Disclaimer: I do not own Code Lyoko.

Summary: Jeremie's gone missing and no one has any idea why. When XANA launches an attack, who will work the super computer? Will they have to result to someone else? And will they ever find Jeremie again?

Author's Note: Ooh, so the battle's over. What will happen next? –laughs- Best chapter, in my opinion. And also the second to last! )

Reviewers: Princess Aelita Lyoko, seainieb, Schnozberry

Missing

Chapter Nine

Rose looked over at Ulrich, Yumi, and Odd. Ulrich had thrown his pole down and placed a fist to his forehead, breathing hard. Odd was looking at Rose, who still sat on the ground, stunned. Yumi had dropped to her knees next to the unconscious Jeremie, checking his pulse.

"H-He's still alive," she stuttered, wiping her tears. Ulrich fell to his knees next to Yumi, reaching out and pulling her into a hug. She cried into his shoulder, like when they first found out Jeremie was missing. Now Jeremie was alive and with them, so she cried for the battle and for her happiness.

Rose took a big breath, taking in all that had happened. She exhaled and told herself it was all over. Odd walked over and sat next to her.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly. Rose looked at Odd and nodded her head. Then she leaned over and gave him a huge hug.

"Thank you," she thanked. She reached into her backpack and took out Jeremie's eyeglasses. Rose got up and walked over to Ulrich and Yumi and hugged them as well.

"Thank you all so much," she said again. She looked and Jeremie and crawled on her knees over to his head. She placed the back of her hand on his cheek. When her skin came in contact with his cheek, Jeremie's eyes snapped open. He jumped on his feet and backed against the wall.

"XANA, no!" he yelled. "Leave me alone, go away!" Rose stood up and held her hand out.

"Jeremie, it's not XANA," she assured. He shook his head hard and backed up even further.

"No, it's a trick!" he screamed. "It's a trick, you're tricking me!" He sprinted towards the entrance of the alley. Rose ran out in front of him and grabbed his shoulders, trying to restrain him as he struggled.

"Jeremie, stop!" she cried. "It's me! It's me, Rose!" She took the glasses and placed them on Jeremie. He blinked many times and slowly stopped struggling.

"R-Rose?" he stuttered. "How did you…who told you…where's XANA!"

"Gone," she answered. "Ulrich, Odd, and Yumi defeated him." Jeremie turned around and saw his friends all sitting on the ground staring at him.

"Ulrich…" he said a little quieter. "Yumi… Odd..." He turned to face Rose again, who was still steadying him.

"But you… found me?" he questioned. Rose nodded.

"I locked on to your mobile signal," she explained. She slowly let go of Jeremie, seeing if he could steady himself. He was silent for the longest time. Odd stood up.

"You know, Jeremie…" he began. "We'll probably be needing a return to the past. If you ever wanted to be healthy again, that is." Jeremie looked at everyone, whose eyes were locked on him.

"Alright, let's go," he said. "But I'll need some help." Everyone dropped their weapons and left them in the alley. Ulrich and Rose both supported Jeremie and Odd and Yumi walked next to them.

x0x

Jeremie sat in the super computer chair, typing in the code for a return to the past. Yumi, Ulrich, and Odd stood behind the chair and watched him while Rose sat against the wall, running everything she'd learned about Lyoko and XANA through her mind.

"Okay, the code's entered," Jeremie said, sounding better already. "Is everyone ready?"

"Wait, Jeremie," Rose let out. Ulrich, Yumi, and Odd sensed something important and left to sit in the elevator while they talked. The elevator door closed and Jeremie turned his chair around to look at Rose.

"Yes?" Jeremie asked. Rose got up and walked over to Jeremie, failing to keep her tears inside.

"I was really worried about you," she said, her voice cracking from the crying. "And I was afraid I wouldn't be able to see you again."

"Well I'm here now and I'm fine," he replied, starting to turn back to the super computer. Rose caught the chair and turned him back around.

"You don't get it, Jeremie," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I was worried about you because I love you!"

"Aww, man!" Odd cried, exposing the fact that he was eavesdropping. Metal clanked in the elevator, leaving Rose and Jeremie to believe Ulrich and Yumi gave Odd what was coming to him.

Jeremie's eyes widened as he looked intently at Rose. She stared right back at him. He sighed.

"I'm sorry, but my heart belongs to someone else," he admitted. Rose blinked a few times, realizing that her heart was breaking with every beat. All of a sudden, Jeremie pulled Rose to him by her arms and kissed her on the lips.

Rose's eyes became wide as she realized what was happening. Jeremie had closed his eyes, giving Rose full effect of the kiss. She closed her eyes as well and returned it. Jeremie broke away quickly and waited for Rose to open her eyes. Once she did, he smiled.

"But I think you earned that for saving me from XANA," he explained. "Thanks." Rose flushed a deep red and wiped her eyes from her previous crying.

"No problem," she said. The elevator doors opened and Yumi, Ulrich, and Odd came walking out. Odd looked very disappointed. Jeremie turned back to his computer.

"Are you sure we can return to the past far enough to where you're still at the school?" Yumi asked.

"There's no need to," Jeremie answered. "Since XANA isn't here anymore, I only have to go back far enough so Rose doesn't remember anything about XANA or Lyoko."

"So do I really have to forget?" she questioned. Jeremie nodded.

"I'm sorry, Rose," he said, placing his finger over the enter key. "But thank you for replacing me in my absence." Rose smiled. Jeremie pushed the enter key and a bright light illuminated the room. Rose squinted her eyes to catch a last glimpse of Jeremie.

"Return to the past, now!"