Chapter 36: Another New Monster?

Abandoned Factory-Scanner Room

Aelita was the first to step out of the scanners after her surprise attack by an unknown monster that XANA had recently created. No sooner had she stepped out, all three scanners opened up to reveal Gary, Jonah, and Natalie.

Aelita: If I can take a guess, you three were just devirtualized by another new monster by XANA?

Gary: DING DING DING, we have a winner.

Just then, Natalie noticed something.

Natalie: Hey, where's Matthew at?

Just as she said that, one of the scanners whirred into life again and opened up revealing Matthew.

Matthew: I'm right here. I guess the scanners had to hold me back for a bit while you guys came out first. All four of us were devirtualized at the same time you know.

Natalie: Well that makes sense. So, what do we do now?

Aelita: Simple answer to that. We go back up to the lab and look at the data that Matthew hopefully was able to get.

Jonah: You got the data didn't you?

Matthew: Yeah I did and it should be getting to the supercomputer any second now.

Aelita: Well then, let's go up and see the results.

So the warriors made their way to the old elevator yet again and ascended back up to the Computer Lab. When they arrived, they saw Ulirch, Yumi, William, Odd, Alexis, and Mariah all waiting for them. They also saw Jeremy feverishly typing away at the keyboard. He took a glance over at the elevator doors and spotted the rest of the warriors standing there.

Jeremy: Good, you're all back. I just received the analysis that Matthew's goggles gave. And it's quite amazing at what this new monster is and what it can do.

All 11 warriors gathered around Jeremy as he read out the results.

Jeremy: Ok...so...according to this analysis, that new monster is called a "Mantis."

Aelita: Well the name sure suits it.

Jeremy: Yes it does. Now, the analysis shows that the Mantis is the second most powerful monster XANA has created. Second behind the Kolossus of course.

This got the young warrior's attention.

Mariah: The what now sir?

Jeremy: The Kolossus was a giant volcanic monster that XANA created to stop us from destroying the Lyoko Replicas 20 years ago when we were still fighting him. It only showed up 3 times and that's it. It hasn't shown up since. So you all don't need to worry about that now.

The young warriors breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Jeremy: Now then, as I was saying. The Mantis is the second most powerful monster XANA has created. It has about 150 hit points, meaning it can devirtualize you in one shot. So be careful.

William: Easier said than done.

Jeremy: It also says that it has more lifepoints than the Tigers and the Shielders. At least 250 lifepoints.

Matthew: Good grief...

Jeremy: Some other key features about the Mantis is that it is very skilled in stealth. It can camouflage itself with the terrain, hence why you all couldn't see it in the Forest Sector. It appears to me, that the Forest Sector is where they would mostly reside, seeing as they can easily blend themselves in with the background. Anywhere else, like the Ice, Mountain, and Desert Sector, they may not hide out as well.

Ulrich: Well there's some good news there.

Jeremy: It is also at least a foot taller than the Krab. As for its attacks, it has razor sharp scythes on the ends of both of their arms and when they cross them together, they can fire its powerful laser out. So be aware of that. There is also one other thing that it has, but I can't seem to figure out what it is.

Yumi: Explain that.

Jeremy: It seems that the goggles weren't able to pick up that last little bit of information, so as of now, there is a mystery ability that the Mantis has.

The warriors groaned a little at what they heard.

Odd: What about a way to destroy it Einstein?

Jeremy: As I said before, they at least 250 lifepoints. So it will be tough for you to destroy it. But there is a way. You all know that most monster have one Eye of XANA on them. Well, the Mantis has 2 Eyes of XANA. So I'm thinking that if you hit both of them, the Mantis will fall. I don't think it matters whether you hit the eyes at the same time or not. I think as long as both of them are hit, the Mantis will be destroyed. Is that understood?

The warriors all nodded.

Jeremy: Good. Now I do have something else to say.

He turned to the young warriors.

Jeremy: Matthew, Natalie, Gary, Mariah, Jonah, and Alexis. I have to say that I was most impressed with the way you all performed during your training session today. You all worked together, planned together, and fought together as one. That is key to being great Lyoko Warriors. I want to give you all my personal congratulations on your victory today. Even with the unexpected events afterwards, you all earned it and I'm very proud of you all. You all have come a long way from where you all began here just a few short months ago back in August. You have proven yourselves worthy of being true Lyoko Warriors.

The young warriors just beamed from ear to ear.

Jeremy: However, your training isn't over. There are two Sectors where you all haven't had much training in. And that's Sector 5 and the Digital Sea. However, there will be a time for when you all will have that opportunity. So for now, go about your days like you should and all of you, including the Lyoko Veterans, be ready for the call to action if XANA decides to attack again.

All: SIR! YES SIR!

Jeremy: That's what I like to hear. Now off you go young ones. You better get back to the academy, as well as Ulrich and I.

Matthew however was a little reluctant to going back, and the rest of the gang knew why.

Matthew: Boy I hope Stephanie will stay out of my hair for a while.

This got the Lyoko Veteran's attention.

Yumi: Who is Stephanie?

Ulrich: You might find this hard to believe Yumi, but Stephanie is the niece of Sissi.

Yumi, William, Odd, and Aelita were surprised indeed.

Aelita: I never even knew Sissi was an Aunt. Boy how time flies by.

Matthew: Yeah and after I showed her around the campus, she developed a huge crush on me and showed it to me and the rest of us at lunch.

Odd: What did you say to her?

Matthew: I told her that I didn't feel the same way and that I was already with Natalie.

Ulrich sighed when he heard that.

Ulrich: Looks like I was right Jeremy. Stephanie is pretty much like Sissi was to us back then, always butting in our business and always going after me even though I had feelings for Yumi.

Jeremy shook his head.

Jeremy: Well, you all be careful around her. Knowing from experience and knowing that she's related to Sissi, this won't be the last time that she'll try and get in your way.

Young Warriors: Great...

Jeremy: Anyway, come on youngsters. You all and Coach Ulrich and I need to head back to Kadic. Classes resume tomorrow you know.

Young Warriors: Yes sir.

So the warriors all piled into the old elevator and ascended back up to the main floor. They then went their separate ways with Yumi, Odd, William, and Aelita heading back to their homes and Jeremy, Ulrich, and the young warriors traveling through the sewers back to Kadic.

Kadic Academy-Stephanie's Room

Meanwhile back at Kadic, Stephanie was laying on her bed staring up at the ceiling, obviously deep in thought. And we can guess what she's thinking about...

Stephanie: He says that he's with that girl Natalie. I don't believe that. I think he's just trying to stay away from me, but why? Why would he want to stay away from me? No one can resist going out with the prettiest girl at Kadic. I'll find a way to make you mine Matthew Stephenson...but how?

She continued to think about Matthew for a few more minutes before drifting off to sleep.

So now we know what the new monster is and what it's capable of. By the way, the Mantis monster was an idea given to me by...guess who...yep pokemonking0924. Thanks man! Anyway, and it also seems that Natalie may have a little competition ;). How will all this play out? Stay tuned to find out more.

Note: I wanted to try to get this chapter done either on or before my birthday. Well...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Now, I wouldn't call it a "Birthday Special" because if it was, it would be about one of the characters and not me.

Anyway, hope you all enjoyed! And as always, FakeACU83 (HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY TO ME :D) OUT!