The Mole 2: Anime Edition

Episode Ten

Week Nine Mole Poll: Takeshi- 39%, Mitsune- 28%, Tamahome- 17%

English/Japanese Name Changes
Madison Taylor/Tomoyo Daidouji
Suzy Wong/Shiuchon Lee
Flint/Munou
Rita/Rika
Izzy/Koushiro

Contestants
Akane- Tomboy: "Ranma ½"
Jenrya- Puppy Watcher: "Digimon Tamers"
Kasumi- Romantic Tension: "Pocket Monsters"
Keitaro- Resident Manager: "Love Hina"
Kenji- Research Assistant: "Pocket Monsters"
Miaka- Student/Priestess: "Fushigi Yuugi"
Mitsune- Slacker: "Love Hina"
Motoko- Kendo Girl: "Love Hina"
Ranma- Freak of Nature: "Ranma ½"
Ruki- Card Shark: "Digimon Tamers"
Takato- Goggle Boy: "Digimon Tamers"
Takeshi- Hugh Hefner-Wannabe: "Pocket Monsters"
Tamahome- Bishonen: "Fushigi Yuugi"
Washu- Genius: "Tenchi Muyo"

Episode Ten
(Mike is seated in the execution room from the previous episode.)
Mike: You can be as devious as you want. You can aggressively pursue exemptions and aggressively prevent others from receiving them. You can form coalitions, conspire with others, and stab them in the back when you’re finished with them. But it is all for not if you don’t know the answer to the most important question- "Who is the Mole?" If you know the answer, there is nothing anybody can do to stop you. And if you don’t- you will meet your fate in time.

Takeshi: Kenji was onto Kitsune. He sincerely thought that she was the Mole, and got this far because of it. Then he starts to have some doubts and gets executed. So I really think she could be the Mole now. I guess the important thing is to not let her know that I’m onto her.

Mitsune: I’m not worried. Okay, I might have suspected Kenji for a little bit, but ever since Motoko told me how she suspected Takeshi, I’ve been watching him. Just like I told her I would. And I have to say… he could be. He really could be.

Day Twenty-Two
(Mike is driving the group to Piombino. Takeshi and Mitsune are sitting in the back. Takeshi seems a bit troubled.)

Barb: (VO) The Mole 2 Italian Tour now heads to Piombino, slightly worse for the wear after the gig in Livorno. With Kenji gone, only five remain, and the tension has never been greater.

(Mitsune nudges Takeshi.)

Mitsune: (quietly) Hey… what’s up?

Takeshi: Hm?

Mitsune: I’m not one for butting into other peoples business… okay I am, spill it.

Takeshi: Well, it’s a little strange…

Mitsune: Yeah?

Takeshi: When I came into this game, I heard all that stuff about Kenji. So I set myself a personal goal to beat him. And that’s all I was really working towards. Now he’s gone. I’ve done it.

Mitsune: Great!

Takeshi: Yeah but… now what?

Mitsune: What do you mean now what?

Takeshi: I was so worked up about beating Kenji that I never gave any thought to what comes next.

Mitsune: Hmm… how about winning?

Takeshi: Winning. That would be unbelievable. You really think I can do it?

(Mitsune thinks for a second, then smiles.)

Mitsune: Nah…

(Takeshi turns and stares at her.)

Takeshi: Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Mitsune: You’re welcome!

(Tamahome is quietly trying to listen in to the conversation. In a very subtle motion, he writes some things down in his journal.)
Tamahome: (VO) Mitsune and Takeshi have a very strange association with each other. Some might call it a coalition, but I don’t know what it is. They are both definitely playing their own game, and many times it seems that they suspect each other. But it’s such a weird relationship that it’s hard to tell what’s going on.

(The team arrives at the hotel. Before they can get out, Mike stops them.)

Mike: Go upstairs and put your things in your room, and get unpacked. After that, meet downstairs in the lobby and we’ll head out for an early dinner. Before that though, I need someone who can disguise themselves pretty well.

Washu: I think after Jenny-chan, we all know who to nominate.

Jenrya: Do I have to dress up like that again?

Mike: Not unless you want to.

Jenrya: Okay, I’ll do it.

Mike: Great. Everybody out! Jen, I’ll talk to you when we meet downstairs.

(The five gather their bags and head inside.)
Barb: (VO) Obviously, there’s a challenge involved here. You should have known that by now. While the team unpacks, a special visitor is waiting in the lobby.

(Takeshi is packing all of his clothes into the dresser in a fairly organized fashion. When satisfied, he heads out as Mitsune arrives at her door.)

Mitsune: Ready?

Takeshi: Yep. Are you?

(Mitsune opens the door, throws her bag in, and shuts the door.)

Mitsune: Yep!

(Jenrya, Tamahome, and Washu are in the hallway as well.)

Washu: Then let’s eat.

(The five head downstairs as a group. They are still walking downstairs when they catch sight of the lobby. Mike and Barb are seated, but standing in the middle of the room is the black-haired Tomoyo Daidouji of Cardcaptor Sakura- the original Mole. She is standing very calmly, looking quite cute, and smiling at the five. The other five freeze, in shock.)

Tomoyo: Hello everybody, I hope you’re having fun.

Jenrya: T… t… t…

Mitsune: Tomoleyo-chan!

Tamahome: Who?

(The others look at Tamahome.)

Tamahome: I didn’t watch the first season, sorry.

(Barb stands up.)

Barb: Have a seat.

(Barb drags Mike out of his seat as the five sit in their places. Tomoyo walks past them, and takes a close look at each one of them.)
Jenrya: (VO) Practically nobody from the first season had stopped by so far, so imagine the surprise when we walk downstairs and see *the* Mole in the lobby.

(She stops at Jenrya and takes both of his hands and stares at him.)

Tomoyo: Jenrya-san?

(Jenrya gulps.)

Jenrya: Yes?

Tomoyo: Come with me.

(Jenrya stands up. Tomoyo, while still holding his hands, walks out the door with him.)

Jenrya: (nervous) W… where are we going?

Mitsune: All right! Jenny’s gonna get some!!

Jenrya: (still nervous) Some what??

(Washu sweatdrops. Barb quietly follows Tomoyo and Jenrya out.)

Takeshi: Jenrya has much to learn…

Mike: Well, let’s go.

Mitsune: Go where?

Mike: Dinner.

Washu: What about Jenny?

Mike: He’s got something else to do.

(The four stand up and walk out.)

Tamahome: Hold on… Jenrya’s going to get a shot at an exemption, isn’t he?

Mike: Of course he is. This game isn’t so hard to figure out, is it?

(A portside shopping center. It is bustling with activity. Tomoyo leads Jenrya through the crowds to a small storefront. They walk into the dark store.)
Jenrya: Uh… Tomoyo?

(Tomoyo turns on the lights. There are tons of clothes inside, including fancy cardcaptor costumes. Jenrya sweatdrops.)

Jenrya: What’s going on?

(Barb enters behind them.)

Barb: You already dressed up as Syaoran and an innocent girl. In this challenge, you will need to use whatever means necessary to disguise yourself so that the other players can’t recognize you in a crowd. If they can’t find you, you will be able to earn an exemption from the next quiz.

Jenrya: So what’s Tomoyo here for?

(Tomoyo is holding an outfit.)

Tomoyo: You’d look very cute in this.

Barb: She’ll be helping you find a suitable outfit and a suitable location to hide yourself. You’ve got plenty of time, so don’t rush. Have fun you two!

(Barb walks out. Tomoyo is looking through the outfits.)

Jenrya: Is there anything in here that helps me not get noticed?

Tomoyo: Let’s see… I don’t think so.

(Mike and the other four are finishing up dinner and heading out.)

Mike: Now remember how a couple nights ago we subjected you to two challenges while you were tired and angry?

Tamahome: What about it?

Mike: We’re going to be a little nicer to you today. We’re subjecting you to two challenges while you’re stuffed and complacent.

Takeshi: Oh man…

Mike: And it’s a couple doozies too! Basically, you’re going to be hunters in each of them. Both of these games have 25,000 yen at stake. First off, this part of town has been completely cleared away. It’s an area 200 yards wide by 200 yards across. And it’s your playground for an hour. Your objective will be to hunt down and capture our cameo. She will be carrying a couple of flags. All you have to do is take one from her.

Washu: So who is it?

(From one side, the answer is revealed, as the brown-skinned, blond-haired Kaolla Su rides in on a giant mechanized version of episode five’s Tama-chan. There is a flag on either side of Kaolla.)

Kaolla: Kaolla’s here!

Mike: Yes, Kaolla is here, and she’s brought mecha. This is Mecha Tamago, and it is packing heat. Kaolla will fly around for an hour, and you will have to snatch one of these flags from her. The only rules are that you will receive walkie-talkies to communicate between each other and Kaolla must stay low enough to the ground for you to actually be able to catch her. Other than that, good luck, and I hope you have insurance.

Challenge Twenty-Two
(Kaolla takes off on Mecha Tamago and flies down the street while the four players are giving walkie-talkies to communicate.)

Tamahome: So what’s the plan?

Mitsune: I dunno. There’s no way for us to outrun that thing.

Washu: So we have to outthink it.

Takeshi: What do you suggest Washu?

Washu: A nice zone defense. Everybody pick a sector and try to get her.

Mitsune: Sounds good.

Takeshi: Let’s do it then.

(They split up and each take a section.)

(Kaolla is flying around freely on Mecha Tamago. Her POV as she cruises through the streets aimlessly. Tamahome sees her and gets in front of her. Kaolla effortlessly flies past him before he can even make a move at the flag.)

Tamahome: Hey! Come back!

Kaolla: Bye bye!!

(Tamahome fiddles around with his communicator.)

Tamahome: She’s in my area… or at least she was. I think she’s headed for you Washu!

Washu: (VO) Great!

(Washu has an elaborate net set up for catching Kaolla. Kaolla seems to be headed straight for it, then makes a sudden jerk to the right.)
Washu: Shoot. Nice handling!

(Kaolla cuts back around, and Tamahome and Takeshi prepare to go after it from the side. They miscalculate their attack, and end up running into each other as Kaolla effortlessly flies past them. They both go down hard.)
Takeshi: That was a bust.

Tamahome: Definitely. Shall we try again?

Takeshi: Let me make sure my brain’s still in my skull.

(Kaolla is now headed straight for Mitsune. She stands in front of the street, trying to block Kaolla’s path.)

Kaolla: Kitsune-san!!

Mitsune: Su!

(Kaolla maneuvers Mecha-Tamago so that it flies just past Mitsune. Before Mitsune can grab a flag, Kaolla jumps into her arms.)

Mitsune: Hey, could you slow down so we can catch you?

Kaolla: Oh yeah… I’m supposed to be running away from you, aren’t I?

Mitsune: Yeah- this is a challenge.

Kaolla: Challenge? Is it tasty?

Mitsune: Never mind, where’s Mecha-Tamago?

(Kaolla jumps out of Mitsune’s arms and pulls a remote control out of nowhere.)

Kaolla: No problem!!

Mitsune: So where is it?

(Mecha-Tamago comes up from behind where Mitsune is looking.)

Kaolla: Missile… fire!

(Mecha-Tamago fires two missiles, which land just behind Mitsune. She turns around, and while she’s startled, Kaolla hops and Mecha-Tamago and flies off.)

Tamahome: (VO) Mitsune? Have you seen it?

Mitsune: Uh… yeah. It just barely got away.

Tamahome: Damn. That sucker’s hard to catch.

(Shot of Mecha-Tamago flying around.)
Tamahome: (VO) This is hard. I mean, it seems like with four people in such a limited space we’d be able to do it, but we all just got done with a huge dinner, we’re all disorganized and we have no clue what we’re supposed to do. It’s frustrating to say the least.

(Kaolla turns a corner quickly and ends up on the same street as Washu and the giant net.)

Washu: Gotcha now… it’s only a matter of time before you fall before the greatest…

Kaolla: Missile… fire!

(Kaolla fires another round of missiles, which hit the base of the net, bringing the whole thing down on top of Washu. Kaolla flies away once more. Takeshi runs up and helps Washu.)

Washu: Now I really want to catch her…

Mitsune: (VO), Takeshi, Washu? We’re going to meet back at the center of the square and work out another strategy.

Takeshi: Good idea. We’ll meet you there.

(Takeshi and Washu head back to the center.)

Washu: This Kaolla girl’s really starting to get on my nerves. What right does she have to pilot such a fancy mecha? And to think that we’re going to have another challenge immediately after this. I hope Jenny’s having a good time.

(Meanwhile, Jenrya’s trying on an outfit.)

Jenrya: Um… aren’t I supposed to look inconspicuous?

Tomoyo: You look fine.

(Jenrya steps out in a bright yellow leisure suit.)

Jenrya: Don’t tell me you designed this.

(Tomoyo paces around, looking at him from all angles.)

Tomoyo: No. I’m not into boys’ fashions. I never did too many costumes for Li-kun.

Jenrya: Well Lee-kun needs to get something soon or he’s going to miss out on an exemption opportunity.

Tomoyo: Let me think…

Jenrya: (sotto) At least you aren’t videotaping me in this.

Tomoyo: No… I left my camera with Sakura-chan.

(Jenrya looks up for a second.)

Jenrya: Hmm… that gives me an idea.

(Tomoyo puts her hands together and smiles brightly.)

Tomoyo: (hopeful) You’re going to dress like Sakura-chan??

(Jenrya face faults)

(Back at the square, the group is huddled up. Caption: "10 Minutes Remaining.")

Takeshi: We have to do something now, and something fast.

Washu: We should all stay in this open area and let her come to us.

Mitsune: Yeah. Everybody stay where you can see everybody else.

(They split up again, and head to a corner of the area. In one corner, Takeshi backs up.)

Tamahome: What is it?

Takeshi: Shh… she’s over here.

(The other three creep over to his area. Kaolla flies down the street and Takeshi makes another dive for the flag. This time, though, his timing is much better and he successfully gets one of the flags before Kaolla flies by. The other three cheer as Takeshi hits the ground. He’s obviously enthused, but a bit exhausted. The other three help him up as Mike greets them. Caption: "Mission Accomplished")

Mike: Okay, congratulations. You "caught" Kaolla and 25,000 yen is added to the pot. You know what that means?

Mitsune: Let’s do it again!

Mike: That’s right. Fortunately though, Jenrya is not riding on a giant mechanical turtle. He is, however, hidden in a crowd in different clothing. You will have thirty minutes to find him, which will begin when we arrive on the scene. Let’s get down there and start part two.

(They all nod and follow Mike away from the square. Kaolla continues to ride Mecha-Tamago blissfully behind them.)

Tamahome: (VO) We got through that one by the skin of our teeth. Takeshi made a great save to get us the money. If he hadn’t thought on his feet like that, there’s no way we would have pulled it off.

Mitsune: (VO) Hey, a win’s a win. We just barely pulled that off, but in a game like that, there’s no other way to do it!

Challenge Twenty-Three
(The shopping center. The four and Mike meet up with Barb.)

Mitsune: Wow… good thing I brought my credit card!!

Washu: We don’t have time for that. We gotta find Jenny.

Barb: He is good and hidden somewhere in this shopping center. Tap him on the shoulder and another 25,000 yen is added to the pot. If you can’t find him in thirty minutes, no money is added and Jenrya receives an exemption from the next quiz.

Mike: If you’re ready, the clock starts now.

Takeshi: Okay, we’d better split up to cover more ground.

Tamahome: Yeah.

Mitsune: Everybody take a corner again?

Tamahome: Sounds good.

Washu: Hold on… do you really think we should split up into four different groups?

Mitsune: What do you mean?

Washu: Well, I mean whoever the Mole is obviously isn’t going to look very hard for Jenny. That leaves only three people left.

Takeshi: If we split up into pairs, then it’s only two groups.

Mitsune: But the Mole would probably try to find some way to distract their partner, and that leaves one group.

Tamahome: But what if Jenrya’s the Mole?

Takeshi: Hmm… to be on the safe side we should assume he’s not.

Tamahome: Ah.

Washu: We should think about this logically. What would the Mole do to try to sabotage this game?

(Everybody thinks for a second.)

Takeshi: Probably waste a bunch of time trying to get everybody to stop and figure out the Mole’s next move.

Washu: Point taken- let’s look for him.

(They split up and each try looking for him.)
Washu: (VO) After the last few challenges, I’ve decided that instead of waiting for the Mole to do something, it would be best to figure out what the Mole would want to do, then stop them from doing it. It’s time we take the initiative here.

(After some searching, Takeshi and Mitsune meet up with either other.)

Takeshi: Do you see him?

Mitsune: Nope. Not a trace of him.

Takeshi: Yeah. You know he’s probably moving around, wherever he is. I think somebody should stay around this area.

Mitsune: Hmm… you go over there and flush him in my direction?

Takeshi: Sounds good.

(Takeshi heads off while Mitsune stands in the area.)

(Washu is weaving through the crowd, and looking around.)
Takeshi: (VO) We’re even more disorganized than we were the first time. With all these people here, there is no way we can find Jenrya without some sort of a plan. And at this point, there’s no way we’re all going to be able to regroup and have any time left to actually go through with a plan.

(Tamahome is looking around and sees a kid that’s about Jenrya’s height, wearing a cap and ordinary civilian clothes.)

Tamahome: Hey! There you are!

(The kid starts running away. Tamahome starts chasing after him.)

Tamahome: Jenrya! Get back here!

(Tamahome continues to chase him, while Takeshi and Washu are behind him watching.)

Takeshi: How much time do we have left?

Washu: About five minutes.

Takeshi: Tamahome! Try to get him over towards us!

(Mitsune arrives as well.)

Mitsune: Hey, where’s Tamahome going?

Takeshi: I guess he’s chasing after Jenrya.

Washu: He’d better hurry.

Takeshi: Hey, Kitsune, why aren’t you at your post?

Mitsune: I searched that side about as good as I could. He’s got to be on this side.

(After a continuing chase, where the three other players watch Tamahome chase the kid for a couple minutes, the kid starts towards the three. Takeshi and Mitsune catch him and flip the hat off. Unfortunately, it’s not Jenrya, but some regular kid.)

Mitsune: Hey! You aren’t Jenrya?

Kid: Look, I don’t know what you want with me!

Takeshi: Why were you running?

Kid: I got some six-foot-tall guy behind me, looking like he wants to kill me, what am I supposed to do?!

(Takeshi lets the kid go as Barb and Mike approach.)

Tamahome: Shoot. Do we have any time left?

Mike: Afraid not. Looks like you lost this one.

Barb: Well, you did, but Jenrya didn’t. He has earned an exemption. You can come out now!

Mitsune: Where the hell is he?

Jenrya: (OS) Cut!

(Mitsune, Takeshi, Tamahome, and Washu all look at the camera, which turns around. Jenrya is standing next to it, in a production outfit, complete with green thumbprint cap and Animation Alliance jacket… now available at stores everywhere!)

Jenrya: A little more emotion from you Mitsune. Sell it!

(Caption: "Mission Failed")

Washu: Where were you?

Jenrya: You know when they say ignore the guys behind the camera?

(clueless nods)

Jenrya: Maybe you should’ve made an exception.

Mitsune: Wait… you were behind the camera following Tamahome the whole time?

Jenrya: That I was.

Takeshi: Tamahome?! How come you didn’t notice?

Mitsune: Yeah, how often do you see ten-year olds working as production assistants?

Tamahome: I dunno. I figured they were just violating child labor laws again.

Barb/Mike: (OS) You can’t prove anything!!

Washu: Jeez… we lost another one.

Mitsune: No kidding…

(Washu and Mitsune start to walk away.)

Tamahome: Look, I’m sorry, I didn’t see…

Takeshi: Hey! Girls! Get over here!

(Washu and Mitsune look at him.)

Mitsune: What makes you think that’s going to work now?

Takeshi: Look, okay, we lost that one, but we can’t get down on ourselves.

Tamahome: No kidding. We won the first one.

Takeshi: Yeah. Look on the bright side- we already won one challenge, we’re at a shopping center… and Kenji’s still gone!

(Mitsune smiles.)

Mitsune: I guess so.

Tamahome: Yeah. The more we get down on ourselves, the more the Mole controls us.

Takeshi: Exactly. Now we have to get back after this and concentrate on whatever they give us tomorrow.

(Everybody seems a bit more uplifted now. Except for Jenrya, who appears troubled.)

Jenrya: That was great for the team and all, but you can probably imagine how I feel. I mean, Takeshi and Tamahome are talking about how they have to rebound and play as a team, and I just did something which was for my own benefit. It’s great that I got the exemption, but given the way everybody reacted, and the way they isolated me like that, it almost makes the exemption not worth it.

(Jenrya knocks on door. Washu lets him in. Jenrya steps into her room, to see a whole bunch of fancy lab equipment inside. Washu is experimenting on a mysterious green liquid.)

Jenrya: Um… you certainly made this place your own.

Washu: Yeah… when you’re on the road, you have to be reminded of home every now and then!

(The green liquid explodes. Washu is covered in soot.)

Washu: So did you enjoy your exemption?

Jenrya: Well, it definitely helps me out now. But I don’t think I scored any points with the group.

Washu: Forget the group, Jenny. You’re fighting for yourself. You managed to outsmart all of them, and you earned an exemption. I don’t see a problem.

Jenrya: Thanks.

Washu: And besides, at the very least you make people more suspicious of you. And that’s always good!

(Jenrya stands up.)

Jenrya: I do not want to make people more suspicious of me!

Washu: Why not?

Jenrya: I just don’t. I just feel really uncomfortable trying to act suspicious and make people think I’m the Mole.

Washu: It’s a good strategy.

Jenrya: No it isn’t. Okay?

(Jenrya walks out. Washu shakes her head.)

Washu: Weird kid that Jenny is…

(Washu looks back at the door, seemingly concerned for a second. She returns to her work.)

Washu: Nah…

Washu: I am not playing this game the way I had intended to. This coalition with Jenrya has had a lot of ups, but there are a few things I have to be concerned about. One is the possibility that Jenrya could be the Mole. I don’t think so myself, but every so often, he does something that really makes you wonder. Unfortunately, I have to trust him.

Day Twenty-Three
(Jenrya is walking downstairs with Mitsune.)

Mitsune: Look, look, you just have to do what you have to do. I don’t think anybody blames you for it.

Jenrya: Okay.

Mitsune: Next time we all decide to play as a team, we’ll let you know, all right?

Jenrya: (smiling) Thanks.

(Jenrya and Mitsune continue downstairs.)
Mitsune: (VO) I don’t trust Jenrya. Haven’t for a long time. He’s another one that’s high on my Mole list. I don’t see anything wrong with gunning for an exemption, but what troubles me is how he pulled it off. How did he get that jacket anyway?

(The group is back down in the lobby with Barb and Mike.)

Barb: So far, you’ve been on the road for twenty-two days. And in that time, nine people have been executed and 382,000 yen has been earned, which will be claimed by one lucky winner. Before we are done, more money will be earned and three more will be executed.

Mike: In the reality series business, this is what we call "the stretch," where being on the road starts to get to you a bit and you’re starting to miss home. Since we like to keep our puppets happy, we have the obligatory "visit from friends" day.

Barb: It’s required by the Union of Reality Series Contestants to have a visitor for every character, or a contest where the winner or winners get visits. We’re actually nice enough to do one for everybody this time. Each of you five have two people waiting for you.

Mike: But first! We might as well use this opportunity to give you guys a challenge! Let’s go!

Challenge Twenty-Four
(A room is setup in a similar fashion to a police lineup room, with an adjacent window. The room has five desks on it, each with a stack of cards. Each has a wire tray in the front deep enough to hold the cards. Mike and Barb enter.)

Mike: Have a seat anywhere you’d like.

(They sit in the following order- Mitsune, Takeshi, Tamahome, Jenrya, Washu. Mitsune is closest to Mike.)

Mike: In a moment, twelve people will enter the room nearby. Six are young girls, while six are adult men. Seven of them are friends and family of someone’s. Five are just there to confuse you. For each of you, I’ll ask you to identify someone, and your job will be to pick the card matching the number of that person. Afterwards, if the entire group can amass fifteen correct answers, 20,000 yen is added to the pot… and you can spend some quality time with your friends.

Barb: If we’re ready, let’s meet the group.

(In the lineup room, there are places labeled one through six. In the front row- six girls walk in. Behind number one is a girl with black hair in a Chinese wardrobe. Number two is a redhead with hair tied up in a stylish bow. Three is a young girl with short brown hair. Four has somewhat longer brown hair, with two little "antennas" sticking up. Five is another young girl with short teal green hair, and a similar hairstyle as number three. Six is a girl with long, blue pigtails. All but number two seem to be in a good mood.)

Mike: And the guys…

(Six men stand behind the girls. Number one is a man with tanned skin and black hair. Number two looks similar, with a moustache. Number three is a brownish redhead with fairly short hair. Four has short black hair and glasses. Five also has glasses, but with blue hair. Six is a blond with a serious face and sunglasses. This time, only three, four, and five seem to want to be here.)

Barb: I’m sure you recognize who your visitors are, but what about the others? The cards each have numbers on them. Red cards are for the front row, black cards are for the back. Let’s begin with somebody from the front row. We are looking for Jenrya’s younger sister Shiuchon.

(Jenrya smiles and puts a card in the slot. The others have quite a bit of hesitation, and slowly make a decision.)

Barb: Ready?

Mike: Next up, Mitsune.

Mitsune: Oh boy… I see where this is going…

Barb: They can’t hear us by the way.

Mike: This is Mitsune’s former teacher Yasunori Seta… whom Mitsune had a crush on.

(Mitsune is blushing a bit, but answers. Most of the group, except Jenrya and Tamahome, seem confident in their answers.)

Barb: Third is Tamahome’s. We’re looking for his younger sister this time. Her name is Yuiren.

(Mitsune, Takeshi, and Washu seem completely lost, but answer.)

Mike: Fourth up is Takeshi. Looking for his deadbeat dad Munou.

Barb: Like I said, they can’t hear us.

(Slightly more confidence this time, although Jenrya is still struggling.)

Barb: And finally it’s Washu. We are looking for her friend Sasami, cook extraordinaire and least insane of the Tenchi girls.

(A lot more confidence with this answer.)

Mike: Okay, everybody has their votes locked in. Pull them out and we’ll see how we did.

(The group does so.)

Barb: First off, we’re looking for Jenrya’s sister Shiuchon. We’ll go around, starting on Jenrya’s left. Washu?

Washu: Call me crazy, but I actually see some resemblance with that redhead, so I said number two.

(Washu holds up a red "2" card.)

Barb: Mitsune?

Mitsune: This was a toughie… I said Three. She’s definitely somebody’s sister.

Mike: Takeshi?

Takeshi: I said the same thing. Three.

Barb: Tamahome?

Tamahome: I know who number three is… but the blue hair kinda gave it away to me. I went with Six.

Barb: Two, Three, Three, and Six. Jenrya? Who is Shiuchon?

(Jenrya shakes his head and holds up "5.")

Jenrya: Sorry. I can’t change my family.

Mike: Ooh… well Jenrya at least got it right, so one correct answer. Not a good start. Let’s move to Dr. Seta. Takeshi?

Takeshi: Looking at everybody, I think Kitsune would most likely fall for number four.

Barb: You’ll have to ask where he shops later on. Tamahome?

Tamahome: I agree. Number four.

Mike: Jenrya?

Jenrya: I think Mitsune’s more into the rugged type, so I said number one.

Washu: I went with Takeshi and Tamahome and said four.

Barb: Mitsune?

Mitsune: I have to come clean… it’s number four.

(Applause from the group. Caption: "Total Correct- 5")

Mike: Mitsune, Takeshi, Tamahome, and Washu are correct- four points are added. Next up is Yuiren. Jenrya? Who is it?

Jenrya: Well, the only ones who look like they could be Tamahome’s sister are one, three, and five. Since five is my sister, I went with three.

Washu: I also went with three on this.

Mitsune: I had the same logic as Jenny, but I went one.

Takeshi: One for me as well.

Mike: Tamahome? It’s three points either way.

Tamahome: How could I not know little Yuiren… number three.

(Caption: "Total Correct- 8")

Mike: Tamahome, Jenrya, and Washu add three points, bringing it to eight. You’re halfway there, but we only have two people left. One is Munou, Takeshi’s father. Tamahome, start us off.

Tamahome: I don’t know, something about the eyes. I said number one.

Jenrya: One and two look really close standing next to each other. I said two.

Washu: I agree with Tama-chan. It’s one.

Mitsune: And I agree with Jenny-chan. It’s two.

Mike: Takeshi? Once again a split vote. Three points are added no matter who it is.

Takeshi: Assuming that I got it right. I haven’t seen him in awhile.

Barb: Do you even know who it is?

Takeshi: Of course I do. It’s number one… and Kitsune better not have a crush on him.

(Caption: "Total Correct- 11")

Barb: We’re getting down to the wire here. We have Washu’s friend Sasami. Four of you need to get this in order to win the money. We’ll start with Mitsune.

Mitsune: Pressure’s on huh? Well, I just picked the person that looked most like Shinobu. Nobody here really looks like Shinobu, but number six is the next closest thing.

Takeshi: It’s something about those pigtails. I had to go six.

Tamahome: I looked for nice. Six is nice, but number four really looks like a cook extraordinaire.

Jenrya: To reiterate- the pigtails. Number six.

Mike: Washu? If number six is Sasami, 20,000 yen is added to the pot.

Washu: I have good news then!

(She holds up the red "6" card. Cheers from the group. Caption: "Challenge Completed")

Mike: That is Sasami, and you are 20,000 yen richer.

Barb: Let’s meet the entire group, starting with the adults.

(Pan around, to show each of the six men.)
Mike: Number one is indeed Munou, Takeshi’s father while two is actually Tamahome’s father, here with Yuiren. Three is Digimon Adventure’s Koushiro Izumi, four is everyone’s favorite Dr. Seta, five is actually Jenrya’s dad, Januu, while six is Yamaki, also of Tamers fame.

(Pan to show the six girls.)

Barb: Among the girls, one and two are both on loan from Gatekeepers. One is Chinese operative Feiling Fen, while two is the captain’s little sister Saemi Ukiya. Three is Tamahome’s youngest sister Yuiren, while four is Rika from Cardcaptor Sakura.

Mike: Ahem…

Barb: What?

Mike: Subbed names, please.

Barb: Rika is her subbed name.

Mike: Really?

(Barb nods.)

Mike: Huh. I change a name to Rika and Manny changes a name from Rika… we gotta have more communication when we dub anime.

Barb: Anyway, five is Shiuchon Lee, Jenrya’s sis, and six is indeed Sasami from the Tenchi household. Have fun!

(The five players are led to a nearby reception room where the twelve lineup players walk out. Those associated with one of the five head immediately to their person.)

Yuiren: Niichan!

(Yuiren runs up to Tamahome. He smiles brightly, picks her up, and swings her around.)

Yuiren: Niichan!

Tamahome: Hey there Yuiren. Hey pops.

(Tamahome’s dad, who as in the anime will always be referred to as Pops, walks up.)

Pops: Is everything going okay with you here?

Tamahome: Yeah. It’s been great.

(Barb puts a hand on Tamahome’s shoulder.)

Barb: (smiling) Obviously this series takes place before episode twenty-seven.

Tamahome: Why, what happens in episode twenty-seven?

(Barb takes a long look at Yuiren.)

Barb: Nothing!!

(Barb addresses the remainder of the group.)

Barb: Attention! I’m sure you may have noticed that it seems a bit unfair for Jenrya and Tamahome to get two visitors while everybody else gets one. And we’re evening things up a bit. These three obviously couldn’t be in the lineup, since they were already contestants in the first series. Ladies and gentlemen- Satoshi, Naru, and Tenchi.

(Satoshi, Naru, and Tenchi all walk in smiling and head towards Takeshi, Mitsune, and Washu respectively.)

Sasami: Tenchi! It’s so good to see you!

Tenchi: Hey there Sasami, Washu-chan.

Washu: Hey Tenchi. You know how we were all impressed after you won last time?

Tenchi: Yeah?

Washu: I’m not so impressed any more- this game’s easy!

(Tenchi sweatdrops.)

(Shot of Takeshi talking with Munou and Satoshi.)
Takeshi: (VO) It feels great to talk to everybody again. We’re working so hard to play the game, and it’s just great to be able to take time off to remember people we care about.

(Mitsune is talking with Naru and Seta.)

Seta: So how difficult is this game exactly?

Naru: It’s tough. Very tough. I mean, you have to keep your eyes open all the time, and you don’t know who to trust.

Mitsune: It’s a piece of cake!

Naru: I suppose this game is right up your alley, isn’t it?

Seta: What about the challenges?

Mitsune: Those are fun.

Naru: Yeah. Those are great.

Mitsune: We had this one yesterday where we had to chase Su-chan around while she was riding Mecha-Tamago.

Naru: Wow. How’d you do?

Mitsune: We won. Takeshi made a nice dive and got the flag.

(In another corner of the room, Takeshi sneezes.)

Munou: Somebody must be talking about you.

Takeshi: And I think I know who!

(Takeshi walks over to Mitsune. Satoshi and Munou shrug and follow.)

Takeshi: Hey there Kitsune. Who are your friends?

Mitsune: Oh… this is Naru and Seta-san.

(Seta and Takeshi shake hands. Takeshi shakes a nervous Naru’s hand as well.)

Takeshi: Well, I must say, of all the people that have come to visit us today, you certainly are the prettiest.

(Naru gets ready to strike…)

Satoshi: Well duh… all the other girls are eight-year olds.

Naru: Hey!

(Instead of hitting Takeshi, Naru knocks Satoshi upside the head.)

Takeshi: Well handled… he obviously doesn't understand that your beau…

(Naru nails Takeshi.)

Naru: Don’t think you’re immune!

(Off on the sides, Mike and Barb observe.)

Mike: I like these episodes- we don’t have to do anything until the execution.)

Barb: No kidding.

(Saemi Ukiya, number two, nudges Barb’s sleeve.)
Barb: Yes?

Saemi: Hey, what are we supposed to do?

Barb: Who’s we?

(Saemi points to Feiling, Rika, Koushiro, and Yamaki. Koushiro has his arms folded while Yamaki is fiddling with his lighter.)

Barb: Uh…

Mike: I guess they can join in for awhile.

Saemi: I do believe you are under contract to feed us.

Barb: Oh well, stay for dinner if you want.

(Feiling, Rika, and Koushiro head out towards the others, as does Saemi.)

Yamaki: No thanks. Busy.

(Yamaki walks out.)

Mike: See… those are the kind of cameos I like. Say one line and leave.

(Jenrya is with his family. Tamahome is nearby with his.)

Shiuchon: So how long is it going to be Jenrya?

Jenrya: I don’t know. Probably only for another week or so.

Janyuu: What do you think the odds are of you winning?

Jenrya: I like my chances. I’m working with Washu over there to make sure that we’ll be in the finals with whoever the Mole is.

Janyuu: Ah. But do you have a plan to beat Washu? I hope I’m not asking too many questions, but if you’re really set on winning, I want to support you as much as I can.

Jenrya: Well yeah. I mean, of course I have a plan to beat Washu. I’ve figured out what to do. Trust me Dad, I’ll beat Washu.

(Jenrya smiles as Shiuchon walks up to Yuiren.)

Shiuchon: Hello there!

Yuiren: Neechan?

Jenrya: No, this is my sister… her name’s Shiuchon.

Tamahome: Shiuchon, this is Yuiren.

Shiuchon: Yuiren!

Yuiren: Neechan!

(Jenrya sweatdrops.)

Jenrya: Cute kid.

Tamahome: That she is.

Yuiren: Niichan? How long before you win?

Tamahome: I didn’t say I was going to win Yuiren. But don’t worry, if I do, you’ll see every penny of it.

Pops: We don’t doubt you for a second Tamahome.

(Tamahome smiles. Jenrya does as well.)

Jenrya: Wow. So if you win, you’re sending it all to your family?

Tamahome: That’s right. I’m doing this for Pops, Yuiren, Chuei, Gyokuran, and Shunkei. How are they doing anyway?

Pops: They’re good. Chuei’s helping out a lot around the house…

(As they continue the conversation, Janyuu turns to Jenrya.)

Janyuu: We’d better let them talk. Shiuchon, could you let me and Jenrya talk for a minute. I want to hear everything that’s going on with him. I’m sure you can entertain yourself for awhile.

Shiuchon: Definitely!

(Shot of Tamahome and his father talking.)
Tamahome: (VO) This was a really nice reminder of what I’m doing all this for. It’s so easy to forget when you’re out here that there’s a family at home waiting for you. I really want to do well for their sake, and this visit was a great shot in the arm.

(Washu, Tenchi, and Sasami are talking.)
Washu: So how come you’re here instead of the other girls? Because whoever called that shot made a good decision.

Tenchi: I know. I wouldn’t want to deal with Ryoko or anyone else right now. This is your day, Washu.

Sasami: Actually, from what I heard, it was because Ryoko, Aeka, Kiyone, and Mihoshi all got to be on the show last time and I didn’t. They’re making it up right now.

Washu: Oh, so you won by default!

Sasami: (a little sad) I guess so.

Tenchi: Hey don’t worry about it, it’s better than if they ignored you completely. You’re here, and that’s what’s important.

Sasami: (uplifted) Thanks Tenchi.

(Shiuchon strolls into the conversation.)

Sasami: Well hello there. Who are you with?

Shiuchon: Jenrya.

Washu: Ah, so you’re Jenny’s sister?

Shiuchon: Yep.

Tenchi: Well I’m Tenchi, and this is Sasami and Washu.

Sasami: Hi!

Shiuchon: Washu… oh! Jen-niichan was just talking about you! He said he was going to beat you!

(Washu smiles… until she realizes what Shiuchon just said.)

Washu: Really… he did.

Shiuchon: Yup!

(Shiuchon strolls away to a very confused Washu.)

Washu: Jenrya said he’s going to beat me?

Tenchi: Don’t take it seriously Washu. I don’t think anybody could beat you at a game like this.

Sasami: That’s right Washu, you’re the smartest person I know.

(Washu smiles.)

Washu: That’s right! He can’t beat me! I’m Washu!

Washu: I’m just going to laugh it off for now, but I won’t forget he said that. I haven’t seen enough evidence that tells me not to trust Jenrya, but he’s certainly making me nervous.

(Finally, Takeshi is talking Dr. Seta.)

Takeshi: So anyway, Dr. Seta, how is it that you’re so popular with the ladies?

Seta: Women always fall for smart, handsome men that graduate from Tokyo University.

Takeshi: Dr. Seta, I would like to apply for Tokyo University as soon as possible.

(Meanwhile, Mitsune and Naru are talking.)

Naru: What’s with him anyway?

Mitsune: Takeshi? He’s one to watch. He’s fun to play with too…

Naru: You and him aren’t…

Mitsune: Of course not! Totally not my type. But it’s a blast watching him try!

(Satoshi enters the scene.)

Satoshi: What I can’t figure out is Seta. I don’t understand how anyone can get a crush on their teacher.

(Before Naru can slug Satoshi, something catches her eye.)

Seta: I guess women just love a guy that can teach…

(Seta notices it too… he looks down to see Rika staring up at him.)

Seta: (pleasant) Can I help you?

Rika: (dreamily) Um… er… no.

(Mitsune and Naru face fault. Satoshi scratches his head.)

Mitsune: All in all, this is great. My best friend’s here. Seta-san’s always fun to be around. You get to meet all the other people’s families. This has been a fantastic day.

(The entire group, including a few of the extras, are seated around dinner. Barb raises a glass)

Barb: After the chef went on a nervous breakdown from having to serve all of you, we’re finally ready to eat. Good thing you’re here Sasami or we’d all be starving.

Sasami: No problem!

Barb: Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the guests are going to be staying here for the night, and will leave tomorrow morning. This gives you extra time to be with them. The bad news- one contestant, along with their guests, will be leaving tonight. Tonight is the tenth quiz, followed by an execution. Ten questions will determine whether or not you stay in the game. Jenrya- last night you earned an exemption. You will automatically advance to the next round. As for the rest of you, good luck. I’m sure you do not want to be executed tonight. If you want to know how it feels… ask Satoshi.

(Satoshi rolls his eyes.)

Jenrya: Well now I am glad that I got the exemption. I mean, except for maybe the first one, the worst time to be executed is when you have family watching. I’m just really relieved that I don’t have to worry about something like that happening.

(Shot of Tamahome entering a room to take the quiz. Yuiren gives him a hug.)
Yuiren: Good luck.

Tamahome: Thanks.

(Tamahome goes inside)

(Shot of Takeshi taking the quiz. His question is "How many places away from Mike did the Mole sit in the Visitors game?")
Takeshi: (VO) Kitsune missed a lot of opportunities to catch Kaolla. I mean, Kaolla jumped into her arms and she wasn’t able to get the flag. She also missed the most questions about our guests.

(Shot of Mitsune taking the quiz. Her question is "Which row did the Mole sit in during the last execution?")
Mitsune: (VO) Takeshi’s been really dramatic about team unity and such. I don’t know if this is how he acts when Kenji’s not around or it’s just a cover. I don’t know, I don’t buy into it all that much.

(Shot of Tamahome taking the quiz. His question is "Who is one person that visited the Mole?")
Tamahome: (VO) Washu could still definitely be the Mole. She’s the loner of the group, and she always comes up with the weirdest stuff during challenges, half of which doesn’t work. I think she’s really keeping to herself, even with her coalition with Jenrya.

(Shot of Washu taking the quiz. Her question is "What happened to the Mole during the Hunter games?")
Washu: (VO) For now, I’m trusting Jenrya. My gut instinct says to drop him right now to be on the safe side, but I’m going to proceed very cautiously. If he is the Mole, I have to have the presence to see that. If he’s not, we could be involved in some serious mind games between each other very soon. I still think I can beat him there.

(As an added treat, camera talk with the ten visitors. First is Janyuu and Shiuchon.)
Janyuu: I’m sure that Jenrya would do a good job in whatever they assign him. If he’s the Mole, he has me fooled.

Shiuchon: I think Jen-niichan's going to win.

(Satoshi and Munou)
Satoshi: I don’t think that Takeshi’s the Mole. But if he was, he could do a great job of it.

Munou: He could be the Mole. I’d have to spend more time with him to see if he really is or not.

(With Naru and Seta…)
Seta: Kitsune-chan is playing the game well. I don’t think she’s the Mole though. I’d put money on her winning, but I doubt that she’s the Mole.

Naru: Yeah. Kitsune is in her atmosphere. I think she’s having a lot more fun than I did.

(Tamahome’s dad and Yuiren.)
Pops: Tamahome’s a good kid. He could fool a lot of people. Many question his motivations, but I know exactly how good a person my son is.

(And finally, Tenchi and Sasami.)
Tenchi: Actually, it could be Washu. It sounds a bit crazy, but I think that the possibility is there.

Sasami: If she’s not the Mole, she’s winning. And that’s that.

(The reception room from before. It has been cleared away so that there’s room for the five players and each of their guests. Barb presides.)

Barb: You know, we might as well make this festive. Tenchi, Satoshi, Naru? Do you remember how this works?

(They nod.)

Barb: Show us how it’s done then.

(They smile and stand up.)

Satoshi: Uh… we’ll enter your names into the computer one at a time.

Tenchi: If a green thumbprint appears, you’ve made it to the next round.

Naru: If a red thumbprint appears… buh bye! Also, I guess the little blue-haired kid’s earned an exemption.

Tenchi: So he can’t be executed tonight.

Satoshi: Who’s first?

(Takeshi raises a hand. Satoshi heads to the computer.)

Takeshi: Uh… actually Satoshi… could you have Tenchi type it in? Sorry… I’m feeling a bit superstitious.

(Tenchi walks over and types "TAKESHI" into the computer. Takeshi is fairly calm.)

(It flashes green. Takeshi nods.)

Tenchi: Who’s next?

(Washu raises a hand. Tenchi types "WASHU" into the computer.)
Tenchi: I don’t have to add the –chan, do I?

(It flashes green. Washu smiles.)

Tenchi: Tamahome?

(Tenchi types "TAMAHOME" into the computer.)

(It flashes red.)

Jenrya: (shocked) Oh wow.

(Tamahome is visibly sad.)

Yuiren: Niichan?

Tamahome: (sadly) I guess we have to go.

(Tamahome stands up with his dad and Yuiren and heads out with Barb. The rest of the group is visibly saddened.)

Tamahome: (VO) Why tonight? Just as I was feeling uplifted and inspired again. I’m just at a loss for words right now. I didn’t want it to end. Not in front of Yuiren. Dammit.

(Inside, the group is still shocked.)

Jenrya: You really have to feel sorry for him. He didn’t have a lot, and he really had a purpose for winning. We had a few problems, but when you think about it- he’s the real deal. He goes all out for the things that are important to him, and you just wish that there were more people like that in the world.

(Janyuu pats his son on the shoulder.)

(Outside, Tamahome, Yuiren, and Daddy get into the van. After they get in, Tamahome turns to Barb.)

Tamahome: Seriously… what happens in episode twenty-seven?

Barb: Seriously… nothing.

(The van drives off. That’s the end of that chapter.)

End Episode Ten

Author’s Notes
Hey, we needed some tear-jerker drama before cutting Fushigi Yuugi off. Just like Motoko’s last bow, I had to include something to make you realize that Fushigi Yuugi is not primarily a comedy. While it does have it’s share of comedic moments, it’s a very deep dramatic work, and a very good one at that.

I’m not going to say what happens in episode twenty-seven, since it’s obviously a spoiler. If you want to know, e-mail me.

I must apologize to those that are familiar with the foreign Moles. In most of the challenges where a player runs and hides to get an exemption, usually the player does dress as a cameraman or production worker. I did not have time to think up something different.

Anyway, next episode will hopefully hit the plot hard, since we have two really shaky coalitions right now- Jenrya and Washu in one and Mitsune and Takeshi in another. Who will win? Who will lose? That’s not answered yet! Only two episodes before we do though. Release! Sorry… I’ve been watching too much CCS.