A/N: I always found it interesting about Ulrich, what if he was servant of XANA, and not William.

This story takes place some time after William Dunbar joined the Lyoko Warriors. In this timeline, Ulrich never really got along with William. In fact, he always hated him for being in the group. Unfortunately, his hate would eventually be his undoing. It wasn't just hate that drove him closer to the darkness, he is abandoned by his father Mr. Stern after the father no longer regarded Ulrich as his son.

That's as much as I can tell you.

Enjoy the first chapter.

Everyday, the nightmare never ends. He was hated by them, he was kicked out of the group, his was no longer trusted by them, his grades were failing, he was on the path to having his future destroyed. Ulrich had nothing in his life. Just one mistake costed him everything he invested himself into doing. Though he rarely says it, Ulrich admits he enjoyed fighting XANA, the adventures in Lyoko, and being with his friends frequently. In the past, he never really thought about having friends. Jeremy, Yumi, Odd and Aelita changed his life. In the present, they hate him. He did everything for them, he loved them, and he regarded them not just allies but also valued friends. He even did everything for the girl he loves, only to be rejected. What made his life even more worse is the pressure he gets from his father. He never loved him, and his mother was so soft. Eventually even they left him, not caring for him anymore. The hatred burns inside like a furnace. His hands shook, wondering what purpose did he have. For his life since becoming part of a group to fight XANA, he never thought about his own future, and his own life. He always served to protect the world, and his friends from any harm done. Each time he did, his heart gets brittle.

Days ago...

Without the permission from the Lyoko warriors, Ulrich went into Lyoko, believing he is the group's best fighter, and best chance at beating XANA's monsters. He didn't believe William can be capable. Ever since he joined, ever since he dated Yumi, Ulrich had been very jealous of him. He wanted to prove them they don't need Lyoko.

XANA launched an attack. Ulrich was the first to respond as he virtualised himself into Lyoko. He was in Sector 5, trying to destroy as many monsters down with his saber. Each monster he cut down, more came, and slowly overwhelmed Ulrich. It was at this point Ulrich realised he could not do it alone.

"If only I had more power", Ulrich muttered.

Luckily, Ulrich no longer had to deal with all the monsters. The Lyoko warriors arrived, and aided Ulrich to stop XANA from destroying the core of Lyoko.

Though they are successful, the price of going to Lyoko alone was high. They were mad at him for going to Lyoko. As a result, Ulrich was permanently removed from the group. As he left for the elevator, Ulrich believed William hid an expression, a smile, he was probably holding the laughter within him as he would be the one to replace Ulrich.

Present day...

Ulrich was by himself, immersing into depression. He was first and only member to get removed the group. It happened before. First time he got kicked out it was for launching a return to the past without telling his friends. He had to suffer consequences for that. Although he eventually re-joined the group, the second time feels like they're considering Ulrich banned from the group as permanent.

Suddenly, Ulrich heard footsteps. He was sure he wasn't followed. He looks around for who was following him. Was it XANA?, he thought. XANA has rarely bothered him, likely because he is out of the group, which means it is less problems for XANA to worry about. Why would he care if XANA's presence nears him? If it's death, Ulrich will happily accept it. He shuts his eyes, letting his body submit to death as soon as XANA pierces his hand through his heart.

"Only your hate and anger will make you powerful"

"What?", Ulrich exclaimed. It didn't sound like his own voice. This voice actually sounds peculiar. It almost sounded like XANA except it seems different. It's the why Ulrich can't explain, only the what. Is this voice some sort of guidance brought from his subconscious? He never experienced hallucinations before. This is the first time.

"Forget about your friends, your family, and your whole life. Submit your loyalty to Dark Side. The Dark Side will give you the power to have everything you desire"