Author's Note:

I'm currently working on an expansion for this chapter due to credibility
problems concerning the newbies introduction to the lab. Until it's finished,
enjoy the rest of this chapter.

Chapter #2:

Insert expansion

Inside the factory, the group listened patiently as Jeremie gave the twins a long winded account of current events.
"So, let me get this straight..." Jaden said trying to recap all the information that Jeremie had told him and Rinoa, which wasn't an easy task.

"You're fighting this evil computer named Xana in a virtual world called Lyoko?"

"That's correct." Jeremie answered. "But, it would be best if no on else knew about this due to unforeseen circumstances." he went on.

"So, this place is like a secret club?" Rinoa commented.

"Exactly." Ulrich responded.

"Alright, I think I understand but how exactly do you reach this Lyoko?" Jaden asked.

"There are several scanners in the room below us." Jeremie answered.

"Ok, so what exactly does this Xana do? I mean, he's only a computer right?" Jaden continued.

"Basically, Xana can control anything he wishes and then turn those items against us. When he does, it's our job to go into Lyoko and deactivate his towers so that the attacks cease then we can go to the past and act like everything is normal." Yuma said, picking up the narrative.

"There have also been a few occasions where Xana has possessed other humans in order to do his dirty work." Jeremie added.

"Wait, I'm still a little confused by all of this." Rinoa said while raising a hand and shaking her head.

"Not to worry, all you have to remember is that we're fighting a demonic artificial intelligence bent on taking over the world." Odd said.

"Ah, the old "take over the world" ploy." Jaden quipped sarcastically.

"Why do you say that?" Aelita asked curiously.

"Because that's what all bad guys seem to be driven to do." he answered dryly.

"Getting back to the matter at hand..." Jeremie spoke up. "Since several partial profiles
have been created,we thought you might be interested in joining us."

"How do these profile things work?" Jaden asked.

"Well," Jeremie launched into an explanation, "...there are two different types of files called Lyoko cards, because there are two programs that activate when you're virtualized. First of all, your physical essence has to be downloaded into the computer through a Digital Materialization Sequence. I guess you could call it a blueprint because it registers and outlines the virtual form that you'll have when you enter."

As Jeremie spoke, Ulrich glanced around the room and had to stop himself from laughing out loud as he caught sight of Odd's vacant stare. As he looked on, Ulrich noticed Aelita and Yumi fighting off similar impulses as they continued to listen to Jeremie's lecture.

"Of course, if that were the only program we used during virtualization, you'd enter Lyoko looking just
like you do here because that's your basic Lyoko card, with no swords or fans, or special abilities."

"Then a different program adds the special abilities, right?" Rinoa inquired.

"That's right..." Jeremie answered. "Next, we have the second program, the Virtual Form Sequence which takes the basic blueprint from the Digital Materialization Sequence that you've already been downloaded into, and adds all the other abilities to it. And it's that complete form that materializes inside Lyoko." Jeremie said as he pushed lightly at his glasses. "I just merged those two programs into one process so that you enter Lyoko immediately in your virtualized forms without going through two downloads."

"I see." Jaden responded not really comprehending what Jeremie had said.

"All that's left to do now, is to enter your personal information into the computer and combine
it with the partial profiles and you'll be all set to enter Lyoko." Jeremie said cheerfully.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Jaden replied excitedly.

"Hold on, before we continue I need to know which profile you want." Jeremie countered.

"One of the profiles is an attack oriented type while the other is oriented toward defense."

"I'll take the offensive one." Jaden stated quickly.

"You are rather offensive, aren't you?" Rinoa quipped sarcastically.

"Not now, sis." Jaden growled.

"And which one do you want?" Jeremie asked turning to Rinoa.

"I'll take the other one." she answered.

"Alright, you're now set." Jeremie said after several long hours of typing.

"Good, I was beginning to wonder how much longer it would take." Rinoa grumbled.

"So, what now?" Jaden asked.

"Now we wait and see what the future holds." Yuma replied.

"Xana's been awful quiet lately." she added worriedly.

As if on cue, an alarm suddenly went off. "Uh, oh. Looks like Xana's just activated a tower." Jeremie spoke up quickly as he began taping keys on the computer. Everyone crowded around behind his shoulder, peering at the screen. "According to the scanner, the activated tower is located in the forest region but there's a ton of monsters around it and I'm not exaggerating." he continued.

"Whoa…" Ulrich's mouth dropped as he stared at the statistics on the screen. "Looks like there are five Tarantulas, nine Krabes, three Megatanks, fifteen Hornets, about half a dozen Blocks, and almost as many Kankrelats near the tower." He added dryly as he gazed at the screen.

"Say what?" Odd exclaimed in disbelief.

Jeremie nodded grimly. "There are forty-four monsters guarding that tower."

Yuma leaned over him, glaring at the screen. "You can't be serious!"

"I wish I wasn't." Jeremie muttered darkly. "This is going to be difficult…"

"That's an understatement." Rinoa retorted.

"Jeremie. Are there any physical signs to indicate that Xana has launched an attack?" Aelita asked worriedly.

Jeremie quickly began accessing another program before responding.

"Uh, no. Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary so far."

"I don't get it." Ulrich said as he folded his arms, his brow furrowing.

"Nothing's happening but Xana's protecting a tower with forty-four monsters.

Jeremie turned to face his companions seriously. "If Xana has pulled out this many monsters for one tower,
he must be planning something huge. I say we stop him before he has the chance to get started."

"I'm up for that idea, Einstein." Odd quipped casually.

"In the meantime, you guys need to head down to the scanner room and get ready for virtualization." Jeremie added
as he turned back toward the computer and begin typing in preparation for transportation.

"We're on it." Yumi replied as she and the rest of the group headed for the elevator.

As the elevator doors closed, Ulrich turned to the twins.

"So, ready to go to Lyoko?" he asked as a smirk slowly crossed his face.

As he felt his body materialize into being, Jaden felt a sense of vertigo as he landed on the thick, green carpeting of grass and moss of the forest region with little incident. Beside him, Odd and Aelita got to their feet and joined him. As he scanned his surroundings, Jaden spotted the others a short distance away waiting for them. He also noticed that Rinoa was also carefully scrutinizing her surroundings. He did a quick glance at himself and noted that his body was covered in strange body armor that was a grayish color and resembled a ninja cyborg he'd seen in a movie once. He also noticed that Rinoa was dressed in a similar outfit, but it's color was light blue.

"How was the trip?" Yumi asked with a smirk as the trio jogged over to them.

"It was definitely something I won't forget anytime soon." Jaden replied.

"Alright, which way to the tower?" Odd spoke up.

"The activated tower is located northeast of your position." Jeremie's voice boomed over the landscape in reply.

"However, there's been a transfer error of some sort. I'm running a scan now to find out what the problem is." he added with a hint of concern.

Ulrich and the others quickly took a moment to

check themselves for any signs of physical damage.

"I don't feel any different." he said.

"Quick, everyone check your weapons!" Jeremie replied nervously. "Hopefully, they're still useful."

Ulrich and Yumi both drew their respective weapons and took a few practice swings; noting as they did so any ill effects they might suffer. Odd for his part, placed his left hand over his right to see if his gloves were working properly. Following the other's example, the twins began checking their own weapons. As they did, Jaden noted that he and Rinoa were armed differently then the others. Jaden found himself armed with a sword similar to Ulrich's, except with a glowing blade made of a crystal-like substance, and an assault rifle with a sniper scope attached to it. Glancing up, he noticed that his sister was armed with a staff and a pair of daggers. The warriors' inspections however, failed to uncover any problems that Xana might have imposed on their weapons.

"Everything seems to be working normally, Jeremie." Yumi stated.

"How are things looking on your end?" Rinoa asked.

"Nothing new to report I'm afraid." Jeremie answered.

"According to the scan, everything appears to be normal." he added in frustration.

"Hold on a moment, Einstein. Are you sure your computer isn't on the fritz?" Odd broke in.

"I mean, first you're alarm program picks up nothing and now this."

"Well, no. The equipment seems to be fine and that's what bothers me." Jeremie countered.

"It's like Xana isn't even attacking at all." Ulrich mused.

"Jeremie." Aelita spoke up.

"Yes Aelita?" Jeremie responded immediately.

"You said that you have yet to detect any problems that Xana could have caused?"

"Correct and it's driving me crazy trying to figure out what is going on."

"Then you said that there was a transfer error when Yumi, Ulrich, Odd, and I entered Lyoko."

"And also the twins when they was virtualized." Jeremie added.

"Do you think those two phenomenon could be connected to one another? That would explain why everything is still normal."

Jeremie's eyes opened wide with realization after listening to Aelita's deduction.

"That could be it Aelita! But we still have a major problem on our hands.

We still don't know what Xana has to gain from all of this."

"Let's just hope we never find out. I don't want to see the others get hurt." Aelita said with downcast eyes.

"My thoughts exactly."

Yumi and the others couldn't help be overhear Jeremie and Aelita's conversation and were somewhat concerned for their safety.

"Did you hear that guys?" Yumi said quietly to her companions who were currently standing behind her.

"Loud and clear." Ulrich answered. "We are in some serious hot water, now." he went on.

"I take it this doesn't happen very often." Jaden spoke up.

"Not usually in this manner." Ulrich replied.

"And when such instances do occur, it usually means trouble." Yumi said, picking up the narrative.

"Wait, this is weird… it's so quiet. Usually, we're attacked right off." she added after a pause.

"In that case, where is the reception committee?" Jaden commented.

Ulrich gave a scrutinizing look at their surroundings, as though they were being watched.

"What's Xana waiting for?" he asked to no one in particular.

"For us to show up and give him a good thrashing, like always!" Odd spoke up unperturbed. "I say we don't disappoint him."

"He's right." Rinoa agreed reluctantly.

"There's not much else we can do, so we'd better not waste any time."

"In that case, Odd you and Aelita go see what the situation is with the monsters at the tower." Yumi stated thoughtfully.

"In the meantime, Ulrich and I will give the twins some pointers on how to use their weapons."

"Don't worry, I've got everything under control." Odd replied casually.

"Good luck." Jaden said as he laid a hand on Odd's shoulder.

"Oh, sure always." Odd shot back with a grin. "Alright, let's go Aelita."

As one, the pair turned and rushed off at a brisk jog down the pathway that would lead them to the infected tower. Moving at a quick pace, the pair covered a considerable distance without encountering any obstacles or resistance as they headed in the direction of the infected tower.

As they approached the tower, the pair slowed their pace involuntarily. Odd came to a standstill, gaping slightly as they reached a nearby clearing.

"Whoa…"

"What have you got?" Jeremie whispered.

"Just a moment, Jeremie. I'll uplink you a visual." Aelita replied.

Inside the factory, Jeremie stared at his screen as another window opened showing him a first-person perspective. Sure enough, forty-four of Xana's monsters could be seen milling around near the tower. As he watched, Jeremie was awestruck by the spectacle he was witnessing. Before him Kankrelats and Blocks scuttled around like lookouts while larger Megatanks rolled slowly back and forth like massive sentinels, occasionally opening to cast glances with their hidden eyes. Tarantulas and Krabes meanwhile, strode through the apparent disorder as dozens of Hornets hovered around the area.

"It's like they're waiting for something." Aelita observed over the speaker.

Jeremie slammed his fist against the console in frustration.

"I don't understand. Nothing is happening yet, Xana's deployed

all those monsters to guard the tower. What could he be up to?"

"That's a good question, Einstein." Odd replied. "But I think we could use a little help here."

"Stay where you are, I'm going to notify the others." Jeremie responded.

"Will do."

As they continued sparing, Ulrich couldn't help but be impressed by Jaden's cunning and skill with a blade.

"You know, given more time and practice you might be better then I am." he remarked.

"Really?" Jaden shot back with a grin.

"Just don't let it go to your head." Ulich countered while wearing a grin of his own.

"Ok, listen up guys." Jeremie called out.

"What's going on?" Yumi asked.

Jaden was a bit startled by the girls' sudden appearance.

"Odd and Aelita have found the activated tower but they're going to need some help with crowd control." Jeremie replied.

"That bad, huh?" Ulrich commented.

"We're on our way, Jeremie." Yumi declared.

With that, the group began running at a quick pace toward Odd and Aelita's location.

As they reached the pair, the group also slowed their pace involuntarily.

"Looks like quite a crowd." Rinoa whispered softly as they gazed at the assorted mass in front of them.

"Yeah, I guess we're about to have ourselves quite a party!" Jaden quipped just as softly.

As though it had heard him, a Kankrelat scout turned its eye in their direction. It stood motionless for a moment, then began scuttling towards them at full speed, charging a laser. In the same instant, all the other monsters swivelled in their direction, alerted to their presence as though linked by a hive mind.

"They've seen us!" Aelita shouted.

"You just had to say something, didn't you?" Rinoa snapped sarcastically.

The group sprang into action as the first laser blast sailed towards them.

"We need a plan!" Yumi shouted as she side-stepped the beam.

"We're going to have to make it up as we go." Ulrich replied as he pulled out his katana.

"Aelita, stay behind us until we can clear a way to the tower." he added while deflecting another laser blast.

With a nod, Aelita backed out of range as the laser fire began in earnest.

"Hey, sis. Keep an eye out for Aelita will you?" Jaden asked.

With a nod, Rinoa also backed out of range and stood near Aelita.

Ulrich began to rapidly twist his blade in every direction, reflecting a laser beam each time. Keeping the sword moving, he deflected two more blasts and dodged out of the way of a third. The monsters however, were too far off... all he could do for now was defend himself. Yumi however, was having better luck with retaliation. Fans open in her grasp, she blocked two incoming lasers, then rolled evasively to one side, flinging the weapons with a twist of her wrist in the same motion. As the fans whirled towards the line of surrounding monsters, they sliced through a group of Kankrelats and Blocks with a thin explosion. They continued their humming flight in wide circles, slicing through a group of Hornets in the process. All this happened in an instant, and as Yumi came out of her evasive roll in a neat crouch, she raised her hands and caught the weapons solidly as they returned.

Odd and Jaden, for their part, were also holding their own against the relentless monster onslaught. Using his agility, Odd side-jumped a laser, then slid on his knees beneath another. Back up on his feet in the next instant, he back flipped, ricocheted off the side of a tree and launched a quadruple burst of arrow towards a group of Kankrelats in mid-flight. He landed in time to watch them explode. Jaden meanwhile, strafed groups of adversaries with his assault rifle while using nearby trees for cover. In the process, he eliminated one of the Megatanks, a pair of Blocks and a Krabe while stopping only to reload or slash any creatures that got to close to him. Rinoa however, busied herself with bashing and slashing any monsters that approached her and Aelita. As she fought, Rinoa hurled her daggers at one nearby cluster of assorted enemies while using her staff to deflect laser blasts back at a another group. In an instant, the shimmering blades whirled through the air in a similar manner to Yumi's fan, leaving a wake of chaos among the horde as they passed. Upon their return, Rinoa effortlessly caught and launched the daggers at an approaching Krabe before using her staff, unconsciously triggering her secondary lyoko power, to pummel a trio of Kankrelats to pieces.

"You're very good with those. Almost as good as Yumi is with her fan I'd say." Aelita remarked as Rinoa easily caught the daggers upon they're return.

"Thanks. Although it certainly helped to get some pointers first." Rinoa replied.

Any further conversation was interrupted as a Tarantula appeared behind them and opened fire driving them in the direction of the monsters near the tower. Odd and the others meanwhile, found themselves in a similar situation. "Hey, Xana as much as I appreciate your interest, this is ridiculous!" Odd quipped as he dived behind a nearby tree.

"Odd! Jaden! Regroup with Ulrich and Yumi otherwise you'll be cut off!" Jeremie called out.

"We'd love to Jeremie but in case you haven't noticed we're a little busy at the moment." Jaden retorted as he snapped a shot at their attackers.

"And I don't have enough arrows to take out all of our new friends, Einstein!" Odd added grimly.

"I'll restock your ammo Odd, but you still need to regroup with the others." Jeremie replied.

Unexpectedly, the remaining group of monsters began to split up as nearly half of them moved away from the tower.
Seeing an opening, an idea suddenly struck Odd, and he gave a tiny smirk.

"If I can't get them all, maybe I can lure them away instead…"

"Talk to me, Odd. What are you planning?" Jaden asked.

"Regroup with Ulrich and Yumi, I'll take care of these guys." Odd answered.

"Odd, are you nuts! You won't last ten seconds out there with all those monsters on your tail!" Jeremie snapped.

"Don't worry, Jeremie I know what I'm doing." Odd replied. "Ok, guys follow the leader!" he called out to the monsters as he began sprinting away.

Yumi fell to one knee as a laser blast struck her right leg. She grit her teeth and launched her fan viciously at the Krabe that had hit her.
The weapon skimmed through the air in a graceful arc, curving too wide to strike its target. Yumi swore under her breath and dove to the ground as another laser fired at her head. She then moved into a quick somersault that brought her back to her feet as her fan returned from its flight. She pulled her arm back, ready to fling the weapon again, when a streak of bright gold skimmed across the corner of her eye. Ulrich sped past, using the momentum of his extra speed to launch himself into a high leap. He landed hard on the domed head of the Krabe, sword first. The being shattered beneath his feet, and he fell back to the ground. He followed up by leaping over the nearest Kankrelat from behind, simultaneously swinging his sword down through the virtual being in a strange, lethal version of leapfrog.

As he landed, Ulrich twisted on his heels, swinging the blade in a wide arc and shattering a nearby Block. Following through with the motion, Ulrich brought the momentum of the swing up and over his head, gripping the hilt with both hands and stabbing downward violently with the point at another Kankrelat. Just as the sword impacted a laser was released. Ulrich went flying backward from a direct hit to the chest as the Kankrelat exploded. With a grunt, Ulrich landed hard on his back, his torso sparking from the hit.

"Are you alright?" Yumi asked as she stood over him, looking concerned.

He nodded and got to his feet, brow furrowed.

"I'm fine, but I think it's time we rejoined the others."

"Alright, let's go." Yumi agreed.

The pair then set off to find their comrades.

Glancing at the monsters that surrounded them, Odd spotted a gap in the ranks and seized the opportunity.
As Jaden lay down covering fire, Odd dodged between two Krabes and took off running, away from the tower.

"Careful Odd, the other two Megatanks are closing in on your position with a pincer movement!" Jeremie called out.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Odd moaned as he jumped a laser beam and fired another arrow.

"Both tanks! Wait, what the heck is a pincer movement?"

"They're coming in from the left to cut off your escape route!" Jeremie shouted.

"Is that all?" Odd panted as he ran. Odd glanced to his left, giving up ten life points for the distraction as a laser struck his shoulder.
Sure enough, he saw the shadowed forms of two giant tanks rolling towards him at an alarming rate.

Turning his gaze ahead again, an idea struck him and he scanned the landscape, searching for something specific. A little ways up, the path split into two narrower walkways that curved away from each other. Directly ahead, at the point of the split, the earth dropped away, leaving a gaping hole that led inevitably down to the void. A laser struck him hard in the left knee, almost causing him to trip. As he struggled to regain his stride, Odd didn't have to look over his shoulder again to know that they were still following him.

Drawing closer to the void, Odd quickened his pace trying to draw more speed as the edge rushed towards him. He needed to keep going in the same straight direction, and hope that Xana's monsters were foolish enough to follow directly behind him. At the last possible moment, he catapulted into the air, sailing directly over the open drop to the void below.

As he did so, Odd stretched out his arms and extending the claws on his hands as he reached towards the opposite side of the gap. With a heavy thud, he fell into the edge, half dangling over the side as he dug his hands into the earth to keep himself from falling. Behind him, one of the Megatanks had been traveling too quickly. Unable to stop its momentum, it sailed over the edge and downward into destruction. As he scrambled back up onto solid ground, Odd looked back across the gap. The other Megatank remained, having been able to stop its advance safely on the other side. Behind it, he saw a Tarantula, a Krabe and a trio of Blocks scrambling to catch up.

"Aww, man!" Odd moaned. "I only got one? Gaaaah!"

He didn't have much time to ponder the situation as he was forced to dodged to the side as laser fire suddenly erupted from across the gap. The remaining Megatank however, was now working its way slowly around the gap, staying carefully on the narrow, solid path. It moved, stopped, opened, and swivelled as though looking for its prey. Not wanting to give it the chance to secure him as a target, Odd began to run around the other side, back towards the crowd of monsters that were waiting for him. He ducked and rolled evasively to avoid the shower of laser fire that rained down on him.

Breathless, he dashed behind the cover of a large tree, peeking back out to see that the Megatank was now moving all the way around the circular path to cut him off. Odd grimaced, kicking himself for his stupidity. Now there was an assorted mob of monsters in front of him, and a Megatank moving in behind him. In a few moments, he'd be stuck in the crossfire. He winced as laser after laser blasted into the tree he was trying to hide behind. As he saw a blackened chunk of wood fly loose from the side of the trunk, Odd gave another tiny smirk as an idea struck him.

"Here we go..." he said softly as he took a half step away from the tree before
leaping onto the vertical wooden surface and scrabbling upward like a squirrel.

Several yards up, he stopped for a moment to look down at the assembled monsters. As he did so, the Tarantula spotted him and opened fire prompting the rest to follow suit. Lucky for Odd, he was too high up and out of range. He didn't have time to enjoy the situation however, as four Hornets suddenly appeared and fired at him.

As they reached a clearing near the tower, Yumi and Ulrich quickly spotted their friends and made their way over to them. Upon reaching them, Yumi immediately noticed two things. The first, was that they were now loosely surrounded by monsters. Secondly, one person in particular was missing.

"Where's Odd?" she asked while deflecting a laser beam.

"He said something about luring the monsters away and took off." Jaden answered.

"What? Is he crazy!" Ulrich shouted in disbelief.

"He's no good to us if he gets himself devirtualized!" Yumi added darkly.

"Odd's not far from your current location but he's in a bit of a tight spot at the moment." Jeremie spoke up.

"Why doesn't that surprise me." Yumi muttered irritably.

"He's located near a fork in the trail northwest of your position." Jeremie said again.

"Don't worry, I'll go and get him." Jaden chimed in.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Ulrich asked.

"It's no big deal." Jaden replied. "Besides, how hard is it to find someone that looks like Odd around here?" he went on.

"Alright, watch yourself." Yumi said.

"Will do." Jaden responded before sprinting off in the direction Jeremie had indicated.

As he approached the junction, Jaden spotted a mass of monsters shooting at a nearby tree. Glancing up, he saw Odd unsuccessfully attempt to fend off a trio of Hornets. Facing the impossible horde before him, Jaden chanced closing his eyes for an instant to find the concentration necessary for him to activate his secondary lyoko power. In the next instant, his eyes were open again, and he noticed his vision darken as he watched the action around him slow down. Everything was now black and white as he targeted the monsters assembled at the base of the tree.

"Bullet Barrage." Jaden whispered softly.

His vision returned to normal as he let lose a hailstorm of lead upon his unsuspecting enemies. The monsters buckled under the assault and exploded in a brilliant shower of sparks and scrap metal. Distracted by the chaos below, the Hornets quickly fell prey to Odd's remaining arrows. Once the cost was clear, Jaden checked his ammo and was mildly surprised to discover that he'd emptied an entire clip into the group.

"Nice shooting, Jaden. You really know how to lighten things up." Odd called down

cheerfully as Jaden ejected his spent clip and loaded in a fresh one.

"Thanks. By the way, how's it hangin'?" he joked.

"Oh, you know me. I just love to hangin' around." Odd shot back with a grin.

"Anyway, we'd better get back before Ulrich and the girls miss us." Jaden said as Odd climbed down.

"Well, in that case, I guess we'd better head back before the girls get lonely." Odd joked.

As one, the pair turned and rushed off at a brisk jog back in the direction they had come.

Upon entering the clearing, the others turned as Odd and Jaden reached them.

"Where have you been?" Ulrich asked as he deflected another laser blast.

"Oh, you know me Ulrich. I just enjoy hangin' out with company." Odd joked.

Rinoa and Aelita gave Odd bewildered looks as Yumi placed a hand

across her forehead and moaned softly in response to his comment.

"You can tell them all about your little excursion later, Odd." Jeremie snapped.

"In the meantime, just concentrate on staying alive!"

As if to illustrate his point, the group looked around and discovered that they were now completely surrounded. A sudden movement caught Ulrich's eye. Turning, he saw a Kankrelat scuttle sideways, swiveling its head towards Aelita in anticipation for a clear shot.

"All of you, watch it!" He growled, lunging in front of her with his sword extended.

The bright red orb burned as it prepared to release its laser... and suddenly stop. Ulrich stared

at the Kankrelat as the glow from the laser receded and the monster went completely still. Uncertain, he and the others cast uneasy glances about, only to see that every other monster that surrounded them had also ceased their movements. Most now stood like silent statues, frozen in attack positions as their lasers began dying; whatever power they possessed seeming to fail. Others, such as the Tarantulas however, seemed to mill around in the area but made no move to attack.

"What's happening?" Rinoa asked confused.

"I don't know, I've never seen Xana's monsters do anything like this." Aelita answered uncertainly.

Odd took a cautious step forward and tapped the dome of a Kankrelat experimentally with his claws. It made a metallic sound,
but the monster remained motionless. "It's like they've all been deactivated or something." he mused.

"Well, whatever's causing this I say we take advantage of it." Ulrich said as he gestured toward Aelita.

"Quick, make a run for the tower while you've got the chance.

We'll cover you in case they start moving again."

Aelita nodded and turned to follow his suggestion, but after only a few steps she came to a halt, staring straight ahead. The others saw the reason for her hesitation and stared in disbelief as a humanoid figure casually strode towards them from the tower. As the figure calmly approached, all of the surrounding monsters parted providing the stranger a clear path to walk on.

"Who is that?" Yumi hissed aloud, just so the others could hear as the stranger drew closer.

The figure appeared to be about their age, and was no taller than Ulrich. The tips of pointed ears were visible from beneath locks of dark brown hair. His pale face resembled a bizarre cross between Ulrich and William and held eyes that were green with a light crimson hue. Above them, in the center of his forehead, was the symbol of a third eye.

"Well, my troublesome humans." the boy said as he came to a halt a short distance from them, a plastered
smile of insincerity lurking on his features. "It's so nice to finally meet you all in person" he added evilly.

Four pairs of eyes widened in unison in response to his words.

"So, you must be Xana." Jaden said dryly.

The boy's smile widened and he spread his arms wide. "In the flesh."

Ulrich glared suspiciously at the newfound humanoid.

"I don't know what you're up to, Xana." he spoke darkly, katana raised. "But we're going to stop you."

"Bold words coming from such a weak species." Xana retorted not looking worried in the least
as he gestured toward the monsters that surrounded them.

"So far it would seem that your efforts have been proving less than sufficient."

"Whatever you're trying to accomplish, it's not going to work." Jeremie's voice boomed over the landscape in repl "Is that so?" Xana countered. "It must be driving you mad right now, Jeremie. You, of all people,unable to determine the true extent of the events that are transpiring here." he continued mockingly. As one, Ulrich and Jaden brandished their swords, ready to charge acros the short distance and skewer the taunting youth at a moment's notice.

"Are you that eager to die?" Xana asked with a grin

"What's it to you?" Ulrich retorted.

Xana held up a hand as if to keep the boys at bay.

"I'd be inclined not to rush into combat so quickly, if I were you." he replied casually.

"What do you mean?" Jaden asked.

"After all, I'm the one who provided the means necessary for the

creation of the forms you're currently using." Xana answered.

"In the meantime, there are a few things we need to discuss." he continued while turning his gaze toward Aelita.

"You know it, don't you?" Xana asked with a smug smile, gesturing at his appearance as he spoke.

"We're of the same species, my dear. You could even think of me as a brother."

Aelita eyed him warily.

"Don't tell me you can't see the resemblance." he continued. "This is what I once was, just as you are now, Aelita. A digital being
with a humanoid form. But I have evolved beyond that immature stage and into something much more efficient, more powerful."

"What do you mean?" Aelita asked as her eyes narrowed.

"I once thought the same thing as you do. That I had a rightful place among the other inhabitants of existence;
that I should be a part of the life outside this empty, virtual place." Xana replied with a smile. "So you see, I can understand why you insist on clinging to this crude, mortal form, whether it be for familiarity,
or perhaps sentimental value..." he continued after a short pause.

Her temper riled, Aelita took a step back.

"Of course I carried such thoughts until I realized that I am superior." Xana declared.

"Your insane!" Rinoa remarked.

"So, why all this? Why now?" Ulrich asked.

"Just thought I'd try something different for a change." Xana replied coldly.

"You're wrong about this, Xana." Aelita said through clinched teeth.

As he listened, a smirk slowly made its way across Xana's mouth.

"Tell me something, Aelita. If Lyoko somehow became infected with a virus that could not be contained and was slowly deteriorating our world, wouldn't you exterminate it? Fight against it with all your ability and delete it with no hesitations?" he asked after a brief pause.

Aelita stood silently as the firm gaze that she'd held a moment ago was now betrayed by uncertainty.

"You already know the answer to that, don't you?" he taunted.

Suddenly something changed in Aelita's eyes. She glared a Xana then suddenly smiled.

"Yes. You're right. If Lyoko were to become infected with such a virus, I would delete it with no regrets."

Xana's eyebrow shot up at her sudden agreement. Aelita's smile grew wider.

"And that is why I have been fighting all along to delete you, Xana."

After another brief pause, a wicked smile spread across Xana's mouth once again.

"I thought you might say that." he replied calmly. As he spoke, a glowing orb of energy began to form in his hand.

"In that case, you may join your friends in their extinction!" he continued while hurling the glowing sphere at her.

The energy beam struck Aelite in the chest and threw her into a nearby tree. Upon hitting the ground, the girl couldn't begin to
comprehend the pain she was experiencing and curled into a ball clutching her chest in hopes to better deal with her anguish.

"AELITA!" Jeremie screamed out in horror.

The sight almost drove him to tears but he held onto his composure for his friends' sake. As the twins tended to Aelita, Yumi retaliated by launching one of her fans in Xana's direction. Grinning, Xana merely lifted a hand in response and caused the whirling disc to halt it's humming flight in midair a foot away from him. As the whirling disc hovered in front of him, Xana waved a finger in the air and the fan moved in response to it. With a twist of his wrist, the fan suddenly shot backwards and slammed into Yumi hurling her onto the ground. Without missing a beat, Xana twisted his torso and telekineticly hurled two deactivated Kankrelats at Odd and Ulrich; striking each of them in the chest and throwing them onto the ground as well.

"Nice trick, Xana..." Jaden spoke up sarcastically. "...got anymore?"

"As a matter of fact I do." Xana replied coldly. As he continued speaking, a third eye symbol
slowly began to burn itself on the left shoulder plate of each of the twins' armor.

"Since it would be a waste to convince you otherwise, I suppose the old saying is true."

"What are you talking about?" Rinoa asked.

"All gifts come with a price." Xana responded flatly.

The third eye symbols suddenly pulsed sending a powerful burst of electric curren racin across each of
the twins' body. Groaning in agony, Jaden and Rinoa dropped to their knees as Xana gave a short laugh. "A virus, and a powerful one at that too." Jeremie remarked as the electric sparks finally ended and everyone slowly got to their feet.

"Thanks for telling us, Jeremie." Jaden retorted sarcastically.

Still grinning, Xana looked expectantly at the angry faces that were glaring at him.

"What's the matter? Don't you like me anymore?" he asked innocently.

"Alright, that does it!" Rinoa growled as she drew her daggers and took a menacing step toward him.

As she watched, Aelita suddenly had a flashback of her dream. With a gasp, she reached out and grabbed Rinoa by the shoulder.

"Rinoa don't!"

"What's the matter is it to late to play?" Xana sneered as he spread his hands wide in a defenseless, welcoming gesture.

With a snarl, Rinoa charged at him.

"You're a feisty one." Xana remarked as the third eye symbol pulsed once again; sending another
burst of electric current racing across her body. Gritting her teeth, Rinoa continued her dash.

"Rinoa! What are you doing?" Jeremie shouted.

"Xana's taunting you! He wants you to attack him!" he added frantically.

Jeremie's warning came to late however, as Rinoa continued her charge. With a lunge, she preformed a leaping slash at his head. Xana however, sidestepped causing the blow to miss. Undeterred, Rinoa stabbed at his chest. Xana meanwhile, countered by grabbing her outstretched arm and twisting it. He followed up by quickly striking Rinoa in the face and kicking her across the chest and back before hurling her over his shoulder and onto the ground. Upon impact, Rinoa groaned once then grew still as an orange blob engulfed her.

"Rinoa!" Jaden shouted.

"Now, if you'll excuse me I have other matters to attend to." Xana said as he turned away.

"Oh, by all means feel free to continue your games with my monsters, of course." he added with a wide sweep of his hand before walking away.

As one, all of the inactive monsters suddenly began to shift and clatter back to life.

"The monsters are active again. Get out of there!" Jeremie shouted urgently.

"Which way do we go?" Odd called out worriedly.

"There's a deactivated tower located southwest of your position." Jeremie responded.

"We're on our way." Ulrich replied.

As the group began sprinting in the direction of the deactivate tower, Yumi glanced back and saw
Jaden standing in the same place. Jogging over to him, she gently laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Rinoa." Jaden whispered sadly as he turned to her.

"We have to go now." Yumi answered with a sympathetic expression.

After a moment, Jaden pulled himself together and nodded.

"I'll cover you." he said, hefting his assault rifle. With a nod, Yumi turned and rushed off at a brisk jog
down the pathway that would lead to the deactivated tower. Jaden followed her a moment later.