A/N: Well hello again my lovely readers! And what do ya know, I hit 100! I actually said to myself, from the start of this fic (and the other one) that if it got 100 reviews, I'd create a website for it. Mind, you I wasn't expecting to get 100 on either of them (especially not this one :-P). I pretty much started this fic blindly when I was in a silly mood. I found that the more I added to it, the sillier my mood got, and surprisingly, the more you guys enjoyed and reviewed so thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, so, so much! Well I guess that means I have to get started on the website, huh? Well if that's the case, I'll be posting the uncut versions of my stories on the site and not aff. Let's see what to put on it, hmm. I wanted to create a wallpaper of sorts for this story with all of the anime characters, so that's a start. I dunno, I'm rambling...BLAH! Well, on with the show, and I hope you enjoy because today the contestants are gonna make like Tommy Lee and get, get NAKED! (Uh-oh!)

Disclaimer: See first chapter for disclaimers n' such.

Song Disclaimer: "Crush" lyrics ownership of Jennifer Paige.

Warning: Some adult content...wait, that's all this fic is...adult friggin' content! Oh yeah and again with the lengthyness!


Battle of the Sexes: Anime Style

Chapter 12: Strip Jeopardy!

White Shore 0805 hours...

The sunlight peered in through the slits of the blinds in the boys' villa filling up the living area with a soft warm glow of cream and gold. The cry of the gulls minced with the ambience of the tide that beat against the shore created a rather tranquil setting, especially considering the fact that many of the boys had yet to awaken. They had worn themselves out the previous night, having entertained themselves with indoor games and jokes. Most of the jokes' subject matter had to do with a certain pink-haired girl's recent hardships, much to the annoyance of Kurama.

Kurama: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) I was glad that most of my other comrades had decided to sleep late, considering how utterly insensitive this contest is making them. For them to laugh at poor Lacus like that is beyond immoral on so many levels.

The previous night...

The entire villa was filled up with heavy baritone laughter and snorts as the boys sprawled out on the floor and living couches. Spike and Vash retreated at the bar and nearly choked on their Tequila shots once Yusuke told his next joke.

"Hey guys check this!" Yusuke began with a goofy grin. "Kuwabara come here for a second!" Yusuke chuckled.

"What?" Kuwabara laughed as he stood to his feet.

"Just come here! Stand right here in front of me!" Yusuke eagerly instructed the orange-haired boy.

"Okay, what now?" Kuwabara shrugged, looking towards his still-sitting teammates for some sort of support.

"Remember?" Yusuke started.

"Oh yeah!" Kuwabara brightened as he sat on the edge of the hassock, the palms of his hands resting stiffly on his knees as his demeanor went from super-masculine to super-feminine.

"Ahem. I'm here with Miss Lacus Clyne..." Yusuke began as the rest of the guys sighed in eager anticipation, knowing that what was soon to follow would be simply hilarious. "And today, she's going to find out a secret from her barely known boyfriend. Miss Clyne, how do you feel?"

"Why Jerry, I'm completely and utterly clueless as to what my beloved has to share with me today." Kuwabara responded in mock falcetto, breaking his wrist in an overly feminine fashion as he spoke with hand gestures.

"Well let's bring him out shall we, Yuki?" Yusuke pointed towards the bathroom door and out strut Dearka dressed in drag, as he switched his hips to sit next to Kuwabara, who had a dumbfounded look on his face. Dearka did a rather girly swirl and sat down on the edge of the hassock crossing his legs and bobbing his foot up and down. The other boys could barely breathe as they laughed at the display.

"Oh my beloved Yuki, what is it that you have to tell me?" Kuwabara questioned in his falcetto sounding rather dizty as he crossed his eyes to further emphasize the supposed 'stupidty' of his character. The other boys at this point were red as beets as they continued to laugh tears.

"Well...Lacus...dear...I've been hiding something from you." Dearka said in an overly emotional tone as he mockingly batted his eyes into Kuwabara's direction.

"Oh my! Whatever could it be?" Kuwabara turned towards their 'audience,' and in an over exaggerated representation of shock, placed his hands on his cheeks, opening his mouth in an 'O' fashion.

"Well...'dear'...I'm...a homosexual! Oh!" Dearka placed the back of his hand on his forehead and mock fainted onto the ground, and the 'crowd' went wild.

"Oh no! How could this be? My life is over! Oh!" Kuwabara was the next to faint in a rather satirical version of females in early 30's romance movies. The entire villa literally fell out, including Dearka and Kuwabara who remained on the floor as their stomachs began to ache from the pressure.

"You're all a bunch of bigots!" Kurama interrupted from the top of the steps, causing the room to calm down.

"No we're not!" Yusuke sniffed. "Honestly, we feel sorry for Lacus. Right guys?" Yusuke regarded his other teammates.

"Yeah!" They all responded in unison.

"As a matter of fact, we all made a card for her, and signed it! See!" Yusuke held up the said card and Kurama couldn't help but frown.

"Why does it have a rainbow flag on the front?" Kurama questioned flatly.

"Well...apparently..." Yusuke began to crack up again. "That's the type of BLEEP she's into!" The entire villa burst out laughing once more causing Kurama to turn on his heels and head for his room slamming the door upon entrance.

Back to the present day...

"Completely immature, those loud-mouthed barbarians!" Kurama growled as the previous day ran through his mind.

Kurama: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) I'm very worried about Lacus. And I'm sure that male company is the last thing that she would like to put up with at the moment, but I feel compelled to do something. I just don't know what exactly I could do for her. Competition aside, a woman's heart is a delicate gem. And as such it must be treated with care. If you live by this principal, I guarantee...your relationships with women will forever prosper. KNOWING SMILE

"How long have you been up fox?" Hiei yawned as he entered into the living area in his pajama bottoms, rubbing his eyes.

"A while now." Kurama responded shortly as he took a seat on the couch, sipping some tea and reading the newspaper.

Hiei just narrowed his eyes into Kurama's direction, a little taken aback by the red-head being so curt with him.

Hiei: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) Kurama had been acting slightly cold towards the rest of us ever since yesterday. I know why, and truthfully...I couldn't care less.

Hiei simply shrugged as he perched himself on a stool by the bar, leaning over the counter lazily as he stared at the strayed peanut crumbs and water marks on its surface.

"What's up man?" Ed entered from the kitchen with a bowl of cereal. Lucky Charms to be exact.

"What makes you ask?" Hiei questioned blandly.

"Well, you look as if someone just told you to go BLEEP yourself." Ed stated simply as he leaned on the otherside of the bar counter and continued to eat his cereal.

"Hn. He might as well have." Hiei huffed.

"He? He who?" Ed furrowed his brow.

"Kurama." Hiei bobbed his head back into the red-head's direction, who was continuing to sip his tea and read the paper in the living area silently to himself.

"Why, what'd you do?" Ed questioned with a stuffed mouth.

"What makes you think it was I who did something?" Hiei glared.

"Whoa easy! I just mean, what would make him get an attitude with you?" Ed looked a little confused.

Ed: Full Metal Alchemist (Guys) Kurama doesn't seem like the type to cop an attitude for no reason. Especially with Hiei, the two seem to be cool with each other, so it's anyone's guess what his problem is.

"Who cares?" Hiei basically gritted as he hopped down from the barstool to head towards the steps. Just then the doorbell rang, prompting Hiei to go and answer it. With an exasperated sigh, he unlocked door and opened it to find Pan standing before him in black shorts a red tank and sandals with a slightly annoyed expression plastered on her face. "What?"

Pan: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) Ugh! Of all of the girls that could've gone, I had to be the only NON-lazy one! Damn I hate my team!

"Here." Pan coldly held out a blue slip of paper.

"What is that?" Hiei glanced at the paper sourly.

"It's your laundry ticket. You know, for more fresh bedsheets and towels. It got delivered to the wrong villa." Pan sighed.

"Laundry ticket?" Hiei repeated.

"Yeah, did I stutter? Your laundry ticket!" Pan growled.

"Yeah Hiei, remember when Yzak spilled juice on my bed!" Dearka reminded.

"Oh." Hiei took the ticket from the small raven-haired girl, who rolled her eyes, and releasing one more sigh, turned to leave.

"Genius." Pan sighed.

Hiei shut the door and walked back towards the bar counter and placed the ticket under the candy dish.

"Man, that chick has got it bad." Dearka chuckled as he sipped his orange juice.

"What are you talking about?" Hiei questioned lowly.

"Ah, how can I put this?" Dearka scratched his chin as he ventured toward the small Fire Demon. "Hmm, well, I'll just say this. Sachiya isn't the one that you should be worried about, Pan is." Dearka smirked.

"Hn! That's ridiculous! I hate that idiot girl and she hates me!" Hiei scoffed.

"Yeah, hates to love ya!" Yusuke added as he made his way down the steps.

"Yusuke, how long have you been awake?" Hiei interrogated.

"Long enough to see that obvious love-struck expression that's written all over little Panny's face." Yusuke teased.

"Hn." Hiei frowned.

"Believe me, she's smitten, I know when my niece has a crush! And I especially know how she can get, when she doesn't wanna have one!" Goten chuckled from the top of the stairs.

"Scary." Trunks shook his head.

"VERY scary!" Goten agreed.

Hiei: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) Those fools have no idea what they are talking about. And even if they do, I can guarantee that I will NOT be receptive to her pathetic advances. CLEARS THROAT AND SNIFFS Stupid girl!

...It's just, a little crush, not like I faint everytime we touch. It's just, some little thing, not like everything I do depends on you.

Morning in Starfish...

"Yes...oh you have no idea the drama that's been going on here!" Serena curled up in the den and conversed with her boyfriend, Darien on the house phone.

Serena: Sailor Moon (Gals) I really miss Darien! And after everything that's been going on around here, it just makes me wish that he was with me you know. AWKWARD PAUSE You know...because I miss him. ANOTHER AWKWARD PAUSE Okay so I wanna keep tabs on him! I'm not being paranoid! I'm just you know...being cautious! I trust him entirely but, we did kinda leave on bad terms. Long boring story but, you know how that is. SIGHS

"Yeah...so everything's okay back at home...I know it's probably late there now." Serena continued with her conversation.

"Yeah, it's almost nighttime. But hey, all that stuff you're worried about, forget it, I know you, you'll get through it. So don't worry about what's going on at home and just focus on winning okay?" Darien encouraged over the phone.

"Okay. I love you." Serena hummed.

"I love you too." Darien hummed back over the phone.

Tokyo Japan 8:33pm

Darien reached over towards the nightstand beside his bed to place the phone back on its receiver. Rolling over on his side he felt the soft hand roam up his bare chest causing him to sigh in delight.

"Is everything ok?" The girl questioned.

"Yeah." He smirked as he rolled over onto her, the girl releasing a rather girlish giggle as the two began to play.

Daytona Beach, FL U.S.A- Starfish Villa...

Serena released a sigh of relief as she uncurled herself from the plush chair she rested in to head for the kitchen. Just then a cheery jingle sounded from the bar counter drawing her attention into that direction. "Is that the cell phone?" She questioned.

"Well it's a cell phone, but not the one for the house." Faye answered as she went over towards the bar.

"Who's cell is this?" Hilde noticed the pink customized cell phone that continued to sing on the bar counter.

"Ooh, it's Lacus' cell!" Cagalli observed as she retrieved the device and trot her way up the stairs to knock on the girl's door. "Lacus!" Cagalli knocked as the phone continued to sing the rendition of a pop song. "Lacus, your phone is ringing."

"I'm sure she realizes that by now, Cagalli." Fllay sighed causing the blonde to frown.

"Come on Lacus, it could be important! What if it's Murrue wanting to see how you're doing? Or Andy even?" Cagalli tried to get the other girl to open the door.

Cagalli: Gundam Seed (Gals) Lacus had spent the entire rest of yesterday locked in her room. I ended up having to sleep on the couch. I wasn't mad at her. I was more pissed with the person who caused her to act this way. A certain blonde, lying bastard who shall remain nameless at this time!

The phone had finally stopped ringing just as Lacus opened the door. She had a horrible case of bed hair and her eyes were red and puffy as if she had been crying all night. She spared Cagalli a short glance and then the pink object that the other girl held in her hand. Her haro floated from behind resting ontop of her head as it spoke to the 'visitor' in random sprouts of broken english.

"Bad day! Bad day! Boys suck! How are you?" Mr. Pink chirped causing Cagalli to just sigh and shake her head.

Lacus grabbed her cell phone from Cagalli and spared the message window a glance. Checking her caller id, she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion at seeing the number. She then went back into her room, shutting the door as she proceeded to return the call. The phone rang for a while before someone finally answered, causing Lacus' eyes to widen.

"Ooh, surprise! Surprise! Call back later!" Mr. Pink sang.

Outside of Lacus' door, Cagalli and Fllay were making their way back down stairs meeting up with Botan at the base of the steps.

"I can't believe that Lacus has been in there all night." Botan shook her head.

"Can you blame her?" Fllay began in a bitter tone. "Yuki broke her heart...the bastard!" Fllay growled causing the rest of the girls to just shake their heads.

It was then that the house's Nokia cell phone rang, bringing Keiko to answer it. "Hey guys, listen to this." She began to read off the message. "Get ready to bare it all in this contest of speed and brains. Be prepared to leave the villas at 10am sharp. You'll need nothing but intelligence for this challenge." Keiko just shook her head.

Keiko: Yu Yu Hakusho (Gals) The message didn't sound like the challenge was going to be hard. Which was a big relief considering yesterday's challenge.

"So I guess that means we're what...solving puzzles or something?" Kagome questioned.

"Sounds like." Bra sighed.

Bra: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) I sure hope not! I hate puzzles. Mostly because I suck at solving them! I consider Hell for me would be an eternity spent watching Wheel of Fortune!

"Well girls, I guess that we will have to put on our thinking caps today!" Botan perked, earning nods from the rest of the girls who scattered and began to prepare to leave for the challenge.

Eighth Challenge: Strip Jeopardy!

"What's up guys!" Jonny greeted as he stood centered between two rows of game show-like podiums.

"Hey!" The contestants greeted back.

Beside him stood Sachiya winking and waving into Hiei's direction, causing the Fire Demon to sigh in irritation. Pan saw the action from where she was standing and all she could do was sigh in exasperation. "Ugh, does she ever give up?" Pan pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Why are you so bugged by it?" Bra cocked an eye.

"Because, it's annoying! What moron would have the hots for that bite-sized creep?" Pan growled causing Bra to just arch an eyebrow.

Bra: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) Ohhh no. I knew this would happen! Pan...she's such a dumbass sometimes! CHUCKLES

"Well guys, today we're going to challenge your mental abilities!" Jonny began. The game show podiums were placed outdoors near a park in a shaded area. Centered before them was a large board, covered by a curtain. They were all curious as to what they would be doing that day. What challenges lied ahead. "As you can see there are game show podiums before you. You will all be competing together in a game of Jeopardy! DJ cue the music!" Jonny announced as the said DJ, who just so happened to be Brad the diver from the previous day's challenge, cued the Jeopardy theme and a bunch of strobe lights illuminated the area as Jonny leaned against his own podium.

"Oh wow! That sounds cool!" Meryl chimed.

"Hm, I love that game!" Catherine added.

"Ah, but you see the rules for our version are a little different." Jonny smirked.

Miriallia: Gundam Seed (Gals) Uh-oh...smirking host, not good. SHAKES HEAD

"Well in OUR version of Jeopardy, you won't just be playing for points. You're playing...for clothes." Jonny smiled, inwardly chuckling at the many blank stares that got cast his way by the competitors.

"Wait, you mean..." Yusuke trailed.

"That's right, ladies and gentlemen welcome to your next challenge...Strip Jeopardy!" Jonny grinned.

Cagalli: Gundam Seed (Gals) What the BLEEP!

"The winner today, with the most points will receive the following." Jonny nodded towards Sachiya to read off the team prize.

"Yes, Jonny. Today's winner will recieve of course the Chibi Wolf Hero...aww so cute!" Sachiya cuddled the little snow white Kiba plushy to her face.

"Stop it." Kiba growled, sounding much like a wolf which was strange considering that he appeared human at the time.

"Oh hush! Okay, the Chibi Wolf Hero, and this team prize!" Sachiya unveiled a table full of tickets. "Tickets to a month-long fully paid tour of Europe! Places include, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK! Oh and by the way, boys you have a starting score of 8590. Girls you have a starting score of 6320. Gotta kick it up ladies!" Sachiya announced to which everyone pretty much savored.

Aeka: Tenchi Muyo/Universe (Gals) The team prize was beautiful. I could see myself on a lovely vacation with my dearest Tenchi! RYOKO STORMS IN

Ryoko: Dream on princess! You know that Tenchi would want to go with me over you anyday!

Aeka: Oh stop it, he'd have to attend with the both of us being that we would both have the tickets! INSERT 'LIGHTENING-EYES' STARING CONTEST HERE

"Wait a minute, I don't get it, you said we'll be playing for clothes?" Keiko frowned.

"Yes, if you answer a question right, you gain points for yourself and your team. However, if you answer wrong, you lose points for yourself and your team, and...not to mention, an article of clothing. If you end up fully naked, you forfeit your points from the team and yourself. So the object is to stay as clothed as possible, of course, to not only preserve your dignity, but also your points. The team with the most points, and clothed members at the end of the challenge, wins." Jonny explained.

Sango: Inuyasha (Gals) So basically, if we got an answer right, we got to keep our clothes. But if we answered wrong, we lose not just points, but possibly...a sock!

"So we don't HAVE to take off our clothes?" Winry questioned causing the boys to grow impatient.

"NO! Weren't you listening? Damn!" Yzak snapped.

"Shut-up, I'm not asking you, I'm asking Jonny! Last time I checked, you're not him!" Winry shot back.

"Who the BLEEP do you think you're talking to?" Yzak growled as he stepped to the blonde girl, only to be held back by Dearka by his white tee.

"Cool it man." Dearka whispered.

"The silver-haired ass BLEEP, who doesn't know when to mind his own business!" Winry growled causing everyone to do a bunch of instigating 'ooh's' at her retort.

"Guys!" Jonny stepped in. "In response to Winry's question, no you do not HAVE to take off of your clothes. If you play the game right, you could very well walk away with Europe tickets in a fully clothed body." Jonny sighed.

"But still, this is a little extreme!" Kagome shrieked.

"Only if you make it that way. Alright teams, we'll give you five minutes to get yourselves together and then we're gonna get started." Jonny explained as he and Sachiya sat down in their seats.

"Good luck, Hiei." Sachiya winked towards the Fire Demon, causing Pan to suck her teeth and roll her eyes in irritation, catching Hiei's attention.

"Hm." He narrowed his eyes into Pan's direction as if to study her carefully. Suddenly, his eyes widened as his left eyebrow raised in disbelief.

Hiei: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) ...BLANK STARE...

Dammit!

"I'm not doing it!" Keiko shook her head as she, Botan, Cagalli, Kagome, Lacus and Aeka all sat under a tree deciding whether or not they were going to participate in the challenge.

"I totally agree! I couldn't dare see myself taking off my clothes infront of those jerks!" Kagome frowned.

Kagome: Inuyasha (Gals) Especially not Miroku! My GOD, that's a disasterous humiliation waiting to happen!

"Right, so what do you suggest?" Botan sighed.

"Boycott." Lacus added lowly.

"Right, if we don't go through with it, then they'll have to change the challenge!" Cagalli raised.

"Why that's a marvelous idea!" Aeka nodded.

Faye: Cowboy Bebop (Gals) Some of the girls were being all childish and whining about the challenge. The rules were simple, you wouldn't have to take off your clothes if you got an answer right! So don't answer, unless you're sure your answer is right! GOD! BLEEPING idiots!

"Are they actually not going to do the challenge?" Hilde came up beside Faye as the two observed the girls who sat afar.

"Yeah. Morons. All you have to do is not answer if you're afraid you'll get it wrong!" Faye folded her arms.

"You just be sure with your answer, that's all." Hilde added.

"Right! So what the BLEEP are they crying about?" Faye huffed as she waved her hand in their direction, and turned to leave for the challenge site.

Hilde: Gundam Wing (Gals) I don't know why some of the girls couldn't reason that if they got an answer RIGHT then they would get to stay CLOTHED...geez! It's embarrassing, because none of the guys were complaining. Well, except for Hiei...but he had reasons.

"I forbid you to allow Yukina to participate in this challenge!" Hiei faced off with Jonny, his tattooed arm beginning to smoke as Jonny remained steadfast that the decision was up to the girl in question.

"I can't not allow Yukina to participate, Hiei man, I'm sorry." Jonny held up his hands in a submissive manner.

"Hn." Hiei glared.

"Oh don't worry Hiei-chan! I'm sure that if Yukina is as smart as you, she won't have to worry about getting any of the answers wrong!" Sachiya crooned.

"She knows nothing of Ningenkai you stupid girl!" Hiei growled.

"Look, I can't keep Yukina out of the challenge, it's not fair to the girls, you'll just have to hope that she gets all of her answers right." Jonny let out a nervous chuckle.

"Oh yes, I do hope. For YOUR sake, that is." And with that, Hiei turned on his heels and headed back towards his team, leaving Jonny to stand in fear.

"Oh crap." Jonny gulped.

After five minutes had passed, both teams decided to go head to head in the challenge. The girls were unfortunately at an automatic starting disadvantage being that six of their teammates refused to participate.

Julia: Cowboy Bebop (Gals) Thanks to us having a bunch of cry-babies on our team, we ended up starting with an automatic disadvantage. Those cowardly bitches! Well, except for Lacus, I think she actually had a reason to not feel up to competing in a game that pretty much requires you to be nude in front of a bunch of men. In which case I say, Eiri Yuki...you BLEEPING bastard! CLEARS THROAT But, I still love your work.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen this...is...Strip...Jeopardy!" At Jonny's announcement, Brad cued a rock like-mix of the Jeopardy theme as both teams faced one another behind their podiums. The boys stood behind blue podiums as the girls stood behind pink podiums, both quite anxious to start the game. "Alright Sachiya show the game board please."

"Right away Jonny." Sachiya nodded as she lifted the curtain from the game board.

"The categories Sachiya!" Jonny prompted.

"Okay we have: Comedians, Geography, The Civil War, 21st Century Music, Science and Nature, and Vocabulary!" Sachiya read off the categories.

Yusuke: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) I found it quite interesting that for the girls team the main ones who found the challenge immoral and refused to participate, were the smartest ones. Now THAT'S ironic! STARTS LAUGHING

"Alright girls being that you're at an automatic disadvantage, we'll start with you." Jonnny started. "Pan, you have command of the board."

"Okay, umm, Vocabulary for 200 points." Pan selected her question.

"Alright, the answer: This word is the term for the knightly code for qualities like courtesy and valor." Jonny waited for someone to ring in, luckily Pan came in immediately. "Pan!"

"What is...ah..." Pan scratched her head. "Damn its on the tip of my tongue!"

"Hurry up and answer, you've got five seconds." Jonny warned.

"Ooh! Chivalry! What is chivalry?" Pan answered exictedly.

"Chivalry is...correct!" Jonny stated causing the girls to bounce up and down in celebration.

"Pan, it's still on you." Jonny informed.

"Okay, Vocabulary for 400 points." Pan made her selection.

"Answer: This word can mean to take off from the top of a liquid or to pass swiftly over." Jonny read the answer earning a small break of silence before someone from the boys team rang in. "Yes, Kurama!"

"What is skim." Kurama answered with confidence.

"Skim is correct for 400 points!" Jonny nodded.

"Alright Kurama!" His team cheered him on.

Spike: Cowboy Bebop (Guys) Man, it's good to have a genius on your team.

"Kurama you now have control of the board." Jonny stated.

"Science and Nature for 200 points please." Kurama selected earning a bunch of sighs from both sides.

"Alrighty then: It is the main metal in both bronze and brass. Whoa! Okay Fllay!" Jonny was taken aback at how quickly the rasberry-haired girl rang in.

Fllay: Gundam Seed (Gals) I knew that Kurama knew the answer, he was getting that over confident look as the question was being read. So...I panicked. What do you expect? We were at a disadvantage! But, I admit, I probably should've waited until an easy question was asked before I panicked. SHEEPISH GRIN

"Fllay, your answer." Jonny pushed.

"Uhh...umm, I...what is gold!" Fllay blurted out.

"WHAT!" Hilde frowned.

Hilde: Gundam Wing (Gals) Even I knew that was wrong!

"Umm, no...gold is not the correct answer." Jonny arched an eyebrow responding to the next person to ring in. "Kurama!"

"What is copper?" Kurama answered calmly.

"Yes, copper is correct for 200 points! Fllay, start taking something off. Come on, shouldn't be THAT hard for you." Jonny sighed.

"Hey!" Fllay pouted as she slipped her blouse over her head revealing her pink lace bra, trying desperately to ignore the whistles coming from the boys team.

"Don't you answer not ANOTHER question!" Faye growled towards Fllay.

"But what if I know the answer?" Fllay whined.

"Yeah, right...okay." Faye chuckled.

"Okay, Kurama, you have control of the board." Jonny stated.

"Yes, I'll take Science and Nature for 400 points please."

"Alright, the answer: When lightening strikes the sand, it can melt and fuse it into a type of this, called fulgurite. Yes, Kurama."

"What is glass?" Kurama answered.

"That is correct!"

Faye: Cowboy Bebop (Gals) Man, Kurama was really starting to piss me off! He kept getting all of the answers! It was like the game was out of our hands. Well, at first anyway. SMIRKS

"Wait!" Lacus came in from the side, stopping the game briefly.

"Yes Lacus?" Jonny addressed her.

"I'd...like to participate. Is it too late?" Lacus asked timidly.

"Well, technically you're suppposed to be playing anyway so I guess, as long as you're not adding to the team if it were already filled I guess it's okay."

"It is." Sachiya finished. "I read that boring ass rule book you gave me. She didn't DQ, and technically she's supposed to be playing so she can come in now."

"Alright then, Lacus, step on up." Jonny nodded.

"What are you doing?" Miriallia whispered to the pink-haired girl to her left.

"What I have to." She answered flatly.

"Kurama you still have control of the board."

"Hm." Kurama nodded, casting a quick glance into Lacus' direction before proceeding. "Science and Nature for 800 points."

"From their size, which is about 2.5 centimeters, and how they crawl, caterpillers of the moth family are sometimes called this. Wow! Lacus!"

"What are inchworms?" Lacus answered.

"Yes, that is correct." Jonny smiled as the girls cheered their mini-victory.

"The Civil War for 200 points please." Lacus selected.

"Alright: On March 12, 1864, he was promoted to commander of all Union Forces. Lacus!"

"Who is..."

Lacus: Gundam Seed (Gals) I think it was a rather good plan. Considering my speculations, I was more than certain that it would work.

"Who is...General Custer?" Lacus answered.

"No, sorry."

"Darn." Lacus sighed as she proceeded to raise her pink tank over her head revealing her very bare chest to all that were present.

"Kurama!"

Kurama had buzzed in immediately after Lacus' wrong answer but unfortunately, once the pink-haired girl had removed her tank, he found that he was unable to speak. "Who..."

"Kurama?" Athrun furrowed his eyebrows, trying his best to keep his eyes away from Lacus' direction. He couldn't help but frown at Dearka, who made no effort to avert his gaze but only gaped like a lost child.

"Hey man snap out of it, you gotta answer!" Kuwabara was growing worried.

"Who is...is..."

Kurama: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) Oh, she is good. VERY good. Almost delectable. SIGHS

"Five seconds man." Jonny warned.

"Kurama! Come on!" Yzak growled, even though, he too had a hard time averting his gaze from Lacus' half nude form. A VERY...HARD...time.

"I..." Kurama froze. Suddenly out of nowhere, he caught a nosebleed and passed out.

Lacus: Gundam Seed (Gals) And men say that women are easy! HA!

"Aw, you gotta be BLEEPING kidding me!" Yusuke griped.

Yusuke: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) Dammit! Kurama was our smartest guy! So we were left to depend on the Coordinators. SUCKS TEETH Lovely.

"Hmph. What a simple weakling." Sesshomaru scoffed.

"What the hell's his problem?" Inuyasha grumbled.

"Well, that question's null and void. The answer is Ulyssus S. Grant. Lacus you still have control of the board."

"Yes." Lacus took this time to cover her bare chest with her arms as she proceeded to make her selection. "Geography for 200 points please."

"Answer: This river is 250 miles longer than the Amazon." Jonny read the question. "Lacus!"

"What is the Nile?" Lacus answered with high confidence.

"Correct!"

"Alright, I'll take Geography for 400 points!" Lacus declared.

"This Asian country has the highest number of horses per capita in the world. Pan!"

"That's easy! What is Japan!" Pan answered.

"Umm no, sorry."

"What? What do you mean 'no?'" Pan placed her hands on her hips.

"I mean, no that's not the right answer."

"Oh come on!" Pan growled.

"Stop protesting and start taking something off. Yes, Kira."

"What is Mongolia?" Kira answered.

"Mongolia is correct for 400 points!"

"Alright!" Kira cheered.

"Pan, your bandana doesn't count as an article of clothing." Jonny sighed.

"Huh?" Pan gave a horrified look into Jonny's direction.

Bra gave the other girl a gentle nudge. "You have to take something else off hon."

Pan then decided to slip out of her sandals, looking even more horrified as she saw Jonny shaking his head. "Come on! Those are TOTALLY articles of clothing!"

"I guess I should've mentioned this in the beginning. Shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, and underwear only count."

"WHAT!" Pan turned beet red. She shifted her gaze discreetly into Hiei's direction and noticed that he was staring directly at her. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

Pan: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) I HATE THE WHOLE WORLD! EVERYTHING IS SO UNFAIR!

Sighing and with a beyond obvious cherry red tint to her cheeks, Pan slipped out of her red tank, covering her bare chest with her arms. She spared Hiei a quick glance and noticed that he was purposely averting his eyes. However, she couldn't ignore the light rose tint to his cheeks. Was he blushing? "What the hell?" She questioned under her breath.

"Okay Kira, you have control of the board."

"The Civil War for 400 points." Kira chose his question.

"Answer: During the war, this former slave and Underground Railroad conductor was a spy for the Union of South Carolina. Umm, yeah...err, Yukina?" Jonny spared Hiei a frightened look, who gave him a look saying that 'she had better get the answer right.'

"Who is Harriet Tubman?" Yukina answered.

"Wow! Yeah! T-that's right! PHEW!"

"The Civil War for 600."

"This confederate Vice President was nicknamed "Little Ellick" due to his small size which was 90 pounds. Kira!"

"Who is Alexander H. Stephens?"

"Correct!"

"Ha, how's that for some genuine Coordinator knowledge!" Dearka pepped as he slapped five with Yzak.

"Oh hush, you guys don't know EVERYTHING!" Bra rolled her eyes.

"The Civil War for 800 points please." Kira continued.

"It was the easternmost of the 23 Union states. Whoa okay, Dearka!"

"What is Rhode Island?" Dearka folded his arms in a rather conceded manner.

"Nope, sorry!"

"What? You're kidding!" Dearka widened his eyes in shock earning a slap on the back of the head by Yzak before the silver-haired boy buzzed in.

Dearka: Gundam Seed (Guys) Damn, karma really IS a bitch!

"You dumbass! What is Maine!" Yzak answered through gritted teeth.

"Maine is correct, Dearka, we need to see some skin!" Jonny reminded.

"Fine!" Dearka proceeded to lift his black tank over his head revealing a bare and quite ripped torso.

"Ooh, take it off sexy!" Bra teased and bit her lip into the blonde's direction.

Dearka only leaned over onto his podium sending a flirtatious grin into Bra's direction, causing Miriallia to roll her eyes.

Miriallia: Gundam Seed (Gals) I don't know what would make Bra do that, now she'll never get him off of her case! TRUST me!

"Watch it there dude, that's my baby sister your ogling!" Trunks warned.

Trunks: Dragonball Z/GT (Guys) I may have sounded like I was joking, but dammit I was DEAD serious! He better not EVER touch my sister, otherwise they'll never find the body!

"Yzak will you make a selection already?" Jonny sighed.

"Vocabulary for 600 points please." Yzak replied.

"Answer: This word can be defined as uneasiness of mind or dissatisfaction. Yzak!"

"What is disconcertment?" Yzak answered.

"Correct!"

Duo: Gundam Wing (Guys) Yzak pretty much took the baton after Kurama...checked out. The game was hot...in EVERY way. DIRTY SMIRK To put it simply so you know who won...the girls have nice tits! Especially Faye! DAMN! You could see those babies coming around the corner!

"Well that was fun wasn't it guys?" Jonny smiled ignoring the flushed faces of the entire girls' team and the death glares being cast his way from Hiei. He suspected the Fire Demon didn't take his sister's nudity too well. He didn't understand it. Trunks didn't seem to be taking it so harshly about HIS sister's nudity. Perhaps he was more preoccupied with the fact that his team won.

Winry: Full Metal Alchemist (Gals) I have NEVER been so humiliated in my ENTIRE life!

Miroku: Inuyasha (Guys) Man, I'm really REALLY starting to love this game!

"Ahem! Well Sachiya, could you read off the final results for us?" Jonny regarded the purple haired girl.

"Yeah." Sachiya narrowed her eyes into Hiei's direction. He was behaving strangely, and she, being as disturbingly obsessed as she was with the Fire Demon, could easily pick up on it. "Hm. Ookay, um. Girls you have a final score of 16,920. Boys, you have a final score of 28,790. Chibi Wolf Hero goes to Yzak."

"Yeah buddy!" Dearka cheered for his friend as the silver-haired boy accepted his prize.

"Winner for today's challenge and a paid tour of Europe, the boys!" Sachiya finished.

"Damn it!" Faye growled.

"Oh no." Keiko sighed.

"I don't wanna hear ANYTHING from those of you who 'boycotted' the challenge! BLEEPERS!" Faye stormed away from the challenge in a heated rage.

Keiko: Yu Yu Hakusho (Gals) I don't have to do anything that I'm not comfortable with. Faye can get as mad as she wants. But I'm not about to go against my own personal values by going through with something like that.

Faye: Cowboy Bebop (Gals) Oh my BLEEPING God! You're dating Yusuke Urameshi! How 'moral' is that BLEEP! STEAM COMES OUT OF EARS AS FACE GOES SUPER DEFORMED

"Oh, my...did we win?" Kurama slurred as Yusuke supported the red-head's arm over his shoulder.

"Yep! Hey man, what caused you to lose it back there?" Yusuke questioned.

"Hm. Such...perfection." Kurama slurred as he stood on his own two feet, massaging his temples. He glanced at Lacus from the corner of his eye and noted that she was paying him no attention. "Perfection." Kurama shook his head.

"Well, inner circles get together, and err...do what you have to do." Jonny hurried away from the seen, as if he were escaping a certain Fire Demon's wrath.

During eliminations, the boys finally let Trowa go, Yzak feeling that getting rid of all of the weak players would help them in the future decided to stick to the inner circle's plan. The girls let Meryl go, due to her having the lowest score.

"Ladies, we may be behind, but we'll kick it up sooner than they think!" Meryl winked into her team's direction before turning to leave.

Meryl: Trigun (Gals) It was really hard having to let them go, I just hope they pull through.

Trowa: Gundam Wing (Guys) I have no doubt that my team will conquer all in this contest. Keep it up guys! And thanks for the prizes!

On the beach outside of the villas 3:44pm...

Lacus sat at the shore, allowing the tide to beat upon her feet. The cool waters felt good to her, and calmed her screaming mind. Sighing, she watched as a single crab slowly made its way back towards the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. She had changed into a simple floral print sundress that grazed her ankles. A soft ocean breeze whipped around her. She had pinned her hair back into a single pony tail with two strands left to hang by her temples. Yesterday had her feeling simply awful and heavy with stress and pain. She honestly felt like she just wanted to go home. It wasn't as if she truly needed the money, but she had to admit, that just being among the girls and working together with them was in many ways a treat.

Lacus: Gundam Seed (Gals) I sometimes wish that I had never agreed to participate in this challenge. Then, I would never have met...someone. FROWNS

She suddenly felt a presence coming from behind. She heard the grains of sand sinking beneath their footsteps as they approached closer. She didn't even bother to spare them a glance as she felt them sit beside her.

"I do hope that I am in no way intruding. I'm certain that you came down here to be alone." He spoke gently.

"No Kurama, I don't mind." Lacus sighed, still not looking into his direction. There was a moment of silence before she decided to speak again. "Faye's rather angry with the girls who decided to boycott the challenge." Lacus started.

"I see. She didn't seem to be taking the loss at all well." Kurama breathed.

"Hm." Lacus nodded. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye then, noticing that he was dressed in black shorts and a blue short-sleeved button up shirt, that he left unbuttoned to reveal his torso. "How, is your nose?"

"Hm?" It took a moment for her question to register before he answered. "Oh, I'm much better, thank you." Kurama couldn't help the faint blush that tinted his cheeks at the recollection of what had caused his little...problem.

Kurama: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) Lacus is quite a young lady. I really don't see how her hardships could be used as a source of entertainment. For that matter, I don't see how ANYONE'S hardships could be so amusing.

"I'm sorry." Lacus sounded more as if she were apologizing than sympathizing.

"Whatever for?" Kurama furrowed his brow.

"I did it on purpose." Lacus sighed.

"Oh?" Kurama nodded. He knew that she had planned her actions, however he decided to humor her and hear her out.

"I was so angry over...and so I took my anger out on you because I could sense that you...liked me." Lacus finished with a guilty sigh.

"Like you." Kurama corrected causing Lacus to turn her head into his direction in shock.

"Huh?"

"I still like you. And we did win after all, so I have nothing to be angry about." Kurama smiled.

Lacus stared into Kurama's direction, tilting her head slightly as if to study him closely. "Hmm, you're quite strange, Kurama."

Kurama's smile only grew wider, causing Lacus to follow suite and cast the red-head a genuine smile. Just then her cell phone rang, ultimately ruining the moment and irritating the crap out of Kurama.

Kurama: Yu Yu Hakusho (Guys) I must say, someone has EXTREMELY bad timing! POUTS And I was so close! Damn Nextel! 'Where you at?' How about: 'About to engage in rather adult activities with a sinfully attractive red-head! I'll call you back!'

Lacus viewed the caller id window, and her eyes almost seemed to widen in shock. She held up her hand to Kurama, almost as if to shun him away. "Do forgive me, but...I must take this!" Lacus hurriedly stood to her feet, and began to walk up the beach, away from Kurama leaving him to sigh in defeat.

He lifted his head up towards the heavens as if to plead towards the gods themselves. "Why?"

White Shore Pool and Jacuzzi 1559 hours...

The guys all hung out in their back deck taking dips in the pool and relaxing in the Jacuzzi while blasting their music, appropriately Gwen Stefani's "Luxurious" blared through the surround sound speakers. Much to the their surprise, some of the girls decided to join them, considering that they would rather be anywhere but in the same house as Faye at that moment. Botan, Ryoko, Pan, Bra, Miriallia, Cheza, Android 18 and Serena who got tired of covering up the phone reciever whenever she wanted to talk to Darien, decided to pay the boys' villa a visit.

Bra: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) At this point, we pretty much figure 'what the hell, we've got nothing else to lose! SHRUGS IMPISHLY

Bra, Pan and Miriallia decided to kick back in the Jacuzzi along with Dearka, Ed and Yzak playing a nice game of Truth or Dare. Botan, Serena, and Cheza just sun bathed by the pool, while Ryoko and Heero went head to head with Android 18 and Goten playing chicken in the pool. Yusuke and Kuwabara were engaging in a diving contest while Hiei, Wufei, Koga, Miroku, Inuyasha, Trunks, Duo and the wolves just decided to relax in the lounges by the pool with Botan, Serena and Cheza.

"Oh Faye has completely lost it. You know we wouldn't be over here unless the situation was dire." Botan sighed as she continued to sun bathe.

"That bad huh?" Wufei released a half-chuckle.

"Diabolical! My ears can only take so much. I feel sorry for the others who decided to stay." Botan turned over onto her belly.

"This one wonders if things have calmed down." Cheza stated softly.

Hell in Starfish...

"And what the BLEEP was that BLEEPING BLEEP about BLEEPING keeping your BLEEPING..." Faye continued to yell and scream to no one in particular.

"That's it," Cagalli whispered to Hilde, "I'm BLEEPING out of here!" Cagalli snuck out of the back door to head for the boys' villa which was quickly turning into a safe house for Starfish refugees.

"Wait for me!" Hilde whispered as she grabbed her shades and left behind Cagalli.

Chilling at White Shore...

"Not a chance!" Botan shook her head in response to Cheza's statement.

"Man, that sucks!" Duo sipped his lemonade and laid back in his lounge.

Android 18: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) It's strange, it seems like the boys are calming down now that they're so far ahead in the competition. Maybe it's as I suspected, their retarded behavior before was due to their insecurities. Hmm, interesting.

"Okay Pan, your turn," Bra smirked, "truth or dare?"

"Hmm, okay...truth!" Pan smiled.

"Alright. Tell the truth, do you have a secret crush on Hiei?" Bra giggled.

"Ooh, that's a good one!" Dearka put his hands behind his head as the steam in the Jacuzzi seemed to thicken around the six individuals.

"Umm...errr..." Pan bit her lip.

"Hey if it's not true you should be able to come right out and say it." Miriallia teased. "Why the hesitation?" Miriallia arched an eyebrow.

Pan looked over her shoulder towards Hiei who was relaxing on a lounge in his black swimming trunks and sunglasses. The small Fire Demon looked so comfortable with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed at his ankles.

"Well?" Bra pressed.

"Uhh..." Pan scrunched her face almost as if she were grimacing. Facing the smirking faces before her, she decided at this point it was pretty much inevitable. "Okay...maybe a little. GOD I can NOT believe I just said that!"

"Ah-ha! I KNEW it!" Bra splashed the raven-haired girl. "You little slut!"

"What! Who you calling a slut, slut!" Pan splashed her friend back playfully.

"Man, I wonder what Hiei's gonna think." Ed chuckled.

"He's not gonna think ANYTHING, because he's not gonna FIND out!" Pan held up her fist in front of Ed's face in a threatening gesture.

"Right! Okay chill out! Man you two really ARE made for each other!" Ed joked causing Pan to raise her fist again.

"You know you're going to have to fight Sachiya for him right?" Yzak reminded.

Dearka: Gundam Seed (Guys) Ooh, catfights! My favorite! Someone's bound to lose their top somewhere in the middle! DIRTY SMIRK

"Whatever!" Pan waved her hand. "Okay, it's my turn now!" Pan scanned the individuals before her. Her eyes then rested on Miriallia who was sitting to her right. "Miriallia, truth or dare?"

"Hmm...dare." Miriallia chose.

"Ooh, bad move." Bra shook her head.

"Why?" Miriallia furrowed her brow.

"You'll see, Pan is so evil to those that choose 'dare.'" Bra sighed.

"Miriallia. I dare you, to...kiss Dearka!" Pan giggled.

"What! No way!" Miriallia growled.

"Oh yeah! Pan, you're a goddess." Dearka smirked into Miriallia's direction.

"I refuse!" Miriallia folded her arms in protest.

"Oh so you don't mind being naked in front of him, but you can't even give him so much as an innocent kiss?" Pan coerced.

"Oooh!" Miriallia growled.

"I told you." Bra shrugged.

"Oh, fine!" Miriallia grimaced as she made her way across the Jacuzzi and towards Dearka, who had an annoying smirk plastered on his face.

"Come to daddy!" Dearka chuckled.

"Oh shut-up!" Miriallia gritted.

"Idiot, you keep this up and she'll probably bite you!" Yzak hit Dearka on his shoulder.

"Shut-up man, don't give her any ideas!" Dearka hit Yzak back on his shoulder. Miriallia then squinted her eyes shut as if she had just eaten a lemon and awkwardly leaned forward to place a quick peck on Dearka's cheek.

"Aw come on!" Everyone protested.

"What the hell was that?" Pan frowned.

"Pan, hon...that was a kiss." Miriallia answered sarcastically as she made her way back across the Jacuzzi to her spot.

"That wasn't a kiss!" Ed waved his hand.

"Yeah, I barely felt that!" Dearka pouted.

"Good! Now, it's my turn!" Miriallia smiled rather deviously.

Miriallia: Gundam Seed (Gals) I can't believe she made me kiss Dearka! Oh but payback truly is sweet. And revenge is best served cold.

"Pan!" Miriallia started. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare." Pan gave Miriallia a challenging stare.

"Brave girl. Stupid, but brave nonetheless." Miriallia smiled. "Pan, I dare you...to tell Hiei, how you really feel."

Pan: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) Damn, what is it with karma nowadays? It seems to be biting everyone in the ass!

Pan could do nothing but stare at Miriallia with widened eyes. She then let her eyes wander towards Hiei, who was still relaxing on the lounge. Everyone around her seemed to stop and become silent. Only the sounds of Omarion's "Touch" over the stereo could be heard in her ears.

"Come on girl! Snap out of it, and make like Usher and start confessing!" Miriallia pressed.

"Oh this is gonna be good." Ed grinned as he watched Pan exit the Jacuzzi and make her way over towards Hiei.

She could have only been grateful that no one else was around him once she made it beside his lounge. He didn't even acknowledge her presence once she sat on the lounge adjacent to him. She started to fiddle with her fingers nervously casting one last glance into Miriallia and the others' direction. They were waving her on, almost as if they were encouraging her. Heaving a sigh, she decided to swallow the last of her pride and let it spill out. "Hiei." She began quietly. "Um, I know I make fun of you, and we really don't get along, but umm...well I guess what I'm trying to say. I don't really mean to be such a pain, even though sometimes you can be a pain too in which case you deserve every bit of my wrath but err...I uhh...I kinda...I li...I li...I like you."

Pan: Dragonball Z/GT (Gals) Oh crap! What the hell have I done? FACE TURNS COMPLETELY RED

To Be Continued...

xXx


A/N: Well, that was tiresome. Maybe not as long as the last chapter but still, it was pretty hefty wouldn't you say? Wow gee, what could happen next? Will Hiei be receptive to Pan's confession? Or will Pan get harshly shot down by the Fire Demon that we all know and love? And how will Sachiya react to this new development? And what's up with Lacus and Kurama, more importantly...Lacus? Are you shakingly curious to find out who's been calling her? And Darien, SHAME ON HIM! What will happen with these lovely characters? Find out in next weeks installment chapter 13 "Bon Appetite!" I'll holla!

Side Note: Guys, just so you know, something important has come up. As it stands right now, I am due to ship out to Marine Corps boot camp for 13 weeks in Parris Island, SC on December 12. So wherever this story stops on December 12, it'll be on hold for 13 weeks, after that I have MCT (Marine Combat Training) so we're looking at like 16 weeks that this story will be delayed for, maybe more. I hope you guys stick around but I have to do that, being that I've already sworn in on Thursday. And backing out on a governmental swear in is subject for a $10,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment. So, I will DEFINITELY not be backing out. Can't update stories in jail now, can I? Go to my profile and check out my blog for more information on that. I am SO sorry, but I really can't back out on my obligation. Take care, and...wish me luck 12-12-05, because Marine Corps boot camp, in case you don't know...is BLEEPING hard as HELL! I'm scared! Mommy! I need a drink! (Goes to stash to search for uncle Jack Daniels)