"Roomies 2: Country Living" - written by Freedom Fighter I won't talk as much before this episode, I promise! Another friendly reminder... questions for the Reunion Special need to be either left in a review or sent to me through e-mail by Thursday, October 3rd. That's 13 days away, so if you haven't thought of anything to ask yet, better start cracking! The 15th episode features the return of Mimi Tachikawa, this time appearing as a guest host! But before she appears... there's trouble in Okayama... Episode Rating: PG-13 for drug use and a hot springs scene Disclaimer: None of the characters used in this fanfic are based on real people. The actual names of these characters are used, because if we changed them to protect their identities, then you wouldn't know who they are. And then how would you know if you are cheering for the right person? ====== Tenchi: (VO) Last time, on Roomies... Duo: Why are you blatantly ignoring the fact that she cheated? Tenchi: (VO) A lot of people are after Jessie after she got away with a foul... Duo: Joey nearly got hurt because of it! I say it was intentional! Chi-Chi: She was just trying to get open and she accidentally crossed in front of Joey. Duo: I guess we can cut Jessie some slack. Chi-Chi: At this point of the game, Jessie would have to do more than just bend the rules. She'd have to break them just to stand a chance of winning. Tenchi: (VO) And how does Jessie feel about their reaction? Jessie: It was an accident! Joey: An accident my foot! Tenchi: (VO) But she makes the best of it... Jessie: At least if you vote for me, you'll be taking a vote away from someone who you don't want to get into the final four. Jeri: (stepping up to Jessie) I don't think that there's anything wrong with keeping someone from winning. Mondo: (CC) After what Jessie did to her in Smallville, Jeri's willing to trust her? Why would Jeri do that? Tenchi: (VO) While Jessie did that, Kiyone had a problem of her own... Mihoshi: Kiyone! It's really you! Kiyone: M-M-M-Mihoshi? Mihoshi starts to walk over to help Joey. But then she trips over her own two feet and falls right into Joey, causing him to lose his grip on the plates. The plates full of waffles go flying into the kitchen and onto the floor. Joey: (pushing Mihoshi off of him) Aaahhhh! My face is burning! Kiyone: (to Mihoshi) Come on, we'd better get you out of here before you get yourself into more trouble. Mihoshi: But what about breakfast? Kiyone: We'll eat out. Now, let's go! The two police officers head for the front door. Tenchi: (VO) Say, what about our own problems? How did the Roomies react... Bit: A rabbit? Joey: So we have to find another rabbit among the other cards. Bit: (holding his head) Shut up! I can't think straight! Meowth: You think these two want to hear a walking marshmallow talk? Moochi: Stop being mean, you dishonest cat, chi! Roger: Why are we even listening to these two in the first place? Lita: Untie the one farthest to your left. Cassidy: Don't touch the second one from the right. That's one of the bad ropes. Melfina: Well Jeri, when in doubt, do it yourself. Jeri: Do it yourself? Globie: (singing) It could help you if you're feeling blue, so c'mon c'mon do the locomotion with me. Minnie-May: Shouldn't it be just 'c'mon do the locomotion with me?' Bit lifts his arm to celebrate, but he swings his arm slightly. That results in his hand swinging towards the next green wire over, touching it. A small puff of black smoke comes out of the top of the bomb, as Bit jumps back in fear. Minnie-May: You set off the bomb! If it was real, we would've all been dead! Tenchi: (VO) But after all that, what can we do for an encore? Stay tuned... = = = = = = = = = = 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 - Duo, setting up explosives in order to destroy a Gundam - Joey, standing aside as Yugi examines his card deck - Keitaro, watching Naru and Mutsumi splash each other in the sea - Jeri, telling Takato how cute Guilmon is at their first meeting - Mondo, asking Beginner to summon a monster for him and Rockna - Chi-Chi, cheering Goten on at the World Martial Arts Tournament - Roger, climbing down into an abandoned subway tunnel - 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 the gang preparing for the final four vote, Mimi welcoming them to Smallville, and then a montage of all of the author cameos.) 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 15 - At Wit's End (09.20.02) Day Thirty Three After that grueling mental challenge, the Roomies are in need of a rest. Returning to the mansion, the group goes their separate ways. Sitting down to watch TV, heading to the springs to soak for awhile, or up to their rooms to take a nap. There were a few rare exceptions. For example, Keitaro seemed to be well-occupied, up in his room alone and drawing in his sketchbook. Suddenly, he starts flipping pages as if he had put together a series of animated drawings. But in reality, he was doing it just so he could be reminded of everything that had happened in the game so far. Keitaro: (CC) You know, I'm looking back at the past month or so and thinking how similar the girls here are just like the girls back home. He turns to a drawing of his in which Jeri is hiding behind a chair. Keitaro: (VO) I was on my way to the computer room this morning when I heard a scream coming from Jeri's room. I went in to see if anything was wrong, but when I entered, the only thing she was wearing was a towel. The next page in the sketchbook shows Faye chasing Keitaro with a pillow. Keitaro: (VO) With Faye across the hall, you can guess what happened next. In the next drawing, Keitaro's body is now halfway through the middle of the pillow. Keitaro: (VO) Speaking of Faye, I haven't exactly been on good terms with her either. I guess with me being roommates with Roger and all, who I know she doesn't trust at all, I should be lucky that she still trusts me, period! I just haven't gotten her to show it. Keitaro turns the page and on this one is a drawing of Chi-Chi, lifting weights. Keitaro: (VO) Chi-Chi has toned the motherly act down a little, but the fact that she's the strongest person in the mansion still scares me. I should be seriously lucky that I haven't been on the end of one of her punches. Still, I don't think she likes me a lot. I guess that's because of my personality quirk... you know, having no luck getting a date with a beautiful woman. Turning to the next drawing, we see Jessie in a devil-like suit and an accompanying pitchfork. Keitaro: (VO) Jessie's quite attractive. If only she wasn't so sneaky and underhanded and a bit more trustful, then there might have been something between us. But who am I kidding? That would never happen. His next sketch is of Melfina, dressed in a maid's uniform. Keitaro: (VO) Melfina is a doll. She's the sweetest person in the house. Ask her to do something and she will without any objections. It would've been nice if I would've gotten to know her a little better. And before Duo did, if possible. But hey, I can't change the past. Keitaro flips the page again. On this page is an unfinished drawing of Kiyone. Only her head had been drawn thus far, and it was missing several features. Keitaro: (VO) Kiyone... what can I say? We have so much in common and yet we're no closer to getting together than we were when we first got here. Roger couldn't be any closer to the truth. There hasn't been any chemistry between me and her. None! It makes me wonder if I'm still alive. He turns all the way to the first few pages of his sketchbook, where he has a completed group drawing of the girls at the Hinata apartments. Keitaro: (VO) Kaolla, Motoko, Mitsune, Shinobu... and Naru. I can't believe I miss them this much. I thought that I would be glad to get away from all of the beatings... especially the ones Naru gave me. Sure, I get beat up here too, but it's just not the same. I can't wait to go back home. All of a sudden, Kiyone opens the door and enters. Keitaro quickly leans on his desk and covers his sketchbook. Kiyone: Keitaro, Roger and Faye want to go out tonight. You interested in joining us? As Keitaro turns around to face Kiyone, he closes his sketchbook. Keitaro: Tonight? Kiyone: Yeah. We need to unwind a little from that challenge earlier. Keitaro: Well, I... Kiyone: (smiles) Keitaro, if you don't want to go, then don't go. It'll be okay with me. Keitaro: (shaking his head) It's not that! I'll come with you guys. Kiyone: Great! We're thinking of leaving at nine thirty. Keitaro: Okay. Kiyone: (heading out) I'll see you at dinner in an hour! As Kiyone exits the room, Keitaro breathes a sigh of relief. Keitaro: (CC) Should I tell her? Should this be the night? Will she feel the same way about me? Jesus, this is like the time when I thought Naru was that girl I made a promise with 15 years ago! I'm so nervous! ====== As for another person who wasn't resting after the challenge, we turn to Jessie, who has pulled Joey aside for a one-on-one meeting. Jessie: You're missing out on a great opportunity! Joey: I'm sorry Jessie, but I trust you as much as I trust Kaiba. Jessie: Don't you see that you could be getting a free pass to the finals? Joey: Even if I join your alliance, it doesn't do any good without more people to vote. And I doubt anyone's willing to trust you anymore. Jessie: Look at Jeri! She trusts me! Joey: Jeri's insecure about herself, so she doesn't count! Jessie: A vote is a vote, no matter who it comes from! Joey: It does matter! After all, we all have our aspirations and inspirations for being here. Jessie: Just what inspires you anyway? Joey: Do you have to ask? My sister Serenity, of course! Jessie: Your sister? Joey: The only way she can see again is if she gets to have her surgery. And the only way that'll happen is if someone can come up with the money to pay for it. And I intend to do just that. Jessie: You think you can win? Joey: My chances are way better than yours are. Jessie: But if you're not in our alliance, you miss out on two votes right there! Two votes could mean the difference between winning it all and going home with nothing! Joey: I'm willing to take that chance. Jessie: Why are you so stubborn? This is the perfect opportunity to get revenge on those who are against you. Joey: And you're one of them! Listen Jessie, you might as well give it up. No one else is going to help you. Jessie: We'll see who's sorry! Wait until the finals next week! I'll be basking in the glow of the grand prize, while you'll be sitting on the sidelines, thinking how stupid you were not to join me. Joey: If anyone's going to be basking in the glow of the cash prize, it's definitely going to be me. Jessie: Ha! We'll see who has egg on their face in eight days! Joey: It won't be me! Jessie: It won't be me either! The two then walk off in separate directions. Joey: (CC) Who's Jessie kidding? She's got a better chance of winning a trip to outer space than winning this game. Jessie: (CC) Joey's going to find out how I repay those who don't follow me. By burying him into the ground! ====== Night Thirty Three Heading out to spend a night on the town, Roger, Faye, Kiyone, and Keitaro leave the confines of the mansion and go to one of the nightclubs downtown. As is usually the norm when they go out together, Roger and Faye are at the bar, drinking and smoking, while Kiyone and Keitaro are out on the dance floor. Kiyone and Keitaro try their best to hold a conversation over the loud music as they dance to the beat. Kiyone: So, dancing's not your thing, is it? Keitaro: I'm not too bad. It's just that I've never had a chance to. Kiyone: Because you've never had a girl dance with you, right? Keitaro: Well, yeah. Kiyone: Well, I don't get a chance to go out and dance as much as I'd want to. Being a resident police officer is hard work. Keitaro: And being the manager of an all-girls' dorm isn't? Kiyone: I guess I forgot the beatings that your residents tend to give you. Keitaro: I'm sure they're harder than anything the common criminal can throw at you. Kiyone: Common criminal is right. Speeders, wreckless fliers, disabled vehicles. Only once in awhile do Mihoshi and I actually get to go after a real criminal. ====== While Kiyone and Keitaro are continuing their conversation, Roger and Faye are having one of their own at the bar. Faye: And so, Jet tries to trick me into thinking that he's a nice guy by giving me a gift! Faye reaches for her shot glass and drinks half of it down in one gulp. Faye: (putting her glass down) But the gift ends up being an invoice for all of the charges I had accumulated while on their ship! Can you believe the nerve of the guy? Roger: Doesn't seem anything wrong with that. Faye: I was doing them a favor by helping them track down bounties! Why should I have to pay for staying with them? Roger: From the stories you've been telling me, it seems that all you're doing is freeloading off of Spike and Jet. Faye: (as Roger reaches for his glass) Freeloading? Roger: You live on the ship with them, you eat their food, and you only go out with them to track bounties down half of the time, yet you still expect to get a cut of the reward money? Faye: I'm a girl. You expect me to go out and risk messing up my delicate skin? Roger finishes gulping down the alcohol in his shot glass and puts it back down on the table. He then motions to the bartender for another. But Faye, irritated that Roger's ignoring her, starts shouting at him. Faye: Are you listening to me? Roger: (looking at Faye) You expect Spike and Jet, two men, to treat you equally, and yet you don't work an equal share? And for that, you despise men? Faye: I don't like men because they think they can take advantage of women because they're weak. Well I, for one, am not weak. Roger: I never said you were. I think you're anything but weak. Faye: And if you think that complimenting me will get you anywhere... Roger: I wasn't complimenting you. Faye: And lying to me won't either. The bartender appears, putting a shot glass down next to Roger. But as he turns away, Roger picks up the glass rather quickly, causing some of the beer to fly right into Faye's lap. Faye: (jumping up) Hey! What was that for? Roger: I could tell you, but I don't want you saying that you hate men who tell you the truth. Faye: Roger Smith! Roger: Faye Valentine! Faye: You don't know when to quit, do you? Roger: You don't either. And that's only because you don't try in the first place! Faye: Trust me, I've achieved everything in life by going for it and not holding anything back. But you... I'm sure being a negotiator means that you stop short. Going only as far as you need to, instead of going as far as you want. Roger: You, of all people, shouldn't be telling me how to do my job! At least I do mine! Faye: You're really starting to tick me off! Roger: Should I be scared? Or do you hate men like that too? Faye: You're lucky I don't drop kick your ass right now! Roger: (motioning to kick) Not if I kick yours first! A small crowd has gathered around them as shouts of 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' can be heard. And with Roger and Faye glaring daggers into each other, it looks like as if they were about to do just that. *************** Just scant seconds before that, the song "Standing Still" begins to play. Being a relatively slow song, most of the high-energy dancers and teenagers walk off the dance floor, leaving mostly couples... And Keitaro and Kiyone. Kiyone: Up for a slow dance? Keitaro: (a bit surprised) What? Kiyone: One dance isn't going to kill you. Kiyone grabs Keitaro's arms and wraps them around her waist. She then wraps her arms around Keitaro's shoulders. Naturally, Keitaro is blushing. Keitaro: (CC) Me? Dancing? With Kiyone? But how? [Song lyrics] Cutting through the darkest night In my two headlights Tryin' to keep it clear But I'm losing it here to the twilight There's a dead end to my left There's a burnin' bush to my right You aren't in sight You aren't in sight Keitaro: (CC) I don't know what to say. I never imagined that this day would come. Kiyone: (CC) Frankly, I don't know why I wanted Keitaro to dance with me. It just felt... well, right. Do you want me? Like I want you Or am I standing still? [End song lyrics] As the song reaches the refrain, the lyrics are slowly phased out as the sounds of numerous people yelling 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' can be heard. Keitaro and Kiyone stop slow dancing and head in the direction of the noise, letting go of each other in the process. Kiyone: What's going on? Keitaro quickly jumps on top of the nearest table, which luckily was vacant, and glances towards the bar, where the noise was coming from. He sees Roger and Faye glaring each other, with the whole crowd surrounding them. Keitaro: It's Roger and Faye! Kiyone: This isn't good! Keitaro jumps down from the table and follows Kiyone as they push their way through the crowd. They manage to reach Roger and Faye before either of them could throw a punch. Kiyone goes to restrain Faye, while Keitaro tries to hold back Roger. Faye: Kiyone, let me go! Roger deserves what he's got coming to him! Kiyone: I'm not going to let you jeopardize your chances of winning this game! Roger: Let go Keitaro, or I'll take you down with her. Keitaro: I want to, really, but I have to hold you back for your own good! Kiyone manages to reach into her pocket and pull out her Galaxy Police badge. She starts flashing it to the crowd, causing them to back up slightly. Kiyone: I'm First Class Detective Kiyone Makibi of the Galaxy Police! Please step back and allow me to escort these two out! A small path forms as the crowd breaks apart in one place, leading towards the front door. Kiyone: (to Keitaro) Get Roger out of here. Faye and I will be right behind you. Keitaro nods and leads Roger past Kiyone, Faye, and the rest of the crowd. Roger shoots an evil glare at Faye, who gladly shoots one back. Once Keitaro and Roger are near the door, Kiyone lets go of Faye before the two of them follow the guys out. The stunned crowd is silent as the four of them exit the nightclub. ====== Managing to get back to the mansion in one piece, the foursome head inside. Kiyone immediately leads Faye off to their room, while Keitaro pushes Roger up the stairway and to their own bedroom. Roger and Faye manage to shoot one last deadly glare at each other before going their separate ways. Roger: (CC) You know, it's not my style to hate a woman. But for Faye, I'll gladly make an exception. Faye: (CC) Roger has some nerve, spilling his drink on me! Who does he think he is? Roger: (CC) I've tried to be a nice guy, and she's cut me off at every turn. If that's the way she wants this game to end, then so be it. Even if it makes me the bad guy. Faye: (CC) If he thinks he's getting any help from me, Kiyone, or any of the other women in the house come next week... he's dead wrong! ====== Day Thirty Four Keitaro is soaking comfortably in the hot springs in the mansion's basement. For once, he seems to be completely alone down there. And considering everything on his mind, he wanted it to stay that way. Keitaro: Did Roger and Faye really get drunk enough last night to lose their states of mind, allowing them to lash out at each other? I wonder. Bit: (off-screen) Keitaro, you in here? Keitaro: Over in the main spring! You alone? Bit: (off-screen) Joey's right behind me. Keitaro reaches over to the pool's edge and puts his glasses on. He sees Bit and Joey walking towards him, both clad in nothing but towels. Joey: Hope you don't mind if we join you, big guy. Keitaro: Yeah... I don't mind at all. Bit and Joey both slip into the pool and rest their backs against opposite corners. Bit: I'm amazed none of the girls are actually in here yet. Joey: I think it's because none of them are awake. Keitaro: At least I can finally soak in peace. Joey: Yeah. No need for you to worry about getting beat up for seeing the girls in the buff! Keitaro: (sighs) Do you have to remind me? Bit: Say Keitaro, you were at the nightclub last night, right? What happened between Roger and Faye? Keitaro: (shrugs his shoulders) I have no idea. Kiyone and I were dancing when it all happened... Joey: You and Kiyone? Dancing? Keitaro: (blushes) Hey! We dance together all the time! Joey moves over towards Keitaro and gives a gentle elbow in the chest. Joey: (slyly) Finally making your move, huh? Keitaro: It's nothing like that! Joey: Seriously? I thought you'd be ecstatic to have a girl all over you. Keitaro: Kiyone's not exactly all over me. We're just close friends. Bit: Just how close are we talking here? Keitaro: It's none of your business! I don't have to tell you two anything! Joey: We won't tell anyone. Not even Kiyone! Honest! Bit: You have our word! Joey: I mean, if you two aren't really that close yet, then you've got nothing to hide. Keitaro: Well... ====== And speaking of Kiyone, she and Chi-Chi are the only females up so far. They are both sitting at the dining table, each enjoying a cup of coffee. Chi-Chi: So the two of you had to pull them apart? Kiyone: (nods) I'm still not sure what sparked the argument, but I'm pretty sure the mix of drinking and smoking at the same time probably threw all of their senses off-kilter. Chi-Chi: That's why I don't want the four of you to go out like that. I'm afraid that something might happen. Kiyone: I think we should be glad Keitaro and I got to them before they started throwing punches at each other. Chi-Chi: Think it's time for some host interaction? I mean, I remember seeing them do that last season. Kiyone: Let's see if we can get them to actually talk first. Faye hasn't said a word to me since we broke up the fight. And I didn't dare to talk to Roger. I'm sure Keitaro didn't have any luck getting anything out of him. Chi-Chi: Kiyone, I'm frightened. The last thing we need is Roger and Faye in a physical fight. We'd fall back into the whole gender barrier problem that you and the others worked so hard to find a solution to. Kiyone: I agree with you wholeheartedly. We have to keep an eye on them at all times. For both of their sakes. The two women both take a sip of their coffee cups. Suddenly, Duo runs into the room with a printout in hand. Duo: We've got another challenge! Kiyone: (sighs) Figures. Every single time. Duo stops in front of them and blinks his eyes, wondering what Kiyone is talking about. Duo: What do you mean by that? Chi-Chi: Kiyone thinks that every time we have a challenge, there's always two people who are at each other's throats. Duo: Who's it this time? Kiyone: Roger and Faye. Duo: (jumps back in fear) Those two? I know they've never gotten along on a personal level, but they completely hate each other now? Kiyone: We have to watch them carefully. If they see each other at the challenge again, a fight could break out. Duo: (whistles) That bad, huh? Chi-Chi: I guess I'd better start cooking breakfast. Kiyone, could you help? Kiyone: Sure. (to Duo) Wake everyone up, but whatever you do, keep Roger and Faye away from each other until it's time to leave for the challenge. ====== After breakfast, the Okayama dozen walk into the grove of cherry blossom trees, now pretty much empty as winter approaches, and towards the fabled Cherry Blossom Point. Before long, they enter the all-too familiar clearing. But it's not Tenchi waiting for them. It's actually Mimi, dressed in her red, white, and blue star top, white knee-length skirt, and tan-colored platform sandals. Mimi: Hi everyone! Duo: It's Mimi. Bit and Joey: (happily) It's Mimi! Kiyone: Mimi, where's Tenchi? Mimi: I was visiting my friends in Tokyo for the weekend, but then Tenchi found out about me being here. So he asked me to sit in as host today. Isn't that swell? Jessie: (nonchalantly) Swell, yeah, whatever. Can we get on with it? Faye: I agree! The sooner we get this challenge over with, the sooner I can get away from tuxedo boy over there. Roger: That wouldn't bother me at all, as long as I don't have to see that scantily-clad bounty hunter for the rest of the day. Mimi: (sweatdrops) Let me guess... those two had an argument this morning. Chi-Chi: Last night, but I doubt you're old enough to hear about what went on at that nightclub. Mimi: I'm old enough to be your host, which means that for today, you have to listen to what I say! Jeri: Gee. You've changed so much since the last time we saw you. Mimi: And hopefully you've changed since I last saw you. Crying and quitting in the middle of challenges. The nerve of you! Even I never did that! Keitaro: Mimi... Mimi: Make one step towards me and I kick you into the next prefecture! Bit and Joey: (singing together) Mimi, oh Mimi! Mimi: That goes for you two especially! Duo: (whispering to Melfina) Gee, it must be that time of month. Melfina: (whispering back) You mean the time when she can make babies? Duo: (sweatdrops) I thought we agreed that we wouldn't discuss that in front of everyone else. Chi-Chi: Be glad I don't ask what that means, young man. Duo: (meekly) Sorry. ====== Mimi leads the group to another nearby and even larger clearing. Set up in the center is a large virtual field. A computer terminal is located at each end of the field. And on the ground next to each terminal are two giant books. As the group walks to the field, Bit and Joey are up to their old 'impress Mimi' antics again. Bit: First one to recite a poem that she likes wins? Joey: You got it! And I warn you, I'm an expert poet! Bit: The key word is first... and the best way to be the first she likes is to be the first overall. Bit pushes his way towards the front of the group. Joey decides to hang back and watch. And for good reason. Bit walks back towards Joey seconds later with a large red handprint on his left cheek. Joey: Actually, the keyword is recite. You have to get her to hear the poem before she tries to send you skyrocketing to the next prefecture. Bit: And you're going to do that how? Joey: Just wait and see! Bit: Why not try now? Joey: Because I haven't thought of a poem yet! Mimi: (off-screen) Everyone gather around and I'll tell you what you'll be doing today. Bit and Joey catch up with the rest of the group, who are now gathered around Mimi and one of the terminals. Mimi: Today, you'll be competing in your fifth physical challenge. It's called 'Monster Rancher.' In it, you will be using six different monsters from six different monster anime shows to do battle. And naturally, your object is to defeat all of the other team's monsters before theirs beat yours! Kiyone: How are the monsters going to get here? Mimi: That's easy! We've got three expert summoners here to bring these monsters to you. Allow me to introduce our troop of summoners! Mimi steps back as three young kids, two girls and a guy, appear behind her. *************** Walking out of a nearby shrub of bushes comes Sakura Avalon (Cardcaptors), with her Star Wand in hand, Takato Matsuki (Digimon Tamers), grasping his D-Arc, and Beginner (Mon Colle Knights), holding a deck of cards. Jeri: Takato! Takato: Hi Jeri! How have you been? Jeri runs over and glomps onto Takato, giving him a big hug. Jeri: (shedding some tears) I missed you so much. Takato: Me too, Jeri. Me too. Mondo: Beginner? What are you doing here? Beginner: (giggles) I'm here to help! Mondo: (with hearts in his eyes) I couldn't have asked for a better helper! Mondo grabs Beginner by the hands and starts twirling her around. Sakura, meanwhile, seems to be upbeat even though there's no one for her to reunite with. Mimi pulls out a bunch of bandannas, half of them brown, half of them black. She hands the brown ones to Jeri and the black ones to Mondo. Joey: Hold on! If they're getting the bandannas... Keitaro: Then they must be the team captains! Mimi: Duh! I could have told you that! Jeri: Why us? Mondo: Yeah? Mimi: Well, you two know more about monsters than anyone else. So naturally, you two are the captains. Joey: That's not fair! I'm sure I know a whole lot more than Jeri! Jessie: And I'm from Pokémon! There's no monster anime bigger than the one that I'm in! Mimi: If you two remember the rules of Roomies, everyone gets to be captain of a physical challenge once and only once. And both of you have already been captains in previous challenges. Mondo and Jeri haven't, so I'm awarding them that chance now. Jeri: So, I guess we have to select our teams now, huh? Mondo: (sticking his hand out) May the best monster dueler win, Jeri! Jeri: (smiles, then shakes Mondo's hand) May the best win. ====== [Physical Challenge 5: Monster Rancher] [Team Assignments: - Brown: Jeri, Jessie, Bit, Duo, Roger, Kiyone - Black: Mondo, Joey, Keitaro, Chi-Chi, Faye, Melfina] Mimi: (VO) The rules of battle are as follows! Move in to a camera shot where Jeri's team is looking at the two giant books that had been lying in front of their computer terminal. Mimi: (VO) Inside those giant books is an encyclopedia of monsters. You'll find every single Pokémon, Digimon, Star Card, Duel Monster, Rancher Monster, and Mon World Monster in there. As a team, you'll have to select six monsters to use for the battle, one per person, and only one per show. Now, Sakura is handing out coins to each of the teams. Mimi: (VO) Each monster requires a certain number of coins to be used. The stronger the monster, the more coins you'll need. At the beginning, each team starts with six, but you earn an extra one every time an opponent's monster is defeated. Off to the side, Beginner is practicing her summoning skills. Mimi: (VO) There are also a limited number of trainer and magic cards that can be used instead of a monster. To use a card requires one coin. Some require more, depending on what the card does. Takato is standing by a third computer terminal, trying to figure out how to work the Pokémon transfer system. Mimi: (VO) Takato, Sakura, and Beginner will be responsible for making the monsters materialize on the battlefield. Only one can be added per turn. Also during a turn, every monster on the field can either attack or defend. In the case of an attack, the most powerful attack of that monster is used. The weakest of the two monsters in each battle is defeated, and the person who called that monster is out of the game. Over to Mondo's team, who are discussing some final strategy. Mimi: (VO) And as I mentioned before, the team that manages to beat the other team's monsters first wins the match and the $100,000 jackpot addition! Now, let the match begin! ====== By the luck of the draw, Jeri's team gets to choose their lead-off monster first. And believe it or not, Jeri decides to take the first crack. Jeri: I know just what monster I want to use. She looks at Takato, who's off to the side. He looks into his eyes, already aware of her choice instinctively. He pulls out a Digivice he had borrowed from Mimi, and aims it at the computer terminal in front of him. Jeri: (raising two coins and putting it into the slot beside her computer) With two coins, I wish to use Leomon, the champion level Digimon! As Takato activates the Digivice and opens a portal to the Digiworld, Mondo's team is now making their selection. And Joey decides to open it up. Joey: (raising two coins as well) I'm using two coins to call forth one of my favorite monsters, the Flaming Swordsman, in attack mode! Sakura heads for the main terminal and pulls out a Duel Monsters deck. After finding Joey's card, she takes her Star Wand, equipped with a special Duel Monsters activation device, courtesy of Kaiba Corp., and prepares to summon it. Meanwhile, a virtual Leomon appears on the field. Jeri smiles as she tries to hold back tears. Jeri: It's really him! I can't believe it! Sakura: (chanting) Holder of the Sword of Fire, come to life! Flaming Swordsman! RELEASE! The card floats away from the Star Wand, glowing a million different colors as it hovers in front of Leomon. Finally, the card disappears and is replaced by the Flaming Swordsman himself. And since he was summoned second, he gets to attack first. Joey: Go, Flaming Swordsman! Trounce that Digimon! Jeri: Leomon, you can do it! Leomon: Fist of the Beast King! The two monsters go flying towards each other, with their swords out. The Flaming Swordsman raises his over his head, while Leomon grasps his in his right hand. Leomon lifts up and blocks the Flaming Swordsman, leaving the Duel Monster open to the full power of Leomon's Fist of the Beast King, which connects in the stomach. Flaming Swordsman dematerializes. [Brown 1 - Black 0] Joey: What? I'm out already? Jeri: (happily) Way to go, Leomon! I knew you could do it! Mondo: How did that Leomon block the Flaming Swordsman and connect his attack at the same time? Joey: Stop thinking about how your girlfriend over there is so smart and decide which of us goes next! Chi-Chi: Joey, quiet! Mondo's the captain, so let him think! And Jeri's not Mondo's girlfriend! Whatever gave you the idea those two were together? Melfina: (stepping forward) How about I go next? Mondo: (glancing at her) What have you got, Mel? Melfina: You'll see. (yells at Beginner) Could you please summon a Suezo for one coin? Beginner makes a Lost Disk appear out of nowhere and places it in front of her. Beginner: One Suezo! Now, let's see if I can get the spell right. She closes her eyes and brings her hands to the point where they are only inches apart. A few magic particles seem to be developing between them as she begins to chant. Beginner: I call forth the one-eyed yellow monster trapped in this Lost Disk back to life! Suezo! As the Suezo appears, there's activity on the other side. Jessie squeezes in next to Jeri. Jessie: (at Takato) You with the goggles! Give me an Arbok! Jeri: Jessie, that's worth another two coins! Jessie: It's worth the risk! We'll have enough to go around once we beat a few of their monsters. Takato goes to the terminal and activates the Pokémon transfer system. In moments, a Pokéball appears next to the computer. He throws it onto the field just as the Suezo makes its appearance. Keitaro: You chose a hopping eyeball? Joey: Are you sure you understand what's at stake here, Mel? Mondo: Let her play the monster she wants! Melfina: (smiles) Thanks, Mondo. Takato throws the Pokéball on to the field and out comes Arbok, standing next to Jeri's Leomon. Jessie: Arbok, use acid! Arbok: Char-bok! Arbok slithers over towards Suezo as fast he can. Melfina: Suezo, defensive mode! Joey and Keitaro: (freaking out) What? Defense? Chi-Chi: But what about the acid? Arbok fires an acid 'hairball,' if you will, right at Suezo. But at the last moment, just as it seems that it may hit, Suezo disappears. Joey: Is it gone? Keitaro: We're down two-nothing already? Suezo then reappears on the field, unharmed and out of danger. Jessie: What? Joey: How? Melfina: In defensive mode, Suezo teleports to avoid attacks. Even though the success rate is only 45%, it was worth taking a risk. Mondo: And a good one, Melfina. Keitaro: We nearly were down two-nothing because of that risk! Mondo: No need to worry. (to Beginner) Throw me a Monster Card! A Fog Dragon! Beginner pulls out a Mon World monster card and makes it float in front of her. She then summons it to the field. Beginner: Make all foggy and unclear, so that the keeper may appear! Fog Dragon, arise! A large patch of fog appears on the field next to Melfina's Suezo, but it's hard to see through it. Jessie: Stop hiding! Arbok, attack whatever's in the fog with your acid! Arbok slithers into the fog bank and is about to shoot another acid ball when he is greeted by the rather large Fog Dragon. Arbok fires and hits, but the Fog Dragon barely feels it all. And with one quick swipe, Arbok is sent flying out of the fog before dematerializing. [Brown 1 - Black 1] Jessie: What? Impossible! Jeri: What's in there anyway? Mondo: Sorry Jeri, but my two-coin Fog Dragon should keep you and your team at bay for awhile! ====== [Challenge Fast Forward] Both Mondo and Melfina decide to put their monsters in defensive mode for the next turn. Jeri tells Roger to go next. Roger decides to use a Grey Wolf (Monster Rancher), which required two coins. He sends Grey Wolf to attack the Fog Dragon with a lightning bolt. Somehow, the dragon and the fog bank avoid the bolt, dodging it. Jeri keeps Leomon in defensive mode. Chi-Chi decides to have the Fight Card summoned. She has the card go after Grey Wolf. But Grey Wolf dodges the attack. Suezo also attacks Grey Wolf, using his Tongue Attack. But that fails as well. Fog Dragon continues to defend for reasons unknown. Grey Wolf returns the favor and fires a lightning bolt at the Fight Card. The bolt hits, knocking the Fight Card out. Jeri sends Leomon into battle against Suezo and beats him easily. [Brown 3 - Black 1] Being the only monster out and no coins to summon any new ones, Mondo is forced to put Fog Dragon into attack mode. And he was holding back for good reason. The dragon slashes its claws at Grey Wolf, defeating it and earning an extra coin. [Brown 3 - Black 2] Kiyone enters the fray for the brown team, choosing to use the Watery Card, another two-coin monster. Watery easily extinguishes the Fog Dragon's flames and defeats it. [Brown 4 - Black 2] Only Keitaro and Faye have yet to draw a monters for the black team. And Mondo decides to rest their team's chances on Faye, as she uses the team's last coin to summon a Renamon. With Renamon standing against Leomon and the Watery Card, and the brown team able to summon another one-coin monster, things look to be winding down... [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== Jeri: I know this is going to be tough Leomon... but I want you to attack... Duo: Hold on a second, Jeri! Jeri glances back at Duo, one of the two teammmates who had yet to go. Kiyone looks at him as well, wondering what he's up to. Duo: I don't mean to intrude, but I've got an idea. Faye: Let's see if you'll be able to use it! Renamon, diamond storm! But Faye makes the mistake of trying to attack the Watery Card. Watery uses her ability to change her shape to avoid the attack. Faye: What? Kiyone: Sorry Faye, but I knew that you'd try something like this. Jeri: (to Duo) Here's the chance for you to become the hero. Duo: (smiles) On the contrary, I'm only providing the firepower. Using the team's only remaining coin, Duo makes an interesting call as he turns towards Sakura. Duo: Sakura, give me a Duel Monsters Polymerization card! Joey: (freaking out) A Polymerization card? They can use that? Mondo: (slamming his fist on the terminal) Dang! Why didn't we think of that? Sakura: Combine the powers of Leomon and Watery! Polymerization! RELEASE! A bright flash later, Leomon turns into a sword-weilding water sprite. Jeri: Awesome! Mondo: No way! Duo: Jeri, you may continue now. Jeri: (nods) Alright Leomon of the Sea! Fist of the Merking! The combined form of Leomon and the Watery Card charges up for a regular Fist of the Beast King attack, only now the fist glows a watery blue, instead of a fiery orange. The fist connects, knocking Renamon out. [Brown 5 - Black 2] Mimi: The match is over! Jeri and the green team wins! Jessie: It's over? But that perverted twerp still has yet to go! Kiyone: Jessie, they don't have any coins left to use. So Keitaro can't summon a monster, so by default, the match goes to us. Jessie: Well then... yeah for us! ====== With the challenge over, Sakura, Takato, Beginner, and Mimi must say goodbye to the Roomies. Beginner: We had a great time today! Sakura: We should do this again sometime! Takato: I agree! (to Jeri) Good luck Jeri! Jeri: Thanks Takato! I'll do my best! Mondo: (to Beginner) If by chance you see Rockna, tell her I miss her! Beginner: (giggles) I'll give her the message. Mimi: It's time for us to go. Tenchi will be back at the next challenge. Good luck to all of you, as well as whomever wins. The group waves goodbye as the foursome walks away and towards a nearby road, where some vans are waiting to return them to where they came from. Meanwhile, the cast begins the short walk back to the mansion. All of a sudden, Bit and Joey remember about something they had forgotten to do. Joey: I never got a chance to recite my poem to Mimi! Bit: Me neither! Joey: She didn't even let you read yours! Bit: And you never even came up with one to read! End Episode Fifteen Tenchi: (VO) Next time, on Roomies... Mondo: Promise that you'll bail out if things get dicey. Tenchi: (VO) With the game closing in on the end, there's plenty of talking going on... Kiyone: (putting her hands on her hips) You know my stance on alliances, Keitaro! Keitaro: I only want things to turn out right! Melfina: Am I interrupting anything important? Faye: (CC) How can Jessie be happy corrupting kids? Jessie: (happily dancing about) Another vote for me! Faye: (CC) Oh yeah... a tactic like that isn't above her. Keitaro: Don't hurt me! Aaaaahhhhh! Chi-Chi: When will Keitaro ever learn? Tenchi: (VO) Then, our heroes become criminals once again... Kiyone: (sighs) I can imagine how much of a laughing stock I'll be after this. Joey: (CC) Who would've thought that those two would make such a perfect team? Jessie: For a master criminal like myself, this should be a cinch! Roger: I'm not letting Faye beat me! Chi-Chi: (CC) I can't help but feel worried about what will happen once this challenge is over. Tenchi: (VO) But their friends and family will forgive them... Leena: (yelling) You'd better not come back without the prize money! Quatre: It's great to hear that you're doing so well. Gene: I have total faith in you. Tenchi: (VO) And that's just a small sample... Duo: Let's see what we're made of. Tenchi: (VO) Join us for the next thrilling episode of Roomies! Additional Author's Notes: And once again, time and space cut down the intended length of this episode. With only three episodes left, more and more challenge material may get cut out. So bear with me... I might offer some in extras if the cuts are plentiful. On to this week's notes... "Standing Still" is sung by the folk/soft rock singer Jewel. A nice, peaceful, slow song from her latest CD "This Way." I think most people know who Takato and Sakura are, but probably not Beginner. Beginner, from "Mon Colle Knights," is a monster summoner. She makes her living summoning monsters. Sometimes she helps Mondo and Rockna out in their adventures. And as the name suggests, she is a beginner at it. Which means that she occasionally messes up the spells. It often results in the wrong monster appearing or some other weird quirk that makes the Knights run for their lives. And do I dare say... but the brightness of Beginner's outfit and hair make her even cuter and more kawaii than Sakura... if that's possible. Well, you've seen the preview, so you know what to expect! Come back on Tuesday for Episode 16!