straight at Kiyone, picking up speed, in hopes that the impact would be enough to send Kiyone flying out of the ring. Ryoko: It's over! But just as Ryoko reaches Kiyone, she somersaults out of the way at the last moment. Kiyone's not out of the woods, though, as Ryoko stops herself and fires a fireball right at Kiyone. The fireball hits Kiyone just as she comes out of her tuck, attempting to right herself and land straight on her feet. Kiyone is blasted out of the ring and onto the grass surrounding it. She lands on her face, a bit singed, but otherwise okay. DBZ Announcer: Kiyone has been blasted out of the ring! Ryoko wins! The crowd cheers as Ryoko appears in front of Kiyone and helps her out. Ryoko: No hard feelings, just so you know. Kiyone: (grabbing Ryoko's hand) You caught me by surprise there. Ryoko: I probably could've drawn it out, but then I would've gotten bored. Besides, I want you to be healthy the next time we battle. It was fun. ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] Round 1 continues with Ryoko vs. Roger. Not having any remorse for Roger as she did with Kiyone, Ryoko just does away with him easily, ending the round after just 35 seconds with a powerful flying kick to the chest. (Black 0, Blue 0) In Round 2, Chi-Chi lands on a 'VS' spot on her spin, resulting in her battling Joey. Needless to say, he didn't stand a chance. (Black 2, Blue 0) Keitaro and Melfina are next, as they battle for the full 15 minutes with no victor. They both spent most of the fight dodging attacks, hitting a few here and there, but no real winners. (Black 3, Blue 1) Bit spins for his pair in Round 4, with Jeri representing the Blue team. The wheel stops on '3.' Gohan comes out to battle them, which was not good. Gohan dispenses of them both rather easily. Gohan doesn't let Bit touch him, as he waits for Bit to tire out after missing so many punches, before carefully flicking Bit out of the ring with his ring finger. Jeri, meanwhile, fires away with a barrage of punches, but to no avail as Gohan picks her up and carries her to the edge of the ring, dropping her outside. (Black 3, Blue 1) Jessie and Duo draw in Round 5, ending up on another 'VS' spot. The two fight, and despite a few dirty yet legal tricks by Jessie, Duo gets Jessie into a leglock, forcing her to give up. (Black 3, Blue 3) [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== With the score tied and the final round about to begin, both Faye and Mondo were very nervous as they approached the wheel. DBZ Announcer: It comes down to this! One round to determine the winner! Mondo spins the wheel hard, watching it go around until it comes to a stop on the '4.' Tenchi: It looks like we'll get one of the non-coaching champions to battle! The sound of rollerblades can be heard from the tunnel. Emerging from it is Genki, the wild and energetic star of "Monster Rancher." Genki: Let's get this show on the road! Who's up first? ====== Mondo and Genki step into the ring, and the battle begins instantly. Genki doesn't wait for a single moment, as he blades right towards Mondo. He leaps to the air for a flying assault, coming down with his foot extended. The flying kick connects with the top of Mondo's padded helmet, sending him into the air and nearly halfway across the ring. But Mondo lands and stops himself before he skids out of the ring. Mondo: You want to do it that way? Fine then! Mondo runs right at Genki, looking to return the flying kick he just got. Mondo: Take this! He jumps up and aims his kick right at Genki's chest area. Genki flies back, just like Mondo did. The only problem is he can't get his rollerblades to come to a stop. Genki, rolling backwards, falls off of the edge of the ring, landing on his backside on the grass. Mondo: (raising his arms triumphantly) Yeah! I did it! DBZ Announcer: Genki has fallen outside the ring! Mondo is the winner! Mondo celebrates as he hops down from the ring and joins his team, who congratulates him. Faye steps into the ring now as Genki also gets back in. Faye: Hold on a minute! How does the kid get to wear rollerblades and all I get is some soft padding? Tenchi: It's part of his character! Faye: Well, a gun's part of my character! Let me have one! Tenchi: (sarcastically) You're kidding, right? Genki: Enough small talk! Let's battle! Faye: Can't you take those skates off? You'll ruin my face if you hit me with them! Genki: Will you fight me if I promise not to hit you with my blades? Faye: That would be so sweet of you! Could you? Genki: No prob! The gong rings and Genki once again takes off, heading straight for your opponent. Unsure of what to do, Faye stands there as Genki leans forward and headbutts Faye in the stomach. She falls on her butt, gritting her teeth angrily as she tries to bear the pain. Faye: That was a cheap shot! Genki: It's in the rules! Genki rolls to a stop, then turns to face Faye. Faye: I'm throwing in the towel! It's not fair that I have to battle a kid on wheels! Genki: Then I guess I won! DBZ Announcer: (scratching his head) I guess Genki wins. Tenchi: That makes the winners of the challenge the Black Marauders, by a score of 5 to 3! Chi-Chi and her team celebrate their well-earned victory with some cheering. Chi-Chi: Good going, team! We did it! Mondo: Outstanding! Keitaro: (wiping the sweat off of his forehead) I'm glad that's over. ====== Night Twenty-One That evening, Tenchi treats the group to a 'halfway there' dinner at a local seafood restaurant. As they dine on shrimp, crabs, and fish, Tenchi decides to spark up a chat. Tenchi: Well, all of you have reached the halfway point. Congratulations! The twelve of them applaud their efforts, happy to have made it this far. Tenchi: But, it's far from over. There's still three weeks to go and plenty of obstacles for all of you to overcome. Several of the challenges still to go will be more demanding, both physically and mentally. Now is not the time to take a breather. Tenchi then pulls out a small bag filled with envelopes. He takes the stack out, which is held together by a rubber band. Duo's name is on the first envelope, in big black letters. Duo: What are those? Letters from home? Jeri: (happily) Maybe Takato wrote one for me! Tenchi: Actually, these aren't letters. I'm holding 12 envelopes, each with one of your names on it. Inside each envelope is a color-coded index card with a number on it. The number tells you how much money you would walk out of here with if the game ended right now and you were voted the winner. A murmur of excitement erupts among the roomies. Tenchi: Believe it or not, if you were to have played the game perfectly from the beginning to this point, one of you would already have $535,000 in your pocket. (smiles) Luckily for me, that didn't happen. But we do have a few people with $350,000 plus. The person with the least amount thus far only has about a third of that amount, around $115,000 or so. He puts Duo's envelope out of the stack and then puts the rest down on the table. Tenchi: Duo, I will tell you right now that you are among the bottom half of the group in terms of money. And tonight, you've got a decision to make. Duo: (nervously) Okay. Tenchi: I'm going to give you the chance to make a target out of someone. Pick someone sitting at this table. I will open that person's envelope and show the card to everyone here. The person you pick could have more money than you, or even less. The catch is, if you decide to go through with this, I'll show off your card as well. The other envelopes and cards are torn up and everyone else will not get to see theirs. Duo: Can I choose not to do it? Tenchi: If you choose not to, I'll pass the envelopes out to everyone, and each person can decide for themselves if they want to tell anybody or not. But that at least gives everyone the opportunity to find out how much money they have. Everyone's attention is on Duo, as he thinks for a minute. He then reaches a decision. Duo: I think Kiyone's got the most money, so I'll pick her. Kiyone doesn't react to being chosen. She instead waits for Tenchi to open her envelope. Tenchi: You've picked Kiyone. (opening Kiyone's envelope) You're right, Duo. Kiyone does have the most money. Tenchi pulls out an olive-colored card, which reads '$365,000.' Jessie and Faye both eye Kiyone jealously, unhappy that she is in the lead. Tenchi: And as promised, let's see what Duo has. Tenchi opens Duo's envelope and pulls out a gray-colored card with the number '$260,000' on it. Duo's a little surprised about the number. Duo: Man, when you said I was in the bottom half, I was think the low 200's! Tenchi: Not exactly, but $260,000 isn't that bad. It just means that the top half of the group is very close together. But remember, the person with the most money does not win the game. It's the person who everyone else thinks is most deserving of it who wins the game. Tenchi then takes the other ten envelopes and starts ripping them one by one. After stuffing the scraps back in the bag and gets up out of his seat. Tenchi: I'll see you all at the next challenge. Joey, Jeri, Chi-Chi, and Keitaro all wish Tenchi a good night as the group is left to finish their meal. Kiyone: (CC) I can't blame Duo for putting me on the spot, but he's keeping track, that's for sure. Duo: (CC) Picking Kiyone will keep all of the attention on her in the next few challenges. She'll play it cautiously, while I can continue at the pace I'm working with right now, and rise back up in the overall standings. ====== Day Twenty Two It's early in the morning at the mansion, as a small patch of snow showers move over the area. Inside, one of the residents has gotten an unpleasant awakening. Joey comes out of his bedroom, walking as fast as he can towards the bathroom with his hand over his mouth. Joey squats down in the front of the toilet and starts puking. Duo walks in a few seconds later, wondering what's going on. Duo: Joey... you okay? Joey: (looking up at Duo) I think I'm gonna be sick... He then turns back to the toilet again, looking as if he's about to throw up. Duo runs out to get somebody to help him. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Downstairs in the kitchen, Kiyone is on the phone, chatting with someone at the local hospital. After about a minute, she hangs up and heads back to her room to change into her regular clothes. Kiyone: (CC) After talking with one of the doctors from the hospital, he decided it was best if we brought Joey in, just to make sure nothing's wrong. Chi-Chi: (CC) I'm afraid that I might be partially responsible for Joey's condition. A quick flashback to yesterday, during Chi-Chi and Joey's battle, as Chi-Chi punches Joey in the gut. Joey doubles back, wincing a little in pain. Chi-Chi: (CC) But Joey didn't look like he was hurting that much after our match. I hope he's okay. ====== Using the red minivan, Kiyone and Keitaro accompany Joey to the hospital. Kiyone drives slowly, due to the fact that the snow showers were making the road slushy and hard to drive on. But she manages to get them there in one piece. As Kiyone and Keitaro wait for Joey in the waiting room, they are conversing about personal matters. Kiyone: Isn't it ironic that you and Tenchi are almost alike? Keitaro: I can't believe it myself. Kiyone: But Tenchi doesn't go around... Keitaro: I know, I know. Touching girls in the wrong place, or falling on them, or something else similar to that. Kiyone: (laughs) You know, it would be funny if you and Tenchi switched places for a day. Keitaro: Me? Here in Okayama? Or Tenchi in Hinata Hot Springs? Kiyone: I'm surprised Ryoko didn't glomp you yesterday. She latches onto Tenchi every chance she gets. Keitaro: She did it yesterday, didn't she? Ryoko's different from all of the girls at the Hinata Apartments. Kiyone: They don't try to cuddle with you? Keitaro: Just the opposite! I'd like to see Tenchi survive a day with them! Kiyone: It can't be any worse than living here! A space pirate, a prissy princess, a young chef, a mad scientist, and a bumbleheaded partner! Keitaro: I live with an overprotective prep student, a sake-lover, a kendo expert, a shy chore-happy girl, and... well, I can't really describe Kaolla. I really don't know what to make of her. Kiyone: Don't you find it weird that although we come from similar settings, it's taken us quite awhile to get attached to each other? Keitaro: Not really. After all, you DID graduate at the top of your class. But I've failed the Tokyo University entrance exams three times already. Kiyone: (sighs) Graduating first is not always the best thing. After all, I had to have Mihoshi as a partner. Not even a genius could get her to do a job right! Keitaro: (laughs out loud) Talk about dumb luck! Kiyone: That's my point! As regretful as I may be about it, the best don't always get the best. One day, you'll pass your entrance exams and then your luck will change for the better! Keitaro: (clenches his fist) That's right! I'll finally be able to keep that promise from 15 years ago! (cries happily) At long last, it's in my reach! Keitaro stands up, grabs Kiyone by the arms, and starts dancing in circles, spinning her around. Keitaro: Thank you, Kiyone! You've made my day! At that exact moment, Joey walks up to them, with the doctor by his side. Joey: Eh... am I interrupting something? Keitaro stops dancing and lets go of Kiyone. Keitaro: Nothing. Kiyone: Yeah. I just got him excited about something, that's all. Doctor: Well, please refrain from doing so in the future. This is a hospital. Oh, and Joey here will be just fine. I gave him some painkillers to help with the pain. (to Joey) I recommend two to three days of rest, plenty of fluids, and no strenuous exercise. Joey: Thanks doc! I feel much better! Kiyone: Glad to hear it! I was a bit worried about you. Joey: Not even a sore stomach can stop Joey Wheeler from winning that money for my sister's operation! ====== Kiyone, Keitaro, and Joey return to the mansion. The trip back is a bit easier as the light snow has stopped falling and it's a bit easier to see. Arriving back at the mansion, they see Bit, Mondo, and Duo outside, dressed warmly of course, gathering whatever snow they could find to have a snowball fight with. Bit: Coming at you! Bit rolls a slushball together and throws it. Duo watches as Joey is hit in the head with it. Joey: Hey, knock it off! Bit: Up for a snowball fight? We've gotta do it before the snow melts. Joey: Sorry guys, I can't. Doctor's orders. Joey, Kiyone, and Keitaro head inside as Bit, Mondo, and Duo resume their snowball fight. ====== Night Twenty Two Mondo is putting the finishing touches on his computer art project. Satisfied with the results, he prints his work out. Mondo: (pulling it out of the printer) This is great! Rockna will love it! He looks at it to check if everything on the card came out... but it's not in his hand anymore! He turns to his right and sees Jeri standing there, reading his card to herself. Jeri: (happily) Don't you feel better now? It's me, thinking about you. Wishing I could be with you to share Valentine's Day today. I love you, Rockna! Mondo blushes, then snatches the card from Jeri. Mondo: Rockna's the only one that's supposed to see that! Jeri: So that's what you've been working on the past three days! A valentine for Rockna! How sweet! Mondo: Well, I want Rockna to know that I think about her everyday. I miss being with her. And I'm sure she misses me too. Jeri: When she's not yelling at you for flirting with me. Mondo: We don't flirt that much! We're supposed to be controlling our emotions here! Don't tell me that you're falling for me now! Jeri: (smiles) Okay, I WON'T tell you. Mondo: (freaking out) Aaahhh! You DO like me! Jeri: (giggles) I'm kidding, Mondo! Mondo: Geez Jeri, you almost gave me a heart attack! Not to mention the one Rockna will have when she sees this on the show! Jeri: They'll edit it out! I mean, they'll do anything to make sure my relationship with Takato and yours with Rockna stay intact! Mondo: I guess so... ====== Day Twenty Three The next morning, signs are posted all over the mansion advertising a house meeting. All of the ads are signed with Chi-Chi's name, which worries a few people. Jessie: (CC) What could that old bag want to call a meeting for? Jeri: (CC) I heard that Chi-Chi's making amends for being too motherly. Who knows if she's calling this meeting to help her cause? ====== Everyone's gathered in the living room as Chi-Chi begins lecturing to them. Chi-Chi: I've been observing everyone the past few days. Now, I know that Valentine's Day is only a few days away, so it's natural that a few of you would fall in love with each other. What I don't like is how intimate some of these relationships are getting. Roger: (raising an eyebrow) Yeah, so? Chi-Chi: I've come to a decision! The next time I catch someone touching anyone else inappropriately, no matter how much, I'll put in a request to have those involved change rooms. Melfina: You're breaking us up? Duo: We're not doing anything! We've never done anything! Chi-Chi: But you two share a room. No one knows what you two do late at night. (points at Jeri and Mondo) The same for you two! Mondo: There's nothing between us! We already argued that between the two of us yesterday! Chi-Chi: It's even worse for you because you're both just kids! Jeri: Mondo and I act more mature than some of the teens in this mansion! Chi-Chi: But I'm talking about you, not them! She then hears Roger snickering off to the side. She turns and glares at him. Chi-Chi: I wouldn't be laughing if I were you. You and Faye were sharing a bed three nights ago. Remember? Faye: (pointing at Roger) I never loved him in the first place! Roger: (smirks) Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if it happened again. Faye: Roger! You're supposed to be defending us! Roger: How? We were drunk like hell that night. Chi-Chi: I'm putting all of you on notice right now! I'm not going to tolerate it anymore! If any of you want to stay together, I'd suggest keeping your hands off each other for the next few days. She then stomps out of the room, heading off to do some chores. The others react to the meeting negatively. Duo: What's got her so pissed off? I keep telling her Mel and I haven't been doing anything! Roger: How do the rest of us know that? Melfina: I'd never do anything to hurt anyone's feelings. Bit: Chi-Chi's gone off the deep end. She's got to be bluffing! Jeri: She seemed awful serious to me. Jessie: She'll never do it. Just watch! This will all blow over and she'll be back to her normal self. Or, she'll just take herself out of the running. Either way works for me, as long as I benefit from it. ====== With emotions running high and almost everyone in the mansion mad at Chi-Chi, the Roomies are called for another challenge. This one is at the Okayama Community Center again. Tenchi waits for them outside. Tenchi: Well, today we've got another physical challenge waiting for you. Keitaro: We just had one the other day! Tenchi: Don't worry, this one doesn't require as much from you, so you can all relax. Now, I need you Keitaro to step up here. You too, Kiyone. Keitaro and Kiyone do as they are told, taking their place on either side of Tenchi. Tenchi: You two will be the captains for this challenge. The two of them glance at each other, a bit worried about each other. Keitaro: (CC) We finally connected on a personal level yesterday, and now Kiyone and I are captains against each other today. Kiyone: (CC) This challenge better be worth going against Keitaro. Tenchi: Before the two of you pick your teams, I might as well tell you what you're doing. The fourth physical challenge is called 'The Love Diaries,' named oddly enough especially with Valentine's Day on Thursday. In this challenge, each team will be required to compose a 10 to 15 minute skit onstage, in front of a large crowd and a panel of judges. The teams listen in as Tenchi describes the catch. Tenchi: The number one requirement: during the course of the skit, two of the characters must fall in love. There can be more, but there must be at least two of you who, as part of the skit, must fall in love. You can do it however you want as long as it fits into the skit your team does. Duo: (bows) Melfina and I will proudly play the roles of the lovely couple. (sweatdrops) I can't believe I just said that. Tenchi: You'll meet your coaches momentarily, who will explain the rest of the rules. But now, it's time to pick your teams. [Team Assignments: - Brown: Keitaro, Bit, Joey, Melfina, Duo, Jeri - Green: Kiyone, Jessie, Roger, Faye, Mondo, Chi-Chi] ====== As the two teams walk into the building, Chi-Chi is already proposing an idea to her group. Chi-Chi: And then Roger comes up to me and does this. She stops walking and kneels down on one knee. Chi-Chi: (in Roger's voice) I want you to marry me! Roger: No offense, but you're old enough to be my mother, so to speak. It would be weird having my character marry yours! Kiyone: We should try what works. The old 'boy meets girl, boy falls in love, girl's ex comes in, the two boys fight, the first boy wins and marries the girl.' Jessie: That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard! Kiyone: Then you come up with something! The other team is also fielding a few suggestions. Keitaro: Maybe we should do one based on my love life! Joey: Keitaro, I am NOT going to dress up like a girl! ====== Tenchi leads them to an empty office room. Empty except for two rows of chairs that are set up in the middle of the room. Tenchi: Brown team, sit in the chairs to my right. Green team, to my left. Captains, please sit front row center, next to each other. The twelve sits down so that there are three members of each team in each row. Front row, from left to right, are Mondo, Faye, Kiyone, Keitaro, Bit, and Jeri. The back row has Jessie, Chi-Chi, Roger, Duo, Joey, and Melfina. Tenchi: Now, we'll wait for our guest coaches to arrive. After a minute of waiting, two pre-teen young girls dressed in school uniforms enter the room. Needless to say, they're both really cute. Keitaro: Whoa! Joey: I'd like to go to whatever school they're from! Mondo: (with hearts in his eyes) They're so beautiful! School Girl # 1: You know me as the troubled one who loves my best friend. School Girl # 2: And you know me as the girl everyone liked to look at, but hated to be around. School Girl # 1: I'm Madison Taylor of Reedington Elementary! Costume designer and Sakura's one-girl camera crew when she's out catching Clow Cards! School Girl # 2: I'm the top trainer at Pokémon Technical, a school for the world's most elite trainers. People think I'm a star, but I'm just Giselle! [Madison Taylor - "Cardcaptors" & Giselle Gravelpot - "Pokémon: Season 1"] Tenchi: You might recognize these two from the Reedington mansion from last year. They've decided to put some money into this project, just for the chance to help you guys out. Madison: I can't wait to start dressing people up! (glances at Jeri) You look just perfect! Jeri: (pointing at herself) I do! Madison: It'll be fun dressing you up especially! Giselle: Well well, it'll be a pleasure to actually teach something to the girl who scored the lowest score ever on a Pokémon Tech exam! Jessie: (growls) I don't need any acting advice from you! Chi-Chi: No wonder you can't do anything right. You flunked out of school! Jessie: (shouting at Chi-Chi) Stay out of this! This is between me and little Miss Perfection over there! Tenchi: (sweatdrops) Uh... now that you're acquainted with your coaches, rehearsals start immediately! You'll have the whole day to work out your skit and practice it. (to Madison and Giselle) You two are in control for the rest of the day. Tenchi then departs, leaving the two coaches to start fielding ideas from their teams. Mondo: (CC) If only Giselle would actually be in the skit with us! I'd do anything to do just one scene with her! Melfina: (CC) I think this is a perfect chance to prove to Chi-Chi and everyone else that Duo and I aren't sleeping with each other... so to speak. Joey: (CC) If Keitaro even tries to put a skirt on me, he'd better hope I don't strangle him with it! Jessie: (CC) We're winning this challenge no matter what! I don't care what anyone says, including Giselle. It's time to take matters into my own hands! End Episode Ten Tenchi: (VO) Next time, on Roomies... Jessie: I can't believe that you made me the villain! Tenchi: (VO) The teams try to figure out their roles in the skits... Kiyone: Well, you are the only one on the team with any experience being one. Roger: Besides, you just wouldn't look right as a good guy. Madison: (starry-eyed) I bet you'd look gorgeous as a fairy! Jeri: (sweatdrops) But we haven't decided on if there'll be one or not. Tenchi: (VO) But they find out that acting is not easy... Giselle: (yelling) You call that a kiss? A snail and a mouse could lock lips better than you two! Chi-Chi: But I don't think that guy's right for you! Jessie: You can't tell me what to do! I... um... uh... LINE! Keitaro: (CC) We'll be a laughing stock if we dance like that! Madison: Try standing on your toes, like a ballerina. Bit: I didn't spend my whole life salvaging Zoid parts to dress in tights! Tenchi: (VO) While off the stage, a revolt against Chi-Chi is forming... Roger: I don't care what she says! Mondo: We're gonna do WHAT? Keitaro: I'm in this to beat Kiyone in a challenge fair and square! Duo: You're asking for it, man. Tenchi: (VO) Which team will impress the judges... Sakuya: You really had me believing that. Tenchi: (VO) And which team will have their egos damaged? Spike: I don't know why I'm sitting here. These last ten, fifteen minutes have been nothing but a waste of time. Additional Author's Notes: For the fighting tournament, there were four cameos. Gohan Sonn of "Dragonball Z" and Ryoko of "Tenchi Muyo" appeared as coaches as well as combatants. You also saw Genki of "Monster Rancher" battle. Not a very popular character among anime fans, I hear. There was a fourth that didn't appear because the wheel didn't land on number '1,' which she represents. The cameo was Sally Po from "Gundam Wing." In the upcoming skit challenge, hopefully you remember Madison and Giselle from "Roomies: Girls' Edition." For those of you who don't watch either "Cardcaptors" or "Pokémon," well, here's a great chance to learn about them. Madison Taylor (or Tomoyo Daidouji, if you're a big fan of the original CCS) has a hobby of taping Sakura's card capturing adventures on video. She also makes the battle costumes that Sakura wears. She also has a small crush on Sakura. The reasoning behind that is a series spoiler... if you really want to know, you gotta e-mail me! Giselle Gravelpot (which is the last name I gave her in my long-running fanfic "Adventures Series") is from Pokémon Technical, a school just outside of Cerulean City for rich kids. It allows them to study and get into the Pokémon League without having to collect gym battles. Giselle herself is the top beginner. She's smart and pretty, but has the tendency to flaunt and show her supremacy over those in her class who are struggling badly. Off-topic here, I wanted to answer a question that Chibimegan left in her review after last week's episode. She wanted a clarification on the 'fighting' rule which I said it was forbidden, for those of you who were on the mailing list prior to the beginning of the season, you remember that as one of the rules. For those of you who watch one of MTV's reality series, "The Real World" or "Road Rules," the rule is almost identical to theirs. No cast member is allowed to hit another cast member in any way that can be interpreted as threatening or that endangers the safety of fellow cast members. There's no warning... one incident and the cast member is immediately booted off and replaced by an alternate. I'm not sure which clarification you want, so I'll respond with two answers. 1) Let me pull up a recent example... Jessie and Faye's fight at the loft in Smallville (two episodes ago). They argued and nearly started throwing punches at each other. It would have happened if Chi-Chi hadn't stepped in. Although removal of both cast members is not automatic in this case, it could still be considered if either Faye or Jessie proved to be too dangerous to keep around, i.e. there was a risk that they'd go at it again at some later time. 2) The fighting challenge, in this episode, is an exception to the rule. The fighting is supervised by referees and professionals. Everyone has been fitted with safety equipment, to keep the chance of serious injury down. They're also limited to what would be considered legal during the fight. In this case, fighting is allowed as it is a part of the challenge. But once again, if one of the residents were to deliberately try to hurt another, then that would still be grounds for dismissal from the series. I hope one of those two responses answered your question, Chibimegan! Next episode's another cameo-filled one, with several anime stars and authors making guest appearances as the judges! If you loved either the karaoke or talent show challenges from last season, you'll love this!