Disclaimer: I do not own Code Lyoko
It was cold, freezing in fact, but what else could be expected from the inside of an aged factory in the middle of winter? It was also deathly quiet. Indeed, the factory seemed that it was abandoned quite a while ago. There were no sounds that hinted the presence of anything living in the old building—except for the rats of course. However, the lone figure that stood in the middle of it did not seem to mind it in the slightest. No, he did not mind the atmosphere at all.
The steps the figure took as he approached the elevator shaft served to break the silence. The echoes lingering about the building as if ghost waiting to appear. Looking down into the shaft, the blank expression on the figures face turned into one of irritation and displeasure. Lazily, he raised his hand and pressed his thumb against the discolored button that would normally summon the elevator to the surface—normally. A sound of discontent slowly escaped his throat. 'Filthy junk'.
Leaning closer still, the figure peered deeper into the depths of the shaft below. Pitch darkness was all that stared back at him. He easily spotted the carrier cables and followed their path into the seeming abyss below. The air felt as if it grew thick. For the first time since entering the building the figure shifted uneasily, as if barely noticing the conditions of his surroundings. 'This is definitely the place. Now, how to get down? Eh, this is proving to be rather bothersome and time consuming.'
Abandoning the elevator altogether the figure continued to explore the remnants around him. 'Fixing the elevator won't be difficult, but it will take some time. The doctor will be most displeased, however, even he won't dwell much on the small nuisances. Not after I inform him of my discovery that is.' A new smile quickly tugged at the man's lips as his feet came to a stand still. The temperature was dropping fast; night would be fully upon him soon, and he did not wish to spend the night in the rundown facility—no matter how valuable a jewel it contained. Deciding without much hesitation, the man casually led himself out—but not before catching another glimpse of the elevator shaft.
Buttoning up his jacket and slipping his gloves back on his hands the figure thought of all his previous efforts and failures before preparing himself for the outside world. He would return at a more convenient time and start his work. A gust of cold air greeted him as soon as he stepped outside. Looking up, he could see the dark ominous clouds spiraling gracefully. Snow was expected to fall tonight, to the glee of most. Continuing his walk over the bridge, the man spotted the car on the opposite side, waiting for him with headlights all blazing across his face. The slight warmth the lights generated on his face went unnoticed by the figure, as he now approached the still vehicle with much haste.
Upon his arrival, one of the back passenger doors slowly opened, as if the car itself was inviting him inside. He quickly retreated inside, shutting the door rather brusquely after doing so. "What are you doing you imbecile? Do you want all of France to see your dam headlights?" No response came from the driver, but the headlights were dimmed slightly soon after the man's outburst. "Calm yourself, he was only following orders, and a thank you for opening the door will not go unappreciated," spoke a smaller and older looking man on the other back passenger seat, his voice not portraying in the slightest that he was intimidated by the others shouts. The man who had but recently been out in the cold frowned. He crossed his arms and was about to speak when the other continued.
"As I said, calm yourself. No one knows were here. I've made sure of that, and the headlights were merely for our own benefit," said the elder of the two, his white beard covering most of his lower jaw. A confused expression was soon illustrated by the younger male, irritation still showing on his face. He waited for his colleague to continue, he always talked more than he should. "Never mind that now though, did you find what we were looking for?"
"Yes, at least it seems to be the case; however, the lower levels are unpleasantly inaccessible at this time—it will take some time to get the power up and running. We'll start getting everything ready after conditions are more suitable."
"Let me handle the electric bill; just get yourself ready, Karim; we'll start moving the equipment tomorrow." The old man wafted his hand effortlessly, and the driver understood that it was time to leave.
"It would be best if we waited for this blasted weather to clear up a bit, besides if this wind is coupled with snow, well, we'll have a hell of a time getting things to run properly," protested Karim, as the car took a sharp turn. There was very little lighting on the adjacent streets. Darkness, apparently, is a norm during this time of the year.
"You'll be fine. Besides, he won't halt the operation—especially not now. You should be happy; after all, the faster you finish, the closer you'll be to receiving your compensation—is that not what you want?" There was no response. The elder man sat back further in his seat, his gaze landing on the houses outside as they passed by the window. "These people, all sleeping comfortably in their homes, haven't the slightest idea of what transpired here five years ago, and neither will they this year. I trust that you have kept our little operation under the table; I would hate to drop you from the project and so would these people," declared the man. His eyes shifted to Karim who met his gaze with a glare.
"Don't you throw your threats at me, Florent. I know fully well what is at steak here. If anyone else does find out, it won't be from me." Florent smiled at his response, seemingly amused by it. "Good. It's settled then; while you are underway with your task, I'll be making sure that you aren't disturbed, and do please report any problems to me immediately. You know how he insists on hearing bad news right after they arise." Both men spent the next few minutes in silence; it had been along day after all. The car came to a slow stop not too long after; Karim stepped outside, cursing the bitter cold under his breath.
"Don't expect everything to run smoothly tomorrow, Florent." If the old man heard him he made no gesture to show it. Karim waited for a response nonetheless; he didn't have to wait to long. "You just make sure you do your part properly." The response wasn't filled with the sarcasm that usually flowed with the old man's voice. "Get your sleep in, you'll need it for tomorrow." Karim looked at the man with narrowed eyes, not trusting him. He was about to close the door and call it a night when a thought came back into his mind.
"What exactly did you mean by 'benefit'?"
Florent raised an eyebrow at the question. "To see if you were still alive of course."
A/N: Liked this show when it was on, so I decided to give it a shot. Reviews and constructive criticism are appreciated.