Somewhere… at night, in a dark alley…

In a dark alley, in a city, around midnight, a young woman with black hair and a white dress was running through the alley. As she was running, she hid behind the corner, as a dog was barking. A voice called from afar to get the woman. She stayed behind the corner and started to whimper. She dashed off, as the dog ran after her. The dog glowed its eyes a bright yellow. The dog was a robot dog. A thin male figure in a white helmet and tights, with the letter C on his chest then said, "She's gone. We cannot find her…"

He spoke to the robot dog, "She cannot be far, Friender. We'll regroup and stakeout, tomorrow."

They leave, as the woman was relieved, seeing the man and his dog, Friender, leave. She let out a sigh and ran away into the darkness. Who was this woman, and why was she running away from the mysterious man.

We already know who the man and his dog is, but introductions will be introduced, later…

Chapter 12
The Perfect Girl of My Dreams
(私の夢のパーフェクトガールの巻)
(or "Steven Cooke's First Love")

It happened, during The Original Gang's excursion to Daten City.

The Gang, Peter, Farra, Steven C, and Mizuki were driving to another city, with the Marciano Sisters, April and January. They were leaving home, after their battle in the ruined Highland, following Martin Prince's appearance and Earl of Lemongrab's apparent death. Mizuki was on the wheel, as she said, "It sure was nice to leave the guys alone. It's great to be away from our leader."

Steven said, "Well, I'm a little miffed that he let us babysit his gynoid cuties, and take Heather and Michelle with him."

Farra replied, "They are originals; not Monkees. They started the band, before we all joined. I'd say it is nice for them to reminisce."

Peter said, "But something's missing…"

Mizuki said, "You mean Steven Nevins?"

"Yeah," they all replied.

Farra said, "But then there's Julie and Steffi… I wonder how they are doing."

Mizuki said, "Well, hopefully, he'll show, but I doubt it; them, too. Probably he'll be a leghorn gabby, since the worlds may affect him."

Peter said, "Who knows?"

April asked, "Well, I never met him, but he sounds like a real nice guy. I'm saying that, since he's our Uncle. What is he like?"

January said, "Well, he'd probably look like Aunt Michelle. He must be handsome. Ask anyone."

Steven said, "January… I wouldn't give your hopes up. The guy is a Brit, but is a hick, on occasions."

Farra said, "Feh! You just feel jealous about him!"

Steven barked, "Steven Cooke knows his rights! I am not jealous of him!"

April said, "Sounds like it."

They continued to drive, as they arrived at a small city. Mizuki read the sign: "Luna Cove – The Sun that hits the Moon in the eye".

She remarked, "How amiable. This looks perfect to rest. I've always wanted to have a delightful city, on vacation."

Peter asked, "Why is that?"

Mizuki giggled, as January asked, "Miss Takase, why do they call that city Luna Cove?"

She replied, "It's a city that shines and illuminate all around, during nighttime. The only time it become heavenly and so… romantic… is on a full moon. It's mostly a city, but with a huge lakefront that shimmers in white light, hence the word Luna Cove. I hope, one day, I'll moon Peter."

Peter stammered, "MIZ!"

Mizuki sighed, "Not all moons mean butt cheeks. It's another word for "Romanticize"."

Farra said, "Well, it still made no sense."

Steven smiled, "Well, Steven Cooke will approve of it. After all, I've always wanted to view a city like this."

April smiled, "Me too!"

January sobbed, "It reminds me of Mom…"

Peter cheered, "I LOVE MOONLIGHT!"

Farra said, "Well, let's just stick together on this. We'll keep our heads tight on this. A lot of danger here, even though Percival's not with us."

Mizuki smiled, as she parked by a building. She said, "We'll step out here. Maybe we'll spend the night here, before we return to AAW HQ, soon."

Peter said, "Great!"

They all stepped out of the van, as they headed inside a huge building. Steven C halted and felt something. He noticed some sort of vibe around him, as he stepped in the building.

"What is this feeling?" He thought, "It's a feeling deep inside… but I just can't hide… But what?"

He looked around and find out who has been giving him this sudden feeling. But all he found was a few guests in a huge lobby, with some plants and décor. He then shrugged his shoulders and said, "Nah… Whatever it was, Steven Cooke ain't falling for it. We're on patrol."

He arrived at the receptionist's desk, as Farra scowled, "Where were you?"

Steven said, "I'm sorry. But I thought I sensed something… or someone."

Peter said, "Say that three times fast."

"No."

"I tried."

Farra asked, "Steven, how can you sense something weird? This place is beautiful!"

Steven remarked, "I know, right? But… AHEM! Something about this place isn't right. Now, I know it's not ghosts, but… But you think, maybe…"

"Oh… I get it."

Farra smiled evilly and said, "Come here, Steven. I think it must be a romantic endeavor."

Steven C replied, "Well, maybe, but…"

She then said to close his eyes. He closed them, as Farra went closer. Steven was about to get a kiss, but Farra had another idea. She swept him off his legs, falling on his butt. She laughed, as Farra jeered, "HA, HA, HA, HA! Like hell anyone would fall for a douchebag, like you!"

She laughed, but…

BONK!

Mizuki scolded, "Do you want to get us kicked out, before we check-in?"

Farra groaned, with a lump on her head, "I'm sorry…"

Mizuki then checked-in. She had only two rooms – one for April and January and one for The Gang. Steven got up and asked if he'd stay with the Sisters. Mizuki said no, since they still need closure.

"You forget," she said, "January is stricken with misery."

Steven said, "Oh, right. Sep-, I mean, the Marciano that remains anonymous!"

Farra sighed, "Everybody knows… but it's nice that you cannot mention it, in front of January. (One hopes).

January smiled, "It's okay. You guys have been so good to us, especially New Mother."

"New Mother?! Whatever happened to Mother Dear?"

"It's… It's… Well…"

She grew nervous, as Farra apologized, "Sorry. I'm not used to being with androids, including reformed ones; especially adopted girls."

Steven said, "Oh, come now, Farra. Aren't you happy that you have children?"

Farra yelled, "I CAN GET MY OWN!"

She pouted, as January hugged her, "Mother… Stay with us. We miss our old Mother…"

April said in acceptance, "Do as she says. I cannot bear her to be a bawling mess. Besides, her eyes are about to rust."

Mizuki said, "I'll stay with the sisters, since I have some knowledge on your kind. Peter, Farra, Steven, you take this room."

Peter whined, "Aw, Miz! You can't leave me!"

Farra protested, "I'm not staying in this room with them – one fat ass and one douche!"

The boys cried, "HEY!"

Mizuki said, "It's fine. They need someone to talk to. Also, I don't think boys would stay with them. Not yet, anyway."

They left to their room, as Steven was sensed a feeling, again. He stopped, as he saw a girl with black hair, a green sweater, and white pants. She was sitting in the table, drinking tea. He then blushed and thought, "It… It can't be her… that I felt."

He called to the others, "You go on ahead. I have to take care of something."

Mizuki responded, "Hurry back. Remember, we're in Room 403 & 404. You're with Peter and Farra."

Steven smiled, "See you later."

They entered the elevator, as Steven went to see the girl. He approached her, as she noticed Steven. He then started to act calmly.

"If I make my usual romance, Steven Cooke will not blow it. I'll have to be like Peter and Percival. I'll have to be nice."

He asked her, in nervousness, as he looked at the girl's reddish eyes, "Uh… How do you do? Uh… I…"

The girl blushed and turned away. He then stepped back and was in disappointment. He said, "Sorry. I never met someone as cute as you… but, I know when I am licked."

The girl asked, "Um… Sir?"

Steven smiled, "YES?"

She responded, "It's nice to meet you."

"Well, yes. I have been noticeable… but I am a blue-chipper in-."

"No, I mean… It's nice to meet a man like you, who has such, uh, heart."

"Heart?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not that caring… I get to become arrogant, which you don't like, I mean…"

He was in a nervous wreck, as she giggled, "It's fine. I know you're not a pervert, like some of my friends."

Steven laughed, "You kidding?"

"I know so… But… But I see that you often want to get along…"

"Pardon?"

"You are often arrogant and somewhat of a jerk, but you have such good vibes. Also, you often brag and speak in the third-person perspective."

"Steven Cooke is scared of you… How did-?"

She then smiled, "But, all in all, you're so nice. I don't mind if you are sweet… except that men like you often do some jerkily moves. You're not like that, of course."

He was confused and angry, "You're shitting me. Right?"

"I'm not joshing. I'm just being honest about you. It's hard to say."

"Oh."

She then got up and left to her room. She said, "If you need me, I'll be in Room 613. It was nice talking with you. I hope to talk to you again… just not in public."

She bowed and left to her room. He was lost in thought. He was then thinking about the girl. He returned to his room, remembering the number.

XXXXX

Later, Steven arrived outside 403 and 404, thinking about that mysterious woman who knew of him. He then pondered, as Farra peeked from Room 403, where she and Peter are.

"Who was that girl? It really makes Steven Cooke's heart a-flutter, but it doesn't feel right. On the plus side, she's too hot. Who was she?"

He then growled, "AAH! I forgot her name! She knows me, but I forgot to ask her for her name! I MESSED UP!"

He then grinned, "But… 613… That is where she is staying! I better tell the others!"

Farra zipped back to her seat, as Steven was confused, "Uh… Where did Mizuki stay in, with the Marcianos?"

He groaned, as Farra snickered. She said, "Idiot…"

"Man! Which one was it? Mizuki didn't tell me!" He cried.

He then decided, "Uh… 403? Yeah."

He was right. But…

"Farra! Peter!" He called, as he knocked silently.

Farra winked to Peter, "Watch this."

She imitated January's voice and fake cried, "WAH! GO AWAY! I… WANT… SEPTEMBER!"

Steven shouted, "Farra, I know it's you! No need to pretend to fake cry!"

Farra then imitated April, "You leave her alone! She's undergoing grief again!"

Steven sighed, as he remarked, "Farra… Why do you hate me?"

Farra did Mizuki's voice and said, "Steven, it's fine. January's under a lot of stress. I think I kind of hit the circuit that remembered Sep."

Steven gave in, the idiot, and believed Farra's prank, "Oh, sorry. I thought you were her. Sworn I did."

He went to Room 404's door, as Farra snickered evilly, lying on her bed, "Got him good."

"Aw, leave the guy alone, Farra!" Peter whined.

Farra jeered, "Hey, I refuse to room with him, other than you."

"That's different."

Steven opened the door and saw Mizuki on the bed, sleeping, as April and January were changing. They stepped out of the screen, in their underwear, and looked at Steven, who was gasping.

"Oops… Wrong room…" Steven smiled.

SOCK! POW!
"BEAT IT, YOU PERVERT!" The Sisters socked him out of the room and into the hallway.

He was out cold, as Farra stepped out, seeing Steven, all bloodied a bit. Mizuki saw what transpired and said, "Seriously, you should've knocked."

She slammed the door, as Farra laughed at him, "HAH! You deserve it, you loser! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!"

Peter snuffed, "Monster…"

XXXXX

Steven recovered, in his room, and told Peter and Farra about the girl he met.

"You met a girl, in this hotel?" Peter asked, "Not to be rude, but what was she like?"

Farra said, "Yeah, seriously, how can you love a girl that doesn't know you?"

Steven said, "Wait! Hear me out! I think she knows me, because she's a fan. She knows me, because of my dubious traits and style."

Farra smiled, "You lack style… and your traits are deficient…"

Peter said, "Aw, don't listen to her, bro. It must be unique of you to meet someone like that. You said it, yourself. You meet a girl, and she has such knowledge. Plus, you think she likes you, but she's shy."

"Well, she was nervous. And she said that she thinks men are for their charm, including winks and smiles. I'm not like that. Steven Cooke knows it, since he's original."

Peter smirked, "Original dingus…"

Farra yelled, "HEY! I WAS GONNA SAY THAT!"

"Beat you to it!"

"Jerk!"

Steven said, "Well, how and why she knows me, without hearing of me, is still a mystery. I think she likes me, but…"

"But?" Peter and Farra asked.

"But I think she's scary. How can she know me, at the top of the hat?"

"I think you mean "Tip of the hat"." Farra said.

Peter added, "And it's probably because she's psychic… or somewhat of an alien woman. You know how AUs are."

Farra sighed, "Peter, there's no way Enigma Lady is a UFO… although, I am rather curious."

Peter asked, in a curious smirk, "So… What is her name?"

Steven pouted and said nothing. Farra retorted, "Steven! Don't tell me you don't know her name, do you?"

Steven said, "No… I was so nervous, seeing how she knew of me, without ever hearing of Steven Cooke… I… I froze…"

He yelled, "I DIDN'T ASK!"

Peter and Farra gagged, "URK!"

Steven explained, "But… She is staying in Room 613!"

Farra sighed, "What a relief…"

Peter said, "Cool! Dude, I'll meet her, for this one!"

Farra stated, "Now, hold on, Big Guy. We're not sure what this lady is capable of. Besides, how can she be in Room 613, if these floors have twelve rooms, each floor? Maybe we'll meet this girl and ask questions."

"Dude, you're right."

"Wait, there's 12 rooms?" Steven asked.

They nodded, as he barked, "You can fight with each other! Steven Cooke felt a chill, and it was her! I'm getting to the bottom of this, alone!"

He stormed off, as Farra jeered, "Good luck, Casanova~!"

Peter groaned, "What do you have against him, Farra?"

She strangled him and shouted, "DON'T FUCK IT, FATSO! It's NONE! of YOUR! CONCERN!"

He strangled back, "SHUT UP! YOU ALWAYS DO THIS!"

They fought, as Steven sighed, heading upstairs, "And they call me a douchebag."

He arrived at the sixth floor and looked for Room 613. He called to the bellboy, dressed in a white and gold suit, and asked, "Sir. Do you know of a girl in Room 613?"

"No, sir. I haven't. Besides, all our rooms go up to 12." He replied.

Steven pouted, "Shoot. Farra was right. I knew it was too good to be true."

"Sir? Who were you looking for?"

"Well… She was a girl, with black hair and a green shirt. She had a cute dispo-."

"Oh, I get it. There was this girl that was running in the halls, in this hotel."

"Does she have a name?"

"No. If I asked, I'd know, other than knowing who a hot chick looks like."

"You're no help… Thanks, anyway."

"Sorry. Excuse me, sir."

He left, as Steven walked around the hall. He then said, "Well, Steven Cooke knows that she's somewhere in the sixth floor. But where?"

She bumped into a girl, with black hair, wearing a blue tank and jeans. It was her.

"Oh!" He smiled, "Sorry. I didn't mean to run into you."

"Oh, no, it's fine…" The girl bowed and blushed.

She gasped, "Oh! It's you! Hello… Steven, right?"

Steven griped, "You?! You said you were in Room 613!"

She explained, "Sorry… I figured that-. Well, I do have a room, but… But I don't want anyone to know where I am."

He said, "Yes, well, Steven Cooke has found you, so I can prove it to my friends."

She asked, "Uh, why are you here?"

"Oh, just needed a rest, while our friends are busy in another city. I'm with five others… Two of them are robots."

She gasped and asked, "Oh, I, uh… I didn't know you'd… associate with…"

He explained, "No. They are our leader's adopted android daughters. Don't ask."

"Okay."

He asked, "So… How come you came here? Hiding from newshounds? Steven Cooke is like that."

She responded, "Oh, no. I'm just hiding. I go by the name "Kanari Ki". It's an alias I use, whenever I go. But, only to shake off my trail… from them. I also go by aliases "Nekomi-Michan", "Baniki", and "Maid Mistress". That last one is for those who think it's that awful bondage thing."

He thought, "Sis liked it."

He replied, "So… What is your real name?"

She responded, nervously, "Uh… Ya… Yam… Oh… OH!"

He asked, "Huh?"

She clearly said, "I'm Yakumo. My name is Yakumo Tsukamoto."

He smiled, "You already know me… Yakumo."

He shook her hand and asked if he'd stay with her, in her room. She said that she lives in Room 612. He nodded and said that he'll join her. Suddenly, they blushed together, as Yakumo was in a nervous state. Steven C turned away and giggled, "Uh, Yakumo… I feel a bit funny about this, you know."

Yakumo replied, "I see. This could be love… Right?"

Steven barked, "WHAT? No… Steven Cooke cares about the love of his fans, namely the kids!"

He confessed, "To be honest… I never had a sudden relationship… with someone like you. Don't get me wrong, but Steven Cooke isn't the romantic type…"

Yakumo sighed in sadness, "I understand… But I, uh, it's just… I… I…"

She gasped and shoved him down. As they fell to the floor, Steven shouted, "WHY DID YOU SHOVE ME DOWN FOR? Shit!"

Yakumo replied, "I'm sorry… But… They came."

She pointed at the wall, which showed a grazed bullet hole. She then said that someone was after her.

"Jesus! You shouldn't even say it now!" He protested.

"It's fine. That's the reason I came to Luna Cove… To hide. But… I guess they found me."

"Who?"

"Lyuze."

"Who?!"

"Uh… She's a, uh… Never mind that! Let's run to your place! Where do you bunk at?"

"Room 403. I am sharing it with two others. The other room, with the robot girls, is 404."

He then bellowed, "Steven Cooke will save the day. But, lay low… and avoid any window sighting."

"Huh?"

"Stay inconspicuous."

"Okay."

They crawled down, heading to an elevator, which was already open. They dove inside, and stood up. The doors closed, as Steven hit "4" on the elevator panel. Yakumo blushed and held his hand, as the elevator went down. He asked her, "Uh, Yakumo? Why are you holding my hand?"

Yakumo said nothing. She turned away, as the elevator went to the 4th floor.

Meanwhile, outside the hotel, in a building, across the street, a figure, on the roof, was holding up a sniper rifle and said, "She got away again. I shot at her, but there's no way she'd go down. She's hiding something."

It was a woman, with spiky pink hair, wearing a lab coat, and with shiny eyes. She said, "Yamo isn't hiding from me, again. She got away with running from Casshern, but she must be stopped."

She then thought, "But, who was that guy, trying to protect her? I saw an image of him, with her."

She left the roof, as she called for Casshern, on a cell phone, "Casshern, it's me, Lyuze. You better head over to the Luna Cove Hotel, located in Posh Road and Sporty Street. I think we found Yamo. Also, send this message to Ohji: Cancel the worldwide search."

She hung up and said, "Soon, Yamo… You will be ours."

XXXXX

Steven and Yakumo arrived at the fourth floor, heading to Room 403. He knocked on the door, as Farra called, "Yes? Did you get dumped?"

Yakumo asked, "Is she?"

Steven huffed, "Ignore her. She's a bitch."

Farra opened the door and tried to strangle him, "I HEARD THAT! WHAT DID YOU CALL ME, YOU FUCKING JIPSTER?"

Peter restrained her, as Steven asked, "Did you close the blinds?"

He responded, "No. I thought we have-."

Steven rushed in and closed the shades, as Yakumo grew worried, "Your friends are very wild."

"Meh. They always do this."

Peter asked, as he let go of Farra, "What's going on? Are you hiding from paparazzo?"

Steven barked, "This is the woman I mentioned! She's in grave danger!"

Farra growled, "You're so dead…"

Peter cried, "Farra! She's in grave danger! Bra needs our help!"

Yakumo asked, "Bra?"

Steven said, "He says shit like that, a lot. The guy's a lingo master."

Peter smiled, "It's a gift."

Farra asked her, "So, why should we protect you?"

Yakumo said, "Well, when Steven and I first met, someone was trying to kill me. A bullet almost hit me, on the sixth floor. Luckily, he saved my life, before the bullet went to me. It appeared, without knowing… but I knew."

Steven thought, "Wait, she saved me…"

"A sniper!" Farra gasped.

Yakumo bowed, "I wanna come to you. I hear that you are for help, according to your bios."

Farra cringed, "Uh, sure…"

Peter stepped out, saying, "I'll go warn Miz and the girls."

Steven said, "Go ahead."

Farra smiled, "Listen, we'll do what we can. We'll protect you…"

She strangled Steven and yelled, "RIGHT AFTER I KILL THIS BASTARD!"

Steven choked, "Farra! Listen to reason!"

Yakumo gasped in fear, but then had a cold glare. She held her hand up and stabbed Farra in the spine.

STAB!
Of course, the stab didn't go through the bone. It hit between her hip and abdomen. She collapsed to the floor, out cold and limp. Steven gasped, "HOLY CRAP! YOU KILLED HER!"

Yakumo said, "It's an old military move. She'll be fine. I jabbed her in the spine, but not severely. If I jabbed on top of her spine, she'd die."

Steven snapped, "You didn't have to do that."

Yakumo blushed, "I'm sorry. It was awful of her to make you suffer, like this. She was too violent."

Steven said, "She's like that, since her parents died."

"OH! I didn't know that."

"Yeah. But only she knows. You'll talk to her… if she's ready. She's got a glass heart and a bitchy mood."

"Right."

He held her and said, "Yakumo… Yakumo, I cannot let you suffer. We'll protect you, and we'll find this Lyuze."

She blushed, "Thank you."

They stared at each other and suddenly blushed in a lovey-dovey state. They closed their eyes and were about to kiss. But…

"DUDE! HELP IS ON THE WAY!" Peter cheered.

Mizuki gasped, "Whoa… You ain't kidding."

Steven and Yakumo separated and blushed, as they laughed nervously. They turned away and giggled. Peter and Mizuki asked, "Uh, Steven? You okay?"

Steven said, all flustered, "Oh, no, no, no, no… I, uh, had to help her feel safe…"

Yakumo stammered, "That's true… Yes, uh… Well, he said…"

April snuffed, "I don't even wanna know."

They both blushed, "How awkward…"

Mizuki asked Yakumo, "Hello. You're the girl that jolted Steven Cooke."

"Jolted?!" Steven snapped.

Mizuki bowed, "I'm Mizuki Takase. I'm a member of The Gang."

She introduced the others, "This is my boyfriend, Peter Giese, and these two are April and January Marciano."

April and January bowed, "Marciano-Gaynes, actually…"

Mizuki pointed at Farra, "And that is Farra Stevens… who is, somehow, on the floor."

Steven lied, "She passed out!"

Yakumo nodded, "She did."

Mizuki said, "Okay."

Yakumo whispered, "She'll wake up, in minutes. I used a safety punch, to not bruise her muscles."

Steven said, "Thanks. You're very cautious."

Yakumo bowed, "My name is, uh, Yakumo Tsukamoto. Please to meet you."

She sat down on the bed, as they sat together, as Steven was nervous. He thought, "Was I imagining that moment?"

Farra groaned, as she got up from her "nap", "Uh, what's going on?"

XXXXX

It was five at night, as Yakumo explained her story to The Gang and the Sisters.

"Well, you see, this group has no name, but its leader is Lyuze, who is a scientist in an out-of-town laboratory. She is a skilled mind who worked here in Luna Cove, long ago, before her boss, Luna, was killed in an accident. She, along with her two assistants, has been studying the effects of alternate world studies on human beings, or reasonable facsimiles thereof, depending on its original state. Or, in your simple mind, she has been studying on how the people from different worlds, who have changed their species."

Farra said, "In other words, she examines people like you, like a common test rabbit for makeup?"

Yakumo said, "Yes. I was a human… but my bios were altered and declared "unknown", on account that the worlds affected me, among others."

Peter asked, "What are you now?"

Yakumo replied, "I don't know… I wish I knew… After the sudden jolt of its wave of energy, I lost all memory of who or what I am."

April stated, "Amnesia."

Yakumo continued, "It was there, I visited a young robot girl who would assist me, seeing for who I am. Of course, that was Lyuze."

January said, "I've heard of Lyuze. She had two assistants, and she works in a huge city, studying human life, or otherwise. She lived in a huge lab, located where Nielsen bought us our attire. It's all shady, but it's legit."

April added, "And… She's a robot."

Mizuki pondered, "A robot scientist. How convenient."

Steven asked, "So, how did you came to see her, after you were affected?"

Yakumo said, "Well… You see…"

She held her head and was in anger and pain, "AAH!"

"Yakumo!" Steven cried.

"NO! No more… No more… STOP IT!" She wailed.

Steven held her and yelled, "Stop it! Calm down! Lyuze's not here! Even if she is, she'd not even think of looking for you. She's thoughtful, helpful, and even robotic, but all the while-."

Yakumo grasped his shoulders and cried, "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I don't remember why or how, but she's trying to kill me!"

Steven comforted her, hugging her, saying, "It's okay, babe. Steven Cooke's here. Steven's here."

Farra sighed, "Oh, brudder…"

She whispered, "Save me… Save me… I don't wanna go back…"

Peter said, "This is serious. I think Loo-zay must give her such a shock."

January remarked, "Ly-u-ze! And you're right. That bitch of a fellow android is a disgrace to scientific endeavors. I SAY WE KILL HER, AND SEE HOW SHE LIKES IT!"

April pleaded, "January! We will do no such thing! She has been studying each citizen, affected by the alternate world fusion and metamorphosis."

January said, "Not a chance! I am biting in the seams on this one!"

Mizuki insisted, "Guys, Steven and I will watch over Yakumo. You guys head to her room, and we'll see if we can find Lyuze."

Peter asked, "Is she here now?"

Yakumo cringed, "No…"

Mizuki asked her, "Tell me. What room do you go to?"

Yakumo said, "Room 612. I said 613, just to throw Lyuze off the trail."

Farra said, "Then, we have no time to waste!"

Yakumo gave her the keys, "Remember, it's Room 612, the one with the bullet hole, beside it."

Farra corrected, "Sniper bullet hole."

They rushed off, as January stayed by Mizuki. She said, "You go on ahead. I need to be alone with her, for some girl-on-girl chat. And no, it's not what you think."

April yanked her hair and snapped, "You're going, too!"

They walked off, as January cried, "OW! April, watch the tresses!"

Yakumo was puzzled, "Oh, my."

XXXXX

Up on the sixth floor, Peter, Farra, and the Sisters were heading to Room 612. They entered Yakumo's room and noticed that it was clean and untouched. The couch was still clean, the curtains were shut, and clothes were strewn about, on her bed.

"She ain't kidding," April said, "Why does she have this room shut to the world?"

Farra said, "I think maybe she is hiding from Lyuze. Look at all these clothes. Bras, panties, pants, blouses, and all that jazz and guff… it's like she's loaded! Or, she's into costumes on Shibuya…"

January asked, "Which one is the one she wore? She had a green sweater on, like Steven said."

Peter asked, "Is this it?" pointing at the sweater, all folded.

"Huh…" January thought.

Farra said, "You don't think she changes her clothes, on a frequent basis… I mean, she may sweat a lot, like I did, back when I was 12."

Peter asked, "Was it summer?"

Farra smiled, "Where I come from, the weather in Florida is at 80 degrees, during the spring."

Peter stated, "Well, I think when Lyuze located her, Yakumo changes in different clothes, so no one would recognize her."

April said, "The hair is a problem. You don't think she wears wigs."

January remarked, "No. I don't see any wig stands."

Back at 403, Steven and Mizuki kept an eye on Yakumo, who was sleeping in the bed.

Steven blushed, "I feel awful about protecting her. And she looks cute, sleeping like an angel."

Mizuki whispered, "I think it's bad. But I don't see what Lyuze want with her."

Steven nodded, "It's pretty simple. Yakumo is hunted for something… probably as a guinea pig for the robot doctor."

Mizuki agreed, "Indeed. I've seen cases before. You think of horrifying moments, under the knife, and then you freak out. It's a basic motive, for those with amnesia."

"You're lying."

"Okay, fine. I've seen animes that had that thing."

"I thought it originated in movies."

"I hardly watch any…"

"Okay…"

Mizuki laid Yakumo straight, as she pulled the covers over her. She then felt her forehead and thought, "A bit cold. She cannot be that cold. She's not a robot, I know that."

Steven stated, "Maybe Yakumo has AC in her room."

Mizuki said, "No, that's not it."

She was puzzled, as Yakumo was fidgeting a bit. She moaned and groaned, as she started to remember again.

Steven said, "I think this is it!"

Mizuki shushed him, "Shh!"

Yakumo moaned, "Ya… Mo… I am not Yamo… Stop calling me that… Stop… call… me… Uh… Ahh…"

Steven gasped, "Yamo?"

Mizuki said, "Either she's being picky about her name, protesting on a nickname, or her memories are returning… vaguely."

Steven remarked, "If you don't mind, you go see the others. I'll mind Yakumo. I'll let you know if anything comes up."

Mizuki glared, "Are you hiding something?"

Steven said, "Miz, you won't believe me… if I told you."

She agreed, as she left, but then said, "But NO dirty moves on her! She's very delicate!"

Steven said, "Fine!"

She left, as Steven approached her face, holding her. Steven thought, "She's a bit in-between on her body heat. I don't get it. Normally, Steven Cooke is happy for a girl like her, but it's so strange. Why would a robotic scientist go after her? I know she's not-. Well, to be honest, it would be fun to have a robot for a girl, but come on!"

Like I said, this was BEFORE Steven met Seina AND Kandy.

He then said, as he approached her face, "I mean I don't approve of it, even though they look hot, dress hot, and act hot… but it's not Steven Cooke's niche. Let's face it… It's so…"

Yakumo fidgeted again, as she lifted her arms up. She grabbed Steven by the neck and held him.

Recognize this scenario?

Steven blushed, "Uh… What the hell is she doing?"

Yakumo whispered, with her eyes closed, still sleeping, "I… I love you…"

Steven was shocked. He then thought, as Yakumo whispered again, "WHAT THE WHA? Does she… love me?"

He blushed, and then smiled, "I am not sure if I'll say it, but…"

He roared, "STEVEN COOKE CALLS "FOUL"!"

Yakumo whispered again, "Love… You…"

Steven groaned, "I'm serious! I don't even know what she is, depending on the alternate universe benefactor!"

He gave up and said, "But still… And I did promise to Mizuki not to do anything dirty. From the looks of it, she looks 16. And Steven Cooke cannot date the "Kids". I mean, well… yeah."

Yakumo stopped speaking, as the sun set. Steven then said, as he was still held tight, "How long is she going to hold onto me?"

To be continued…