Return To The Present

by Moria Fela

My name is Violet and my twin sister is Aelita. Life was hectic between school, writing, and XANA attacks but it was good. It was good. . .until the return to the past bugged up. We were split up across the globe. Our only hope was to find one another and return to the present. We were stuck with a deadly virus, slavery, and collars. We had to learn to adapt to this new world.

2. Part 1: The Lyoko Warriors as Lyokoians

Hello! Moria here. Sorry, it's been so long. School has been a lot. Here is the new chapter. I don't own Code Lyoko. I do own my OC.

Aelita POV

One week before the start of the new semester.

The Hermitage as it was known around the world was located in the United States. It was in the center of all things technical, The Silicon Valley. My parents owned a large plot of land over 30 acres filled with lush trees and walking trails. My father was still alive and my mother stood by his side willingly.

"Aelita, someone please go get Aelita. She needs to be packed for school. Her flight is this afternoon." said Anthea Hopper.

I tossed in my sleep.

"Mistress. Mistress." There was a small voice and a knock at the door.

"Ughhhh. Not Sissi again." I mumbled.

"Mistress. It's way past breakfast. Mistress Anthea is calling for you. I'll go and get someone to help you get dressed." said the lady.

She was tall and had a metal collar around her neck. The numbers 11467 were engraved on it along with the lyoko eye. I woke up hazy. My vision blurred and the surrounding room was unfamiliar. Was I not in my dorm room on Kadic? What happened in the last return to the past? I turned my head confusingly.

"You are awake. Mistress Aelita. Please remember to pack." said the lady.

She left the room and someone else came inside within a few seconds.

"Mistress Aelita. I am here to help you get dressed." She said.

Her hair was on the floor and she too had a metal collar with the lokyo eye.

"What is going on and why do you have that collar?" I asked, my eyes dancing around the room.

"Mistress, please hurry now. You are scheduled to go to Kadic in the next couple of hours." said the girl.

She hurried me out of bed and into my enormous closet where clothes hung in all colors of pink. Of course. I loved the color pink, but it was too much even for me. I gathered clothing and other things around my room to pack for school. I had decided the best course of action was for me to go to Kadic. I could most likely find Jeremie, my sister, and the others there. From that point, we could figure out what happened in the last return to the past. And so the day passed quickly.

I headed downstairs.

"Aelita, there you are. Your father has come back from his business trip in Japan. He would like to talk to you before you go back to school." said Anthea.

"Of course. Mommy." I replied.

It was hard to keep my cool. My parents were right in front of me. I was so happy. Tears fell down my face.

"Aelita, what's wrong." Anthea asked.

"Nothing Mommy" I said, wiping away my tears.

"Aelita, Darling. It is so lovely to see you." said Waldo.

"Daddy, you're here?!" I stumbled on my words. I went to hug him.

"Yes. It's about your engagement to Ulrich Stern. You see, I have some concerns. The family is massively wealthy, but the young boy is known to be reckless with his "friends" and a bit of an activist. I believe you can sway him. We need to keep those freedom seekers at bay. Darling." said Waldo.

"Engagement, like married?" I asked, tilting my head.

"If only you listened better, you would understand our situation. You are preoccupied with other things, but I can't help it. It's good for the business." Waldo shook his head.

"Anthea, please ride with her to the airport. I'll meet you at the private jet. We are scheduled to meet with the Sterns' this time tomorrow evening in France. Don't be late." Waldo looked at her with glaring eyes.

"Come now, Aelita." Anthea waved her hand, and we headed into the car.

It had a driver who took us to the airport. I waved goodbye to my mommy carrying my small bag. This is it I thought. I can find a way back home. I can find Violet, the others, and Jeremie.

Violet OC POV

We were on a plantation somewhere in the countryside. It was a large place filled with fields and rows of food. It looked yummy to eat but we had to harvest it. "Wake up. It's time to get work." said the voice.

It was warm and calm.

"Huh, where am I" I asked

"You're back at the huts. Master must've hurt you pretty bad yesterday." Said the voice She was tall and slender. She wore a metal collar with numbers branded into her collarbone. She wore a ripped greyish looking dress. Her body had fur on her legs, arms, and neck. She had cat-like ears and a tail. Her fur was brown and her skin was a deep peach.

"Come on, Vi. We've got fields today. Ok." she said.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"Why is it me, Tabby? Did you. . .No way. I'll get the healer. He can sort this out." Tabby said.

Tabby called out, "Helios, we have a problem. It's Violet." A short stubby man came into the hut with a bald head and a greyish chinstache that was a few inches long.

"Violet, good morning. I've come to ask you a few questions. Do you remember your parents?"

I was somewhat hesitant to answer his questions. "Well, not exactly. I think my father was named Franz Hopper or Waldo Schaffeaer but he is long dead. And my twin sister is all I have left in terms of family."

Tabby looked at me with wide eyes and speechlessness. "Next question, Do you know how to read and write? If so, please write a sentence in any language,"

The ground was dirt-covered, so it was easy to write. I used my fingers and wrote out the sentence. "My name is Violet Hopper and I am in High School at Kadic Academy.

"Last question, what is XANA?"

"Hold up. Only my friends and I should know about that. How could you know!"

"Please calm yourself and answer as truthfully as you can." Helios replied

"As I remember, it was a computer virus that could activate towers which allowed it to access the human world via powers lines and electricity."

"Good. Good. I have a general idea. This is not amnesia, nor is it some Lyokoians power. This is another Violet. Our Violet is somewhere else. For that I do not know." said Helios.

"But, what makes you believe that?" asked Tabby

"She was able to write, and furthermore her answers were truthful. My ability allows me to see the truth in all things. That is why I became a healer, to see what makes people sick and heal them."

"But then, where is our Violet?" asked Tabby

"That I do not know, but I can be sure that this Violet did not come here alone." I nodded. The gong sounded in the distance.

Our day began as we toiled underneath the sun. I picked at the cotton. The thorns stabbed my hand with each motion. Tabby kept asking if I was alright. I tried to keep reassuring her with a forced smile. I did that to Aelita with each and every XANA attack, each and every injury, and each and every mental breakdown. I didn't want her to see me in pain. I didn't want to worry her or the others. We already had so much to deal with. Then, it seemed every time Aelita could see right past me. She'd break down my walls.

Tabby looked away and kept picking the cotton, saying, "Ya know. I hope you get home. Someday. Our Violet was happy here. She had a sense of community and that is what kept her going. She saw me as a sister and lover. You seem so determined to find them. Your friends, Your community."

"I guess so. They are like my family. They are all I have left. My parents are gone." I said, looking away. My hand was dripping with blood. I tried to smile and looked at Tabby. She smiled back and got back to work.

It went on like this for almost a month.

The evening was clearer than the day. It's warm purple with glittering stars. The sky was clear that night. In Paris, it was hard to see the stars because of all the pollution of cars and electricity.

We had arrived back at our "houses". They were poorly built buildings made of straw with a wooden bed frame and a dugout for a fire pit. There was a water spout some ways away. I stumbled on over to the bed and collapsed. It was hard and creaky.

He came in like a storm, grabbed me off the bed, and dragged me away.

"Tabby, Tabby, Help." I howled.

"Violet, What's going on? No, not today. She did nothing wrong." cried Tabby

I blacked out after she spoke the words. I fluttered in and out of consciousness. The ground was cold and rough. The world around me just seemed to fall apart. I was forcibly slapped in the face in a dark room.

"Hello, Master is excited for your weekly beating. He has not been satisfied lately with your work." Said the overseer.

"Thank you for bringing this wretched beast to me. I want to hear her howl with rage." said Master Solaire.

He licked his lips. Master Solaire was holding an object made out of rope and wood. He slapped it on his hands.
"No, please. I beg you." I pleaded with tears falling down my face. It was cold on my shoulder.

"Look, she's begging. This is fun, is it not?" he asked.

"Whatever you think, Solaire. I shall take my leave so you can have some fun." the overseer replied.

With a grin on his face, Master Solaire lifted the whip and slashed it across my stomach. It burned as it pressed against my skin. He kept hitting my belly over and over. I howled loudly, screaming in pain.

"Scream, girl. Scream. Hahahahahaha. This is perfect. I have finally done it this time. You feisty little bitch." *slap**slap*. Master Solaire said.

He left the room for a few minutes. I was chained to a stone wall with the stones piercing my back with every attack. I panted heavily. My clothing was scattered around the room. I dared not move because the pain was too much.

"I'm back, little bitch. Are you ready? I shall have you know I only use this for special occasions. Count yourself lucky. " he licked the whip, smiling as he did.

He lifted the whip and laughed. He slashed it once against my stomach. I inhaled inwards and outwards, struggling to breathe. The pain caused me to vomit all over the floor.

"Oh, it seems, the little bitch is broken. Please take her out of my sight. I would like another one. Sell her." said Master Solaire.

The overseer entered the room and unchained me. He dragged my body back to the houses. "You'll be sold soon. Get changed." he commanded.

Tabby shifted in her sleep. I found some clothes scattered on the floor and changed into them. She awoke rubbing her eyes.

"What?." Tabby mumbled

"Goodbye. It was nice to get to know you. I hope you'll be free one day." I said, leaving the open doorway.

Tabby lurched out of bed and rushed forward. Her footsteps thudded on the floor. She took me in for a tight hug. Her eyes welled up and tears fell onto my shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with the moon.

"You can't go. No Violet. I love you, please don't go." cried Tabby.

The overseer came into the room, attempting to yank me from her grasp. Tabby only clutched me tighter. I whispered, "I need to go. It's time. I need to find my friends and fix this timeline." I lessened my grasp and let go. She attempted to reach for me as the overseer pulled me. She screamed loudly, her voice straining. "I know you're not my Violet, but I still love you. Please Baby. Don't leave me. Not again."

The overseer threw my body backwards. He lurched forward and punched Tabby.

"Do not attempt that again. Take that as a warning or I will tell the master. He wouldn't be too pleased, Pet." the overseer said.

Tabby lied on the ground, a fire burning in her eyes. "You will never, ever break me. No matter how many times I am beaten. I will keep on living until I am free. Until all of my people are free. Violet, get out of here. Find your friends and save us. GO!" Tabby screamed, her voice echoing across the air.

I nodded at her. I rose up and walked away from the hut. The overseer, angered, ran after me. He grabbed me by the collar and stared into my eyes, breathing heavily. "You will never be free. I will make sure of that." I trembled with my legs shaking uncontrollably.

"I would teach you a lesson, but Merchandise needs to be in good condition to sell well." Merchandise I thought. We're not merchandise. Helios and Tabby and all the others I spent this month with here. We're all people with hopes and dreams.

"No, we're not merchandise. We are Lyokoians. We are free Lyokoians." I howled.

I clenched my hands into a fist and aimed it at the overseer. With all my might, I hurled it in the man's face. His face scrunched up, a tooth flew out, and blood spattered against his face. I stood there breathing heavily. Lyokoians came out from their houses. Some were jumping up and down while others cheered. Tabby smiled at me. The overseer was unfazed. He came roaring at me. I was too focused on the cheers when *bam*. He grabbed my throat, clenching it tightly. My throat closed up, turning purple in the process. My breathing slowed and stopped. I tried gasping for air when there was none. My eyes bounced around. It was too hard to hold on. My brain got hazy and foggy. My eyes grew tired and closed themselves. I blacked out from the immense pain in my stomach. Before, I knew I was awake. I startled myself by looking around. I was in a moving cage with other Lyokoians. Most of them looked sad with their faces looking down. I could see the rib cages in some of them. I was being transported from the plantation; I assumed. This was it my chance to escape and find the others. I had to get back to Aelita. My sister was waiting for me. I missed her. Aelita. I hadn't really thought about her this whole time. Aelita. Although it was sunny, outside. It was still a good day for rain. I had to find her so we could get back home.

Ulrich POV

One week before the new semester.

We were in the car on the way to Kadic Academy. It was the start of a new year. "Now, Ulrich. Remember to keep good grades. You can't look bad in front of the Hoppers or else the whole thing will be off. Ulrich. Ulrich, are you listening? You need to get him to listen. I can't." said Carole.

"Ulrich Lee Stern." Said Bruno.

I broke from my thoughts. Wait? Why were my parents here? Last thing I remember was battling William and then Jeremie doing a return to the past.

"Why should I listen to you?" I said snarkily.

"Why Ulrich, Don't you dare have this tone with your father? You are going to Kadic whether you like it or not." Said, Carole.

"Mom, why would I not want to go to Kadic. My friends are there?" I asked.

The car came to a lurch and stopped outside of the school. My mother stood there looking off to the side.

"Now, Ulrich. We are going to see the Hoppers later this evening. This engagement is important for our family. It will secure our future." said Bruno.

I didn't bother listening, but three words stuck out to me: engagement, secure, Hoppers. What they meant, I had no clue. I grabbed my things without saying a word and stepped onto campus. If the others were on campus, we could figure out what happened. I had to find them ASAP.

Jeremie POV

Kadic Academy August 26th.

It's the start of a new year at Kadic High Academy, about one week before the new semester. August 26th. Jeremie Belpois Kadic High Academy lyokoian student.

My alarm clock woke me up this morning, but I was not in my dorm room but the garden shed in the school. It was lined with bunk beds shabbily put together and some moss covered metal flooring. There was a desk and bookshelf in the room. Clothes were piled on the floor next to one of the bunks while another was empty. There was a door to a messy bathroom in the back. It had one sink, and a toilet that had to be flushed with buckets of water. The shower leaked and smelled like manure in there. The room itself was fairly chilly and the blankets I slept under did nothing to keep out the cold morning air.

"Ugh. Again. Why does his alarm have to wake me up every morning." said the voice in the upper bunk.

A slight breeze came through the roof. I was confused. Where was Ulrich, Aelita, and who were these other people. In the bathroom, a mirror sat in pieces. I was barely able to make out my figure. My sweater was torn in places and the pants were ripped to be shorts. My shoes had no soles. I knew I didn't get enough to eat normally, but upon pulling up my sweater. My body looked malnourished. I could see my rib cage. A blue metal collar was there. It had the school's colors on it. What could be?

"Jeeeremie. Turn off your damn alarm clock." Said the voice again.

"Ok I will." I replied solemnly.

It was 4:30. I left the shed to figure out what was happening. That was until I got a shock around my neck.

"Sorry, Belpois. I didn't mean to. I know how that feels. Go on then and get to cleaning." said Jim.

He was much slimmer than usual but still had his red and black tracksuit on. I had to ask the right questions to get information.

"Jim, were you?" I asked, inferring to one of his comments.

"Yes but I was freed long ago by my caring masters who wanted to see me succeed. I was one of the few lucky ones. They are dead now, but I still miss them. But hey I moved on, received a job at this institution, and have been a gym teacher ever since." said Jim sadly.

"Thanks. Jim, you usually don't want to talk about it." I replied, smiling.

"Well, Belpois. I have a soft spot for you. Go on, stop dawdling, and get to work. Good Luck. Belpois." said Jim smiling.

He waved at me. I waved back. What was going on? Jim liked me and this whole collar thing? It was a mess to say the least, but I knew I could count on myself by reading my notes in this personal notebook. I had to find out the truth, find Aelita, and return home.

Odd POV

Day before new semester.

The plane whirred and Kiwi was sleeping softly in my lap.

"Kiwi. Who's my little diggity dog."

"We are in our final descent to Challes De Gaulle international airport." Said the captain on the loudspeaker.

The plane landed with a thud. I got up to exit the plane when the flight attendant told me to stay seated.

"You, stay put. I'll use force if I have to." I was surely confused, but the lady must have known it was me. It's probably because I'm Svelte. Wait a minute….. She wouldn't know that because I never told me. Ahhh, I'm too glorious for this world.

Some men wearing police uniforms came onto the plane after everyone had left.

"Come on. 1444." they said

"More like 4 for 4 cause I am hungry." I laughed a little.

"We will not take insubordination. Do it." There was a click and a buzz. A jolt of electricity surged through my neck. I blacked out from the pain.

I awoke in a car. "Hello, Mr. Della Robbia. I am Jean-Pierre Delmas. The Principal at Kadic High Academy. Those policemen in my opinion took it too far. You are lucky. You are the first half- Lyokoian to be an official student at the school. Although we do have a sudo-student."

I didn't reply. My thoughts were of fried chicken, steak, and potatoes.

"I shall explain to you the rules, Mr. Della Robbia. But Jim Morales can remind you. You are prohibited from leaving the campus at any point unless it's a school approved trip. You must be in your dorm room at all times other than when class is in session or it is meal times. You are permitted to leave your dorm room and roam around the campus and sit outside from the hours of 4:30-5:30 wherein a teacher or faculty member will check you in and out. You are of course allowed to use the bathroom facilities as needed."

"Hahaha, more like Jumbo Morales because he is so big." I laughed.

"Mr. Della Robbia I am disappointed. Please note that your "jokes" will not be tolerated and if they get out of hand, force might have to be used." I looked shocked. The car stopped, and we arrived at Kadic. My jokes were going to rock this school.

Yumi POV

Day before new semester

"Yumi. School starts up again tomorrow. Are you sure you have everything you need? With the new curfew in place, we can't go out after six pm."

"I think so, Mom, but wait. . .aren't we in the middle of the semester? And wait, why am I at home. . .I should be at school." I asked.

"Are you ok Yumi? Don't tell me. Nevermind. Please go check. We can't go shopping too much later." said Akiko

"Ok, Mom." I said. I headed up the stairs to my bedroom. It was a mess with black clothes scattered everywhere. I packed my school bag, making sure it was ready. I changed into a black top with some jeans. My brother Hiroki hesitantly knocked on my door.

"Yes. Come in." I said.

"Yumi. I'm scared about tomorrow." Hiroki said shakily.

"What's wrong, Hiroki?" I asked, concerned.

"Well, it's about the testing. What if I get taken away from you guys? I don't wanna go." Hiroki's head looked down with tears in his eyes.

My brother was rarely this vulnerable to me. He was usually bratty and playing video games. I hugged him tightly, promising him everything would be ok.

"Everything is going to be fine. I promise." I said calmingly.

"Yumi, dear. A letter came in the mail. It's for you." said Akiko calling from downstairs.

I patted my brother on the head.

"Mom, Hiroki's worried about some tests. I'm confused?" I said.

"I guess you may have forgotten since they changed the rules, but it's important to remember. When you were barely able to speak, they tested to make sure you were not a Lokyoian. We got lucky. Some families' children are ripped from them if they had abilities. As for Hiroki, they changed the law just a week after you were born. Anyone born after the law came into effect, required retesting at age twelve just before powers were fully realized. They had found out that some powers did not manifest themselves until later. Nevermind that. There was a letter her for you from, Father." said Akiko.

I waved my mom goodbye, took the letter and read it in my room.

Dear Ishiyama, Yumi,

It's your father, Takeho. I'm sorry I have been gone for so long, but the military has kept me longer than I would like. I once had a desk job, but circumstances and my abilities put me in this position. I hope your mother is doing alright. And how is Hiroki? He must be so big now. It has been six years since I have seen him. And you my child, I miss you the most. Is it time for Hiroki's second test? I hope he passes. Your mother could not bear to lose him. We don't have the money to save him from the peril. It was my fault this happened. If only I hadn't slipped up. My only regret was not being able to see you, Akiko and Hiroki one last time.

If you are reading this, Yumi, it means I have fallen in the line of duty. I died protecting France against our enemies overseas. I have left you, your mother, and brother some money. Please use it well.

I don't know if you remember, but the world has been in conflict for over one hundred years. France, the United States, and other European Nations believe that Lyokoians should be free. While Japan, China, and other Asian countries believe in the slaughtering of all Lyokoians, so the world is safer for everyone. As for Africa, most of its countries are neutral due to civil wars and low economies. Australia, as you may have heard of in school, was bombed. The entire continent was destroyed in a few seconds because they promised free citizenship to all Lyokoioans. But no one is right. Our side uses Lyokoians as slaves, while the other murders the Lyokoians through brutal experimentation. The battles were bloody, with each side believing they were correct. When it first started people, voluntarily joined because they thought slavery was freeing for the Lyokians. But then it became forced. I was one of the many free Lyokoians forced to battle or my family would be slaughtered.

And Yumi, in the basement there is a box with a kimono in it. It was your grandmother's before she passed. Please take it and use it. I love you all so much. Please take care of your brother and mother for me.

Love,

Your Father Takeho

"Dad. . ." Tears welled up in my eyes. They fell down like raindrops. I ran down the stairs and handed the letter to my mom. She looked at me with somber eyes. She knew it was him. She turned her back to me. She stood solemnly.
Akiko said coldly, "Please don't tell Hiroki until after his testing. He has too much stress already."

What was this crazy world doing to my family? I didn't understand. My father was gone. He was dead and there was nothing I could do. I had to find the others so I could get back home and find my dad. I had to fix this.

Thanks for reading. Let me know if you like it by reviewing. Again, I don't have a strict posting schedule, but I'd like to get one chapter out every month or so.

-Moria signing out till next time.