Code Lyoko Evolutions: Final Fronts - Chapter 1: Enlisting
It wasn't hard to live under extreme watch protection every day, after the first world nations learned of the X.A.N.A intelligence threat, every nation has developed extreme paranoia and closed up borders, severed ties with each other to prevent being infected by X.A.N.A, however the small group of fighters that have fought X.A.N.A and still fights it today have emerged as the only hope humanity has got, creating avatars and having people taking the fight to X.A.N.A, it was known as "The Code Lyoko Project", but there was a price to fight for humanity, as the final United Nations Security Council session in New York, listed that anyone who joins the project, they must sever all ties to family and friends till the X.A.N.A threat is finally eliminated, as the governments of the world doesn't want to risk having X.A.N.A infecting anyone and risking the lives of many.
When the project was given full funding and support, the supercomputer that housed X.A.N.A was sealed while nations created a base of operations for the project; once it was complete it was taken to the heart of the pacific, where a man-made island would house the base and where the fight will be.
Back at Australia, high school student, Ryan Mann heads to school, however only to see a Code Lyoko poster, he read the title and a complete propaganda saying "Join to fight for humanity and fight alongside Aelita, one of the best Lyoko Warriors" Ryan said to himself.
The next thing he knows is that his mates arrived, "you're not seriously thinking about enlisting are you?" one of his mates asked
"Honestly guys, why would he? Leave all his mates behind to fight a pointless conflict?" another one asked
Ryan remained silent, sure the price for enlisting into the project was steep, but there was something in Ryan that he was always looking for; a purpose. He was in Grade 11 and hadn't done much in his life, he was unemployed and his grades at school were only at B level, nothing made him worth something, he always thought he can make a difference alone, but he always knows that it's not true.
When he and his mates arrive at school, he was attended his English class, but unexpectedly the director of the Code Lyoko Project was hosting a recruitment session, however all most everyone ignored it, except for Ryan who stayed behind.
"You thinking of enlisting for the project?" the director asked
"It has been on my mind for the last two weeks" Ryan answered
"Well, in all honesty, recruitment has dropped over the last 2 months, and we have been losing more and more avatars" the director admitted
"What about the original Lyoko Warriors? Can't they do it alone?" Ryan asked
"As much we, were once known for, we can't keep fighting non-stop, we need our rest from time to time" The director states
"Then, where do I sign up?" Ryan asked
The director looks at Ryan surprised, not a lot of people around the world wanted to be part of the fight for humanity, however, there was something about it that has got Ryan interested.
"You actually want to be part of the project?" the director asked
"More than anything" Ryan admitted, Ryan knew he had to cut off his family and friends but knows that, as long X.A.N.A is still active, the world is in danger.
"You seem very committed and determined, alright, take this" The director says to him, he then gives Ryan the forms
"Read through this tonight and then bring it to me tomorrow, but are you sure you want to leave it all behind" he warned Ryan.
After inhaling deeply he responded "I'm sure", Ryan knew he was going to give up his normal life, his family and his friends in order to fight for them.
Later that night, his mother sees Ryan looking through the forms, her mother knew was enlisting and wasn't happy about it.
"You enlisting for the Code Lyoko Project?! Are you insane?!" his mother shrieked at him
"I'm done, being a 'nobody'! I want to mean something in my life, and the Code Lyoko Project is the only one that can do it, law enforcement, even the military are all the same, they're all scared and concerned to do anything, hell last I checked, the U.S Military has recalled everything, the once most powerful and dedicated military in the world is now hiding like a child hiding from bullies in school, there's nothing for me here, I know I'm giving up connections with everyone, but if it protects you then so be it!" Ryan explains to his mother
"What if you die, you're the only one I have left, you can't just throw your life like this" his mother pleaded to him
"And if I die, I'll die as someone! Not nothing, like I have been!" Ryan said back almost on the verge of mental collapse, throughout Ryan's life, he suffered from depression and anger, and it was hard for him, to get treatment, however despite experiencing those he remained as he always is, loyal, honest, and determined individual.
"Alright" his mother on verge of crying "just promise us all two things"
"Go ahead"
"Promise us that you won't forget where you're from or what you are, and promise us that you'll do your absolute best" his mother told him
Ryan hugs his mother, till he lets go, his mother then enters his cupboard and pulls out something for him and gives it to him.
"What's this?" he asked
"Your family" she responded
Ryan opens the box and sees its photos of his life with his friends and family, Ryan inhales deeply and turns to his mother.
"I'm taking this with me" he said making his mother smile "because if there's one thing I will always remember is that 'never forget where you began' and my beginning was with my family" Ryan then puts the photo's back in the box and places it on his desk.
"Alright, I'll hand this into the director tomorrow and thanks mum" Ryan says to her
"My pleasure also dinner is ready in 10 minutes" his mother told him then leaves
After his mother left, Ryan pulls out a Code Lyoko Project poster that was with the forms, and sees it's the same one he saw today, but he mainly focused on the person in the poster, he then puts in on his desk and then goes downstairs for dinner.
The Next day, Ryan goes to find the director to hand in his forms, after spending 40 minutes looking for him, Ryan finds the director who was waiting for him.
"Ah, you're finally here, you have your forms" the director says to Ryan
"All here, and appreciate your patience, got held up in traffic" Ryan explained his late arrival
"Well you have everything done, and everything we will need for future operations, well I think it is official: Welcome, 'Ryan Mann' to The Code Lyoko Project" The director announced and holding out his hand
Ryan shakes hands with the director, "We hope, we can count on you"
"Understood sir" Ryan responded
"Alright, you will leave tomorrow, I'll have someone from Task Force Evolution to escort you" the director explained to Ryan
"Wait, isn't it the law that no one part of the Code Lyoko Project, can interact with the outer world?" Ryan said remembering the laws and regulations.
"No one will know, have your things ready and be at this spot at 1500hrs, and Ryan, glad to have you" the director said and thanking the newest member.
Ryan then leaves to head home to pack his stuff, he didn't know lies ahead of him, but knows, he's going to make a difference.