Author's comments: This is a crossover-fic between four different series
and a movie called Starship Troopers. The first series is Ranma ½, then
KOF, Gatekeepers and the Final Fantasy series. So, if you don't like stuff
like this, then please leave. Otherwise enjoy the fic. Be gentle dear
readers and read this with an open mind.
Disclaimer: The characters to Final Fantasy, Gatekeepers, KOF and Ranma ½ do not belong to me or else I would be rich now. I'm only borrowing the characters. Please don't sue me.
This fanfiction is dedicated to Ryan, who has written a fanfic that has touched this author here.(places hand over heart). May he find the person just for him. And this is also dedicated to Heather of the Amazoness Duo, who inspired me to write. May she find the 'Sakura' in her life and know happiness.
Side note: If you don't know the characters from the series I'm using. I suggest you read up about them first.Now on with the story.
Starship Troopers: Anime Style (Part 1)
A TV clicks on to bring a special live broadcast from orbit around a strange planet where some sixty plus starships orbit. A reporter reports the events as they happen with thousands of people watching.
"We break now as we take you live to Klendathu where the invasion has already begun," announced the reporter.
The TV screen changes as the view changes to show the planet's surface and another reporter, reporting the facts as many troopers rush around.
"We've landed here on what troopers called "Big K"," said the reporter. "It's an ugly planet, it's a bug planet, a planet as hostile.AAAAA!!!"
The report is cut short as the reporter is screaming for help. The camera lens gets splattered with blood as the reporter is bitten in half by something. The cameraman gets a shot of something with huge jaws and claws as a trooper with a short ponytail wails away with a pulse cannon at the claws of the thing off screen. The young man suddenly shouts at the camera.
"Come on! Let's go! Get out of here!"
The cameraman follows after a moments hesitation as the young man and his friends; one with red hair, one with long flowing black hair and one with short hair with a headband move out. There are screams of wounded and the dying from right and left and camera captures it all.
"Go! This way!" yelled the young man with the ponytail.
As the group splits into two, something slices at the man with short hair wearing a headband and he goes down screaming.
"No! Kusanagi was supposed to be mine!" yelled the red haired man, looking back, but still running.
As the young man stopped to fight back, a huge claw from out of nowhere grabs the cameraman and stabs him, killing him. The young man with a ponytail fought back vigorously as the camera, blinked, still capturing the last bit of footage. Even as the creature the man fought seemed dead, it reared up and stabbed him with a huge claw, right through his leg.
"GAH!!!!"
The man grabbed the claw and tore it out of his leg and he moaned in agony as the camera lost power and went dead.
* One Year Earlier. *
It is a high school classroom setting with students seated left and right, and a girl with a ribbon in her hair, turned back to the front of the class, thinking to herself. This is Ruriko Ikusawa. Now a beautiful 18 year old, she could feel the eyes of one Ranma Saotome gazing at her. It was clear that he was infatuated with her.
"And as this stinking year closes," spoke a gruff voice. "And probably another failure for me.Saotome, pay attention!"
Ranma jumped. He had been working on something on his console. He grinned and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, Mr. Wallace," said Ranma.
As Barret Wallace continued to lecture something about violence, Ranma sighed heavily and deeply. He hated school classes. He would rather be out and training for his martial arts. Just then behind him, a voice spoke up, interrupting his thoughts.
"I was always taught that violence never solves anything," spoke up a girl.
Ranma smiled. That was Tifa Lockhart, an old childhood friend of his. Well, not exactly childhood.they met when he first came to Trabia High School.
"Really?" said Barret. "I wonder what the founding fathers of Hiroshima would say."
He tapped Ruriko on her shoulder with his left arm; his hand was missing due to an accident.
"You."
"They wouldn't say anything," answered Ruriko, succinctly. "Hiroshima was destroyed."
Muttering, Barret turned back and lectured again. As he lectured, Ranma sent a message with his console to Ruriko's console. The message appeared and Ruriko read it to herself. Turning around, Ruriko flashed a smile at Ranma. Tifa apparently noticed it too since she lowered her head, not wanting to see Ranma's reaction. Just then as Ruriko turned back to face the class, Barret interrupted Ranma's thoughts again.
"You.tell me what is the moral difference between a citizen and a civilian."
"It lies in civic virtue," answered Ranma. "A citizen accepts responsibility for the safety of the body politics. A civilian doesn't."
"Well, la de da," said Barret. "The exact words of the text, but do you understand it? Do you believe it?"
"Uh, I don't know," answered Ranma, truthfully.
"Well of course, you don't," said Barret. "You wouldn't recognize 'civic virtue' if it came up from behind and bit you in the a$$."
Suddenly a bell rang and Barret shrugged it off, dismissing the class. As students filed out Ranma passes a couple kissing. Realizing that Ruriko was waiting for him just passed the couple, Ranma went to her and with a blush, kissed her. Ruriko kissed him back and then held up a finger.
"Not here," whispered Ruriko. Then in her normal voice, "Let's go see if the math final grades have been posted yet."
"Aw, math," groaned Ranma as he was dragged along. "I don't see what the big deal is."
Nevertheless, Ranma went along as Ruriko dragged him over to a huge terminal that displayed grade results. She walked up and typed in what was required to see her grade and it soon showed up.97%. Ruriko beamed at Ranma.
"Well done," said Ranma, proudly.
"Your turn," said Ruriko, mischievously.
As Ranma stepped up to the terminal, Ruriko spotted someone and turned to address Ranma.
"Hold on." said Ruriko, before walking out. "I want to go talk to Kaoru. Her brother's in the fleet."
As Ruriko rushed off to talk to Kaoru, Ranma turned to the display, typing in his own ID. The display soon showed his score.35%.
"35%? That's a big achievement," said a familiar voice.
A young man stepped up and typed something and enlarged Ranma's score.
"Way to go.35%!" the man said clapping.
As other students began to laugh, Ranma sighed and glared at his friend.
"Reiji," he said with a warning tone.
"Fine, fine," said Reiji, turning the screen back to normal.
Walking toward Ruriko, the two paused half way.
"Hey," said Reiji, nudging Ranma.
"What?"
"Don't tell me you haven't done it yet," whispered Reiji.
"Aw, what's the hurry?" asked Ranma.
"Others are waiting," replied Reiji, looking over Ranma's back.
Ranma turned a bit to catch a glimpse of Tifa talking with her friends. Tifa noticed and then turned her attention back to her friends.
"What.you read her mind?" asked Ranma.
"Don't have to," responded Reiji, smirking. "Besides, it's pretty obvious what she wants."
"But I want Ruriko-chan," said Ranma, plainly.
"Oh, you got it bad," said Reiji in a teasing tone before walking off.
Ranma watched as Ruriko approached and Reiji left.
"Don't forget about this afternoon," called Reiji.
Turning to Ruriko, he said.
"He's always late when he's fishing for a kiss."
Ruriko laughed lightly before hugging Ranma around the waist with one hand and Reiji walked off. Ranma shook his head and hugged Ruriko back.
"Flying starships," said Ruriko. "Must need nerves of steel, huh?"
"Bet I could do it," said Ranma.
"Oh, Ranma," said Ruriko, smiling.
As they headed to their next class, Ruriko caught a glimpse of Tifa. Tifa didn't seem happy and actually rather downcast at seeing Ranma with her. Ruriko sighed and tugged Ranma toward Biology class.
* * *
In Biology class, the teacher was instructing them on dissecting a sort of large beetle type bug. Ruriko gulped. This was the part of Biology she never liked.
"Come on Ruriko-chan," said Ranma, lightly. "It's just a bug."
As the teacher lectured, the students put on their goggles and dissected the bug before them. Ruriko resisted the urge to throw up, but after witnessing several other members carve up the beetles and take out their guts, Ruriko couldn't stand it.
"Excuse me," said Ruriko, before covering her mouth and running out.
Tifa, although into the experiment, noticed, she declined to comment.
* * *
Later that day, in Reiji basement, Ranma sat facing Reiji while different cards flashed different faces across the screen. Reiji stared intently at Ranma while Ranma stared back just as intently.
"Don't think about it," said Reiji. "Just go with your gut instinct."
They stare at each other a beat. The screen showed the card Seven of Diamonds. Then Ranma spoke.
"I see the.Ace of Spades," said Ranma, pushing a button.
The wrong answer sound buzzed and Reiji sighed.
"Let's try again," said Reiji, pushing some buttons. "Statistically you should have guessed one by now.by accident."
The card appeared on the screen now is the Jack of Clubs and Reiji set down a small piece of food down next to an open test tube. They stare intently at each other once again, before Ranma sighed.
"Let's face it, my psychic ability is zero," said Ranma, pushing a button.
The wrong answer buzzer buzzed again.
"And I'm unlucky," finished Ranma.
"One more," said Reiji, typing some more. "And luck is not a factor."
Just then, down the maze of test tubes, a pure white ermine popped it's head out and snapped up the piece of food before walking all over Reiji's keyboard.
"Hisame! You.stop that," scolded Reiji. "Time out."
"Hey, he just wants some attention," said Ranma, scratching the ermine's neck. "You stopped playing with him like you used to."
Sighing, Reiji looked at Hisame for a beat, concentrating.
"Go bug Yukino," said Reiji.
The ermine hopped off the table and headed up the stairs.
"How did you make him do that?" asked Ranma, incredulous.
"I gave him the impression that Yukino was preparing his food," said Reiji, smiling.
"Reiji, just make sure you don't do that me," said Ranma, sighing.
"No, can't do human.yet," answered Reiji.
Upstairs, Hisame squeaked and Yukino looked down. Then she knelt down, holding out her hand.
"Hisame.nani?" asked Yukino, softly.
* * *
As the day went by, Ranma found himself on the field, playing football as he ran for the field goal. The other team was surprisingly tough. Concentrating, Ranma ran on as one player of the opposite team attempted to stop him. Ranma made a note of how he was like. Fangs, yellow bandanna.
"You're mine!" yelled the player.
The young man ran at Ranma attempting to stop him. They almost collided when at the last second Ranma flipped over the man, causing him to stumble into the crowd, letting Ranma score a touchdown. His team cheered and got ready for the next play as the young man tried to pick himself up. He looked up and someone hand offered to help him up.
"You all right?" asked Ruriko, smiling down at him.
"Well, I.yeah," stammered the young man. "Name's Ryouga Hibiki."
Ranma and his teammates cheer along with the crowd. In that instant, he saw Ryouga with Ruriko, talking on the sidelines.
"So, what are you doing after the game?" asked Ryouga, nervously.
"Well, everyone's going to the dance," said Ruriko, smiling. "Aren't you coming?"
"Don't know," answered Ryouga truthfully. "Last night as a civilian."
Ruriko looked at him with bemusement in her eyes.
"I get shipped out to Ticonderoga tomorrow," said Ryouga as he strapped his helmet back on.
"Really? I want to go there," said Ruriko in excitement.
Ryouga smiled as he wandered back out on to the field. He looked around.
"Where am I?" he wondered.
"Get on the other side," said a voice.
Ryouga looked around; found he was standing with the opposite team. He trotted back to his own team, when he found himself face to face with that man he tried to take down earlier.
"Don't get any ideas," said Ranma. "She's my girl."
"All's fair in love and war," said Ryouga, grinning showing his fang.
Ranma smirked, but then he caught a glimpse of Ruriko's smiling face. He didn't even notice the game resume until Ryouga was in his face, flipping him over his back with his superior strength. Ranma landed hard and before he had reoriented himself, Ryouga's team had made a touchdown. As Ryouga's team cheered him on and such, Ranma's team ordered a huddle. The score was 43 to 41 in favor of Ryouga's team. A girl's voice was talking.
"The play is a flip six, three hole," said the girl. "Ranma!"
The girl hit Ranma upside the head with her hand, drawing Ranma's attention back to the situation.
"What is it Tifa?" asked Ranma, almost growling.
"You were drifting," said Tifa. "Flip six, three hole on one, got it?"
"Just pass me the ball and I'll handle it," said Ranma confidently.
They break the huddle and get back on the field. At the snap of the football, Ranma made for open field. Seeing Ranma was clear, Tifa threw the ball with deadly accuracy at Ranma. Ranma caught it after flipping over 3 opposing members from the other side and made for the goal. Ryouga ran after him, with determination to stop Ranma etched on his face.
"Not this time!" yelled Ryouga as he tackled Ranma's legs.
The tackle brought Ranma and Ryouga down. The referee blew the whistle.
"He made it in," called the ref.
Ryouga and Ranma stood up. Ryouga scowled as Ranma was swarmed by fans of the school and kissed by Ruriko. Ryouga snorted, turned on his heels and left the field, heading for the locker room. After a bit Ryouga looked around.since when was the locker room on the beach?
* * *
Ranma stood in front of a mirror, fixing the tie on his tuxedo. For some reason it wasn't turning out quite right. His mother Nodoka, stood watching him as Ranma's father, Genma came in with a pamphlet in his hand.
"This came for you, boy," said Genma. "I presume on your request.?"
"Well, lots of my friends are doing federal service," answered Ranma.
"Are you thinking of applying?" asked Nodoka, curiously.
Ranma shrugged.
"Are you crazy? I'd rather take 10 Happo-fire bursts than see you ruin your life," said Genma, all but shouted.
"Ranma, people in the federal service get hurt.killed even," said Nodoka. "You're already manly enough, why do you need to do this?"
"Who gave you this idea?" growled Genma. "It was that teacher.wasn't it?"
"Mr. Wallace, pops," said Ranma.
"Whatever, the thing is, you are going to Tokyo U and that's it," said Genma.
"It's my decision," said Ranma in a tone that spoke of challenge.
"Is that how it is?" asked Genma.
The two were about to clash, when Nodoka interrupted.
"Wait, your dad and I have a surprise," said Nodoka. "Can you guess?"
Ranma shook his head, sullenly.he couldn't guess.
"A training trip to the outer rings," said Genma. "Zegema Beach.what do you think?"
"I.I've always wanted to go there," said Ranma, lightning up.
"Good.good, then it's settled," said Nodoka.
"Here, have a drink with me," said Genma, handing Ranma a champagne glass.
Toasting, the two downed the contents of the glasses.
* * *
That night, at the dance, Ranma showed up with Ruriko, but she soon pulled away to talk to someone about Fleet Academy. Wandering around, Ranma bumped into Tifa. She was all dressed up in a slinky prom dress and smiled when she saw Ranma.
"Hey, Ranma, you want to dance?" asked Tifa, getting close.
"But I promised Ruriko," protested Ranma.
"Well, there are more dances," said Tifa. "One won't hurt will it?"
Ranma shrugged as Tifa hugged him close and they talked while they danced to the beat of the music.
"It's sad," said Tifa, sighing.
"What?"
"That after this, most of us won't see each other again after tonight," said Tifa.
"I need to talk to Mr. Wallace," said Ranma.
"You'd better hurry then," said Tifa, nodding in a direction. "He's leaving soon."
"Tifa, I."
"No.that's all right, go ahead," said Tifa, sounding somewhat dejected.
"Thanks, you're the best," said Ranma.
Ranma kissed her on the forehead before doing a jump over to where Barret was heading. Tifa sighed and looked up as Reiji danced up to her. Smiling a bit, Tifa went back to dancing, this time with Reiji.
"Mr. Wallace!" called out Ranma.
Barret turned around to see Ranma headed straight for him. He waited until Ranma had landed next to him before resuming his walking.
"I wanted to say thanks," said Ranma.
"Oh, come on," said Barret in a bored tone.
"No, your class was one of the best I had," said Ranma. "Really."
"Appreciate the thought," said Barret as the two walked along.
"I mean, I want to join up," said Ranma, hitting his main point. "I want to become a citizen."
"Well, good for you," said Barret, smiling a bit. "Go find out if it's for you."
"But my parents are against it," said Ranma.
"Figuring out things for yourself is the only freedom anyone really has," said Barret. "You shouldn't care about other people say. Make your own choices."
And with that, Barret turned and left. Nodding, Ranma went back in to see if he could find Ruriko. It didn't take him long and he found her talking to Ryouga, who was wearing a Fleet Uniform. Ruriko looked up as Ranma approached.
"Oh, Ranma, this is Ryouga," said Ruriko, making introductions.
"We met at the game," said Ryouga. "No hard feelings, eh?"
Ryouga offered his hand. Ranma shook it.
"Not at all, we won," said Ranma, smirking.
"Listen you." Ryouga, all but growled.
"Come on Ruriko-chan," said Ranma. "It's last dance."
"Maybe I'll see you at the academy," said Ruriko to Ryouga.
Nodding, Ryouga slipped away. Ruriko turned to hug Ranma as the dance got slow, holding each other. As the song slowly progressed, the two got closer, kissing on occasion.until a hand interposed itself between their faces.
"Hey you two, there's a place for that," said Reiji, dancing with Tifa.
Ranma nodded and turned back to Ruriko. But before that happened, he caught the look on Tifa's face. It was an expression that bore sadness to it and he wished he didn't see it.
"Ryouga's going for pilot, you know?" asked Ruriko.
"You two have so much in common," said Ranma.
"Oh my.Ranma Saotome, are you jealous?" asked Ruriko teasingly.
"What.? I.no.that is," stammered Ranma frantically.
Ruriko's bright laugh brought him out of it and they continued to finish the dance together.
"I'm going to sign up," said Ranma.
"That's great," said Ruriko, brightly. "Reiji and I are going to tomorrow. Why don't you come with us?"
"I will," said Ranma. "Promise."
* * *
The next day, after the graduation, Ranma, Ruriko and Reiji recited the oath of the Federation, pledging themselves to serve. After that, Ranma and Ruriko stepped out and headed to the front desk to give the papers that said what they could become in the Federal Service. They stepped up and handed a recruiting sergeant their papers. Taking it with his prosthetic hand, he looked up at them.
"Fresh meat for the grinder, eh?" asked the sergeant jokingly.
Ranma and Ruriko shared an amused look with each other before turning back to the sergeant who was stamping approval on their papers.
"What are you going to be?" asked the sergeant.
"I'm going to be a pilot," answered Ruriko, beaming proudly.
"Good, we need all the pilots we can get," replied the sergeant, stamping her paper.
Just then Reiji walked up and handed the sergeant his papers.
"Hey you guys," said Reiji.
"Did you get into Starside R&D?" asked Ranma.
"No."
"I don't believe it," said Ranma in a shocked tone. "You wanted to join that."
"I know, but I got Games & Theory instead," said Reiji.
"Games & Theory?" asked Ruriko, astonished. "That's military intelligence."
The sergeant looked up at that and stamped Reiji's paper and handed it back to him.
"Way to go, Reiji," said Ranma, slapping Reiji on the back.
"Next time we meet, I'll be saluting you," said the sergeant.
Reiji smiled and nodded before walking off with Ruriko.
"What about you son?" asked the sergeant, looking up at Ranma.
"Infantry, sir," replied Ranma.
"Good for you," said the sergeant, clasping Ranma's hand. "Mobile Infantry made me the man I am today."
The sergeant pushed his chair to take other applicants. In doing so, Ranma caught a look at the sergeant's missing legs. Rolling his eyes, he left to join Ruriko and Reiji. In a minute he had caught up to them; they were waiting for him.
"Let's make a vow.swear to be friends no matter what," said Ruriko.
"Sure, I'm okay with that," said Ranma.
"We might be thousands of light years away from each other and never ever see each other again," said Reiji, smiling. "But sure."
* * *
When Ranma got home, he started to pack up while his father raged at him.
"It's my decision pops," said Ranma, heading for the door.
"You will do as I say boy! You're coming to train and vacation," shouted Genma. "And after that, take over the dojo!"
"I want to be a citizen," Ranma shot back. "It's my decision. I made it."
"If you leave, you'll be cut off, you hear me?" asked Genma, threateningly.
Ranma snorted and walked out the door.
"That's it! You're cut off!" roared Genma after him.
The door slammed shut and Nodoka raced after him.
"Ranma, why won't you change your mind?" asked Nodoka. "Is citizenship that important to you?"
"Well, yeah, it is," said Ranma, looking his mom square in the eye.
"I hope so," said Nodoka. "I hope you don't ruin your life chasing after some girl that wants to look good in uniform."
"Don't," said Ranma sharply. "Don't talk about Ruriko-chan that way."
Then Ranma turned and stomped off.
* * *
Ranma waited patiently as he could by the transporter terminals. Finally, after a bit, a familiar voice shook him out of his trance.
"You're late you know?" asked Ranma, teasingly.
"Hey, that's not fair," said Ruriko, smiling. "My father helped me pack. I guess I'm ready now."
"Me too," replied Ranma. "I'm wearing everything I own."
"I'm sorry," said Ruriko, softly. "Your parents, right?"
"I'll be okay," said Ranma, confidently. "The Federation will give me all I need for the next two years, right?"
"According to the oath, yes," answered Ranma.
"I'll miss you," said Ruriko.
"And I, you," responded Ranma.
They share a kiss before Ruriko headed for the transport.
"Love you, don't forget to write," she called as she stepped inside.
Ranma nodded and the transport disappeared taking Ruriko to Fleet Academy for pilot training on the moon. Ranma sighed and headed for his own transport.
* * *
Ranma had expected boot camp to be like this. It felt right.almost like being in a dojo where he was the student again. Right now, he and about some other 50 plus recruits stood, listening to their drill sergeant, Seifer Almasy.
"The problem is not one of you is good enough the way you are," Seifer was saying.
Ranma stood at attention, respecting his teacher.
"What a bunch of chicken wusses," muttered Seifer.
He walked back and forth with his baton.
"Hands at your side," said Seifer, striking a guy.
"Head up," ordered Seifer, forcing a girl's head up.
"Suck that gut in," commanded Seifer, poking a man with exotic red hair.
"Legs together," growled Seifer, smacking another guy's leg.
The man grimaced before Seifer went back to the front, assuming a commanding position. Other units marched around, jogged, trained or did exercises.
"Jeez, to think this happened to me," said Seifer, grumbling. "You all don't rate that good, you slack bellied, chicken."
A man with a headband and parted hair started chuckling. Seifer didn't appreciate that one bit. He got up into that man's face.
"Do you think I'm being funny? You think I'm a comedian?" asked Seifer.
"I'm sorry," muttered the man.
"The first and last words out of your stinking hole," said Seifer, addressing the whole group. ".will be 'sir'? Do you get me?!"
"Sir, yes, sir," gulped the man as he dragged out in front.
"You see that armory back there?" asked Seifer. "Run around it 3 times."
"Ha, sucks for you Kusanagi scum," said the red-haired man.
"Stuff it Yagami," said Kyo.
"You can go with him," said Seifer.
The two started to pace lightly before Seifer started smacking them.
"Run, I said! Run, go, go, go!" yelled Seifer, whipping them with the flat end of his sword.
Kyo and Iori started running. Seifer turned to a burly sergeant.
"Raijin, keep pace with them!" ordered Seifer.
"Move, move!" yelled Raijin as he chased after them with a staff.
"Anytime you think I'm being too tough," yelled Seifer. "Anytime you think I'm being unfair."
Ranma and the other cadets stood perfectly still.
"Anytime you miss your mommy, QUIT!" yelled Seifer, pointing to white picket fence, not far from them. "You sign your form, grab your gear and take a stroll down washout lane.DO YOU GET ME?!"
"We get you, sir!" barked Ranma and the other cadets.
"I wonder," said Seifer, putting his baton away. "Who thinks they got what it takes to knock me down?"
"Sir, and perhaps I do, sir," said another young man with a headband, raising his hand.
Motioning Shingo forward, Seifer shed his gray trench coat and tossed his sword and gear aside. Shingo stepped forward and charged Seifer.
"Unfinished Wicked Chew!" called out Shingo, lunging out with a right hook.
Seifer caught and flipped him over on his back, breaking his arm in the process and everyone winced. Seifer stood over him.
"You okay, cadet?" asked Seifer.
"Sir, yes sir.no sir," said Shingo, clutching his arm. "My arm.think it's broke, sir."
"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Iori as he ran passed.
"Medic!" called out Seifer.
As medics ran over and helped Shingo to the infirmary, another cadet stepped up to Seifer.
"Sir," said the cadet.
Ranma took a look at the new arrival. To his surprise, he saw Tifa step up to Seifer and present her orders.
"Says here you want to transfer to here," said Seifer, looking over the orders.
"Heard it was the best, sir," answered Tifa.
"It is the best," said Seifer. "But what makes you think you're good enough?!"
Tifa stared hard at Seifer for a minute before tossing her gear aside and taking off her uniform, showing a white sports bra and a black mini skirt. She assumed a fighting stance, as did Seifer. For a minute or two, the two of them danced around each other, assessing each other of ability. Tifa broke the circling and lunged at Seifer with a front kick, which Seifer deflected, but it was just a diversion as Tifa decked him hard across the face. Seifer shook it off.
"Look at her go," whispered a young girl called Rinoa.
"She's good all right," said another man called Tatewaki Kuno. "If she should win against me, I would let her date me."
There was a pause.as Kyo and Iori returned.
"And make squad leader," said Kuno.
"Hey, that's my job," said Iori in a low voice.
The fight continued. Tifa rushed at Seifer, using hard punches. Seifer caught both of her hands. Not fazed by it, Tifa used Seifer body as support and flipped kicked him, sending him sprawling to ground. The other cadets were stunned and Ranma smiled to himself. Tifa was just as good as she was when he met her.
"Very good cadet," said Seifer, picking himself up. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
"I'm a professional at close combat, sir," answered Tifa, winking cutely.
* * *
Later that day, Ranma's group was in the mess hall getting their food. They were all talking about what happened.
"I'd like to disable Seifer," said Shingo, his arm in a healing cast.
"That's improper attitude," said Kuno's sister, Kodachi. "They'll kick you out for that.not that I care."
"They'll kick you out for anything," said Rinoa. "Improper attitude, un- orderly conduct, anything."
"Off you go down washout lane," said Kyo.
"Where's the meat?" asked Iori, pushing in between Rinoa and Shingo.
"Hey, wait your turn," said Rinoa.
"It's all the same line, little lady," said Iori.
"Hey, get back in line like everyone else," said Ranma, speaking up.
Iori looked at him for a beat. The line got quiet and Seifer looked on. Finally Iori laughed and playfully punched Ranma on the shoulder.
"Hey, you've got guts," said Iori. "I think we can be friends."
Kyo and Shingo gawked at Iori. For the time they had known him, he had never acted like this.
"I'm honored," said Ranma, smiling.
"Sure you are," said Iori, grinning, giving Ranma a big helping of meat. "Everyone should have a friend like me."
Kyo and Shingo left the line, stumped. This was a side of Iori they definitely haven't seen before. Ranma laughed and got his stuff before heading toward a table and sitting down. Tifa ran after him.
"Hey, you want to eat with me?" asked Tifa.
"Sure," said Ranma. "Plenty of room, but Tifa."
"Hmm?" Tifa sat down and smiled.
"Why did you join the same squad as me?" asked Ranma.
Tifa blushed and looked down.
"You didn't follow me, did you?" asked Ranma.
The instant he said that, Ranma instantly regretted it. Tifa looked up with an unreadable expression on her face.
"You think I joined because of you?" asked Tifa.
"You saying you didn't?" asked Ranma.
Tifa looked away; she couldn't answer. Suddenly Iori sat down, breaking the tension between the two.
"Hey," said Iori.
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's notes: Well, how was that? Feel free to review. Flames will be burned within Orochi fire.
Disclaimer: The characters to Final Fantasy, Gatekeepers, KOF and Ranma ½ do not belong to me or else I would be rich now. I'm only borrowing the characters. Please don't sue me.
This fanfiction is dedicated to Ryan, who has written a fanfic that has touched this author here.(places hand over heart). May he find the person just for him. And this is also dedicated to Heather of the Amazoness Duo, who inspired me to write. May she find the 'Sakura' in her life and know happiness.
Side note: If you don't know the characters from the series I'm using. I suggest you read up about them first.Now on with the story.
Starship Troopers: Anime Style (Part 1)
A TV clicks on to bring a special live broadcast from orbit around a strange planet where some sixty plus starships orbit. A reporter reports the events as they happen with thousands of people watching.
"We break now as we take you live to Klendathu where the invasion has already begun," announced the reporter.
The TV screen changes as the view changes to show the planet's surface and another reporter, reporting the facts as many troopers rush around.
"We've landed here on what troopers called "Big K"," said the reporter. "It's an ugly planet, it's a bug planet, a planet as hostile.AAAAA!!!"
The report is cut short as the reporter is screaming for help. The camera lens gets splattered with blood as the reporter is bitten in half by something. The cameraman gets a shot of something with huge jaws and claws as a trooper with a short ponytail wails away with a pulse cannon at the claws of the thing off screen. The young man suddenly shouts at the camera.
"Come on! Let's go! Get out of here!"
The cameraman follows after a moments hesitation as the young man and his friends; one with red hair, one with long flowing black hair and one with short hair with a headband move out. There are screams of wounded and the dying from right and left and camera captures it all.
"Go! This way!" yelled the young man with the ponytail.
As the group splits into two, something slices at the man with short hair wearing a headband and he goes down screaming.
"No! Kusanagi was supposed to be mine!" yelled the red haired man, looking back, but still running.
As the young man stopped to fight back, a huge claw from out of nowhere grabs the cameraman and stabs him, killing him. The young man with a ponytail fought back vigorously as the camera, blinked, still capturing the last bit of footage. Even as the creature the man fought seemed dead, it reared up and stabbed him with a huge claw, right through his leg.
"GAH!!!!"
The man grabbed the claw and tore it out of his leg and he moaned in agony as the camera lost power and went dead.
* One Year Earlier. *
It is a high school classroom setting with students seated left and right, and a girl with a ribbon in her hair, turned back to the front of the class, thinking to herself. This is Ruriko Ikusawa. Now a beautiful 18 year old, she could feel the eyes of one Ranma Saotome gazing at her. It was clear that he was infatuated with her.
"And as this stinking year closes," spoke a gruff voice. "And probably another failure for me.Saotome, pay attention!"
Ranma jumped. He had been working on something on his console. He grinned and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, Mr. Wallace," said Ranma.
As Barret Wallace continued to lecture something about violence, Ranma sighed heavily and deeply. He hated school classes. He would rather be out and training for his martial arts. Just then behind him, a voice spoke up, interrupting his thoughts.
"I was always taught that violence never solves anything," spoke up a girl.
Ranma smiled. That was Tifa Lockhart, an old childhood friend of his. Well, not exactly childhood.they met when he first came to Trabia High School.
"Really?" said Barret. "I wonder what the founding fathers of Hiroshima would say."
He tapped Ruriko on her shoulder with his left arm; his hand was missing due to an accident.
"You."
"They wouldn't say anything," answered Ruriko, succinctly. "Hiroshima was destroyed."
Muttering, Barret turned back and lectured again. As he lectured, Ranma sent a message with his console to Ruriko's console. The message appeared and Ruriko read it to herself. Turning around, Ruriko flashed a smile at Ranma. Tifa apparently noticed it too since she lowered her head, not wanting to see Ranma's reaction. Just then as Ruriko turned back to face the class, Barret interrupted Ranma's thoughts again.
"You.tell me what is the moral difference between a citizen and a civilian."
"It lies in civic virtue," answered Ranma. "A citizen accepts responsibility for the safety of the body politics. A civilian doesn't."
"Well, la de da," said Barret. "The exact words of the text, but do you understand it? Do you believe it?"
"Uh, I don't know," answered Ranma, truthfully.
"Well of course, you don't," said Barret. "You wouldn't recognize 'civic virtue' if it came up from behind and bit you in the a$$."
Suddenly a bell rang and Barret shrugged it off, dismissing the class. As students filed out Ranma passes a couple kissing. Realizing that Ruriko was waiting for him just passed the couple, Ranma went to her and with a blush, kissed her. Ruriko kissed him back and then held up a finger.
"Not here," whispered Ruriko. Then in her normal voice, "Let's go see if the math final grades have been posted yet."
"Aw, math," groaned Ranma as he was dragged along. "I don't see what the big deal is."
Nevertheless, Ranma went along as Ruriko dragged him over to a huge terminal that displayed grade results. She walked up and typed in what was required to see her grade and it soon showed up.97%. Ruriko beamed at Ranma.
"Well done," said Ranma, proudly.
"Your turn," said Ruriko, mischievously.
As Ranma stepped up to the terminal, Ruriko spotted someone and turned to address Ranma.
"Hold on." said Ruriko, before walking out. "I want to go talk to Kaoru. Her brother's in the fleet."
As Ruriko rushed off to talk to Kaoru, Ranma turned to the display, typing in his own ID. The display soon showed his score.35%.
"35%? That's a big achievement," said a familiar voice.
A young man stepped up and typed something and enlarged Ranma's score.
"Way to go.35%!" the man said clapping.
As other students began to laugh, Ranma sighed and glared at his friend.
"Reiji," he said with a warning tone.
"Fine, fine," said Reiji, turning the screen back to normal.
Walking toward Ruriko, the two paused half way.
"Hey," said Reiji, nudging Ranma.
"What?"
"Don't tell me you haven't done it yet," whispered Reiji.
"Aw, what's the hurry?" asked Ranma.
"Others are waiting," replied Reiji, looking over Ranma's back.
Ranma turned a bit to catch a glimpse of Tifa talking with her friends. Tifa noticed and then turned her attention back to her friends.
"What.you read her mind?" asked Ranma.
"Don't have to," responded Reiji, smirking. "Besides, it's pretty obvious what she wants."
"But I want Ruriko-chan," said Ranma, plainly.
"Oh, you got it bad," said Reiji in a teasing tone before walking off.
Ranma watched as Ruriko approached and Reiji left.
"Don't forget about this afternoon," called Reiji.
Turning to Ruriko, he said.
"He's always late when he's fishing for a kiss."
Ruriko laughed lightly before hugging Ranma around the waist with one hand and Reiji walked off. Ranma shook his head and hugged Ruriko back.
"Flying starships," said Ruriko. "Must need nerves of steel, huh?"
"Bet I could do it," said Ranma.
"Oh, Ranma," said Ruriko, smiling.
As they headed to their next class, Ruriko caught a glimpse of Tifa. Tifa didn't seem happy and actually rather downcast at seeing Ranma with her. Ruriko sighed and tugged Ranma toward Biology class.
* * *
In Biology class, the teacher was instructing them on dissecting a sort of large beetle type bug. Ruriko gulped. This was the part of Biology she never liked.
"Come on Ruriko-chan," said Ranma, lightly. "It's just a bug."
As the teacher lectured, the students put on their goggles and dissected the bug before them. Ruriko resisted the urge to throw up, but after witnessing several other members carve up the beetles and take out their guts, Ruriko couldn't stand it.
"Excuse me," said Ruriko, before covering her mouth and running out.
Tifa, although into the experiment, noticed, she declined to comment.
* * *
Later that day, in Reiji basement, Ranma sat facing Reiji while different cards flashed different faces across the screen. Reiji stared intently at Ranma while Ranma stared back just as intently.
"Don't think about it," said Reiji. "Just go with your gut instinct."
They stare at each other a beat. The screen showed the card Seven of Diamonds. Then Ranma spoke.
"I see the.Ace of Spades," said Ranma, pushing a button.
The wrong answer sound buzzed and Reiji sighed.
"Let's try again," said Reiji, pushing some buttons. "Statistically you should have guessed one by now.by accident."
The card appeared on the screen now is the Jack of Clubs and Reiji set down a small piece of food down next to an open test tube. They stare intently at each other once again, before Ranma sighed.
"Let's face it, my psychic ability is zero," said Ranma, pushing a button.
The wrong answer buzzer buzzed again.
"And I'm unlucky," finished Ranma.
"One more," said Reiji, typing some more. "And luck is not a factor."
Just then, down the maze of test tubes, a pure white ermine popped it's head out and snapped up the piece of food before walking all over Reiji's keyboard.
"Hisame! You.stop that," scolded Reiji. "Time out."
"Hey, he just wants some attention," said Ranma, scratching the ermine's neck. "You stopped playing with him like you used to."
Sighing, Reiji looked at Hisame for a beat, concentrating.
"Go bug Yukino," said Reiji.
The ermine hopped off the table and headed up the stairs.
"How did you make him do that?" asked Ranma, incredulous.
"I gave him the impression that Yukino was preparing his food," said Reiji, smiling.
"Reiji, just make sure you don't do that me," said Ranma, sighing.
"No, can't do human.yet," answered Reiji.
Upstairs, Hisame squeaked and Yukino looked down. Then she knelt down, holding out her hand.
"Hisame.nani?" asked Yukino, softly.
* * *
As the day went by, Ranma found himself on the field, playing football as he ran for the field goal. The other team was surprisingly tough. Concentrating, Ranma ran on as one player of the opposite team attempted to stop him. Ranma made a note of how he was like. Fangs, yellow bandanna.
"You're mine!" yelled the player.
The young man ran at Ranma attempting to stop him. They almost collided when at the last second Ranma flipped over the man, causing him to stumble into the crowd, letting Ranma score a touchdown. His team cheered and got ready for the next play as the young man tried to pick himself up. He looked up and someone hand offered to help him up.
"You all right?" asked Ruriko, smiling down at him.
"Well, I.yeah," stammered the young man. "Name's Ryouga Hibiki."
Ranma and his teammates cheer along with the crowd. In that instant, he saw Ryouga with Ruriko, talking on the sidelines.
"So, what are you doing after the game?" asked Ryouga, nervously.
"Well, everyone's going to the dance," said Ruriko, smiling. "Aren't you coming?"
"Don't know," answered Ryouga truthfully. "Last night as a civilian."
Ruriko looked at him with bemusement in her eyes.
"I get shipped out to Ticonderoga tomorrow," said Ryouga as he strapped his helmet back on.
"Really? I want to go there," said Ruriko in excitement.
Ryouga smiled as he wandered back out on to the field. He looked around.
"Where am I?" he wondered.
"Get on the other side," said a voice.
Ryouga looked around; found he was standing with the opposite team. He trotted back to his own team, when he found himself face to face with that man he tried to take down earlier.
"Don't get any ideas," said Ranma. "She's my girl."
"All's fair in love and war," said Ryouga, grinning showing his fang.
Ranma smirked, but then he caught a glimpse of Ruriko's smiling face. He didn't even notice the game resume until Ryouga was in his face, flipping him over his back with his superior strength. Ranma landed hard and before he had reoriented himself, Ryouga's team had made a touchdown. As Ryouga's team cheered him on and such, Ranma's team ordered a huddle. The score was 43 to 41 in favor of Ryouga's team. A girl's voice was talking.
"The play is a flip six, three hole," said the girl. "Ranma!"
The girl hit Ranma upside the head with her hand, drawing Ranma's attention back to the situation.
"What is it Tifa?" asked Ranma, almost growling.
"You were drifting," said Tifa. "Flip six, three hole on one, got it?"
"Just pass me the ball and I'll handle it," said Ranma confidently.
They break the huddle and get back on the field. At the snap of the football, Ranma made for open field. Seeing Ranma was clear, Tifa threw the ball with deadly accuracy at Ranma. Ranma caught it after flipping over 3 opposing members from the other side and made for the goal. Ryouga ran after him, with determination to stop Ranma etched on his face.
"Not this time!" yelled Ryouga as he tackled Ranma's legs.
The tackle brought Ranma and Ryouga down. The referee blew the whistle.
"He made it in," called the ref.
Ryouga and Ranma stood up. Ryouga scowled as Ranma was swarmed by fans of the school and kissed by Ruriko. Ryouga snorted, turned on his heels and left the field, heading for the locker room. After a bit Ryouga looked around.since when was the locker room on the beach?
* * *
Ranma stood in front of a mirror, fixing the tie on his tuxedo. For some reason it wasn't turning out quite right. His mother Nodoka, stood watching him as Ranma's father, Genma came in with a pamphlet in his hand.
"This came for you, boy," said Genma. "I presume on your request.?"
"Well, lots of my friends are doing federal service," answered Ranma.
"Are you thinking of applying?" asked Nodoka, curiously.
Ranma shrugged.
"Are you crazy? I'd rather take 10 Happo-fire bursts than see you ruin your life," said Genma, all but shouted.
"Ranma, people in the federal service get hurt.killed even," said Nodoka. "You're already manly enough, why do you need to do this?"
"Who gave you this idea?" growled Genma. "It was that teacher.wasn't it?"
"Mr. Wallace, pops," said Ranma.
"Whatever, the thing is, you are going to Tokyo U and that's it," said Genma.
"It's my decision," said Ranma in a tone that spoke of challenge.
"Is that how it is?" asked Genma.
The two were about to clash, when Nodoka interrupted.
"Wait, your dad and I have a surprise," said Nodoka. "Can you guess?"
Ranma shook his head, sullenly.he couldn't guess.
"A training trip to the outer rings," said Genma. "Zegema Beach.what do you think?"
"I.I've always wanted to go there," said Ranma, lightning up.
"Good.good, then it's settled," said Nodoka.
"Here, have a drink with me," said Genma, handing Ranma a champagne glass.
Toasting, the two downed the contents of the glasses.
* * *
That night, at the dance, Ranma showed up with Ruriko, but she soon pulled away to talk to someone about Fleet Academy. Wandering around, Ranma bumped into Tifa. She was all dressed up in a slinky prom dress and smiled when she saw Ranma.
"Hey, Ranma, you want to dance?" asked Tifa, getting close.
"But I promised Ruriko," protested Ranma.
"Well, there are more dances," said Tifa. "One won't hurt will it?"
Ranma shrugged as Tifa hugged him close and they talked while they danced to the beat of the music.
"It's sad," said Tifa, sighing.
"What?"
"That after this, most of us won't see each other again after tonight," said Tifa.
"I need to talk to Mr. Wallace," said Ranma.
"You'd better hurry then," said Tifa, nodding in a direction. "He's leaving soon."
"Tifa, I."
"No.that's all right, go ahead," said Tifa, sounding somewhat dejected.
"Thanks, you're the best," said Ranma.
Ranma kissed her on the forehead before doing a jump over to where Barret was heading. Tifa sighed and looked up as Reiji danced up to her. Smiling a bit, Tifa went back to dancing, this time with Reiji.
"Mr. Wallace!" called out Ranma.
Barret turned around to see Ranma headed straight for him. He waited until Ranma had landed next to him before resuming his walking.
"I wanted to say thanks," said Ranma.
"Oh, come on," said Barret in a bored tone.
"No, your class was one of the best I had," said Ranma. "Really."
"Appreciate the thought," said Barret as the two walked along.
"I mean, I want to join up," said Ranma, hitting his main point. "I want to become a citizen."
"Well, good for you," said Barret, smiling a bit. "Go find out if it's for you."
"But my parents are against it," said Ranma.
"Figuring out things for yourself is the only freedom anyone really has," said Barret. "You shouldn't care about other people say. Make your own choices."
And with that, Barret turned and left. Nodding, Ranma went back in to see if he could find Ruriko. It didn't take him long and he found her talking to Ryouga, who was wearing a Fleet Uniform. Ruriko looked up as Ranma approached.
"Oh, Ranma, this is Ryouga," said Ruriko, making introductions.
"We met at the game," said Ryouga. "No hard feelings, eh?"
Ryouga offered his hand. Ranma shook it.
"Not at all, we won," said Ranma, smirking.
"Listen you." Ryouga, all but growled.
"Come on Ruriko-chan," said Ranma. "It's last dance."
"Maybe I'll see you at the academy," said Ruriko to Ryouga.
Nodding, Ryouga slipped away. Ruriko turned to hug Ranma as the dance got slow, holding each other. As the song slowly progressed, the two got closer, kissing on occasion.until a hand interposed itself between their faces.
"Hey you two, there's a place for that," said Reiji, dancing with Tifa.
Ranma nodded and turned back to Ruriko. But before that happened, he caught the look on Tifa's face. It was an expression that bore sadness to it and he wished he didn't see it.
"Ryouga's going for pilot, you know?" asked Ruriko.
"You two have so much in common," said Ranma.
"Oh my.Ranma Saotome, are you jealous?" asked Ruriko teasingly.
"What.? I.no.that is," stammered Ranma frantically.
Ruriko's bright laugh brought him out of it and they continued to finish the dance together.
"I'm going to sign up," said Ranma.
"That's great," said Ruriko, brightly. "Reiji and I are going to tomorrow. Why don't you come with us?"
"I will," said Ranma. "Promise."
* * *
The next day, after the graduation, Ranma, Ruriko and Reiji recited the oath of the Federation, pledging themselves to serve. After that, Ranma and Ruriko stepped out and headed to the front desk to give the papers that said what they could become in the Federal Service. They stepped up and handed a recruiting sergeant their papers. Taking it with his prosthetic hand, he looked up at them.
"Fresh meat for the grinder, eh?" asked the sergeant jokingly.
Ranma and Ruriko shared an amused look with each other before turning back to the sergeant who was stamping approval on their papers.
"What are you going to be?" asked the sergeant.
"I'm going to be a pilot," answered Ruriko, beaming proudly.
"Good, we need all the pilots we can get," replied the sergeant, stamping her paper.
Just then Reiji walked up and handed the sergeant his papers.
"Hey you guys," said Reiji.
"Did you get into Starside R&D?" asked Ranma.
"No."
"I don't believe it," said Ranma in a shocked tone. "You wanted to join that."
"I know, but I got Games & Theory instead," said Reiji.
"Games & Theory?" asked Ruriko, astonished. "That's military intelligence."
The sergeant looked up at that and stamped Reiji's paper and handed it back to him.
"Way to go, Reiji," said Ranma, slapping Reiji on the back.
"Next time we meet, I'll be saluting you," said the sergeant.
Reiji smiled and nodded before walking off with Ruriko.
"What about you son?" asked the sergeant, looking up at Ranma.
"Infantry, sir," replied Ranma.
"Good for you," said the sergeant, clasping Ranma's hand. "Mobile Infantry made me the man I am today."
The sergeant pushed his chair to take other applicants. In doing so, Ranma caught a look at the sergeant's missing legs. Rolling his eyes, he left to join Ruriko and Reiji. In a minute he had caught up to them; they were waiting for him.
"Let's make a vow.swear to be friends no matter what," said Ruriko.
"Sure, I'm okay with that," said Ranma.
"We might be thousands of light years away from each other and never ever see each other again," said Reiji, smiling. "But sure."
* * *
When Ranma got home, he started to pack up while his father raged at him.
"It's my decision pops," said Ranma, heading for the door.
"You will do as I say boy! You're coming to train and vacation," shouted Genma. "And after that, take over the dojo!"
"I want to be a citizen," Ranma shot back. "It's my decision. I made it."
"If you leave, you'll be cut off, you hear me?" asked Genma, threateningly.
Ranma snorted and walked out the door.
"That's it! You're cut off!" roared Genma after him.
The door slammed shut and Nodoka raced after him.
"Ranma, why won't you change your mind?" asked Nodoka. "Is citizenship that important to you?"
"Well, yeah, it is," said Ranma, looking his mom square in the eye.
"I hope so," said Nodoka. "I hope you don't ruin your life chasing after some girl that wants to look good in uniform."
"Don't," said Ranma sharply. "Don't talk about Ruriko-chan that way."
Then Ranma turned and stomped off.
* * *
Ranma waited patiently as he could by the transporter terminals. Finally, after a bit, a familiar voice shook him out of his trance.
"You're late you know?" asked Ranma, teasingly.
"Hey, that's not fair," said Ruriko, smiling. "My father helped me pack. I guess I'm ready now."
"Me too," replied Ranma. "I'm wearing everything I own."
"I'm sorry," said Ruriko, softly. "Your parents, right?"
"I'll be okay," said Ranma, confidently. "The Federation will give me all I need for the next two years, right?"
"According to the oath, yes," answered Ranma.
"I'll miss you," said Ruriko.
"And I, you," responded Ranma.
They share a kiss before Ruriko headed for the transport.
"Love you, don't forget to write," she called as she stepped inside.
Ranma nodded and the transport disappeared taking Ruriko to Fleet Academy for pilot training on the moon. Ranma sighed and headed for his own transport.
* * *
Ranma had expected boot camp to be like this. It felt right.almost like being in a dojo where he was the student again. Right now, he and about some other 50 plus recruits stood, listening to their drill sergeant, Seifer Almasy.
"The problem is not one of you is good enough the way you are," Seifer was saying.
Ranma stood at attention, respecting his teacher.
"What a bunch of chicken wusses," muttered Seifer.
He walked back and forth with his baton.
"Hands at your side," said Seifer, striking a guy.
"Head up," ordered Seifer, forcing a girl's head up.
"Suck that gut in," commanded Seifer, poking a man with exotic red hair.
"Legs together," growled Seifer, smacking another guy's leg.
The man grimaced before Seifer went back to the front, assuming a commanding position. Other units marched around, jogged, trained or did exercises.
"Jeez, to think this happened to me," said Seifer, grumbling. "You all don't rate that good, you slack bellied, chicken."
A man with a headband and parted hair started chuckling. Seifer didn't appreciate that one bit. He got up into that man's face.
"Do you think I'm being funny? You think I'm a comedian?" asked Seifer.
"I'm sorry," muttered the man.
"The first and last words out of your stinking hole," said Seifer, addressing the whole group. ".will be 'sir'? Do you get me?!"
"Sir, yes, sir," gulped the man as he dragged out in front.
"You see that armory back there?" asked Seifer. "Run around it 3 times."
"Ha, sucks for you Kusanagi scum," said the red-haired man.
"Stuff it Yagami," said Kyo.
"You can go with him," said Seifer.
The two started to pace lightly before Seifer started smacking them.
"Run, I said! Run, go, go, go!" yelled Seifer, whipping them with the flat end of his sword.
Kyo and Iori started running. Seifer turned to a burly sergeant.
"Raijin, keep pace with them!" ordered Seifer.
"Move, move!" yelled Raijin as he chased after them with a staff.
"Anytime you think I'm being too tough," yelled Seifer. "Anytime you think I'm being unfair."
Ranma and the other cadets stood perfectly still.
"Anytime you miss your mommy, QUIT!" yelled Seifer, pointing to white picket fence, not far from them. "You sign your form, grab your gear and take a stroll down washout lane.DO YOU GET ME?!"
"We get you, sir!" barked Ranma and the other cadets.
"I wonder," said Seifer, putting his baton away. "Who thinks they got what it takes to knock me down?"
"Sir, and perhaps I do, sir," said another young man with a headband, raising his hand.
Motioning Shingo forward, Seifer shed his gray trench coat and tossed his sword and gear aside. Shingo stepped forward and charged Seifer.
"Unfinished Wicked Chew!" called out Shingo, lunging out with a right hook.
Seifer caught and flipped him over on his back, breaking his arm in the process and everyone winced. Seifer stood over him.
"You okay, cadet?" asked Seifer.
"Sir, yes sir.no sir," said Shingo, clutching his arm. "My arm.think it's broke, sir."
"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Iori as he ran passed.
"Medic!" called out Seifer.
As medics ran over and helped Shingo to the infirmary, another cadet stepped up to Seifer.
"Sir," said the cadet.
Ranma took a look at the new arrival. To his surprise, he saw Tifa step up to Seifer and present her orders.
"Says here you want to transfer to here," said Seifer, looking over the orders.
"Heard it was the best, sir," answered Tifa.
"It is the best," said Seifer. "But what makes you think you're good enough?!"
Tifa stared hard at Seifer for a minute before tossing her gear aside and taking off her uniform, showing a white sports bra and a black mini skirt. She assumed a fighting stance, as did Seifer. For a minute or two, the two of them danced around each other, assessing each other of ability. Tifa broke the circling and lunged at Seifer with a front kick, which Seifer deflected, but it was just a diversion as Tifa decked him hard across the face. Seifer shook it off.
"Look at her go," whispered a young girl called Rinoa.
"She's good all right," said another man called Tatewaki Kuno. "If she should win against me, I would let her date me."
There was a pause.as Kyo and Iori returned.
"And make squad leader," said Kuno.
"Hey, that's my job," said Iori in a low voice.
The fight continued. Tifa rushed at Seifer, using hard punches. Seifer caught both of her hands. Not fazed by it, Tifa used Seifer body as support and flipped kicked him, sending him sprawling to ground. The other cadets were stunned and Ranma smiled to himself. Tifa was just as good as she was when he met her.
"Very good cadet," said Seifer, picking himself up. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
"I'm a professional at close combat, sir," answered Tifa, winking cutely.
* * *
Later that day, Ranma's group was in the mess hall getting their food. They were all talking about what happened.
"I'd like to disable Seifer," said Shingo, his arm in a healing cast.
"That's improper attitude," said Kuno's sister, Kodachi. "They'll kick you out for that.not that I care."
"They'll kick you out for anything," said Rinoa. "Improper attitude, un- orderly conduct, anything."
"Off you go down washout lane," said Kyo.
"Where's the meat?" asked Iori, pushing in between Rinoa and Shingo.
"Hey, wait your turn," said Rinoa.
"It's all the same line, little lady," said Iori.
"Hey, get back in line like everyone else," said Ranma, speaking up.
Iori looked at him for a beat. The line got quiet and Seifer looked on. Finally Iori laughed and playfully punched Ranma on the shoulder.
"Hey, you've got guts," said Iori. "I think we can be friends."
Kyo and Shingo gawked at Iori. For the time they had known him, he had never acted like this.
"I'm honored," said Ranma, smiling.
"Sure you are," said Iori, grinning, giving Ranma a big helping of meat. "Everyone should have a friend like me."
Kyo and Shingo left the line, stumped. This was a side of Iori they definitely haven't seen before. Ranma laughed and got his stuff before heading toward a table and sitting down. Tifa ran after him.
"Hey, you want to eat with me?" asked Tifa.
"Sure," said Ranma. "Plenty of room, but Tifa."
"Hmm?" Tifa sat down and smiled.
"Why did you join the same squad as me?" asked Ranma.
Tifa blushed and looked down.
"You didn't follow me, did you?" asked Ranma.
The instant he said that, Ranma instantly regretted it. Tifa looked up with an unreadable expression on her face.
"You think I joined because of you?" asked Tifa.
"You saying you didn't?" asked Ranma.
Tifa looked away; she couldn't answer. Suddenly Iori sat down, breaking the tension between the two.
"Hey," said Iori.
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's notes: Well, how was that? Feel free to review. Flames will be burned within Orochi fire.