In the meantime, inside another one of UBT's buses. Another group was 
already seated while waiting for their bus driver to show up.

The entire Tendou household was on board along with Ryouga, Ukyou and 
Shampoo. As usual, things happened in a way that Ranma couldn't do 
anything to avoid or prevent them. 

As soon as the word got out on the streets that he was going to be in a 
basketball tournament, almost half of Nerima showed up. When Ukyou and 
Shampoo found out that Akane and *him* were going to shoot hoops together, 
they immediately demanded, as they were also his fiancees, to be included 
in the team... or else. Ranma really didn't had to give it much thought to 
agree, after all, his old man and Mr. Tendou didn't gave him any sort of 
help to object (not that it was something new to him). 

Right after that decision was made, Akane, as always, became upset about 
him having the other two fiancees on the team as well. As if on cue 
(although Ranma would like to call it more like "sour luck"), Ryouga 
happened to show up at the dojo. Akane took advantage of the situation 
and asked him to be on the team, either to make Ranma jealous or to avoid 
Kodachi from entering. Ryouga, of course, couldn't deny Akane anything and 
seemed to be even more enthusiastic about the deal when he learned about the 
first prize there was going to be. 

Basically, Ranma found himself stuck between his three fiancees and his 
eternal rival. Not only that, but at the moment, in the bus, there was 
one of the well known "discussions" taking place. The moment Ranma took a 
seat, Ukyou and Shampoo began to fight for the seat next to him, and of 
course, Ryouga and Akane were contributing in the fight as well.

A couple of seats back, Nabiki was sitting along with Kasumi while 
observing the usual mayhem between his future brother in-law and his 
fiancees. Although in this case he wasn't the only one having that kind of 
trouble. A couple of seats to her left, another group was going trough the 
same situation Ranma and his teammates were. 

It was Tenchi's team who was also familiar with the term "female rivalry". 
Yes, Tenchi was sitting and Aeka and Ryoko were fighting to see who was 
going to sit at his side.

"You know something, Kasumi." Nabiki began "I never thought that this 
several-girls-fighting-over-the-same-guy routine was so famous."

"It looks like Ranma isn't the only one with girl problems." Kasumi pointed 
out "That boy and him would make such good friends. They seem to have 
something in common."

"Whatever you say, sis." she replied not very thrilled.

A couple of seats behind the two Tendou sisters, the third group in for 
the ride was also witnessing the dispute. 
Urd began to think of several possible ways for settling those chaotic 
love affairs. Those two guys sure seemed to need someone to help them 
trough with their girl problems. And who better than her to do the job. It 
would certainly be a great challenge, even for her. But Urd just loved to 
stick her nose in when a couple needed some assistance. After all, Keiichi 
and Belldandy didn't seem to need her interf... help any more. Switching 
to another couple would be a good way to spend her free time, which she 
had plenty.

"I hope the bus driver doesn't take too long." Keiichi said "Those other 
teams over there really need someone to put and end to their discussion."

"I'm sure they'll calm down Keiichi-san." Belldandy commented as she then 
began once again to drift away in thought. She didn't seemed too concerned 
about all the mayhem that was going on at the moment. Keiichi took her 
hand in his, trying to change her mood.

"Hey, don't worry too much about it." he told her, he then lowered his 
voice to avoid suspicion from his sister in the back seat. Fortunately, 
Megumi was wearing her walkman since they stepped inside the bus and 
couldn't hear a thing they were saying "Have you tried to call the All 
Mighty again?"

"No success." she responded "Something is wrong with the phone line."

"Take it easy, Bel." Keiichi encouraged "All that business about the wish 
is probably some sort of big lie. You'll see that there's nothing to worry 
about."

"I now I'm over reacting a bit." Belldandy confessed "But the fact that I 
couldn't get to contact the All Mighty just made me even more nervous."

"Tell me, Bel..." Keiichi started "Do you really think that it's possible 
for a non-deity to grant a wish?"

"Normally, only first class goddesses under specific circumstances, can 
grant a wish." she began "However, if it is possible for someone else to 
grant it; we have to be there to control the consequences."

"There's no telling who might win the tournament." Keiichi added "Maybe 
the worst kind of people."

"Precisely." Belldandy went on "As first class goddesses we're also very 
strict when we choose the person who can have such a gift. Giving a wish 
as first prize in a tournament doesn't give any guarantees that the winner 
of the prize is worthy of it. We have to be there in case things get out 
of hand and avoid any possible disaster."

"And therefore we have to enter the contest." Keiichi concluded "But don't 
worry. I'm sure that with Skuld's and Urd's help we'll be able to find out 
what's going on."

Meanwhile, back to the fight, Ranma finally took the initiative and sat 
next to Ryouga. At least like that none of his fiancees would get jealous. 
Once that was settled, the rest of team seemed to calm down and took a 
seat (although a little upset for not being able to sit next to Ranma). 
Team Tenchi, on the other half resolved it's argument in a different way. 
Actually, both Ryoko and Aeka were so concentrated in the fight that they 
didn't noticed Sasami taking the seat they were fighting for. Once the 
little princess sat down, both girls lost interest in the fight.

Finally, a couple of minutes later, the bus driver showed up. He seemed to 
be in his mid twenties and had short reddish hair. In spite of his age, he 
had the smile of a twelve year old. His uniform was similar to the one 
Honey wore, to the difference that instead of a mini-skirt, he was wearing 
trousers (of course). Once he checked his clipboard, he finally spoke.

"Sorry for taking so long, guys." he said "I'm Isamu Dyson, and I'll be 
driving you to UBT. So hold on to your seats cuz we're late." as he sat 
down at the driver's seat and started the engine.

"What is that guy talking about?" Ryoko asked "It's not as if this bus can 
go to the speed of light!"

Almost as an answer to Ryoko's words, the bus' engine began to roar like 
an F-1 and the wheels started shrieking as they spun. After that, the most 
brutal dash a bus ever had in history took place. All the passengers found 
themselves with their butt practically glued to their seats and holding on 
to the nearest firm object.

"This is why I travel by foot!!!" Ryouga shouted.

While three of the teams were probably having their worst bus ride in 
their lives; at UBT, the other teams began to show up. Narsus and Shinobu 
were at the moment with their hands full. Being the ones who had to 
coordinate everything was a big responsibility, and still they did it 
efficiently. Right now, Narsus was registering the team from Maison Ikoku 
in. He was suddenly interrupted when Shinobu went to him.

"Narsus, the team from Lodoss and Lina Inverse's team are here." he told 
him "I thought that since you're more or less from the same time they are, 
you could guide them."

"I'll take care of it right away." Narsus declared "Please take care of my 
shift in the meantime, Shinobu."

"No problem."

Shinobu began to check in the book all the teams that had entered since 
this morning. So far, four of the teams had shown up. First the team from 
Fushigui Yuugi, moments later came the "Experts of Justice" and the team 
from El-Hazard. The team from Maison Ikoku was the last one who came. 
Added to the two new "medieval teams", a grand total of six teams had 
registered. Still, the day had just begun, and Shinobu knew that there 
wasn't going to be much time to rest.

An engine noise coming from the parking lot caught Shinobu's attention. It 
was a dark blue van. At one of it's sides, it had a logo. A red maple leaf 
cut in half diagonally, at it's side, the word NERV was written in red 
also. Shinobu knew right away which team had just came. He went to welcome 
them.

"All right, everyone!" Misato spoke as she turned out the engine "We're 
here. Let's get our stuff out."

Once the door opened, Shinji, Asuka, Rei, Touji and Kensuke came out of 
the van and gathered their luggage. Asuka began to look around the place 
no very impressed. Next to her, Rei was standing still, looking as sullen 
as always apparently waiting for further instructions. Kensuke had already 
taken out his video camera and started filming like the little hyperactive 
teen he is. Touji began to yawn as he put his bag over his shoulder, he 
had slept during most of the ride and recently woke up. And Shinji... well 
Shinji was just standing there with his well known lack of enthusiasm.

"So this is it, huh?" Asuka asked with a certain amouth of arrogance.

"Wow! This place is so cool!" Kensuke declared as he targeted with his 
camera everything that in his repertoire could be considered as cool. 
Which was almost anything (For God's sake! The guy even tapped the 
escalator inside a military boat once. It's not as if you don't see those 
often!) "I bet they have all sort of neat stuff!"

"Would you stop taping me already, you freak!" Asuka demanded as she 
covered the camera's lens with her hand.

"Hey, Shinji, lighten up already!" Misato told the third child as she 
slapped him on the back "By the way, please be a dear and carry my stuff 
while I go and check the team in." as she gave him her rather big-and-heavy 
suitcase and went towards Shinobu.

Shinji just tried to keep his balance after receiving Misato's bag, 
without even getting the chance to object about his condition. Asuka just 
glared at him with a very scornful look.

"<humph!> Shinji, you're pathetic, you know that?" she said as she went on 
her way to join Misato.

"Hello." Shinobu stated with his usual emotionless voice "Team Nerv I 
presume."

"That's right." Misato declared, she then pulled her Nerv ID out of her 
purse "I'm Major Katsuragi and this is the team I'm leading for the 
tournament as stated in the letter we sent you two weeks ago."

Shinobu looked up at the list of members he had next to him to check if 
everything was in order. He then examined the ID he was given. Even though 
Misato's card undoubtedly proved she came from Nerv, Shinobu couldn't 
avoid noticing that the age, weight and measurements reference on the ID 
card had been crossed out with a big black marker. 

"[A little sensitive about our age, aren't we?] Everything seems to be in 
order." he informed "Although I thought that Commander Ikari would be 
coming also."

"He had a few setbacks," Misato explained "but he'll be here in the next 
couple of days."

"Very well." Shinobu stated as he took out two pair of keys "Room 901 for 
the boys and 902 for the girls. If you have any problems, dial 1 for the 
reception."

"Thanks." Misato said as she took the keys "By the way, I was 
wondering... about all this tournament thing. Any chance of knowing who's 
the big man behind all this."

"That information will be revealed in it's due time, Major." Shinobu 
responded. 

Misato decided not to insist, as inexpressive as she saw Shinobu, she knew 
she wouldn't get much out of him. She went to the elevators along with the 
others, with Shinji still caring her stuff of course.

"Quite a cold guy." Touji commented "Almost like a robot."

"Relative of yours, wonder-girl?" Asuka teased Rei who obviously didn't 
react to that remark.


In the meantime, Narsus was walking the team from Lodoss through the 
installations. Considering that they came from a medievalist world (such 
as him), their guide decided that it would be for the best to show them 
all the installations and how to use the modern equipment that the 
facilities offered to it's guests. Actually, Narsus had to go through the 
same stuff when he first got here. Fortunately, he was a fast learner and 
apparently, team Lodoss was also. Added to that, Narsus was a very gifted 
with words. He explained things well and his visitors, not being a bunch 
of idiots, understood everything perfectly.
For some unknown reason, the Slayers team was already familiar with modern 
equipment and didn't needed the tour. Narsus made sure to lead them to 
their room and then take care of Team Lodoss. 

Fifteen minutes later, Narsus showed the team to their rooms. According to 
the establishment's rules, in case the team had both male and female 
participants, two rooms would be given for them. One for the men and the 
other for the women. In case a couple wished to sleep in the same room, 
the reception could always arrange something. Since Deedlit was in the 
team, she got a room for her self (although she seemed to want to be with 
Parn instead) and as for Parn, Slayne, Etho and Woodchuck, they had to 
share the same room. However...

"Before I forget," Narsus told Deedlit "we seem to be running short in 
rooms. Due to those circumstances, I'm afraid that you will have to share 
the same room with other female members invited for this event. I hope you 
won't mind."

"Nothing to worry about." Deedlit declared as she received the keys to her 
room "As long as they don't snore while they sleep, I'll be fine."

"Well, I must be going now to attend my other obligations." Narsus said as 
he headed to the elevator "Let me know if there's something you need 
assistance with." as he left them behind.

"Well!" Woodchuck brought out once Narsus left "This place sure looks 
fancy. I don't think I'll be getting bored here."

"Try to concentrate more in winning the tournament than pickpocketing the 
contestants, Woodchuck." Slayne told his friend with his serene voice.

Woodchuck just smiled to Slayne's remark, without even responding, he took 
the keys and opened the door to their room. 
The place was rather spacious and very well decorated. What ever lack of 
rooms problems UBT had, was sure compensated by the quality of the rooms 
themselves. It seemed like the four men weren't going to have a hard time 
by sharing the same room, you could easily fit six or more persons here. 
The room had it all, from a small fridge to a big screen color T.V. 
Everything necesary to make the guests comfortable.
All of them began to take off their equipment and place their 
swords/staffs/rods/knifes and other implements for war inside a closet. 
Woodchuck then threw himself over one of the beds and tested how 
comfortable it was. Judging from his face expression, he was very satisfied.

"Aaaahhhh.... This is the life." he declared as he crossed his hands 
behind his head and close his eyes "I'm really getting to like this place."

"I can't say I disagree with you." Etho confirmed. 

"I think we should rest a while." Slayne suggested "After all, we had a 
long journey to get here. Maybe following Woodchuck's example for once 
would be good."

"There's no crime in resting." Woodchuck replied sarcastically as he 
still laid over the bed.

"I think we're suppose to be in the main hall by six to determine our place 
in the tournament." Parn declared as he began to take off his plate-mail 
"That'll give us enough time to rest." he then turned towards Deedlit who 
was looking at them from outside the room "Will you be okay on your own, 
Deed?"

"Sure." she said "After all, I'm not going to be alone, remember. I'll 
meet with you guys before six." as she then left towards her room.

Once Deedlit opened her door, she saw that the room in which she was going 
to stay was much the same as the one her friends had. After closing the 
door behind her, she began to take off her breastplate and put her sword 
somewhere it wouldn't bother. She then noticed that there were two other 
suitcases besides hers.

[Must be from my new roommates.] she thought [Wonder where they are.]

Just after thinking that, a flush was heard from behind one of the doors. 
Expecting to meet her roommate (although she thought that a flush wasn't 
exactly the most majestic way to introduce oneself) Deedlit waited to see 
who was going to come out of the bathroom.
As the door opened, a girl around fourteen to sixteen years old (Yeah, I 
know. There's plenty of girls around that age in this fic.) came out as 
she adjusted her school dress, obviously not noticing that she wasn't 
alone. Deedlit giggled at the funny picture. It was then that Miaka found 
out she had company.

"Oups!" she managed to say as she quickly stepped inside the bathroom 
again and closed the door.

"Sorry." Deedlit told her "I think you didn't hear me coming in."

"You're the other roommate I'm guessing." Miaka said from behind the 
bathroom door.

"That's right." she responded "My name is Deedlit."

After washing her hands, Miaka opened the door to introduce herself in a 
more proper way.

"Hi, I'm Miaka Yuuki." she stated as she shook Deed's hand "Nice to meet 
you."

"You say there's another roommate?" she asked.

"Yeah, her name is Gin-Rei." Miaka explained "She was here a moment ago 
but left to see her friends. She looks like a nice person."

"So, have you decided where to sleep yet?" Deedlit asked pointing at the 
beds.

"They're all much the same." she answered "Although I like to sleep next 
to the window, if you don't mind that is." 

"Not at all." she stated "I think I'll take this one over here." as she 
sat on the next one.

"By the way." Miaka brought out "Can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Er... why are your ears so long?"

In the meantime, back with Narsus and Shinobu:

"Here you go." Shinobu declared as he gave to team Cephiro their 
respective keys "Room 704 and 705."

"Thank you." said Hikaru. 

"By the way." he went on "Remember to show up at the main hall at six to 
see which number in the tournament you'll have."

"We will."


Shinobu sat down once the last group from the bus registered. As he first 
suspected, he didn't get a chance to rest much with all that was going on. 
On top of all the competitors showing up, Narsus and him still had to 
supervise, organize and prepare everything for the tournament. Their boss 
had insisted a lot in making all the guests confortable and both of them 
made sure he was satisfied with their work. Narsus showed up afterwards 
while consulting a clipboard.

"How are things going, Shinobu?" Narsus asked.

"Smoothly so far." he responded "How about you?"

"I already took care of the two teams you asked me to guide." he explained 
"I don't think they'll have any trouble fitting in with the others."

"And what about the recreation room?" 

"Everything is going as scheduled." Narsus declared "How many teams are we 
missing?"

"Just four more and we'll be ready." Shinobu said "I suppose that the rest 
are in the bus Isamu is driving. I don't think they'll take too long in 
getting here."

"And what about those two teams over there?" Narsus asked as he pointed to 
two groups at the parking lot.

"Those are team Garo Densetstu and Street Fighter." he told his friend 
"They've already registered. They're just waiting for their friend to show 
up. Looks like neither Ryu nor Terry have shown up yet."

At that precise moment. Andy Bogard, Mai Shiranui, Joe Higashi and Kim 
Kaphuan were waiting near the parking lot for Terry to come. Not far away, 
the team of Street Fighters formed by Ken, Chun-lee, Guile and... Dan... 
were waiting for Ryu. 
Although both teams were at the same place and at the same time, no 
conversation began between both what so ever, each team was in the 
opposite side of the parking lot. Obviously, they weren't very interested in 
socializing.