"Roomies 2: Country Living" - written by Freedom Fighter No talk this time around. Straight to the episode! Episode Rating: PG-13 for a hot springs scene and something else I'm probably forgetting Disclaimer: Stolen by the Roomies. To see it, please contact Tenchi Masaki at home (number withheld by his request). ====== Tenchi: (VO) Last time, on Roomies... 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. Tenchi: (VO) Could a romance be blossoming between Keitaro and Kiyone? Kiyone: So, dancing's not your thing, is it? Keitaro: I'm not too bad. Kiyone: Up for a slow dance? Keitaro: (a bit surprised) What? Keitaro: (CC) Me? Dancing? With Kiyone? But how? Kiyone: (CC) It just felt... well, right. Tenchi: (VO) But love must wait so they can break Roger and Faye up... 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! Tenchi: (VO) At least things calm down somewhat in time for the challenge... Mimi: Hi everyone! Tenchi: (VO) With Mimi providing instructions instead of me... Mimi: I'm old enough to be your host, which means that for today, you have to listen to what I say! Keitaro: Mimi... Mimi: Make one step towards me and I kick you into the next prefecture! Tenchi: (VO) Let's just move onto the challenge itself, which was a monster... Joey: Flaming Swordsman, in attack mode! Leomon: Fist of the Beast King! Melfina: Suezo, defensive mode! 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. Faye: Renamon, diamond storm! Tenchi: (VO) But in the end... Sakura: Combine the powers of Leomon and Watery! Polymerization! RELEASE! Jeri: (nods) Alright Leomon of the Sea! Fist of the Merking! The fist connects, knocking Renamon out. Tenchi: (VO) Jeri's team won. Now, we didn't forget anything, did we? Joey: I never got a chance to recite my poem to Mimi! Bit: Me neither! Tenchi: (VO) Too late guys, because the next episode of Roomies begins now! = = = = = = = = = = 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 - Duo, setting up explosives in order to destroy a Gundam - Jeri, telling Takato how cute Guilmon is at their first meeting - Bit, examining the three Liger Zero armor packages - Joey, standing aside as Yugi examines his card deck - Roger, climbing down into an abandoned subway tunnel - Keitaro, watching Naru and Mutsumi splash each other in the sea - Mondo, asking Beginner to summon a monster for him and Rockna - Jessie, reading through the Pokémon Fortune Tellers' guide book - Chi-Chi, cheering Goten on at the World Martial Arts Tournament - 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 16 - Break In, Break Out (09.24.02) Night Thirty Four That evening, back at the mansion, Bit, Joey, and Keitaro are up in the room that Keitaro shares with Roger. Bit and Joey seem to be pestering Keitaro about Kiyone. And they didn't show any signs of stopping anytime soon. Bit: So, when are the two of you going to hook up? Keitaro: Can we please stop talking about her? Bit: Why? Because you can't deny it? Keitaro: Look, if Kiyone liked me, she would have shown it by now! Joey: She's probably never been in a serious relationship before. Just like you. Keitaro: With the figure she has? I find that hard to believe. Bit: (pointing at Keitaro) Aha! So you do like her! I knew it! Keitaro: Just because I said she was hot doesn't mean I like her. Bit: Keitaro, there's no way you can say that a girl is hot without having some type of romantic feelings for her. It just doesn't work that way. Joey: And you know this how? You don't look like you have a girlfriend. Bit: You don't have to have a girlfriend to know how relationships work! Joey: Come on! Keitaro's almost 21 and not one single girl in his life has ever given him the time of day! Keitaro: (sarcastically) Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, Joey! Bit: The point I'm trying to make is that if you like Kiyone that much, you need to make her realize that. If she hasn't already, that is. Keitaro: You mean go up to her and tell her that I love her? Bit: That's how love works, pal! Joey: No it's not! Bit: I don't see you pining after any of the girls here in the mansion! Joey: That's because I don't love any of them. Bit: Kiyone? Melfina? Jessie? Faye? Take your pick! They're all good! Keitaro: Heck, even Chi-Chi's not half bad. Bit: She's almost twice your age. Don't tell me you lust after older women too. Keitaro: Well, she is good looking... wait a minute! You want me to come out and say that I'm smitten with all of the girls here so you can use that against me! Bit: We'd never do that! Joey: Hey, I'm just interested in seeing you get with Kiyone. Hooking up with the other girls is all Bit's idea. Keitaro: I'm surprised that you didn't mention Jeri. Bit: What? You like her that way too? Keitaro: There you go again, putting words in my mouth! I didn't mean it that way! Bit: (thinking out loud) Now that you mention it, Jeri is kinda hitting puberty right about now... Joey: (cringes in disgust) That's disgusting! I'll have to listen to you moan Jeri's name in your sleep now! Bit: Joey! Joey: (to Keitaro) Bit tends to mutter a lot of things in his sleep. Girls' names are very frequent. I remember him sputtering Jessie's name last night... Bit: Hey! You agreed that you'd keep that secret a secret! Joey: All's fair in love and war, and technically it's not a dirty move because you had it coming. Bit grumbles visibly as Joey exits the room. Bit walks out after him, leaving Keitaro in the room alone. Keitaro: (CC) I don't know who's more girl-challenged. Bit, or me? ====== An hour later, Jessie seems to be waiting for someone in the upstairs study. Suddenly, Jeri enters, with Mondo right behind her. Mondo has one eye focused on Jessie, as if he were looking for an excuse to walk right back out. Jessie: Okay, what's this about? Jeri: Mondo's decide to join our alliance. (elbows Mondo in the stomach) Right? Mondo: (coughs) Yes. Jessie: Good. I knew you could persuade him to help. Jeri: It didn't take long for me to convince him. Telling him that I'd call Rockna and tell her about how he's been hitting on me was enough to do that. Jessie: You actually were thinking of blackmailing him? You're sneakier than I thought! Mondo: So, what do I have to do? Jessie: We vote for the final four a week from tonight. We vote for each other. For example, you'd vote for both Jeri and me to make it in. You can spend the other two votes however you want... unless there's anyone else you want to bring into our alliance. Mondo: And after that? Who do we vote to win? Jessie: You'll vote for me, of course! After all, there's no way either of you are going to get in without my help. ====== Just outside the doorway, Faye is peering into the study and eavesdropping on the trio's conversation. Just then, Jessie heads towards her. Faye ducks into the closest room, which is the weight room. Jessie walks out and heads towards the stairs. 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. Faye peers around the corner from the weight room, watching Jeri and Mondo walk out of the study slowly. Mondo: Promise that you'll bail out if things get dicey. Jeri: (crossing her arms over her chest, in a nagging tone) Mondo... Mondo: I'm sorry! But getting used to you standing up for yourself is quite a change from before. Jeri: Well, we're here to play the game. And that's exactly what I'm doing. Faye: (CC) Interesting. Maybe Jeri is setting up Jessie for a double-cross. Or maybe she's trying to trip Mondo up. Or both! I've never seen how well she can manipulate people. This might be how she plans to get into the finals. The question is, can I stop her so that I can get the money myself? ====== Day Thirty Five After being successful at getting into the springs early yesterday, Keitaro tries again this morning. He walks in while whistling a tune in his head... and once again ignoring the name toteboard outside. Keitaro: Alright Bit and Joey, here's what I think of your whole 'getting me to admit which girl I want to sleep with' question! But unfortunately, Bit and Joey weren't soaking in the springs. Jessie and Faye were... and they seem to be really angry at him. Jessie: You perverted little... Faye: (jumping out of the water) You're going to pay for trespassing this time! Keitaro: Don't hurt me! Aaaaahhhhh! Keitaro turns around and heads out the door. If he would have turned back around for just a brief second, he would have seen both Jessie and Faye nude. No such luck now, as the two of them are now wearing towels and chasing after Keitaro. They head up the stairs, all the way to the second floor. Right at the top of the stairs, Jessie grabs a hold of Keitaro's right foot. As he struggles to break free, Faye reaches the top a punch in the face, sending the towel-clad apartment manager towards the outdoor balcony. Satisfied with their work, the two women head back down to the springs. ====== Out on the balcony, we see Keitaro hanging onto the outside railing, a full story above the ground. And by chance, Kiyone was there, doing her daily glance at the nearby Masaki shrine. And once again, Kiyone had to save Keitaro from further injury. Kiyone: (trying to pull Keitaro up) Didn't we do this once before? Keitaro: (scared) Just pull me up before I fall! ====== After settling for a shower and then getting properly dressed, Keitaro rejoins Kiyone on the balcony. He is looking at her back as she is glancing out towards the shrine again. Keitaro: (VO) Come on, this is your chance! No one else is around! Find out how she feels now so that you don't keep living this false charade. Kiyone: (without looking back) I know that getting into Tokyo University is hard, but it puzzles me to see you be stupid enough to time and time again walk into the hot springs while the women are using it! Keitaro: (VO) Okay, maybe now's not a good time. She's mad. Change it to a more pleasant subject. I know... Keitaro: Kiyone, I was thinking. We're getting down to the end and all, and I think we trust each other a lot. So what would you say to forming an alliance with me? Kiyone sighs, then turns around to face Keitaro. She puts her hands on her hips, immediately signalling her displeasure of the idea. Kiyone: You know my stance on alliances, Keitaro! Keitaro: I only want things to turn out right! There are a lot of people in this mansion that don't deserve or need the money! We both have good causes. Kiyone: Keitaro, alliances are not fair. Once we both get into the final four, there's no way of me knowing if you'll backstab me. Or vice versa. Keitaro: I wouldn't dream of doing that to you. And I know you wouldn't do that to me. Kiyone: In life, there are no guarantees. No guarantee that I would've skyrocked to the top after graduating from Police Academy. No guarantee that you'll ever see that girl from 15 years ago that you keep telling me about. That's how life is. Keitaro: But Kiyone... Kiyone: (angrily) No buts! Realizing that she just raised her voice at Keitaro as if he were as incompetent as Mihoshi, she glances down at the ground and breathes another deep sigh. Kiyone: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blow up at you like that. Keitaro: I guess I shouldn't have brought up the whole alliance thing. Kiyone: Forget it. You're just doing what you have to do to earn a shot at the money. I'm just surprised many people haven't approached me with the same idea. Keitaro: Maybe they feel that you'll stick to your 'no alliance' philosophy. Kiyone: Or they're afraid of how much money I might win. I've been earning the most money almost from the start. Keitaro: Really? I haven't been keeping track. Knowing me, I'm close to the bottom. Kiyone: It makes me wish I was on one of those other reality shows. Like Survivor... the only motivation behind winning those immunity challenges is that it keeps you on the island another three days. Where one mistake could be your last. Keitaro: But here... some people have made fatal errors and may still have a shot at the money? Kiyone: Exactly. (smiles) There we go, thinking on the same brain length again. The two share a laugh or two before staring deep into each other's eyes. Keitaro: (VO) It's time! Tell her already! Keitaro: Kiyone, uh... I have to tell you something. Kiyone: Yes? Kiyone: (VO) It can't be what I think it is. Can it? Keitaro: Kiyone... I'm madly in... Melfina: (appearing out of nowhere) Am I interrupting anything important? Keitaro and Kiyone: (jumping back in surprise) Ack! The two of them now stand on opposite ends of the balcony, with Melfina standing in the center, smiling. Keitaro: (CC) Melfina... don't tell me she's been watching us the whole time! Kiyone: (CC) Why would Melfina be spying on us? Keitaro: (CC) What is she up to? *************** Keitaro: Melfina! Melfina: Should I come back later? If you the two of you were talking about an alliance, then I'll leave you two alone. Kiyone: No need to go. You just scared us by appearing out of nowhere. Melfina: I'm sorry. I heard about what happened to Keitaro and wanted to know if he was okay. Keitaro: As normal as can be... well, after getting another beating for accidentally walking into the hot springs while Jessie and Faye were there. Melfina: Why do you keep doing that? Kiyone: I keep asking him that same question and he can never give me a straight answer. Keitaro: I tell you, I tend to not pay attention to things when I stumble into hot springs, okay? Now, can we talk about something else? Kiyone: Fine by me. (to Melfina) Keitaro was asking me if I want to be in an alliance with him. Melfina: But don't you despise alliances? Kiyone: Of course I do! I have no intention of ever joining one. Melfina: Well, if you don't want to join... She glances at Keitaro and flashes a smile at him. Melfina: I'll join. Keitaro: (a bit shocked) What? You want to be an alliance with me? Melfina: It's part of the game, right? Gaining friends to conquer your enemies? I think that's how Duo describes it. Kiyone: And why don't you have an alliance with him? Melfina: Oh, that's easy. We trust each other enough to live without one. Kiyone: So you're doing this to make sure that you can depend on Keitaro? Melfina: Pretty much. Keitaro: I feel so used... but I'll accept. Anything that helps my chances. Melfina: Good! (heading inside) See you later, alliance buddy! Melfina exits, leaving Keitaro and Kiyone on the balcony again. Kiyone: Well, we've got chores to do. We'd better get going. Keitaro: Hold on... what about... But Kiyone had already gone inside and moved her concentration towards completing the chores. Keitaro: (CC) I was so close! Why did Melfina have to come in and ruin my moment with Kiyone? Kiyone: (CC) That was close! I just don't have the heart to say anything to him right now. ====== Outside, Chi-Chi was practicing some martial arts. It was her chance to get away from everyone else and get her mind focused on the final week of competition. But after hearing about Keitaro's antics, she was finding it hard to do so. Chi-Chi: When will Keitaro ever learn? Why does he have to be so hardheaded? Chi-Chi reels back and then leans forward, swinging her fist at the tree trunk, which snaps upon impact, causing the tree to fall to the ground. Chi-Chi: What kind of parents raised Keitaro to be such a peeping tom? Why does he find so much pleasure in seeing the girls without any clothes on? She moves on to another tree and starts punching away at that one. Chi-Chi: Maybe if I disciplined him so that he wouldn't do that ever again. After that series of jabs, that tree's trunk also snaps and falls. She stops to wipe the cold sweat off of her forehead. Chi-Chi: Then again, everyone might interpret that as a sign that I'm being too motherly again. And any chance of getting the prize money to pay the bills back home goes down the drain. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow heavily, causing the trees to sway a little. Chi-Chi: (grabbing her shoulders) Brrrrrr! The wind's making it cold out here again. Maybe I should head back in so that I don't catch a cold. She heads back to the mansion, gathering some of the snapped tree bark so that she could dispose of it properly. ====== Day Thirty Six Heeding the call of another challenge, the Roomies pile into the vans and head east to a small area just outside of Osaka. Once they arrive at their destination, they see Tenchi and three women... well, two women and a girl... waiting for them. Kiyone recognizes one of them instantly. Kiyone: Washu? Washu: Kiyone! Long time no see, huh? Tenchi: Kiyone, everyone, welcome to the beginning of your final week here in Okayama. A modest round of applause and cheers can be heard from the group, all more than anxious for the game to finally end. Tenchi: And we'll start the week with your sixth and final roommate challenge. And to assist me are these three geniuses behind me. Tenchi starts by having Washu steps forward. Tenchi: Let's start with Washu here. Washu: I'm the greatest scientific genius in the universe! But you'd better call me Little Washu, or I won't help you at all. He then moves over to a green-haired woman wearing a Capsule Corp. hat. Tenchi: This is Bulma, an electronics expert. She's also the daughter of the famous Dr. Briefs, who created the portable capsule. Bulma: Greetings! There's no one better to ask for advice about electronics than me! Tenchi finally makes his way over to a red haired girl who seemed to be crawling circles around him... literally. Tenchi: And this is Ed. Faye: (a little surprised) Ed? It's really you? Ed: Faye Faye! Ed stands up on two legs and starts running around Faye. Ed: Where have you been? Faye: Here, playing this game! Ed: Are you winning? Faye: How the heck should I know? Tenchi: Anyway, Ed here is a computer hacker. Roger: And these three women have to deal with our challenge how? Tenchi: Glad you asked! Today, you'll be trying to break into a heavily guarded fortress. And these three are going to help you. ====== Tenchi: (VO) There are three different tasks that must be completed to gain access to the center of the fortress. Bulma is showing the group a blueprint of the fortress. Bulma: Okay, you have to get inside without getting spotted by the guards. Since there's no way to get in through the front door, you'll have to go either over or under the wall. Tenchi: (VO) First, they must actually get onto the fortress grounds. That can be done by either rope climbing over the wall or crawling through a sewer vent. Ed is fiddling with a small keybreaker device, used to find the correct number code to unlock doors protected by such locks. Tenchi: (VO) Once inside, many of the doors cannot be opened without deciphering the keycodes. Once they figure out how to use these keybreaker devices, getting inside should be a snap. Finally, Washu is presenting a bunch of helpful inventions that might help them get past the laser grid security system. Tenchi: (VO) And then, a very tight laser grid system awaits them. Using some of the gear that Washu provides, they can find a way to make it through that part a bit easier. Bulma: Once you get past all of that, just grab the flag from its stand and the challenge is complete! Washu: The team that gets through the fortress the quickest wins! Ed: And don't get caught or trip the alarm! That's bad! Tenchi: In other words, doing so disqualifies the team. Everyone understand? He gets a collective nod from the group. Tenchi: Okay. You can spend the day doing whatever. Figuring out how you're going to approach this challenge. Catching up on lost sleep. Or checking out the town. Just make sure to be back at seven thirty tonight to begin. Duo: Because we need to do it at night. Got it! ====== Night Thirty Six [Roommate Challenge 6: The Great Fortress Break-In] [Team Assignments: - Yellow: Bit and Joey - White: Melfina and Jeri - Pink: Kiyone and Faye - Green: Chi-Chi and Jessie - Blue: Duo and Mondo - Red: Keitaro and Roger] That evening, the twelve Roomies are gathered on a hill overlooking an old castle fortress. They are wearing nothing but black clothing, so that they can conceal themselves from sight easily. Bulma, Ed, and Washu hand out a backpack to each pair. Kiyone: (sighs) I can imagine how much of a laughing stock I'll be after this. Jessie pats Kiyone on the back mockingly. Jessie: For a master criminal like myself, this should be a cinch! Kiyone: You would be happy about breaking and entering. Tenchi: Okay everyone, in those backpacks are everything you need for your mission to be a success. Rope climbing equipment, a keybreaker device, a flashlight, and a few of Washu's small inventions, all of which may or may not be helpful. Washu: The only guarantee I make is that they all work! The key is figuring out what to use. Tenchi: Remember, the fastest team gets those final 5 points, which equates to another $50,000 in your personal jackpots. Bulma: And if you get caught, where you finish will depend on how much time has elapsed. Ed: Don't trip the alarms either! Yeah! Tenchi: Okay, will Bit and Joey step forward please. Bit and Joey do as they are told. Tenchi: By luck of the draw, you two will be going first for the second roommate challenge in a row. Joey: (sarcastically) Lucky us. Tenchi: Good luck to you both. And you may begin. Bit and Joey run down the hill and towards the fortress, while the other teams watch their every move. ====== [Yellow Team] In less than a minute, Bit and Joey are next to one of the outer walls of the fortress. Joey, who is wearing the backpack, stands still as Bit searches the bag for the rope climbing equipment. He pulls out a long piece of rope that's tied to a grappling hook. Bit: Crap, there's only one of them! Joey: We only get one? Bit: We'll have to go one at a time. Bit closes the bag and then pushes Joey against the wall. He then glances up to make sure none of the guards are around. Taking the hook/rope, he swings it around a few times before throwing it up to the top. Pulling it first to make sure it's secure, Bit starts to climb. It doesn't take him long to reach the top and pull himself up and over. Standing up on the wall, he waves Joey to come on up. But then... Guard A: There's someone on the south wall! Guard B: I got him! Bit takes off running, heading for the nearest staircase. Joey, meanwhile, decides not to climb and instead tries to find the underground sewer entrance. Bit doesn't make it, as Guard B grabs him by the arm and stops him in his tracks. Bit curses himself for being so stupid as the two guards now begin a lookout for his teammate, which they hadn't seen yet. ====== Locating the sewer vent a few hundred feet away from the west wall, Joey gets on all fours and starts crawling in, taking off the backpack and pushing it in front of him. But already all of the slime and rank order is getting to him. Joey: (covering his nose) Nobody said that I'd have to crawl through this muck! It takes him a few minutes, but he manages to find the other end, which leads into a secluded area inside the fortress walls, behind a bunch of crates. Peering around the crates, he sees an unguarded doorway. Making sure that there weren't any guards around, he runs towards it and gets in. Moving through the hallways quickly and remembering the blueprint Bulma had shown the group, he finds the first door locked by a keycode. He pulls the keybreaker device and places it against the door. It proceeds to automatically find the code while Joey peers around and keeps on the lookout for guards. Fifteen seconds later, the keycode is found (0731) and Joey pulls the latch to open the door. Taking the device off of the door, he runs in and finds a second door waiting for him. He puts the device on that door and waits for the keycode to be found. It takes a few minutes, but he gets through that door (keycode: 9950) and one more, even tougher door, without getting caught (keycode: 3212). Getting past the last door, all that's left to do is get past the laser grid. Stopping in front of the grid, he takes the backpack off and searches for something to use. Joey: Suction cups, a rope, a small skateboard, a small red bell, and two small hand mirrors? How am I supposed to use this stuff? He then looks at the five individual horizontal grids. He notices a few openings in each one, but most of them are in odd locations, particular those higher up and closer to the ceiling. Joey: Man, only a cheerleader or a gymnast could get through this! He takes the two mirrors and holds them up near the first grid. Joey: I know that these might reflect some of the laser beams, but the hole might not be big enough for me to get through. Just as the beams begin to hit the mirrors, they begin to expand. Joey quickly drops them to the floor, as they expand large enough to deflect all of the beams, allowing Joey enough room to crawl through. Joey: Looks like I've got a free ticket to the finish line! Crawling through, he reaches the other side and pulls the flag out. [Yellow Team Results: 11 minutes, 56 seconds] *************** [Challenge Fast Forward] [White Team] - Taking the easy, yet dirty route, Melfina and Jeri enter the fortress through the sewers. Once in, Melfina passes the backpack to Jeri, who heads into the main building while Melfina gets the guards' attention and keeps them at bay. Jeri takes the opportunity to crack the keycodes and then somehow manages to twist and bend her body just enough to get through the grid by herself, without the help of Washu's inventions and thanks to her small size. [White Team Results: 9 minutes, 32 seconds] [Pink Team] - Kiyone and Faye go for the over-the-wall approach. They manage to get into the fortress before they are spotted. Going into hiding, they slowly sneak their way through the inside until they reach the locked doors. While unlocking the doors, they have to go into hiding again. Eventually, they get through and to the laser grids. They also use the mirrors to get past the grid. But all of the running around cost them precious seconds. [Pink Team Results: 9 minutes, 48 seconds] [Green Team] - Chi-Chi and Jessie also go over-the-wall. On the way in though, Jessie takes a wrong turn and runs right into the guards. And since she had been holding the backpack, Chi-Chi is unable to continue. [Green Team Results: Disqualified after 1 minute, 10 seconds] [Blue Team] - Duo and Mondo climb up the wall as well. They manage to lay low and get all the way to the laser grid in record time. But thinking that the mirrors wouldn't be big enough to help them, they use the suction cups and try to make themselves small enough to squeeze through the gaps in the grid. But the holes are smaller as they go along, which means that it takes them a lot longer for them both to get through. They do reach the flag, but they also end up taking just a bit too long. [Blue Team Results: 10 minutes, 2 seconds] [End Challenge Fast Forward] ====== [Red Team] Roger and Keitaro were the last team to attempt the challenge. Roger, wearing the backpack, was already standing on top of the east wall, where there were no guards at all. He lays low as he waits for Keitaro to make his way up. Roger: Will you hurry up already? Keitaro: (looking up) Hold up! I'm hurrying as fast as I can! Roger: Well, hurry faster! I'm not letting Faye beat me! Keitaro finally reaches the top as Roger pulls him up. Keeping low, they manage to sneak down into the fortress without being seen. They enter the central building and start searching for the locked doors. Keitaro: They've got to be here somewhere. Roger: We've got to find them quickly! It takes them for a few minutes before the finally find the keycoded doors. Using the keybreaker device, they make their way through the three doors, one at a time. All that's left is to get past the laser grid. Roger takes everything out of the backpack and starts to examine the items. Keitaro: So, how are we... Roger: Don't talk to me while I'm thinking! Keitaro: Okay, okay! Sheesh. Roger picks up the red bell and throws it to Keitaro, who catches it. Keitaro: What's this? Roger: Probably some piece of junk that accidentally got thrown into the bag. Keitaro: You sure? Roger: Keitaro, why would the universe's smartest genius invent a bell? Throw the dang thing away. Keitaro shrugs and throws it through the first laser grid. It stops just short of the second... and then it opens. Smoke begins to billow out of it and fill the room. Keitaro: It's some type of, cough, smoke bomb. Roger: No, cough, shit, Sherlock! Go pick it up! Keitaro: But what about the laser beams? Roger: If they have cameras, they already know we're here! Just get it! Keitaro hesitates at first, then runs towards the ball, even though he was about to trip one of the laser beams. ====== Outside, Joey notes that Melfina and Jeri seem to be very happy despite having to crawl through sewage, which Jeri cringed at but beared nevertheless. Joey: (CC) Who would've thought that those two would make such a perfect team? They look so smug, as if they know they have it in the bag. And considering Melfina's unique abilities and Jeri's small size, I'd put money on it that they won this one easily, just like the puzzle challenge a few days ago. Jeri: Do you think our time held up? Melfina: I feel confident that it will! At the same time, Chi-Chi seemed to be watching Faye's facial expressions and thinking about Roger at the same time. Chi-Chi: (CC) I can't help but feel worried about what will happen once this challenge is over. ====== Keitaro and Roger walk back to the group a few minutes later, both flashing a thumbs up at them. Roger then glances at Faye and gives her a smug smile. Keitaro is holding the flag from the castle. Roger: Better luck next time, Faye. Faye: What makes you think you were faster than Kiyone and I? Roger: Let's just say the bad luck charm turned good. Faye then looks at Keitaro, who's smiling happily. Faye mumbles something under her breath. Faye: It's not over. There's still six days to go. ====== Tenchi: The challenge has ended, and it's time to announce the results! Coming in sixth, and the only team not to finish, is the green team! Fifth, with a time of 11:56, is the yellow team. Blue is fourth with 10:02. And pink was third with 9:48. That only leaves two teams... Melfina, Jeri, Roger, and Keitaro await the result. Tenchi: The winning time was 8:19, and it was turned in by the red team, Roger and Keitaro! Congratulations, guys! Jeri and Melfina were the runners-up, with a time of 9:32. Roger: Ha! In your face, Faye! Faye maintains some self-control, keeping from walking over punching Roger in the face. Melfina: How did you guys do it? Keitaro reaches into his pocket and pulls out the small red bell. Washu: Ah! My smoke disruptor! The smoke cloud that forms once it is activated not only fills the room, but it messes up all electrical devices. Which is why the laser beams disappeared, and how you two were able to waltz right to the flag. Keitaro: That's pretty much it. Jeri: Amazing! I really thought Mel and I had won. Roger: Well, this proves that the two of us aren't giving up the fight yet. We're going for the grand prize and nothing's gonna stop us! ====== Day Thirty Seven The challenge at night had tired the group out, as they all slept in the next morning. But by one o'clock, they were all up and about, as usual. And good thing to, because Tenchi is about to pay them another visit. Gathered in the living room at one thirty, they wait for Tenchi to arrive for an expected visit. Hearing the doorbell ring, Kiyone goes to answer it. She comes back with Tenchi moments later, both pushing what looks to be a videophone. Duo goes to close the door. He returns shortly thereafter. Tenchi: Well, ladies and gentleman, we're coming down to the end. We had a great start to the week last night. But now, it's time for another surprise. But trust me, this is one you'll really like. He turns on the videophone and immediately, a truckload of familiar faces can be seen. The group is an awe as they see pictures of their friends and family. There's at least one person there for everyone. After it completes one cycle, Tenchi stands in front of the videophone for a second to get the group's attention. Tenchi: Today, we're going to give each of you five minutes to talk with your friends and/or family members. They're all with us live, and one at a time, I'll give you a chance to talk to them. Mondo: I'll finally get to see Rockna's face again! Chi-Chi: My darling two sons! Tenchi: So, any volunteers to go first? Several of the Roomies start jumping up and down with glee. Tenchi reassures them all that they'll get their chance before picking Chi-Chi to go first. ====== [Dragonball Z Callers - Gohan, Goten, and the Ox King] Ox King: Hello Chi-Chi! How are you faring? Chi-Chi: Dad! How are you? Ox King: (laughs heartily) I'm fine. But I think there's two other people who would love to talk to you. Gohan and Goten: Hi mom! Chi-Chi: Gohan! Goten! I'm so glad to see that you're alright! Gohan: How you holding up, mom? Goten: Yeah! I wish I was there with you! Chi-Chi: Everything's so different, especially with everyone younger than me. It's been hard getting attached to them. [Big O Callers - Dorothy and Norman] Norman: I take it that you don't need anything, Master Roger. Roger: I've gotten use to taking care of things by myself. Dorothy: I'm surprised that you actually get up in the morning, considering how much you sleep in. Roger: (slightly annoyed) Dorothy! [Zoids Callers - Brad, Leena, and Jamie] Jamie: It must be cool to be hanging out with so many interesting characters! Bit: Yep. There's never a dull moment around here. Leena: (yelling) You'd better not come back without the prize money! Brad: Yeah. You know we could use it. Bit: That's all you guys ever think about! Please don't tell me that you came here just for that! Leena: Okay, we WON'T tell you. [Tenchi Universe Callers - Mihoshi and Sasami] Mihoshi: I know you can do it, Kiyone! I believe in you! Kiyone: I wish I could be as confident as you. Sasami: Why are you worrying? There's nothing to hate about you. Kiyone: (smiles) Thanks, Sasami. You made my day. Mihoshi: How 'bout I make your day tomorrow? You and me, another day out? Kiyone: In your dreams. [Digimon Callers - Takato, Rika, and Henry] Rika: I hope goggle-head here didn't make you cry the other day. Takato: Hey! She was crying tears of joy! Jeri: I'll be home at the end of the week, guys! I'm really trying my best! Rika: Kick some butt, Jeri! Henry: We wish you the best of luck! [Yu-Gi-Oh Callers - Yugi, Téa, Tristan, and Bakura] Tristan: You haven't been making a fool of yourself, have you? Joey: Of course I haven't! What do you take me for? Téa: Tristan's kidding, Joey. We miss you a lot. Bakura: Bring home the gold! Yugi: And remember, we're friends to the end! Joey: Thanks guys! I knew you'd cheer me up! [Love Hina Callers - Naru, Mitsune, Motoko, Shinobu, and Kaolla] Mitsune: So, how are things over in Okayama? Kaolla: Okayonmaki? Isn't that food? Keitaro: It couldn't be better, Kitsune! I'm having a great time! Naru: (clenching her fists) You're not going after all of the girls, are you? Motoko: If you've touched just one skirt... Keitaro: (lying) Of course not! Shinobu: Please do your best, Keitaro! [Cowboy Bebop Callers - Ed and Ein] Ed: Faye Faye! Ein: Woof! Faye: Ed and Ein? I just saw you yesterday! Don't Spike and Jet even care about me? Ed: They're off catching a bounty! Faye: For crying out loud! I'm doing this for us! And they're not supporting me when they should be! Ed: (scratching her head with her foot) They said they missed all of your constant yaking. Faye: Remind me NOT to split the money with them if I win. [Mon Colle Knights Callers - Rockna and Professor Hiragi] Mondo: Everyone's taken a real shine to me! I think I'm one of the favorites! Prof. Hiragi: That's great! It's nice to hear that you've been hearing a good time. Rockna: Speaking of which, where's that girl that answered the phone that one time? Mondo: Uh... what girl? Rockna: Don't lie to me, Mondo Ooya! You'd better not be flirting behind my back! Mondo: (waving his hands back and forth) I keep telling you, it's nothing like that! [Outlaw Star Callers - Gene, Jim, Suzuka, and Aisha] Aisha: I bet Melfina's kicking all of their tails, aren't you? Melfina: I'm doing pretty well, if that's what you mean. Jim: We're all rooting for you! Suzuka: We await your return to Sentinel III. Melfina: Gene? Gene: Yes. Melfina: Do you think I can really win? Gene: I have total faith in you. You'll pull through. [Pokémon Callers - James and Meowth] James: Things haven't been the same without you. Meowth: Yeah! We're finding it harder and harder just to get food. James: And it's safe to say the twerps keep beating us. Meowth: Ya didn't have to tell her dat! Jessie: Who cares? Come Sunday, I'm walking out of here with the money! No more begging for scraps! We'll be large and in charge! James: Ooh! I can't wait! [Gundam Wing Callers - Hilde and Quatre] Quatre: It's great to hear that you're doing so well. Duo: Yeah. Too bad the others couldn't be here. Quatre: You know how busy Heero, Trowa, and Wufei get. Duo: I know. Say Hilde, how are things going at the salvaging business? Hilde: It's been tough. It seems that the work just keeps coming. Duo: I'll be back Monday night, so I'll help get things back to normal. Hilde: No need! You'll need a good rest once you get back. Duo: Let's see what we're made of. I mean, I've never backed down from a challenge. And I'll keep facing them as long as they come my way. Quatre: Good luck! Hope you bring home something! Duo: Me too, Quatre! Me too. End Episode Sixteen Tenchi: (VO) There are only two episodes left of Roomies 2: Country Living... Bit: Counting down the days 'til the end. I can't wait. Tenchi: (VO) Coming in our next episode... Jessie: Yes! Joey: No! Jessie: Join me! Joey: In your dreams! Tenchi: (VO) Who's playing who in the alliance game? Keitaro: You two can trust me one-hundred percent! Jeri: I've got this surefire plan that can't fail! Kiyone: If it's a crime not to join an alliance, then I'll turn my badge in right now. Faye: If I don't do this now, I lose my only shot! Tenchi: (VO) Which romantic couple will seal the deal? Mondo: I've never met a girl quite like you. Keitaro: (CC) Will this be the day I tell her? Melfina: I'm so torn right now. Tenchi: (VO) And who will be flying high in the final physical challenge? Faye: (CC) This just isn't about him. This is about me doing what I've been unsuccessful at this whole game. Chi-Chi: I know she can't handle that one. Joey: (repeating to himself) You're doing it for Serenity, you're doing it for Serenity, you're doing it... Bit: Left! LEFT! Jessie: Engine two's gone, captain! Tenchi: (VO) The game edges closer to its climax, on the next Roomies... Keitaro: How do I always get dragged into these things? Additional Author's Notes: I think everything's pretty much self-explanatory. That, and I don't feel like going through a few dozen character profiles pointing out people some of you might not know. I just want to point some significance about the little keycodes. - '0731' stands for the date of my younger brother's birthday, which is July 31st. You honestly think I was going to tell you my birthday? - '9950' stands for 99.50, which is the frequency of my favorite radio station back home. - '3212' is two-parted: 32 is the number of people in the first Roomies, while 12 is the number in this, the second season. It's all just useful trivia, nothing significant. Back on Friday (hopefully) for Episode 17! 'Til then, amigos!