Disclaimer: I don't own any of the code lyoko characters.
The Day The Sky Went Black
INTRODUCTION
The year was 1952. Somewhere in an old abandoned factory in France six Russian scientists had made plans for a super computer. They called it X.A.N.A, which stands for eXtensive Assult aNd obliterAtion. In 1954 the computer was finished and ready for its startup. Once started five of the six scientists would enter the computer through a scanner system and start the destruction of the world. The sixth scientist would monitor the transfer and die when the world was destroyed. This left the other scientists to restart the world in their favor. July 4 1954 the Russian scientists began the destruction of the world. The sixth scientist started the transfers, but something went wrong. Once the scientists entered the scanner system and the doors closed you could hear blood-curtailing screams as the computer killed them.
As the sixth scientist stopped the transfer the scanner doors burst open and blood spilled out. There was no one in the scanners, just the skeletons of the other scientists. The sixth ran from the factory; he was so scared that he didn't see the semi coming. As he ran into the street he got stuck by it and was killed on impact.
The next day the factory was knocked down. During the process the supercomputer was damaged and got shut off. The factory was later rebuilt and purchased by the Citroen Company.
In 1995, 41years later, the U.S got hold of the plans from the Russians. In return they rebuilt the computer bigger and better than before. It was up and running in 1997. The computer was called ZED. The scientists made two different programs. One was the master and the other was the secondary. With the new system five people would have to enter a virtual world and activate five towers. The towers would start a program and make the computer defend America from any threat. To the American scientists' surprise the secondary program over rode the master and started activating towers.
This was bad, so the technician set up the transfer sequence to send the five scientists into the computer to stop the activations. But it was too late; all the towers had been activated. When the five scientists were in the scanners they were killed in the same fashion as the Russian scientists.
During the tower activation process, a near by military school was in session. A guard on duty noticed a white light coming out of a nearby mountain where the super computer was. As the light passed the school it vaporized everyone. But the light didn't get too far. Back in the mountain the technician pulled the shut off lever this shut the computer down and stopped the white light.
In the year 2006, back in France, someone restarted X.A.N.A. The person who did it was believed to work for the Citroen Company. In return X.A.N.A killed all the workers and started to destroy the world. But upon his restart some hidden files were activated. These files made a girl named Aelida. A fail-safe program made to keep X.A.N.A under control. As the factory was again abandoned, five students of a local boarding school stumbled upon the computer. Aelida fixed the transfer system so they would get in safely. Jeremy with the help of Ulrich, Odd, Yumi, and Alex were able to get Aelida out of the computer and shut X.A.N.A off.
That was in 2007. In 2008 the X.A.N.A was restarted again this time he made Zero. By using Jeremy's materialization program X.A.N.A sent him to earth. X.A.N.A knew of another computer that was going to destroy the world. He sent Zero to America to find the kids who shut him off before, so they could help him save the world. But due to problems unknown Zero never made it to America.
February 2009, back in America, the technician who shut off ZED came back and turned ZED on to try to fix him. ZED wouldn't cooperate, so the technician put a virus in ZED that weakened him. In response to the virus the ZED copied some of his programming and made a clone of him in digital form. ZED then sent his clone to earth. The clone killed the technician and setup an antivirus program. ZED then told his clone to find five people to come and activate all the towers so he could destroy the world.
INSIDE ZEDAugust 2010, the military school reopened and the new students filed in. ZED clone was one of them. He needed an earthly name. He chose one that he saw in a magazine a while back. The name was Zack. He then began to scout for the right people to do the job. He found them later on during the day. He introduces himself to two boys Ulrich and Odd, both 17 years old.
Ulrich is taller then Zack and Odd. He has brown hair and part of it almost covers his right eye. He is wearing a lot of green; his shirt and pants are both green. He is also wearing a green button down shirt that's open. Odd is the same height as Zack and has blonde hair. His hair is standing up like a super sayain from DBZ. He is wearing a dark blue shirt with a dragon on it and he has pants that have two different colored pant legs. One is dark blue and the other purple.
Zack needs their help and starts to explain the situation during lunch. Zack is telling Odd and Ulrich about the super computer." I stumbled on it one day while exploring the ruins that was left after it destroyed this area in July of 1997," said Zack. "I was wondering if you two could help me shut this thing off before it gathers enough strength to attack again?"
"Do you know how to shut it off?" asked Ulrich.
"Simply pull the plug," said Odd.
"No, it's slightly more complicated than that," said Zack. " More or less we have to get in it and turn on these towers that will destroy the programming, do you know any one that can help us do this."
"Why can't just us three do this, it sounds easy?" said Odd.
"Well I don't know how to operate the scanner system," said Zack
"I know some other people that can help, but we need to get to town to get them," said Ulrich.
"Just leave that up to me," said Zack
That night the three of them carefully got past the guards and spotlights. They went around a pile of dirt and rocks to find a hole through the stonewall.
"How did you manage that?" asked Odd.
"Easy, I stole a grenade from one of the generals showcases," said Zack.
As the three of them got out of the school grounds they noticed a car sitting on the other side of the wall. All three got in and Odd asked, "Are you sure you know what you are doing?" "Of course I do, I've been doing this ever since I got here," replied Zack.
As they drove off towards the city Ulrich noticed another car on the other side of the road behind them, he said, "Zack I think that other car is watching us." Zack replied, "No, I always see that car it never moves, so it's probably abandoned." As soon as he got done with that sentence the cars headlights went on, and the car started to fallow them.
"Zack I think its time to put the pedal to he metal," said Odd.
"I agree with Odd on this one," said Ulrich.
"Fasten your seat belts," said Zack.
At that moment Zack hit a switch that was marked blower. The car instantly sped up and left the other car behind. The three continued until they hit the town.
"Turn left here," said Ulrich. "Right there that blue house pull into the drive way."
"Oh I see, its Yumi's house," said Odd in a sweet voice.
"Shut up Odd," said Ulrich punching Odd in the arm.
"Hey, I was only joking around," said Odd.
Ulrich heads to the door and rings the doorbell.
"Who is Yumi?" asked Zack.
"Oh, she's Ulrich's girl friend," said Odd. "Hey Zack check out who is behind us."
Seconds later a girl about Ulrich's height answers the door. She is 18 and has black hair and she is wearing all black. Her shirt just shows her belly button. Upon answering the door she sees that it is Ulrich and kisses him. Meanwhile the black car turns the corner and Zack sees him.
"Oh shit!" said Zack, he then yells to Ulrich, "HURRY UP MAN!"
With out warning he grabs Yumi's hand and brings her into the car. Zack slams the car into reverse and peels out and drives up the street. The mysterious black car fallows keeping a safe distance.
"What is going on here Ulrich?" asked Yumi.
"Well its kind of hard to explain," said Ulrich.
"Ok, we are going to shut off a super computer that will one day destroy the world, and Zack needs our help in order to do so," said Odd.
"Why couldn't you have told me this at my house?" said Yumi.
"Well, I don't know if you caught the black car that was following us, he is the reason that we couldn't tell you at your house," said Zack.
A few minutes later the car pulled up to a large brick house. Zack looked around for the black car. When he didn't see it they all go out and went to the door and rung the doorbell. Seconds later a young women opened the door.
"Is Jeremy home?" asked Ulrich.
"Just a moment," said Jeremy's mom.
A moment later a boy just taller than Odd answers the door. He is 17 and wearing a light blue shirt and brown pants. He has blonde hair and is wearing glasses.
"Ulrich, how did you get here?" asked Jeremy.
"Um can we come in and talk this is really important," said Ulrich.
Jeremy let them in and led them to his room. As soon as he closed the front door the familiar black car turned the corner and parked in the next-door neighbors drive way. In Jeremy's room Zack explained the supercomputer situation.
"Ok, I can help you but we need one more person," said Jeremy.
Yumi looked at Jeremy weird and then said "Aelida."
"Of course who else than an experienced person to help us in the virtual world," said Jeremy.
" Well the car can't carry too much more people, it's getting cramped as it is," said Zack.
They all left the house and got in the car. Zack looked around again for the black car and didn't see it. As they left and turned the corner the black car backed out of the driveway and followed. They picked up Aelida in the same fashion. Aelida loves the colors pink and red. She is 17 and is wearing a red coat, shoes, and mini skirt. She has a pink socks, shirt, and hair. She is as tall as Jeremy and is in love with him. Soon after picking her up they all left for the super computer. As they got past the town boarder it immediately went to desert. Odd looked back and said "Zack you know who is back." Sure enough Zack looked in his rear view mirror and saw the familiar headlights. So Zack put the blower on, but instead of leaving the black car, it sped up and past their car. "That was odd, he seemed to be going at least 250mph," said Zack. In an instant the black car vanished. Moments later their car pulled up to the elevator and they all got out and went into the elevator.
"This all seems very familiar," said Aelida.
"I know what you mean," said Odd.
The elevator doors opened and the group entered the lab.
"Ok every one this is ZED the supercomputer that wants to destroy the world," said Zack.
"Let's get this over with," said Yumi sounding a little cross.
"Ok Jeremy here is the instruction manual see what you can find," said Zack giving Jeremy a huge book.
In no time Jeremy had found out how to operate the computer and everyone stepped into the scanners. This time instead of killing them Ulrich, Odd Yumi, Zack, and Aelida were transferred safely to the computer world. The world looked sort of like a jungle with a huge platform in the middle of a lake. They all climbed up the platform and saw all five towers. Immediately Zack told each person to go to a different tower and type in the password ARZA. As soon as they were done they all came out of the towers and assembled in a circle.
"So what is next?" asked Ulrich.
Immediately the ground in the computer and real world began to shake violently and ZEDS voice ripped through the air, "THANK YOU FOR SETTING ME FREE I WILL NOW DESTROY YOU AND THIS PUNIY PLANET!" Ulrich punched Zack in the face and stood over him and screamed "YOU LIER I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"
At that moment Aelida ran for a tower and Odd and Ulrich took tuns beating on Zack. Next thing they heard was a bang. Then they all looked around and saw Aelida coming out of the tower she deactivated. Next thing they knew they were taken from the computer world and launched out of the scanners.
"FOOLS YOU HAVE ONLY WEAKEND MY MASTER HE WILL REGAIN HIS STRENGTH!" yelled Zack.
"Let's leave now," said Jeremy.
As they ran for the elevator Zack picked up a lead pipe and ran at them. "I WILL KILL YOU ALL!" He yelled. As the elevator reached the top Zack broke into the bottom of it and crawled out. As the others ran the ground shook wildly. Then the whole mountain exploded throwing lab equipment and rocks everywhere. Odd looked back to see a metal floor piece slice through Zack like he was tissue paper. As Odd turned around he tripped and fell over. The rest of the gang got down and covered their heads.
From the mountain came a huge robot it had treads for legs and Missile launchers on its shoulders. It held a machine gun in one hand and spit flames from its mouth. This was ZED and he was ready to destroy the world. His first stop the near by town.
It was only a few hours after the big explosion. Ulrich finally woke up and has begun to see if the others are all right. Odd awoke to find half of Zacks body lying next to him. This made Odd jolt up and move away slowly. He then turned around and saw Ulrich and the others.
"What's going on?" asked Odd.
"We are trying to find Jeremy," said Aelida.
They found him under a big piece of the lab floor; they found out that he couldn't walk because he had broken his leg. So Ulrich and Odd helped carry him away from the debris.
"We have to find the nearest hospital and get Jeremy there," said Odd.
"Well it won't be our town," said Yumi.
As they looked in the distance they could see the whole town up in flames, and they knew that ZED had been there.
"We could try the Military school you guys go to," said Aelida.
As they turned around, they saw that the school was in no better condition than the town. Dead bodies everywhere burning in the flames. Then came the familiar black car slowly driving out of the sunrise towards them.
"No way," said Jeremy.
"What?" asked Odd?
Jeremy points at the car as it slows to a stop in front of them. They couldn't see in side because of the tinted glass. The driver put the car in park and shut off the engine but not the headlights.
Then the front door opened and out stepped a boy not much taller than Zack had been. He walked in front of the headlights and said; "X.A.N.A told me that I would find you here." At that point Jeremy asked, "What does he want with us?" The boy replied, "To help him get rid of ZED, … now get in the car we need to get to the pentagon."
In the car they could see what the boy looked like. He was their age and as tall as Ulrich. He wore a dark gray shirt with an eagle on it; he is also wearing black pants. He has black hair with blonde highlights and it is spiked. On the way to the pentagon the boy introduced himself.
"My name is Zero, I was sent here by X.A.N.A to get you."
"My name is Ulrich…" said Ulrich as Zero cuts him off.
"I know who you all are," said Zero.
"Ok then, tell us this, why are we going to the pentagon?" asked Ulrich
"To drop off Jeremy and Aelida so they can help the U.S. army officials take care of this problem if it gets out of our hands," replied Zero.
"When do you mean out of our hands?" said Odd
"You, me, Ulrich, and Yumi are going to battle ZED," said Zero.
"Ok, off to the pentagon then," said Odd.
The car drives up to the pentagon around one o'clock in the afternoon. As they enter the generals' office they see he is talking to another officer. The general does not seem to under stand what is going on when then officer is describing the situation. The general then says, "At no point in your incessant babbling did you come in any sense of an answer. We are all now stupider for having listened to it. I award you no points and may god have mercy on your soul."
"Sir why did you say "we" in that statement?" asked the officer.
The general nods towards Zero and the gang.
"Oh," said the officer.
"Sir let me explain this to you in a more direct matter," said Zero. "There is a giant robot loose that is going to destroy the world."
Zero hands the general a picture of ZED just after he had left the mountain.
"Well this is serious," he said "I'll go mobilize the troops."
"Sir before we go I need to ask you a favor," said Zero.
"And what would that be?" asked the general.
"Jeremy and Aelida have some first hand experience with this type of situation, and Jeremy needs some medical attention because of his broken leg," said Zero.
"Ok I'll take care of that. And just what do the rest of you plan on doing?" asked the general.
"We are going to take on ZED, but we may need your help," said Zero.
"Ok then off with you," said the general with a confused look on his face.
As they left the room to bring Jeremy and Aelida to the hospital wing the general turned to the officer and asked, "why couldn't you explain this situation like that?" The officer just shrugged his shoulders and left the room. As the four of them left the building Zero went to his trunk of his car and pulled out a black box.
"These are your weapons," said Zero.
He pulls out the bottom of a sword and tosses it to Ulrich.
"What do I do with this?" asked Ulrich.
"Push the red button," said Zero.
Ulrich pushes the button and a light blue blade appears. The blade is clear and has zeros and ones streaming through it.
"It's a digital saber," said Zero, "it will cut through anything except the beholder."
"It's kind of like a light saber," said Odd.
"Yes, but more effective," explained Zero, "the blade can cut a part of your body off and you'll bleed. With a light saber it won't because the energy heals everything quickly."
He then pulls out what seems to be a very small laptop looking device and hands it to Odd.
"What do I do with this?" asked Odd.
"Put it around your right arm," said Zero, "It's a handy device called a D.C.11. But I like to call it a mini laser."
"Cool, how does it work?" asked Odd.
"Simple, just put it on your right arm and place your left hand over the top. Then push the button on the other side and it will fire like a machine gun," said Zero.
Odd aims into the air, and doing just how Zero instructed he shoots a small burst of lasers. Zero then pulls out another box and opens it. He pulls out two small disks.
"Now Yumi I want you to be very careful with these. I recommend that you put on these gloves first," said Zero.
Yumi puts on the gloves and then asks, "What do I do now."
"Take a disk and push the button in the center," said Zero.
As she did this three blades came out of the disk.
"It's a seeker disk," explains Zero, "you throw it like a Frisbee and it finds an enemy. Then the blades pop out and spin really fast. The disk zips away and then kills the target. It will then return to you."
Zero then pulls out one final box. This box is very heavy so he asks Ulrich and Odd to help him. He opens the box to reveal armor. He pulls out lightweight samurai armor and gives it to Ulrich. He then pulls out two trench coats and gives them to Yumi and Odd. "Wow I feel like I'm from the matrix movie," says Odd. Zero then gives Odd and Yumi both a pair of glasses.
"These are targeting glasses they will help you with your weapons," says Zero.
"So what does the armor and trench coats do?" asks Yumi.
"They stop any and all laser fire. Ulrichs armor is the only armor aside of mine that can stop bullets and lasers," said Zero.
"Speaking of your armor where is it?" asked Odd.
Zero claps his hands together and then a green mist appears around him. As the mist clears they see Zero in his armor.
"Wow your like a… a mix between Sub Zero and Scorpion from Mortal Combat," said Odd surprised.
"You can thank X.A.N.A for that one," said Zero.
"Speaking of X.A.N.A, how is he, and when did he decide to become good?" asked Yumi.
"Well it was after he was restarted and made me," said Zero, "he figured that if he did destroy the world there would be no one to share his glory with so he decided to protect it. Which is pretty hard considering that he is still trapped in his computer."
"So how did he find out about ZED?" asked Ulrich.
"He watches the news a lot," said Zero.
"Hey shouldn't we be hunting ZED," said a metallic voice form behind them.
Odd, Yumi, and Ulrich turn around quickly and are surprised by what they see.
"HOLY SHIT A TALKING CAR!" said Odd surprisingly.
"Hello K.A.R.R," said Zero.
"What is he?" asked Ulrich.
"He is a 1970 Imperial Lebaron," said Zero, "he has a V8 engine with two turbo chargers and you can see the blower coming out of the hood. He has 1000 horse power and goes close to 300mph."
"No not what does he have, what is he?" said Yumi.
"I believe I can clear this up," said K.A.R.R, "I am the Knight Automated Roving Robot. I can help in numerous ways. I can find anyone and do almost anything you would dream that a car could do."
"Not to mention he has a wide variety of weapons," said Zero, "anyway lets go before ZED gets out of hand."
As they speed off K.A.R.R tells them that ZED is coming to New York. So they get on the nearest highway and see everyone leaving New York. Up ahead in the distance they see ZED; he has already gotten to the city. So Zero puts on the blower and they really take off towards the city. As they come to the Brooklyn Bridge they find out that there are no more cars left in the other lane. Then all of a sudden a Dodge Ram pickup that is really modified pulls behind them from the other side of the bridge. It hits their car in the back end and spins it out. Everyone gets out of the car and prepare to fight what ever it is they are dealing with.
As the truck stopped the doors flew open and four weird robots came out. They were like the Terminator but they didn't have any legs and were just floating there. Then all four of the robots stuck their right arms in the air. Instantly weapons came into their hands. One robot had a machine gun, another a rocket launcher, the third a flame-thrower, and the fourth a grenade launcher.
"Great, Metal Men," said Zero.
"What are Metal Men?" asked Odd.
"They are an elite task force of robots developed by ZED," said Zero, "they stop at nothing until their task is fulfilled."
"Sounds like we are dealing with some really tough dudes," said Odd.
"Let's get these guys out of our way before the whole city goes up in smoke," said Ulrich.
The gang took out their weapons and engaged the Metal Men. When the Metal Men saw what they were dealing with they immediately changed their weapons to swords and fought back. Odd took out one easily with his mini laser gun. Yumi just stood her ground and used the disk to kill off another. Zero used his grappler to bring one of the Metal men to him. As soon as he was close enough Zero froze the robots head with an ice blast and then punched it off. Ulrich was having some trouble fighting his enemy. The Metal Man swung his sword at Ulrich and just got him on the top of his head, and knocked him down. Ulrich got back up again and despite the blood rolling down his face stuck his sword right through the Metal Mans chest. It fell over and exploded. Yumi rushed over to Ulrich to make sure he was ok. Just as she did so a huge blast ray blew threw K.A.R.R throwing his pieces everywhere.
"No way… It can't be?" said Odd with a Horrified look on his face.
Just then a large black ball rolled up to them. It had one neon green stripe down the center and it opened up along that stripe. It revealed a large laser gun on the inside and was charging it up. Then Odd yelled, "Everyone down it's a Mega Tank." The tank fired a big blast at everyone blowing a huge hole in the bridge. Zero then jumped in front of it and threw his sword into the gun. The Mega Tank rolled backward quickly then exploded. Zero went and got his sword and then ran back to everyone.
"Is everyone ok?" asked Zero.
"Zero you didn't tell us that ZED had Mega Tanks to," said Odd.
"Ok so I forgot to mention a few things," said Zero.
"A few, you should have told us this before we came out here," said Yumi in an angry tone.
"Ok you knew that X.A.N.A had Mega Tanks, well so does ZED. ZED stole some of the machines that X.A.N.A had and modified them," said Zero.
"That helps a little," said Yumi.
"Now what do we do," said Odd, "the car is gone and we won't get too much further by foot. So what do we do?"
"Who said the car was gone," replied Zero.
Zero whistled loudly, then all of the pieces from K.A.R.R came back together. In a matter of seconds K.A.R.R was back to normal. Surprised everyone got in the car and went towards the city to find ZED and get rid of him before the whole world was destroyed.
"K.A.R.R where is ZED now?" asked Zero.
"He is nearing the Madison Square Garden," replied K.A.R.R, "so hang a right at the next light."
Upon turning at the light they heard thumping noises coming from behind them. Ulrich looked back to see another one of ZEDS machines coming at them.
"Um Zero we have another visitor," said Ulrich, "I think it's a Crab but I could be mistaken."
Zero looked in his rear view mirror to see the machine walking towards them at a pretty good pace. The machine was at least three stories tall. It had four long legs and six laser guns on its crab shaped body.
"Yup, that's a crab alright," said Zero pressing a blue button on the dash, "here, Ulrich, use this."
All of a sudden the back seat folded back and a computer system came out. Then a hole opened in the trunk and a giant laser gun popped out.
"I trust you can aim and fire the gun at it," said Zero.
"Yeah as long as you keep the car steady," said Ulrich.
Zero kept the car steady while Ulrich aimed the gun at the crab. But then the crab picked up pace and started to shoot at them with all six-laser guns. Zero had to speed up; K.A.R.R helped Ulrich aim the gun at the crab. As they tore threw the streets closing in on ZED the crab was closing in on them. Finally Zero turned on a street headed directly toward Madison Square, and Ulrich fired at the crab. He hit it dead on and it blew up in a shower of black and neon green parts. Ulrich turned around and stared with everyone else at the sight of ZED. This huge robot was going to be hard to take down but they had to try.
As the car came to a stop ZED stopped his destruction and looked down. The gang got out of the car and stood looking up a ZED.
"WHO DARES TO STOP MY DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD," said ZED.
"WE DO AND WE ARE GOING TO GET RID OF YOU IN THE PROCESS!" yelled Zero.
"I THINK NOT PUNY ONES, SO EAT THIS," said ZED.
Zed fires one of his huge rockets at them. K.A.R.R speeds out of the way to avoid being blown up again.
"WHY DO YOU RUN WARRIORS I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO CHALLENGE ME!" said ZED in a confident voice.
"He is too strong Zero, there is no way we can beat him," said Yumi.
"I know, I just didn't think he was that big," said Zero.
"Every thing is bigger when you see it up close in person," said Ulrich.
"WAIT THAT'S IT!" said Odd, "Zero the gun in K.A.R.R should be big enough to shoot him down right."
"That just might work," said Zero.
Zero called K.A.R.R over, and then Odd and Zero got in and started up the laser. They aimed it at ZED and charged it up. Then ZED said, "IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO, USE A CAR TO DEFEAT ME. HA, I'LL JUST RUN YOU OVER." ZED started to move towards the car when Zero fired the laser. It hit ZED square in the chest and was easily making its way through him. Finally the laser got through ZED'S
Robotic structure and he started to short circuit.
Then the ZED started to explode and throw pieces everywhere. They all ran to K.A.R.R and Zero it the gas and sped away. The explosions from ZED became more prevalent and then there was a big explosion and a white light came from the space where ZED was standing. Just before ZED'S robotic structure blew up he said, "I WILL RETURN, BUT FOR NOW HERE IS A GOING AWAY PRESENT." Then the robotic structure exploded sending a massive wave of energy away from him. It hit K.A.R.R and flipped him over sending them skidding on his top. As they all looked back at the spot where ZED stood they saw a white light come towards them, and then silence.
As everyone awoke from the blast that hit them one hour ago they all noticed the ruins of the city everywhere. All of New York was gone, the buildings had been torched and most were on fire. What used to be tall skyscrapers were now piles of their former selves. Most of all they noticed the sky; it was pitch black, no moon, no stars just a layer of blackness. Most of the light came from the burning buildings. As they turned around to see what shape K.A.R.R was in they found that his out side was all rusty. He flipped over easily for some reason. They opened up the hood and looked at the engine. The engine was not in the best shape and was missing half the parts.
"Great, the engine is toast," said Zero.
"How do you figure?" asked Ulrich in a sarcastic tone.
"Well by looking at it the blower is gone and it looks almost 200 years old," said Zero.
"I was kidding," said Ulrich.
"Hey has anyone noticed what's going on?" asked Yumi.
"Yeah, it's crazy. Zed is gone but so is the city," said Odd.
"No, really, the explosions had nothing to do with it right," said Ulrich in a sarcastic tone.
Just then a loud bang ripped through the air from the top of a near by building. Odd yelled in pain and dropped to the ground clutching his knee. "SNIPERS!" yelled Zero. Yumi and Ulrich pulled Odd behind the car and everyone go down. More shots ripped through the air hitting what was left of the car. Slowly and carefully they moved to a near by building and forced their way inside.
"Ok what are we going to do now Zero?" asked Yumi.
"I don't know," replied Zero.
"Come on, Think. We need to get Odd to a hospital or something," said Ulrich.
"I know but with out transportation that's impossible. Also have you noticed the snipers," said Zero.
Just then something broke into the window and a mist filled the room. Everyone started to choke on the smoke. The last thing that Zero saw was a pair of headlights out side of the building, then darkness. When everyone woke up they were in a weird room. It was like being in prison only there were no bars. Then a door opened and in stepped the general.
"Ah you all have finally awaken," he said. "That was one hell of a stunt you guys pulled."
"Sir how did we get here?" asked Ulrich.
"Well when K.A.R.R was destroyed we pinned pointed the signal where ZED was. So we rushed over to find you guys passed out in a building with these weird robots around you. We stormed the place and killed them all off. It was bloody murder, as you would say. We lost all but three of our guys on two robots," said the general.
"Where is Odd?" asked Zero.
"He is ok, just a minor wound to the knee. But he will not be with you for a while," replied the general.
The general then took them into the control room and started to explain the situation. "In the events of yesterday afternoon the whole world has been completely wiped out. It seems that only the people that have been in their basements at the time of the initial blast. The blast only stayed on the surface and did not go underground that's why we are still here."
"Sir what kind of destruction are we talking about?" asked Yumi.
"Well I'll tell you. The whole U.S. is gone city wise, but there are still around fifty thousand people mostly our army the rest are in shelters somewhere. The whole Middle East is up in flames because of their oil plants. Luckily we still have some gas for the next twenty years. Asia was mostly wiped out in the cities. Europe is gone too. All of the cities gone, people mostly like here only a lot less."
"Ok sir, is there a satellite that can locate things on the ground like buildings or something?" asked Zero.
"Yes there is, but why?" asked the general.
"Well because there might be some one who can help us in France," replied Zero.
"Ok just tell us where he is and we can locate him. If he is still alive," said the general.
The general launched a search on the SC1960 satellite. Zero told him where it was in France and in no time the general found it. It was an old factory in the middle of a river. This just happened to be the place where the other super computer was built, the home of X.A.N.A. As everyone looked at the area, which showed no sign of any attack from the energy blast of ZED, Jeremy spoke up. No one knew he and Aelida were even in the room.
"No," he said "Zero you will not get help from that computer I forbid it. He is nothing but trouble."
"Jeremy, it's the only way to defeat ZED, besides he is good now," said Zero.
"No, I cant believe it, he will only make this situation worse," argued Jeremy.
"Zero you have to believe him. X.A.N.A will not make this go away, I should know," said Aelida.
"Yes, I see your point but now let me make mine," said Zero. "When X.A.N.A first made me he told me the story of you five. He told me how in 2006 he was restarted and began to threaten the world. Also he told me how some hidden files were unlocked to make Aelida. He told me how you all fought against his machines, his attacks, and his attempts to take over the world. He also told me how you got Aelida out and shut him off in 2007. Then he said that another company brought the factory and turned him back on, and then he made me. He told me how lonely it was, how he wouldn't get any thing from being evil. So he decided to be good. But with him being stuck inside of the super computer he couldn't accomplish any thing. He wants ZED gone the same as you do, so why not trust him to help us."
"WHY I'LL TELL YOU WHY!" yelled Jeremy. "ALL HE DID WAS CREATE HAVICK AND LIE TO US, SO WHY SHOULD WE TRUST HIM! WHY ARE WE EVEN TRUSTING YOU!"
With the rage Jeremy dove for Zero and wrestled him on the floor. People in the room screamed and the general made a move to break up the fight, but then stopped. He noticed that Jeremy was still and behind him was a boy. He had a metal claw placed on Jeremy's neck but was not digging it in to his skin. The claw was coming out of his hand. The boy was about Ulrich's height and had black spiky hair. He was dressed in all black with a flaming eight ball on his shirt. He then said "Jeremy calm down and slowly get off Zero." Jeremy did as he was told and then turned around to see a metal claw in his face.
"Alex?" said Jeremy, surprised.
Alex retracted the metal claw and put his hand out. Jeremy shook his hand and was relived that he wasn't actually going to kill him.
"Who are you?" asked Zero as he picked himself off the floor.
"My name is Alex. I just got here from France with a message from X.A.N.A. He wants all of you to come and help him out," said Alex.
"Told you so," said Zero to Jeremy in a confident voice.
"Wait, so your story was true," said Jeremy looking surprised.
"Yes indeed it was," said Zero.
"Hey, what's going on in here," said Odd.
Everyone turned around to see Odd come in on crutches.
"Odd you're all right," said Yumi.
"Of course, how could you think otherwise," said Odd.
Odd then saw who was in the room with them and was really surprised.
"Alex, how did you get here?" asked Odd.
"I just got here and now we are going back to France to get X.A.N.A," replied Alex.
"X.A.N.A?" said Odd confused. "I thought he was shut off along time ago," said Odd.
"Odd it's a long story and will take forever to explain," said Alex.
Just then the alarm went off in the base and everyone scrambled to see what was up. Two of the monitors showed some of ZED'S robots in the facility shooting everyone up. One person was shot just under one camera and blood flew onto the screen.
"OK EVERYONE CLEAR THE ROOM, LET'S GO GO GO!" yelled the general.
Two guys picked up Odd and rushed him out of the room. Jeremy wished everyone good luck, and left with Aelida.
"Ok if ZED is gone why are his robots still her?" asked Ulrich.
"Because he isn't dead just weakened. No one knows where he is, not even X.A.N.A," replied Alex.
"So what do we do now?" asked Yumi.
"Simple get to France and find X.A.N.A," replied Zero.
"As crazy as I think this is, getting help from a villain and all, lets go," said Yumi.
As they left the room everyone became under fire immediately. Alex pulled out a pistol and fired some shots at the robots. The bullets didn't affect them at all. The metal men charged at them. Ulrich pulled out his sword and sliced one of the metal men in half. Alex used his claw to take care of the other one. Then a familiar looking black ball rolled towards them. The mega tank stopped, opened up and took aim. Everyone ran as the tank fired blasts at them. They all ducked and the blasts just missed them. As they climbed over the ceiling debris the tank closed up and decided to run everyone over. As the gang neared the exit Zero looked back to see the tank closing in. They all burst through the exit doors into the cold dark world and dove to one side. The tank followed shortly after. It tore a huge hole in the exit way. It turned around to face the gang, took aim and charged the gun.
"Well this looks like the end," said Ulrich.
"We're not going down without a fight," said Alex.
Just then machine gun fire ripped through the air. They all ran out of the way and looked back to see the tank falling apart and short-circuiting. Then it blew up in a shower of neon green and black parts.
"You guys really need to stop getting in so much trouble," said K.I.T.T.
Everyone got up and was surprised to see K.I.T.T they hadn't seen him since 2008 when they all left for America to get away from X.A.N.A.
"Um Alex, what happened to K.I.T.T?" asked Ulrich.
"Oh well I had to change his body style. The AMX was getting a little old. So I chose a 1966 Pontiac GTO. Check this out. I lowered the suspension, gave him a big block V8, custom rims and tires and a little of the new age, a small body kit," said Alex.
"Ok now we need to go see X.A.N.A so, everybody in," said K.I.T.T.
Everyone got in the car and they took off towards the shore. As they neared the water Alex didn't stop, he went right for it. "Alex you know that that's the edge of a cliff right?" said Yumi. "Yeah, watch this," said Alex. Alex hit an orange button and as soon as they left the cliffs edge the wheels flipped vertically and the car flew. "Oh, I forgot that K.I.T.T could fly," said Yumi. They flew over the Atlantic Ocean only to see that there was what seemed to be a bridge of land stretching to Europe. So Alex landed K.I.T.T and hit the blower switch. The car took off and they all waited to see the coastline.
When the sun came up the next day they could see the coast, but it wasn't until noon that they got to it. As they arrived on the country that used to be France everyone stared in amazement. The whole country was in ruin. What was left of the Eiffel tower was just the foundation. All the buildings gone and some still burning. People were on the roads rummaging through what was left of their garbage searching for food. At least everyone in the car ate at the underground base before it was lost to the Metal Men. Alex took them to the familiar factory. The weird thing was that the factory wasn't even touched. It was like a force field protected it through ZED'S blast wave.
"Ok here we are everyone out," said Alex.
"Wow I never thought that I would be back here again," said Yumi.
"Yeah, I forgot what this place really looked like," said Ulrich.
The gang entered the factory and walked up to the familiar freight elevator. They all got in and rode it down to the control room. As the doors opened everyone saw the great computer. Its center core in the middle of the room glowing bright red the symbol of the eye on the side. The monitor where Jeremy had monitored the transfers was up and running with data streaming over the screen.
"HELLO," said a power full voice.
Ulrich jumped at the sound of the voice, and Yumi had a scared look on here face.
"X.A.N.A were back and are ready to get you out," said Alex.
"GOOD I'VE BEEN WAITING TWO YEARS FOR THIS," said X.A.N.A.
"Does anyone know where Jeremy stored the program for materialization?" asked Alex.
"I know. The last place was in his dorm at the boarding school," said Yumi.
"Yeah but the school was burned down three days ago," said Alex.
"Did you look for the manual?" asked Ulrich.
"No, I haven't," said Alex.
Everyone searched for the manual for the computer that Jeremy had made over four years ago. With no luck of finding it Alex began to search for the program on the computer.
"ALEX THIS IS THE SEVENTH TIME YOU HAVE LOOKED FOR IT. I EVEN CHECKED THE HARDDRIVE, THE PROGRAM IS NOT ON ME," said X.A.N.A
"Well I am going to search the hidden files section to find it," said Alex.
With in a half an hour Alex found the program hiding in the SAVE ME folder under hidden options.
"Now why didn't I look there in the first place," said Alex.
"Ok lets get him out of there an find ZED," said Zero.
Alex started the program. He localized X.A.N.A in the computer and started the process. With in a matter of minutes the scanner system started to fire up. It sounded like it was going to explode because it has not been used in over four years. But in about two minutes one of the scanner doors burst open shooting steam and dust everywhere. As the smoke cleared everyone saw what seemed to be a boy lying on the ground. Immediately Zero ran over and checked for a pulse. He found one and jumped into the air.
"ALEX YOU ARE A GENIUS!" Zero yelled with amazement.
Then X.A.N.A began to sit up. He was taller than Ulrich and had blue hair. He was wearing all black, from shirt to pants. He had a sword on one side and a gun holster on the other. He looked around and then came over to Alex and gave him a bear hug.
"Thank you Alex," said X.A.N.A.
"Don't mention it," said Alex.
"Ok so let me explain the plan here," said X.A.N.A. "We need to find where ZED is hiding and take him on. So the best way to do that is to get back to America and fallow the path of destruction he made. This should lead us to where he is hiding now."
After X.A.N.A explained the plan everyone left the factory for the car. But before they did leave Alex shut off the super computer that X.A.N.A was in and placed some C4 around it to make sure no one uses it again. So out side at a safe distance in K.I.T.T Alex gave X.A.N.A the honor of getting rid of his high-powered prison. So he pressed the button and in a large blast the whole factory went up in flames. Mostly because of the gas, that was left in the storage rooms from the last company who owned it.
After getting rid of the factory Alex took everyone back to the ocean. But just a few miles before they got there screams ripped through the air. K.I.T.T found the people on his tracking device and they all went towards the signal. As soon as they got to the place they saw people running away. Then everyone got out of the car and looked strait ahead. In the middle of the street was a black shadowy figure, about the height of Michael Jordan, he held a man by his hair. The figure looked like the grim reaper. It used its sickle to cut the person in half. They all watched as the bottom half hit the ground and blood sprayed all over the street. Yumi grabbed Ulrich and put her face on his shoulder and cried.
"That is far enough you Creeper," said X.A.N.A.
As X.A.N.A engaged the creature Ulrich asked, "What is a Creeper?"
"It is a highly valued killing machine of ZED. It can do anything it pleases because no one knows how to kill it. He has slayed millions of people in Europe with these creatures," said Zero.
Everyone looked at where X.A.N.A and the Creeper were and saw X.A.N.A fly into a near by home. Then the Creeper turned and looked directly at them. Its fiery red eyes glowed as if it were choosing whom to kill first. Then two more came out from some houses holding bloody sickles, they formed a line and then charged. Yumi Ulrich Zero and Alex grabbed their weapons and engaged them. In no time at all the Creepers had them on the ground. The one without a sickle ready had Ulrich by his throat and held him up in the air. It then said, "So you are the ones chosen to kill us. I suppose this one here is your leader." The Creeper stuck his right arm out. Suddenly his sickle formed in his hand and he got ready to strike. Ulrich closed his eyes and awaited his death. Then a loud scream ripped through the air Yumi looked up to see if Ulrich had died. She had tears in her eyes when she saw the sword. But she then realized that the sword was stuck in the Creepers head and Ulrich was on the ground. The Creeper wailed in pain and dissapeard.
"Alex, I thought you would have had this situation under control," said Rex.
He then took his sword and shoved it into the second Creepers head. Then X.A.N.A came and stuck his sword into the final Creeper. Everyone stood up to see a boy; he was as tall as odd and was wearing a gray shirt, a black button down shirt that's open, and black cargo pants. He had blonde hair that almost covered his right eye like Ulrich. The sword he was carrying was weird it looked like a sword but had slits cut in it. It was like the stinger of a wasp, if it stuck in you and you tried to pull it out it would do more damage than if you left it in.
"Everyone this is Rex, he has been helping me out here," said Alex.
"Yeah, then you leave me alone to take on these Creepers. I can't handle these things on my own you know," said Rex.
"Lets not start a fight ok, we really need to get back to America and find ZED," said X.A.N.A.
"Um, sorry to interrupt but I have something coming this way on my scanner," said K.I.T.T.
Sure enough just as Alex checked the scanner everyone heard the thumping noises coming towards them. Then out of a house came two big machines. They looked just like scorpions.
"Alex, what are those things?" asked Yumi.
"Well, they are Scorpions. These machines shoot lasers form their tails and can crush a car in-between their pinchers," said Alex.
"So how do you kill them?" asked Ulrich.
"Simple just blow the bejesus out of them with rockets," said Rex.
"Ok, does it look like any of us have rocket launchers?" asked Ulrich sarcastically.
"No, but that's why they made cars," said Rex.
Rex pushed a button on his watch and all of a sudden rockets ripped through the air. Then the scorpions blew up right in front of their eyes.
"See what did I tell you, rocket fire," said Rex.
Then from out of the smoke came a silver car. It was a 2005 Mustang GT. It had a front hood scoop and a big rear spoiler. Body kit and cool rims.
"Beautiful car isn't it. V8 engine powered, with a super charger, and hidden blower under the hood. It has an assortment of weapons from rocket launchers to machine guns," said Rex.
"Hello everyone my name is VIPER," said the car.
"Great another talking car," said Ulrich.
"Some thing wrong with him Ulrich?" asked Rex.
"No, it's just that we have seen three talking cars including yours," said Ulrich.
"If you have a problem with the situation then I can always slice your head off," said Rex.
"No, lets save our strength for battle," said Zero stepping between Ulrich and Rex.
Then everyone heard thumping noises. Then from around the corner came four more Scorpions, three Crabs, and two dear old friends the Mega tanks.
"What do you suppose we do now blow shit up boy?" Ulrich asked Rex.
"We get in our cars and get the hell out of here that's what we do," said Rex.
Frantically everyone ran to the cars Ulrich and Yumi went with Rex, Zero and X.A.N.A went with Alex. Both of them tore away form the battle zone, but the Crabs Scorpions and Mega Tanks followed, and they kept good pace with the cars. The Scorpions and Crabs fired lasers at them so that they could slow them down to give the Mega Tanks a chance at destruction.
"Ulrich, do you know how to operate a gattling gun?" asked Rex.
"A what?" asked Ulrich?
"Gattling gun, here look," said Rex.
Rex pushes a red button on the dash. The gattling gun comes out and the spoiler shrinks down so the gun could shoot the machines. Then the back of the rear seat folds down, and just like in K.A.R.R a computer system comes out. Ulrich turns around and aims the gun.
"Ok when ever you are ready let her rip," said Rex.
Ulrich opens fire. The bullets hit the machines with driving force. The Crabs get parts of their legs shot up so bad that they fall apart. The Crabs fell over and blow up. The Mega tanks try to avoid the Crabs by going around them. Since they are close to the water the crabs fell off the cliff and plummeted in to the ocean. The two cars drove onto the stretch of land that connects the U.S to Europe. Since it was big enough for two cars they doubled up and took on their enemies together. The scorpions were the only ones surviving along with one Crab. Still barely escaping laser fire K.I.T.T opens his trunk and brings out a laser machine gun. He takes aim and fires. The Crab falls down and blows up, but the Scorpions still hold their course. VIPER takes over the gattling gun controls and starts to fire at the Scorpions.
Nightfall's and two of the four Scorpions are gone. So Rex makes a daring move. He radios Alex and tells him to pull ahead. Then Rex pulls the hand break and turns VIPER around. Then he slams the car into reverse and arms the rockets. He takes aim and fires. The rockets hit their target and the Scorpions are gone in a fiery flash. Rex turns the car around and they proceed to America.
Two days later both cars arrive and head to the pentagon underground facility. When they reach there the whole place is gone.
"No, way!" said Ulrich.
"That can't be possible," said Yumi.
Everyone got out of the car and looked at the horrific sight. Everything was on fire. Dead bodies littered the ground. It looked like total carnage that no one could have survived. But wait K.I.T.T is detecting a life form inside. His readings show a pulse, but it's weakening. So Alex takes K.I.T.T inside and everyone else waits.
"This is not right, we didn't even get a call from the general," said Zero.
"So, everything is gone I take it," said X.A.N.A.
Yumi was over in VIPER sobbing. Ulrich went over to comfort her.
"Yumi what's wrong?" asked Ulrich.
"Well its just that, if no one is left but that other person that means that Jeremy, Aelida and Odd could all be dead," said Yumi.
Ulrich couldn't think of anything to say. Then K.I.T.T came out of the flaming building. Alex opened the door and motioned for help. Ulrich, Rex, Zero, and X.A.N.A came over to see whom Alex had found. It was Odd his leg was healed. They got him out of the car and into fresh air. In about five minutes he was up on his feat. Yumi came over and was shocked to see him.
"Odd, I'm so glad that you are ok," said Yumi.
"Yeah, I'm lucky that I found that hiding spot this morning," said Odd.
"Wait this morning?" asked Ulrich looking confused.
"Yeah about three A.M. the Metal men came in and torched the place," explained Odd.
"What about Jeremy and Aelida, did they make it?" asked Yumi.
"I don't know but I hope so," said Odd.
Just then there was a small crash and everyone saw some debris move.
"HEY WHOEVER YOU ARE, SHOW YOUR SELF!" yelled Alex.
"IT'S OK IT'S ONLY ME!" Jeremy yelled back.
Everyone rushed over to see of he was ok.
"Jeremy what happened and where is Aelida?" asked Zero.
"I don't… X.A.N.A?" asked Jeremy.
"Hi Jeremy," said X.A.N.A.
"No No NO, Its not possible, NOT POSSIBLE!" said Jeremy in a frightened tone.
"Jeremy calm down ok, just calm down," said Ulrich.
"You... How ... Who… What's going on here?" asked Jeremy
"Ok we went to France and got X.A.N.A out of his computer and brought him here," said Zero.
"I SPECIFICALLY TOLD YOU NOT TO GET HIM, HE WILL KILL US ALL!" yelled Jeremy.
Jeremy again tackles Zero and starts beating on him. So in order to stop this X.A.N.A picks Jeremy up off Zero and slams him against K.I.T.T.
"Hey watch it," said K.I.T.T
"Sorry," said X.A.N.A. "Now you listen up," X.A.N.A says to Jeremy, "I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Now I am here and we are going to have to settle our differences in order to over come ZED'S threat."
Jeremy has a very scared look on his face. He takes a moment to settles him self down and then says something totally off the topic,
"He took Aelida."
"WHAT?" asked Yumi?
"HE TOOK AELIDA!" Jeremy yells. "He took her from her room as soon as he attacked. I ran out to see him with her and then his Metal men held me back. Then ZED said "I will spare your life if you give me her, if not then you will die also.""
Jeremy then broke out in tears and fell to the ground crying. After being silent for a while Rex spoke up.
"Ok that is the last straw," he said. "VIPER launch a scan, find out any thing and everything you can about what happened here."
"I'll get right on it," said VIPER.
"What will this tell us?" asked Odd.
"Simple it will show the likely place for ZED'S new hide out," said Rex.
"And what if it turns up nothing?" asked Yumi.
"Oh it will turn up something, and then, we'll murder him," said Rex.
One hour after the scan VIPER had all the information plotted out. As everyone looked at the monitor VIPER showed them something startling. He zoomed the monitor out to reveal a message in the debris. The message said IN ORDER TO FIND ME YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO THE CORN AND FIND THE PROFIT THAT DOES MORN.
"Field of corn? We're in the middle of the fucking desert!" said Jeremy.
"Yeah, he's right," said Odd. "And what's with this profit thing?"
"Well the only place I know where there is a field of corn is in Illinois," said Alex.
"Ok then off to Illinois," said Odd.
The gang set out for the three-day trip to Illinois. On the way they encountered the usual Metal men and mega tanks. They had to stop for gas along the way also. So in the long run the trip actually took five days. They should be thankful that the cars can drive themselves or the trip would have taken about a week. So once in Illinois they saw what used to be cornfields, but now it is more like ash feilds because all the corn has been burned. After a while they spotted what looked like the profit.
"Hey I think that's the profit," said Odd.
"No I don't think so Odd, that's just a little old lady," said Jeremy.
They stopped the car to let her cross the road when. The little old lady maneuvered her walker around and came over to K.I.T.T. She asked, "Does anyone know where farmer Jenkins is?" "No ma'am we just got here," replied Zero. "Oh ok have a nice day and drive safe now," said the old lady.
"She was weird," said Odd
"Hey Alex this is Rex are you there over?" said Rex from over the CB.
"Yeah I'm here what's up," replied Alex.
"That little old lady just disappeared into thin air," said Rex
"No way," said Alex. He checks his rear view mirror and sure enough the old lady's gone.
"You still there? Talk to me," said Rex.
"Yeah I'm here, keep a look out for anything suspicious ok," said Alex.
"Will do over and out," said Rex.
They drove for about an hour until they came up on a glowing figure standing in the middle of the road.
"Hey Alex there's your suspicious stuff," said Odd.
"Yeah I know," said Alex.
Alex stopped the car and got out. The rest of the gang did the same. VIPER came up and pulled next to K.I.T.T.
"So, you think this is the profit the message talked about?" asked VIPER.
"I hope so because we really need directions," replied K.I.T.T.
The gang approached the lighted figure cautiously. The figure noticed them and came close enough to frighten Odd.
"Do not be alarmed young warriors, I come with great news," said the figure.
"Ok then tell us what is the news?" asked Alex.
"The place where ZED is hiding is not far from here. He is in the Mountains of Nevada. In order to find his place you must travel through the white gates and pass into the world unknown. But beware this world is far more dangerous than you may think. All of you may not return if you split up so stick as a group and you will find him," said the figure.
The figure then began to float away.
"Wait what kind of dangers are in this world?" asked Alex.
"Why the ones that man cannot bare to set its eyes on. Now fair well great warriors and I pray thee good luck," said the figure.
"HEY WILL WE WIN?" asked Odd.
"WHAT, I DON'T TELL THE FUTURE. I'M JUST AN INFORMANT OF GOD!" said the figure. Then she vanished.
"Odd what was that all about?" asked Ulrich.
"What I just wanted to know if we would fail or not," said Odd.
"Well I didn't know he was that dumb," said X.A.N.A.
"What do you mean?" asked Yumi.
"Well I thought he would have matured by now," said X.A.N.A.
"No, Odd will always be a kid inside," said Yumi.
As everyone got back in the cars Alex and Zero plotted a way to take on the gates because they would probably have guards. Once everyone started on their way everyone was worrying about Aelida and how they would save her. As they drove on the days came and went. Even with the blower going on each car it still seemed like it took forever. They passed by towns that were once magnificent and now are dust. They passed through neighbor hoods that still had skeletons of the kids that used to play outside lying on their lawns. Each sight sent sadness into their hearts. The millions of people that had died from a threat that was impossible to stop.
It took about 10 days to get out to Nevada. The date they had arrived was September 11 2010. Everyone began to look out for some white gates. But not even the scanners could pick up any of ZED'S activities. So they began to look for anything that would give them a clue to where he was hiding. Then at about nine o'clock at night in the distance Rex spotted something.
"Hey guys look over there and tell me what you see?" said Rex.
"Why I only see, wait, it can't be, it is. LOOK EVEYONE LOOK THE WHITE GATES!" yelled Jeremy with excitement.
Everyone rushed over to get a glimpse of what these "gates" looked like. Sure enough there they were the white gates. Just behind them on top of a mountain was ZED'S fortress.
"Wow, they look like the entrance to Heaven," said Odd.
"Yeah, or it's just to confuse you so that the Devil can lead you to hell," said Ulrich.
"What are you talking about?" asked Odd.
"Odd, he is right you know," said X.A.N.A. "The gates symbolize freedom but beyond them is death."
"No time to waste guys, ZED has Aelida in there and we need to get her out," said Zero.
Everyone got back in the cars and started for the gates. As they neared the gates everyone saw what they were going to have to go through to reach ZED. A big dark forest stood around the bottom of the mountain. It was so dense and black that no one could see inside even if it were light out. The only light given off was from the gates. As the cars approached the gates they opened to let the cars in. As soon as the cars were in side the gates they shut. When the gates shut the light was gone and it was pitch black. Alex and Rex led the cars through the forest trail with ease so they wouldn't disturb the plant life. Just then both cars got stuck on some mud. The gang got out and tried to get each car out but they couldn't.
"Well this sucks, what do we do now?" asked Odd.
"Um guys come take a look at this," said Alex.
The gang went over to where Alex was standing and took a look. They saw that they were standing on top of a mountain. When everyone looked out they saw what looked to be a huge industrial park. Flames shot out of the smoke stacks the buildings lit up the space. From where they were standing it looked like a two-mile drop to the bottom. Then a platform rose to where they were standing and everyone got on.
"You know I don't think that this was a good idea," said Odd.
"Odd don't be such a baby," said Yumi.
They rode the elevator to the bottom and got off. Everyone took out their weapons and got ready to fight.
"Um guys there is no one around," said Odd.
"Yeah, so," said Rex.
"Well then we don't need our weapons out," said Odd.
"Um guys I don't have a weapon," said Jeremy.
"That's right here," said Rex, he tosses Jeremy a pistol.
"Thanks, what do I do with it?" asked Jeremy.
"Point and shoot," said Ulrich.
The gang marched on leaving the cars behind. They had their weapons drawn so that if anything happened they would be ready. Sure enough a battle came along but what they saw was really different than any machine they had battled before.
"Hey Zero, what is that?" asked Jeremy.
"I don't know Jeremy," replied Zero.
Zero walked slowly up to the object. It looked like a box only it was black and shiny. As soon as he got close enough the black box rose up off the ground. It had four really small legs, and it opened a small compartment to reveal a laser gun inside. It charged and fired. Zero moved out of the way. The block shaped figure then spun around to reveal a fresh gun and it fired that one. Then four more appeared from behind a building.
"Everyone look out ZED has copied the block program from X.A.N.A!" yelled Jeremy.
"Jeremy take cover somewhere," said X.A.N.A.
Jeremy ran behind a boulder and then ran back out.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" yelled Rex?
Just then Jeremy shot two shots at the block. Then a large group of Metal Men and Creepers Showed up.
"AMBUSH!" yelled Alex.
The group got in a circle and prepared to fight the best they could. The Blocks attacked first. X.A.N.A and Rex used their swords to block the blasts and then engaged them. The others worked on the Metal Men and Creepers. The Blocks went down easy so Jeremy took cover behind X.A.N.A and Rex. Ulrich used his sword to get one of the Metal Men down. Then Alex used his claw in his hand to get another. Odd and Zero took on the creepers with ease Odd used his mini laser and Zero used his grappler. After all the threats were gone the gang moved on.
"I didn't think that ZED was this advanced," said Yumi.
"I know what you mean," said Ulrich.
A laser blast ripped through the group as everyone was thrown out of the way by the energy of the blast. They got up to face three Mega Tanks. The only ones who could defeat them were Odd and Yumi. Yumi took center stage. She pulled out one of her disks and launched it at the Tanks. The disk cut through one and it blew up. The blast also destroyed the second Tank. Odd took care of the third but not before it got off another blast. This one just missed Odd as he dove out of the way and then shot it in the gun. With that threat gone the gang pressed on.
"Hey do you guys think we will ever reach ZED'S base?" asked Zero.
"Eventually we will, I just hope he hasn't killed Aelida yet," said Rex.
Mean while in ZED'S lair ZED was talking to Aelida.
"You know I could just kill you now," said ZED
"Well, why haven't you?" asked Aelida.
"Why, I'll tell you why. I want to see the look on Jeremy's face when I kill you," said ZED.
"So how long have you to been going out anyway?" asked ZED.
"Um, well, he hasn't asked me yet," said Aelida.
"WHAT?" said ZED confused? "Hasn't asked you. What have I been waiting for then, I'll just kill you now."
Then one of ZED'S Metal Men came into the room.
"Sir we have a problem," said the Metal Man.
"Yeah, what is it?" asked ZED.
"The warriors have beaten the first two waves of troops," said the Metal Man.
"Oh, really. Back to your post I'll be right there," said ZED.
The metal men left the room and ZED turned back to Aelida.
"Well I guess I will have to wait for your love to come here before I kill you," said ZED. "Your lucky you know, usually I would have killed you a long time ago."
ZED left the room and went to his control room to check out the situation.
"Hmmm, commander send out some Crabs," said ZED.
"Yes Sir," said the commander.
"Let's see what they do when their opposition is too big for them to handle," said ZED confidently.
Back outside the gang was nearing ZED'S complex.
"Wow almost there already," said Rex.
"Yeah I only hope Aelida is ok," said Jeremy.
"Hey Jeremy," said Alex. "Don't worry she will be fine, ZED would probably want you there to watch her die."
"Oh wow that really helps my spirit," said Jeremy in a sarcastic tone.
"Shhh, listen," said Ulrich.
Everyone heard loud thumping noises. In the distance they saw them, the Crabs.
"Great, Crabs," said Zero.
"Yeah, the hard part is that now we don't have K.I.T.T or VIPER to help," said Alex.
"Ok everyone gather round, we need to devise a plan to get rid of these monsters," said Rex.
The gang gathered round and Rex started to explain the plan,
"Ok, Ulrich and Yumi take the Crabs on the right. Alex and Odd the left, and the rest of us will go up the middle. Alright lets do this."
The gang broke up and went to their positions. Jeremy went and took cover behind a boulder. When the Crabs got about fifty feet away they started to charge up their lasers. Then Alex and Odd charged at the Crabs on the left side, so everyone else followed. Then laser fire ripped through the air. Alex and Odd took out the Crab on their side, X.A.N.A, Rex, and Zero took out their Crab, next was Yumi and Ulrich's Crab. After all that was over with the Scorpions came.
"Shit, this doesn't look good," said Ulrich.
"I know what you mean," said Zero.
"Hey Rex, do you have a rocket launcher on you?" asked Odd.
"No, but there may be another way to get rid of them," said Rex.
"Oh, and what way would that be?" asked Odd.
"Well we have to get on top of them and either stab them in their heads, or get them to fire at us while we are on them, then jump off before we get hit," said Rex.
Laser fire ripped through the air and everyone got out of the way. The scorpions seemed to be on another mission, because instead of going after them they went after Jeremy. He still hadn't left his spot from the last attack. X.A.N.A thought this was the perfect attack plan. He jumped onto the Scorpion just as it passed. He took out his sword and stabbed the Scorpion in the head. Then he jumped to the next one. The first one blew up. This got the attention of the third, the third Scorpion aimed and fired at the second. The laser hit dead on. The second one exploded with X.A.N.A on it. The blast vaporized X.A.N.A and the third went on to get Jeremy.
When Jeremy looked to see what was up the Scorpion grabbed him. Then it turned around to face the gang. With their weapons drawn the Scorpion knew that they wouldn't go down without a fight. The gang charged at the Scorpion, but the Scorpion had another trick up its sleeve. It jumped over the gang and at a very fast pace got away in no time.
"That is nice isn't it," said Rex in an angry tone.
"Now ZED has both Aelida and Jeremy," said Yumi.
"Not to mention that he also killed X.A.N.A," said Zero.
"Well if X.A.N.A didn't jump on the Scorpion in the first place he wouldn't be dead now would he," said Ulrich.
"What are you saying it's my fault he got on the Scorpion," said Rex.
"Yeah it's your fault," said Ulrich.
"Well excuse me but he didn't have to listen to me now did he," said Rex.
"Well he did, why do you think he is dead now," said Ulrich.
Rex took out his sword and Ulrich did the same. But before they could go at it Yumi stepped in the way.
"Both of you stop fighting," said Yumi. "If we are ever going to stop ZED then we have to put our differences aside and work together."
They both put their weapons away and the gang started to walk back towards ZED'S fortress. In about ten minutes everyone was at the entrance. They stood in front of two three-story doors. Zero tried to open the door by pulling on the handle.
"It won't budge," said Zero.
"Um Zero may I remind you that you are one man trying to open two doors that are solid steel and three-stories tall," said Alex.
"Yeah, that could explain a lot," said Zero.
"Hey look at this," said Odd.
"What is it Odd?" asked Yumi.
Everyone looked at where Odd was pointing.
"Odd, it's a rock," said Ulrich.
"Yeah, but look, its not just any rock," said Odd.
"I don't know, I think I'm going to side with Ulrich on this one," said Zero.
"Well, have you ever seen a rock shaped like a Z before?" asked Odd.
"Yes, and it was from erosion ok," said Ulrich sarcastically.
Odd shook his head and walked over to the rock. The rock was as tall as he was. Odd than began to push the rock, but it wouldn't move.
"Odd you are wasting our time. Lets just find a back way in," said Rex.
"Yeah stop being a dumb ass and come on," said Zero.
The gang started to walk away when the heard a hissing noise. They turned around to see that Odd had turned the rock around. Then there was a bang, and then the doors to the fortress started to open. As the doors opened the ground shook and everyone had to find something to steady them selves. When the doors were finally open Ulrich said to Odd,
"Odd you're a genius."
"See I told you that the rock ment something," said Odd.
The gang went into the fortress of ZED. When they got in everyone was surprised to see what they saw. They were in an assembly room; there were robots everywhere some assembled and others being assembled.
"Wow I didn't think that a factory this big even existed," said Odd.
"Yeah it's amazing what you can find when a super computer destroys the world," said Zero.
"Ok guys we have to find out where the control room is in this place," said Yumi.
"Yeah, then we need to save Aelida and Jeremy," said Rex.
The gang began to search for an entrance to the control room. Then the lights went out. There was some screaming and then the lights came back on again. Ulrich and Rex ran into each other.
"What happened?" asked Rex.
"I don't know," said Ulrich.
They looked around for the others but they were nowhere to be found. Then Rex noticed something.
"Hey look over there," said Rex.
"What?" asked Ulrich?
"A button," said Rex.
Rex pressed the button and then the wall parted to reveal an elevator. They both got in and Rex pressed the control room button. As the elevator raised the walls around it turned to glass. They looked out and saw the towns from miles away the same towns they passed coming to the fortress. The towns looked worse form above because you could just make out dead bodies that lay in the burnt buildings. Then the elevator stopped, and the doors opened.
"Wow getting in here was easy," said Rex.
Then a laser blast hits Rex in the shoulder. He clutches his shoulder and yells in Pain.
"Damn," said Ulrich. "Stay down Rex!"
Ulrich takes out his sword and blocks the laser fire. When the laser fire stops he slowly try's to get out of the elevator but when he does a familiar blade swings by just missing his torso. Ulrich looks up to see a Creeper standing in the doorway.
"Ok two can play at that game," said Ulrich.
Ulrich shoves his sword into the Creepers head and it disappears. Then he comes out of the elevator to be surrounded by four Metal Men. The one Metal Man shoots at Ulrich; he ducks and sticks his sword into the Metal Man. The one behind him gets hit with the laser and blows up. Ulrich takes his sword out of the other Metal Man; then it blows up. The other two switch their weapons to swords and double team Ulrich. He does all he can but the Metal Men are too strong for him. They knock him down and just before they kill him ZED steps in. ZED was twice as tall as Ulrich. He wore all black; most of it was armor like that of a knight. He was bald and was wearing sunglasses so you couldn't see his eyes.
"Ah finally I get the chance to meet you," said ZED. "You two put the other one in chains and send him to the dungeon."
"So why did you choose me?" asked Ulrich.
"Chose you, why, you mean you didn't know. You are like the leader of the group and my systems detect that you are the best fighter out of them all," said ZED.
"Ok then what are your terms?" asked Ulrich.
"What terms?" asked ZED.
"You know, what happens when I beat you," said Ulrich.
"Beat me, HA! Well now that you mention it if you beat me then the whole world will go back to normal and I will become useless and have no more power. But I highly doubt that you will win so, I hope you've enjoyed your life," said ZED.
ZED draws his sword. It's just like Ulrich's only green.
"Ok young warrior get up and prepare for the most savage beating of your life," said ZED.
Ulrich stood up and pulled out his sword. They both stood face to face; well not really more like Ulrich looked up and ZED looked down. They stared at each other for about one minute and then the battle began. ZED took one swing at Ulrich, but Ulrich blocked it. When he did he got flung backwards and hit the wall hard.
"Ha, you call that fighting this is going to be easier than I thought," said ZED.
ZED came up to Ulrich and picked him up by the throat. He then brought his sword up to his head and spotted where he wanted to strike.
"Any last words?" asked ZED.
Ulrich didn't say anything. He still had his sword in his hand. He then shoved his sword into ZED'S stomach. ZED dropped him and staggered backwards like he was going to die. But he stopped and started to laugh.
"Fool, this is not how you kill the most power full being on the earth," said ZED.
ZED took the sword out of him and stuck it half way into the floor. Then he turned back to Ulrich. Ulrich picked himself off the floor and saw that ZED was not even phased from what he did. Then ZED charged at him. Ulrich dodged his attacks and tried to get to his sword. When he finally did he tried to pull it out of the floor but couldn't. ZED came from behind him and elbowed Ulrich in the back of his head.
"How pathetic, you can't even pull your sword out of the floor," said ZED. "Now I will kill you and then kill off your friends."
ZED moved to strike but Ulrich rolled away and ZED struck the floor. Ulrich then grabbed his sword and used all his might to get it out. As he did ZED came down with a blow and Ulrich blocked it. Then the fight really began. Both of them exchanged blocks and positions as they moved around the room. But it didn't take long and ZED got an advantage. He faked Ulrich out, Ulrich swung down and ZED shoved his sword into Ulrich's side. He then removed the sword and watched Ulrich fall to the ground.
"You see I knew that you wouldn't beat me. So now you will die and I am going to have a fun time watching you bleed to death," said ZED.
Ulrich had both of his hands on the wound to hopefully minimize blood loss. Even though it didn't help too much. But then something happened, a loud crackle ripped through the air and ZED flew back. ZED found it hard to get up after this attack.
"WHO IS THERE? SHOW YOUR SELF!" yelled ZED.
The person did not come out. More crackles ripped through the air. Ulrich noticed that they looked like lightning in energy blast form. ZED on the other hand was getting beaten back and weakened by these blasts. Then a loud bang ripped through the air. ZED was knocked off his feet, when he stood up again he had a huge hole in the top of his head. He screamed in pain and started to dissolve right in front of Ulrich's eyes. But Ulrich noticed that he was feeling light headed and he could hardly keep his eyes open now. Then ZED started to come back but that didn't last long. It was like his molecular structure was falling apart and becoming unstable. Then a white light engulfed him and Ulrich closed his eyes and hoped for the best. The white light then engulfed ZED'S fortress and spread over the whole world, in an instant there was total silence.
"Ulrich, hey Ulrich, you ok?" asked Odd.
"Huh, what," said Ulrich feeling drowsy.
"Oh good you're awake," said Odd.
"Ulrich you had us all worried," said Yumi.
"What happened where are we?" asked Ulrich.
"Well take a look around and you'll find out," said Jeremy.
Ulrich stood up and looked around, the first thing he noticed was that the sky was not covered in dark clouds anymore. Next he noticed that they were in a pile of debris. But the debris were not from ZED'S fortress. Ulrich remembered these from somewhere. When he turned around he saw a familiar sight. They were standing out side of the mountain that they entered in to get rid of ZED but then he got out.
"Wait, how did we get back here?" asked Ulrich.
"Now that's the funky part," said Jeremy. "I first noticed this when I woke up. When we all first entered the control room and I sent you into ZED. After a while the mountain began to shake, after the towers were activated Aelida went into a tower and shut it off. This weakened ZED. But so that he wouldn't lose he quickly made a copy of the world and inserted it into his system, then he put you guys in there."
"So you mean he locked us up inside him so that he could repair himself," said Ulrich.
"Exactly, he wanted to keep you guys there so he could destroy you later," said Jeremy.
"So then how did everyone else get there? Like you," asked Ulrich.
"Now that is easier to answer. I still had Alex's cell phone number, so I asked him to go and ask X.A.N.A to get him to help us. Of course Alex agreed and it took a while to get X.A.N.A to cooperate but he decided to help anyway. X.A.N.A created Zero and his car, and then Alex brought K.I.T.T in. ZED created the whole destruction of the world thing to keep you guys occupied. I used that time to make my self and bring me there," said Jeremy.
"Ok so then how did ZED get killed and who was Rex?" asked Ulrich.
"Well Rex I don't know where he came from. But I am glad that he helped us and not ZED. As for who killed ZED I don't know. I was baffled my self, I even used the identification system to see who it was but it was no help," said Jeremy.
"But…" said Ulrich.
"No more buts, at least ZED is gone. We shouldn't care who got rid of him and why but be grateful that he is gone and we can now live normal lives," said Aelida.
"Aelida is right guys, let's just get home to our parents," said Yumi.
Ulrich and Odd turned to go back to the military school when they saw that it was gone. Blown up in fact, it looked like the destruction of ZED got rid of it to. Then a blue ford explorer pulled up and stopped in front of them.
"Ulrich there you are," said Ulrich's father.
"Dad, how did you know about this?" asked Ulrich.
"It was all over the news. Some mountain explosion destroyed the military school; I see that you and Odd got out safely. But what are the rest of you doing here?" asked Ulrich's dad.
"Well we were uh," said Jeremy.
"No matter lets just get you all home, then we are moving out of this state," said Ulrich's dad.
Everyone got into the explorer and they drove off to the town. But there were two things that they failed to notice, one that the time was 12:01pm Wednesday August 3 2010. This was one day after they entered the supercomputer. Two that when they left sitting on the side of the road behind them in the same spot where Zeros car had been was what appeared to be Rex's mustang but it was painted black. So what do you make of that?
To clear all this up, when they all went with Zack to go "deactivate" ZED, he tricked them into actually starting ZED up. But Aelida saw the trap and shut off one of the towers; in return ZED placed them in a fake real world until he could repair himself from what Aelida did. Jeremy in return wanted to free his friends from the clutches of ZED. He called Alex and told him to restart X.A.N.A. Alex did so and got X.A.N.A to become good. Jeremy also made a copy of himself so that he could communicate with everyone. X.A.N.A took Alex and K.I.T.T into ZED'S world through his scanner system. Now X.A.N.A made Zero as added back up just incase. Now the part where X.A.N.A got killed, this is when the person who killed ZED stumbled on him. X.A.N.A had to make a realistic way to die so that he could defend himself against this mystery person. In return when ZED was killed so was his world, and everyone was set free. X.A.N.A was then shut off and Alex got back to his life in France. But what about this Rex kid, well Rex was one of ZED'S minions who betrayed him, and in return got the person who killed ZED. The black car from the first part of the story when they were with Zack, this car actually belongs to the person who killed ZED. But no one knows who he is or how he got into ZED. That explains all the madness, and why they only went for three days to stop him. But in ZED the whole trip actually took about three months. Now this is hard to understand but to make it clear when ZED was destroyed he emitted a beam of white light. This light is actually a time reset. So it rewound time and destroyed the supercomputer. This ejected everyone form ZED'S clutches, but the blast radius got rid of the Military school. So now everyone is free to live happily ever after, or will they?
THIS CONCLUDES THE FIRST PART OF THE STORY INSIDE ZED