Chapter 28: The Finishing Touches
A Couple Weeks Later
Kadic Academy-Matthew's Room
11:45 PM Thursday Night-December
Matthew: Ok...come on baby...I have a good feeling about you this time. I'm sure this time it's gonna work.
Matthew tapped away at his laptop's keyboard. He had been trying to work on programming his friend's new abilities on Lyoko, but with XANA always attacking, he hasn't found the time to do it. So over the last few nights, he's stayed up later than he should have busily typing away at various programs and commands needed to create the new abilities. However, the last few times he's tried to complete the abilities and put them into his friend's Lyoko characters, his program would freeze up and not respond, and crash a few moments later. This of course frustrated Matthew extremely because every time he would think he would get it, something would always seem to prevent him from accomplishing his tasks. But tonight, Matthew had a good feeling about it. He had finally been able to get the basic structure of the new abilities programmed, and now he was about to attempt, yet again, to applying the abilities to his friend's Lyoko forms.
Matthew: Ok...one final check to make sure everything is in place...and...ENTER!
Matthew pressed the ENTER key and prayed that he did it right. Then, it happened again. His laptop began to freeze up.
Matthew: What...no no no...come on!
He tried to minimize the screen, but nothing happened. A few seconds later, his laptop cut off completely, leaving behind a very frustrated, aggravated, and depressed Matthew.
Matthew: NO! NOT AGAIN!
Matthew slammed his fist on his desk in anger. Outside in the hallway, Ulrich was doing his regular patrol through the dorms to make sure that everyone was in their beds and asleep. He then heard the loud bang coming from Matthew's room and grew curious. He knocked on the door making Matthew jump at least 3 feet in the air. He forgot that Ulrich patrols the hallways at night and his loud fist-bang must have gotten his attention. Ulrich opened the door.
Ulrich: What's all that racket in here?
Matthew: Uhh...sorry Coach Ulrich...that was me.
Ulrich: I can tell. You don't look too happy. Something the matter?
Matthew: N...no sir...just a little frustrated with the amount of homework I have right now.
Ulrich: Well no matter, it's time you get to bed. You look like you could use a goodnight sleep.
Matthew knew he was right. He gave out a loud yawn as he turned off his laptop and hobbled over to his bed. Ulrich closed the door and continued his patrol of the hallways. Matthew laid in his bed staring at the ceiling. He couldn't sleep. He kept thinking about the abilities and how he wasn't able to get it right.
Matthew: (to himself) Am I even capable of doing something like this? Am I even good enough?
He replayed the thoughts in his head for a few more minutes, until at last, he drifted off to sleep.
6:30 AM The Next Morning
*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
Matthew: *groan* Is it morning already?
Matthew grumpily rolled over and slapped his alarm clock off and slowly rose up out of his bed. He was exhausted. He couldn't get much sleep. Not only was he frustrated again at the program, but he was also contemplating whether he was even capable of doing such a large task. With the thoughts still running through his brain, he got out bed and grabbed his clothes and shower supplies and headed for the washrooms. He was hoping that the hot water would at least try to wake him up, but was disappointed to find out that it didn't as he dozed off for a moment while standing in the shower. He groaned in frustration.
Matthew: This is gonna be a long day...
After his shower, he put on his clothes, brushed his teeth, and went back to his room to gather his laptop and school supplies for the day before heading for breakfast. In the cafeteria, the gang was talking about the holidays.
Gary: Man, I can't wait for Christmas Break. 2 whole weeks of rest and relaxation.
Mariah: Don't forget about spending time with your family to.
Gary: I haven't forgotten about that.
Jonah: Anyway guys, what do all plan on doing during Christmas Break.
Alexis: My family and I are gonna visit my grandparents in Paris for a week before heading back to our house for Christmas Day. My sister is also gonna come and stay with us for Christmas.
Gary: My folks and I are gonna go skiing in the mountains for a few days. Then we're gonna try and video call our relatives in Australia.
Natalie: My family doesn't do much at Christmas, but we sometimes help out at our church which holds its annual Christmas Eve service.
Mariah: My family is also gonna visit my grandparents over in London, which is where we're going to spend the holidays.
Jonah: My folks don't do much either. We just stay home and have quality family time.
Gary: What about you Matt? What do you have planned?
Matthew didn't reply.
Gary: Uhh...Matt?
Gary and the gang looked over to see Matthew holding his head up in his hand practically half-asleep. Natalie, who was sitting beside him, shook him on the shoulder a bit to wake him up.
Natalie: Matthew...
Matthew: Hmm...what?
Natalie: Are you okay? You haven't said a single word to us since you got here and now you look like your about to fall asleep on the floor.
Matthew: Hmmm...sorry Natalie. I was up late trying to program your new abilities.
The gang fell silent.
Mariah: So you've been depriving yourself from sleep just to worry about our abilities on Lyoko?
Matthew: Not a good idea, I know. But I just feel like I'm getting so close to completing it. But every time I think I got it, my laptop freezes up and crashes. It's been doing that ever since the new Shielders first appeared.
Jonah: Well you can't just cut back on much needed sleep.
Gary: He's right mate. If you keep this up, you'll be sleeping through everything.
Natalie: You need to try and get yourself more sleep at night and not sitting in front of your laptop burning your eyes out.
Matthew finally admitted defeat.
Matthew: Alright, I'll try to get some rest tonight.
Natalie: Thank you.
Alexis: Any update on how the abilities are coming?
Matthew: I haven't made much progress due to the fact that my laptop keeps crashing. I just don't get it. I have some idea on what I'm doing, but each time it backfires. I don't know if I'm even capable of doing something like this. GAH, I wish I had the brains of Mr. Belpois, because if I did I'd...
Matthew didn't finish what he was saying as an idea hit his brain.
Matthew: Wait a minute...THAT'S IT!
The gang looked at him confused.
All: What's it?
But before they could get an answer, Matthew got up from his seat, grabbed his laptop bag and raced out of the cafeteria. The gang looked at each confused by his sudden actions.
Gary: I think your boyfriend's lost it a bit Natalie.
Natalie: Not funny Gary. But I do wonder what's gotten into him.
Matthew raced through the hallways towards Jeremy's classroom. He was excited.
Matthew: I can't believe I didn't think of this before. If I can't seem to do it, maybe Mr. Belpois can help me. He knows about Lyoko more than I do, so he's sure to help me out.
Matthew sprinted his way down the hallways feeling more confident than he did last night. He then turned left down another set of hallways that led towards Jeremy's classroom. But just as he turned the corner...
*CRASH*
Matthew: *groan*...That hurt...
Matthew was going so fast that he didn't see another student walking towards the same corner as him, before it was too late. As he turned the corner, he ran straight into the other student knocking both of them down to the floor. Matthew held his head in pain as he slowly stood to his feet.
Matthew: I'm really sorry about that. I didn't know...
Matthew looked up and froze as he saw who he had run into. It was Brandon.
Brandon: Dang it Stephenson! Why don't you watch where you're going next time!
Matthew: I know I did say I was sorry because I thought it was someone else I ran into. But now that I see it was you, I don't feel sorry. Now get out of my way.
Matthew gathered up his stuff and shoved Brandon aside as he continued on to Jeremy's classroom. Brandon was speechless. He was about to blow up at Matthew when suddenly, the flashbacks that he had a couple weeks ago came storming back into his brain. It was the exact same flashbacks as last time. And like last time, Brandon had no idea why he was getting them.
Brandon: *groan* Why are these visions coming back? They never happened, I'm sure of it. Ugh...I need some medicine. Maybe the nurse has some aspirin or some headache pills.
Brandon, who continued to hold his head in pain, walked slowly away to the nurse's office.
7:50 AM-Computer Science Classroom
Jeremy sat at his teacher's desk typing away at his keyboard. He was finishing up putting together the lesson he had planned for his class that day. It involved a more advanced level of programming various things. He was also getting ready to put together a test that he would give his students next week. Just then, Matthew came rushing through the door gasping for breath. Jeremy was surprised to see him.
Jeremy: Matthew? What are you doing here? I know you're in my class, but class doesn't start for another 10 minutes.
Matthew: I need your help Mr. Belpois. It involves Lyoko.
Jeremy turned away from his computer and shut the classroom door.
Jeremy: What about Lyoko?
Matthew: I guess I haven't told you about it, so I'll start from the beginning. When we were in our tag team training on Lyoko, we found out that XANA created the Shielders...
Jeremy: That I already know...
Matthew: I'm not finished. It occurred to me that XANA had upped his game. First he sent us the Tigers during our first training session and now he sent us the Shielders. I then realized that if he is going to continue sending us new monsters, then my friends are going to need a, what I call, "Lyoko Upgrade."
This got Jeremy intrigued.
Jeremy: What kind of upgrade?
Matthew: You know how your friends have all these awesome abilities on Lyoko. Like Coach Ulrich having super speed, Miss Ishiyama having telekinesis, and Mrs. Belpois with her creativity. Well I figured since I have my Lightning and Shockwave abilities, I figured that my friends would need some abilities of their own.
Jeremy: Very good idea, but how are you going to be able to do that?
Matthew: I told them that I would use the knowledge I learned here and try to program the abilities myself. That's where the problem is. Over the last couple of weeks, I haven't been able to do that. Every time I think I have it down, my laptop freezes up and crashes and I don't know why. So I was hoping that you could help me.
Jeremy pondered at the idea and then smiled.
Jeremy: I'd be happy to help you.
Matthew: Really? You mean it?
Jeremy: Absolutely. Now let's see what you have so far.
So Matthew took out his laptop and showed him the little progress made on the abilities.
Jeremy: Hmm...I think I may have a solution.
Matthew: What would that be?
Jeremy went to his desk drawer and pulled out a pad of sticky-notes and a pen. He then wrote something on the note, pulled it off, and handed it to Matthew.
Matthew: What's this?
Jeremy: The address to my house.
Matthew: Why are you giving me this?
Jeremy: Because your laptop simply can't handle the amount of work that you're putting into the program. You need more powerful equipment and I have just what you need over at my house. We'll program the abilities on my computer, burn it on a CD, then program it into the supercomputer. Once all that is done, PRESTO the abilities will be ready.
Matthew stared at Jeremy dumbfounded.
Matthew: All this time my laptop wasn't able to handle the work? Man I feel stupid not being able to realize that.
Jeremy chuckled.
Jeremy: Well don't worry about now, go ahead and take your seat. Class is about to begin.
Matthew looked at the clock and noticed that it was 2 minutes to 8. He walked over to his seat and pulled out his supplies for the class. He felt a lot better now that he knew what the problem was with the program.
3:55 PM-History Class
Matthew worked hard all day in each of his classes, doing each of his assignments and completing them as directed, despite the lack of sleep he got last night. He wanted the school day to end as quickly as possible, but the more Matthew thought about it, the slower the day seemed to go. In Matthew's last class of the day, which was History, he wasn't listening to the teacher much at all. Instead, he was staring at the clock just waiting for the last bell to ring. Jonah and Mariah, who had History with him, couldn't help but noticed Matthew's anxiousness to getting out of class.
Mariah: *whispering* Is Matthew ok? He seems pretty jittery about something.
Jonah: *whispering* You noticed that too huh? I wonder what's up with him. First, he seemed like he was about to fall asleep at anytime, now he seems ready to go and run a marathon.
Teacher: Jonah and Mariah!
The two friends jumped slightly at the teacher's voice.
Teacher: Is there something that you would like to share with the rest of the class?
Jonah & Mariah: No ma'am.
Teacher: Then quit your whispering about whatever it is you two are talking about and pay attention. Now then class...
*RIIIIIIIIIIING*
Teacher: *groan* Class dismissed. Have a good weekend everyone and don't forget to study for your exam on World War I on Monday!
As soon as the bell rang, Matthew got up from his seat and sprinted his way out of the door towards the courtyard. Jonah and Mariah were very confused as to why he left so quickly. They quickly gathered there stuff and followed him outside. Meanwhile, Matthew was running through the courtyard and heading towards the campus gate. He raced past Gary, Natalie, and Alexis who were quite stunned at the blur that just past them.
Gary: Was that Matthew?
Alexis: I couldn't tell.
Just then, Jonah and Mariah screeched to a stop in front of them completely out of breath.
Natalie: What happened to you two?
Jonah: We...we were...following Matthew...
Mariah: He seemed very...anxious on getting out of class...and we wanted...to know why...
This left the rest of the gang confused.
Natalie: I don't think we're gonna be able to catch him now. I didn't see where he was heading towards. I'm gonna give him a call and ask him what's up.
So Natalie took out her phone and dialed Matthew's number. She then put her phone on speaker mode so that the rest of the gang could hear. Meanwhile, Matthew had reached the campus gate before he stopped running. He looked at the address Jeremy gave him and left the campus heading for the street. As he began his walk there, his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was a call from Natalie.
Matthew: Hey Nat, what's up?
Natalie: I was about to ask you the same thing. Gary, Alexis, and I just saw you race past us without even greeting us. And Mariah and Jonah were chasing after you just to see where you were going. They said that you were real anxious about getting out of class.
Matthew: I was anxious.
Natalie: Why? Earlier today, you looked like you were about to fall asleep on the floor.
Matthew: Because I just found out how to solve the problem with programming your new abilities.
The gang's eye went wide at what Matthew just said.
Natalie: Wait...you have? How?
Matthew: I went to Mr. Belpois. He and Mrs. Belpois know more about programming and about Lyoko than I do. So I figured, why not ask for his help? So he told me that my laptop just wasn't able to handle the work I've been putting in. So he gave me his address to his home and he's going to help me put the finishing touches on your abilities. How do you guys like that?
Natalie: That's awesome Matt! Well, good luck and keep us posted.
Matthew: I will. See ya.
Matthew hung up his phone and continued on his way towards the Belpois Residence.
Kadic Academy-Brandon's Room
Meanwhile over at Kadic, Brandon was laying on his bed staring up at the ceiling. He went to the nurse's office earlier before school started and asked for some headache pills. He didn't tell the nurse that he was having the flashbacks because he thought that she would think he was crazy and needed therapy. However, after he took the pills, he felt better and the flashbacks didn't come back, but he still kept thinking about why they were happening.
Brandon: I just don't understand. How is this even happening and why is it happening? I'm sure those things never happened, otherwise I would've remembered them. So...why...just why?
That wasn't the only thing that was on his mind though. He thought back to when Matthew had ran into him in the hallway.
Brandon: Man, and when Stephenson came out of nowhere and ran into me in the halls...I did not see that coming at all. Yes...I was a little upset but then he started to apologize...but I still yelled at him for it. Then he said that he didn't feel sorry anymore and just shoved me out of the way. Now that I look back on it...I kinda feel bad now...I don't think he deserved that.
Brandon kept thinking about today's events. He looked over at his clock and saw that it was only 4:15 PM.
Brandon: *sigh* Maybe some fresh air will help clear my head.
So Brandon got up from his bed and walked out towards the courtyard.
Boulogne-Billancourt-Belpois Residence
4:35 PM
After walking for a little more than a half hour, Matthew had finally reached Jeremy's house. He looked at the address one more time just to be sure that he was at the right place.
Matthew: Hmm...looks like it. Well...here goes.
Matthew walked up the walkway and up a set of brick stairs leading to the front door. He rang the doorbell and waited for a reply. He didn't have to wait long as the door opened a few seconds later. But to his surprise, it wasn't Jeremy who answered the door, nor was it Aelita. Instead, it was little 9 year old Maya who answered the door. Matthew was surprised.
Matthew: Uhh...is this the Belpois residence?
Maya: That depends. Who wants to know?
Matthew: Uh...Matthew Stephenson.
Maya: Why are you here?
Matthew: Mr. Belpois asked me to stop by here. He said he can help me with something.
Maya: How do I know you're not one of those undercover cops?
Matthew: What? I'm 15 years old. How can I be an undercover cop?
?: What's going on over here?
Matthew and the young girl looked and saw Aelita walking towards the front door.
Aelita: Maya, what is the meaning of this?
Maya: This person said that Daddy told him to come by here. I don't believe him. I think he's one of those undercover cops.
Aelita: Now Maya that's very rude. He's one of Daddy's students. Remember, Daddy is a teacher over at Kadic Academy and this young man is in his class.
Maya: Ooooooooh.
Aelita: Now Maya, what do you say to him?
Maya: I'm sorry.
Matthew: It's okay. Just a simple mistake.
Aelita: Good, now go and play in your room for a bit.
Maya: Okay Mommy.
Little Maya scurried away a moment later leaving Aelita with Matthew.
Aelita: So, what brings you here young man?
Matthew: Remember how I said that I was going to try and program new abilities for my friends on Lyoko?
Aelita: Yes, why?
Matthew: Well I was having trouble doing it, so I asked Mr. Belpois if he could help me. He told me what was wrong and told me to come here and he'll help me finish up.
Aelita: I see. Well Mr. Belpois won't be home for a few more minutes. He said that he was finishing up putting together your classes test that he plans on giving you all next week.
Matthew: Heh, he did tell our class that there would be a test next week.
Aelita: Well come on in and make yourself at home for the moment.
Matthew: Much appreciated Mrs. Belpois.
Aelita smiled as Matthew walked inside. The Belpois' House was just a bit bigger than his house. It was a 2-story building, with 2 bedrooms and a guest room on the top floor and the living room, kitchen, dining room, and Jeremy's Study room on the bottom floor. The living room also had a lovely cobblestone fire place as well as a flat-screen TV above it.
Matthew: Nice place you all have here.
Aelita: Thank you very much. Would you like anything while you're waiting? A drink or a snack of some sorts?
Matthew: I'll just take a glass of water please.
Aelita: Sure thing. Be right back.
Aelita walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of water while Matthew admired the house. A moment later, Aelita returned.
Aelita: Here you go.
Matthew: Thank you ma'am.
At that moment, Jeremy walked in the door. Aelita greeted him warmly.
Aelita: Hello Jeremy. Have a good day?
Jeremy: It started out slow, but it was a good day in the end.
Aelita: That's good to hear.
She gave him a quick welcome back kiss and hug and motioned over to where Matthew was sitting.
Aelita: One of your students is here to see you.
Jeremy then noticed Matthew sitting on the couch.
Jeremy: Ah Matthew, welcome to our house. I'm glad you were able to find your way here.
Matthew: Well thank you sir for agreeing to help me out with the abilities.
Jeremy: No problem at all. Now let's get started.
Aelita: If you boys would like some help, don't be afraid to ask.
Jeremy: Thanks Aelita, we won't. Matthew, follow me please.
So Matthew followed Jeremy over to his Study Hall. Matthew was amazed at the room. The room had 4 large bookshelves with many different types of books and also had Jeremy's computer equipment. It looked much more powerful than his little old laptop. It consisted of 2 large and powerful large-screen desktop computers each with a powerful processor and other things.
Matthew: That's some computer set.
Jeremy: Yes it is, and should help us get the job done. Now let's get started.
So over the next couple of hours, Jeremy showed Matthew how to program each of the abilities that he had planned. However, it took a little longer than Jeremy had planned. In fact, Jeremy asked Matthew to keep coming back to his house just to show him what to do. Eventually, 4 days later and 3 days until Christmas Break...
Jeremy: And...it...is...done!
Matthew: Really? We did it?
Jeremy: Yes Matthew we did. Now all we got to do is burn it on this CD and then program them all into the supercomputer.
Matthew: How long will it take to program it in the supercomputer?
Jeremy: About 2 days. But don't worry, I'll work on that, okay?
Matthew: Okay sir, let me know when it's ready. Looks like these are going to be my friend's Lyoko Christmas presents.
Jeremy: Looks that way. Well, you better get back to Kadic before it gets too late. I'll stay here and get these on the CD and then tomorrow after class, I'll head for the factory and program it in the supercomputer.
Matthew: Thank you so much for your help sir.
Jeremy: You're very much welcome.
So Matthew gathered up all of his belongings and headed out the door towards Kadic. Jeremy, Aelita, and little Maya waved goodbye to him.
Jeremy: See you in class tomorrow!
Aelita: Bye Matthew!
Maya: Bye bye!
Matthew waved back and continued on towards the academy.
Well looks like we're finally going to find out what the new abilities are for the gang. I hope you all are excited. I know I am because I know what they are HA! XD But anyway, I hope you all enjoyed and be sure to leave a review and follow and favorite the story!
Author's Note: I used the name Maya because when Jeremy first met Aelita in the "XANA Awakens" episodes, Aelita didn't remember her name so Jeremy gave her the name Maya. I figured that it would be a good name for Jeremy and Aelita's daughter. I hope you guys like it also.
Anyways, FakeACU83 OUT!
