ANIMOLE

Him…Boyfriend

6 left….another one goes today. Final 3 only a couple of chapter away. So who is the winner, who is the loser, who is the mole?

Hey, I can’t tell you, just have to wait a few eps!

POLL (for all six characters)

Rika: 29%

Chiriko: 29%

Yolei: 21%

Duplica: 14%

Kensuke: 7%

Haley: 0%

* * * *

(Yukino over the Ritz Calton for the final time before today’s work-a-holic challenges…)

Yukino: The first rule to finding a mole. No matter how popular you are, no matter how hard you work, no matter how drop dead gorgeous you are, if you don’t get the results, you get eliminated. Akari Kanzaki, Cosmo Beauty, a legend in her own right back home, was eliminated last night. Now the group is 6, and after two days will become 5. So who did it…which dastardly villain eliminated Akari? Who is…the mole?

* * * *

Remaining contestants (eliminated ones not in bold);

Akari Kanzaki – Cosmo Beauty – Battle Athletes Victory (eliminated 10th)

Chiharu Mihara – Student/Cheerleader – Card Captor Sakura (eliminated 2nd)

Chiriko – Suzaku warrior and researcher – Fushigi Yuugi

Cody Hida – Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability – Digimon 02 (eliminate 5th)

Duplica Imite – Actress and Ditto Master – Pokémon

Giselle Dexter – Valedictorian – Pokémon (eliminated 6th)

Haitani Masayuki – College Pervert – Love Hina (eliminated 7th)

Haley Mabiki – Navigator – Nadesico: Prince Of Darkness

Ken Ichijoji – Digidestined of Kindness – Digimon 02 (eliminated 9th)

Kensuke Aida – Otaku – Neon Genesis Evangelion

Naoko Yanagisawa – Student/Horror Otaku – Card Captor Sakura (eliminated 8th)

Rika Sasaki – Student/Model Housewife – Card Captor Sakura

Shampoo – Amazon – Ranma ½ (eliminated 4th)

Shirai Kimiaki – College Pervert – Love Hina (eliminated 1st)

Touji Suzuhara – Bionic Man – Neon Genesis Evangelion (eliminated 3rd)

Yolei Inoue – Digidestined of Love and Sincerity – Digimon 02

* * * *

(It’s pack your bags time, as the group get ready to leave the Ritz. Last night however has brought more harm than good from Akari’s departure…)

Chiriko: I think we realised last night that anyone can go, and what Kensuke did was what we all should have been doing…playing the game, and for ourselves. We have no right to be mad for what he did.

Kensuke: It was a double whammy for me, as not only did the group trust me even less after last night, but I helped eliminated Akari, who…let’s face it, I didn’t want to go.

(But if what they are thinking is bad, what they are feeling can be worse…)

(Shot of Rika in their room. Yolei has already left, leaving her and Duplica alone.)

Rika: You’ll be O.K?

(Duplica smiles and nods)

Duplica: I’ll be fine.

(Rika pats her on the shoulder and they leave. Duplica stares at the wall and sighs…)

Duplica: What am I going to do now?

Duplica: Last night, I lost my alliance partner. And worse…I lost a rare person I could truly call a friend. I’ve got to learn how to cope with this now…and get my mind to winning…if not for myself, then for a real winner, Akari Kanzaki.

* * * *

(The team have been specifically asked to bring some important essentials for this day. Summer and winter clothing, as if their backpacks weren’t heavy enough. Yukino greets them along with Skuld, as they obviously realise they have to do some travelling today.)

Yukino: Well, I hoped you enjoyed your stay at the hotel, because it’s all downhill from now on here. Congratulations, you are the final six. One of you…well, you know you was going to be here anyway, but for the other five, you’ve come this far, can you go all the way?

(She quickly glares at Kensuke who was about to open his mouth)

Yukino: No perverted jokes please.

(Kensuke wisely shuts his mouth)

Yukino: Now…our first challenge today needs to take you to the depths…well, O.K, I’m lying. We’re going back to Japan today for our first challenge, and it’s an intriguing one…but only three of you will take in this one. The other three…well…let’s just say you might want to avoid this one.

Yolei: Why?

Yukino: Well, at first you’ll all be in Osaka, the next…never mind. I’ll explain when we get there…(chuckles evilly)…all aboard!

(The contestants (and mole) are probably scared out of their wits…but no matter. They go on the Skuld train for their next location change…sunny Osaka.)

* * * *

Yukino: Konyonyachiwa! Damn…that felt good!

(Yukino turns to her bewildered victims…)

Yukino: Oh yes, the challenge. For this part, the six of you will make a few decisions. One…who you will challenge, and who is leaving Osaka for a tougher but more rewarding challenge.

Rika: I see.

Yukino: First off, this challenge. I have three pictures here. One of them is good at cooking a particular dish. One of them is an excellent gymnast. The third of them is an excellent baseball player.

(Yukino hands them pictures of three contestants. The pictures are in fact silouhettes and slight facial lines we can see of them. The first is of a brown haired girl in a pig-tailed hair style, giving a wink. The second seems to be a middle aged man with a fuzzy black beard with a white headband on his forehead. The third is a cute black haired girl with a beaming smile on her face.)

Yukino: You have to decide for £5,000, who you wish to challenge in cooking okoyomiyaki, gymnastics and baseball. Be warned…one is good at all three. Also, they are all from Osaka, hence where we are. Plus, you must decide which of the three you wish to challenge them…whilst the other three have to try something different in another country…but I won’t reveal more. You have 5 minutes to make a decision.

(The group huddle, as they quickly make one decision…)

Chiriko: We should definitely challenge the man to gymnastics.

Haley: Yes…the two girls certainly look more adapt.

Yolei: Basically, he’s much heavier and might not be as able to do anything like that…

Rika: I think that pretty much explains things.

Kensuke: O.K, but what about the two girls…and who is going to challenge who?

Duplica: We’ve got to go to Russia as well three of us…

Yolei: Good point.

Chiriko: Er…does anyone here know any gymastics?

(A silence. Rika gingerly puts her hand up as does Duplica)

Chiriko: Rika?

Rika: Um…well I am a school student and we do gymnastics a lot. I’m not as good as Sakura-chan or Meiling-chan but…

Yolei: (perky) No that’s fine!

Duplica: (sighs) O.K then…

Haley: But that means a cook and a baseball challenge…

Yolei: Crap, what if it’s that…oh, whats her face that Akari mentioned…

Duplica: (slowly) Ichino.

Yolei: Yeah…that’s it…well, one of the girls has pigtails and if I recall…

Haley: Well, what about the other girl?

Kensuke: She seems younger…the pig-tailed girl is probably a chef…she seems older…

Rika: I’m not su…

Chiriko: Possibly…but they never specified chef, just could cook. Rika can cook, and she’s only 10…

(Rika blushes but they continue…)

Haley: No, it’s O.K. Besides, we still need to choose who is going to do the challenge.

Yolei: (slaps the Nad rep on the back) That’s right Haley my boy! Er…who we choosing again?

(sweatdrops)

Chiriko: The guy for the gymnastics, the pig-tailed girl for the cooking and the youngest for baseball…

Haley: I thought it was the pig-tailed for baseball and the youngest for baseball…

Chiriko: Oh…are you sure?

Kensuke: I’ll agree with that.

Yolei: Me too.

Rika: Sure.

(Duplica is silent)

Yolei: Duplica?

Duplica: (solemn) Fine.

Kensuke: NOW, who is going to do them?

Chiriko: Rika for gymnastics…we need someone who can cook and need someone who can play baseball.

Haley: Whose the strongest here?

Kensuke: Well…it was Akari…

(Rika notices Duplica’s look and seems ready to warn people of an immense death if they aren’t careful…)

Duplica: (gritting teeth) I…think…Haley should play baseball.

Haley: Huh, me?

Duplica: (trying to be calm) From the future, you may have some knowledge of plays more than anyone else…

Yolei: I guess…that makes a creepy kind of sense…

Kensuke: If Haley does that, who is cooking?

Yolei: (shrugs) I might as well give it a shot. My family owns a convenience store, and I know a few tricks from my time on the Digital World.

Rika: You O.K with that?

Yolei: Absolutely! Perfecto!

Kensuke: Cool…I get a trip to Siberia!

Chiriko: Siberia, where is that?

Yolei: We need to get you some geography lessons stat…

* * * *

Yukino: You done?

(The group nod unanimously)

Yukino: O.K, who’s up to bat?

Haley: That will be me.

Yukino: And you’re challenging?

Haley: The pig-tailed girl.

Yukino: O.K Haley, let’s introduce your challenger!

(Just behind Yukino is the boisterous, but perky Hikaru Yoshimoto. The bad news is she is the baseball player, the first base starter for the girls school baseball team in Princess Nine. However, Haley doesn’t know this.)

Hikaru: Hey there! Pleased to meec’ha!

(At this time, I apologise for my attempt to right an Osakan accent.)

(Hikaru grabs Haley’s arm and pretty much drags the poor guy out there…Kensuke shrugging…)

Kensuke: Lucky, lucky…

Yukino: (coughing) Ahem…she has a boyfriend…moving right along…next up? Yolei?

Yolei: Yes…I’ll do cooking and challenge the other young lady.

Yukino: Ah, not a problem. Fuka-chan?

(The young girl with the cropped black hair is none other than Sana Kurata’s best female friend (and in later times rival) Fuka Matsuki. She’s very similar to Sana in her hyper ways, but probably not as bad. She too is from Osaka and doesn’t try to hide her accent even after living in Tokyo for many years.)

Fuka: So you’re the one I have to challenge huh? (genki) Well ya won’t be a problem for me and my mad skills!

Yolei: Can I switch?

Yukino: No go Yolei. Get your butts out of there…

(For those keeping track, Fuka is in fact the gymnast. Which leaves Rika with the chef for gymnastics.)

Yukino: And now Miss Rika, that means you are doing gymnastics, and so…

(The final competitor is a large man, who is in fact Akira Kuonji, Ukyo’s father and the originator of their business. He speaks with a rough Osakan accent.)

Akira: Very well young lady…let’s get this over with…

(Rika still smiles but a faint sweatdrop makes it at the back of her head…)

Yukino: Woe betides that young lady…(to the remaining three), well, that means you guys drew the short straws. Skuld-dear?

(Shot of Skuld who is wearing a large coat around her figure…you’d think her being a goddess she wouldn’t feel cold? Ah well…)

Chiriko: This doesn’t look promising…

Yukino: I don’t think those robes of yours will be any good where you’re going…so we’d better get you guys suited up…whilst I stay her in sunny Osaka.

Kensuke: The perks of…

(Never mind. We cut to a scene where Chiriko, Duplica and Kensuke getting fitted out in winter guerrilla combat outfits, obviously realising this challenge is not going to be a walk in the park…)

Skuld: All aboard…(shivers)…I’m getting cold just thinking about it…

Chiriko: Are you sure we can’t change now?

* * * *

(Shot of Haley, as we go to the home of the Osaka Tigers. The challenge for Haley is to avoid getting out for as long as possible. The person who gets the furthest without getting out wins the challenge.)

(To make this a bit more fair on Haley, the pitcher isn’t someone like Ryo from Princess Nine, but someone without baseball knowledge…)

(Said person throws a screamer down the middle…)

(…unfortunately, that person is Motoko Aoyama. Using her patented Ryu-Himmel style in recreational terms, she can throw a mean fast ball down the centre. Even Hikaru is in awe…)

Hikaru: Wow!

(Motoko nods and smiles once)

Motoko: Welcome.

(Haley, as you can guess, is panicking.)

Haley: Oh dear…

(As Haley is contemplating his fate, let’s have a looksee at Yolei vs. Fuka.)

(Shot of a restaurant where customers can create their own okonomiyaki using the heated grills. Both Fuka and Yolei are pretty much looking forward to it, as they are given a quick crash course in cooking it by Kasumi Tendo (Ranma ½), who is pretty much who Rika will probably grow up to be in a few years time…not that’s a bad thing.)

Kasumi: O.K, and as the grill is oiled, keep the heat on low and then pour the mixture.

(Yolei and Fuka have the ingredients of making the mix (eggs, flour, soup stock, water, a sliced onion, seaweed and bonito flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and a choice of toppings, beef, pork and vegetables.)

Kasumi: Whoever wins this from the approval of our taste tester wins the challenge.

Fuka: Yosha! I’m not going to lose!

Yolei: Bring it on kid!

(As two cooking fools sizzle and stir, (not literally for the more ecchi minded public) Rika and the much larger Akira head to a gym where a gymnastics ring has been prepared. To help us with this challenge is Chinese gymnastics expert using it in her own form of Kung-Fu, Chun-Li (SF2V).

Chun: The basic of martial arts is using balance and agility. Gymnastics is a skill which can prepare you for that. However, since this is just basically a free for all, it doesn’t matter.

(Chun does a couple of no-hand cartwheels as Akira looks on in and shakes his head…)

Akira: I needed to lose that weight last Xmas…

(The challenge is simple. Do what you can in a specific time limit. After a bit of practising, the two will then strut their stuff on the mat…)

(Meanwhile, the frozen tundra of Siberia has beckoned for the other three contestants…)

* * * *

(Shot of Skuld, Chiriko, Duplica and Kensuke not exactly enjoying the winter season…)

Chiriko: I’ve never felt so cold before…

Skuld: Oh you will.

Chiriko: Huh?

Skuld: (sweatdrops) Oops…said too much. Siberia, notorious for it’s long…harsh…winters…

Duplica: Gee…would never have guessed…

Skuld: (ignoring her) …has been known as a place of exile for Russian criminal and political prisoners. Today, your mission is to find one of them.

Kensuke: In this weather?

Skuld: Yes…in this weather. Let’s see if that training you did at Boot Camp did something to you Kensuke rather than trying to impress Akari…

Kensuke: Urm…

Duplica: Sorry to interrupt, but can we continue please?

Skuld: Yep, sorry. Among the snow, there is something hidden here. In it, is Special Agent Hyatt (Excel Saga) has been doing a reconnaissance mission of Il Phallazo. However, he forgot one important thing….her anmenia.

Duplica: So we’ve got a girl who could become an icicle if we don’t find her…

Skuld: (shrugs) Pretty much. The challenge is simple. Take as long as you want, but you have to find Hyatt, and then find a safe haven to put her in to recover. You will have torches, a medical kit and maps, but that is it.

Kensuke: You’re kidding?

Skuld: A goddess in training never kids. Besides, you also have airhorns as well…that’s if you want to call in the towel. However, if one of you can get Hyatt into a safe haven somewhere and get her awakened…hence the medical kit, £15,000 is yours.

Chiriko: (shivers) No problem…

Skuld: Well ta ta!

Kensuke: Hey wa…

(Too late, the kawaii goddess has gone, and the three ‘soldiers’ are alone…)

Kensuke: How the hell are we supposed to see a map in this weather?

Chiriko: Um…it isn’t snowing.

Kensuke: Huh?

Duplica: It’s just really, REALLY cold.

(Shot of the area, and whilst the area is frozen, there is no slow, although the winds are biting to the face.)

Kensuke: Geez…O.K, how are we going to do this?

(They have all the time in the world…let’s go back to our three musketeers…)

* * * *

(Unfortunately, not looking good for Haley…in more reasons than one…)

(His first attempt at things has managed to get away with a lucky bunt, but on his second attempt, he has 2 strikes and 1 ball and could face an early exit…)

Haley: Keep control…think through the minds eye…but it’s too fast…

Hikaru: Ready Haley?

Haley: (nods) End this.

(Motoko doesn’t act like a traditional pitcher, and just puts both hands on top the ball and then almost pushes it forward. However, her speed is still exceptional and Haley’s eyes go as wide as saucers…)

Haley: Ack! (swings wildly)

Hikaru: (tutting) Oh, that was so a ball! But poor Haley swung at it anyway…and messed it up.

(Indeed, it’s strike three and out of there for Haley. Hikaru has to beat 2 attempts to win her part of the challenge. Unfortunately, Haley doesn’t realise (or does he) that Hikaru is the baseball player. She takes the mound…)

Hikaru: Give me watch’ya got Motoko!

(Motoko simply does the same motion. However, Hikaru is used to Ryo’s pitches which are faster than Motoko’s and swings casually to connect with the ball on her first swing. The eye in this case, is quicker than the hand.)

Haley: Oh no…

(Oh yes. Haley just has to watch the poor decision he and his team made as Hikaru swings time after time, connecting with Motoko’s fastball. The challenge, at least this part, is over, and Haley-kun has failed.)

(And for the record, Hikaru was the one who was good at all three.)

Next please…

* * * *

(Yolei and Fuka are in a deadlock of the scent of yakisoba noodles, tempura flakes and shredded cabbage. Kasumi simply smiles at the spectacle of two young ladies treating this as the most important thing in the world…)

Fuka: I’m not bad ya hear? I’m good at home economics, and you haven’t got a chance!

Yolei: Bring it on Kansai girl! I’m ready for the world!

(Looking at the hot plates, Yolei’s isn’t bad at all, but on the same thing, Fuka’s is fine as well. Fuka seems to have added some traditional spices, or at least adding some octopus to the topping. Yolei certainly seems comfortable in cooking the item and has made it looks very presentable if nothing else.)

(However, have they come from the Howmei school or Akane Tendo school of cooking as Kasumi inspects the dishes…)

Kasumi: Oh my…it seems both of you are fine at this art…however, there is always a winner!

(She nods towards…)

Kasumi: Congratulations Fuka!

Yolei: WHAT?!!

Kasumi: Well, Fuka’s dish was simply more creative, and fun to make! I mean, from the Kansai region she has picked up a few things…

Yolei: NOT FAIR…

(As Yolei tries (and fails) to protest, Rika and Akari participate in what should be a one-sided affair at gymnastics…)

* * * *

(Akira, whilst a martial arts expert in his style, is not a gymnast. And it shows, as he can't even do the Ranma Super High Jump very well…never mind cartwheels.)

(Rika on the other hand seems fine…although she seems to twitch at times when doing them (because of the cut on her leg from the ballroom incident…). Rika however literally spins circles around Akira, whilst not a Sakura or Meiling, is pretty much a convincing winner.)

(Of course…considering the other two failed…it’s didn’t really matter.)

CHALLENGE FAILED

* * * *

(The tundra area of Siberia is quickly not helping the three as they go on their search for Hyatt…)

Chiriko: I…don’t…know…how…much…longer…

Kensuke: Come on Chiriko, it’s been barely twenty minutes…

(A gust of wind makes Kensuke fall down as Duplica, leading the front with the map, tries to focus…)

Duplica: Geez…no wonder Ash and Misty hate travelling so much…the maps are useless!

Kensuke: Hey, too get too far ahead!

Duplica: (shivers) Perish the thought…

(Kensuke rushes ahead, unsure of Duplica’s map reading skills, but as he does that, a massive rush of wind crashes all three…and the map flies out of Duplica’s hands…)

Kensuke: Aw crap! Come back here!

(Kensuke simply succeeds in falling back down. Duplica shrugs.)

Duplica: It wasn’t much help anyway…Chiriko, you O.K?

(Chiriko is kneeling down, not enjoying the cold weather at all. Duplica bends down to help him, whilst Kensuke seems more concerned with the loss of the map.)

Kensuke: O.K…how are we supposed to find this girl and a ‘safe haven’ without a map?

Duplica: Calm down Kensuke.

Kensuke: Calm? We’re screwed!

Chiriko: (shivering) Not necessarily…

(Chiriko points to the clouds…)

Chiriko: Back home, we could judge a whereabouts of a situation by following the clouds.

Kensuke: No offense kid, but this isn’t 18th century China…

Duplica: Hold on…what have we got to lose? Besides…wouldn’t it be a better idea if we split up anyway? That way we can cover three areas and hope one of us finds something…

Kensuke: But where the heck are we going?

Duplica: (sighs) The map didn’t tell us much anyway, but from what we saw, there were three basic paths…north-west, north-east and due east. If we take the direction of each…

Chiriko: …then maybe we can see something. It’s cold, but we should be able to see something…

Kensuke: (sighs) And how are we going to contact each other?

(The other two are silent. Chiriko wishes he had some flares with him all of a sudden…)

Duplica: I guess…we don’t. Just don’t give up, that’s all.

Kensuke: (sarcastic) Oh brilliant strategy.

(Despite Kensuke’s lack of confidence, the three do split their separate ways…to look for the missing agent Hyatt and somewhere to put her…)

* * * *

(30 minutes later…)

(Shot of Chiriko, who has knelt down and is pretty much freezing his cute little face off…he is obviously not used to this weather at all after living in the fairly warm climate of Jozen, Kon’an)

Chiriko: Guys…forgive me…

(Chiriko uses his airhorn to signal his submission. Barely an hour gone, and Chi-chan calls it a day…)

(Skuld re-appears…)

Skuld: You didn’t even give me chance to rest!

Chiriko: Forgive…

(Chiriko nearly collapses. I guess he hasn’t experienced the common cold because Skuld realises it could be serious and quickly teleports the hell out of there…)

(This leads us now with just two people to find Hyatt)

Kensuke: (hearing the airhorn) Damn…one of em has quit…O.K Kensuke…you can do this…no problem…

(And NOW it starts to snow…)

Kensuke: In the name of all things holy, I commend thee.

(Kensuke now has to start getting through snow…meanwhile, Duplica is not enjoying the experience at all…)

Duplica: (moaning) I’m only little…my body can’t handle this…

(Duplica continues on and takes a slight turn…a big mistake. If she had continued straight, she would have seen an abandoned hut, where they would have been able to put Hyatt’s body in.)

(This mistake could lead to grave problems with the snow starting to fall…)

* * * *

(Meanwhile, the other team’s failure is being administrated.)

Yukino: …I guess it’s a case of rotten luck more than anything. Although Rika…I commend you, even if you did have the easiest one.

(Rika rubs the bandage around her leg. As she does…an unexpected drop comes in…)

Skuld: GANGWAY!

(Skuld jumps from a nearby window, Chiriko nearly fainting. As she sets down, the others are a bit concerned.)

Yolei: Chiriko?

(Skuld shakes her head)

Skuld: I think he’s got a fever. He’s not used to this sort of cold…

(Rika is very concerned and goes over to Chiriko, and feels his head. She withdraws quickly.)

Rika: He’s burning up…

Haley: Get him out of those wet clothes, and let’s wrap him in something dry…

(Rika at first seems embarrassed, but realises now isn’t the time. They remove the heavy winter offerings off him. Haley as the only male of the group instructs the girls to ‘turn around’ as he undresses his wet robes underneath…)

Yukino: You done this before?

Haley: (calmly) Part of my training to be on the Nadesico was to be trained in any emergency. I’ve got an advanced first aid degree so don’t worry Miss Yukino.

(As soon as Haley wraps Chiriko up in a blanket a la Skuld, Rika comes over to check on him.)

Rika: Chi-chan…sorry…Chiriko…

(Chiriko opens tired eyes…)

Chiriko: Did they…win?

(Rika closes her eyes not to show the tears. She simply smiles.)

Rika: Don’t worry about them or us…

(Chiriko smiles as Haley carries him. Yukino sets up where they are staying tonight in a local ryokan (inn). Meanwhile, Kensuke and Duplica, who don’t know what has happened, continue their search…)

* * * *

(Kensuke)

Kensuke: It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack……

(Kensuke is now in an awful cold wind and the snow starting to come on an already slippery tundra…)

Kensuke: Why was I born so unlucky?

(He’s kick out into air…only to hit something…hard.)

Kensuke: YEOOOOOOOWWWWWW!

(Kensuke’s recovers (barely) to see something representing a coffin…only in a glitzy type of style. Kensuke tentatively opens it…)

Kensuke: WHOA MOMMA! JACKPOT!

(Inside the coffin, (in actual fact, a small shapeship, but in the girl’s case, the shape is rather appropriate) is Hyatt, a gorgeous blue head who speaks in a soft voice (played BTW by Omi Minami, the voice of Ruri)…and never can take two steps without collapsing, bleeding or suffering from some form of anmenic weakness anyway…)

(…and this cold isn’t the best idea…as Kensuke is quickly wondering…)

Kensuke: HOW THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO GET HER TO WHERE-EVER?

(This is whether the team’s strategy blew in their faces. If they had made it together, they could have moved Hyatt easily, maybe the spaceship as well together. However, Kensuke on his own has a dilemma…)

Kensuke: Duplica, Chiriko, whoever is left…give me a sign! Where are you?

(An airhorn blows.)

Kensuke: DAMN IT! NOT THAT SIGN!

* * * *

(Flashback to a few minutes ago…)

(Duplica is pretty much walking blind. She has no idea where to go, is freezing, and missed where the haven was. If she found it, she could have looked for Kensuke. However, her body obviously hasn’t taken it…

Duplica: Sorry…but I think I’ve had my limit…

(Duplica blows the airhorn, signals her end of participation. Skuld immediately re-enters.)

Skuld: Don’t collapse on me! We’ve already got one!

Duplica: Huh?

Skuld: No time…explain on way!

(Duplica nods as Skuldtech™ heads back as Kensuke now has to go at it alone.)

(However, hearing the second airhorn has taken the strength out of Kensuke…)

Kensuke: I haven’t got a chance now. I don’t know where the haven is, and in this weather I can’t carry Hyatt around for how long…

(He waits a few moments before blowing the airhorn. A few moments later, Skuld re-enters…)

Skuld: Man, you guys are a bunch of quitters today!

Kensuke: Hey!

Skuld: Sorry, no time. Problems. Come.

(Kensuke is confused, but one thing is for sure.)

CHALLENGE FAILED

* * * *

(As Kensuke returns, we see that Haley has returned, as Yukino awaits them all. Also with her are Hikaru, Fuka and Akira. Kensuke notices that Chiriko is missing.)

Kensuke: Hey, where’s Chiriko?

Yukino: I’ll explain in a bit. But to be honest, the results of today’s challenges were as follows. Haley…plank.

Hikaru: But he was facing me!

Yukino: Fair enough…you did get the baseball player. Yolei…you got the gymnast at cooking…plank. Rika…you got the chef at gymnastics…you passed, but as the result was plank anyway it didn’t matter.

(Turns to Kensuke and Duplica, both getting dry. They both seem fine, although a bit cold.)

Yukino: Chiriko gave up first after a short period. Duplica…(tuts)…you were barely half a mile from the cabin at one point and went the wrong way…Kensuke, you found Hyatt, but gave up after the conditions got the best of you. I’m glad I haven’t got you guys if I need rescued…that’s for damn sure.

(The two are in the ‘we’re cold, we don’t give a damn’ stage. Yukino continues.)

Yukino: With Chiriko feeling a bit under the weather, and you guys probably needing some warmth, we’ve got a nice surprise for you. This ryokan has a karaoke room we’ve hired for you, so for tonight, just relax and have some fun. (Yukino turns to the three guests) You guys can join if…

(Too late, Hikaru is there in a flash, with Fuka not too far behind her…)

Yukino: Where does he get these guys?

* * * *

(In the ryokan, everyone is there bar Rika and Chiriko. Hikaru and Fuka are dueting singing ‘Otome No Inori’ from Slayers (a Lina/Amelia duet), whilst Akira is cooking a few okonomiyaki for lunch. Whilst fun is being had as Yolei and Haley enjoy a night in, Kensuke is all business…)

Kensuke: …so I’m saying that the other 4 are now together…and we’re alone. So…

Duplica: …basically, if we have any chance of surviving, team up…

Kensuke: See, you are the smart one! Even if Giselle and Akari were better look…

(Shot of Kensuke about to receive a look of death. Duplica is not amused by Kensuke’s ‘proposal.’)

Duplica: Stop whilst you’re ahead Kenny-boy.

Kensuke: Eh…sorry. But between the 5 of us…one of us is a mole…

Duplica: Excuse me, what do you mean 5?

Kensuke: Well, I’m not the mole!

Duplica: And you think I am?

Kensuke: Er…

Duplica: Sorry, these things don’t merit. Besides, what would a person gain from joining up with a mole?

Kensuke: What do you mean? Haven’t you seen the Animation Alliance series?

(Before Kensuke can delve into the reasons WHY you should team up with a mole (Well, two reasons: Tenchi Masaki and Mitsune Konno, the song finishes and Yolei is pretty much dragging Haley up there…)

Haley: B-but I’ve never done this before…

Yolei: (slow and seductive) Is this your first time Haley-kun?

(Haley burst into a red, as Yolei, Hikaru and Fuka laugh. Akira smiles as he flips an okonomiyaki, which Yukino and Skuld are now enjoying the fools out there. (Yukino, Skuld and Hikaru’s version of the Gunsmith Cats theme still a bit of an unpleasant issue around the table…)

(Yolei gets her song up and just tells Haley to follow along…)

Yolei: Tobenai kotari no youni, tsubasawo atatamete ne…(Keep your wings warm like a bird that cannot fly)

(At this point, Duplica leaves before Kensuke can interrogate her even more. Duplica seems to be a bit upset…)

Duplica: Why? Why is no-one seemingly unhappy when their friends go? Yolei with Cody and Ken, Kensuke with Touji, even Rika with Naoko and Chiharu! I lose Akari…and feel rotten…so why doesn’t…

Rika: (off screen) …I guess it’s all welling up on me.

(Duplica stops and realises she’s outside a room. She eavesdrops on the room, which is slightly ajar.)

(Shot of room where Chiriko has a cold compress on his head. He’s awake but seems in a daze…Rika is by his side.)

Chiriko: You can’t blame yourself Rika…

Rika: (slowly) Maybe I can.

Chiriko: I don’t believe that…otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

Rika: I guess…(Rika removes the compress and puts a hand on his head) If it hadn’t been for you though I would have given up a long time ago…

Chiriko: (slowly sits up) What?

Rika: I guess…I lost Chiharu early, and you helped me. When Naoko went, I realised the only thing I can do is be here…and do well in their memories. I felt sure Naoko would have won it…she’s so much smarter than I am…

Chiriko: You are smart, more than you give yourself credit for…

Rika: But compared to you and Naoko, and even someone like Giselle, I’m not as good. They’re gone…I’m still here though…

Chiriko: See, you don’t have to be the smartest to do well…you just have to know what you known…

(Chiriko feels intense by Rika’s upset look. In a moment, he takes her hand. The young girl blushes…)

Chiriko: And you’ve been helping me as much Rika…san.

(Rika sits down by the bed as Chiriko seems ready to sleep, as Rika slowly cuddles him. She’s trying to hold in tears as Duplica watches outside.)

Chiriko: (sleepily) Wo…ai…ni…

(Rika hears that…and smiles. Rika plants a small kiss on Chiriko’s forehead, which seems to cool it down somewhat. Rika sighs…and hears slight sobbing.)

Rika: Excuse…

(Rika sees Duplica outside, who is crying.)

Duplica: (crying) I’m…s-sorry Rika…how could I have d-doubted…

(No more words are needed as Rika hugs the older girl. And back on the bed, Chiriko has a small, but sweet smile on his face…)

* * * *

(The next day…)

(The inn room downstairs is not a mess after last night, thanks probably to Rika. The guests have now gone and the team is all downstairs…except two.)

Yolei: Hey, where’s Chi-chan and Rika?

Haley: (groaning) Please…don’t yell…

Yolei: (smiles) Too much soda and song for you Haley?

Haley: Now I know what Saboruta feels like after a long day’s night…

Yolei: (sweatdrops) TMI Haley.

Kensuke: Hey, where are they anyway? Chiriko, I can maybe understand, but Rika?

(Inside the kitchen, Duplica brings out 6 cups of green tea for the team.)

Duplica: (smiles) What’s wrong?

Haley: Oh, Miss Duplica. Rika and Chiriko haven’t got up y…

Duplica: I think we should let them be for a bit…

Yolei: Huh?

Duplica: You see…

(FLASHBACK)

Duplica: Stay with him tonight. He needs you.

Rika: (embarrassed) B-but…

Duplica: (sighs) Not like that Rika. But if nothing else comes from this game, I’ll be happy to see you two at least enjoy a moment together.

(Duplica grabs Rikas hand and puts it into a sleeping Chiriko’s.)

Duplica: Stay there…and I’ll get your sleeping bag. Just for tonight…(winks)…right?

Rika: But…if they find o…

Duplica: Don’t worry, there is no Giselle, therefore no blackmail. Besides, blame it on me if anyone finds out. I won’t tell a soul…

(Rika slowly nods as Duplica leaves…)

(BACK TO REALITY)

Duplica: (Xelloss voice) …it’s a secret!

(Mass facefaulting, except for Haley as it would cause incredible pain for him if it did…)

Yolei: SO WHY DID YOU BUILD IT UP SO LONG?

Duplica: Hey, I’m an actress! Dramatic flair no da?

Yolei: Stop with the impressions! (chuckles) Actually, that’s fine. You looked a bit down the other day…glad to have you back.

Duplica: (smiles) I guess I realised not to dwindle in the past. I learned that in real life…I guess I can do it here as well.

(As they talk, Chiriko and Rika come downstairs. And Kensuke is the first to notice them…)

Kensuke: Ah, here they come…

(Fortunately, Yolei notices the second thing.)

Yolei: Hey gu…hey!

(Rika and Chiriko are holding hands on the way down. Rika seems to be supporting the young bishy, who seems a little unwell still, but he’s got a smile on his face. The others are also a glow, as Yukino enters from round the corner.)

Yukino: Ah…we’re all together now…(nods to Rika)…in more ways than one in some cases…

Kensuke: WHAT?

Yukino: You with the perverted thoughts…

(Yukino does a flying roundhouse kick in Chibi-Yukino state, sending Kensuke down…)

Kensuke: I appeal for contestant cruelty!

Yukino: That only applies to contestant vs. contestant. (evil Yukino) It never said anything about hosts vs. contestants.

(The others now stand in fear of Yukino’s ‘evil’ taking over. And you’d think Bakura was bad…)

Yukino: (back to normal) O.K guys, now that we’re all here, time for business. I have a challenge for you…and hopefully you can make up for yesterday’s mistakes.

(Yukino gets a Washu-diagram from…her shirt…^_^…and whilst Haley and Kensuke try not to nosebleed (or at least bleed to death after Yukino gets through with them…Yukino explains.)

Yukino: Even though Chiriko, Duplica and Kensuke failed their challenge, special operatives managed to recover Miss Hyatt yesterday. However, she is in need of major medical attention.

(A shot of a respirator attached to Hyatt outside the ryokan is shown. Also there attached to some wires is an exercise bike. Above and to the left of Hyatt is a mat where they are footprint marks…above it is a whimpering dog…Menchi, from Excel Saga, the beloved mutt/emergency food supply of one Excel Excel.)

Yukino: The challenge is a tasty one…

(Menchi squeals off screen)

Yukino: …so listen. In a while, I’ll be sending the six of you to ride on an exercise bike. This bike will give the energy to the respirator to keep Hyatt going. When the energy runs out though…

Kensuke: She’ll die?

Yukino: No…quite the opposite, she’ll wake up. Hey, Excel Saga is pretty weird, O.K? (continues) As she does, she’ll jolt up and above where you’ll be standing will be a dog, Menchi. You’ll have to catch him. If you do, you win £10,000. However, it’s not as easy as you may think….

Yolei: Of course.

Yukino: You won’t know how long you’ll be waiting. It could be an hour, two hours, five hours, etc. Depends on your exercise and also your patience. You will be working in half an hour shifts, pray that he doesn’t drop at a changeover, and basically, it’s another endurance challenge. I hope you got some energy in you…

(Yukino looks at Chiriko)

Yukino: …but before that, Chiriko, you are not 100%. However, instead of sitting this out, we’re going on a little trip. Won’t take long…Skuld dear?

Skuld: Dear…geez, I’m just the messenger girl now…

Chiriko: Where we going?

Yukino: An old friend to help you…we won’t be long. Someone get started on the exercise bike and we’ll be back ASAP.

(Chiriko and Skuld head off, as the others start their exercise bike. As they reach their limit, they will get off it and the next will follow. They have no idea how much they’ve done the bike…nor how much power it has built up on the respirator.)

(Shot of Duplica, first on the bike. She seems a lot better and out of the remaining six, may be physically the fittest of them via her actress training and martial arts. Duplica handles the bike well and even gets a spot of reading whilst she exercises…a Fushigi Yuugi manga of all things…^_^)

(Yolei goes next, and she seems to do even better than Duplica on the exercise bike. Despite appearances, Yolei is physically able thanks to trekking around the Digital World. She also gets a spot of reading…Marmalade Boy for our love-based heroine…^_^ x2)

(Kensuke goes next. Kensuke does O.K on the bike, not quite as good as the two girls (which will be a blow to his ego) but certainly not to disgrace himself.)

(By this time, Chiriko has returned…and is mysteriously back to full health…)

(Haley goes 4th. Haley has trained on many a space program and can handle rigors of space, so physically, he’s in much better shape than even he may think he is. He does as good as Duplica on the bike, although he does complain that was more exercise than he normally gets…)

(Rika is next, and she keeps to the calm pace of the bike. This is actually smart, as whilst she isn’t as fast, speed means zip, and she just takes her own pace like when she does a marathon. Rika ALSO has a manga to read…Kodocha?!)

Yukino: (sweatdrops) I guess even Rika has her mad side…

(Finally, Chiriko takes on another one of the modern worlds ‘perks’. Chiriko has never rode a bike, never mind an exercise one. Plus he is probably phsyically weaker than anyone but Rika…and the girl whilst not as strong is physically more able. Chiriko doesn’t last too long on the bike, but then again…)

(If the team had been smart, they may have gave up earlier…because the more energy they pumped into the bike…the LONGER the challenge is going to be…)

* * * *

(Shot of Duplica, first on Menchi watch. They will do 30 minute shifts, hoping that the mutt will drop into their arms. They musn’t move from the spot they have been designated…strict rule.)

Duplica: Don’t worry little guy!

(Menchi for some reason, isn’t quite willing to trust the girl…poor mutt.)

Menchi: Rwooar ruff ruff! (Translation: Please don’t eat me!)

(The dog doesn’t fall in the first shift as Hyatt’s eyes remain closed. Next in line is Yolei.)

Yolei: I hate standing still…requires patience…I’d rather be thinking about whats for desert tonight…

(Of course, that line sends the dog into a panic, and he tries to get out of the net herself…)

Yolei: Oh goody! You want to come down!

(Sadly, the net is 100% Menchi proof, she is smarter than the average dog after all…she needs to be to avoid becoming the menu…)

(Menchi remains able, Hyatt remains comatose as Kensuke takes over. Whilst this is going on, the others can do whatever in the vicinity of the area…)

Yolei: (yawning) Man, this is a stretch. Hey, what you all doing?

(Yolei recognises that it’s the Animole model Kensuke was creating. It seems that with the Akari figurine, he’s been putting a bit TOO much work into it.)

Duplica: (sighs) I can’t help but miss her you know?

Rika: (holding up Naoko and Chiharu dolls) It’s O.K to miss your friends…but I guess it’s worse for you.

Duplica: I won’t see her again, we come from different ti…(clasps her mouth)…oh, sorry…

(Both Chiriko and Haley look at her and smile.)

Haley: It’s O.K Miss Imite! I don’t mind…I know we’ll have to go sometime, but we’ll treasure the moments.

Chiriko: That won’t be a problem.

Yolei: Well, I feel for you Chiriko…I mean…

(Chiriko bows his head, a small but sad smile on his face. Rika puts her hand on his.)

Rika: It’s O.K.

(Chiriko nods as Yolei helps the others with the model. Back with Kensuke…)

Kensuke: Drop damn it!

(Menchi seems to be much calmer now…maybe because it’s much more safe when around male company than female…but ignoring that, Kensuke is not enjoying it. An hour and a half already gone, he switches with Haley…and as he gets a roasting about making Akari’s figurine a bit too lifelike…)

Haley: This isn’t a problem. Focus, stamina, endurance.

(Haley, winner of the boot camp endurance challenge, doesn’t have a problem watching sleeping dogs lie, but after half an hour, he still hasn’t fallen. The group as Rika takes control, are now realising the problems of this challenge…)

Kensuke: (yawns) This could take a while.

Chiriko: I guess it’s another patience challenge…

Yolei: Persistance, spirit and guts mean the same thing…so does patience and endurance…I just wish it didn’t…

Duplica: Ease up guys…we’ve had a losing streak recently…

Haley: Yeah…(coming back)…let’s just do this one.

(Back at the area, Menchi again panics at seeing a girl now looking at him with beautiful, adoring, innocent eyes…)

(Menchi melts like butter with Rika attack 401: How to be cute and innocent without being deadly at the same time.)

(Another half an hour gone and no luck with the mutt. Chiriko takes over from Rika, a shy smile exchanged, and the scholar in training takes control.)

Chiriko: I’ve heard that in this time dogs are a source of…

(Menchi returns to being panicked…)

Chiriko: ...never mind. I guess Mitsukake wouldn’t be happy if I suggested his cat could be…

(Menchi faints. Ah well, makes it easier to catch.)

(However, as the 2hr mark approaches, still no luck. Let’s, to use a familiar phrase, fast forward.)

DUPLICA (2nd try): No luck, and the genki girl is not looking too patient.

HALEY (2nd try): Takes over earlier as the strongest link, but doesn’t drop at 3 hrs.

YOLEI (2nd try): Yolei is pretty much tearing her hair out as the dog refused to budge and the girl refuses to wake up.

KENSUKE (2nd try): 4 hrs, and the Eva wannabe pilot doesn’t get it…although he isn’t amused when Menchi pees on the floor where he is.

Yukino: (off screen) Whoops, forgot about that! Get some stuff in case…well…

RIKA (2nd try): Again, no luck. Rika seems a bit too relaxed at times, almost sleep like.

CHIRIKO (2nd try): Nothing going, and we are at 5 hours. Chiriko leaves as Haley comes in…and the dog seems ready to drop…

HALEY (3rd try): Taking over again, Haley sadly doesn’t get it.

DUPLICA (3rd try): 6 hrs gone, and the girl is getting tired…

CHANGE-POINT

(Shot of Kensuke entering the respirator area. Duplica still on watch.)

Kensuke: O.K, my turn.

Duplica: Sure…

(As she moves…Hyatt wakes up.)

Hyatt: Oh my…

(The lever drops and Menchi falls. Duplica and Kensuke both try to go for it, but neither are on the pad. And in any case, they both miss the mutt…and the legend is true…it’s DEFINITELY cats that land on their feet….)

Kensuke: Crap…damn and blast…

Hyatt: Excuse me, is this where agent Excel was heading to?

Kensuke: Um…I guess we’d better explain, huh, Ditzy?

(Shot of Duplica trying to calm the dog down)

Duplica: Hey, it’s O.K! Don’t worry, we won’t hurt you!

(Kensuke sweatdrops, Menchi calms down, Hyatt is confused and the team…)

Yolei: DAMN IT!

Haley: (sigh) It had to be a changeover.

Chiriko: Lady luck isn’t on our side.

(Rika shakes her head, as today’s experiment…failed.)

CHALLENGE FAILED

* * * *

 

(Yukino leads out a disappointed Pokémon and Evangelion representative out of the shed, where Hyatt is still resting and Menchi is now in Rika’s arms, much calmer, as Yukino narrates.)

Yukino: I’m afraid the mole has done the clean sweep today, and no money added to the pot after the last couple of days. £120,500 however is still a very respectable amount coming out of the author’s pocket, and one of you six will walk away with every penny.

(They all nod)

Yukino: Now, it’s time for the quiz. I hope you are ready because from now on, the scripts have been ditched. Everything now must come from your own memory. It is literally make or break time kiddies, just make sure you aren’t the one that’s broke.

(6 solemn figures get ready to enter a room. As they do, Rika lets Menchi go, and the dog makes a break for freedom…)

(…just as Yukino throws a net over the poor mutt…)

Yukino: Sorry, we got orders.

(As Menchi’s yelps are unheeded, let’s see who they suspect…)

* * * *

(Shot of Rika doing the quiz, ‘Where did the mole go in the first challenge?’ She picks ‘Osaka.’)

Rika: I feel the mole is Yolei. The mannerisms and her movements have all led me to her being the mole. Today, she and Haley failed, Haley had the bad luck against the baseball player, but Yolei I felt sure should have won.

(Shot of Chiriko on the question, ‘Does the moles show have a computer came available?’ Chiriko, confused by the question, simply presses ‘Yes’.)

Chiriko: The feeling that Haley picked the baseball one so abruptly suggests an easy way to avoid suspicion. He also had the most attempts in the Menchi challenge…was he waiting for the right time?

(Shot of Haley on the quiz, ‘What is the mole strongest skill?’ He picks ‘Research.’)

Haley: I feel Chiriko is the mole. He quit way too early in the snow…and used the ‘I’m not used to it’ excuse. He seems to be the weakest physically…but the strongest mentality. A dangerous combination.

(Shot of Duplica on a question, ‘What nationality is the mole?’ She clicks ‘Japanese.’)

Duplica: Kensuke seems ready to pounce on any mistake that is made but ignores his own. A mole strategy or just being dense?

(Yolei on question 9, ‘How many episodes has the moles show lasted?’ She clicks ‘26+)

Yolei: Rika is a darling, but a darling mole. She seems to be sweet and innocent, but she knows when things are going on. I mean, she picked the one to win, the easy one, whilst me and Haley failed. A perfect double bluff?

(Finally, Kensuke, on the ‘Who is the mole question?’)

Kensuke: Duplica is so confrontational at times, and yet can avoid questioning. Her role is an actress, that was she does. Has she performed her best role so far? If she has, she isn’t fooling me.

* * * *

(The team are outside the ryokan they were in yesterday. After a hard day’s failing, it’s time to send someone back home. Yukino sits down in front of the 6 people left, all sitting on the floor.)

Yukino: So…here we are again. We’ve been here a few times before haven’t we?

(A few chuckles.)

Yukino: O.K…Shirai, Chiharu, Touji, Shampoo, Cody, Giselle, Haitani, Naoko, Ken and Akari. They’ve all gone. And now one of you will join them. The person in red will not win any of the £120,500 plus whatever else you may win. So let’s get down to business. The elimination has begun.

(Yukino addresses them.)

Yukino: Chiriko.

(The youngster awaits the verdict. ‘CHIRIKO’.)

(Flashes green. The Suzaku warrior is relieved. Rika smiles at him, but it’s obvious she’s nervous as well, as all of them are.)

Yukino: Duplica.

(The pokemon reality veteran nods as her name is put in. ‘DUPLICA.’)

(Flashes green. She smiles as she gets congrats from everyone.)

Yukino: Haley.

(Half-way through 6, as the Nad rep is pretty much white as a ghost. ‘HALEY.’)

(Flashes…green! Ha, fooled ya, he’s still in it as Haley gets a small hug from Yolei.)

Yukino: 3 down, 3 to go. So who is gone, Kensuke, Rika or Yolei? Kensuke, you’re next.

Kensuke: Bring it on!

(Kensuke is masking confidence as Yukino types his name in, ‘KENSUKE’.)

(Flashes…red. I guess it was a mask as Kensuke’s face drops.)

Kensuke: Damn.

Yukino: Damn is right. Mr. Aida, if you please.

(Kensuke grabs his things and says goodbye to the cast, and gets handshakes from the guys and hugs from the girls. As he leaves…)

Yolei: Kensuke, if you want, do you want us to finish off your model?

(Kensuke smiles.)

Kensuke: Sure, just get my freckles right!

(The team laugh as Yukino and Kensuke get up and leave.)

Chiriko: Again, from the future, but certainly not one to give up or show us his feelings.

Yolei: He was a bit daft and perverted, but he wanted to win this, you could see it in his eyes. He was determined, and that quality is very admirable.

(Shot of Kensuke and Yukino leaving the ryokan where Skuld is ready to return him to the world of Evas.)

Yukino: Any regrets?

Kensuke: Disappointed that I didn’t get to the end, but I came as far as I could, and I’ll be glad to shake the hand of the winner and of the mole. I’ll miss the cute girls I met, the life I experienced, the challenges I took on, it’s been a hell of a time, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Yukino: Glad to see you didn’t lose that fighting spirit. Now get along little Eva!

(Kensuke waves goodbye to Yukino, the inn…4 contestants…and the person who eliminated him…the mole.)

* * * *

Next time;

Time to know someone? The contestants (and mole) have 24 hours to learn as much as they can about a special guest to them. Can they be the entertainers?

Down to 5 and the game is really being affected? Current alliances are stretched between friendship, love and the desire to win the game. What will win through?

The challenges revolve around guessing and a couple of famous quiz shows. Have they got the brains as well as the brawn?

The final of the 4 clues is shown to the group. By linking all the clues together, it leads you to the mole. Can you work it out?

And the final four is determined. Who is the latest victim?

And thus, another chapter comes to an end.

With 5 left, the contest with you guys is also hotting up. We do not have a clear winner yet, it’s still anybody’s games, and considering the amount of times you change your mind with the ‘Who is the mole?’ question, I suspect it may change many times more before 3 weeks are up.

Yep, in 3 weeks, it will be the final three, and the final quiz. And we shall learn who the mole is, how he/she did it, and all the clues. Plus…next week is the final of the 4 clues you need to link together to find the moles identity. I’ve had plenty of theories on the clues…but are you right?

Until next week!