"Crab? Tarantula?"
"They're big monsters Xana creates to prevent us from saving Aelita," said Odd as the ran in the direction Jeremy stated. " But don't worry they don't have enough brains to match their sizes."
" Hey Odd you should stick up for your own kind," said Ulrick unable to resist the rare opening. Nexas laughed. These guys were alright. She felt bad for what she originally thought of Odd. She wanted to repay him.
----- In the factory -----
Jeremy let out a sound of shock. " Something is wrong with Odd. " He began typing various commands into the computer. "I think he's... advancing!"
----- In Lyoko -----
They had just reached Aelita. She was a sitting duck between two crabs and ahead lay a tarantula guarding a hidden tower. They turned to look at the three kids.
" Hey don't stop the party on our account." Od began aiming at one crab. " You see the key is to aim at the eye. It's like a target. Don't worry if you don't get it on your first try. It takes
time to master. Laser Arrows!"
The arrows pierced the virtual air and just missed its target. Odd's jaw dropped. " What?"
"Looks like you still need practice," said Ulrick stepping up to attack next. Nexas' sudden arm stopped him. He looked at her but she looked different somehow.
" Upload complete!"
At this command the arrows turned around and headed towards their previous target. The crab made the mistake of turning around and was hit by three of Odd's arrows. Upon the explosion of the crab Nexas fainted. Ulrick caught her noting that she didn't look different anymore.
" Did you see that?" shouted Odd jumping up and down in excitement. " They turned into seekers. Whoa. What happened to her?" he began poking her limp body.
"I don't know. Jeremy?"
"I'm checking her system but its coded," said Jeremy from the controls. He began his assault on the keyboard again. "Only one thing is open. It may be the program that upgraded Odd's weapons. It's complicated. I'll download it onto a CD and study it at home."
"That's great Einstein but why is she sick?" questioned Odd.
"It must have drained her power. She only has twenty point left put her someplace safe."
"I'm on it," said Ulrick before speeding away.
" Don't worry. With my upgrade I won't need the extra help." HE aimed for the next crab. " Laser arrow!" Three arrows shot out but this time he missed. " Hey what's the big idea."
"I'm guessing you're still adapting to the new weapons system. Only your first two arrows used the seeker program." It's a wonder Jeremy was awake enough to answer Odd's question. He was pondering how Nexas could generate an upgrading program unintentionally.
"You mean I've gotta do it the old fashion way. Aw man." He folded his arms and let out an annoyed huff.
Ulrick sprinted by Nexas- less and jumped when he was just above the other crab. He triplicates in mid-air. THe crab shot down two of the Ulrick clones but could not get the remaining before he landed and was able to stab his sword through its eye. He jumped back after the explosion then caught and sheathed his sword.
" Heard about your malfunction."
"What good is an upgrade if it doesn't help your whole system."
Aelita ran up an hugged the two boys. " Thank You so much. I was sure I was done for."
"Where's our scipizoa friend," said Ulrick examining the area.
Odd quickly sent his elbow into Ulrick's side. " don't jinx it. We should celebrate. Maybe it's more of Nexas' charm."
" "Speaking of Nexas why did you want me to hide her Jeremy."
"Oh because her body is different and I haven't developed a materialization program for her."
"What!" They all said in unison.
"But don't worry It will be easier to create than it is to hack into her. You guys shouldn't be worrying about that. THat sickness rates in the city have risen. Hospitals are having to turn down patients."
"We're on it." They began running towards the East.
"Uh. Hey Jeremy." Odd called out. "Where exactly is this tower."
"It should be in front of you."
"Must be well hidden." Ulrick added. " Don't worry we'll find it." Aelita began taking some steps forward. "Hey Aelita what are you doing. "
" This tree. It has two trunks but one set of leaves." She took another step forward but was hit by a laser from the tarantula behind the tree. "
"Aelita be careful. You just lost twenty life-points"
"This is bad Jeremy." said Ulrick. " With all the foliage we can't see the monster to well." Before he quite finished his sentence two spikes flew past his face and into the trees. A cry was heard. A tree fell and revealed a tarantula with one gun. THe other was slowly disappearing along with the weapon that cut it off. " Nexas!"
"Hit the target right?" She jumped from behind the bushes. " Set two!" She threw another set of spikes. One from each arm. She missed her target and only one set remained. She did manage to do some good and cut down some trees.
She bent her head and let out a loud breath. " I missed." She fell to one knee. Odd took a step to help her but she quickly lifted her head up. " Is the red glowing thing the tower?" She sat indian style and took in deep breaths. "The monster thing is still alive."
The others turned to view the charging tarantula. " Not for long." Odd aimed and fired. " Laser arrows." They actually got the target this time. " Who says I need practice."
Aelita stepped forward. " Jeremy are there any more monsters?"
"Nope. The areas safe."
Aelita walked into the tower and put in the code. She watched as the data files fell to the bottom and the tower deactivated.
"Return to the past now."
----- In the present... er past... whatever-----
"Hey Yumi have you met the newest member of the crew." Odd present Nexas to the older girl. " You wouldn't believe it but she has the power to upgrade you weapons but it drains her batteries.''
Yumi stared at her in shock. " Upgrade?"
"I like to think of myself as the perfect cheat code." she winked. " You know. Always developing along with the system I upgrade. Oh and..." She grabbed Yumi's arm an pulled her behind a pillar. "Are you interested in William."
Yumi turned red. " No. Why?"
" I heard all these rumors from this loud girl followed but two boys. I just think it will be a problem to balance two boys."
"Uh two boys?" Nexas slightly tilted her head and smiled at Yumi's serious blushing