"Roomies 2: Country Living" - written by Freedom Fighter Well, this is the big week! The "Roomies 2" crossover with "Anime Survivor 4" happens today! Isn't that great? Trust me... you'll enjoy it alot! Before we get to that, there's some business to take care of. And that's the 12th episode in this series! This should, appropriately enough, serve as a nice appetizer for the crossover. Here you go! Episode Rating: PG-13, for a hot spring scene and someone giving another character 'the talk.' Disclaimer: None of the characters in this fanfic belong to me at any time. ====== Tenchi: (VO) Previously on Roomies 2: Country Living... Madison: What Tenchi didn't tell you is that two of you actually have to kiss each other during it. Tenchi: (VO) The cast has to kiss and tell during their skit... Reluctantly, Roger and Jessie turn to face each other. They stare for a few seconds. Then, out of the blue, Jessie quickly pecks Roger on the lips. Giselle: (yelling) You call that a kiss? A snail and a mouse could lock lips better than you two! Jessie: Excuse me? Keitaro: Are you sure we can do this? Joey: Hey, I'm not exactly comfortable with doing it either. We just gotta wing it and hope everyone still thinks of us as normal afterwards. Tenchi: (VO) But that's not all they have to go through... Bit: I didn't spend my whole life salvaging Zoid parts to dress in tights! Duo: Dang, how does Heero breathe in these things? Mondo: (CC) I look across the stage, and Faye's not in her costume! Faye: (CC) There was no way I was going to be on stage for that long in a costume as uncomfortable as that one was. Tenchi: (VO) But in the end, only one team could win the challenge... Sakuya: I have to give my vote to the brown team. Spike: Honestly, I've seen better gunfights in my sleep. Ayla: The second team is definitely more deserving of my vote! Chromus: Full marks to the team captain Kiyone, for her in your face performance and performing double time. Dorothy: All I did was vote for the team that deserved the most pity. Roger: (to Kiyone) I can't believe she did that! Tenchi: (VO) Will you believe what happens next? Stay tuned and find out! = = = = = = = = = = 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) - Melfina, guiding the Outlaw Star to the Galactic Leyline - Kiyone, working as a cashier at a fast food restaurant - Keitaro, watching Naru and Mutsumi splash each other in the sea - 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 - Jeri, telling Takato how cute Guilmon is at their first meeting - Roger, climbing down into an abandoned subway tunnel - Chi-Chi, cheering Goten on at the World Martial Arts Tournament - Bit, examining the three Liger Zero armor packages - Jessie, reading through the Pokémon Fortune Tellers' guide book - Faye, noticing that Ed is still playing an online chess game (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 12 - Escape from the Big House (08.27.02) Day Twenty Five As the residents of the Okayama mansion rise and shine that morning, love is in the air, as it is Valentine's Day. Two of the residents have already gotten a jump start on the day. Upstairs in the blue bedroom, Duo is lying down on his bed, with Melfina resting her head on his stomach. Duo is actually wide awake, but he doesn't want to get up because Melfina is still sleeping comfortably. Duo: (CC) I don't want her to get up, but I know we'll have to get up eventually. She looks so peaceful lying there. A quick glance at the clock shows that it's almost ten thirty. Duo can already hear the sounds of the shower running in the bathroom and numerous housemates up and about. Finally coming to a decision, Duo gently begins to shake Melfina awake. Duo: Mel, wake up. Time to wake up, sleepyhead! Melfina lifts her head slowly, covering her mouth as she yawns herself awake. Melfina: Oh, good morning Duo! Duo: Sleep well? Melfina: Yes! The best sleep I've had in weeks! Duo: I'm glad to hear that! At least you've made my day! Melfina: Made your day? Okay, I guess I'm glad too! Duo: I wouldn't have it any other way. Melfina then lies back down, this time on Duo's pillow. He scoots over a little so that she has room to rest her head too. The two sigh comfortably as they look up at the ceiling. Duo: This is the life, isn't it? Melfina: It sure is, Duo. It sure is. ====== Over in the red bedroom, Keitaro is sitting at his desk, drawing away in his sketchbook. He sighs to himself as he thinks about the girls back at the Hinata Apartments. Keitaro: I wonder if the girls miss me. I've been gone three and a half weeks and I haven't received as much as a phone call. Maybe they're glad that I'm gone. He is working on a drawing of Naru, which is only complete from the chest up. He's still sketching the rest of her with his pencil. Keitaro: (CC) Another Valentine's Day, another year without a girlfriend. (sighs) I guess that's how it's always going to be with me. ====== Down in the basement hot springs, Kiyone and Faye are relaxing comfortably as they lay back, soaking their naked bodies in the soothing water. Kiyone: Whatever happened to that plan of ours to try and soak in here every day? Faye: Well, I think we've just been too busy. That, and our pattern was messed up when we went to Smallville for a week. Kiyone: I think we should spend more time together, Faye. Faye: I would, but I start pruning if I stay in more than half an hour. Kiyone: I don't mean spend more time here! I meant out, enjoying ourselves. Faye: You mean a night out? Kiyone: Yep, just you and me. We're single women without any dates for Valentine's Day. Maybe we'll get lucky at the club. Faye: You know that I'll only go there just to drink, Kiyone. Kiyone: Does it matter? I just want to have some fun, away from the others. Faye: Including Roger? Kiyone: (smiles) And Keitaro? Faye and Kiyone shake hands, sealing the deal. Kiyone: So it's settled. It's just you and me tonight! Faye starts looking around the hot springs, as if she was searching for someone. Kiyone: Who are you looking for? Faye: Keitaro. Usually he'd stumble in by now and we'd beat him up for getting a peak at us. Kiyone: I think he's predisposed up in his room. Faye: Seriously? Kiyone: He's got other girls to think about than us. Faye: (surprised) What? And we're not girlfriend material enough for him? Kiyone: Like you'd want to go out with him in the first place. Faye: (calming down) Good point. Kiyone: That's Keitaro for you. Upstairs, Keitaro sneezes loudly. Keitaro: Ahchoo! Gee, I hope I'm not catching something. He then resumes his drawing of Naru in his sketchbook. ====== Downstairs in the living room, Chi-Chi and Jessie are having quite the interesting discussion. Chi-Chi: We have to get them to change rooms! I'm worried that they've already slept together. Jessie: Will you just let them be already? It's Valentine's Day, for pete sakes! Jessie then begins thinking about a boy she had a crush in in grade school. Jessie: (dreamily) If only we were still together today, I'd be able to share Valentine's Day with the man I loved. Chi-Chi: This is serious! If they do it, then the kids will too! Jessie: You're worried about the twerp and the crybaby? I don't think they're old enough to think about that. Chi-Chi: Don't you know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Jessie: (confused) Come again? Chi-Chi: If Duo and Melfina do it, then Mondo and Jeri will too. Jessie: Why are you so protective of them? It's not like you're their mother. Chi-Chi: (points at Jessie) I'm trying to keep them from becoming bad eggs like you. Jessie: For your information, my parents were already bad eggs when I was born! So I can't help it if I'm one too. Chi-Chi: Whatever. Look, I'm just trying to teach them some responsibility. This needs to be done. I e-mailed Tenchi this morning, and he said that he would call a house meeting tomorrow to attend to it. Jessie: You called him in? Why does he have to get involved? Chi-Chi: Because he's the host. And roommate changes have to be approved by him and by a majority vote of the members of the household. It's in the rulebook. Jessie: You think I follow the rules? Chi-Chi: You're still here, aren't you? You must be following some of them. Jessie: Well... I only do that because I want to win the money, okay? Chi-Chi: I'd better start making flyers for the house meeting. Good luck with lunch. Jessie: What? You mean it's my turn? How dare no one tell me! Chi-Chi: Check the calendar... it's there. Jessie runs to the kitchen and checks the calendar. *Meal Duty for 2/14 - (Breakfast) Chi-Chi, (Lunch) Jessie, (Dinner) Keitaro* Jessie grumbles and gripes as she puts on the chef's apron and goes to work. ====== By late that afternoon, the news of the meeting regarding a vote on a roommate switch has reached everyone in the house. And there's a lot of discussion going on about it. Roger and Chi-Chi are arguing about the issue upstairs in the weight room. Roger: You're out of line! This is completely unnecessary! Chi-Chi: For their well being, I think it is necessary! Roger: The house won't stand for it. You won't separate them. Chi-Chi: If they know what's good for them, they will. ====== At the same time, Duo and Melfina have bundled up and gone on a trip into town. They are busy doing some window shopping as Duo buys Melfina a few Valentine's gifts. One at a time, we see Duo dishing out some money to buy a stuffed teddy bear, two balloons (one pink, one red), and a heart-shaped box filled with candy. Melfina: Duo... you don't have to do all of this for me. Duo: But I want to. It's Valentine's Day, and I'm with the girl I love. Melfina: (blushes) I don't know what to say. Duo: (putting a finger over her mouth) Just don't say anything. I've got the perfect way to cap off our date. Duo leads Melfina to a nearby Japanese buffet restaurant. Melfina squeals with delight as the two step in and are shown to a table. Twenty minutes later, the two of them are dining on sushi, fried calamari, and some wasabi-covered broiled chicken breast. But the date takes a serious turn as the two of them discuss Chi-Chi's announcement about following through on her intention to separate them. Duo: I don't think Chi-Chi has the right to separate us. I mean, we haven't broken any house rules. We never change in front of each other. And we've never actually done anything in bed other than snuggle. I don't get why she's going through all of this. Melfina: I wonder if all mothers are like her. Duo: If all mothers were like Chi-Chi, the human race would cease to exist. Melfina: Why's that? Duo: Because we wouldn't be able to reproduce... I mean, women wouldn't be able to... well, you get the idea. Melfina: Not really. Duo was a bit flabbergasted, in disbelief on how little Melfina knew on the subject of love and reproduction. Duo: I know you're an android and all, but didn't your creator teach you anything about reproduction? Melfina: Yeah. Don't humans reproduce by making a model and copying it using high-tech machines? Duo: But that's how androids like you reproduce. I'm talking about how humans do it. It's... different. Melfina: Different? How? Duo: (shaking his head) Aye yi yi... I thought I'd be giving this talk to someone like Mondo, not you. Melfina: What's wrong with giving me the talk? Duo: Well, first of all, you've already been in a relationship... and the way a guy gives the talk is different from the way a girl gives the talk. You know, guys don't look like girls for a reason... Melfina: Because the world would be boring if we all were the same. Right? Duo: You could say that. But there's another reason. Melfina: What is it? Duo groans in disbelief. Duo: (CC) My first date with Melfina and she asks how do humans reproduce? It's just not... normal. I know she's an android and all, but still... it shocks me completely. Melfina: (CC) I don't get why it was so hard for Duo to explain reproduction. Duo: (CC) At least Chi-Chi doesn't know about this talk. She'd go ballistic for sure. Melfina hums intriguedly after Duo explains human reproduction to her. Melfina: It's not as easy as it sounds, is it? Duo: You're telling me. (raises his hand) Check, please! = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Night Twenty Five Returning to the mansion after their date ended on an interesting note, Duo and Melfina thrust themselves back into their discussion over what to do regarding the roommate situation as they head for their room. Melfina: We'll still be together. Just not in the same room. Duo: So it's okay if we have to change rooms? Melfina: I'll be okay with it. Duo: Let's just hope Mondo and Jeri feel the same way. As they reach the top of the steps, they see Kiyone come out of the upstairs bedroom, with her hair wrapped in a towel, but still dressed in her everyday outfit. Melfina: Going out? Kiyone: You bet. Faye and I are going to spend the night out on the town. Duo: (winks) Hoping to score tonight? Kiyone: (sweatdrops) It's nothing like that. Honest! Melfina: By scoring, do you mean reproducing? Duo quickly covers Melfina's mouth and pushes her into the room. Kiyone: Reproducing? Duo: Long story... I'll explain it later! He heads into his room and closes the door behind him. Kiyone glances in that direction weirdly, wondering what's going on. Kiyone: Just what exactly did those two do on their date anyway? ====== Later that night, around ten o'clock, Kiyone and Faye are all dressed up in their best gowns and are ready to go. Kiyone: Let's go out and have some fun! The two women drive down to a local night club in town called 'Ko-i-shi-te-ru.' Inside, they dance and drink away the night as they find a few guys to have some fun with. [Playing in the background: Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head"] Kiyone is grinding up against the man she's with as they dance awfully close to each other. Faye is more content to stay on the sidelines and drink and smoke most of the night, only jumping in to dance with the high energy songs. Faye: (CC) It's nice to be at a club or bar without him for once. I mean, how could I enjoy myself before with Roger watching my every move? Kiyone: (CC) I've never had a night like that in my entire life! All I know is that Faye and I have to go out alone again on another night! [Music stops playing] ====== Back at the mansion, Jeri is spending the night in a more calm demeanor as she dials up somebody's number. Jeri: Takato, it's me. Takato: (VO) Jeri? It's so nice to hear from you again! How have you been? Well, since a couple days ago anyway. Jeri: Let's just say that I've grown up a little the past week. Takato: (VO) The house has that much of an impact on you? Jeri: Being the youngest in the house has forced me to step up and see just how much I can take. Takato: (VO) Well, at least you're happy again. That's good to hear. Jeri's Puppet: You miss her, don't you? Takato: (VO) What was that? Jeri: That's my puppet, silly! It asked if you miss me. Takato: (VO) Of course I miss you! Life here in Shinjuku wouldn't be the same without you. Jeri: (smiles) Takato, you're so sweet! Takato: (VO) I am? (clearing his throat) Oh, I mean of course I am! Jeri: Happy Valentine's Day, Takato! Jeri's puppet blows a kiss at the receiver, sending it to Takato. Takato: (giggles) Happy Valentine's to you too, Jeri. Good night! Jeri: Good night. Jeri hangs up the phone and walks to her room to change into her night clothes. ====== Day Twenty Six Melfina sits in the confessional room, being completely quiet for some reason. She just stares at the camera before finally speaking her peace. Melfina: (CC) I know I've sounded crazy before, but I'll ask myself this question. Does Duo want to reproduce with me? ====== Duo and Keitaro are in the dining room chatting as Kiyone prepares a small breakfast for the house. Duo: Ever since we chatted about it yesterday, she's been bugging me all about. Wanting to learn more about the subject. Keitaro smiles, then starts elbowing Duo gently in the chest. Keitaro: You lucky devil... getting ready to steal second, I see. Duo: What? No way! I'm not ready for that yet! Kiyone enters, wiping the sweat off of her forehead using her oven mitt. Kiyone: You're that far along now? Duo: Kiyone, we're not that far! Mel just got a little excited after I explained to her what reproduction was. Kiyone: You mean she honestly didn't know? Duo: (sighs) I'm wishing she still didn't. Keitaro: Hey Kiyone, what are you doing up this early? Weren't you out all night? Kiyone: (yawns) Just a lack of sleep, that's all. Faye's the one who's trashed. She was drinking and smoking. Not exactly a smart thing to do, but at least she's still alive. (scratches her head) I think. Duo: You think she'll get up in time for the meeting? Kiyone: Oh, Chi-Chi will make sure of that. ====== At exactly ten o'clock that morning, the camera starts pointing to several signs around the house advertising the house meeting. The whole house is gathered in a circle in the living room, with Tenchi at the head. Tenchi: I hope you all know why we're here this morning, but just in case you don't, allow me to fill you in. Tenchi points at Chi-Chi as he continues. Tenchi: Chi-Chi is concerned that the two pairs of roommates who aren't separated by gender are getting a bit too close for comfort. Namely, that's Duo and Melfina, and Mondo and Jeri. We're here today to discuss the topic, and then vote to determine if a roommate switch is necessary today. Would anyone like to open up the discussion? Roger raises his hand immediately. Roger: We shouldn't even be having this meeting. There's no reason to separate them. Jessie: I agree too. Just let them be. Chi-Chi: Would you two think of the children for once? Tenchi: Why don't we ask the children? Mondo, Jeri, any comments? Mondo: Jeri and I have not slept in the same bed once since we got here. Jeri: Just because we're a boy and a girl who share a room doesn't mean that we're going to hook up just like that. Kiyone: But the two of you are closer to each other than anyone else in the house. Mondo: That's because we're the only ones our age in the house! Kiyone: Good point. Chi-Chi: Don't you guys know that as the youngest ones here, they need a role model to look up to? Duo and Melfina share a room. If they sleep together, wouldn't that suggest to Mondo and Jeri that they should do it? Duo: Hold on a minute, Chi-Chi! You keep accusing Melfina and I of sleeping together, and we've never done that. Well, at least at the level you're thinking of. But what's wrong with sleeping with someone you honestly love? Roger: Yeah! If your husband was still alive today, wouldn't you want to snuggle with him at every available opportunity? Chi-Chi: That's different! Goku and I are mature and old enough to act responsibly. But Duo and Melfina aren't even adults yet and look at them! Duo: We're mature enough to conduct ourselves appropriately. Joey: Just let 'em be, Chi-Chi. They're not doing any harm. Chi-Chi: I apparently think they are. Tenchi: Okay, I'd better stop this before this turns into an all-out war of words. We'll now vote on the issue of whether these roommates should do a room switch. Please raise your hand for either yes or no. The Roomies nod, awaiting the decision. Tenchi: If you think yes, there should be a room switch, raise your hand. Tenchi counts off hands as Chi-Chi, Duo, Melfina, and Kiyone's hands go up immediately. Mondo and Jeri reluctantly raise theirs, followed by Faye, and finally Jessie. Tenchi: Hands down. Now, how many people think no? Tenchi counts off again, this time seeing Bit, Keitaro, Joey, and Roger raise their hands. Tenchi: By a vote of eight to four, the motion passes! To the four roommates in question, you have two hours to decide which of you will switch and to perform the said switch. Duo, Melfina, Mondo, and Jeri go off to the side to make their decision as Tenchi heads for the front door. Mostly everyone else, including the rest of the guys, are shocked over the decision. Keitaro: (CC) Duo and Mondo are such traitors. Roger: (CC) Jessie says one thing, then votes the other! I bet Faye didn't care about the whole thing either... she just voted with the majority. ====== The group decides that Mondo and Melfina will do the switch, so their respective roommates Jeri and Duo help them pack and move their stuff. Jeri: Are you sure we did the right thing? Mondo: You've got to take every change in the game as if it would be your last. We had to do this to make sure that we support Chi-Chi in her decision. Even though we don't agree with it. Jeri: Look on the bright side... you'll be getting Duo as your roommate. I bet you'll be unbeatable in the roommate challenges from here on out. Mondo: Melfina will be a breeze to get along with. She's nice, just like you are. I don't think you'll have any problems getting acquainted. Jeri is folding a few of Mondo's shorts as she places them in his suitcase. ====== Still a bit angry about the outcome of the vote, Roger confronts Faye alone in the first floor computer room. Roger: I'm ending this relationship! Faye: What relationship? Roger: The one between us! That one! Faye: Roger, you know as well as I do that there was nothing between us. Ever. Roger: As long as you remember it that way! Roger then exits the room, stomping away. Faye wasn't done yelling at him, though. Faye: Did you even listen to a word I said? There was never no relationship, period! Roger: (waving back) That's it! Keep thinking that way! = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Night Twenty Six The lights are off in the blue bedroom, but Duo and Mondo are still chatting away as the clock reads twelve fifteen. Duo: So, what was it like being roommates with Jeri? Mondo: Jeri's a nice girl. A little strange when she walks around with that puppet of hers, but otherwise pretty normal. Duo: Really? Just normal? Mondo: Except for her fascination of Digimon, but everyone has their hobbies. Right? Duo: I guess. Mondo: How about Mel? Just what do you guys do at night anyway? Duo: Don't get the wrong idea! We usually have trouble sleeping at night, so we'll chat for a few hours. You know, her life on the Outlaw Star, my life as a Gundam pilot, who we're friends with here in the house. That kind of stuff. Mondo: Oh. Say, mind if I ask what you think of me? Duo: You? Well, I think you're quite the competition. You're very athletic for your age. Mondo: You think I've got a shot at winning? Duo: You've surprised the others to the point where they might be afraid of you winning everything. Mondo: That's too bad. I was hoping to keep a low profile. Say... what about Melfina? What does she think? Duo: About you? Not much... she just thinks you're cute. Mondo: She thinks I'm cute? I would have never expected Melfina to fall in love with me! Duo: She's not in love with you. She just thinks that you're cute. Mondo: The first step to falling in love is admitting someone you admire is cute. Duo: I admired her first, so hands off! Besides, you have Jeri to drool over. Mondo: I don't drool over Jeri! I just feel like I have to protect her, that's all. She seems so fragile. Duo: Maybe it's because she is. Mondo: I wish there was a way to make her feel stronger. Duo and Mondo lied there speechless, thinking about Melfina and Jeri before finally falling asleep. ====== Day Twenty Seven It's four thirty in the morning and everyone in the mansion is still fast asleep. But the silence of the night is about to be broken, as the sound of someone knocking on the front door hard fills the air. Kiyone goes to answer the door, with Faye right behind her. Opening the door, they find Tenchi standing there. Kiyone: Tenchi? What brings you here at this hour of the night? Tenchi: (smiling) I've got a challenge for you guys. Faye: You woke us up for that? (to Kiyone) Slam the door in his face. I'm going back to bed. Tenchi: I'm serious. Go get everyone and tell them they have five minutes to get out here, dressed as they are. Faye: Dressed as we are? Are you mad? Tenchi: Nope. Just crazy to give away a big prize. Now, get moving! ====== All twelve of them are dragged out of their sleep and out of the mansion. They are led into the back of the van dressed in their night clothes. The doors close. Tenchi then jumps into the van as it pulls away to an unknown destination. ====== Fifteen minutes later, the van stops along a dirt path in the middle of a forest. Tenchi hops out and opens the back of the van. But instead of night gowns and pajamas, the group hops out wearing orange prison uniforms. Not too far away is a picnic table. On top of it are six flashlights, six pairs of handcuffs, twelve bandannas in six different colors, and four laser rifles. Tenchi leads them over to the table and stops them. Tenchi: Good morning! Everyone have a nice sleep? Faye: This better not be some kind of joke! I'm missing out on my beauty sleep! Joey: I was having a great dream about being the number one Duel Monsters player in the world. Jessie: (sarcastically) Like that will happen. Tenchi: Anyway, today you twelve are participating in the fourth prize challenge. Today's challenge is called 'The Fugitives,' which explains why you're all wearing orange prison uniforms. Duo: At least they're more comfortable than tights are. Tenchi: You will be paired up to form six teams. Your goal is to find your way back to the mansion within two hours. Bit: What? We've got to walk back? Chi-Chi: It's too dangerous to be walking through the forest when it's this dark! Tenchi: Each pair will be supplied with a flashlight and will be handcuffed together at the wrists. Kiyone: Handcuffed? Tenchi: Yep. Mondo: Can it get any worse? Tenchi: I'm glad you asked that Mondo. It's time to bring in our sharpshooters. Tenchi steps aside as the group watches four figures approach them. They happen to be Ayeka and Mihoshi (of "Tenchi Muyo") and Trowa and Wufei (of "Gundam Wing"). Duo: Trowa? Wufei? What are you two doing here? Trowa: We're here to capture some fugitives. It's too bad you're one of them. Wufei: You'll pay for your treachery! Duo: Geese... you guys are taking this a little too seriously! Mihoshi: Kiyone, oh Kiyone! Where have you been these past few weeks? Mihoshi runs over and clamps her hands around Kiyone's stomach. Mihoshi: I missed you so much that I thought you had run out on me! Kiyone: Yeah... I'd never do that. (to herself) Until I'm ready to, anyway. Roger: Let me guess... this is your bubbleheaded partner? Kiyone: (sighs) Yes. This is... Mihoshi: (standing up and saluting) First Class Detective Mihoshi Kuramitsu! I'm Kiyone's partner and we're both members of the Galaxy Police! Kiyone: Just what are you doing here? Mihoshi: Tenchi told me there were some fugitives out here that needed to be captured! But I didn't think you'd be one of them! But why? Why did you turn to a life of crime? Kiyone shoots a death glare at Tenchi, who responds by giving a 'I don't choose the cameos' look as he tries to breathe. It's now that we notice that Ayeka is hugging him tightly. Kiyone: It's just a game, Mihoshi! I'm not really a criminal! Mihoshi: Thank goodness! I thought I was going to have to shoot my partner. Tenchi, who had finally been released by Ayeka, resumes his explanation of the rules. Tenchi: These four are here as marshalls. Using these laser rifles, they will be tracking you guys in the forest in hopes of capturing you. Keitaro: Why does it feel like I've seen this before? Jeri: You've probably saw it on TV or something. Chi-Chi: Those guns aren't loaded, are they? Tenchi: No. All these four have to do to capture you is to have the laser sighter on the top of these rifles lock on you. Once you have been targeted, that team must stop. They have been captured, and the game is over for them. Duo: So we have to get back to the mansion without getting targeted by their lasers? Tenchi: Yes, that's the gist of it. Oh, and before I forget, let me tell you about the prize that you're competing for. Tenchi pulls out a large poster. On it is a picture of a Sony Playstation 2, along with other Playstation games and accessories. Tenchi: Today, those who survive the challenge will receive a chance at winning a Sony Playstation 2 prize pack totalling up to $1,000. This includes a PS2, as well as an assortment of games and accessories. But you're only eligible if you complete the challenge. It doesn't count if you're still in the forest when the time limit expires. Oh, and if no team makes it back to the mansion, then all twelve of you will be put in the drawing. Bit: Sounds fair to me. Tenchi: We've got one last matter to attend to, and that's picking the pairs. The pairs will be male-female only and I will pick them at random. [Team Assignments: - Green: Joey and Chi-Chi - White: Mondo and Jessie - Red: Bit and Jeri - Yellow: Keitaro and Melfina - Black: Roger and Faye - Blue: Duo and Kiyone] ====== [Prize Challenge 4: The Fugitives] The six teams are now handcuffed at the wrists. A bandanna has been tied to the unhandcuffed wrist, identifying what color team they are. Tenchi: I will give you one clue about which direction in the woods to head to get back to the mansion, and then you're off. You will be given a 15-minute head start before Trowa, Ayeka, Wufei, and Mihoshi will come after you. And before anybody gets any bright ideas, you must be on foot the entire way. No finding the road and hitching a ride. That's not allowed. Jessie: Funny... I was thinking about doing that. Tenchi: Is everybody ready? The six teams nod all at once. Tenchi: Okay, I will tell you that the mansion is about 5 kilometers north-northeast of here. And with that, I wish you well. The two hour time limit and 15-minute head start begin now. The six teams take off, with Chi-Chi off to a fast start, almost pushing her partner to the point where he can't keep up. Joey: Chi-Chi, slow down! My legs are gonna fall off! Chi-Chi: We need to get some distance on the other teams first! Not too far behind that team are Keitaro and Melfina, followed by Duo and Kiyone, Roger and Faye, Bit and Jeri, and Mondo and Jessie bringing up the rear due to some early problems. Mondo: (pulling one way) Go this way! Jessie: (pulling the other) No, this way! Mondo: THIS way! Jessie: THAT way! Mondo: We'll get caught at this rate! Jessie: It'll all be your fault! Mondo: It won't be my fault, because I'm going the right way! Jessie: No, I am! Mondo: I AM! Jessie: I AM! ====== Back at the starting line, Tenchi is prepping the cameos on how to use the laser rifles correctly. Tenchi: Now, don't worry about hurting them because the rifles aren't loaded. To successful capture a team, all you have to do is to get them centered in your scope, turn on the red sight laser and aim it. It has to be pointed at the target for three seconds. Once it beeps, that means you've locked them. At that point, yell out for the team to freeze, informing them of your lock. Ayeka: Three seconds? Lord Tenchi, isn't that a bit much? Wufei: Woman, stand aside! Leave this to the real professionals. Ayeka: Are you insulting me? How dare you insult the first princess of Jurai! Wufei: Well, excuse me if I'm insulting you, your highness. Trowa: A princess? Wow... she acts almost like Relena. Tenchi: Can we get settled? I have to send you guys off in five minutes! All of a sudden, the sound of a laser rifle firing fills the air. Tenchi, Ayeka, Trowa, and Wufei dive to the ground as Mihoshi runs all over the place with the rifle shooting all over the place. Mihoshi: This thing won't stop, please just get out of the way! Tenchi: (yelling at the top of his lungs) Mihoshi! Ayeka stands up and activates her Juraian shield, keeping all of the stray laser beams from hitting Tenchi. Meanwhile, Wufei charges at Mihoshi, dodging every beam. He knocks the rifle out of her hand, which stops firing the minute it hits the ground. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Tenchi: (shouting) Mihoshi, it's not supposed to be loaded! Mihoshi: (blinks confusedly) It's not? I thought it was. That's why I loaded up some beam energy from my Galaxy Police blaster. Wufei: I'm surrounded by incompetent women. Mihoshi: Hey! I'm not incomp-uh, um, incompa, no, um, incomepe-tent, no... Trowa: (whispering to Tenchi) And you live with these girls? Tenchi: (sweatdrops) It's a full time job. ====== After getting everything settled once again and instructing Mihoshi how to properly use the laser rifle, Tenchi is about to send them off after the fugitives. Tenchi: They only have an hour and forty-five minutes to get to the mansion as of right now. Remember, you're trying to keep them from getting back there, regardless of whether you capture them or not. Mihoshi: But Tenchi, I thought we were supposed to catch them. Ayeka: (rolls her eyes) Lord Tenchi, you were saying? Tenchi: Oh... I was about to say that you guys can go after them now. Trowa and Wufei run off into the forest immediately. Ayeka is right behind them, being careful not to tear her robe up as she pushes through the bushes. Mihoshi departs last, sneaking into the forest on her tiptoes. Mihoshi: I will do whatever it takes to bring those fugitives to justice. Because I am Detective First Class Mihoshi, sworn to uphold peace in the galaxy. They won't dare get away from me. As the four disappear from sight, Tenchi wonders what will happen next. Tenchi: For all of their sakes, they'd better hope Mihoshi doesn't start firing at them. End Episode Twelve Tenchi: (VO) Do you love challenges? Mondo: (raising his fist with glee) I love mine with a side of toast! Kiyone: Are there any normal people in this mansion or what? Tenchi: (VO) Then you'll love next week's challenge extravaganza! Wufei: Come out and show yourself, woman! Duo: We'd better move. That's Trowa coming this way! Tenchi: (VO) First, can the group avoid capture? Bit: Can't you move any faster? Joey: Do you think we're safe? Mihoshi: You're under arrest by order of the Galaxy Police! Jessie: This is all your fault! Tenchi: (VO) Second, can they tell the difference between three look-alikes? Shiro # 1: I'm Ensign Shiro Amada! Shiro # 2: I'm Ensign Shiro Amada! Shiro # 3: I'm Ensign Shiro Amada! Joey: Number two, do you have an owner? Polly # 2: What? You think I'm a common housecat? Jessie: I think it's number three. Tenchi: (VO) And third, can they score a basket? Melfina: Just what is basketball? Joey: (shooting from 3-point range) From downtown, yeah! The ball bounces off of the backboard and is rebounded by Chi-Chi. Duo: (shouting) Keitaro, heads up! Duo tosses the ball downcourt at a running Keitaro, who leaps up to catch it. Unfortunately, he misses the ball completely, as he lands without it, watching as the ball bounces out of bounds. Tenchi: (VO) If you watch Roomies just to see the challenges... Chi-Chi: It's in our reach now! Faye: You can't be the real one. Roger: This team's going to win! Tenchi: (VO) Then don't miss the next episode of Roomies! Additional Author Notes: Two small notes to cover this week. What Chi-Chi said was true... a change in the household make-up such as having roommates change rooms can be done with the approval of the host, as well as the agreement of a majority vote of the members of the house. And does this week's challenge sound familiar, like Keitaro thought? It should... it's modeled after a similar challenge from Road Rules. I think it's from Season 5, Northern Trail, but I'm not sure. If anyone can confirm that for me or correctly identify the right season, it would help me a lot! Flip the page to see the prologue to the Roomies 2/Anime Survivor 4 crossover! It's a joint effort between myself and that fanfic's author, Survivor Globie. Go read it, then check out Episode 8 of Anime Survivor 4. Back here next week... our third double-length episode! It features the end of this challenge, plus two more! Looking for challenges? I've got a bunch of them next Tuesday! Don't miss out on this great opportunity!