"Anime Jam". By Julian Soullard. All of these series have there own respective author and company. I'm not saying that I created or own such series, I don't even want to think what would happen to me if I took credit for creating them. Anyway, there are so many companies and authors that I won't even bother in telling you which one is which. The only thing that needs to be perfectly and absolutely clear is that they're not mine and I'm not making ANY financial profit out of this and don't plan to make any in the future, so please don't sue me. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AND NOW, ON WITH... Chapter 3: Two ways you can see this. "Sasami, could you please pass me the butter." Kasumi asked the young blue hair girl in pigtails. "Sure." she replied as she gave it to her. It was early in the morning, and the only persons who were awake seemed to be the cooks that were hired by UBT. The kitchen was at the moment filled with movement from the personnel that was preparing breakfast for their guests. In the middle of all the commotion; Kasumi Tendou, Nanami Jinnai, Sasami and Honey (with a different hair color and style) were fixing the dishes. Fortunately, UBT's kitchen was big enough to prepare food for an entire army. And in this case, an army was more or less what they had to feed. In a couple of hours, all the participants for the tournament would be waiting at the dinning room ready to eat. It was a good thing that the menu was already set up and that the four main cooks were very organized in sharing the kitchen's responsibilities. Nanami tasted the last dish for breakfast. After a few seconds of analyzing it inside her mouth, she gave her *subordinate* cook the order to take it with the other dishes. Even thought Nanami had experience preparing food and working at restaurants, she never had someone to give orders to when it came to cooking. She was starting to like the felling. As a mater of fact, Kasumi, Sasami and Honey were enjoying from the same privileges than hers as well. Later: "Looks like everything is ready." Honey pointed out. "And not a minute too soon." Nanami added "It's 6:49. In about ten minutes the whole place will be crowded with hungry people." "I hope everyone enjoys what we fixed," Kasumi said "and that there will be enough for everyone." "Don't worry too much about it, Kasumi." Sasami told her "We made plenty for everyone." "It's just that Ranma and Mr. Saotome tend to eat a little too much." Kasumi replied "But I think you're right." At that precise moment, outside the doors of the dining hall: "C'mon, already! Open up! We're starving out here!" Ranma declared while walking around in circles. Next to Ranma, four other persons were also waiting impatiently. Lina Inverse, Gourry Gabriev, Usagi Tsukino and Miaka Yuuki were also looking rather hungry. It seemed that it was going to be just a matter of time before the five of them broke inside the dinning room if they weren't satisfied with food promptly. The clock finally stuck seven and the doors to the dinning room opened. Needless to say that the five big eaters didn't wasted any time in rushing towards the enormous platters of food. "All right!!" Lina stated "It's a self service!!". Yes, there was a lot of food. Not only in quantity, but also in quality. The four chefs really outdid themselves. The food was even arranged to look as presentable as tasty. Such presentation however, was clearly ignored by the five bottomless pits disguised as humans that immediately "dig in" on whatever they could consider eatable. Honey just looked in awe at the five contestants. While preparing the meal she first thought that they might have exaggerated a little by making so much food. Most of it couldn't even be considered as a "breakfast meal". But witnessing how the guests in front of her ate, made her realize that the only thing exaggerated here, was those people's appetite and the speed to satisfy it. A couple of minutes later, some of the other contestants began to show up. Most of them being martial artists like Ryu, Ken, Terry and Andy, who probably woke up early to do their morning work out. Soon after, the rest of the contestants made their way inside the dinning hall. However, none of them actually expected to see a battle field near the buffet. "Gimme that!" Lina told Miaka, as the two of them where fighting over a huge portion of meat. "I saw it first!" the girl pointed out, holding her ground against the redhead sorceress. The rest of the contestants were starting to talk among themselves as they witnessed the encounter both girls were having over a piece of meat obviously too big for them alone to handle. 'And I thought Usagi was bad.' 'I can't believe she's embarrassing the whole team like that.' 'Poor girl, she doesn't know what Miaka is able of when food is in the way.' 'Poor girl, she doesn't know what Lina ia able of when food is in the way.' Zellgadis entered the dinning hall at that moment. The first thing he saw that caught his attention was that everyone was staring at something instead of eating. The second thing he saw, explained the first. Lina and a girl with her hair tied up in two buns were fighting over food, and also making a fool of themselves in the process. Although that didn't seem to disturbed them much. 'Hey, that redhead isn't giving up.' 'I can practically see the madness in her eyes.' 'If that girl's teammates are like her, I hope I don't get to meet them.' 'And look at that blond guy fighting against that pigtailed boy over the cereal.' 'As if there wasn't enough for everyone.' Zellgadis then decided that it would be a good thing to go waaaaay back into the dinning hall. Somewhere people wouldn't see him or ask him questions about his friends' unstable behavior. "I don't know these people, I don't know these people, I don't know these people..." he repeated as he discretely went somewhere Lina and Gourry wouldn't embarrass him. Meanwhile, in a different room, another group was having breakfast as well. This group being the referees and UBT staff. Narsus and Shinobu were wearing their formal black business suits. Kamui, Kintaro, Pai and Miyuki, on the other hand, wore black trousers and a white-black striped shirt which clearly identified them as referees. "Why can't we go to the dinning room where the contestants are?" Kintaro asked the two assistants "You can hear from here they're having a blast." ---------------------------------------------------- "Listen, girl!" Lina made clear "I saw it first, so let go!" "Make me!" Miaka declared. "You asked for it: FIRE BALL!!!" ---------------------------------------------------- "You have to understand that you must keep interaction with the contestants to a minimum." Narsus explained "Since you're the referees, you must be completely impartial. Therefore you must not socialize with the competitors." "That's too bad." Pai pointed out "Some competitors are kinda cute." "What the Hell was that???" Miyuki asked as soon as that big explosion was heard. "I think it came form the dinning room." Shinobu remarked. ---------------------------------------------------- "That redhead attacked the Susaku no Miko!!!" Hotohori declared "Get her!!" "REKKA SHIEN!" ---------------------------------------------------- "I'll send some Labors units to the dinning room." Shinobu declared as he pulled out his cell phone "They probably did quite a mess." "So, anyone wants more French toast?" Narsus asked casually. ---------------------------------------------------- "CCCCCCAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!" Ranma screamed while Artemis gave chase to him. "Hey, this is fun!" the cat said "I never had a human so scared before!" ---------------------------------------------------- "Kamui-kun, is there something wrong?" Miyuki asked the teen in front of him. "Hmm? Er... no, nothing at all!" he declared once he noticed he had been staring at her since they started eating [She looks so much like Kotori.] ---------------------------------------------------- "Oh! So you think I'm hot, don't you?" Sheila said as she began to gather flames between her fingers "Well let me show you the meaning of the word HOT!" "Hey, take it easy." Ataru made clear as he held up his hands protectively "Can't a guy make a little observation?" "Not while he's grabbing a girl's breast!" the fire priest spat as she released her attack. ---------------------------------------------------- "Well, the first match should be in less than an hour." Narsus brought out "I'll go check if everything is ready." as he got up from his seat. "I feel a little nervous." Miyuki declared "I'm the referee for this match, I hope I'll do okay." "Don't worry." Kamui reassured her "I'm sure you'll do great." Moments later, everyone managed to settle down and went to the basketball court to see the first encounter of this event: team Garo Densetsu vs. team Maison Ikoku. Not everyone was present though, some of the contestants considered that the match wasn't worth watching. So, Ryoko went to the bar to see what good liqueur she could find. Woodchuck would've preferred gambling al little bit with some of the contestants which seamed to be loaded with money, but his teammates forced him into seeing the game since it would provide them with good pointers when Team Lodoss would have to play. Miaka and Lina were still at the dinning room fighting over food, everyone decided that it would be wiser (and no less safer) to let them settle their arguments on their own. Soun and Genma decided to play a game of Shogi instead. Everyone else was present at the sport center surrounding the basketball court, seated comfortably and waiting for the contestants to start playing. "Well, it looks like the first match of UBT's first basketball tournament is about to start." Honey spoke through her microphone. Apparently, being an announcer for the tournament was part of her job as well. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the contestants with a big applause." The stadium lights went off and then four spotlights began to move along the public and finally gathered at one of the entrances where team Garo made their appearance. "Everyone welcome, Kim Kaphuan!!" Honey continued. On cue, Kim stepped into the basketball court wearing a completely red basketball uniform. He was greeted by applause from the public. "Joe Higashi!" The kick boxing champion made his way next to his teammate, showing off while doing several fancy moves and poses. He also received a generous amount of applause. "Mai Shiranui!" All the guys in the public went on a cheering frenzy once the ninja girl, literally speaking, bounced into the court. Although her normal clothing was much more of the liking of the guys, her basketball uniform fulfilled the "fan service" purposes. "Andy Bogard!" The youngest Bogard brother was greeted by loud cheers and screams mostly coming from the girls in the public. He calmly made his way towards his friends while shyly waving the public in gratitude for their support. "Aaaannnnnd... Captain of the team... Terry "Hungry Wolf" Bogard!!!" Grand majority of the stadium began to cheer once the "Hungry Wolf" entered the field while readjusting his trademarked red baseball cap. The public began to hit their feet against the floor as an ovation. Except for Ryu who was "boo"ing ever since the blond martial artist set foot on the court. "Get a haircut, hippie!" Ryu shouted from his seat. "Grow up, Ryu." Ken told him. Team Maison Ikoku's turn to be introduced came then after. The crowd cheered plenty when they saw Kyoko and Mitaka entering the court. They cheered a little less when Yusaku was introduced. When Mister Yutsuda made his way next to his teammates, the public wasn't clapping the way they used to. And when Miss Ichinosei showed up... well... the spectators were starting to wonder if the announcer wasn't pulling some sort of joke. After all, Miss Ichinosei not only didn't look like someone who did sports (unless you consider changing channels on your T.V to be one), but on top of all, she wasn't looking very sober. As premature as the outcome of the match looked, everyone began to agree that team Garo was going to clean the court with their opponents. "This has to be a joke." Daisaku noticed as he got up "If someone's looking for me, I'll be at the arcades." "I'm with you, man." Kensuke who was next to him declared "I think they have Soul Calibur in there." "Hey guys, wait for me." Touji said as he followed the other two teens. In spite of what most people's thought about Team Maison Ikoku, the match went on as planned. Miyuki made her way into the court with the basketball in hand. Once the players were positioned around the center of the court, Mitaka and Joe prepared themselves for the jump. Miyuki threw the ball upwards. ---------------------------------------------------- "SHORYUKEN!" "Hey, that was cheap, man!" Touji told Kensuke as he began to hit buttons frenetically and move the joystick in any direction possible to avoid the attack. "Watch and learn, little grasshopper." the four eyes responded "And now... observe the power of the custom combo!!" ---------------------------------------------------- "Wow! What a steal, ladies and gentlemen!" Honey declared as she held the microphone near her mouth "No one expected Mitaka Shun to pull such a stunt. Team Garo was taken completely by surprise! Kyoko is now taking the ball into the small area!" ---------------------------------------------------- "Oh yeah!" Touji stated "Let me show you what this little grasshopper can do!" "Hey, what gives?" ---------------------------------------------------- "Oh! Kyoko is sent to the ground after bouncing off Mai's powerful defense!" "DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!" the guys from the crowd began to shout. ---------------------------------------------------- "Hey, Touji." Kensuke declared "Pushing me off my place is considered cheating." ---------------------------------------------------- "Foul!" Miyuki said "Team Maison Ikoku gets two free shots." Kyoko took the ball and prepared herself to throw it, also paying attention not to bypass the line. "Take it easy, guys." Terry told his team "Let's win this clean. Joe, you cover Mitaka." "Everyone get ready for a rebound." Andy added. The first shot was good, which put the score 0 to 1. The second shot however, bounced right off the basket and heading right into Mitaka's hands. Both Joe and him jumped to get a hold of the ball but only managed in hitting it into another direction. What no one expected. Miss Ichinosei, who was away from the rest of the players, received the ball right into her hands. However, the short lady didn't move once she had the ball. "Miss Ichinosei!" Kyoko shouted at her "Take the ball into the small area." "No Vuay!" she responded "My head hurtz and I'm not moving!" Taking advantage of the lack of teamwork his opponents were showing, Joe moved towards his drunken opponent in order to get the ball. "Okay, lady." the kick-boxer began "I'm taking that ball now. [Man, I can even smell the alcohol from here.]" "Yu wanit?" Ichinosei challenged "Com' n get it!" "Have it your way." Joe declared as he moved his hands towards the ball. ---------------------------------------------------- "Nowhere to run now, Kensuke." Touji smirked as his character launched an attack "Your butt is mine!!" "Really?" Kensuke asked rather confident of his skills. He then performed a move. ---------------------------------------------------- "YYEEEEAAAAOOOUUUUCCHHHHH!!!" yelled Joe. ---------------------------------------------------- "Alfa Counter!!" the four eyes declared triumphant. ---------------------------------------------------- "Did she just bit him?" Van asked, seated between the crowd. "I don't remember that being part of the rules." Allan brought out. "You okay, Joe?" Andy asked his friend. "Why you..." Joe began as he clenched his fist "You drunken old hag!!" "Miss Ichinosei, send us the ball!!" Yusaku demanded form the other side of the court as he waved his arms around. "Fat chanz, Godai!" the drunken lady replied "It'z mine!" The Garo team began to regroup since the ball didn't seem to be going anywhere. the Maison Ikoku team wasn't too sure of what to do either since their teammate had decided to take matters (literally speaking) in her own hands. "Crazy hag." Joe cursed as he looked at his wound. "So, what do we do now?" Andy asked "The referee doesn't look too sure of what to do either." Terry began to think, searching for an answer for this unusual situation. "May I suggest something?" Kim brought out. "Let's hear it." In a matter of seconds, once Kim's plan was told to the others, the rest of team Garo began to spread around the court while the Tae Kwan Do fighter made his way towards Miss Ichinosei while giving her his well known "Mister Rogers" smile. "Excuse me, madame..." Kim told his opponent in the most polite way ever seen in basketball. "Yeah?" the drunken lady asked as she twiddled from side to side. "May I please borrow the ball you have now in your possession?" The drunken woman began to smile. "Such a polite yung man." she said "Shure. Here ya go." as she gave him the ball. "Thank you so much." Kim responded in appreciation "I'll return it to you as soon as possible." "You should tell that friend of yurs how 2 behav more like yu." she added. "I'll be sure to have a few words with him once the match is over." Kim promised "Well, I'm afraid I must take my leave now. Thanks for the ball, once again." "Yer welcom." As soon as those final words were exchanged, Kim took the ball towards his opponents basket where the rest of his teammates were waiting for him. [I can't believe his plan actually worked.] Terry thought "Everyone get ready." With a swift movement, Kim passed the ball to Andy. Godai tried to block his way to the basket, but with a simple feint, Andy got him out of his way and easily scored two points, giving his team the lead. ---------------------------------------------------- "Why didn't you blocked it?" Daisaku asked Touji "You could see that move a mile away." "ARRRGGHHH!!!" was Touji's response. "Face it Touji, you're out of your league." ---------------------------------------------------- "Godai, get your butt in gear!" Mitaka demanded "If you can't handle a simple faint, go seat at the bench." "Yeah, right. So you can show off in front of Kyoko?" Yusaku responded. "Well at least I have the ability to show off. Unlike you." the tennis coach countered. "We'll see about that." "And the ball is back in Maison Ikoku's hands. With the score 2 to 1." Honey began "Mr. Yutsuda passes to Kyoko. She's being blocked by Mai again and she's not letting her through. Kyoko's teammates are being covered as well. Team Garo has one tuff defense, Kyoko just isn't able to find an opening. Wait! Godai moves free and Kyoko passes the ball! Andy goes after him! He's not going to make it! Godai jumps and throws the ball to the basket! And the ball goes way... way... waaaaaaaay up... and lands... on Mr. Saotome's head!" "Ouch!" Genma cursed "Watch it, boy!" "Out! Ball to team Garo." Miyuki declared. "Niz going, Godai!" Ichinosei told him "Iz there at least something yu can't blowup?" "It appears that our room neighbor has an incredible talent to make a fool of himself in public." Yutsuda added. "Would both of you shut up!" Yusaku demanded "Besides, the match is just starting and we're only one point behind. It's no big deal." "Yusaku's right!" Kyoko encouraged "We mustn't give up." "Kim passes to Terry!" Honey went on "Yutsuda tries to block but Terry passes back to Kim! Kim runs towards the basket. Kyoko and Yusaku try to block him. Kim stops! He jumps! He throws! The ball is going right into basket... and... it's a three pointer, ladies and gentlemen!! The score is now 5 to 1." [Damn it!] Yusaku thought [I have to find a way to stop them. Otherwise, Mitaka will show off in front of Kyoko all the time.] The match went on in favor of team Garo as their basketball abilities were something to be feared of. Andy did a great job at stealing the ball from the opponent. Joe and Mai were great defenses, it was hard for Maison Ikoku to score once in the small area, since the two of them easily knocked the ball out of course before it reached the basket. Kim made very accurate, and very valuable, three points shots. Terry was a great captain by coordinating all of his teammates. Although he didn't score as many points as the other members of his team, his intervention in the game wasn't something to ignore. The passes he made proved to be very effective. Maison Ikoku wasn't doing so well. Not only by the fact that one of their teammates was drunk, but on top of that, Kyoko and Mitaka seemed to be the only valuable players in the team. Yutsuda simply wasn't made for basketball and Yusaku made an excellent job at screwing up priceless opportunities to even up the score. At the end of the first half, team Garo had 56 points while Maison Ikoku was behind with 31 points. During the time off, Mitaka was starting to show signs of exhaustion since scoring most of his team's baskets had become his responsibility. Yusaku, on the other hand, seemed about to blow up in frustration since he hasn't been able to make a descent play, not to mention basket, through out all the first half of the game. "You're exhausted." Kyoko told Mitaka as she gently wiped the sweat off his face with a towel. "Don't worry, I can still score more baskets." he reassured her "The Garo team is about to see what Shun Mitaka is really made off!" "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have been able to score so many baskets in the first place." Kyoko added "I really appreciate all the effort you're doing for the team." "Don't worry, Kyoko." Mitaka stated while giving her his well known shining smile "I couldn't have done it without you. I know the score board doesn't look good now, but rest assured that with your help we will win." A few steps behind, Yusaku glared at his rival, jealous of all the attention Kyoko was giving him. [You just wait and see, Mitaka.] he thought [Now that you're so tiered, you won't be able to score as much. This is my chance to own the court.] Meanwhile, at the other side of the court: "Okay, guys. We're doing great." Terry encouraged. "Man, those guys over there really suck!" Joe stated "This game is in the bag." "Let's not get too confident, Joe." Terry made clear "Mitaka is dangerous but he's starting to wear down. I want you and Andy to cover him so he doesn't score more baskets." "What about the rest?" Mai asked. "Judging from what I've seen, we won't have to worry too much about them." ---------------------------------------------------- "That's it! I give up!" Touji declared accepting defeat "I'm all out of coins." "I'M INVINCIBLE!!!!! BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" was Kensuke's statement. "Okay, my turn." Daisaku said. "Be my guest." ---------------------------------------------------- "Things don't look too good for Maison Ikoku." Tenchi brought out. "It's no real surprise either." Aeka declared "I don't want to sound rude, but with teammates like that, I don't think they'll make it very far." "There's the throw again." Tenchi commented as he watched Terry and Yusaku jump for the ball. "And there it goes into team Garo's hands again." the Juraian princess said flatly, as she saw how Terry easily passed the ball to Kim. "Kim dodges Yutsuda's block." Washu added "No big surprise there either... Oh, look. Kyoko managed to knock the ball of his hands." The three members of the Tenchi team began to follow the ball's trajectory as is finally bounced into... Miss Ichinosei's hand, again. "This is going to take some time." Aeka stated. Joe tried to approach his opponent, but when the lady in question turned towards him with a go-ahead-and-try-it look he decided to let Kim take care of it, like last time. This time however, Mitaka wasn't going to stand there and do nothing. He went towards his teammate. [If a smile is all it takes to get the ball...] he thought [Then I'll give it to her.] Ichinosei suddenly found herself between the two most dangerous smiling machines known in history. "Hello, madam." Kim began as he flashed her a smile "This is a little embarrassing, but could I borrow the ball again? If it's not too much to ask, that is." "Miss Ichinosei," Mitaka interfered, although his was also smiling like a true happy camper "Could I please have the ball." Kim glared at his opponent. [He's good.] he noticed as he saw the way his teeth sparkled [Looks like I'll have to get serious.] "No, please allow me to have it." he countered as his smile became more bright. [Looks like I have a real fight in my hands.] Mitaka thought as he narrowed his eyes. The next few minutes became a real smiling contest. The other players decided to let this business to the pros and wait for the outcome of the duel. Some of the spectator, whose eyes were sensible to the light, put on their shades. Miyuki, on the other hand, was looking a little confused on how to interpret the situation according to basketball rules. She didn't find an answer even though she tried. Five minutes had passed since the smiling contest began, and Ichinosei wasn't looking too sure who she'd give the ball to. The other players took a seat as they waited, since there wasn't much they could do instead. [I won't give in!] both Mitaka and Kim declared while keeping their smile up. ---------------------------------------------------- "I won't give in!" Kensuke declared as his character blocked another attack. "I'm not planning to give up either." Daisaku stated as he performed another combo. "This match is pretty even." Touji commented as he watched the score. ----------------------------------------------------