Opening Moves
A/N: I realize that some of the dialogue is recycled, but that's because it's the same scene. After all, unless someone hears something differently, there would be little alteration in a face-to-face conversation just because you switch views.
This chapter is from Yumi's point of view.
Chapter 2
Planning: Yumi
We were at my house, planning our campaign against X.A.N.A. Jeremie showed us a new device he had made that allows us to take on our virtual personas into the real world.
At the same time, I was busy trying to decide what to tell the others about the fact that I would have to move away for three months. My dad's company had opened a new branch in England, and he had to check up on the workers already shipped there.
"But, there's a problem with it." Jeremie said. He had been speaking for a while, or so it seemed. Finally, I decided to check what he had said when this line caught my attention.
"What's the problem?" asked Ulrich.
"Because it's operation is similar to how X.A.N.A. brought monsters into the real world when we first materialized Aelita, you will still be killable." Jeremie said.
"Great. So we get weapons, and it's dangerous to use them?" asked Ulrich, a hint of gloom in his voice. Come to think of it, he did seem a bit... distracted during the last X.A.N.A. attack, and when I was devirtualized, he broke down.
"That's correct, Ulrich." Jeremie stated simply.
"So what are we waiting for? All we're risking is our lives." Odd said, and I again caught that air of gloom on Ulrich's face.
I decided to tell them about my move. "Well, now that that's out of the way, let's talk about something else." I caught Odd nod slightly, and Ulrich stare at me confusedly.
"Oh, well I... that is..." I began, unable to get the words out. Suddenly, I felt a touch on my hand. Ready to tell Odd off, I looked around. It was Ulrich who had touched my hand. "I may have to leave for three months. My dad's company opened a new branch in England, and he has to help set it up."
"That's okay, Yumi. After all, your life can't revolve around fighting X.A.N.A, right?" Ulrich said. But his face told a different story. He was frustrated at something, and I had a feeling that it had something to do with what I said.
"Wow, that's real tough. Wish your father luck from me, Yumi." Jeremie said.
I looked around and saw that Odd was opening his mouth to speak, and Ulrich was moving to clamp his hand on Odd's face.
Suddenly, we heard a crash outside that sounded like metal striking wood. When we checked what it was, we saw a scene that was strange. There was a X.A.N.A. clone throwing garbage cans at Ulrich's house.
"So, what do you think, Jeremie? Shall we test your new materialized virtualization things?" Odd asked.
"Okay. Be careful, everyone. No heroics. Remember, we are in a situation where our lives are at stake." Jeremie said.
We activated the "materialized-virtualization things" and rushed the clone. I saw Odd shoot three laser arrows at the clone, but it dodged rather effortlessly. Ulrich and I ran at it, weapons ready. I threw my fan with a quick and smooth wrist flick, which killed the clone quickly.
We deactivated the boxes and handed them back to Jeremie. We didn't need them now that the battle was over.
"So, when will you be coming back, Yumi?" Ulrich asked, and I noticed a bright red tinge on his cheek. I smiled lightly at this question.
"I don't know, my father never told me." I replied.
In about three seconds, Ulrich fell down on the ground, and there was a weird dart-like protrusion in the back of his neck.
"Call an ambulance. Hide everything that has to do with Lyoko. We cannot have the police discovering anything that suggests our involvement with it." I said in a commanding tone.
Jeremie ran to call the ambulance while Odd and I set about picking up the boxes, computers, and even cell phones.
In a few hours, Ulrich was at the hospital, and I was at home. I decided that I couldn't go with Father now that Ulrich was hurt. I decided to pose the question over dinner.
"Mother, Father, I have to talk to you. I cannot go to England. My friends and I are doing something very important, and I need to stay at Kadic while you'll be in England." I said.
"Yumi, you are going to England and that's final." My father said.
"Father, Ulrich's hurt. How would you react if someone real close was away when you needed them?" I retaliated.
"I never had such a situation, and am not in a position to answer that question." Father said.
"But I am in such a situation right now." I retorted.
"Yumi, you are going with your mother and myself to England!" Father bellowed.
"Father, I have to stay with Ulrich and the others! They need me, do you understand?" I said.
My father sighed and took on a thoughtful face, then looked at my mom. "What do you think?"
"Hmm... I guess she could stay if she wanted to. However, you have to check with the principal." My mom said.
"Okay, Yumi. You win." Father said.
"Thanks." I said, hugging my parents.
Later, I went to visit Ulrich in the hospital. His life signs were getting more stable, so he'd probably survive. The only problem I knew was that, if X.A.N.A. were to attack, Ulrich would be an easy target. All he would have to do is cut the generators in the hospital, because he was still on life support. When I told Jeremie and Odd this, they decided to have someone in Lyoko at all times, ready to stop the activated tower before it was too late. I was thinking about this when I fell asleep.
A/N: I hope this chapter wasn't too boring, but there will be some excitement soon. I'm going to hold off until Ulrich has to go to Lyoko to actually tell what's wrong with him (I'm evil this way. I want to make the reader confused when something like this happens.)