Chapter 7

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

7:24 AM

Kadic Academy Entrance

A boy walked through the swirling leaves, carrying his suitcase. It was colder than it usually was this time of year, and he pulled his desert-camo jacket tight against the gust of wind that ruffled his hawk-brown hair.

It was deserted. There wasn't a soul in sight, which was quite unexpected. It didn't really matter to the boy, though; he knew where he was going. At least he could enjoy some peace for a few moments.

For a moment, he forgot which way to go. He stopped and looked around. "Ah!" He said after a moment. "The Administration Building. I'm here."

He gathered his things and hurried up to the wide building's stairs. As he walked up them, he glanced over the bricks. They were cracked and looked very old, as if the building's exterior had not been serviced for some time.

Inside, however, more modern sights greeted him. The floor tiles were polished and reflected his image back at him. Decorative pillars stood about the room, creating a quaint sitting area with a fountain. I could get used to this place, he thought confidently.

He soon found a secretary's office and quietly knocked. "Come in," a female voice said from behind the door.

He did so, and said, "Hi, I'm looking for Headmaster Dunbar?"

"Ah, yes," The lady with blond hair said. "He's expecting you. His office is the last one down the hallway to your left."

"Thank you, ma'am," the boy said as he closed the door.

He found the door to the principal's office unlocked. He knocked, of course, before entering. He saw an older man, sitting behind a desk with graying hair and reading glasses. He looked up at the sound of the door opening.

"Ah, nephew, it's good to see you!"

"Thank you for accepting me on such short notice, uncle." The boy said.

"Think nothing of it," Mr. Dunbar said getting up to hug his nephew. "Come with me; I've arranged for you to stay with another student whom I think you'll like."

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

7:36 AM

Sammy's Dorm

I was working on a program that would analyze the shielding at the Core of Lyoko. ANAX and were trying to see if we could somehow strengthen them against XANA. Just as I was putting on the finishing touches, I heard a knock at my door. "Come in!" I called.

"I would have expected that you would be at breakfast by this time, Belpois,"

I spun around and stood up in surprise when I heard the principal's voice. "Oh, good morning, sir!" I fumbled. "I was working on a project."

"No matter," he said. "I've someone for you to meet." He turned and said over his shoulder, "Come on now; don't be shy."

A boy my age stepped into the room. "Aaron, this is Samuel Belpois, your new room-mate." He gestured towards me.

"And," he said to me, "this is my nephew, Aaron Dunbar. I'm quite sure that the two of you will get along well, which why I placed you here, Aaron. I'm sorry I didn't give you any notice, Belpois, my brother called in very late last night."

"It's alright, sir," I said, hiding hundreds of thoughts behind a pleasant face. I extended my hand and Aaron shook it. "Pleased to meet you," I said. "The same," he replied.

"Very good!" Mr. Dunbar said, clapping his hands. "I'll let you unpack." With that, he left.

"So, Aaron-" I began.

"Please," he interrupted. "Name's Hawk."

I looked him over. He had brown hair, styled so the front looked like wings with some imagination. His eyes matched the color of the hair, and they had a serious look about them. His mouth was flat, though slightly turned up on one end in a very tiny smile.

He sported a brown, desert camouflage jacket, which was ripped in a few places, as if it was well worn. His lower half was clad in plain dark khakis and brown tennis shoes.

"Why?" I asked.

"It's the hair," he told me. "I can't recall exactly how the name came up, but it's been a nickname since I was little. Only adults use my real name."

"Well, Hawk, you can call me Sammy. No one calls me Samuel."

I helped him unload some of his things. I found that he already had all the books he needed. I guess it paid to be the principal's nephew.

When we were finished, I asked, "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

"Yeah," he said back. "I had something on the way over here."

Well now I found myself in an awkward situation. How did I say that I needed to go and eat?

"But you must be hungry," he said. "I'll come with you anyway; at least I can see what they serve here."

"Ok, that sounds good," I said, relieved.

We walked out the door. "So what brings you to Kadic in the middle of the year?"

"It's kinda complicated. My father has a government job. His boss called up on very short notice for a long-term, top-secret assignment. He says that it's not as big a deal as they make out to be.

"Anyway, my mom was allowed to go with him, but I wasn't. I used to be home-schooled. So this was the optimal solution. We're lucky to know Headmaster Dunbar."

"Hmm," I said. "That's interesting. I hope you settle in well; it must be weird coming from a homeschool environment."

"Shouldn't be a problem. I adapt well."

"Good," I said.

We made small talk as we walked the rest of the way to the cafeteria. When we arrived, I said, "My friends are probably inside. I'm sure they'll like you."

Sure enough, the four of them sat at a table together. It looked like Brittany and Alyssa were studying, while Sean and Tennent were talking. Well, Tennent was talking and eating.

By this time of day, most students were done eating, but the room was still full of people either talking, studying, or horsing around. "Hey guys!" I waved to my friends as we approached.

"What's up, Sammy?" Sean greeted me.

"This is Hawk…" I said. "My new room-mate."

They were all silent as they looked at him. Surely they were all thinking the same thing I was: What are going to do about Lyoko?

Alyssa was the first to break the awkward. "Hi, Hawk, I'm Alyssa," she said as they shook hands. I noticed that Sean turned his head aside. Perhaps he feared that his eyes would be glowing.

One by one, my friends introduced themselves. When Tennent stood up, he said, "I'm John, and I collect stamps. What's up, man?"

Hawk looked at me and saw my expression. "What's wrong?"

Tennent started laughing. "My name isn't John, it's Tennent. And I haven't collected a single stamp in my life. I'm just messin' with you."

"Get used to it," Sean said. "He's like that." He then stood up and introduced himself.

I left to get some cereal. I didn't have a lot of time left, and all the "hot" food that was left… was cold.

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:13 PM

The Park

I found out that Hawk was on my same class schedule. This complicated things even further. My friends and I were in the woods to discuss these… complications.

"So…" I said. "We've got ourselves an issue here."

"You said it." Brittany agreed with me.

"I mean, do we just up and tell him everything? It's really not even possible to keep it from him for any period of time!" Sean said. "We got pretty lucky with our set up, Tennent and I sharing a dorm and the same for Brittany and Alyssa…"

"But what do you think he'd do as soon as we told him?" I asked. "I don't think he'd be ready to 'join the party.'"

No one answered, so I went on. "He'd go straight to the authorities and we'd be locked up – kids or not."

"But unless he's got mental issues, which it doesn't look like he does, I don't see any way that we could fool him," Tennent said. "He'd find out sooner or later anyway."

"But he's a Dunbar," Alyssa said. "He's probably related to William."

"Dunbar is a common name…" I protested.

"If he is descended from William though, then surely, he's up for it," Brittany speculated.

"True," Sean said. "If he's got the stuff, he'll come to us."

"But that's the question, isn't it?" I said. "Does he have what it takes?"

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:22 PM

Sammy and Hawk's Dorm

Hawk was sitting at the desk studying. He was almost done for the day, and for that, he was glad. Unexpectedly, Sammy's computer turned on and started beeping.

Is something wrong? Hawk wondered. Maybe I should check it out.

He changed seats and examined the screen. A flashing window was open that read, "Analysis complete. Click to view results." It doesn't look like anything has malfunctioned… but I've never seen an OS like this before…

He minimized the widow to look around some. The OS clearly was not made by any company that Hawk knew of. He tried to find a system information program.

Before he got very far, the screen froze. "Oh no!" He worried. "What's wrong?!" Everything returned to the way it was when had first looked at it.

What's going on?

He minimized the alert menu again, but before even a second had passed, it popped back into place. He did this several more times.

What sorcery is this?

Suddenly, he noticed a circular symbol rotating near the bottom of the screen. On one end, it had three spokes coming out, and opposite of those was a single spoke.

Wait, Hawk thought. I know that symbol.

But he knew that couldn't be possible. After all, it was just a story. Perhaps this was a strange coincidence. Yes, that was it – just a coincidence.

Hawk heard the doorknob turning behind him and he jumped up. Not wanted to be caught perusing Sammy's computer unauthorized, he quickly returned to the study desk.

"Hi, Sammy," he said as causally as he could.

He returned the greeting and walked over to his computer. Silently, he clicked away at the keys. Hawk heard a beep like a chat message alert. Shortly, Sammy resumed typing. A few seconds later Hawk heard some mouse clicks and Sammy walked away from the computer.

Hawk turned and looked at the monitor; it was on some sort of home screen.

"What OS are you running?" He asked.

Sammy turned and looked at him for a little too long before cautiously replying, "Custom. Designed it myself. It's got lots of security programs installed."

"So… It's a Linux variant?"

"I guess you could say that."

"But what about school standards for documents?"

"I environments and programs installed that will read any Windows file. It works fine."

Ok then, Hawk thought to himself. Obviously the computer is a sensitive area…

For a few seconds they just stared at each other. Sammy opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it quickly.

"I need to go study," He finally said.

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:33 PM

Kadic Library

Rats! I thought. That's too quick.

ANAX had told me that Hawk had browsed my computer. It hadn't taken him long to get too curious and ANAX had to block him out. Apparently he had been looking at ANAX's symbol in the corner of the screen. I wasn't sure what had drawn his attention to it but it was only more reason to be worried.

I resolved to be more secretive about running Lyoko related programs on my computer.

I tried to study, but I couldn't focus. I was too worried about Hawk. The worries vanished as soon as I heard Jim's voice yelling, "Everyone inside! Shut the doors! Hurry!"

I quickly ran to a window to see what was going on. A strange, light purple smoke covered the area for as far as the eye could see. Jim and several students were rushing to the library to get inside. Hawk was with them.

When the arrived, Jim slammed the door and locked it. "I want somebody to stay here in case anyone else is trapped out there. Every window and door needs to be closed–" he broke off in a huge coughing fit.

That doesn't look good.

I dashed over to my laptop and opened it up. Sure enough there was an activated Tower. XANA sure knew how to pick his days.

I pulled out my phone, but it started ringing in my hand. Brittany was on the other line.

"We have a problem." She said.

"No kidding," I answered. "I'm trapped in the library with Jim, and Hawk's here too. I don't know if I'll be able to get out."

"ANAX can transfer us to Lyoko, then."

"Right… do you know where Sean and Tennent are?" I asked.

"No, I don't."

"Ok, I'll call them. Good luck."

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:36 PM

Kadic School Yard

Sean and Tennent were walking back to their dorm, enjoying the cool weather. Suddenly Tennent began coughing.

"Fur-ball?" Sean joked.

He quickly became more serious when the coughing didn't let up.

"What's wrong?" He asked when Tennent quieted.

"I don't know," was the reply. "I just got this weird tickle in my throat…"

That's when the noticed the mist rising up around them.

"Run!" Tennent yelled.

The purple fog was about waist high, not high enough to obstruct vision. The two ran towards the nearest building, but Sean tripped, which caused Tennent to fall as well. When they stood up again, coughing, neither could see anything.

"This isn't good," Tennent said.

"C'mon," Sean urged. "We just need to go straight in one direction and we'll run into something."

They began struggling through the mist when Sean's phone ran.

"Hello?" He croaked, his throat sore from coughing.

"Sean!" Sammy said. "Where are you?!"

"Tennent and I are *cough cough* stuck in middle of the fog."

"It's a XANA attack of some kind. Brittany and Alyssa are headed for the Factory."

"They'll never make it if it's like it is here. We can't see a thing!"

"Can you get to shelter?" Sammy demanded.

"We're trying, but nothing's in sight."

"Be careful out there."

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:49 PM

Factory Entrance

The girls had managed to hack and gag their way through the knee-high smoke. Surprised by the relative ease of the journey, they stepped warily into the Factory. No obvious threats were found.

As they descended in the elevator, Alyssa commented, "It sure is strange that we were able to make it so easily through the fog while Sean and Tennent were covered."

"Yeah," Brittany agreed. "That worries me."

The door opened and ANAX greeted them. "I'm so glad you could make it. XANA has trapped Sammy in the library and incapacitated Sean and Tennent. He wanted as few of you on Lyoko as possible, and he chose you two for a reason."

"Because the Scyphozoa hasn't captured us yet!" Brittany said, smacking her forehead. "Rats!"

"You really don't have any options, though," ANAX said. "Sean and Tennent aren't picking up on their phones and I fear the worst. You have to deactivate the Tower right now."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Alyssa asked.

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:38 PM

The Park

Tennent dragged Sean along the ground. He was unconscious. The poisonous fog was taking its toll on Tennent as well, and he didn't know how much longer he could keep his eyes open.

He scooted forward and ran into a tree. For a moment he just sat there and looked at it. Then it hit him. A tree!

"Sean," he said to his friend. "Wake up buddy! We have to climb."

With some rough shaking, Sean roused with a choking noise. "What?" He finally managed to ask.

"We have to climb this tree," Tennent told him. If we get above the fog, we might be able to last until the girls can deactivate the Tower."

"Okay."

Slowly, the two moved upwards, branch by branch. After much effort, they found themselves above the fog. They kept climbing higher, but soon they were out of energy. So there they lay, until they faded out of consciousness.

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:55 PM

Kadic Library

"Blast it!" Jim exclaimed as he slammed his phone down. "At least seven students are unaccounted for."

"Are you going to ask him about your friends?" Hawk asked me.

Seeing the obvious snare in not asking him, I got up to do so. "Jim," I began. "Do you know if my friends are OK?"

"No, I'm sorry. Sean, Tennent, Brittany, and Alyssa are among the missing."

I hung my head as I walked back.

"Maybe you should call their cell phones?" Hawk suggested.

I called Brittany and Alyssa first. I knew there wouldn't be any signal from their phones by now. Sean and Tennent's both rang but neither picked up.

"I'm sure they're all right," I said to Hawk. "They have to be."

"I hope you're right – for their sakes."

Monday, October 1st, 2057 AD

4:57 PM

Lyoko, The Forest Sector

Brittany and Alyssa dropped out of the sky and onto the surface of Lyoko. They were met with quite an undesirable sight… or rather, a lack thereof. Lyoko was covered in a blinding white mist!

"Well this is just great!" Brittany complained.

"Don't worry," ANAX said. "The active Tower is just a little ways in front of you."

"Any monsters in sight?" Alyssa asked.

"No idea," he replied. "My scanner is jammed."

"Well that's unfortunate."

Suddenly, with the flapping of wings and a blur of movement, a hornet flashed by and knocked them both down. They quickly jumped up, ready to fight, but it had vanished.

"Rrgh! We'll never make it to the Tower at this rate!" Brittany exclaimed.

"And we'll have to hurry," ANAX added. "I can't raise Sean or Tennent on their cell phones, and they are unmoving in the woods, it appears. They may have fallen unconscious."

"As if we didn't have enough problems," Alyssa said dryly.

The two girls slowly made their way through the thick smog. Gradually, they were joined by several of ANAX's monsters.

Two Krabs appeared. They opened fire and caught the group by surprise. Alyssa took a shot in the shoulder and a Wolf leapt in to cover her. From the shelter of its flank, she fired an Energy Sphere and destroyed one of the Krabs.

In the meantime, Brittany deflected a barrage of laser bolts with both of her fans. ANAX's Klankers used the distraction to shoot down the Krab.

As soon as their enemies had fallen, they heard the sound of the Scyphozoa shrieking.

"Where is it?!" Alyssa cried. "I can't see!"

The heard the screech again, but it seemed to come from an entirely different direction.

The next time it sounded, the monster had changed positions again. Frantically, the party swiveled their heads from side to side, looking for the beast.

For a moment, everything was silent. "Do you think it's gone?" Brittany asked.

Suddenly, a dozen tentacles surrounded Alyssa and picked her up. "Aagh!" She yelled in terror before the mind control silenced her.

"Oh, no you don't," Brittany said as she gritted her teeth. She took aim and launched a fan at the tendrils holding Alyssa. The weapon struck true and the tentacles were cut clean through. The Scyphozoa's captive fell to the ground, unhurt.

"Get up!" Brittany said as she ran to her side. "We have to deactivate the Tower before more monsters arrive!"

But none did. ANAX quickly guided them to the Tower, where they shut it down.

"Ready?" ANAX asked. "Return to the Past Now!"

So! We're back to interesting stuff now! Very cool. Sorry for the short Lyoko scene. What needed to be said was, and Lyoko wasn't really that important to this chapter. I may come and edit in a larger fight here, but with the length of the chapter as it is, I don't think it will be necessary. It certainly won't change the value of the story.

Alright! We have a new main character! If you want a picture of him, you'll have to read the PDF, or contact me.

Let's see how this plays out... ready for a rough ride?