CHAPTER 38

-"JACK IN! ENTER LAN! HERE'S YUKIME!"-

A FOREST IN JAPAN, 5:34 P.M.

Walking in the forests of Japan was a boy wearing a sleeveless yellow jacket, white shirt, black shorts, and red tennis… For that boy's name was…LAN HIKARI.

Lan Hikari came to this world by a...oops! I almost gave it away, didn't I?

Right now, he was just walking with his PET (Personal Explorer Terminal) in his hand…

Lan moans, "Oh man…am I so tired, and hungry…" He sniffs himself, "…and smelly. I still can't believe how this happened."

His Net-Navi MegamanEXE, from inside his PET, talks with him. "I know, it's kinda hard."

Lan nods, "Yeah." Sadly, he admits, "I don't know where we are. This is a strange world we've landed in."

"You're right."

"Ever since that incident in Sci-Lab…"

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

In another universe, on a parallel Earth…

THE YEAR IS 20XX. THE PLACE: SCI-LAB HQ, DENTECH CITY

There are lots of people gathered at Sci-Lab for a big surprise.

Inside the lab, five scientists are gathered in the room. Among them is one of the main scientists, Dr. Yuichiro Hikari, -(Lan's father)-.

The other people in the room are… Haruka –(Lan's mother)-, Ms. Mari, Mr. Higsby, Sal, Miyu, Masa, and the kid's crew consisted of Lan, Maylu Sakurai, Yai Ayanokoji, Tori Froid, Dex Ooyama, and some other school students.

Before them there was a state of the art machine just finished…the kids are excited that they were invited to this presentation…

Excited to the max, Lan says, "Wow! To think that our school trip would be HERE!"

Maylu nods, "Yeah, I know, this was so cool. We get to see what new projects they're working on."

Dex looks like he's about to burst. "I can't hold it! I want to know what it's about!"

Yai shushes him, "Cool your horses down Dex!"

"She's right, it'll start any minute now." Tori says.

In their PETs their Net-Navis are also excited:

Roll's excited. "Oh Megaman, this is so cool! We get to see what's new things Sci-Lab's been working on!"

"I wonder what will it be…hey Glyde, have any clue about it?" Megaman asks.

Glyde replies, "I'm afraid I don't have the smallest one Megaman, even Miss. Yai doesn't know"

"Well, whatever is it…it must be big." Roll says.

Gutsman's anxious to see this. "Gutsman's getting desperate! Gutsman want to see big surprise now!"

Iceman shushes the lumbering Net-Navi. "Oh, chill out big guy!"

Back with the crew.:

Miss. Mari asks, "When do you think they'll start guys?"

Masya assures her, "Oh don't you worry Ms. Mari, I'm sure that they'll start any minute now."

Sal turns to Miyu. "What do you think it will be Miyu?"

Miyu replies, "I have no idea, but whatever it is, it will be awesome."

Five minutes later, the presentation starts:

Dr. Hikari begins, "Hello everyone, and welcome to this presentation of our newest machine."

A round of applause follows; then, he reveals a machine… "What you see before you, is the hard work of everyone here in Sci-Lab, including yours truly. With the help of Ayano Corp, we were able to build this… –"The X-36 Molecular Transporter"-."

Dex is confused. "The –"Whatcha-ma-call-it"-?"

Yai scolds, "You dummy, he said –"The X-36 Molecular Transporter"-!"

Dex, with a nervous laugh, goes, "Oh yeah…I knew that… heh heh heh!"

"So Dad…what does it do?" Lan asks his father.

Dr. Hikari smiles. "I'm glad you asked son. This machine will allow us to transport people to other places."

Maylu's interested. "Really?"

"Yep…just like your Net-Navis inside the Cyber Net. Imagine, people able to go to anyplace in the world in a blink of an eye. We will revolutionize the way of transportation…what do you think of it?"

The crew is astonished and awed:

Miss. Mari comments, "That's one marvelous machine, isn't it?"

Higsby gasps excitedly, "It sure is…can you believe it? That will be one cool trip to take!"

Maysa chuckles, "That sure is one awesome invention since tuna fish."

Miyu coolly observes, "Impressive. To be able to go to any place in seconds."

Sal nods, "I know, it'll sure us lots of money on transportation, as well as time!"

Lan bursts out, "THAT'S THE COOLEST MACHINE I HAVE EVER SEEN…RIGHT GUYS?'

Maylu agrees, "You're right, that is awesome!"

Seeing the reactions of his audience, Dr. Hikari suggests, "Now…how about if we show you all a little demonstration on how it works? Would you like that?"

Excited, everyone's response is unanimous. "YEAAAAAAAH!"

"All right then." Dr. Hikari turns around to face one of the other scientists on the project and gives the OK. "Okay Professor, let it rip!"

The unnamed scientist says, "Right away, Dr. Hikari."

Then, they turn the machine on, later; they place an object in the center…

Dr. Hikari explains the process as it's being carried out. "Okay, look closer at the object that's in the machine…we will now transport it to Creamland, where the other machine connected to this one is…so, let's do it."

Then the scientist Dr. Hikari was talking to before begins to tap the buttons; then, the machine began to shine…the object is covered with lights; then it disappears…and appears on the other side of the world, in Creamland. The crew was in awe:

Lan exclaims, "WOW! Did you see that guys? IT DISAPPEARED AND APPEARED IN CREAMLAND!"

Maylu's astonished. "Yeah, I saw it! It was cool!"

Dex cheers, "WOO-HOOOOOOOOO…! That was the coolest thing I've ever seen!"

"I agree," Yai says approvingly.

Ms. Mari delightedly gasps, "Oh my…I'm very impress with that machine, I never expected to see that!"

Maysa shares Ms. Mari's sentiment. "I couldn't agree with you more Ms. Mari, that's one fabulous piece of hardware!"

Higsby geeks out, "I'M SO EXCITED! I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A MARVELOUS CREATION SINCE THE PET!"

Miyu's impressed, "That machine is very interesting, wouldn't you agree Sal?"

Sal nods, "I agree. I never could imagine a machine that would let you transport people! I thought only Net-navis could do that."

Haruka compliments her husband, "Yuichi, that was very impressive!"

Dr. Hikari smiles at his wife, "Thanks honey…!" He turns to the team of scientists, saying, "Okay boys, turn the machine off now."

Then, he sees that the Scientists have worried looks on their faces, and tapping crazily at the computer. "Guys, what's going on? Why haven't you turned off the machine?"

Scientist 1 is worried – duh. "Sir, there seems to be trouble with the machine!"

"Trouble…what kind of trouble?"

A second scientist panics, "It's not responding…the machine's overheating, we can't contain it!"

The crew begins to hear some strange noises coming from the machine:

Lan, growing concerned, asks, "Dad, what's going on?"

Maylu wonders, "And why is the machine making those funny noises? Is it part of the demonstration?"

Then, the machine began to shine in colors, shaking violently:

Now worried, Dr. Hikari takes action. "Oh no…we must shut it down now!"

"We can't… it's gonna blow!" Scientist 1 yells.

"WHAT!"

Then, the machine begins to shoot colorful laser-like rays everywhere. When one of the beams hits a chair and a table, they explode big time. Panic takes over the crew and the staff:

"EVERYONE, GET OUT OF HERE! IT'S DANGEROUS HERE! EVACUATE NOW!"

Obeying Dr. Hikari, everybody flees for the exit. Lan sees that Maylu and Yai are on the floor; they are frightened by the current situation. Lan then sees that one of the colorful lasers was heading right toward the girls!

"MAYLU, YAI, GET OUT OF THERE!" Then Lan runs toward them…and pushes the girls out of the line of fire. But unfortunately, the beam hits him. Then…everything goes white for Lan.

-(END FLASHBACK)-

Lan shrugs, disappointed, "Oh man…I don't know what happened, but that machine sent me to another world or something."

MegamanEXE nods. "You're right Lan. It seems that the machine actually worked. It transported our molecules through the fibers of time and space."

"And, I don't know anything about this world. And what's worse, this world is not as advanced as ours, they don't have Netops, Computers like we do, and, my money's worthless here."

"Yeah, that's too bad."

"Boy, I'm so hungry. I could eat almost anything and…" Lan then spots a tree. "Hey Mega, look!"

Lan and MegamanEXE see some apple trees. Lan's mouth began to water after seeing the apples. With tears in his eyes, Lan rejoices, "Oh wow, apples! I'm gonna get me some!"

"Lan, you're not thinking of taking those apples, are you?" questions MegamanEXE.

"Oh, come on Megaman! I'm starving!"

"But Lan, those apples don't belong to you. That would be stealing."

"I'll only take one! I haven't eaten in two days…pleeeeeeeeeeeeease?"

MegamanEXE is unsure. "I don't know Lan…what if you get in trouble? Remember what happened the time that you and Dex tried to get into Yai's mansion without permission?"

Lan sweatdrops, embarrassed. "You just HAD to bring that up, didn't you Megaman…just one, I promise!"

Then Lan climbs up the tree and grabs an apple, and begins to eat it like crazy, Megaman sweatdrops at seeing Lan eat like a pig…-"Mmmm…this apple tastes delicious…" Lan says while eating, then he grabs another.

MegamanEXE interrupts, "Hey Lan…! I thought you said only ONE."

Lan says while eating, "Well…I'm still hungry…"

"Excuse me young man, what do you think you're doing?" a man voice asks.

So startled is Lan that he almost chokes on the apple. Then, he turns around and sees a middle aged man standing before him. The man is dressed in white Shinto robes; has long, gray hair tied back in a ponytail, some glasses, and a wooden sword in his hand…Lan begins to get nervous, thinking, Uh oh…busted!

The man calmly says, "I'll ask again. What do you think you're doing?"

Lan, sweating, gulps. "I…I…I…I was…only eating…an apple."

"I can see that…those apples belong to those trees…and those trees belong to me, and you were eating from them."

Lan apologizes, " I'm sorry mister…I was hungry, I haven't eaten in two days."

The man scolds, "That still didn't give you the right to take what doesn't belong to you, young man…"

Lan at this point begins panicking. "…..…!"

The man's stern expression gives way to a smile; he chuckles, "If you wanted some…try asking for them."

Lan breathes a HUGE sigh of relief. "Yeah…thanks mister…um…"

The man introduces himself, "My name is Katsuhito Masaki, what's yours?"

"My name's Lan Hikari, nice to meet you sir."

"Well, it appears that you are hungry, am I correct?"

"Uh, Yes sir."

"Then why don't you come with me to my home, and have lunch with us, okay?"

"Really? You mean it?…YES! Thanks!" Lan nods happily.

"Follow me then."

Lan follows Katsuhito to his home. Later, Lan's in the house of the kind man. "This is where you live? Wow, sure is big, and pretty."

"Thanks. Why don't you sit on the couch."

When Lan sits down, a pretty young girl, with two long pigtails, enters the living room. "Hey Lord Katsuhito, you're back!" The girl notices Lan. "Oh, we have guests!"

Katsuhito sees her, then says, "Ah, Sasami, this is Lan Hikari…Lan, this is Sasami. He'll be staying with us for lunch."

Sasami cheerfully says, "How do you do? My name is Sasami, it's nice to meet you."

She's cute, Lan thinks. Aloud, he introduces himself. "Mine's Lan, it's good to meet you."

coughs, "Ahem…Lan?"

"Whoops…I forgot…and this is my friend Megaman."

When Sasami looks at the Net-Navi Megaman in Lan's PET, she squeals in delight, "Oh, that's a neat toy you have there… and look, there's someone inside!"

Lan explains to her, "Yeah…this is my PET…his name is MegamanEXE. He's a Net-Navi."

Sasami blinks. "What's a Net-Navi?"

Lan explains, "Well, it's short for Network-Navigator, a program that gives my PET its own unique personality - and allows us to talk to it, like we're kinda doing now.… anyway, Megaman's not only my Net-Navi, but also my best friend."

"It's nice to meet you Sasami-chan," says .

"Me too, Megaman," Sasami says.

Katsuhito chooses this moment to ask, "Sasami, is the food ready?"

"Hai, care to have lunch with us Lan?"

Lan replies, "You bet!"

About a half-hour later, everyone's seated at the table. Lan is sitting next to Sasami and Ayeka; he's feeling kinda nervous. Tenchi's in the middle, Mihoshi on the left:

Katsuhito introduces Lan to Tenchi and the others. "Everyone, this boy is Lan Hikari…Lan, this is my grandson Tenchi."

"Hello." Tenchi politely greets Lan.

Katsuhito then points to Ayeka, "…The young lady sitting next to you is Ayeka…"

Ayeka smiles,. "Pleasure to meet you."

Lan returns the smile. "Same here."

Pointing to Mihoshi, Katsuhito finishes, "…and the blonde girl is Mihoshi."

Mihoshi's smiles at Lan. "How you doing?"

"Um, fine, thanks" Lan tells her.

Katsuhito then asks, "So Lan, tell us where you're from?"

This gets Lan worried. "Um…wha?"

"Yeah, man, where do you live?" Tenchi asks.

Lan's now thinking, Oh man, what can I tell them? They'll think I'm crazy if I tell them the truth!

Ayeka tries to put poor Lan at ease. "Don't be scared, you can tell us."

Lan's sweating as he tries to explain, "Well…the thing is…I'm not from…around here."

Tenchi's like, "Well yes, we know that, but what country are you from?"

"Listen guys, I don't know if I can tell you that."

And why is that young Lan…? You can trust us." Katsuhito says.

Well, what do I have to lose…? He sighs, takes a deep breath, and confesses, "The thing is… I'm from another world."

Ayeka blinks, a little surprised. "Another world…you sure?"

Lan nods, confirming, "Most exactly…another dimension."

"You are?" Tenchi asks.

"You all probably think I'm crazy for telling you this…if you don't believe me, I'll understand."

Sasami innocently asks, "And why we would think that you're crazy Lan?"

Lan blinks. "Be…because I just told you all that I'm from another dimension…! Don't you find that…weird?"

Then, everyone begins laughing:

"Why all the laughing?…" Lan wonders. Now sad, he realizes gloomily, "I was right…you DO think I'm crazy."

Tenchi grins, "Nope, Lan, not at all."

"Then, why did you guys laugh?"

"'Cause YOU think that WE haven't seen weird things."

Lan brightens up a little. "So…you have?"

Tenchi assures him, "Oh, believe me Lan…I have."

"How…?"

Then…Ryoko comes through the wall, floating to the table…Lan and Megaman gasp loudly.

Ryoko greets Tenchi, glomping him, "Hey Tenchi…missed me?" She then notices Lan. "Hey, who's the kid?"

Katsuhito introduces her to Lan. "Ryoko, this boy is Lan Hikari…Lan, say hello to Ryoko."

But, Lan's petrified by the scene before him… Still shaking from fright, he's pointing at Ryoko. "Tha…that…that…that girl just…came through the wall…!"

Ryoko blinks, "Um…yeah…I'm Ryoko."

Lan's left eyebrow twitches nervously as he sweatdrops. "I'm scared…ahem…I'm Lan."

Katsuhito sighs, "Ryoko, it would be wise if you didn't do that in front of visitors."

"What is she…is she a ghost?"

Ayeka snickers, "Close enough Lan, Ryoko here is as old as a mummy!"

Ryoko's mad now; Ayeka really knows how to get on her nerves. "WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME, YOU OLD HAG!"

Tenchi, as usual, has to play peacemaker between Ryoko and Ayeka. "Girls, please, don't fight in front of Lan."

"Sorry Tenchi." Ryoko & Ayeka both apologize.

Katsuhito says, getting things back on track, "Lan, why don't you tell us more about yourself, where you come from."

Lan hesitates, "Well, I suppose…"

Sasami smiles, saying, "And we tell you about us…whaddya say?"

"OK…but first, can I finish my meal please? I'm hungry."

Kautsuhito laughs, "Just like Tenchi."

RED CATS' SECRET BASE – ERICK'S DARK DOMAIN:

Erick feels something in the air; Delia notices it too. "Erick, what is it?"

Erick reveals, "I just felt another presence coming to this world." An image of Lan Hikari crosses his thoughts as he uses his mental powers to search the astral plane.

"You did…who is it?" Delia wonders.

"Hmmm…I'm not quite sure, but…this is most un-expected."

"Will this stranger cause you any trouble?"

Erick ponders that. "Not sure…but, I'll look into it. In the meantime, we'll wait."

"Whatever you say, Erick darling."

MASAKI RESIDENCE:

Lan has just explained to the Tenchi crew about how he was transported to this world. Then, he began to show them his PET and his Net-Navi friend Megaman, as well as pictures of his friends back home. They are impressed:

Lan finishes, "And that's what happened until now."

Tenchi is like, "Wow, I find it cool knowing that you're from another dimension."

Sasami agrees, "Me too…but most of all, all those PETs that you have back home. They're cute! I wish I had one of those! it's too bad that Washu isn't here."

Lan blinks. "Washu? Who's Washu?"

Tenchi explains, "She's Ryoko's mother and…", he chuckles, "…the greatest Scientist in the Universe."

Katsuhito asks, "So Lan, what are your plans?"
Lan shrugs, "I don't know, maybe try to find a way to get back home. But I don't know how to do it, or where to start."

"Well, there might be someone who could help you."

Lan brightens up. "Really! Who?"

"There is a person, who knows a lot of computers and stuff, and coincidentally, he's staying in Tokyo."

"Tokyo!"

"Yes, his name is Dr. Thomas Light."

"Dr. Light?"

"Yes, he might help you Lan. Why don't you go there and talk to him? Who knows, maybe he could help you get back home."

"I sure hope so…thanks a lot mister."

Sasami offers, "Why don't you stay here for today, and tomorrow you can go look for him."

"Sure, I guess…thanks."

Then, after that small talk, everyone calls it off for the day and rests.

Later, Lan's having a warm bath in the Masaki Residence. A lot of things have happened to him. As he's relaxing, Lan was thinking about his home world. "Mmmm…this is sooo relaxing, Megaman."

chuckles, "Yeah, it's about time that you had a bath, 'cause you were smelling pretty bad!"

Lan protests, "I was not! Well, I might, but that's not the question…" He cools down and sighs sadly, "Hmmm…"

"Hey Lan, are you alright"

"Yeah…it's just that…I was thinking about home. I wonder how everyone back home is?"

BACK IN "ANOTHER" 20XX, DENTECH CITY:

It has been three days. Three days after the incident in Sci-Lab, where the X-36 Molecular Transporter went rogue…and the 'fatal accident' of Lan.

Everyone's still shocked from the events that happened that day. When the machine began to overheat, the colorful laser blasts…And Lan's fatal accident.

They saw Lan get hit by those colorful lasers and…vaporized.

MAYLU'S HOUSE, 9:30 P.M.:

Maylu is in her room, lying on her bed. She's sad beyond belief, holding a burned blue headband in her chest and sobbing…It was Lan's headband…Maylu remembers that fatal day in Sci-Lab, the fatal day… that Lan died:

-(BEGIN FLASHBACK)-

Maylu just heard Lan's father ordering everyone to evacuate the room. She saw that the machine was throwing those colorful laser blasts that were destroying everything they touch. She began to run away, when Yai trips over and decide to help her. When she reaches her, she dodges a laser and is on the floor with Yai, afraid to move, afraid to be hit by those death rays…

Until she sees Lan running toward her and Yai! She heard him say to her…-"MAYLU, YAI, GET OUT OF THERE!"-…Maylu didn't know why, but when she turns around, she sees that a couple of colorful laser blasts were heading right toward her and Yai. She and Yai were too scared to move…then it happened…

They were pushed by Lan. Maylu realizes that Lan has pushed her out of the way…but…the laser got him…Maylu watched in horror as Lan was hit by that laser. She saw Lan covered in a white light, and… blown up.

Lan was disintegrated right in front of her…after the smoke cleared away, the only thing that was left of Lan, was his burned blue headband…

-(END FLASHBACK)-

Maylu's crying, "Oh Lan…if only I had moved, instead of being afraid, you wouldn't have…have…" She cries harder, "…DIED!"

Maylu's mother hears her daughter crying, rushes to her room, and comforts her…Maylu begins to sob on her mother's shoulder. "Oh Mother…why…why did Lan had to die…WHY, WHY…? IT WAS MY FAULT!"

Her mom shushes her, "Don't say that dear, it wasn't your fault…it was an accident, and…Lan did it to save you and Yai."

"Mother, how I miss him!"

"I know Maylu, I know"

Her Net-Navi is crying as well. She also saw how Lan was killed by that laser blast…. and also Megaman. Roll had a huge crush on Megaman, much like Maylu does on Lan.

Both girls lost the boys they loved with all their hearts. And now they were sad. 'Cause now they'll never get the chance to tell them how they feel about them.

AT LAN'S HOUSE:

The Hikaris were devastated…they lost their son in that accident…

Lan's mother was in a state of shock, and crying nonstop, her husband was trying to comfort her, but it was difficult. The pain was too great to handle:

"HE'S GONE…MY BABY'S GONE…WHY DID IT HAVE TO HAPPEN? WHY KAMI, WHY…?"–Haruka bursts in tears.

Yuichiro trying to be strong for his wife, but he's crying too. He whispers to her, "I don't know dear, I just don't know…" In his mind however, he's thinking and cursing, It's my fault…if only I checked that damn machine for possible glitches or malfunctions, it wouldn't have gone overboard…DAMN! It was because of MY irresponsibility that Lan died!

It was a dark day for them both.

Official Net-Battler Eugene Chaud came later that afternoon to pay his respects and to console Lan's mom. When he'd heard of Lan's accident, he was shocked to hear that Lan died.

Even though he would NEVER admit it, Chaud considered Lan not only as a Top Net-Battler, but also his friend. Chaud admired Lan, cause he was honest, brave, and had a good heart. To Chaud, Lan was one of a kind.

Lan, you were the only Net-Battler that I respect, and my friend, a silent Chaud sadly thinks.

He also went to Maylu's house, also to console her and be there as a friend, cause she really needed one.

In the Cyber-world, Chaud's Net-Navi does the same for . He visits her Home Page and consoles the poor sad Pink Navi over the loss of Megaman.

Protoman seems to share his Net-Operator's thoughts; he feels the same way about Megaman as Chaud does about Lan. Megaman…You were the only Net-Navi that I considered my worthy rival, and my friend.

A sobbing Maylu whispers, "Thank you Chaud for your support. I don't think I can take this."

Chaud quietly says, "I know, Maylu."

"I can't believe that Lan died…" Maylu cries harder at the thought. "I wish that I was just dreaming, and hope that I could wake up."

"I know, but… it isn't a dream… I miss him too Maylu."

Maylu looks at Chaud, her eyes red from crying earlier. "Y-you do…? *Sniff, sniff*"

"Yeah…Lan was the only person I considered a friend…and now he's gone."

"What do you think happened to Lan, I mean, his spirit?"

Chaud guesses, "If I know Lan…I'm sure that he's in Heaven…I don't know why, but I have this feeling that Lan is in a happy place."

Maylu nods. "*Sniff*…So do I…it's like his spirit is…happy…"

MEANWHILE, IN THE RANMAVERSE - MASAKI RESIDENCE, 10:00 P.M.:

We see Lan doing Karaoke with the Tenchi group in the living room, singing MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This"- Although he doesn't sing like a pro, he sang good and he also dances pretty good. Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi, Ryoko and Tenchi are cheering him on:

Lan sings (or raps, in this case), "Can't touch this…can't touch this... can't touch this…Break it down…Stop! Hammer Time!" He then does some dance moves, proving he's got mad skills.

Sasami cheers, "YEAH, LAN! DO IT, DO IT!"

Ayeka likewise cheers, "WOOOO! GET DOWN LAN!"

Ryoko hmph's, grinning, "The boy's not a bad singer."

Mihoshi (being Mihoshi, of course) gets a LITTLE carried away."YEAH LAN! SWING THAT CUTE BUTT FOR MIHOSHI!"

Tenchi nervously tries to stop Mihoshi. "MIHOSHIII…cut that out!"

Then, each of the girls take their turn on the Karaoke machine and sing a song…Lan even sings some songs with Ayeka and Sasami; he was having a blast in that place…

The next day, Lan's on the front gate, with a bag of clothes –(provided by Tenchi)-:

Lan bows to the assembled group. "I just want to say thanks for your hospitality guys. I mean it."

"Don't mention it, it was our pleasure." Tenchi says.

Sasami asks, "So where are you going Lan?"

Lan replies, "Well…I'm heading for Tokyo, Mr. Katsuhito told me that I should find Dr. Light. He might help me with my problem."

Sasami eyes sparkle as she looks at him. "Promise that you'll visit us again Lan? You're a cool guy."

Ayeka, noticing Sasami's hopeful gaze at Lan, says, "Yes…you are. Sasami really likes you."

Lan smiles. "Oh, you bet!"

Tenchi tells Lan, "If Dr. Light can't help you…you can come back here and we'll talk to Washu. She could help you a lot."

Ryoko confidently says, "That's right…there's nothing she can't do, after all, she's the greatest scientist in the universe!"

Ayeka, frustrated by Ryoko's well… being Ryoko, mutters, "Like mother…like daughter."

Lan shoulders his bag. "Thanks guys, I will…well I better get going. See you all soon."

"Good bye guys!" bids the Tenchi crew.

"See you soon Lan!" they all say, waving goodbye.

Then Lan walks to the bus station, to his destination…Unaware that he and his Net-Navi will take part in a battle that will be awesome…

NERIMA BUS STATION:

A lovely young girl steps out from the bus. She's wearing a blue skirt, black shirt, white tennis shoes, and her hair is light blue and short. She only has one suitcase with her…Her name was Yukime.

"Well, here I am…a new place for a new start in my new life."

Then she picks up her luggage and starts walking…she was sad…

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: We interrupt this story for a little background on Yukime:

Yukime is a Yuki-onna, meaning she's a Snow Princess from the Snow Mountains. She used to live in Domori City, where she used to work in a skating shop. She was in love with a teacher called Nube. Nube was like a ghost-busting warrior, with his demon hand, he hunts down and destroys evil spirits. Yukime loved him a lot, but alas, she knew that Nube was in love with a cute teacher called Ritsuko. She tried everything to win him over, but with fatal results. So in the end, she decided to leave that place. Nube's students and her friends Kyoko, Hiroshi, Miki, Kasiya, Makoto, Moriko and Akira tried to talk her out of leaving, but she told them that she needed this, her heart was too hurt to stay there. They understood and wished her luck. She told them that she would send them mail to let them how she was doing. So she packs her things and heads up for Nerima for a new life.

And now, we return to our story in progress. Thank you!]

Upon walking, Yukime begins to make plans. "Hmm…first things first is that I've got to look for a job, but where? I don't know anything! Oh man, this will be a lot harder that I anticipated."

Then, by some miracle, she stops by a restaurant…Not just any restaurant:

Yukime's reading the sign, "THE MCD's REAL BOUT Martial Arts Bar & Grill. That's a funny name for a restaurant. Oh well, let's see if there's a job for me there."

Then she enters and is greeted by a waiter, who cheerfully says, "Welcome to our restaurant ma'am. May I offer you a table?"

Yukime tells him, "Oh no, I've come here to see if I can apply for a job."

"Oh? Very well, I'll take you to our sub-manager. Follow me please."

"Thanks."

Then he takes her to talk to the Sub-Manager for an interview:

The Sub-Manager introduces himself. "Hello, my name is Satoro, the Sub-Manager of this restaurant."

Yukime bows. "Nice to meet you, sir. My name is Yukime."

"Well, they told me that you needed a job. Am I correct?"

"Yes sir."

"Okay, in what area would you like to work with?"

"Oh I don't know…I'll settle for anything."

"Do you have any experience in anything?"
"To tell you the truth… I used to work in a Skating shop in Domori as an assistant."

Satoro has an idea. "Tell you what…how's about as a waitress?"

Yukime appreciates this, nodding. "Great, sure!"

Satoro smiles. "Very well then…tomorrow you'll start working, and I'll introduce you to the owner of this place and the rest of the staff."

Happy, Yukime bows. "Oh thank you so much sir! I mean it!"

Satoro laughs, "Don't mention it and welcome aboard. See you tomorrow."

TO BE CONTINUED…