"Jeremie." A whispered exclamation made the blonde computer guru stop in his tracks. Only for a moment, however, eyes wide, before he flipped a switch and pulled the plug on the world that had alternately plagued and sustained the five of them for over ten years.
"Aelita." It was Odd who spoke this time, in a strangely entranced voice for the normally slapstick 22 year old. Aelita, the girl in question, examined her arms, hands, and feet, considering the form which she now took. Finally she looked up, bright emerald eyes contrasting with tousled red hair. "I'm here, I'm really here. And Lyoko…" she looked suddenly sad, "…it's gone."
The five of them stood, staring at each other, trying to come to grips with what had just happened.
"Aren't you glad?" Yumi was trying to hold a conversation with their newly tangible friend as they prepared to meet the guys for dinner. "I mean, all the times you risked your life, even before we found you? I for one am glad things are finally normal again!" Aelita smiled, a little sadly.
"Yes, but it was still home for 23 years. I just… I can't believe it's over, I guess." Yumi smiled and nodded. She knew what it was like to have mixed feelings about leaving home forever. Aelita looked at the top of the dresser where Yumi had miscellaneous cosmetics lined up. She was curious but not enough to try them herself. By this time, Yumi had caught Aelita's glance.
"Here, try some on," she said, handing some lipsticks toward the girl.
"I don't know, I'm not sure how to work them," Aelita said softly, taking the cap off of one stick. "Do you think Jeremie would… um…"
Yumi smiled. "He'd love it," she said softly. Aelita smiled, her cheeks turning red.
An hour later, Jeremie, Odd and Ulrich stood on Yumi's front porch, fidgeting. Jeremie was pacing so quickly that it was a wonder grooves didn't appear in the stone; Odd was torturing a spider that was crawling on a window shutter; Ulrich was twisting the cord from his hoodie around one finger.
"We're ready," Yumi called, opening the door at last. She emerged from inside wearing a calf-length red dress, jet black hair pulled up with a red hair stick and ribbons, and lipstick to match. Ulrich's eyes grew larger as he gazed at her. Gauging his reaction, Yumi smiled; her entrance had produced the desired effect. "And now," she called, as she faced the door and felt Ulrich's arm encircle her waist, "we are proud to present, for the very first time, the lovely, in the flesh, Aelita!" The shy girl appeared at last. Her red hair was still untamed; she wore a brilliant green dress that complimented her eyes. Jeremie stopped in his tracks, simply staring at her, lax jawed. She blushed nervously, and moved to stand beside Yumi.
"Wow, Aelita, you look really great!" Odd announced. Jeremie gave him a quick sideways glance, but then focused his attention back onto the embodiment of the love of his life. She was blushing again, but smiling. Shyly, Jeremie reached out and took her hand in his. Their eyes met for only a moment before the five headed out toward the restaurant.
"You guys clean up well, too," Yumi was saying. The guys were in rare form; all had dressed for the occasion.