URUSEI YATSURA - THE SENIOR YEAR: An Introduction and Overview

Written by Fred Herriot

103-105 Ubang APT, Angang-eup, Kyoungju-shi, Kyoungsangbuk-do, Korea 780-800

fherriot@yahoo.com

"Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year" created by Mike Smith and Fred Herriot, based on "Urusei Yatsura," created by Rumiko Takahashi.

WRITER'S NOTES: This file replaces the old READ ME file in the UY-TSY ftp archive and at all websites.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to "Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year," a fan fiction series based on Rumiko Takahashi's first bestselling manga and anime series. This note is designed for the reader who is visiting us for the first time. This file is an overview and introduction to what some readers have called the fan fiction undertaking possessing the greatest scope, breadth and depth since "Undocumented Features" (which to us is quite a compliment considering the popularity of UF).

Heretofore, the series title is abbreviated UY-TSY.

THE BASIC IDEA

UY-TSY is a series which begins a month after the end of the "classic" series normally seen as the fifth movie, "The Final Chapter." Lasting over a year-and-a-half in character time for the main series, with side stories expanding that considerably, UY-TSY is our rendition of what might have happened to Lum, Ataru and their friends and companions in the wake of the Second Tag Race.

In planning UY-TSY, Mike and I ran with the belief that as the TV series developed, the level of sheer slapstick comedy lessened as our characters matured to take on a more serious tone. Had the series run past the fifth movie, who knows what Takahashi-sensei could have conceived. But as far as we understand it now, that is her preferred writing style. She ends her series with the characters not having fully grown up. This up-in-the-air mood she left Yatsura has spawned a host of fanfiction stories which try to evaluate what could have happened after the Second Tag Race. Our series is but one of them. Mood wise, UY-TSY, for the most part, takes a similar path to the second, third and fourth movies, "Beautiful Dreamer," "Remember My Love" and "Lum the Forever."

Some of our readers have described the series as a "dark fic," which I understand to be applied when a comedy series is taken into fanfic form and the comedy is replaced by a lot of elements which run against the grain of the original series. UY-TSY is a "dark fic" in a lot of places. Ataru, for example, is warped in directions fans of the TV series' sex-crazed moron would NEVER believe! Simply put, in many places, he KILLS (literally!). In addition, Lum, while watching as her dominance over her Darling dry up before her eyes, enters what could simply be described as a love affair with a woman while at the same time maintaining her relationship with Ataru.

And that is just but the two lead characters. Everyone who appears in UY-TSY is given the same or similar treatment. NO ONE is the same at the end of the series...and if you feel this is not your cup of tea, then this may not be the fanfic series for you. If you are willing to take a chance, or if you like this type of fan fiction, welcome aboard. We hope you enjoy your ride.

THE THEMES

UY-TSY is in essence a big growing-up story. It starts with Ataru. His changes affect Lum, then their friends. The Tomobiki Gang (as I like to call them on occasion) confront a lot of situations their previous worldviews could not prepare them for. The reason this series is given the appellation "The Senior Year" is that it is set in the last year of high school. After this, the students of Tomobiki High will go their separate ways as they start jobs or enter university. Like it or not, they will have to do a lot of growing up...or else be lost in the big world when they get outside the secure bounds of Tomobiki.

The other dominant theme in this series is what does it mean to really say "I love you." After a while, when I thought about it (and my mother, the series' editor, gave me a hell of a lecture on it when I was writing the first draft for the sixteenth story of this series), Lum and Ataru do NOT love each other...at least the love necessary to launch a successful relationship. They like each other; they certainly are very good friends. They do care for each other in that they are willing to protect the other when the stakes are down. But when it comes down to it, neither love each other, nor are ready at that time to start a marriage. UY-TSY explores the reasons why.

THE SPECIFICS

UY-TSY delves into subject matter which may not sit well with the average fan of the television series. Rating wise, I give the series overall an AA reading (for Americans, that would be the equivalent of something between PG-13 and R). There is no hentai in this series so far (Mike does not like to do it, nor does he like to have his characters used in those type of stories), but it can certainly be welcome, as it was used in the TSY inspired lemon story "A Remarkable Destiny."

Further, UY-TSY introduces characters which do not fit the traditional Japanese ideal of proper young men and women (women, mostly). Put simply, gay, lesbian and bisexual modes of behaviour are dominant factors in the lives of a considerable number of characters who we introduce in this series. The Nendo-kata and the Sagussans are the primary groups who influence the lives of Ataru and Lum the most.

I try my best not to be homophobic. In a sense, I see writing these stories as my way of cleansing myself of any homophobic feelings I still have inside me. I try not to be preachy, although I do use typical themes with a lot of these people (the non-Sagussan or Nendo-kata characters, that is). Further, some of the "classic" characters experience alternate-lifestyle encounters during UY-TSY, those encounters heavily affecting their lives and destinies. In essence, what I drive for is not "why are they the way they are?" but "is the relationship between these person a loving relationship? If so, why? If not, why not and how can they fix it?" That runs true to the one of the general themes of this series.

Another feature of this series is the question of dreams and wishes, which parallels a theme which got excellent showing in the second movie. Ataru has always dreamed of a harem, one that always included Lum. Why does he dream of this? Why does Lum stay determined to win Ataru's love while he shows total indifference, even hostility, to her attempts at controlling his life? Why do the people of Tomobiki (especially the boys) continue to dream of a life with Lum when all she wants is to marry her Darling? What are the inner dreams of people like Benten, Oyuki, Sakura, Shinobu, Mendou, Lan, the bodyguards, Ryuunosuke? All these are analyzed and answered as best as possible in this series.

Going with the above idea is the ending of dreams. The destruction of Tomobiki's dreams surrounding Lum by Ataru is one of the big themes which plays out in UY-TSY. For Ataru to marry Lum, he believes that he has to remove Tomobiki from their lives. Hence, the reason Ataru spends three-quarters of the series living in Oshika (270 kilometres north of Tokyo, in Miyagi-ken). Also, the shattering of each person's dreams and his innocence. Ataru realizes that his dream harem (Sagussa) is not paradise. He also realizes how Tomobiki has abused and loathed him, wishing him dead so they can have Lum to themselves. Lum realizes that the Darling she knew was partially a mental construct created by a monster who wants to destroy the real Ataru. Both of them realize that they cannot dominate the other if they really want to love each other. Shinobu realizes that her quest to obtain her dreams had shattered what friendship she had with Ataru and Lum. And so on.

Other themes abound in this series. I could spend another fifty kilobytes describing them all...but that would spoil the series for you.

NEW CHARACTERS

Loads of new characters are introduced in this series. In lieu of detailing them here, just go to a website which may have a character guide and flip through the character listings. I have drawn pictures of the characters to help you better visualize what they look like.

THE STORIES

Here is the current list of stories:

BOOK ONE - THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES...

"Alternate Lum-san"

Ataru tries to use Lum's spacializer to go back in time and ensure he never participated in the Tag Race. The results are not what he expected. Will he be able to change it back?

"Return of Memory"

Lum's teacher Nassur comes for a visit. With Shinobu falling head over heels for him, the gang confronts the Memory of Tomobiki under Mendou's Tarouzakura, this time determined to destroy Lum.

"Incredible Shrunken Lum"

Elle makes another bid for her "Honey," this time ensuring that Lum will not interfere by shrinking her to the size of a Barbie doll. Will Nassur and Benten succeed in rescuing the gang?

"Benten's Story"

Benten believes Nassur died in a starship crash, thus comes to Earth to get Lum's spacializer to go back in time and warn him. Will Shinobu stop her or help her?

"Enter Space-Hybrid Hazel"

Nassur dispatches his new ward Hazel to Earth for Lum to train. Matters become hectic...and potentially tragic for Ataru and Lum...when Hazel's creators, the Ipraedies, come to reclaim her.

BOOK TWO - THE SAGA OF THE TIGER

"Sakura's Class Reunion"

After his torture on Icarus, Ataru turns on everyone, determined to free himself and Lum from their influence. At the same time, confronting the darkness within him, he discovers a dark period of Sakura's past.

"Arrive Reiko-chan"

A mysterious slave child from Noukiios, Subject #494, comes to Earth and wins Ataru's heart. Will Lum be able to overcome Reiko's hatred before the gang tries to send Ataru's daughter back to her masters?

"Tag Race Mark Three"

Ryuunosuke's birthday is used by Mendou and the guards to exploit the rift between Ataru and Lum. Thanks to Ataru's grandmother, this provokes a third Tag Race, with Lum's right to remain on Earth at stake!

"The Return of Koosei Ryooki"

As Ataru leaves Tomobiki High for the last time, Oyuki's boyfriend Koosei Ryooki comes to Earth to keep watch on Lum and her alien friends. Class 3-4 will never be the same!

"Spirit-War Tomobiki"

The saikoo jinseijitsu, the Moroboshi Clan's deadliest weapon, seizes control of Ataru determined to destroy Lum and Tomobiki. Will she be forced to see Ataru's dream fulfilled to save him?

THE FIRST SENIOR YEAR SPECIAL

"Together the Outland"

Ataru's sister Nokoko returns to avenge her abandonment on her parents. With Ataru now living in Oshika, Nokoko helps her alien friends, the Nendo-kata, become human so Ataru would have no need to return to Tomobiki. Add Elle into the mix and things get really interesting. After this story, no one's life will be the same!

BOOK THREE - BEFORE THE PHOENIX, AFTER THE PHOENIX

"Ancient Ties"

Nassur's stepfather Varanko comes to test Hazel and Yukio in the ways of their maternal people, the Yehisrites. Will they survive another attempt by the Ipraedies to capture them?

"Surprise, Darling! You're A Father!!"

Paishu Redet, a member of the Seifukusu Dominion, who conquered the Urusians a millennia ago, comes to Earth with a baby she claims is Ataru's. Will he prove his innocence before Lum finds out?

"Oyuki's Story"

Oyuki is kidnapped by the Ipraedies to force her to marry their crown prince. With Ataru and Lum off to rescue Reiko and Ten-chan from the galactic godfather Gegranko, Koosei and the gang head to the rescue!

"Final Cinba"

Tomobiki High School is flung seven years into the past while Lum, Benten and Nassur are flung twenty millennia in the future. What does all this have to do with the death of Nassur's first wife?

"Ataru's First Girlfriend! Arrive Windy-chan!!"

Ataru's first fiancee is officially engaged to him by Nagaiwakai to drive Lum out of Ataru's life forever. Will Ataru and Lum remain friends or discover a way to restart their relationship?

THE SECOND SENIOR YEAR SPECIAL

"What Price For Love?"

The Niphentaxians, a race who worship Lum and her friends as living gods, kidnap Ataru in hopes of destroying the "Great Evil" and restoring Tomobiki to "normal." During this time, Ataru discovers that the Niphentaxians are holding a race of bioroids, the Avalonians, prisoner. Will he emancipate them before it's too late for Lum?!

BOOK FOUR - THE DRAMA STORIES

"Darling's Secret Date"

Ataru persuades Lum to go visit her parents while he dates Chigaiko Inu, a senior dying of leukaemia. The gang tries to tell Lum that Ataru is two-timing her. Will they succeed or get a good zapping?

"Lum's Lesson"

Lum's classmate Shinjin Koi tries to date her. When she refuses him, he kills himself. Will Ataru be able to discover the truth of Shinjin's life before the guards make him a martyr to Lum?

"Darling's Other Girlfriend"

Ataru meets the famed intergalactic actress Tadahitora, who has never known a friend in a hundred years. With the Avalonians' help, Ataru helps Tadahitora get a new life.

"Time Curse"

Nassur and Benten marry, then come to Earth for their honeymoon. Thanks to an accident, Nassur, Lum and Ataru are flung into the past. Will Benten and Kurama be able to work together to save them?

"Darling's Bad Day: Alternate Lum-san Revisited"

Ataru revisits the timeline of "Alternate Lum-san" to discover that after he left, the saikoo jinseijitsu nearly destroyed everything. Will he be able to restore Lum to live before the Niphentaxians invade?

"Koosei's Story"

An old acquaintance of Koosei's, Bushi Roosei, asks him to assassinate Nassur's greatest enemy, the Mikado. Will Ataru and Oyuki be able to rescue Koosei in time?

"Forever My Lum"

After another encounter with the guards, Ataru wishes that Lum was an ordinary girl. One trip to the wishing well planet of Yumisei later, Ataru gets his wish!

"Nagaiwakai's Lesson"

Hazel comes for another visit. After the saikoo jinseijitsu nearly kills her, Lum sends Hazel to Nagaiwakai. When the gang tries to stop it, Ataru and Nagaiwakai unleash his long-awaited revenge on Tomobiki!

THE THIRD SENIOR YEAR SPECIAL

"My Darlings United"

Fifteen years ago, Ataru's twin brother Kaeru "died" after falling from a cliff. Today, Kaeru, a resident of Nagussa, comes to seek a mate. Shinobu is happy to fulfil his needs, but Ataru then discovers that the "android" Nagussans are human. Will Ataru and Lum be able to help Kaeru and his girlfriend Naromo achieve their happiness?

BOOK FIVE - BEFORE YOU GO...

"The Bodyguards' Denouement"

After the guards are caught plotting to hurt Ataru again, Koosei forces their disbandment. Ataru then unleashes Operation Break-up, sending his uncle's four wards Tanoshii, Aijooa, Kenmei and Yasashii to keep them disbanded!

"Choices"

Asuka, now able to tolerate the presence of men, proceeds to Oshika to mate with Osooko. As her parents try to remind her of her true duty to Mendou, Asuka gets help...from Pepper, Ginger and Sugar!

"The End of the Circle: A Stranger Comes to Tomobiki"

A warrior from 2002, Jamie McTavish, comes to 1984 to inform Ryuunosuke and Nagisa that he is the husband of their daughter Dansei. Will Jamie save Hazel from being assassinated from a future enemy?

"Onsen Gets The Girl"

After so long alone, vice principal Mark Onsen gets his girlfriend. But he has problems since Ayanba is a Vosian who was cryofrozen for two thousand years and is physically old enough to be his daughter!

"Shinobu's Best Friend"

Shinobu gets a friend. However, "Pamela Shapiro" is in truth a Mikado hunter named Pamanba out to destroy Nassur. Will Shinobu discover the truth in time before all she knows is destroyed?

"Noa"

Lum's dream-lover, Sagussa's ashi'cha Noa, comes to visit, determined to protect Ataru and Lum from Tomobiki. She reveals that it was her who bonded Ataru to Lum fourteen years ago, guaranteeing their togetherness.

"Mie's Story"

Ataru's and Lum's good friend Mie discovers she is a Sagussan when Mie's would-be bond-mate Makoto comes to visit. Good thing; the Niphentaxians are coming to invade Earth to stop Lum from leaving Tomobiki!

"A Hectic Vacation"

Ataru, Lum, Mie, Makoto and the crew of R.S.S. "Hasei'cha" join Nassur and Benten on Reiner's Five for a long-overdue vacation. Things get hectic when Vosian victimized by the Niphentaxians try to kill Lum!

"Nagaiwakai's Story"

Nagaiwakai tries again to force Lum and Ataru apart. To prove herself, Lum helps Nagaiwakai get her dream lover, Nyassur. Things become really strange when Catty learns that Nyassur is Nassur's clone!

After story 35, the title of the series will change to "Urusei Yatsura - Endings and Beginnings" (UY-E&B).

BOOK SIX - ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS

"Dakejinzou's Story"

Ataru is kidnapped by the Hustari, a race dying from their version of the Black Plague. Dakejinzou goes to the rescue. On their way to save the Hustari, Ataru learns about Dakejinzou's remarkable past. When they get back, the troubles do not end when an alien scientist, Ninko, offers the synthezoid Dakejinzou the chance to have her own children!

"Nassur's Story"

Ataru, Lum, Shinobu, Mendou and Megane are kidnapped by the Mikado to force Nassur to seek the Sceptre of Lecasur, Vos' holiest icon. Watched over by Cinba's sister Junba, they head on a journey with no possible return. While Benten remains on Earth to give birth to their child, everyone learns the tragic story of Vos' most famous renegade.

"Be Forever Nassur"

After Ataru nearly dies saving Junba, she releases the others from captivity and everyone proceeds to the Planet of Shadows to find the Sceptre. Benten's adventures on Earth continue as she awaits the birth of their child. Arriving at the Planet of Shadows, Junba is forced to chose someone to help her obtain the Sceptre.

"Stage Zero"

After waiting for so long, the Sagussans rescue Ataru and his friends from the Mikado. Returning to Tomobiki, everyone tries to get back to a normal life. However, the Mikado is not finished with them. After he tries again to kill Nassur, the Vosian dictator finds himself facing the wrath of Sagussa. Will everyone survive, most of all Nassur's daughter?

After story 39, the title changes again to "Urusei Yatsura - Great Father Ataru" (UY-GFA).

BOOK SEVEN - GREAT FATHER ATARU

"Stage One: Renewal"

Lum is kidnapped by the Urusian Imperialists in an attempt to kill Ataru and invade Earth. The Sagussans intervene and Ataru finally returns to the world which changed his destiny so long ago.

"Stage Two: Remembrance"

As Noa goes looking for Lum, Ataru becomes Sagussa's daite'cha. Learning that Nassur's daughter is in danger, Ataru attacks Phentax Two to forever rid the galaxy of the Church of Lum.

"Stage Three: Rededication"

The Sagussans destroy the Niphentaxian fleet when they come to destroy Earth. Ataru corners Oogi and learns that the Urusian Imperialists brainwashed Lum. Pathfinder Troop Six goes to Uru to investigate. Will Uru survive Sylia's type of "investigation?"

"Stage Four: Reunion"

As Lum is restored to normal, Shinobu makes a new friend, a cyborg named Ayara. Ataru and the Sagussans are drawn in when Ayara's "owner," Henra, comes to Earth to retrieve her.

"Stage Five: Rescue"

The Sagussans learn of a wandering water world, Mizu, approaching Earth. As they move to save Earth from the wrath of Mizu's residents, Ataru is asked by Babara to locate the missing Elle.

"Stage Six: Auction"

A long-missing Sagussan fleet is found in the heart of the Federation. As everyone scrambles to get samples of Sagussan technology, Ataru finds himself facing a war with the whole galaxy!

"Stage Seven: Re-birth"

Tomobiki is teleported to Vos Colony Four so the Mikado could draw Ataru into a final battle. Shinobu learns the truth of her attraction to Nassur; it was his son, Akisur, that she sought. Will Tomobiki survive the rampage of a mad Cyborg as the Sagussans come to the rescue?!

"Stage Eight: Re-genesis"

As Ataru recovers from Colony Four, Mendou's Oni lover Sil is killed by her former boyfriend Ando Pochik. With help from Priss and Lufy, Mendou races to Uru to avenge her and save the Democratic Alliance.

"Stage Nine: Redemption"

Shinobu's lover Junba is restored to life, giving Ataru's ex-girlfriend the chance to gain her own companion. But complications, while ruining Shinobu's dreams for now, give her an opportunity to reunite with Ataru.

"Stage Ten: Revelations"

The Urusian Imperialists try to invade Earth. However, they have bitten off more than they can chew when Earth's nuclear arsenal is unleashed on their base to forever destroy the Urusian Empire!

"Final: The Last Farewell"

Distraught over being used by the Imperialists, Lum agrees to a final Tag Race with Ataru to determine Uru's status with Earth. Now pregnant with their daughter Koishii, Lum wonders if she can earn Ataru's love and guarantee her future. Who will intervene to save Ataru and Lum from heartbreak?

SIDE STORIES

Anyone is welcome to write a side story based on UY-TSY. Here is the current list planned or done at this time:

URUSEI YATSURA - THE SENIOR YEAR SIDE STORIES

"No Grudges"

(set between "Sakura's Class Reunion" and "Nagaiwakai's Lesson") Ataru's friend Reigi Yumoa discovers love with the most unexpected of people: Ryooko Mendou!

"The Last Child of the Outland"

(set during "A Hectic Vacation") The missing member of Nokoko's school Crosses Over, merging with a local rock singer...who then claims as her mate Shinobu's best friend Pamanba!

"Sylia's Book of Love"

(set during "A Hectic Vacation") Rei's mother Yedris and sister Sugoi discover love when they meet the members of Pathfinder Troop Six, who protect them from the Urusian Imperialists!

"Tripwire"

(set during "Dakejinzou's Story") To prove Sagussa's intentions to the United Nations, R.S.S. "Hasei'cha" shields Earth from the Urusians and the Seifukusu when a Oni-Seifukusu couple come to Earth seeking refuge.

"Shinobu: Futures Imperfect"

(set between "Mie's Story" and "Dakejinzou's Story") Determined to break herself free from Tomobiki's influence, Shinobu goes to nearby Nerima to stay with her cousin Hitomi. However, there is no peace when four future versions of Shinobu come back in time to change history! (guest-starring the cast of "Ranma 1/2")

"Tales of Avalon: Atako and Shinoko"

(set between "What Price For Love?" and "Darling's Other Girlfriend") Atako and Shinoko discover the ups and downs of their relationship as they start a new life in Niigata.

"Tales of Avalon: Kamen and Hensou"

(set after "Tales of Avalon: Atako and Shinoko") Kamen and Hensou volunteer their services to a local orphanage, where they encounter their future daughter and fight the Ipraedies!

"Tales of Avalon: Ria and Shutako"

(set after "Tales of Avalon: Kamen and Hensou") Shutako's hopes of handfasting with Ria are dashed when Upa's other great-grandchild Ika comes to fulfil an old debt.

"Tales of Avalon: Ria's Bodyguards"

(set after "My Darlings United") Aisuko and Ria's guards discover strange things about four new friends of theirs. Will they save them in time?

"Tales of Avalon: Mienai and Damasu"

(set after "Time Curse") Atop getting a job at a local health spa, Mienai and Damasu encounter old foes who have come to avenge the murder of their leader...who's very spirit is now in Mienai's mind!

"Alternate Lum-san III: Repercussions"

(set after "Darling's Bad Day! Alternate Lum-san Revisited") Now healed, Lum finds herself alone on a hostile world with no one save Ataru willing to be her friend. Will they finally achieve happiness?

"Shinobu: Warrior Princess of Kyotos"

(set a year after "GFA Final: The Last Farewell") In the wake of her slaying Sheko, Shinobu and her sisters encounter tragedy, triumph and love helping Kyotos rebuild after decades of feudal tyranny, starvation and intrigue.

"Shinobu: The Hair of Medusa"

(set two years after "The Ones Left Behind") Working in Africa as a volunteer nurse after her return from Kyotos, Shinobu encounters a vicious disease that threatens all around her, not to mention love.

"A Spy Among Us"

(set between the first TV episode and "The Last Farewell") Unknown to anyone, a North Korean spy has been inserted into Ataru's class as Tamako Inuoe. After the Tiger Saga, Tamako wonders if working for Kim Il-sung against her friends and loved ones is worth it.

"Marcia's Story"

(set between "Be Forever Nassur" and "Shinobu: Warrior Princess of Kyotos") What happens when one's sense of self is shattered beyond repair? Read the story of Fukunokami-turned-humanoid Lannarkite Marcia Gyatan and see how she adopts to her new existence.

"Children of Eternity"

(set during "Stage Zero") They say the te'a works in mysterious ways. It doesn't get more mysterious when Chigaiko Inu comes back from the dead, then becomes friends with Negako, the reborn saikoo jinseijitsu! (guest-starring the cast of "Ranma 1/2")

"Final Hymn"

(set between "GFA Stage Seven: Re-Birth" to two years prior to "Towards The Unstoppable Future") Two ex-Mikado hunters, survivors of the Colony Four massacre, come to Earth to track down the man trying to see them killed so they could finally be free of the Vosian Civil War...but R.S.S. "Hasei'cha" stands in their way!

"Revenge and Redemption"

(set after "Children of Eternity") Wounded by the Sagussans, Ryouga is befriended by an entity called Karmalibra, who wants to help him gain redemption. When Ryouga's fiancee Akari and Chigaiko Inu are drawn in, the wandering martial artist finds himself facing Negako Moroboshi! (guest-starring the cast of "Ranma 1/2")

"Lum's Big Secret"

(set after "Time Curse") Missing for three days, Lum returns home, inwardly having to deal with a great secret she must, for the sake of two of her best friends, maintain to her death and beyond!

"Reality Enters"

(set after "Towards the Unstoppable Future") While she was training Junba, Lum is accentally sent into an alternate dimension where the "UY" cast (plus TSY regulars) are the fictitious creations of a real-live Ramuko Redetto.

These stories are more than welcome. There is one rule, however: the stories must adhere to the UY-TSY continuity. If you have questions or wish guidance, by all means, please contact me.

ALTERNATE STORIES

In addition to side stories based on the set UY-TSY continuity, writers may be tempted to play with history a bit. What would have happened if certain events resulted in a different outcome? We have already done that with a chain of three stories, "Alternate Lum-san," "Darling's Bad Day: Alternate Lum-san Revisited" and "Alternate Lum-san III: Repercussions." If you can conceive of alternate futures, they would be certainly welcome in this series. Here is the list of alternate stories done or planned for this series:

ALTERNATE URUSEI YATSURA - THE SENIOR YEAR SIDE STORIES

"Wilting Rose"

(set years after "The Last Farewell") Elle, discovering she has been controlled by some outside force, moves to save her people before it's too late.

"Insurgency!"

(starting midway through "Ataru's First Girlfriend! Arrive Windy-chan!!") What could have happened if the excommunication sentences on Mendou, the guards and Lan WAS NOT suspended?

TALES OF THE DAISHI'CHA

Also, for those of you who may want to try your hand at doing stories based on the daishi'cha, another series of side stories has been formulated based around them. They can be set during the time of UY-TSY, or years afterward, or in an alternate reality like my alternate TSY-inspired lemon fic "A Remarkable Destiny." If you want to go that route (i.e. see what happens to Mie and Makoto years into their marriage), contact me first so I may update you on continuity because certain events after the final story of UY-TSY heavily affect events in UY20YL. Here is the list of stories done or planned to date:

URUSEI YATSURA - TALES OF THE DAISHI'CHA

"Furinkan Spring"

(set during "Nassur's Story") Six daishi'cha come to Nerima to try to heal the wounds left by the events in "Shinobu: Futures Imperfect," not to mention discovering love. (guest-starring the cast of "Ranma 1/2")

"Furinkan Spring II"

(set during "Be Forever Nassur") The daishi'cha guarding Nerima learn the most tragic secret of one of them when Akane and her friends are attacked by the former's first love, a daishi'cha who rebelled against the Grand Design! (guest-starring the cast of "Ranma 1/2")

"It Takes A Spark"

(set several years after "The Last Farewell") Two daishi'cha from the Warsuit Brigade, Noriko and Kasumi, are asked to test-pilot the latest addition to the Sagussan Navy: the Inferno Warsuit!

"The Ones Left Behind"

(set five years after "Shinobu: Warrior Princess of Kyotos") Priss' dreams of her previous life prove prophetic when three women are found on Yehisril, all would-be daishi'cha...and one who was once Priss' lover! What does this mean for Priss and Sugoi?

"Reunions, Remembrances and Returnings"

(starting a year after "It Takes A Spark") Kazumi and Noriko discover the truth behind their energy psi-linking skills...not to mention their mysterious past...when the latter meets Toren Smith, then does the most un-Sagussan act of all: marry him! (semi-crossover with "Gunbuster: Aim for the Top!")

"Newgrange"

(set a year after "The Ones Left Behind") Miho, a botany technician from Ly'sha, dreams of Math, a warrior-princess of Nyoogranj'sha, a mythical lost colony of Fourth Republic Sagussans. With the help of her best friends and Noa, Miho heads out to discover whether or not Math...and Newgrange...is real.

"Penpals"

(set a year after "Newgrange") Many daishi'cha have penpals among the Kagamasei, a part of the T'Kon Confederation. Imagine everyone's shock when they learn that their penpals are in fact "designer" clones now wanting to migrate to Sagussa to be their penpals' new bond-mates!

"Truth and Consequences"

(set a year after "Penpals") Yuu, an architect at the Weapons Production Centre, is accused of negligent homicide when Mio, an engineer assisting in the test a new boom-tube system, disappears. Sagussa is turned upside down as their system of justice faces its first real test: the trial of a daishi'cha!

"Lufy's Quest"

(set right after "Final Hymn") Lufy, stunned by the events in "Final Hymn," goes on a quest to discover the past history of her late would-be husband Cassur...and discovers may similarities between Sagussans and Vosians.

"Clothes Make The Woman" (Lemon)

(set a year after "Penpals") With their mates gone, Makoto Seikou and Noriko Smith spend some quality time together, the latter teaching the former some interesting things about particular items of clothing Sagussans normally eschew.

Since the daishi'cha are my characters (and since I'm not so rigid on the question of lemon), adult stories will be permitted for this series (as witness "Clothes Make The Woman"). Make sure you have the proper warnings if you go this route.

CROSSOVER STORIES

Finally, there are the potential for crossovers between UY-TSY and another series, fanfic or otherwise. "Shinobu: Futures Imperfect," "Furinkan Spring," "Furinkan Spring II" and "Revenge and Redemption" involved the "Ranma 1/2" cast. Ryouga Hibiki has, atop his guest-starring role in "Revenge," made several cameos throughout the series. If you want to involve other series, by all means do so.

So far, this is the list of crossovers involving UY-TSY:

URUSEI YATSURA - THE SENIOR YEAR CROSSOVER STORIES

"Lonely They Who Guard..."

(with the cast of "Sailor Moon") Ataru and Lum team up with the Sailor Senshi to defeat the Dark Kingdom, now powered by the energy of the Tarouzakura, years after the Senshi's final victory over Queen Beryl.

"Orphans and Wanderers"

(with the cast of "Sailor Moon") Mortally wounded in a battle, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune are saved by two very young Nendo-kata. Nokoko and Mal team together to aid Haruka and Michiru as they adopt to being Nendo-kata...atop being parents!

THE BRIDGE TO THE ISHINOMAKI YEARS

URUSEI YATSURA - THE SENIOR YEAR FINAL STORY

"Towards the Unstoppable Future"

(set some months prior to UY-TIY) As Ataru and Lum decide whether or not to remain in Oshika or return to Tomobiki, a quiet supporter of the Urusian Imperialists emerges from the shadows intent on destroying the Earth-Sagussa alliance.

SEQUELS

At present, Mike and I privately form Studio Yume, our creative club which is the umbrella for all our fanfiction. In addition to UY-TSY, we have the following planned:

URUSEI YATSURA - THE ISHINOMAKI YEARS (UY-TIY)

Set twelve years after UY-TSY, this is a short series intent on looking at Reiko Moroboshi and her friends as she attends the Ishinomaki Young Women's Academy.

URUSEI YATSURA TWENTY YEARS LATER (UY20YL)

Set twenty years after the First Tag Race, this series revolves around the children of the "classic" UY cast. The stars of the series will be Nassur's and Benten's daughter (and Shinobu's adopted daughter), Junba Miyaki; Jamie McTavish, a Canadian exchange student who appeared in UY-TSY story 29; Hazel, the now grown-up hybrid who first appeared in UY-TSY story 5; Hamachi Hisaten, Hazel's boyfriend; the Moroboshi sisters Amora, Koishii and Ainba (Ataru's their father but Lum only gave birth to Koishii); Kum and Unmyon Seikou, Mie's and Makoto's daughters, who are in love with Koishii and Amora; Dansei Fujinami, Ryuunosuke's "son" and Jamie's girlfriend who also appeared in UY-TSY story 29; as well as many others. Note that the classic UY cast does appear in this series, but this series does NOT centre around them.

ZETA URUSEI YATSURA (ZUY)

Set in the ten year period after UY20YL ends. In essence, a host of side stories involving many of the UY20YL cast and what happens to them in the wake of the graduation of the Class of 2002 from Tomobiki High School.

DOUBLE ZETA URUSEI YATSURA (ZZUY)

Set eighteen years after UY20YL, this series revolves around the younger children and grandchildren of the "classic" UY cast, and the first children of the UY20YL cast. The stars of this series are Ataru's and Lum's first son Kokeru Moroboshi; Lum no Seishin-oni (Lumsei) and Benseiten Shigaten, two time-doubles of the original Lum and Benten who survived a terrible war five million years in the past; Nassur's and Benten's first son Praesur, Kokeru's best friend; Mendou's and Shinobu's daughter Airashii, the "Dragon Lady of Tomobiki High School" whose mind is in truth the living consciousness of the saikoo jinseijitsu; Jamie's and Dansei's seven children, especially their first child (and Airashii's nemesis-turned-lover) Sandra; amid another vast cast of strange and wonderful characters. Note that VERY FEW of the "classic" cast will appear at all in this series (Ataru and Lum are living with Noa on Sagussa by this time). The UY20YL cast have a much greater impact in this series than their predecessors.

WHERE ARE THE STORIES?!

At this time, our fanfics can be found at the following ftp sites and websites:

1. The Rec-Arts-Anime-Creative ftp site @cs.ubc.ca
2. RVL's Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year website (http://members.linkonline.net/rlyudmirsky/uy)
   

   Webmaster's note: RVL's Senior Year Website appears to have been lost due to expiration of the host space. This site is being built to replace it.

3. The Penguin Global Village (http://kame.usr.dsi.unimi.it:1111/ftp/fanfics)
4. Lenny's Fanfiction Archive (http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~lennie/fherriotfics/)

FINAL NOTE

This file will be updated when necessary.

Rewritten 14 February 2000 (Version 3.2)