ANIMOLE

Into The Dream

Drawing to a not so obvious conclusion, Animole is down to four contestants. At the end of this chapter, we find the penultimate victim, and then the final three. After the next chapter…we reveal all. The winner, the loser and the mole. And how he/she did it, and the many clues which you may or may not have spotted throughout the fic, including the 4 link clues.

POLL

Chiriko: 50%

Rika: 20%

Yolei: 20%

Haley: 10%

Now, let’s get to it.

* * * *

(Yukino gets ready to leave Osaka, but not without some words of wisdom…)

Yukino: May include your survival slip, a passage in the game. Duplica is a veteran of survivors, but she couldn’t survive the mole. Going so far, giving so much, but in the end, was just another victim. Now, the group is 4. Getting ever so close to the end, surely one of them now knows the answer to the immortal question. 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 (eliminated 5th)

Duplica Imite – Actress and Ditto Master – Pokémon (eliminated 12th)

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 (eliminated 11th)

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

* * * *

Haley: And then there were four.

(The Nadesico rep along with three others are busy packing their things, and heading out of Osaka, their home for the last few days. Clutched in Haley’s hand is a figurine, one which he has been working on for the last night…)

Rika: I guess…we want to keep all our memories of each other.

Haley: It feels bad…I guess though this is what it would have been for any of the final 5…

Yolei: (sarcastic) Oh yes, I’m sure it would have been great if Giselle and Shampoo were here instead.

Chiriko: (sweatdrops) Aiya…

Yukino: People, people…look, it’s coming to an end, so come on, one of you is going to walk away with every penny available to you so don’t just dilly daddle, let’s get a move on!

(Haley nods, and puts the Kensuke and Duplica figurines he has and puts it in his bag. Rika and Chiriko follow up as Yolei takes the rear. Yukino is heading them out of there, just up the road to a nearby hill, where the first challenge may seem at first, a bit easy…)

(…but when have things ever been easy here?)

* * * *

Yolei: Against all odds, you guys are still together? What’s your secret?

Rika/Chiriko: (in unison) He/she’s the mole!

(Haley laughs as the van brings them to their destination. Yukino steps out, dusts herself down and the four remaining players get out.)

(They notice two cars outside, and also four briefcases. Yukino has an evil smile on her face per usual, but she hides it before the four can notice.)

Yukino: This challenge is a lot less hectic than normal…O.K, I might be lying, but someone has been lying out of you four ever since the start. This challenge will test your reserves…the temptation of winning a free pass to the final amongst other things.

(A gasp comes from the remaining team.)

Yukino: I guess that got your attention. This challenge revolves around what you want and how you talk to your teammates. In each of these suitcases has a piece of card with something inside it.

(Yukino indicates the first case)

Yukino: This one for example has 3 free answers to the next quiz.

(Yukino now indicates the second case)

Yukino: This one has one thousand pounds in cash awaiting you.

(Yukino indicates the third case)

Yukino: This one has the free pass.

(Yukino indicates the final one)

Yukino: This one however has nothing. This is the challenge.

(Yukino indicates the two cars behind them)

Yukino: After I go, in pairs, you shall go into the cars and explain to each other what you think you want or what you should have. After 5 minutes however, you will swop with another person and explain to them the same deal, and then after another 5 minutes, you will do it one more time. The trick is to try and figure out what you all want, and who is going to get it. Don’t forget, one of you will be going with nothing, so someone must go for that. Difficult isn’t it?

Yolei: Not putting us under any pressure…

Yukino: That’s part of the game. I suggest you go into pairs and begin discussions…this could get ugly.

(The two teams separate. Not surprisingly, the two pairs to start with are Rika/Chiriko and Yolei/Haley.)

Ri/Ch: Car 1

Rika: O.K, so what do you want then?

Chiriko: Well…1000 pounds is useless in my time…

Rika: Of course. Well…I’m fine with taking nothing.

Chiriko: Huh?

Rika: Someone has to take nothing…and I don’t mind, honestly.

Chiriko: A thousand pounds would be necessarily to someone’s future for a young lady like yourself.

Rika: (smiles) You’re too sweet, you know that.

(As Chiriko blushes, let’s check in on car number two…)

Yo/Ha: Car 2

Haley: …if I get nothing, it’s O.K, a thousand pounds will do me no good.

Yolei: What about a free pass?

Haley: I don’t like going through things that way. If the 3 free answers are possible, I’ll go for that…

Yolei: I’ll take the thousand pounds, I’ve got no problem with that.

Car 1

Chiriko: I hate to sound selfish but I wouldn’t mind the free pass. But what about y…

Rika: (puts a finger to his lips) Don’t worry about me.

(As the teams separate after the first exchange, now in Car 1 are Rika and Yolei, with Chiriko and Haley in Car 2.)

Yolei: So…Chiriko says he wants the free pass…

Rika: It’s hard but I think he does want to win.

Yolei: I’ll take the money, but Haley says he doesn’t want anything. Maybe the three free answers…but what about y…

Rika: I don’t mind not having anything.

Yolei: (silent for a moment) You want to sacrifice?

Rika: (nods) Someone has to.

(As Yolei contemplates, Haley and Chiriko discuss.)

Haley: I’ll take nothing if no-one else does…

Chiriko: That’s what Rika said.

Haley: Geez….I’ll guess I’ll have to take that offer.

Chiriko: I hate to seem selfish, but the free pass is very tempting.

Haley: No-one has accused you of anything Chiriko, you are the most unselfish person I know…no-one will begrudge you…

(Or will they…)

Yolei: I know…it’s just feels wrong to have a free pass at this stage…

Rika: Yolei…

Yolei: Never mind. I’ll talk to him next.

(Final stage…Rika and Haley vs. Yolei and Chiriko)

Haley: …so, are you sure?

Rika: I am. As far as I know, Yolei wants the money and Chi-chan wants the pass. Which would leave you with the three free answers…

Haley: That’s fine by me…but Rika…

Rika: (smiles) As I told the other two, it’s fine. Don’t worry about me.

(On the other side…)

Yolei: I’m not sure if I like the idea, but I don’t think anyone else is going for it.

Chiriko: Haley going for what?

Yolei: I think he said the 3 free answers, but also nothing depending on what Rika said.

Chiriko: That’s not good.

Yolei: Don’t worry.

(As the time runs out, the four leave the cars and each inform Yukino of their choice. Rika and Chiriko are fairly quick, but Haley and Yolei take a bit more time…)

* * * *

(Shot of Yukino who has given the four of them a card with what they asked for. Chiriko, Haley, Yolei and Rika await nervously…)

Yukino: O.K, now the challenge commences. If you are all right, you will win £5,000…plus you get what you wanted. However, if any of you is wrong, then you lose the money and the ones who are the same won’t get what’s on their card. However, those with different answers will still receive what they have. So…Chiriko, what did you have?

(Chiriko reveals the card with ‘FREE PASS’ on it)

Yukino: Free pass. Haley?

(Haley reveals the card with ‘3 FREE ANSWERS’ on it)

Yukino: Three free answers. Yolei?

(Yolei sighs and slowly reveals her card. ‘FREE PASS’.)

Yukino: (slowly) Free pass.

(Chiriko is surprised, as is Haley.)

Yukino: Rika-dear?

(Rika reveals a blank card, i.e. nothing.)

Yukino: Nothing. Which is exactly what you guys have because of Chiriko and Yolei having the same card. Rika gets nothing as that was what her card said…which means that Haley?

Haley: Yes?

Yukino: You’re the only real winner with 3 free answers in the next quiz. But for now we’ve got another challenge to head to, so get prepared.

(As Yukino leaves, Yolei explains…)

Yolei: I can explain guys…

Haley: Go on.

Yolei: I just felt that it coming so end to the game that I felt it would be unfair if any of us won a free pass to the final. I want this to be the best man or woman to win this. If that makes me untrustworthy, fine.

Chiriko: (nods) I kinda felt that as well. I think the free pass was the hardest one to choose.

Haley: Oh well…what’s five thousand pounds anyway?

Rika: (smiles) 4 thousand more than one thousand.

(As they sweatdrop, they have suspicions, but they have to wait as they quickly get ready to head off to the next challenge…)

* * * *

Haley: It seems that Yolei would be the most suspicious…but that seems way too obvious for a sabotage. Rika on the other hand wanted nothing…did she not need anything?

Yolei: I did what I felt was right…if that makes me mole material, then dig up some earth for me!

Chiriko: Whether Yolei’s actions were mole material or not…I don’t know.

Rika: Haley seemed a lot more subdued…he quickly changed his tune when someone else wanted the nothing prize…I wonder…

(In their own trip, the four contestants are trying to avoid using the M question, and are doing a good job)

(Shot of Chiriko trying to get a bit of sleep. As he does that, Rika openly confesses something to Yolei and Haley.)

Rika: …I guess…I don’t want to break his heart…he is the nicest boy I’ve ever met but…

Yolei: So it was your family huh? The engagement…

Rika: (nods) I don’t mind it. I know it seems weird, but it seems to be fine between us. But now…

Haley: You’ve met someone you like at a more suitable age. (sighs) I’ve got no reason to say anything, I’m in love with someone older than me…

Yolei: (sweatdrops) I think 17 years difference is more than 3 years difference Haley…

(Haley sweatdrops as Rika seems to feel a bit saddened…)

Chiriko: (yawns) I never seem to get much sleep nowadays…

Yolei: (without missing a beat) Chi-chan! Maybe you need someone next to you, né?

Haley: (blushes) Yolei…

Chiriko: (blushes) All in favour?

Haley/Rika: Hai!

(Yolei then realises that three youngsters can be a handle when they are on the same wavelength…)

Yolei: I’m Yolei….on vacation…sayonarra! (Runs as fast as she can…) You guys got some of Akari’s and Duplica’s evil infected in you?

All: Your point?

* * * *

(It’s now mid-afternoon, and we are across and nearby the edge of Osaka, and a helicopter and a speedboat are waiting. Attached to the speed boat is what looks like a target practice…the contestants are obviously confused. Enter Yukino.)

Yukino: Ah…this is our last port of call today, we are enjoying the beach…yeah right, we’re are next to the Sea of Japan, and we’re reading for a challenge that is worth 10 thousand pounds. Now let’s explain.

(Yukino indicates the helicopter)

Yukino: You’ll be taking part in a helicopter ride, where from it, after safety precautions have been taken, you will attempt to throw paint bombs towards the speedboat target that will be circling the sea.

(Shot of the speedboat with the target. The helicopter will be flying overhead, and the contestants/mole will be aiming from the helicopter on the target behind it.)

Yukino: To win the challenge, you must get 2 out of 4 targets. It is quite a difficult challenge hence why only 2. Good luck.

(On the helicopter, someone is waiting outside. It’s in fact resident bomb expert, Minnie May Hopkins (Gunsmith Cats) with a beaming smile on her face)

Minnie: So what will be it be today ladies and gentlemen? (opens up her jacket with her various bombs as the team sweatdrop…)

Haley: I think we’ll stick with paintbombs…

* * * *

(The team are given instructions to go one at a time in any order they wish. They aren’t allowed to talk whether they’ve done the task or not, but are allowed to talk to the next person in line in how to do it. First goes Chiriko, as usual in awe of the modern culture of the future…)

Chiriko: Machines flying with people inside? This world is more extraordinary than I expected…

Minnie May: Come on kid! Let’s get you suited up!

(Minnie May hordes the young man to the helicopter, making sure to attach him to a safety harness just in case. Below, Yukino herself is driving the speedboat with the attached target. The target is fairly large but with the moving boat and helicopter, it’s pretty tricky. Plus the boat has a specific movement.)

(The helicopter takes off, ready and waiting. Chiriko has only one shot at the target, and has to watch the boats direction, because it will occasionally change it’s movement pattern…)

(Chiriko, nervous of the height and movement, despite Minnie May assuring, isn’t helping him at all. He had the paint bomb in his hand and is looking down at the target. And the boat is moving at a wavy path.)

Chiriko: This is difficult…

(Chiriko decides to wait it out and hope he can get a good chance up there.)

Chiriko: O.K…stay calm…

(The movement of the boat then changes and the path is much more straight and narrow. Chiriko keeps his knowledgeable eye on the boat…)

Chiriko: Here goes!

(Bombs away as Chiriko’s aim…is true and hits the target…just outside the centre, but it’s good enough! 1 POINT)

(As Chiriko leaves the helicopter, competitor two – Rika – is getting some last minute advice)

Chiriko: …just try to aim for it whilst it’s going straight if you can see it. It’s much easier to aim for than when it’s wavy.

Rika: (nods) O.K!

Chiriko: Good luck!

(Rika is the next to enter the helicopter. Yukino and Minnie May (and the mysterious pilot of the helicopter) head to the air and across the sea.)

(Rika, still not too fond of water, is not enjoying the height either and seems to tuck herself inside, afraid of falling, despite the safety harness. Minnie May had to keep her in check…)

Minnie May: Come on, you can do it!

(Rika is rather nervous, but does keep an eye on the target, despite the hunched up girl she’s being. She indeed takes Chiriko’s advice and seems to wait for the straight and narrow.)

(When it comes along…she rushes it a bit by just throwing it. It hits the edge of the board, but not the target. She misses…barely.)

Minnie May: Ah well…

(Rika nods. She’s not allowed to tell Yolei, the next competitor, how she did, but she is allowed to pass on advice…)

Rika: I think the gist of it is just to wait on the straight and narrow and then shoot at it, and hope for the best.

Yolei: Gotcha.

(Yolei’s turn is pretty nervewracking as she boards the helicopters…)

Yolei: More heights…

Minnie May: Oh suck it up girl!

Yolei: Just because you’re a bomb blaster doesn’t mean I am! Besides, I don’t see anybody doing anything bet…

(A gunshot scares both girls from the helicopter front. It was a paintball shot, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell by the stone face of Kirika Yuumura (Noir) who is piloting it.)

Minnie May: I’ve just wet myself.

Yolei: Oh great…as if I wasn’t nervous enough.

(Yolei returns to the task in hand…and despite her initial nervousness, seems to get ready. Yolei like the others waits for it to go straight…)

Yolei: Here goes…

(Yolei adjusts her glasses and throws her shot. And it’s…)

Yolei: Yatta!

(…good. CHALLENGE COMPLETED…)

(They don’t know it, but they are successful. Yolei doesn’t know that Chiriko passed his, and thus still has to explain to Haley for his turn…)

Yolei: …it just seems really easy, just be patient and you’ll get it.

Haley: Right.

(Haley, used to heights and even used to firing shots, should have the easiest time…)

Minnie May: Come on then cutey, and let’s get this over with! Bill’s hussling the shop again, and we have to get back to intimidate him!

Haley: Nice people…

(Haley gets the paint bomb and waits at the boat as the helicopter begins it’s ascent. Haley waits…)

(…and waits…)

(…and waits some more.)

(Twice the boat has gone on it’s straight course, but for some odd reason Haley hasn’t attempted it. Instead…)

Haley: O.K…I’d better go for it.

(Haley let’s go…when he does the more difficult wavy path…and misses by a mile. Whilst the challenge is done, Haley is disappointed.)

Haley: I’ve fired gravity blast cannons, and I can’t do that…(sighs)…Saburota better not have seen that…I’ll never hear the end of it.

* * * *

Yukino: So my friends, how have we done? Well…we’ll go in reverse order.

(Shot of the 4 back on the ground, no-one lost their lunch and Yukino inspecting them drill sergeant style.)

Yukino: Haley, a lieutenant on the battleship Nadesico. Used to firing shots, has an eye for aim…instead of waiting on the easier straight path, he made a fool of himself and missed the target on the more difficult wave path.

Haley: I’m sorry…

Yukino: Well, let’s see if it mattered. Yolei…you on the other hand did do the short path and also managed to hit the target. So one out of two. Well done.

Yolei: (nods) Thank you.

Yukino: Rika, you also managed it along the straight and narrow…but missed, although barely.

Rika: (nods) I know, sorry.

Yukino: Which means Chiriko, who was up first…if his aim was true, you win the challenge.

(Dramatic pause)

Yukino: (smiles) Chiriko did it, meaning you are 10 thousand pounds better off.

(Chiriko chuckles, but stops it when Yolei glomps him. Rika follows up with a more simple hug, although lasts longer. Haley just smiles and gives a sigh of relief.)

Yukino: You did well, but I’m going to warn you. The next challenge which comes up in a few hours is the final one before the final. I suggest you guys get some rest…it’s going to be a long night for you all…

(Yukino’s warning catches them off guard…)

Yolei: So…what to do now?

Haley: I guess we’d better wait for Yukino-san to prepare for what this challenge is going to be…

Rika: (nods) So…

Yolei: It’s a gorgeous day, why don’t we go all survivor and just sunbathe for a bit…or at least rest as she says.

Chiriko: I second that! I can’t remember the last time I’ve exercised so much…

Haley: Always on the books…trust me, I know the feeling.

Rika: As we always say, past and future aren’t all that different. But…I certainly agree with that.

(Rika plops down as the cherry blossoms rather appropriately flow around as they watch the beach view of the sea. Yolei and Chiriko follow suit. Haley rounds things off as they enjoy a small talk.)

Haley: Did any of you think we’d make this far?

Yolei: I felt I could…but I expected it with my friends, I felt we’d be unbeatable together. I guess the mole is more crafty than expected…

Chiriko: I know people see me as a 13 year old tensai (genius) but I honestly didn’t know if I would do so well. This is totally different from what my life is like, but I’ve certainly enjoyed it.

Haley: Rika?

(Rika shakes her head)

Rika: I never expected to do so well. My skills I felt were not as good as Chiharu-chan’s or Naoko-chan’s. Naoko-chan is smart whilst Chiharu-chan is energetic. Combine physical and mental, I felt they would be much better.

Haley: But you’ve got the people skills…another skill useful to getting the mole.

Rika: (smiles) Thank you.

Chiriko: What about you Haley-san?

Haley: (embarrassed by the ‘san’ remark but continues) I knew I had to prove, but like you Chiriko, smarts don’t necessarily mean you are going to do too well. I mean, Naoko…(slowly) and Ken…they were smart, but aren’t this far.

Yolei: Yes, and people like Akari did well, as did Kensuke…

Rika: Kensuke was smart though.

Yolei: But you would have though someone like Giselle may have got further. Even the two perverts Haitani and Shirai, they are collegue students, but when 13 year olds Haley, Chiriko, Duplica and myself, and an 11 year old Rika squash them out of the water, it shows the skills aren’t always just mind oriented.

Chiriko: I think it was an even game all the way, and I’ve certainly enjoyed it.

Rika: Me too. I have an experience to tell Sakura-chan and Tomoyo-chan and hopefully Chiharu-chan and Naoko-chan will forgive me.

Haley: Of course they will.

(They all nod and relax, just taking in the warm breeze and the sun. What they don’t know is that they’ve got plenty of time to talk about whatever in the next challenge…)

* * * *

(It’s 5.50pm. Yukino and Skuld are together and have rounded up the troops together as they begin the next…and hardest challenge to date.)

Yukino: Well guys, after this challenge, that’s the last one as the final three will be soon decided. However, this challenge will last a while…another endurance challenge…but with a difference.

(They then notice that Skuld has been joined by Urd once more, as the Amazon tanned goddess smiles.)

Urd: I’ll take it from here. You are going thanks to my powers, back to the past. The past is the Great Forest of Iron Town, home to the legendary Princess Mononoke. The place…a camping site in a clearing near the great lake.

Yukino: Your challenge is simple. When you start, it will be 6pm. We want you to blow a foghorn…at 6am standard time. But as you can guess…there will be a catch.

Urd: You will have no watches, no clocks, no timers, no stopwatches, no mobile phones…no forms of time watching that you can have available. All you will have…

(Yukino holds up an egg timer)

Yukino: …is this.

Yolei: That’s it?

Yukino: Yes Yolei. That’s it. And unless the mole is actually artificial intelligence…I doubt even he or she can do too much with this. The egg timer is set for 2 and a half minutes. To win the challenge, you need to basically stay awake throughout the night, take shifts, make notes of the timings, do whatever to blow that foghorn within 5 minutes either side of 6am.

Urd: Blow it between 5.55am and 6.05am and you win 15 grand. However…

Haley: M-more?

Yukino: (smiles) Don’t you love their scared faces? The forest of Princess Mononoke is not…shall we say…a pleasant experience. There are wolves, apes, wild boars and a great God of the forest all that inhabit there, and it’s not very safe. However…

Urd: …if you call the words ‘Oh My Goddess’, I will come. You will lose the challenge but you will be safe.

Yukino: This is a legitimate dangerous challenge my friends…so I suggest you prepare well. You’ve got 5 minutes to sort things out, then Urd will transport you to the forest. Good luck.

(After hearing that, the four youngsters are not too surprisingly a bit frightened of the situation, but for now, they put on a brave face. Let see how long it lasts…)

(They begin to talk, as Haley takes out a notepad as they look at the egg timer. Another problem then presents…of 4 people sleeping together very closely…^_^)

(But that’s to tell in the challenge…)

* * * *

(After Urd’s transporting skills do their thing, the 4 land in the darkness of the great forest. The tent is fairly large, and can support the four easily, but it’s still…awkward.)

Yolei: You got it Haley?

Haley: You think I want to trouble Ken anymore? Besides…

Yolei: Yeah, we know.

(Chiriko and Rika are strangely silent, but they enter where various items are there, including torches, a few packed sandwiches and sleeping bags. From outside, Urd is waiting.)

Urd: O.K…it’s about to become 6pm in 10 seconds. Get ready…

(Haley has a note book out and Chiriko has a handful of stones for what reason. Urd begins the countdown. As soon as she says ‘START’ Rika turns the egg-timer designed for 2 and a half minutes for the first time. They’ve got 12 hours to do this remember…)

Yolei: So you use the stones every time 10 minutes have gone?

Chiriko: Yes, in rows of 6. When we get to the 12th one, we can use the foghorn…that’s if we get that far…

Yolei: Please…you don’t really believe they’ll send us to the wolves right?

(A howl in the distance followed by a gust of wind stops the talking…)

Rika: Naoko-chan, all is forgiven…I’d like a scary story now compared to this…

Haley: Just keep an eye on it for now. I think we can keep a few hours awake, and if all else fails, I can stay on it all night.

Chiriko: Again? I insist I will help you this time Haley.

Rika: No, we’ll all help this time.

Haley: (smiles) You guys…

* * * *

(Shot of the team as the first stone has gone, indicating 10 minutes had gone…supposedly.)

Chiriko: We’ve got less than 12 hours to survive on this.

Yolei: Well, we’d normally sleep so it wouldn’t be a problem.

Chiriko: (sweatdrops) Good point.

Haley: (looks outside) All quiet on the western front…I’m hoping Yukino-san was joking…

(Actually, she wasn’t…but she’s not that heartless, as the team will eventually find out when the challenge is in full flow…)

Rika: It’s a bit cold…

Yolei: (smiles) Chiriko, that’s your cue…

Haley: Yolei, timer…

Yolei: Oh right. (Reverses it as Haley marks down another 2 and a half minutes.)

(Chiriko and Rika are reading a Terry Pratchet novel called ‘The Colour of Magic.’ It’s in English, but Chiriko is working well as a translator, although he has problems understanding some of the words…and indeed the humour…of Mr Pratchett.)

(Rika has now got more comfortable just sitting by the side of the Suzaku warrior. Chiriko isn’t embarrassed or shy either as Yolei gawks at them.)

Yolei: Aw…how cute. (sighs) Thank you Mole for eliminating Ken…I could have had him snuggling to me in this challenge…

Haley: I won’t even comment about the situation that this reminds me of..

Yolei: Really?

Haley: Timer!

Yolei: Oh! (does it again) So…

Haley: Um…

(As the embarrassing begins, let’s fast forward shall we…)

* * * *

(The first 6 stones representing an hour have been place, at least as far as we can see. Rika is now on timer duty, as they decide to play an old game from their survivor challenges…)

Yolei: Truth or dare Haley?

Haley: I don’t trust your dares…so truth.

Yolei: (smiles) Who has been the cutest girl here throughout the series?

Haley: NANI?!!!

Chiriko: Yolei…that’s kinda mean…

Yolei: I know…that’s why I asked it.

(As Chiriko sweatdrops, Haley gulps…)

Yolei: So…which girl did you like throughout the series?

Haley: Um…well…

Chiriko: You are waiting for him to say you right?

Yolei: Heh…just to see how much strain that he can handle until he says…

Haley: Duplica.

Yolei: WHAT?!!

Haley: Well…she was the one I liked that was nearest my age…something about the pigtails…and she kissed me as well before she left on the cheek. Then again, Akari was very beautiful…and then at the island, Mutsumi was beautiful…Jade was very cute as well…here, I mean all the girls include Rika from their show have a lovely innocence to them and…

Yolei: I…will…kill…

Haley: (smiles) But you’ve been the most fun Yolei-san.

(Yolei stops in mid-murder and slowly sits down…)

Yolei: Wow…I don’t think I’ve been called that. I’ve always been seen as a nerd back at school…but the digidestined gave me a purpose and a life. I’ll always be thankful for Kari, T.K, Cody, Ken…heck even Davis…I guess that’s why I enjoyed this so much…got me to meet many new people and whether I liked them or not, it was great fun by all. I guess…thank you all for that.

Chiriko: Not a problem Miss Yolei.

Haley: Not a problem.

Rika: Another stone please…and Miss Yolei, it’s been great having you with us.

(Yolei blushes, and shakes her head)

Yolei: Guys…

(Yolei gives Haley and Chiriko a hug each, and wipes a few tears from her eyes. She whispers ‘thank you’ to Rika who in timer mode, but Rika acknowledges it.)

* * * *

(2 hours gone, and it’s time for the first little scare of the challenge…)

(In a clearing, Urd is with a girl with war paint on her face, animal like clothing, plus a few weapons. She is also sitting on the back of a wolf (and unlike Chiyo-chan, it’s definitely more menacing that cute). Urd of course, shrugs it off…)

Urd: For this challenge, we have asked two people to help us. The first is here. San, if you will?

San: Oryu, call!

(The girl, San (Princess Mononoke) gives a small whistle which leads the wolf to make a long howl…)

(…which the contestants hear.)

Haley: Guys…I don’t think Yukino-san was kidding…

Yolei: Really…what gave you that idea…

(San then takes one of her weapons, a longbow and arrow, and fires a shot. It flies through and lands in a tree roughly 4 metres away from the team. As the thud is heard, Rika jumps up…)

Rika: W-what was that?

Haley: I heard it as well…

Yolei: I was hoping I didn’t hear it…

Chiriko: Don’t be nervous, pay attention to the game…if we can…

Haley: R-right.

(Haley on timer duty now, is nervous, but turns it. However, in that moment, they may have lost some time, as the timer finished roughly after the thud. Will those seconds cost them…)

(…and if that wasn’t enough…)

* * * *

(At around 20 minutes later, Chiriko and Haley are unsure if they moved a stone or not)

Chiriko: Did you put a stone Haley?

Haley: I don’t think so. If we did, there is three…has 40 minutes gone you think?

Chiriko: I’m not sure…

Haley: I believe so…

Chiriko: Shall we put it on?

Haley: Your choice.

(The two girls are busy talking, in fact Rika is going through Yolei’s long hair and trying to tie it up in a new style.)

Chiriko: Go for it.

(Haley adds a stone…which is wrong.)

* * * *

(Roughly 4 hours gone…)

(San is able to control the animals of the forest, so they won’t attack the humans that dwell in their home…but that doesn’t mean that San can’t scare them a little…)

(As an ape calls in the distance, the other problem occurs.)

(Shot of Ashitaka, familiar name to AAVGS2 fans, the prince fires a second bow and arrow, this time overhead their tent, so they can hear the whoosh of the arrow…)

(…however, it’s completely lost on the team, because they are now on shift alert. Rika has already fallen asleep, and Chiriko looks on his way out.)

Haley: Look it’s O.K if you have a few hours, we can wake you up anyway…

Chiriko: Are you sure?

Yolei: We’re fine…go on, get a bit of shut-eye there Chi-chan.

(Chiriko smiles and put his head to rest…)

* * * *

About half an hour later…

(Yolei suddenly gets a rather sneaky idea…)

Yolei: They look so cute…(chuckles)…Haley? Keep an eye on the timer for me and watch.

(Haley is struggling to wonder what his partner in crime is doing, but then is really surprised when she goes face up to Chiriko. She puts an arm around him…)

Haley: Yolei-san, what are you…

Yolei: Shhhh!!!

(Yolei then gently picks up the young boy…and gently places him by a sleeping Rika. Yolei then puts one of his arms around the sleeping girl as Yolei smiles insanely.)

Haley: Yolei…

Yolei: Let them sleep. It should be fun to see their reaction…

(As Digishipping syndrome kicks in (Pokemole fans will get the reference, everyone else, refer to the authors notes), they have to suck it up for another few hours…and things are going to get worse…)

* * * *

(According to the stones, we are now approaching 6 hours…a.k.a. midnight, the worse time at the forest. At this point however, Yolei and Haley are still awake…and just in time to witness…)

Rika: (waking up) Um….is it morning yet?

Yolei: Not quite Rika-chan.

(Rika rubs her eyes…and then feels something on her. She turns to see Chiriko asleep by her. Rika is unsure what to think but gasps and blushes slightly…of course, Yolei is chuckling whilst Haley is in ‘pretend we don’t know her’ syndrome.)

Rika: Ummm…..

Yolei: Aw…I guess he wasn’t the gentleman we all thought…oh well, how cruel are…

Haley: Yolei-san!!!

Yolei: O.K! O.K! Rika…sorry, I put Chiriko beside you…I just thought it would look cute, you’ve lasted so long yet hardly enjoyed your time together. You might as well whilst you have the chance.

Haley: Although I don’t agree with her methods, she is right. Even if either myself or Yolei go tomorrow, the maximum you two can have together is two more days. Plus, will you tell him?

(Rika looks on)

Rika: I think I will…

Yolei: That’s a girl. And now (yawns) if you don’t mind…I’m going to sleep. Rika, do you mind?

Rika: Of course. I’ll take over.

Yolei: No…what I meant was ‘Can I take over sleeping next to Chi-chan?’

(Yolei’s grin is like a tiger’s, as Rika blushes and Haley sighs. As Yolei goes into her ‘sleeping next to a cute boy’ rant, a shot is fired.)

Haley: What was that?

(It is in fact, the third member of the Mononoke party, Lady Eboshi. Whilst against the forest, she is now with just one arm and now is fine with the world of the forest. She’s still a good shot though and the blast overhead into the sky is one that the contestants don’t like…)

Yolei: They are uping the stakes I think…

(Indeed they are, San translates to one of her wolves to a parade of wide boars to go on a stampede. They won’t go near the camp, but the amount of noise may still unsettle them…)

(The boars pass the camp harmlessly, but the sounds are unsettling, especially to Rika.)

Rika: I-I don’t like this…

Yolei: Just calm it down Rika, we’ll be O.K.

Haley: This is just a game…a game…

(Chiriko still sleeps through this panic, as the teams completely forget about the timer and the stones with this panic…a costly mistake?)

* * * *

(Shot of Yolei pretty much settled on sleep and Chiriko now awake, and had to be explained what happened earlier…in more ways than one…)

Chiriko: I slept through that?

Haley: Well…you didn’t notice that Yolei actually put you near Rika either…

Chiriko: Um…er…

Rika: Not your fault remember…not your..(yawns)

Chiriko: Still tired…

Rika: Yes…a bit scared though…

(Chiriko goes into WWTD mode (What would Tamahome do?). He smiles and without any embarrassment, puts an arm around Rika. Rika falls onto his shoulder and snuggles up to Chiriko as Haley smiles.)

Haley: Good job Yolei fell asleep then…

(Rika seems content to sleep on Chiriko’s shoulder as the young Suzaku sighs)

Chiriko: She’s so pretty…and innocent…so different to the world I know…I guess I want to enjoy this as much as possible…

Haley: Good for you.

(Haley marks another timer turn, as Chiriko watches, a young girl asleep on his shoulder and another girl trying to sleep as the night life continues on…)

* * * *

(We now have 8 rows of stones, and Haley and Chiriko are still awake, although Haley is now showing signs of fatigue. Rika is now back in her sleeping bag, whilst Yolei is snoring. In the last few hours, Haley and Chiriko have gone with one agreement…)

Chiriko: We aren’t going to call.

Haley: No…I don’t think even Yukino will wish this on us, I’m hoping I’m right.

Chiriko: Don’t worry…if we’re wrong, we’ll be dead before we have a chance to curse our luck.

Haley: (sweatdrops) That wasn’t the calming answer I wanted…

* * * *

(According to the stones, 9 and a half hours have gone. Haley has finally laid down to sleep, leaving Chiriko watching the timer and using a torch to read his book. Then…)

Chiriko: Timer!

Rika: I got it.

(Chiriko stunned to see Rika awake and turns the timer on instinct.)

Chiriko: Rika? How come you’re not asleep?

Rika: I can’t leave you alone doing this, now can I?

Chiriko: I’m used to it, you’re not…now…

(Rika does a tutting motion)

Chiriko: Rika…

Rika: We’ll finish this together…and I won’t be afraid.

Chiriko: Rika…(smiles)…thank you.

(Rika goes to make a cup of tea, Chiriko keeping an eye on the timer. As Rika finishes, the warm aroma seems to wake them out of anything. Haley and Yolei don’t stir.)

Chiriko: Thank you. (sips the tea)

Rika: It’s not a problem. You know…I’ve been…meaning to tell you something…and I guess at the middle of the night, it’s a good opportunity to tell you…

Chiriko: What?

Rika: …well…

* * * *

(Another stone later…)

Rika: …I know it sounds weird, but I do like him. We were meant to be engaged and married when I come of age…everyone suggested that an ‘older boyfriend’s’ influence was the reason for my maturity…

Chiriko: (a bit shocked) I’m not sure how to take this…

Rika: (near tears) But from this…I can’t see how I can take it…

Chiriko: Why?

Rika: Why? This is why…

(Rika goes to Chiriko and whispers in his ear the same words that Chiriko whispered in his sleep the other day…)

Rika: (whispering) Wo ai ni…

(Chiriko’s heart probably stops for a moment…)

Rika: (crying slightly) It feels much more right now…but I know we’re going to be seperated…soon…so…

(Chiriko smiles and puts a finger to her lips…)

Chiriko: Shh….where’s the calm Rika I know gone?

Rika: I’m…s-s-sorry…

Chiriko: It’s O.K…(caresses her cheek)…wo ai ni.

(And for the first time in the series, Chiriko and Rika kiss on the mouth. It’s just a small peck, but they hold it for a few seconds. On instinct, Chiriko gets the timer and turns it over, but continues the kiss. After they let go, Chiriko’s flush tells the story.)

Chiriko: Um…I never knew it felt like that…it was so nice…

Rika: (blushes) I…I thought so too.

(However, something rudely interrupts…)

(A sound similar to an earthquake gets their attention as Chiriko gulps.)

Chiriko: No…we won’t give up…

(They clutch each other as Yolei seems to drag herself awake. Haley still sleeps…somehow.)

Yolei: (yawns) W-What was that?

Chiriko: I don’t know…I don’t like it though…

(The sound was in fact a cannon shot from Eboshi, but the shot exploded above the camp area, and from the loud sound, the calls of wolves, apes and other creatures have now cascaded around the forest.)

Rika: I’m scared…

Chiriko: No…they won’t go to this extreme…

(The tent jolts and this time Haley does wake up…)

Chiriko: On the other hand…

Rika: (scared) I want to get out of here…

Yolei: (shaking the cobwebs) No, not yet…just keep that timer going…

Haley: Damn! They trying to kill us?

Chiriko: We won’t give up! The Suzaku never give up and I don’t intend to let my team down…it’s just a few more hours…

Yolei: And can you handle a few more hours of this?

Chiriko: Just see it as staying awake…

(Rika is very scared, but seems to at least try and calm down. No-one make fun of her clutching of the Suzaku who seems very determined and brave. Haley takes control of the timer despite some sleepiness as Yolei just clings on for dear life.)

* * * *

(Around 10 hrs have gone…and now all is calm, although the sounds of animals are still heard, and it’s certainly not too pleasant.)

Haley: So…two hours to go…can you go all the way?

Yolei: We’ve got no choice…whether we win or lose we might as well finish the job…I can safely say they aren’t going to destroy us now…

(Rika is trying to make a late night tea, but her hands are shaking, despite Chiriko’s valiant attempts to calm her down.)

Rika: I think…I’m beginning to understand Sakura-chan’s fear of ghosts…things you don’t expect…

(10 hrs 30 minutes)

(The final shock begins as Ashitaka, and his red elk, Yakul, begin their journey across the sacred lake, where the shishigami of the forest, where they once cut the head off and nearly destroyed Iron Town and the forest, but returned it. With a nod, the little kadama (the little ghost beings which lead the way in the forest) vanish, and they reappear…outside the tent in various forms of flashes.)

(Which ultimately freak the team out…)

Yolei: Oh the kamis!

Haley: Geez…what the…

(It seems too much for Rika…)

Rika: I can’t take this! (calls) Oh My…

(Before she can lose the challenge though, Chiriko clamps her mouth…)

Chiriko: Sorry…but we’re not losing it…I’m sorry, but we can get through this!

Rika: (after Chiriko releases her) But…but…

Chiriko: (holding her) It’s O.K…shh…we’ll be O.K…it’s just the forest spirits, they won’t harm you…just hang on…not much longer…

(Haley nods, and realises he’s misjudged the timer again. He turns it, hoping no-one noticed the boo-boo. Yolei seems just emerged in the sweet moment of the two youngsters.)

(Rika stops a small cry and just nods. The two hug…and they don’t let go for half an hour…)

* * * *

11 hours plus;

(Shot of the team, Rika is now asleep with the other three awake…)

Yolei: (yawns) She’s exhausted herself…

Chiriko: (nods) I don’t think she’s felt this kind of fear ever. She prides herself on her headstrong maturity, so being weak is something I feel she’s not used to…(shot of Rika draped on Chiriko’s shoulder)…I guess I’m the same way…

Yolei: (nods) You’re both strong. So’s Haley. So am I…just in different ways.

Haley: O.K, not long to go…

(Coming up to 12 hrs…)

Yolei: The sun is rising…

Haley; Good enough…5…4…3…2…1

(The timer ends, the final stone pushed and Yolei blows the foghorn…which wakes Rika up.)

Rika: (quietly) Done…

Chiriko: (smiles) Yes.

(So, they’ve got past the hard part, but did they get the foghorn 5 minutes either side of 6am?)

* * * *

(Shot of Yukino, with a tired troop, just outside Iron Town. Yukino notices the tired faces, although has a cute kissy face seeing Rika being supported by Chiriko.)

Yukino: Well…you survived. Well done.

Yolei: You could have warned us!

Yukino: I did.

(They sweatdrop)

Yukino: Anyway, you avoided any help and got through the challenge, despite temptations to give up. You resisted temptation and I’m proud of you, you fought to the end.

(They all nod)

Yukino: However was it enough? Your challenge was to get 5 minutes either side of 6am. Did you do it?

(Silence)

Yukino: You gave the signal at 6…

(pause)

Yukino: …0…

(Another pause…)

Yukino: (sighs) 9am.

(The group groan, it’s bad enough they got through the night, but they don’t get any reward for it.)

Yukino: I’m sorry, you were 9 minutes out, meaning that whilst effort can be praised, it can’t be rewarded. What a night huh?

Haley: I’m never complaining about my shifts on the Nadesico again…

Yukino: Yes…still, from your last days excursions, you’ve made another 10 grand which puts your total up to a massive £141,700. Glad that it’s coming out the author’s pocket-space, but it’s still early morning, and I feel that we need some sleep, so get your stuff, we’re heading to Tokyo, the last stage on our journey…and tonight, the final three will have been decided.

(The four grudingly nod, as they are all tired…but they know that the game is slightly getting nearer to the end, just 2 more days after today and it’s over…)

* * * *

Haley: The way these challenges have come at you, I’ve never been so worked at in my life. But has it been worth it? I think so.

Rika: I feel much better now that everything has come about. I find myself lucky to have got so far with so many great people, both as people and competitors…I just need to push myself a bit further.

Chiriko: The Suzaku warriors are strong, and compared to them, I am weak, and maybe not as much help as I wish I can be. However, I feel I’ve proved that I am strong of mind, will and heart. And I hope I can continue on that path.

Yolei: It feels weird getting this far, because I didn’t expect it. Then again, I don’t think anyone else did. Now I am here, I want to win. I don’t like losing, and I don’t want to lose…no matter how cute Chiriko and Haley are!

* * * *

(Shot of one room, where two people have just exited…Chiriko and Rika)

Rika: Thank you.

Chiriko: Not a problem.

(The two hold hands from their hotel in Tokyo. Yolei smiles on them.)

Yolei: I would be suspicious…but they are clean and pure…unlike my evil mind…

Haley: You said it.

Yolei: TRAITOR!

(I guess a few hours sleep does the world of good…as Yolei back into her killing bishies mode…)

(Chiriko and Rika slept together…NOT LIKE THAT! I guess enjoyment of every moment especially after the forest nerves were touched…but now the nerves are finalised.)

(The final 10 question quiz is here…)

* * * *

(Shot of Yolei looking at question 2, ‘Which option did the mole take in the briefcase challenge?’ She picks ‘Nothing’)

Yolei: I’m sticking to Rika like glue. She denied suspicion in the briefcase, yet missed on the straight on the helicopter and was the only one who wanted to give up on the forest. She’s pulling all the stops now.

(Shot of Chiriko at question 5, ‘Does the mole share his/her seiryu with anyone else who entered Animole?’ He answers ‘Yes.’)

Chiriko: I still refuse to believe Rika is the mole, leaving me with two options, Yolei or Haley. Both have had their suspicion, but I feel that Yolei is more mole material…then again, that could be to fool me…Haley did make a number of mistakes on the timer…I wonder…

(Shot of Haley on question 8, ‘Which path did the mole shoot at when the boat was travelling?’ He smiles and picks ‘Straight’)

Haley: Chiriko continues to be suspicious in his ways, but the guy is so nice. I’d think it would be hard for him to be a mole…but I think if he is, he’s done a good job. I do have three free answers though so I’m hoping unless I’m way off, to be here tomorrow.

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

Rika: Haley is increasing suspicion, but I still think it could be Yolei. She’s very smart, and the first challenge could have been a blatant sabotage, whilst the second was to make up and not arouse suspicion.

* * * *

Yolei: We did this last time.

Haley: It never gets any easier does it?

Rika: No…it doesn’t.

(Chiriko nods and the final four get into a group hug…their last one together.)

* * * *

(The four of them have their stuff, as Tokyo, where they’ll end the game, will now end one of their chances of winning.)

Yukino: Well…what can I say? You’ve been terrific to get this far, contestants and mole. Money in the bank, although the mole did well today, it’s been a pleasure to know all of you.

Haley: Thank you Yukino-san.

Yukino: However…on the penultimate step to the end of the game, one of you must go. And the results are in. The elimination has begun.

(Yukino looks on)

Yukino: Yolei.

(The digidestined, like everyone else, is nervous as Yukino types their future, ‘YOLEI’)

(Flashes…green. Yolei is in the final.)

Yolei: Phew…

(Haley congratulates her, as do Rika and Chiriko, although their nerves have increased.)

Yukino: Rika.

(The CCS bit player clutches the two boys hands, Chiriko’s a bit tighter and closes her eyes. ‘RIKA’)

(Flashes…green. Rika is in the final.)

Yukino: You’re in sweetheart.

Rika: (nervous) I-I am?

(Chiriko hugs her as Haley smiles and Yolei gives her a thumbs up. However, what it does mean…)

Yukino: So, two left. Haley and Chiriko. One of you will go through, one of you will not. Haley…you’re up.

(The Nadesico representative puts a hand on Chiriko’s shoulder and awaits the best/worst. ‘HALEY.’)

(Flashes…green.)

Yukino: Haley, you’re in the final.

(Haley doesn’t react, instead turns to Chiriko…whose fate has been sealed. Rika is near tears and even Yolei is stunned.)

Yukino: What a way for the final elimination to go…I’m sorry Chiriko, but lets make it official.

(Yukino types in ‘CHIRIKO’ and presses the button. Indeed, it flashes red. The Fushigi Yugi representative wipes a tear from his eye as Yukino looks on.)

Yukino: I’m sorry Chiriko…it’s time to go.

Chiriko: (wipes a tear) I guess…I love you guys.

(Chiriko and Haley hug, then Yolei gives the guy a big one and a kiss on the cheek, Yolei’s glasses with tears. Finally, Rika.)

Rika: (whispers) I’m…sorry…

Chiriko: (smiles) Don’t worry…wo ai…

(Rika gives him a small kiss on the lips)

Rika: …ni.

(The two hold on to a hug at the last possible moment, Yolei, Haley and even Yukino in tears…)

Yukino: (sobbing) Guys…please…before my image is ruined…

(Chiriko and Rika reluctantly let go as Chiriko leaves with a parting smile, as Yukino follows out, desperately trying to hide her tears…)

Yolei: A young man with so much intelligence and responsibility. He went as far as I think we expected him to. A real pleasure to have and I hope the people back in his time realise just how nice a guy he is.

(Shot of Chiriko and Yukino heading out, as the final trip via Skuld is about to take off…)

Yukino: Oh I can’t help it! You’re so cute…

(Yukino’s ‘Tsubasa’ mode kicks in and hugs the little guy. Chiriko smiles and returns it as he tries hard not to cry.)

Haley: We were different via past and future…but he, like Akari, showed that being popular doesn’t matter what time you’re from. He’s someone who fitted into this world like a glove, and he’ll be a success somewhere, you watch.

Yukino: Feel down?

Chiriko: A little…I feel I could have won, and I wanted to go to the end of the game with Rika…but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ve had the time of my young life, and at least I know have something to talk about with the Suzaku Seven.

Yukino: Good luck to you…(smiles)…Chi-chan.

(Chiriko laughs as they share one more hug…)

Rika: Chiriko…I’m sorry we weren’t together to the end…but I do care about you so much…I wanted to enjoy the amount of time we had together, and I’m happy to say I did. Wo ai ni…

(Chiriko leaves…and the 13th victim has been sent to the graveyard…)

(The final three has now been decided.)

* * * *

Next time…it’s the final.

Past, present and future collide when a hunting challenge gives the team a real test of all their skills…

A simulation against one of the most feared warriors in all of anime takes the emotions of the team to the edge…

And of course…

Yukino: Roulette spider, engage!

(Shot of someone spinning on a YGO roulette spider)

Yukino: Let the winner be revealed…NOW!

(Something zooms in at fast speed…and is clutched my someone…and a final person is hidden…)

…the result.

* * * *

And it’s coming to an end.

This chapter also represents the leader of the mole votes now being eliminated, Chi-chan is gone! NOOOOOOOOOOO!

(Damn you Pedro, how did you get there?)

Chiriko, like Akari, I’m quite pleased how he came out. Unknown to most of the public, it was him, Akari and Yukino who took the top three places in my poll of popularity (I presume Arp’s Anime-mazing Race helped with Yukino a bit as well).

Chiriko’s role is actually more brought out in the OVA’s rather than the series where in it he…oops, better not get into too much spoiler territory. Actually, Chiriko becomes quite the little comedian at times (maybe he and Tasuki should double act…) in the OVA’s, especially the omakes.

Like with all of those with favourite seiyuu’s, the role of Tomoko Kawakami was heavily used throughout the story, especially last chapter with four different characters played by her all of them radically different. The sweet Rika, the evil (but in a funny way) Konoha, the mad lesbian queen Kris and of course, smart and sweet Chi-chan. The way Rika and Chiriko gelled should have been forecast even before this fic started. (Although Yolei and Akari didn’t suffer the same fate, Akari has enough problems with Kris and Ichino thank you very much…)

And now, one more chapter, 20 questions. It does look like the winner is going to come down to the wire (both in my quiz and in the final three here).

So is Rika the mole? It seems to be either her or Yolei now…but have I fooled everyone and it is in fact Haley, the one with the least amount of votes by far. Wait and see…

Until next time!