Code: Lyoko
Upgrade (Pt. 2)
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To me, Code: Lyoko is the French trying to be Japanese for an American audience. That's just a stupid non-sequitir
way of saying I didn't create it nor do I own it.
Abstract: Everyone must escape Lyoko when a destructive energy wave destroys Xana's tower. Who will survive?
And who will not?
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Previously on Code: Lyoko, As Ulrich recovered from his attack and Yumi sunk into a depression over her hand in
doing it, Aelita and Xana were attacked by some strange new monsters. Odd and Yumi came to help out but even with
Xana fighting as well, it was hard to destroy all of them. Risking permanent injury and even death, Ulrich entered
Lyoko to help his friends out. Xana encased him in a crystalline prison leaving Jeremie and the others wondering
whose side Xana was really on. All of a sudden, the crystal dissolved and someone or something with tremendous power
destroyed a whole bunch of the enemy monsters.
Want to know what's going on? What this incredible force is? What is the enemy they're all fighting? Read on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The crystal dissolving was a beautiful sight indeed. Each bit transformed into specks of light which was somehow
repelling the evil monsters away. A figure jumped down from the center of the former crystal and swinging his arms,
caused an energy wave to disintegrate over a third of the enemy forces. The figure then turned revealing his face
to Yumi, Odd, Aelita, Xana, and the rest of the enemy forces.
It was Ulrich. His avatar had changed somehow. It was now black with a gold Lyoko symbol on the front. A gold sash
was around his waist. He carried two swords instead of one. He looked taller and, in Yumi's personal opinion, more
handsome.
"What is going on here?" Jeremie asked. "Is that Ulrich? How did his avatar change?" A beeping noise came from his
side monitor. It was an Instant Message, but it was from the last one he expected one from: Xana. He read it:
"Upgrade on avatar designate: Ulrich complete. Recommend avatar upgrades on designates: Aelita, Odd, and Yumi?"
Jeremy called to the others. "Guys, listen, that crystal wasn't design to destroy Ulrich, it was designed to upgrade
his character!"
"I think you're a little late on that, genius," Odd commented.
"Xana wants to upgrade you guys too."
In Lyoko, Aelita turned to look at Xana. "Is that true?" Xana nodded. "Even me?" Xana nodded again.
Odd turned and looked at Aelita. "Think we should do it?"
"What do we have to lose?" Aelita asked back. Xana began to gather white mist in the air. Odd and Aelita leaped into
it and they were encased in crystals as well.
During all this, the new Ulrich dashed forward and destroyed a Skeleton with one swipe of his sword, demonstrating
Xana's upgrades to his avatar. He destroyed three more skeletons in five seconds.
This was all too much for Yumi to take in. She was still trying to absorb the fact that Xana wasn't trying to kill
Ulrich, only increase his power. Now he's doing the same thing to Aelita and Odd. What was going on here? What's
Xana's plan?
The crystals surrounding Odd and Aelita dissolved and Yumi saw that their avatars were upgraded as well. Odd's
stripes were navy blue and orange. His claws were much longer and now mounted on wrist bands. His tail was wiggling as
if it had a life of its own.
Aelita was now sporting a tie-dye sleeveless shirt with a high collar, belt, navy blue skirt and shin guards over black
boots. She carried a large staff with a jewel mounted on top of it. They both had the Lyoko symbol, Odd's on his back
and Aelita's was her belt buckle.
"Whoa, take a look at me!" Odd gasped. "I actually look cool."
"As Ulrich would say, for once," Aelita chuckled. "Hurry, let's destroy these things." The two split up to each take
on the enemies.
"Laser Crescent!" Making a slicing motion with his hand, Odd formed an arc-shaped energy bolt and sent it flying at
several Blow Fish.
Aelita launched invisible waves which prevented several Blow Fish from attacking her. She then stuck her staff in the
ground and caused a vortex to open and swallow them.
Yumi looked up at Xana. The giant just stared at her. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Ulrich.
"It's okay, Yumi," he said in a gentle voice. "I know you don't quite trust him yet. I still don't trust him. But for
now, we need his upgrades."
Yumi nodded and turned to Xana. "Okay, I'm ready." Xana's spear gathered white mist in the air. Yumi jumped into the
air and was also enclosed in a crystal. While encased, she could feel warmth. She could also feel the emotions around
her. She felt Odd's craftiness and optimism. She felt Aelita's desperation and desire to protect Lyoko. She felt the
maliciousness and ferocity that the enemy displayed. And she felt Xana's emotions.
Loneliness and a desire for that which he knows he can not have. Yumi thought that perhaps... Xana's reasons for what he
does wasn't maliciousness, but loneliness.
All that was drowned out by a new emotion: caring. And it was coming from Ulrich. And it was aimed towards... her!
Yumi relished in the emotion, seeking comfort in it.
Then, just as it all came to her, so did it all end. Her crystal enclosure dissolved and her upgraded avatar was
revealed.
Yumi was now dressed in a black vest with arm warmers and leggings. She had two miniature crossbows on her forearms and
they were armed with a spiked wheel-shaped blade. Her hair was longer than it was in the real world. Like the others,
she looked a little older than her old avatar.
Yumi aimed her crossbows at the Skeletons and fired. They sliced the Skeletons in half before returning to their resting
places on the crossbows.
The purple being let out a fierce roar and flew into the air. The remainder of its forces followed.
"Oh yeah, and stay out!" Odd said.
"Wait a second, guys," Jeremie said. "I don't think they're leaving."
"Then what..." The answer came in the form of a large purple shaft of energy that destroyed Xana's fortress. The
explosion spread from the ruins of the fortress towards the kids and Xana.
"Run!" Jeremie shouted. Everyone took off but the wave was rapidly approaching them.
"Jeremie," Aelita called as Xana pulled ahead of her. "You have to bring Ulrich, Yumi, and Odd out of Lyoko."
"But what about you?" Jeremie protested.
"Forget about me," Aelita said. "Xana and I will most likely be destroyed. You must carry on our fight!"
"No, Aelita, I don't want to lose you!" Jeremie argued.
"Jeremie, thank you. Thank you, for talking to me and working so hard to bring me to your world and showing me what a
wonderful place it was. I was glad to have you for a friend."
"Aelita..." Jeremie's voice cracked.
"I know," Aelita said with a smile. Everyone stopped as they saw they were coming to a cliff. The wave was still
heading towards them. With tears in his eyes, Jeremie keyed in the log out commands. "Log out, Odd. Log out, Yumi.
Log out, Ulrich." They disappeared one by one until only Xana and Aelita remained. Aelita got ready to accept her
fate.
A low groan came from behind her. She turned just in time to see Xana swing his spear and slice Aelita in two. She
disappeared in the same fashion as the others. As soon as she disappeared, Xana dropped his spear and transformed into
black smoke and disappeared into the sky.
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Ulrich took a deep breath as smoke was expelled from the scanners. To his surprise, he found himself feeling better
than he did when he entered. It was like Xana's upgrade affected more than his avatar, it affected him.
The doors opened and Ulrich stepped out. He ammended his primary analysis when he realized that his legs were a
little wobbily, most likely from being in the scanner.
The first thing that met him in the real world was Yumi's arms as she hugged him tightly. "Ulrich, I'm so glad you're
all right."
Ulrich smiled at her. "Are you kidding? I've never felt better. It was like being in the scanner healed me."
"Ulrich, you... I mean I... we..." Yumi couldn't articulate more than two words per sentence.
"It's all right, Yumi," Ulrich assured her. "If you want me to forgive you, I will. I'd rather have you for a friend
than have you depressed."
Ulrich's scanner closed as Yumi pondered his words. He wanted her for a friend, not something more? But... what
about those feelings she flet he had. Was she mistaken?
Jeremie's voice interrupted Yumi's pondering. "Welcome back to Earth." The three warriors turned to see Jeremie. Yumi
went up to her. "Jeremie, what happened to Aelita and Xana?" Jeremie just lowered his head in remorse and shook it. He
was trying his best to hold out his tears.
"I... I saw her status card disappear."
Yumi leaned over and embraced the boy protectively. She knew how it felt to lose someone you were in love with. And if
there was anything he needed right now, it was a shoulder to cry on. The dams of Jeremy's eyes burst open flooding Yumi's
shirt with hot salty tears.
"I... I know I always bragged about celebrating when Xana was defeated," Odd said. Ulrich patted him on the back.
"But... right now I don't feel like celebrating."
"Neither do I," Ulrich said. "Especially not after the cost we had to..." A loud thump came from Ulrich's scanner.
Everybody turned and stared horrified at the scanner.
"Ulrich... you were the only one in that scanner when you came out, right?" Odd asked. Ulrich nodded.
Yumi put on a brave face. "I'm going in. Ulrich, cover me."
"Right." Odd threw Ulrich a metal bar to use as a weapon and then took cover by his scanner with Jeremy. Yumi stood in
front of the scanner. "Okay, Ulrich open it up." Ulrich hit the button. Smoke filled out and Yumi covered her mouth
so that she wouldn't inhale it. As the smoke cleared, she could make out a figure curled up in a fetal position.
She gasped. Ulrich leaned over her shoulder.
"Holy cow!"
"I don't believe this," Yumi added.
"Hey, let me see, let me see," Odd protested. He looked over Yumi's position. "Whoa!"
"Odd, stop staring," Yumi chided.
"You can't blame me." Odd turned to look at Jeremie. "Jeremie, it's for you." Curious, Jeremy went over to have a look.
Since the others took all the free space, he had to duck under Yumi's arm which was leaning on the side of the scanner's
doorway. His face was one of shock, then joy.
There, laying curled on the floor naked, was Aelita.
"Aelita's alive," he said happily.
"And she's here to boot," Yumi added.
"Oh man, this is so great!" Odd said.
Aelita opened up her eyes and saw the others standing over her. "Jeremie? What happened? Where am I?"
"You're on Earth, Aelita."
"Earth!" Aelita exclaimed sitting up.
"Whoa," Yumi said. "I think we better get you some clothes before we do anything else."
"Here," Ulrich said taking off his jacket. Yumi put it over Aelita's back and zipped it up.
"You still need some pants," she said looking at Odd's baggy jeans with belt.
"Oh no," Odd said shaking his head. "I'd like to keep my pants, thank you very much."
"Odd," Ulrich said in an exasperated tone.
"Oh, all right, all right. Jeremie, could you block prying eyes." Jeremie stepped in front of Odd as he took off his
pants. He passed them to Jeremie who passed them to Yumi who helped Aelita put them on. Once finished, they looked at
Aelita's make-shift outfit.
"It'll have to do," Yumi said. "At least until I get her to my house. I have some old clothes that'll fit her
perfectly."
"In the mean time, I'll do a scan of Lyoko," Jeremie said. "I'll try to determine how Aelita got here."
"Oh no you're not," Ulrich said. "Our classes start in the morning and after what we went through, we all need our
sleep."
"Oh yeah, that's right," Odd agreed. "We're all in the same class this year, aren't we? Well that should make things
interesting."
"Like you're one to talk," Yumi countered Ulrich. "You're still on sick leave, remember."
"I think once the nurse sees how better I am, she'll excuse me. Wow, I never thought I'd actually be glad to start
classes."
"Okay, I think Xana's upgrade must've warped your mind," Odd cracked. "You're actually glad to start school?"
"Speaking of Xana, you think he's alive as well?" Ulrich asked.
"Considering how Aelita's here, I'd say he is," Jeremie said.
"Honestly guys," Aelita said seeking warmth in Ulrich's jacket. "I hope he is. After what we just faced, we're going
to need all the help we can get to defeat it, even from Xana."
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Five minutes later, the kids exited the manhole cover. Jeremie lead a pantless Odd back to his room while Aelita
recalled the route to Yumi's house. Before they parted ways, Ulrich and Yumi stared into each other's eyes. They knew
what each wanted to say, but they knew that deep down, they couldn't.
"Well," Ulrich said.
"Well," Yumi repeated. They smiled at each other and blushed. "I... I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Today you mean," Ulrich corrected checking his watch. "It's four in the morning."
"Yeah," Yumi agreed. "Ulrich... I'm... glad you're back with us."
"I'm glad you're back to your old self again," Ulrich came back. The two continued staring at each other for a while
before they both decided to head back.
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He was watching them. He was always watching them. But this time was different. He knew that if he wanted to survive,
he would have to rely on them. He only hoped he could.
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The next day was bright and sunny. The perfect day to start a new school year. Odd walked into his first new class,
Western History, wearing a blue T-shirt with an orange lightning bolt on it and khaki shorts. He yawned. After he
returned, he only got around four hours of sleep before he had to get up and get ready.
"Hey, Odd," Ulrich greeted. He was sitting in an empty set of desks wearing a black T-shirt and Bluejeans. His cell
phone was clipped to a navy-blue belt with a slide buckle.
"I see they finally released you," Odd said sitting at a set of desks next to Odd.
"Like I said. Once the nurse saw how better I was, she released me."
"Ah." Odd looked around. Some of the faces he recognized although there were some changes. Sissi sporting her
teenage pixie look was sitting towards the back giving Ulrich lustful glances. Her "posse" was with her of course.
Herb's acne had cleared up and Nicholaus had a new hair cut. Nicholaus looked glum, probably because he was starting
classes again. Herb was sneering at Ulrich. Odd also saw some new faces. Younger kids who looked intimidated by their
elders.
"Yumi, over here!" Ulrich called. Yumi was in a black tank top and jeans. She sat next to Ulrich blocking Sissi's
view of him. "Hey, guys."
"How did your parents take to Aelita?" Odd asked Yumi.
"They didn't mind. I just told them she had a fight with her parents and would be staying with me until they could
enrole her at school."
"Sounded like it was easier than the last time," Ulrich commented.
"It was," Yumi confirmed.
Ulrich and Odd then noticed Jeremie. The boy was also dressed in new clothes, a blue and white striped collar shirt and
khakis. He seemed jittery about something.
"What's with Jeremie? He's acting like Kiwi when he got fleas," Odd commented.
Yumi smiled knowingly, which was lost on Ulrich and Odd. "You guys will find out soon enough."
The teacher came in but with her was the principal.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he greeted. "Welcome to another school year. I know how much you're all excited to be here..."
Someone blew a raspberry and everyone laughed. The principal coughed, "Um... yes... well, anyway, I'd like to introduce
a visitor. She's very interested in our school and if nothing bad happens..." the principal shot a glance around
the room before continuing, "she might join us." The principal turned outside the door. "You can come in now." To
Odd and Ulrich's surprise (thought they later thought that they shouldn't have been), Aelita walked in. She was
dressed in a red jacket and purple skirt. She carried a yellow backpack with her.
"Jeremie, would you like to introduce our guest to the class?"
Jeremie also got up and stood at Aelita's side. "Everyone, I like you to meet Aelita Lyoko. She's my step-sister."
"Lyoko?" Odd asked Yumi.
"Step-sister," Ulrich also asked.
Yumi just pointed to Jeremy and Aelita. "Their idea, not mine."
"Jeremie, please show Aelita to her seat," the teacher instructed and began handing out a syllibus. Jeremie took Aelita's
hand showed her seat which was, not coincidentally, next to him.
Odd rolled his eyes. "This is going to be a long year."
"Don't say that, Odd, it'll just come true."
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They had no name. They were invaders, parasites, that feed off of the hard work of others. And right now, they were
looking to expand themselves. They quickly learned the ways of the new world they entered and learned that it had
gateways to another world. They would use those two worlds as a stepping stone to engrave themselves permanently onto
the stone block of the universe. And all who opposed them would perish.
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The group had a break before they were to separate. Jeremie was going to take Aelita to his room before going off to his
next class. Aelita was going to try to communicate with Xana in Lyoko. They decided that with Aelita now a real human,
they would need a new contact in Lyoko. Xana seemed to be the obvious choice. Aelita knew that she could convince Xana
to do it. After all, they were connected. Ulrich and Odd were going to head for lunch and Yumi was going to head for
gym.
As expected, Sissi and her crew paid them a visit.
"Ulrich-dear, you're all better," Sissi said with delight. "I'm glad that my card was the cause of your recovery."
"Believe me, Sissi, with Ulrich, it takes more than a card to heal him."
"Uh... thanks, Odd... I think."
Sissi just humphed at Odd and leaned down to look at Aelita who was sitting on a bench. "And you, Miss Aelita Lyoko.
If you know what's good for you, you'll try to stay away from your step-brother's loser brigade."
Aelita just looked at Jeremie. "Jeremie, is this that Sissy you've been telling me so much about?"
"The one and only," Jeremie confirmed.
"Oh. That's strange. From the way you described her, I imagined her to be older with long hair." Aelita turned to
Sissy. "Your hair is very short. Are you suffering from some sort of disease? I've heard that there are several
diseases which causes one's hair to get shorter and even fall out." Aelita seemed proud to demonstrate her knowledge on
Earth culture but was unaware of the implications on what she said which made it all the more funny.
Sissi fumed. "Listen, little miss Goo-Goo Doll. I can be either your best friend or your worst enemy. You do NOT want
me as an enemy. My Daddy's the principal."
"Oh, I'm not worried," Aelita objected. "I've faced down much scarier-looking monsters."
By this time, the others were in the middle of a severe laughing fit. Odd was practically rolling around on the ground
with laughter. Yumi needed to lean on Ulrich's shoulder so she wouldn't join Odd on the ground. Sissi's face got so red
that it looked like her ears were about to shoot out steam. She turned and stomped away.
Aelita looked confused. She looked at Jeremie. "Did I say something wrong?"
Odd was finally able to get control of himself (but just barely). "On the contrary, Aelita, you said just the thing to
get Sissi off our backs."
"Hey, maybe we could get Xana to give her an upgrade," Yumi suggested.
"Nah," Ulrich replied. "It probably wouldn't work." And all five of them burst into another fit of laughter.
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Just who are these powerful monsters that invaded Lyoko? The mystery will be investigated as well as Xana's alleigence
in the next chapter.
Upgrade (Pt. 2)
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To me, Code: Lyoko is the French trying to be Japanese for an American audience. That's just a stupid non-sequitir
way of saying I didn't create it nor do I own it.
Abstract: Everyone must escape Lyoko when a destructive energy wave destroys Xana's tower. Who will survive?
And who will not?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previously on Code: Lyoko, As Ulrich recovered from his attack and Yumi sunk into a depression over her hand in
doing it, Aelita and Xana were attacked by some strange new monsters. Odd and Yumi came to help out but even with
Xana fighting as well, it was hard to destroy all of them. Risking permanent injury and even death, Ulrich entered
Lyoko to help his friends out. Xana encased him in a crystalline prison leaving Jeremie and the others wondering
whose side Xana was really on. All of a sudden, the crystal dissolved and someone or something with tremendous power
destroyed a whole bunch of the enemy monsters.
Want to know what's going on? What this incredible force is? What is the enemy they're all fighting? Read on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The crystal dissolving was a beautiful sight indeed. Each bit transformed into specks of light which was somehow
repelling the evil monsters away. A figure jumped down from the center of the former crystal and swinging his arms,
caused an energy wave to disintegrate over a third of the enemy forces. The figure then turned revealing his face
to Yumi, Odd, Aelita, Xana, and the rest of the enemy forces.
It was Ulrich. His avatar had changed somehow. It was now black with a gold Lyoko symbol on the front. A gold sash
was around his waist. He carried two swords instead of one. He looked taller and, in Yumi's personal opinion, more
handsome.
"What is going on here?" Jeremie asked. "Is that Ulrich? How did his avatar change?" A beeping noise came from his
side monitor. It was an Instant Message, but it was from the last one he expected one from: Xana. He read it:
"Upgrade on avatar designate: Ulrich complete. Recommend avatar upgrades on designates: Aelita, Odd, and Yumi?"
Jeremy called to the others. "Guys, listen, that crystal wasn't design to destroy Ulrich, it was designed to upgrade
his character!"
"I think you're a little late on that, genius," Odd commented.
"Xana wants to upgrade you guys too."
In Lyoko, Aelita turned to look at Xana. "Is that true?" Xana nodded. "Even me?" Xana nodded again.
Odd turned and looked at Aelita. "Think we should do it?"
"What do we have to lose?" Aelita asked back. Xana began to gather white mist in the air. Odd and Aelita leaped into
it and they were encased in crystals as well.
During all this, the new Ulrich dashed forward and destroyed a Skeleton with one swipe of his sword, demonstrating
Xana's upgrades to his avatar. He destroyed three more skeletons in five seconds.
This was all too much for Yumi to take in. She was still trying to absorb the fact that Xana wasn't trying to kill
Ulrich, only increase his power. Now he's doing the same thing to Aelita and Odd. What was going on here? What's
Xana's plan?
The crystals surrounding Odd and Aelita dissolved and Yumi saw that their avatars were upgraded as well. Odd's
stripes were navy blue and orange. His claws were much longer and now mounted on wrist bands. His tail was wiggling as
if it had a life of its own.
Aelita was now sporting a tie-dye sleeveless shirt with a high collar, belt, navy blue skirt and shin guards over black
boots. She carried a large staff with a jewel mounted on top of it. They both had the Lyoko symbol, Odd's on his back
and Aelita's was her belt buckle.
"Whoa, take a look at me!" Odd gasped. "I actually look cool."
"As Ulrich would say, for once," Aelita chuckled. "Hurry, let's destroy these things." The two split up to each take
on the enemies.
"Laser Crescent!" Making a slicing motion with his hand, Odd formed an arc-shaped energy bolt and sent it flying at
several Blow Fish.
Aelita launched invisible waves which prevented several Blow Fish from attacking her. She then stuck her staff in the
ground and caused a vortex to open and swallow them.
Yumi looked up at Xana. The giant just stared at her. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Ulrich.
"It's okay, Yumi," he said in a gentle voice. "I know you don't quite trust him yet. I still don't trust him. But for
now, we need his upgrades."
Yumi nodded and turned to Xana. "Okay, I'm ready." Xana's spear gathered white mist in the air. Yumi jumped into the
air and was also enclosed in a crystal. While encased, she could feel warmth. She could also feel the emotions around
her. She felt Odd's craftiness and optimism. She felt Aelita's desperation and desire to protect Lyoko. She felt the
maliciousness and ferocity that the enemy displayed. And she felt Xana's emotions.
Loneliness and a desire for that which he knows he can not have. Yumi thought that perhaps... Xana's reasons for what he
does wasn't maliciousness, but loneliness.
All that was drowned out by a new emotion: caring. And it was coming from Ulrich. And it was aimed towards... her!
Yumi relished in the emotion, seeking comfort in it.
Then, just as it all came to her, so did it all end. Her crystal enclosure dissolved and her upgraded avatar was
revealed.
Yumi was now dressed in a black vest with arm warmers and leggings. She had two miniature crossbows on her forearms and
they were armed with a spiked wheel-shaped blade. Her hair was longer than it was in the real world. Like the others,
she looked a little older than her old avatar.
Yumi aimed her crossbows at the Skeletons and fired. They sliced the Skeletons in half before returning to their resting
places on the crossbows.
The purple being let out a fierce roar and flew into the air. The remainder of its forces followed.
"Oh yeah, and stay out!" Odd said.
"Wait a second, guys," Jeremie said. "I don't think they're leaving."
"Then what..." The answer came in the form of a large purple shaft of energy that destroyed Xana's fortress. The
explosion spread from the ruins of the fortress towards the kids and Xana.
"Run!" Jeremie shouted. Everyone took off but the wave was rapidly approaching them.
"Jeremie," Aelita called as Xana pulled ahead of her. "You have to bring Ulrich, Yumi, and Odd out of Lyoko."
"But what about you?" Jeremie protested.
"Forget about me," Aelita said. "Xana and I will most likely be destroyed. You must carry on our fight!"
"No, Aelita, I don't want to lose you!" Jeremie argued.
"Jeremie, thank you. Thank you, for talking to me and working so hard to bring me to your world and showing me what a
wonderful place it was. I was glad to have you for a friend."
"Aelita..." Jeremie's voice cracked.
"I know," Aelita said with a smile. Everyone stopped as they saw they were coming to a cliff. The wave was still
heading towards them. With tears in his eyes, Jeremie keyed in the log out commands. "Log out, Odd. Log out, Yumi.
Log out, Ulrich." They disappeared one by one until only Xana and Aelita remained. Aelita got ready to accept her
fate.
A low groan came from behind her. She turned just in time to see Xana swing his spear and slice Aelita in two. She
disappeared in the same fashion as the others. As soon as she disappeared, Xana dropped his spear and transformed into
black smoke and disappeared into the sky.
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Ulrich took a deep breath as smoke was expelled from the scanners. To his surprise, he found himself feeling better
than he did when he entered. It was like Xana's upgrade affected more than his avatar, it affected him.
The doors opened and Ulrich stepped out. He ammended his primary analysis when he realized that his legs were a
little wobbily, most likely from being in the scanner.
The first thing that met him in the real world was Yumi's arms as she hugged him tightly. "Ulrich, I'm so glad you're
all right."
Ulrich smiled at her. "Are you kidding? I've never felt better. It was like being in the scanner healed me."
"Ulrich, you... I mean I... we..." Yumi couldn't articulate more than two words per sentence.
"It's all right, Yumi," Ulrich assured her. "If you want me to forgive you, I will. I'd rather have you for a friend
than have you depressed."
Ulrich's scanner closed as Yumi pondered his words. He wanted her for a friend, not something more? But... what
about those feelings she flet he had. Was she mistaken?
Jeremie's voice interrupted Yumi's pondering. "Welcome back to Earth." The three warriors turned to see Jeremie. Yumi
went up to her. "Jeremie, what happened to Aelita and Xana?" Jeremie just lowered his head in remorse and shook it. He
was trying his best to hold out his tears.
"I... I saw her status card disappear."
Yumi leaned over and embraced the boy protectively. She knew how it felt to lose someone you were in love with. And if
there was anything he needed right now, it was a shoulder to cry on. The dams of Jeremy's eyes burst open flooding Yumi's
shirt with hot salty tears.
"I... I know I always bragged about celebrating when Xana was defeated," Odd said. Ulrich patted him on the back.
"But... right now I don't feel like celebrating."
"Neither do I," Ulrich said. "Especially not after the cost we had to..." A loud thump came from Ulrich's scanner.
Everybody turned and stared horrified at the scanner.
"Ulrich... you were the only one in that scanner when you came out, right?" Odd asked. Ulrich nodded.
Yumi put on a brave face. "I'm going in. Ulrich, cover me."
"Right." Odd threw Ulrich a metal bar to use as a weapon and then took cover by his scanner with Jeremy. Yumi stood in
front of the scanner. "Okay, Ulrich open it up." Ulrich hit the button. Smoke filled out and Yumi covered her mouth
so that she wouldn't inhale it. As the smoke cleared, she could make out a figure curled up in a fetal position.
She gasped. Ulrich leaned over her shoulder.
"Holy cow!"
"I don't believe this," Yumi added.
"Hey, let me see, let me see," Odd protested. He looked over Yumi's position. "Whoa!"
"Odd, stop staring," Yumi chided.
"You can't blame me." Odd turned to look at Jeremie. "Jeremie, it's for you." Curious, Jeremy went over to have a look.
Since the others took all the free space, he had to duck under Yumi's arm which was leaning on the side of the scanner's
doorway. His face was one of shock, then joy.
There, laying curled on the floor naked, was Aelita.
"Aelita's alive," he said happily.
"And she's here to boot," Yumi added.
"Oh man, this is so great!" Odd said.
Aelita opened up her eyes and saw the others standing over her. "Jeremie? What happened? Where am I?"
"You're on Earth, Aelita."
"Earth!" Aelita exclaimed sitting up.
"Whoa," Yumi said. "I think we better get you some clothes before we do anything else."
"Here," Ulrich said taking off his jacket. Yumi put it over Aelita's back and zipped it up.
"You still need some pants," she said looking at Odd's baggy jeans with belt.
"Oh no," Odd said shaking his head. "I'd like to keep my pants, thank you very much."
"Odd," Ulrich said in an exasperated tone.
"Oh, all right, all right. Jeremie, could you block prying eyes." Jeremie stepped in front of Odd as he took off his
pants. He passed them to Jeremie who passed them to Yumi who helped Aelita put them on. Once finished, they looked at
Aelita's make-shift outfit.
"It'll have to do," Yumi said. "At least until I get her to my house. I have some old clothes that'll fit her
perfectly."
"In the mean time, I'll do a scan of Lyoko," Jeremie said. "I'll try to determine how Aelita got here."
"Oh no you're not," Ulrich said. "Our classes start in the morning and after what we went through, we all need our
sleep."
"Oh yeah, that's right," Odd agreed. "We're all in the same class this year, aren't we? Well that should make things
interesting."
"Like you're one to talk," Yumi countered Ulrich. "You're still on sick leave, remember."
"I think once the nurse sees how better I am, she'll excuse me. Wow, I never thought I'd actually be glad to start
classes."
"Okay, I think Xana's upgrade must've warped your mind," Odd cracked. "You're actually glad to start school?"
"Speaking of Xana, you think he's alive as well?" Ulrich asked.
"Considering how Aelita's here, I'd say he is," Jeremie said.
"Honestly guys," Aelita said seeking warmth in Ulrich's jacket. "I hope he is. After what we just faced, we're going
to need all the help we can get to defeat it, even from Xana."
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Five minutes later, the kids exited the manhole cover. Jeremie lead a pantless Odd back to his room while Aelita
recalled the route to Yumi's house. Before they parted ways, Ulrich and Yumi stared into each other's eyes. They knew
what each wanted to say, but they knew that deep down, they couldn't.
"Well," Ulrich said.
"Well," Yumi repeated. They smiled at each other and blushed. "I... I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Today you mean," Ulrich corrected checking his watch. "It's four in the morning."
"Yeah," Yumi agreed. "Ulrich... I'm... glad you're back with us."
"I'm glad you're back to your old self again," Ulrich came back. The two continued staring at each other for a while
before they both decided to head back.
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He was watching them. He was always watching them. But this time was different. He knew that if he wanted to survive,
he would have to rely on them. He only hoped he could.
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The next day was bright and sunny. The perfect day to start a new school year. Odd walked into his first new class,
Western History, wearing a blue T-shirt with an orange lightning bolt on it and khaki shorts. He yawned. After he
returned, he only got around four hours of sleep before he had to get up and get ready.
"Hey, Odd," Ulrich greeted. He was sitting in an empty set of desks wearing a black T-shirt and Bluejeans. His cell
phone was clipped to a navy-blue belt with a slide buckle.
"I see they finally released you," Odd said sitting at a set of desks next to Odd.
"Like I said. Once the nurse saw how better I was, she released me."
"Ah." Odd looked around. Some of the faces he recognized although there were some changes. Sissi sporting her
teenage pixie look was sitting towards the back giving Ulrich lustful glances. Her "posse" was with her of course.
Herb's acne had cleared up and Nicholaus had a new hair cut. Nicholaus looked glum, probably because he was starting
classes again. Herb was sneering at Ulrich. Odd also saw some new faces. Younger kids who looked intimidated by their
elders.
"Yumi, over here!" Ulrich called. Yumi was in a black tank top and jeans. She sat next to Ulrich blocking Sissi's
view of him. "Hey, guys."
"How did your parents take to Aelita?" Odd asked Yumi.
"They didn't mind. I just told them she had a fight with her parents and would be staying with me until they could
enrole her at school."
"Sounded like it was easier than the last time," Ulrich commented.
"It was," Yumi confirmed.
Ulrich and Odd then noticed Jeremie. The boy was also dressed in new clothes, a blue and white striped collar shirt and
khakis. He seemed jittery about something.
"What's with Jeremie? He's acting like Kiwi when he got fleas," Odd commented.
Yumi smiled knowingly, which was lost on Ulrich and Odd. "You guys will find out soon enough."
The teacher came in but with her was the principal.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he greeted. "Welcome to another school year. I know how much you're all excited to be here..."
Someone blew a raspberry and everyone laughed. The principal coughed, "Um... yes... well, anyway, I'd like to introduce
a visitor. She's very interested in our school and if nothing bad happens..." the principal shot a glance around
the room before continuing, "she might join us." The principal turned outside the door. "You can come in now." To
Odd and Ulrich's surprise (thought they later thought that they shouldn't have been), Aelita walked in. She was
dressed in a red jacket and purple skirt. She carried a yellow backpack with her.
"Jeremie, would you like to introduce our guest to the class?"
Jeremie also got up and stood at Aelita's side. "Everyone, I like you to meet Aelita Lyoko. She's my step-sister."
"Lyoko?" Odd asked Yumi.
"Step-sister," Ulrich also asked.
Yumi just pointed to Jeremy and Aelita. "Their idea, not mine."
"Jeremie, please show Aelita to her seat," the teacher instructed and began handing out a syllibus. Jeremie took Aelita's
hand showed her seat which was, not coincidentally, next to him.
Odd rolled his eyes. "This is going to be a long year."
"Don't say that, Odd, it'll just come true."
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They had no name. They were invaders, parasites, that feed off of the hard work of others. And right now, they were
looking to expand themselves. They quickly learned the ways of the new world they entered and learned that it had
gateways to another world. They would use those two worlds as a stepping stone to engrave themselves permanently onto
the stone block of the universe. And all who opposed them would perish.
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The group had a break before they were to separate. Jeremie was going to take Aelita to his room before going off to his
next class. Aelita was going to try to communicate with Xana in Lyoko. They decided that with Aelita now a real human,
they would need a new contact in Lyoko. Xana seemed to be the obvious choice. Aelita knew that she could convince Xana
to do it. After all, they were connected. Ulrich and Odd were going to head for lunch and Yumi was going to head for
gym.
As expected, Sissi and her crew paid them a visit.
"Ulrich-dear, you're all better," Sissi said with delight. "I'm glad that my card was the cause of your recovery."
"Believe me, Sissi, with Ulrich, it takes more than a card to heal him."
"Uh... thanks, Odd... I think."
Sissi just humphed at Odd and leaned down to look at Aelita who was sitting on a bench. "And you, Miss Aelita Lyoko.
If you know what's good for you, you'll try to stay away from your step-brother's loser brigade."
Aelita just looked at Jeremie. "Jeremie, is this that Sissy you've been telling me so much about?"
"The one and only," Jeremie confirmed.
"Oh. That's strange. From the way you described her, I imagined her to be older with long hair." Aelita turned to
Sissy. "Your hair is very short. Are you suffering from some sort of disease? I've heard that there are several
diseases which causes one's hair to get shorter and even fall out." Aelita seemed proud to demonstrate her knowledge on
Earth culture but was unaware of the implications on what she said which made it all the more funny.
Sissi fumed. "Listen, little miss Goo-Goo Doll. I can be either your best friend or your worst enemy. You do NOT want
me as an enemy. My Daddy's the principal."
"Oh, I'm not worried," Aelita objected. "I've faced down much scarier-looking monsters."
By this time, the others were in the middle of a severe laughing fit. Odd was practically rolling around on the ground
with laughter. Yumi needed to lean on Ulrich's shoulder so she wouldn't join Odd on the ground. Sissi's face got so red
that it looked like her ears were about to shoot out steam. She turned and stomped away.
Aelita looked confused. She looked at Jeremie. "Did I say something wrong?"
Odd was finally able to get control of himself (but just barely). "On the contrary, Aelita, you said just the thing to
get Sissi off our backs."
"Hey, maybe we could get Xana to give her an upgrade," Yumi suggested.
"Nah," Ulrich replied. "It probably wouldn't work." And all five of them burst into another fit of laughter.
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Just who are these powerful monsters that invaded Lyoko? The mystery will be investigated as well as Xana's alleigence
in the next chapter.