Ace Combat: Ranma's War

Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi; Ace Combat belongs to Namco; Area 88 belongs to Kaoru Shintani; Full Metal Panic belongs to Shoji Gatoh; and Stratos 4 belongs to Bandai Entertainment and Studio Fantasia

Author's Notes: First off, sorry for the long wait. I know I shouldn't be making excuses but the one of the reasons for the delay was I had someone reformat my computer due to a vicious virus, and it took nine days to have it finally working.

Also when I first made this chapter I was hoping it to become shorter, say ten pages long but it threatened to become twenty (or more) and I don't want it to have a problem uploading it. Final count: eighteen pages long.

There are no dogfights in this chapter. More or less it's a continuation of the last chapter of 'Interludes' (see above). But I assure everybody that the next one will definitely have more action and of course aerial dogfights in it. For now I hope you enjoy this one.

Ace Combat: Ranma's War World Equivalents and Terms:

Eurasia – Combined Europe-Asian Continent

Island Principality of Okin-o - Okinawa

Kingdom of Asran (Area 88) – No world equivalent, Saudi Arabia perhaps?

Hejimestan (?) (from Full Metal Panic) - Afghanistan

Honulu – Honolulu Island, Hawaii

Nippon - Japan

Peoples' Republic of Tsung - China

Union of Socialists' Republics of Rus (USRR) – Former Soviet Union

Yank Union – United States

Mission 104-1: Interludes Part 2

"We got here as fast as we could…"

Ayamo stopped flat by the entryway of the Readying Room, causing the rest of her teammates to collide behind her and cram by the doorway. Their eyes went wide at the spectacle within the room. Captain Bartlett in Honulu-style outfit - a shirt with red floral patterns, along with a pair of white shorts and matching colored walking shoes, a couple of dark spectacles finishes 'his' fashion statement. With him, Ms. Sayaka wore an aqua-blue wrap with a pleated hem reaching just below her knees, a set of white high-heels are her footwear for the evening – overall a demure beauty to behold.

"Wow…Ms. Sayaka you look…gorgeous."

"…Thank you, Mikaze. I'm glad you like it." Sayaka couldn't help blushing at her student's compliment.

"Hey! Hey! What about me? I bet you couldn't imagine me in this get-up?" Captain Bartlett went for an Olympian pose, arms raised, for all to see.

"I…think…it's too gaudy for me…" Ayamo couldn't suppress her mirth at the sight. The rest of girls, save Karin, have the same idea and mimicked Ayamo's sentiments

"Hey, knock it off wilya. You may think I dress funny, but I'm still your Captain."

"Aww, c'mon Jack, lighten up, it just for tonight," cooed Sayaka, batting her eyes coyly at the slightly annoyed Wardog Captain.

"Excuse me, Ms. Sayaka?" Shizuha was the first to dislodge herself from the human tangle by the doorframe causing the rest of the girls to stumble silly onto the floor. "But what's this all about? Is there a situation?"

The blue-dressed Kisaragi woman turned to the funky-clad Wardog Leader for the answer.

"We're all going out tonight to Kou Chin's. Me and Ms. Sayaka's treat," Sayaka reacted to this by glaring at her partner in crime. "That's an order."

The girls had mixed reactions over this pronouncement.

"Oh, we're eating out?" If it weren't for Karin's usual cold expression one might detect a smile on the Kikuhara girl's face.

"I'm definitely sure Karin would love that." Shizuha smiled, teasingly grasping Karin by the shoulders.

"Wait a minute, Ranma's not here yet," said Mikaze, scanning the room for pigtailed-haired Airman.

"And so is Second Lieutenant Nagase." Ayamo added.

"Good, that means there's still time," said Ms. Sayaka. "I'm letting you girls in on the plan…"


Ranma hastened the pace for the Reading Room when he almost bumped, literally, into Second Lieutenant Nagase.

"Oh, Lieutenant…"

Nagase continued on moving, pretending no to notice Ranma.

"Lieutenant about earlier…"

Nagase turned to confront her subordinate. "Ranma just forget what I said earlier…Forget about…what I did…" She then walked away leaving Ranma standing in the corridor.

Not minding refute, the pigtail-haired Airman quickly tagged along, catching up along side Nagase. No words were spoken between the two as Ranma just didn't want to inflame any unsaid issues or to get misunderstood - which he has been an expert on. The two were approaching the Readying Room when they noticed Ayamo standing by the entryway waiting for them. She rushed to meet the two halfway down the corridor.

"Second Lieutenant Nagase, Ranma, you both finally came!"

Nagase noticed the high pitch in Ayamo's voice. "Hello Ayamo, why does your voice sound funny?" She also noticed the jittery body language the girl was displaying, as if nervous of something.

"What do you mean? I always talk like this, hehe." Ayamo tried to keep a straight face but was beginning to lose it. She had to stall the two to give enough time for the rest of the gang to be ready for the 'setup'.

"Are you sure Ayamo, you kinda acting funny?" Ranma also noticed Ayamo's queer behavior but at the back of mind dismissed it as nothing more than some girlish antics.

"Have you been to Readying Room already?" further asked Ranma.

"Huh? I mean, yeah, I've been there and it kinda finished early. It was nothing really important actually, hehe."

"'Nothing really import'? You don't get called into the Readying Room for 'nothing really important', Ayamo!"

"Hey take it easy Kei," Nagase flinched at Ranma for calling her by her first name. "I'm sure there is a very good explanation to all this, right Ayamo?"

Ayamo was about to say something when Captain Bartlett emerged out. "There is a very good explanation, Ranma my boy!"

Both Ranma and Nagase eyes bug-out at the appearance of their Squadron Leader in Honulu-style attire.

"If I so much see a smirk on either one of your faces, I'll have you do full detail on your aircrafts for a week."

Ranma waved his hands in defense. "Well you won't see me smiling, Captain. Oops!" It was too late for Ranma to realize that he just made a silly face in front of the Captain.

"That's IT Saotome, full detail for you for a week!"

"A full week, oh man!" Ranma shoulders slumped in despair.

Sayaka suddenly emerged behind the Captain giving him a chided look. "Jack…What did we discuss earlier about 'just for this night', hmm?" Upon seeing her Ranma gaped at Ms. Sayaka's new look. Nagase noticed this and just pouted.

"Oh alright…Scratch what I said kid, this is after all your night, heck it's everyone from Wardog Squadron's night." Ranma was relieved by the let-off but a confused look followed over this 'this is your night'. Are they going out somewhere?

"Oh, girls…" Captain Bartlett said, in a singsong voice. On cue, Mikaze and Shizuha came out of the doorway of the Readying Room and proceeded in joining Ayamo in 'securing' the pigtail-haired Airman.

"Hey, what's going on? What has gotten into you guys?" Ranma gingerly blushed and felt awkward by the girls clinging on to him like some prize. This dead ringer of an act greatly resembles those times when his so called 'fiancées', particularly: Ukyou, Shampoo, and (dreads) Kodachi would squabble over for his affections.

"C'mon Ranma we're already late as it is so we better get the move on." Ranma winced, if felt like Ayamo was planning to yank his left arm off. Among the four she seems to be toughest and most probably workout all a lot, Ranma deduced.

"Yeah, you wouldn't want us to miss our 'big night', right. Ha ha…" laughed Shizuha while clumsily putting up a smile on her face, she held on onto Ranma's other arm.

Mikaze meanwhile pushed the reluctant Airman from behind. "You need not to worry, we're here to keep you company." Moving on closer to his ear, Mikaze added: "After all that's what squad mates are for." The Honjou girl grinned from ear to ear, feeling good for her self for being this close to her squad leader for the first time. Ranma almost melted; it was Neriman blues all over again.

Kei Nagase was appalled by all of this; she turned to her Captain for some explanations. "Captatin Bartlett, how could you. To use the call to the Readying Room for…for 'this' is highly irregular…"

"Lighten up Nagase." Captain Bartlett said. "You of all people should learn to loosen up a little. This gig that's happening is for everyone in Wardog and that includes you too Kei. And if that's not enough convincing, I'm giving you a direct order to join in the festivities." Turning to the girls, Captain Bartlett bellowed. "Alright girls, move out!"

On command the girls started pulling a resisting Ranma off when suddenly Shinjou rushed in and stopped before them.

"I hope I'm not too late…" Shinjou huffed, trying to catch his breath.

"No you're just in time. We were just about to leave." Captain Bartlett said; glad to see Shinjou making it.

"That's good to know." It took him a moment to digest what he was seeing. He could understand the girls' actions toward Ranma but he almost couldn't suppress a smile upon seeing Captain Bartlett's wear for the occasion. His glee immediately ceased when his gaze transferred to Ms. Sayaka Kisaragi. All he could think of is seeing a goddess before him.

"Now where were we? Oh, yeah, move out!" Once again Captain Bartlett playfully gave the order to leave and so the girls, with Ranma, pushed on ahead, followed by Captain Bartlett who took a startled Kei Nagase by the hand and pulled her along.

Sayaka was taken aback by that display plus the fact that his supposed date seemed to have forgotten about her. Shinjou noticed this and decided to save the day.

"Shall we?" Shinjou said, offering his arm to a pouting Sayaka.

Sayaka stared at the gesture and eventually to the person offering it, seeing a concerned Shinjou Makoto wearing sympathizing smile instead of the usual sly one. She mordantly grinned and thought it in response.

"I'm not that kind of girl who accepts charity…"

"I just figured it wouldn't be proper not to accompany the girl out on the date."

"Well this isn't actually at date is it?"

"Is it?" Shinjou this time slyly beamed at her.

Sayaka was about respond when something caught her attention within the Readying Room. It was Karin, who stood all alone in the middle of the room.

"Karin. Why haven't you gone with the others already?"

Karin seemed not to hear Ms. Sayaka'a voice, her head bowed and the front bangs of her blue hair obscuring her eyes. She seems to be inaudibly mumbling something to herself.

Sayaka turned to Shinjou. "You go on ahead. I'll take care of this first. " Without a second thought, Sayaka went to Karin in the Readying Room.

Shinjou sighed, silently cursing his missed opportunity. Taking a quick glace at Sayaka one last time, Shinjou finally left to follow the others outside.

"Karin, sweetie, what's the matter?" Sayaka touched Karin's shoulder, triggering a startled response from the mousy girl.

"Huh? Oh, Ms. Sayaka…"

"What's wrong Karin, you seemed spaced-out just now?"

Karin looked uncertain what to answer, but immediately, feverishly shook her head from side to side. "It's nothing Ms. Sayaka."

"Are you sure?" Sayaka asked, trying to be certain.

"Hmum," nodded Karin.

"Well, let's go then. We wouldn't want to make others wait on us."

Hand in hand, both Karin and Sayaka finally left the Readying Room. Sayaka concernedly eyed the girl by her side. Although she didn't bring up the topic to Karin back there, in consideration to time constraint of their scheduled dinner party, Sayaka couldn't shake the thought of why Karin was trembling badly when she touched her.


A light-blue Pontiac exited out of the main gate of Sand Island Base, cruising off into the island's interior. It bore several passengers, more than what the convertible could carry in spite of its large size.

"Hey doesn't this lead to Kou Chin's?" Ranma asked, shifting uncomfortably at the back of the car, which was jammed packed with the entire crew of Wardog Squadron with him, sandwiched between Ayamo and Mikaze.

"Huh? You think so? I never thought you'd remember" Captain Bartlett responded, feigning innocence, giving Sayaka, who seated between him and Shinjou, the 'what to do' look.

"So we are going to Kou Chin's!" Ranma said, slightly bolting out of his seat, panic evident in his voice. The two flanking girls immediately held him down after they received an unspoken cue from Ms. Sayaka.

"C'mon Ranma don't be a party pooper." Mikaze said.

"Yeah who ever heard of a big strong guy like you scared of cats?" Ayamo added teasingly.

Shizuha scolded her close confidant. "Ayamo!"

"Hey, I was just kidding."

"That's it, I'm out of here. Hey, let me go!" The girls, except Karin, grappled Ranma and generally caused a ruckus at the back seat of the car.

Kei Nagase, who sat at the far right, just kept to herself, glancing at the pigtailed-haired Airman who was being cuddled by the girl-cadets. A pang of jealousy was weighing her whole being. Why she is having these feelings toward Ranma, she thought. It was a mistake for her to have opened up to him like that earlier, but still…Nagase suddenly wince in pain as Mikaze accidentally nudged her by the side due to the girls wrestling frolics with her 'scare-dy-cat' of a subordinate.

"Will all of you please knock it OFF! God, I swear, how did all of you even become service personnel for the Federation Air Force! You're all acting like a bunch of giddy high school students!"

The Second Lieutenant's outburst silenced everyone onboard, even calming Ranma's momentary Neko-phobic complex.

"Well, that was certainly one way of handling it." Shinjou smugly stated, making a momentary glance at Sayaka, who sat beside him. The woman appeared not to bite his wise-crack. Shinjou decide to look on ahead and forget the whole thing.

Karin had remained silent throughout the entire episode, bearing the cramp and chaotic conditions at the back of the Pontiac, her mind focused on a world of worry of her own making, praying the same silent prayer over and over again. "Please let 'it' not be there…"

"Say," Shinjou started, realizing something, "is it just me or do I have the distinct feeling that we forgot something.".

"Nah, it's just you…" Captain Bartlett answered while concentrating on his driving.


"Those fools…they forgot all about me!" Kouichiro Sako stood in front of the Hanger -where he usually stays, lamenting over some miscommunication. He was supposed to come along with Wardog Squadron to Kou Chin's; apparently they forgot to pick him up. Kouichiro shouted out onto the heavens in despair. "Oh Miharu, why does these things happen to me?" With tears outpouring, Kouichiro added: "Oh Miharu, where are you! I miss you so…"


"Thanks for coming. Please visit us again." Ran respectfully bowed to another group of satisfied customers, seeing them off to the door of their well-known eating establishment.

She was dressed this night in her usual blue Tsungnese dress, covered with black- embroidered oriental dragon patterns. It was cut on one side, just below the hip, exposing one of her tantalizing legs to delight of lecherous male patrons – who in turn get ire responses from their female companions.

Ran looked at the wall clock, noticing that it is several minutes past 7:30 – the appointed time their special guests were supposed come to, but have yet to arrive. Ran was a bit worried, what if they don't come? She and Alice-san had already invested so much time and effort in preparing for this occasion that it would be great waste on account of one guy's silly phobia over cats.

Ran hasn't known Ranma that long, only on that one occasion when he and the original members of Wardog came here to dine in. He was still a new recruit then but he made a lasting impression not only to his teammates but to her and Alice-san as well on that fateful night just like this. The thought still send shivers down Ran's spine. It took them over a month to replace and repair the damage done by the 'incident'. The sound of the front door opening snapped Ran out of her reverie.

"Welcome to Kou Chin's…Ms. Sayaka? Is that you?" Sure enough Sayaka Kisaragi came through the front entrance followed by Captain. Bartlett. Ranma and the rest the gang were congregated just outside of the establishment's facade.

"Ran!" Sayaka immediately hugged the girl upon seeing her. Pushing her back she then appraised and admired the girl's development. "Look at you! You've grown into a beautiful woman!"

The blue-dressed assistant proprietress of Kou Chin's smiled and blushed at the remark. "You look beautiful yourself, Ms. Sayaka." Ran said, sizing up the ex-Federation pilot in turn.

"Why, thank you Ran. I'm glad you think so."

"Oh Captain Bartlett, you and your group have finally come. Please this way." Reverting to her hostess persona, Ran lead the Wardog leader's company to their specially reserved table in one corner.

"So this is the place." Shizuha said while observing the fine details of the place's interior.

"Yeah." Mikaze looked around in awe, amazed that such a place could be found on a remote island such as this.

"C'mon Ranma, do you see any cat around here? I don't. Now stop being silly and stubborn and come along…" Ayamo practically had to drag the pigtailed-haired Airman inside and pleadingly asking the other two girls to help her out.

Even after being calmed and put to shame by Nagase's reproach earlier in the car, Ranma's couldn't help looking warily around, from side to side, anticipating for his worst fears to pounce out into the open.

"Hey," Shinjou called out to Nagase, "Are you alright? You're kinda of out of place…"

"Hm? No, I alright, thanks for your concern though."

"When was the last time you felt happy?"

Nagase stopped with her back still to Shinjou. "I don't have to answer that, do I?"

"No but it would help if you'd put a little effort to it. It is after all a celebration of sorts." Shinjou smiled his signature smug smile.

Kei Nagase decided to leave it at that and moved on, leaving the photojournalist to stand by the entry.

Shinjou sighed. "I really don't cut it in the 'giving advice department'." He was about to join in with the rest when something told him to look back.

There by the entry stood Karin, leaning on the doorframe, with an extreme look of anxiety showing on her face, her eyes flitting around as if searching for something within the establishment's interior.

"Karin, right? What's the matter, aren't you coming in?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, right. Sorry." Karin took a step forward, followed by another until she eventually moved inside, in a rather cautious manner, still warily looking about. She gave Shinjou a weak smile upon passing by him.

The photojournalist scratched his head in conjecture over girl's peculiar behavior, which he had first noticed when they were en route to this place. Karin must have thought no one noticed her, but Shinjou did and is quite curious.

"My, this place hasn't changed much. It is as I remembered it eight years ago," marveled Sayaka as she took her seat, recalling all the memories of this place - that she has learned to love while stationed here many years ago.

"I wouldn't say nothing much has change. Business has been very brisk of late that I don't know how to keep up." Alice Mikuriya greeted Captain Bartlett and company in person.

"Alice-san, it's so nice to see you! It has been quite a while since I've been here…" Sayaka said, becoming teary-eyed as she spoke those words to Kou Chin's head proprietress.

"Yes it has been a while Sayaka, my dear. I see life has been kinder to you since you…last came here." Alice said, being careful in her choice of words.

"So these are the progenies following in your footsteps?" Alice asked, referring to Mikaze and the rest of the girls.

"Yes, they are my students. That's Mikaze Honjou over there beside Ranma."

Both the two mentioned blushed and avoided each other's gaze.

"Next to them is Ayamo Nakamura."

"Greetings grandma!" Ayamo cheerfully said.

"The one sitting beside Nagase is Shizuha Doi."

"It's an honor to meet you, ma'am." Shizuha respectfully bowed her head.

"And last but not the least Karin Kikuhara."

"Hello…" Karin said, in a simple voice.

"My, my, what fine girls you all are…so young and so vibrant. Reminds me of myself when I was your age. I was quite the 'eye catcher' that time…"

"Mother…" Ran groaningly reminded her.

"Oh alright, so girls could I interest you all in a part-time job her in Kou Chin's?"

Everyone at the table was surprised by the sudden spot offer by Alice, more so for the girls in question.

"The work would be hard and hectic. But the pay is good, and so are the tips. So, what do you say girls, interested?"

"Mom, I don't think it's appropriate to ask the girls such a thing. They are after all enlisted service personnel of the Federation Air Force and have responsibilities and duties to fulfill as such. They wouldn't have the time and devotion for such a sideline."

The girls were a bit disappointed by Ran's sensible reproach. Mikaze and Ayamo would have hankered for the extra source of income, while Shizuha was rooting for the sheer experience of it – working in an authentic Tsungnese restaurant, as for Karin…

"Oh I knew that Ran, I was just pulling one on them, ha ha!"

Everybody stared at the white, cropped-hair proprietress in bewilderment.

"But seriously, if you ever have the time and get interested, come look me up. I'll be waiting." Alice said, brightly. She then turned her attention to the rest of the guests.

"Welcome back Captain Bartlett, it's been a while since your absence here."

"Glad to be back, Alice-san, I can't wait to taste your house specialties once again."

"Ho ho! You need not wait too long, it will be out shortly, but before that who's the handsome newcomer?"

"Oh yeah I almost forgot." Captain Bartlett gave a strong pat on Shinjo's shoulder. "May I introduce to you Shinjou Makoto, a photojournalist from the capital."

Shinjou dashingly smiled at her. "It's a pleasure to meet the elegant host of this renowned eating establishment."

"My, a photojournalist and a flatter as well. I hope the pictures you take are as good as your smooth talking, Mr. Makoto?"

"That I do madam-san. I could make the story unfold from a single image captured on Polaroid, but due to inevitable circumstances I'm left without my camera at the moment."

"That is a great shame…" Alice shook her head in disapproval at Shinjou's implication. Turning to Nagase, she greeted her. "Hello Kei, I hope all is well for you?"

"…Never been better, Alice-san. Thank you."

But Alice immediately saw through Nagase forced smile and noticed the despondent look within Kei Nagase's eyes. She hopes this night's occasion, especially with some of her homebrew cooking would help cheer-up the poor girl.

"Oh, and I haven't forgotten about you Ranma, welcome back." Alice greeted the pigtail-haired Airman with a wink.

"Huh? Um, yeah likewise…" Ranma seemed rather distracted by something as Alice caught him looking over his shoulders.

"If you're looking for Arisu you need not worry about her. I have tucked her in a place where she can't get out of to bother you, Ranma."


Arisu stared a long time at the latched window in Alice Mikuriya room on the second floor of Kou Chin's, trying to recall with its limited 'cat' intelligence on how her human companions went about in opening it. The 'fat' cat remembered seeing Alice putting her hand on the 'handle-thingy' and twisting it, of course Arisu felt she could do the same with her claws. Arisu went on all fours from her bored sitting position on the floor and pitter pattered toward the windowsill, jumping on it, in spite of her bulk, leaning on the wooden panel. She then proceeded in pawing the latch doing all sorts of manipulations: pushing up, pressing, pulling down, and clawing. Eventually her efforts were rewarded as the lever turned and the window panel swung open, much due to weight she's been applying to it. Without batting an eye, Arisu clambered down onto the roof of first story outside and onto the ground level; she then headed for the kitchen entrance at the back.


"So tell us Ranma," Ayamo started. "Tell us the whole story of your extreme phobia toward cats. How did it all begin?"

"Yeah, tell us Ranma," Mikaze anxiously added. "We promise not to tease you…too much." Mikaze giggled at this.

"That isn't nice Mikaze," Shizuha scolded. "But I myself would like to know as well, Ranma, if it is alright with you."

Ranma sighed, thinking he might as well get it over with. "Alright I tell you all, but it's going to be a long story…"

"We don't mind. It would be good wait until the food arrives." Sayaka said, wanting to hear the story from Ranma himself even after having it heard from Jack Bartlett.

Everybody at the table, anticipated for the pigtailed-haired Airman to start telling his tale.

"Alright, it all began when my pops decided to take me on a training trip…"


Arisu sat outside of the backdoor leading to kitchen of Kou Chin's, considering her options. Earlier she tried entering through the 'cat' door situated at her level, just below the service entrance to the kitchen but no matter how many times she tried the flap wouldn't budge, it was barred shut from the inside. She thought of the windows but then remembered that in her entire lifetime of being here in Kou Chin's of not catching an opportune moment of seeing a window on the ground floor being left opened for too long. Her thoughts were confirmed as she circled about the establishment. Yep, no windows were open, which leaves only one possible place of entry left.


"That's just awful…" Shizuha choked, trying to sort out the mixed feelings inside of her after hearing the account of Ranma's sad, dark experience.

Ayamo's reaction was more direct. "That Genma! How could do such a thing to his own son - his own flesh and blood!" She slammed her fist onto the table, causing it to reverberate, startling everyone seated.

"And I thought I had it bad with my own parents…" quietly mumble Mikaze to herself, feeling dejected, realizing how fortunate she is compared to Ranma.

Shinjou had been listening intently to Ranma's story, word by word, from the start where he and his 'Pops' went on a training trip to make him into the 'greatest martial artist in the world' up to the actual point of the story where he learned the dreaded Nekoken. The photojournalist couldn't help noticing Ranma's eyes shifting, as if wary for something. At first Shinjou thought it was Ranma's cat-phobia getting the best of him. But when he noticed the movement of Ranma's lips syncing with his eyes that's where Shinjou saw the connection. Ranma was hiding something more than what he was telling them and he seems to get uncomfortable when he tries to mask that 'something' when telling his tale.

"So let's get this straight, when the Nekoken fully takes control of you, you become the deadliest killing machine ever, is that right? Have you killed anyone with it?" Shinjou said, trying to bait Ranma.

"I haven't killed anyone with it…not yet..." Ranma defended, baffled by Shinjou's line of questioning.

"Hey that was uncalled for! What are you trying to imply?" Ayamo said, her demeanor beginning to flare up.

"Yeah, that's right! Are you trying dig up some dirt on Ranma for your self-serving purpose?" Mikaze added, reacting to Shinjou's query more on impulse than thought.

Ranma couldn't help admire the two girls' defense over him. Deep down inside he was thankful for it but at the same time felt like playing them for fools, having to hold out his greatest secret from them.

"Whoa! Take it easy there," warded Shinjou, not foreseeing such reaction and support coming the Ranma's comrades-in-arms, but he could finally segue way to his intention. "Let me change the topic then. What happened after you learned the Nekoken?"

"What do you mean?" Ranma answered, sensing some guile from Shinjou's way of speaking.

"Let me rephrased the question. What happened with your life after you learned the Nekoken. You were six when you learned it, right? What happened next? Did you and father continued on your 'training trip'?

Ranma never liked Shinjou and he wouldn't start now. But his questions were valid and needed answers. And even if a few here didn't like the photojournalist either, they too were curious of what transpired after the Nekoken training, something that Ranma was not ready share with anyone yet, especially his one greatest secret that he has kept to himself the longest up to this time.

"Okay, story time is over!" Captain Bartlett said, breaking the standoff. "And that will be enough coming from you 'mediaman'. We didn't come here to turn this occasion into the Inquisition. We're here to relax and to enjoy the evening and," touching his grumbling belly, Captain Bartlett looked about the room, "hopefully savor some authentic Tsungnese cuisine." His face suddenly brightened. "Speaking of which, it looks like dinner has finally arrived."

Sure enough Ran came in pushing a double-decked trolley filled from top to bottom - plates bearing all sorts of dishes. There's Asparagus Chicken Stir-fry, Barbecued Spareribs, Bean Curd Rolls with Seaweed, Beef with Broccoli and Vegetables, Spring Rolls of various kinds, Deep fried Tofu, Lettuce Wraps, a few Noodle Dishes, a variety of Wanton Wraps, Pork Chop Suey, Tsungenese Mushroom Soup, Spicy Cucumber and many others. Alice followed in with another similarly food laden cart as Ran started passing out the dishes onto the table.

Ranma and the girls, along with Shinjou and even Nagase, stared wide-eyed at the feast coming in, the aroma wafting in through their senses creating a pleasing sensation.

"Hoho. I hope I've not outdone myself," Alice said, sounding very pleased with her handiwork "Well, what are you all waiting for gawking like that? Food is meant to be eaten and to be enjoyed, not to be stared at. So please dig in!"

"This is great," Shizuha said in awe, "I've never seen such myriad of food in one set up in my entire life."

Mikaze and Ayamo couldn't agree more as they continue to gasp in amazement at the table filling up with such fine Oriental cuisine.

Even both Ranma and Karin seem to suspend their personal worries, their eyes glistening with delight and their mouths drooling in anticipation at the delectable display before them. Both were already going for their chopsticks when Captain Bartlett broke their trance.

"Hold on! Before anything, I would just like to say a few words."

"Why do I have the feeling 'I doubt that'?" Ayamo said, whisper it to Mikaze's ear.

"Two days ago I had my doubts on the effectively and continuity of Wardog Squadron. We lost good pilots and very dear friends…" At this, both Nagase and Ranma were unable to not show some reaction of lament over the mention of their former teammates, more so for Nagase.

"…and, I had my reservations of you four girls as well. Not because you're young and inexperience, but because I couldn't bear the thought of losing you under my command..."

"I didn't realize the Captain could be such a tear-jerker." Mikaze whispered back at Ayamo.

"Yeah…"

"This morning was one hell of a show! But I like to think of it as mere luck. Or perhaps we just wised up after the first incident, I don't know." Captain Bartlett paused and looked at everybody, wondering what they were thinking, about his words. He smiled, shrugging off his presumptions he continued on.

"You all did well today and I'm proud of you all. But the most import thing is we all survived and got home safely, that's the real victory in battles. Some of you might not have expected that all you've trained from would lead to this," He particularly faced Nagase regarding this. She seems to notice and averts her gaze.

"But in this line of business we don't make conflicts, we train and prepare for them in the hopes of ending such things sooner, if not preventing them. I expect no less from all of you concerned. Do your best, remember your training, look out for each other, and importantly stay alive." He picked up his drink and raised it up, prompting the others to do the same.

"To camaraderie and to continuity!"

"Here! Here!"

"Also I would like to take this opportunity to pause for a moment in silence for the former members of Wardog Squadron, where ever they may be…"

They closed their eyes and bowed their heads solemnly, each giving their private respects.

"Well that's enough of that sorry sob, let eat!" Capatain Bartlett happily declared.

"We're all eating now!" The girls customarily stated, giving thanks for the food.

"Huh? Where's the beef and broccoli that was just there?" peeped Ayamo, who had an eye for the now missing dish.

"Ah! The pork and shrimp siu mai, they are all gone!" Mikaze vainly scanned the table, for any sign of that particular dimsum but couldn't find any.

"Oh no, the Tsungenese sponge cake with coconut icing…I was planning to have that for dessert!" Shizuha joined in the madness, puzzled like the rest on the mystery of the disappearing food.

All eyes turned to the most likely suspect.

"KARIN!"

The girl in question just stared back at them innocently, chewing on something in her mouth with food particles splayed around it, with chopsticks in one hand and a plate of near-finished food on the other. Already several empty plates were stacked in front of her.


Arisu waited and waited, waited for someone to arrive and enter Kou Chin's. Neither did anyone exited out of the place to give the desired result – that is for the door to open so she could sneak in, preferably without notice and fuss from her human companions: Alice and Ran. They would be very upset if they ever catch her inside but that didn't stop Arisu for getting what she wanted and that is getting inside and possibly swipe a couple of treats from the kitchen.

The cat's sensitive ears perked at the sound of rubber tires treading on pavement followed by the slight hum of motor engine. Arisu's head faced the source of his attention. It was a car – a 'thingy' that humans use to ride and go from one place to another. Four humans, two adults and two younglings, emerged from it and proceeded for the entryway of Kou Chin's.

Seeing the opportunity, Arisu stealthily followed the family, staying a considerable distance away from them and using the shadows to her advantage to avoid detection. When the father was the last to enter through the door, Arisu sped the pace. She manages to pass through the closing gap of the swinging door, barely escaping from being squeezed in-between. Right before her and above the family was busily deciding which table to take.

"…Table for four? This way please."

Ran came to the service of the family, to the perplexed dismay of the cat who made a quick ninety-degree turn to the left and quickly dashed behind a potted plant situated by the side where she cautiously waited and watched. It seemed no one has noticed her, yet, especially Ran.

Arisu continuously observed from her floral hiding place and with much cunning than that of an ordinary cat formulated a plan to get from one point to another, within the dinning area, until she reaches her goal – the kitchen. Once there she hopes to swipe a tasty morsel or two and make her escape. To where, she thought, since the cat door would probably lock within this side as well. Arisu brush aside the details, banking on feline instincts to get her through it all. She then put her scheme into motion by moving out, timing each transfer - going into and under a table, making sure no one spotted her when doing so. The cat was only a couple of tables away from the kitchen door when she heard the familiar voice of Ran.

"May I take your order?"

Arisu reacted to sound of the voice coming from just outside the table she was hiding in, coming from a pair of legs that Arisu distinctively recognizes as Ran's, eyeing them warily, unaware that her shifting of position has placed her tail directly under the path of one of the table's patron's, a woman's, raised high-heeled foot. The leg then decided to lower itself, foot and all onto Arisu's tail.

"REEEOOOWWW!"

The cat emitted a bloodcurdling shriek that startled everybody, in the dinning area, from their leisurely good evening affair, but not as affected as Ranma who sat deathly still from his seat, his heart beating faster than usual.

Arisu scrambled out of her hiding place, under the table, in panic, scampering like some wild animal on the loose, zigzagging in an irregular pattern around the floor, avoiding obstacles both living and inanimate, trying to find an escape out of her predicament.

"Arisu…!" Ran called out, sounding vexed. After recovering from her initial shock she went it in her way to go after the troublesome feline before it causes any real damage to the restaurant. "Arisu! Excuse me! Bad kitty! Pardon me, coming through! Come here this instant!"

Arisu made a quick look behind her. Upon seeing Ran looming in ever closer toward her, Arisu knew how much trouble she's in and decided to intensify her escape efforts.

"I've got you now…whoaaaah!" Just when Ran thought she's about to catch the elusive feline troublemaker, her footing gets caught on the fluttering hem of her dress, causing her to awkwardly loose her balance and fall painfully and unceremoniously, flat on her face, on the floor, just missing Arisu who jumped off at the last instant.

Unfortunately, the then flying cat landed on the backside of a sitting Ayamo, causing her to yipped in fright in spite of herself, letting her feminine nature take hold of her at that moment. Flustered and mortified, and with her tomboyish side kicking in, Ayamo grabbed and pulled with all her might and fury the ball of fur, that is Arisu, clinging on her back.

Still confused and uptight, Arisu tried to adhere on for life from being pried off of Ayamo's back; with her claws digging in through the girl's uniform and skin. Ayamo cried out again, this time in pain and rage, but her strength won the day and the cat was pulled off and thrown toward – Captain Bartlett!

The cat slammed, flat on the face of the Wardog Squadron Leader, 'face-hugging' him like some alien life form from some sci-fi, horror movie, its claws clinging to the sides of Captain Bartlett's head.

"Wh…the…fu…!"

Captain Bartlett flailed his arms around wildly as his screams were all but muffled by the lard and fur covering his head, threatening to suffocate him. He eventually had enough sense to make grab for the fidgety cat, ripping it off his head and tossing in the opposite direction, landing right on the chest of poor 'ol Karin.

By this time Arisu has calmed a bit, the pain in her tail subsiding, as she shook her head of all the kinks all this excitement has brought her. She then concentrated her attention a whimpering sound coming from in front and above her. There looking down at her is the quivering visage of Karin, an abject look of horror outlined the girl's face.

"Reoww."

"NOOOOOO! GET AWAY FROM ME!"

Karin screamed, and with both of her elfin palms forcefully pushed Arisu away, catching her off guard, ejecting the cat off her bosom and causing it to tumble over and across the table onto a petrified Ranma Saotome who up to this point has remained seated still.

Ever since the 'commotion' started, sensory signals have been transmitted to Ranma's brain, telling him this and that, overloading it with decisions, decisions. But in this situation fear overcame reason and therefore sent its wrong answers to the whole system that is Ranama's body, telling him to do this when for his better judgment should have been doing the correct course of action. Such is the case for Ranma Saotome who in his right mind wanted just run and get away as fast as he can, as far way from this cruel circumstance as much as possible. But strangely his body didn't want to move and he could only utter two words before his whole world was covered in fur and claws.

"Oh shit…"