This chapter was written by me and edited by UndeadMonkey8. It was also consulted on by AeroJester203.
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Lyoko! All copy righting belongs to Moonscoop. I only own my OCs.
I also do not own the movie Alien… that is owned by 20th century fox. Copyrighting goes to them. Also… I've never seen the movie Alien… so don't hate me for that okay? The creature in Code Lyoko was either based on the creature Alien or the movie Predator, which is also owned by 20th century fox.
That's it for the disclaimers. Enjoy the chapter!
End of Take
In the gymnasium
POV Lila's
Someone nudges me awake, and I then open my eyes. Opening them to the ending of the film, I look around the gymnasium to see that there was a lot of students here for the showing.
"Totally ridiculous, you even fell asleep," Jeremy says and I start getting up slowly.
"I - did?" I ask groggily.
"Yeah you did. You missed everything, which really was nothing to be honest," Jeremy answers bluntly.
"No way! I thought that was great," Ulrich says.
Sitting up straight, the screen starts rolling. Looking at the names in the credits, I recognize one the director's name: "James Finson." The projector screen then turns off, and the lights turn on.
Wow... I really did fall asleep… and why do I know that name? James Finson… hm… I think.
"I thought the special effects were pretty good, but it wasn't scary," Odd says.
"You're kidding. How come your teeth were chattering? For the sound effects?" Yumi jokes. I start laughing, as Ulrich, Yumi, and Jeremy laugh with me. Crossing his arms, Odd looks at us, annoyed. Looking at our classmates, they start clapping as one of them whistles with excitement. On the other side of the gymnasium, I look over to see that some of my classmates look confused.
I guess not everyone appreciates this Finson's guy's film… I'm glad I fell asleep, I think.
"Students, can I have your attention please? I would like you all to give a warm welcome to the director of the film you have just seen. And which we all found... very interesting. And here he is now: James Finson, who is honoring us with his presence today to discuss his work in the fascinating field of cinema," Mr. Delmas claps and he moves away from the microphone, allowing Mr. Finson to talk. Mr. Finson walks on stage, and walking up to the microphone, he stops. Clearing his throat, he grabs the microphone. Looking at Mr. Finson, I notice he's at least six feet tall and has black hair. He has brown eyes. He is wearing a dark blue collared jacket, along with a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and brown shoes.
"That's right and I'm also here to look for locations to shoot for my new film," Mr. Finson announces. Looking around, I start seeing a lot of faces brighten up with excitement. Turning to Ulrich and Odd, their faces are filled with excitement.
I guess Odd did enjoy the film, even if he was a bit scared, I think.
"In fact, I heard there's an old factory around here, which nobody uses anymore and which I'm very interested in," Mr. Finson continues.
"A factory?" Jeremy asks, widening his eyes he then makes a realization.
"Oh no, not ours!"
Later
In Lila's room
Walking into my room, I close the door behind me. I see that Mary is typing on the copy of my father's laptop again.
"Why are you up so late?" I ask, and then place my bag on the ground. I start walking to my bed.
"I've been trying to do some research by using your father's old video diaries. I've only managed to access a few of them, and somehow the information is still intact. I imagine because it was inside the time machine, it wasn't affected by the grandfather paradox. You told me how Xana sent a clone recently?" Mary asks, and reaching my bed I push myself onto it.
"Yeah I did. Though… I can't help but wonder if the clone, was on Lyoko before I blacked out? I suppose it's possible. For one thing, I'm sure it wasn't the Ninjas, that Dr. Tyron used in Cortex. It couldn't have been. It's too early in the timeline. Xana never developed his own warrior."
"That's true. Though… I do have one theory. I think Xana was trying to clone a warrior to fight all of you. That would explain why he possessed William Dunbar the first time. To him... William was someone he easily manipulated, a perfect warrior."
"Maybe… I guess we'll never know," I shrug.
The next day
Outside the cafeteria
Ulrich, Odd, Yumi, Jeremy, and I are outside the cafeteria. Looking at the line outside of it, I roll my eyes.
How could anyone possibly like this guy's movie? I think.
"If this Finson guy finds out about our supercomputer, we're in trouble," Jeremy frets.
"We've absolutely have to stop him from using it," Yumi agrees.
"Yeah sure we do. But how?" Odd asks.
"I think I have an idea," I reply.
"Me too. There's nothing to worry about," Ulrich says.
In the cafeteria
Walking into the line, Ulrich and I wait as a group of students and Sissi are ahead of us.
"Ulrich... look," I say.
Looking with me, Ulrich says:
"I guess I shouldn't be too surprised she's here..." he then sighs.
Later
The line shortened, Ulrich and I approach Mr. Finson's security guard. The security guard closes the entrance, by lifting a rope and connecting it to another barrier pole. Looking at Sissi I notice how excited she is. Grabbing a pen, Mr. Finson starts signing his name on a poster of him.
"Oh, I'm so glad to meet you Mr. Finson. I just loved your film, I'm a big fan of yours," Sissi says.
"Oh well really? I can't argue with your taste, I like my films too," Mr. Finson nods.
Of course, you do it's your own film! Gee this guy is a bit of an egomaniac, I think.
"What's your name?" Mr. Finson asks.
"Um why don't you just write "To Sissi, rising star, who'd you like to give the leading role to my next film," Sissi suggests.
"I think I'm going to write "To Sissi, who's got a lot of nerve," Mr. Finson rebuttals.
"And a lot of talent," Sissi adds.
"Well I'm very sorry Sissi, but the casting is over. The parts have all been pushed in. So, better luck next time huh?" Mr. Finson asks handing his autograph. Grabbing the autograph, Sissi angrily walks away from him.
"My friend and I just need to talk to Mr. Finson for a second, we're not getting an autograph," I say to his guard, who nods. Removing the rope from the barrier, Ulrich and I walk up to Mr. Finson who is starting to sign his next autographs. Clearing his throat, Ulrich gets Mr. Finson's attention and he looks up at us.
"Hello, sir. The factory you were talking about, I was wondering if you have already been there?" Ulrich asks.
"No, but I'm going to start my scouting there later today," Mr. Finson replies. Taking the two autographs from the stack, he hands them to us. Putting his hand up, Ulrich shakes his head and Mr. Finson puts his autographs back on the table.
"Well see, here's the thing. My friend and I know the place inside and out. We practice soccer a lot there, and we really feel that you can't find anybody else more suited for such a historical moment," I say.
Mr. Finson chuckles.
"It looks like everyone in this school has a lot of nerve," he says.
"We don't! It's just that… we think we're the right people to help you is all," I say.
"Well… alright. What harm can it do?" he asks.
In the factory
Ulrich and I walk Mr. Finson through the factory, taking the scenic route we pass by a few old materials, comprising of different types of metal.
"Fantastic, it's even better than I thought," Mr. Finson compliments.
"Yeah it looks alright, but the trouble is it's falling apart. Hopefully, the ceiling won't fall on our heads," Ulrich lies. Looking above the ceiling Mr. Finson scratches his head, perhaps out of concern for the safety of his crew.
"Hey, do you remember the most recent time we played soccer?" I ask Ulrich.
"Oh yeah, that was bad," he replies catching on. Mr. Finson lowering his head he looks at us.
"What happened?"
"See we were playing soccer one time and we could have sworn we kicked the ball over down to those steps over there," I point to the steps nearby. "But when we got to the front of the door, the ball was gone! It's as if this play is haunted."
"Oh, that's great! I love a dangerous shoot. That's what I always look for, an actor is always better under pressure and when they're scared," Mr. Finson says. He starts walking in the direction of the front entrance.
"Mr. Finson, wait a minute!" I exclaim. Running to Mr. Finson, Ulrich and I stop and then reach him.
"You should really be careful… see this place is crawling with rats," Ulrich says.
Turning to us, Mr. Finson smiles at us.
"Rats? That's lucky. I've got some big scenes to shoot with rats in it."
Of COURSE you do, I think. Walking with Mr. Finson, we start getting closer to the front entrance. Reaching it, he then turns to the freight elevator, Mr. Finson looks at it.
"Do you know where this freight elevator leads to?"
"Oh, that old thing? It stopped working ages ago you see," I reply.
Hearing moaning from high up, I sigh internally.
That was probably one of the others… I think.
"Anyways… I'm not sure it'll work for your set," Ulrich says.
"That's alright. This place just keeps getting better and better than I thought. And you two seem to know every nook and cranny of it. I know!" he exclaims. Snapping his fingers, Mr. Finson asks:
"How would the two of you like to work as technical advisers on our film?"
"Well - see- see the thing is I'm rather shy around people," I admit.
"I understand. But just think about it, you'll have a chance to be less shy with the people you'll interact with."
"True I suppose..." I trail off.
Ulrich and I look at each, and then back at Mr. Finson.
"Do you really want us to help you? Are you serious?" Ulrich asks.
"Of course, I am," Mr. Finson answers. Hearing more moaning from high up, it stops. "Those ghosts of yours are pretty enthusiastic about it anyways."
"Ha… yeah, they're. It would be a great honor sir," Ulrich says. "The only problem is our principal would never let us miss a class."
"I mean if he says yes, then I would be more than happy to," I say.
"Great, then let me talk to him," Mr. Finson says. "I'm sure I can get him to say yes."
After talking to Mr. Delmas
Outside the principal's office
"Wow, he said no. Incredible," Mr. Finson says, rubbing his hand on his neck in disappointment. "I even promised to put his name in the credits." Hearing the door creak, I recognize the yellow band holding her hair together. Sissi opens the door.
"Mr. Finson, can I talk to you for a second?"
The three of us look at Sissi.
Later in Jeremy's room
Sitting on the floor, Ulrich, Odd, and I cross our legs.
"She managed to convince Delmas to let Lila and I miss class. Of course – Sissi just HAD to get a part," Ulrich finishes.
"I don't believe it. Sissi got a part in Finson's film," Jeremy says, shaking his head. "When she wants something, she'll get it one way or another."
"Maybe as far as her movie career goes, I don't know about everything else. She always gets permission from her father, whenever something involves her."
"Ulrich and Sissi working together on a film. This can be the beginning of a great romance. And Lila can shofar them," Odd jokes.
Glaring at Odd, I tell him:
"Odd number one: I don't drive. Number two: I am not ANYONE's chauffeur. Got it?"
"Okay, okay. It was just a joke," Odd defends.
"I'm not going to have any time to myself with Sissi nearby. At least you'll have some time by yourself Lila," Ulrich says, looking at me.
"That's true," I nod.
"Yours' and Lila's real job is to be there in the factory making sure that nobody discovers our lab," Jeremy reminds. Aelita's window pop's up from Jeremy's computer screen.
"Come on. It's not going to be as sad as all that," she reasons, seemingly she overheard our conversation. Looking at Aelita, I shake my head.
"You don't know Sissi Aelita. She's well… difficult. And I have a feeling she's going to put Ulrich and me to work."
Nodding in agreement, Ulrich sighs:
"This is going to be such a drag."
Later, on the bridge
"Are you sure it's not too heavy?" Sissi asks. Holding one of Sissi's bags, Ulrich is lugging her suitcase across the bridge. Adjusting my backpack's shoulder straps, I struggle to hold Sissi's bag.
"No…. not too much at all," I reply sarcastically, rolling my eyes.
"I wasn't talking to you! Ulrich dear, how are you holding up?"
"Fine," Ulrich replies, ignoring the comment.
"To think, I'm going to become a big star, and this is where it starts! You two should be grateful for experiencing this moment," Sissi says. Gripping her bag in annoyance, I sigh internally trying to resist the urge of chucking it into the riverbank.
Front entrance
Reaching the front of the factory, a table is at the entrance and three people are here to greet us. A woman with red hair, blue eyes, and glasses, with a black work suit and matching pants, is sitting on a chair. Looking to the right, she has two security guards wearing yellow jackets. Walking up to the table, Sissi speaks up.
"Oh hello. Mr. Finson is expecting us," Sissi greets, placing her hand on the table.
"Do you have cell phones by any chance?" The woman asks us.
"Uh, cell phones? Why of course, why wouldn't we?" Sissi asks.
"Confiscated, Mr. Finson's orders," The woman replies. Holding out her hand, she beckons us to give her the phones.
"Ma'am uh see I have medical issues and-" I start to explain; the woman starts shaking her head. Getting a bin from the ground, which conveniently labeled cell phones, we drop our cellphones into the bin.
Inside the factory
Walking inside the factory, we're greeted by a man. Looking at him, he has glasses, brown hair and brown eyes. He's wearing an opened collar grey shirt, with a black t – shirt, brown pants, and brown shoes.
"The name's Sam. Let's show you, around shall we?" Sam asks. Nodding, the three of us start walking through the factory. Multiple cameras are being set up, and crew members are moving through the set.
"During the shooting, it's forbidden to communicate with the outside world without Finson's okay. That's so that there are no leaks, or newspaper gossip. That's why everyone also sleeps here with guards at the entrance. A part from all that, it's a lot of fun," he explains, and we continue walking through the set.
"Yes, but what if we have to get in touch with our parents for example?" Ulrich asks. "In case there's a problem huh?"
"When you shoot with James Finson, there's never a problem."
"But I have medical problems. I faint sometimes, and I get anxiety," I inform.
"We have a medical team for other crew members who have medical problems. Not to worry," he reassures. "If you truly need a cell phone during an emergency; I'm sure Mr. Finson will allow it."
Grabbing Ulrich's arm, Sissi pulls Ulrich behind us. Looking at Sam, I ask him:
"So… where exactly does Mr. Finson get his inspiration from?"
Sam looks at me,
"Mr. Finson as a kid grew up watching sci fi movies. He was particularly fond of a movie series called Star Wars. Then there was this movie called The Matrix. He also loves Star Trek."
"Oh neat," I shrug. Reaching the end of the tour, Sam ushers us to the side where Mr. Finson and his crew are gathering. People start talking among themselves, and I look at them.
There's so many people here… I'm glad Mary bought me a few things to keep me pre-occupied at night. But all of these people here… ugh anxiety is the worse. I hope I don't freak out, I think. Some of the crew members make room for Mr. Finson, who is walking to the covered object.
Looking at the covered object, I stare and shudder at it.
Why do I have a bad feeling about this thing? I think. Reaching the covered object, Mr. Finson stands to the side of it. Placing his hands on the side of the tarp, he readies to unveil it.
"Hello all, I'm glad everyone can make it. It's time for the big unveil of the main character, in the movie," Mr. Finson says. "Get ready... now." Pulling the tarp off, my eyes widen. A green skinned creature, is chained to a wooden cross. Looking at the creature, I notice it's long tentacles attached to its head, which looks a bit robotic. Looking at the peculiar rib cage, then it's arms, legs, and tail, I see that it has a scaly pattern.
"I think, it's my best monster to date," Mr. Finson says, "The best part about him, is that I've created a way for him squirt disgusting, slime," he explains.
"It'll be great."
Raising my hand, I ask:
"Uh… sir, how exactly did you create this creature?"
"I designed the creature myself. It's great isn't it?"
"Yes but-"
"You know… this creature of yours looks like another creature I saw in a different movie. I think the movie was called," Ulrich starts snapping his fingers. "Oh I got it! Alie-"
"It is absolutely NOT from the movie Alien!" he exclaims. Offended, Mr. Finson walks away from us and his crew. Sissi starts running to him, and Sam pats Ulrich on the back. A woman puts her hand on Ulrich's shoulder.
She has dark red hair, is wearing a black tank top, with ankle high brown jeans. On her waist is an empty hoister.
"He gets a bit emotional sometimes. Don't worry about it," she says to Ulrich. Staring, at the creature I ask Sam and his friend:
"I know this thing is a prop but how will it be controlled?"
Sam points up to a thread of metal rope, that is also attached to the creature.
I know I've seen this creature before… but where? I think.
In Lila's tent
Checking my watch, that Mary had packed me in my backpack, the time reads 9:00pm. Searching the bag, I take a book out.
I'm glad Mary was able to pack a book for me to read. I wonder which one it is? I think. Turning to the book's front cover, looking at the title, I can't help but giggle a little. Theories and Quantum mechanics on time travel.
You had to get this book Mary… I think. Setting my watch for an alarm, at 6:00 in the morning, I grab the flashlight in my bag and open the book. Shining the flashlight onto the book, I start flipping the pages to its first chapter.
In Lila's Memory
"Dad! What are those ugly things?!" I exclaim. A few creatures, with robotic heads, long arms, legs, and tails continue chasing my father and me.
"They were used in a very old film, and a director named James Finson created the design of the creature for the film. Xana possessed it, and our Xana now must have remembered doing so! We're trapped!" he exclaims.
Running into a dark alley, the creatures start walking towards us. We start backing up.
Raising their arms, they start charging their lasers. Hearing yelling from behind them, the creatures are shot by energy lasers. One by one, they start going down. With the last creature falling, my father and I look up at the man who just saved us. He's clad in a purple outfit, matching pants, and black boots. Attached to his waist is a belt with two hoisters. Spinning his silver laser guns, he places them into the hoisters. Looking at him directly, I notice his hair is long and brown. He has brown eyes.
Taking my hand, my father and I walk up to him.
"Odd… is that you?" my father asks.
"Nice to see you two! Long time no see!" he exclaims happily, giving thumbs up.
End of Lila's Memory
Inside Lila's tent
Gasping awake, I shoot up from my sleeping bag. The book falling from my lap, it falls onto the floor of the tent. I take a deep breath in and out, trying to calm down.
Now I know why Finson's name sounded so familiar! Xana stole his design! And uncle Odd in the future saved my father and I from those creatures… If the creature is here now… then… Oh no! That means this is when Xana uses the creature for an attack! I've got to warn the others! I think.
Afterwards
Reaching the lab, I climb down the ladder and land on the floor. Ulrich and Sissi look at me.
"Uh, Ulrich what's Sissi doing here in the lab?" I ask.
He rubs the back of his head,
"She followed me here," he explains. "What are you doing here?"
"Listen I think Xana's about to-" I start to say, and then feel something dropping onto my shoulder. Looking at my shoulder, there's some sort of green slime on it.
Eyes widening, I look up at the ceiling. The creature growls at us.
Sissi screams in terror and I look back at them, frozen in fear.
That's – that's the creature from my dreams! I think.
The creature then shoots slime at the monitor, and ducking to the floor, Ulrich dodges the slime.
"what's -going on?!" Jeremy exclaims from the monitor. Running to me, Ulrich takes my hand. We then run to Sissi and grabbing her hand, the three of us run to the freight elevator. Getting to the elevator, we run in it and Ulrich presses the red button. The freight elevator's doors close, and it starts ascending. Panting, we then sigh in relief.
"That was close," he says, turning to me he asks:
"How did you know Xana was planning an attack?"
"On my way here, the creature had already broken free. And I-" I start to explain but Sissi interrupts me.
"What's a Xana?"
"Never mind that-" Ulrich says, and then the elevator starts creaking. Looking down at the floor, dents start forming as the creature is trying to break through the floor. Backing up in fear, we hit our backs against the wall. Punching through the floor, Sissi throws herself to Ulrich and the two cling to two each other. Trying to grab one of us, the creature's hand then retreats.
"We need to get out of here," I say. Looking up at the emergency shaft, I turn to Ulrich and Sissi, who then realize they are clinging to each other. Ulrich jerks away.
"Can you help me up?" I ask.
"Right," Ulrich nods. Stepping aside, Ulrich cups his hands and I step on them. Grunting in pain, he steadily lifts me up. Reaching for the emergency shaft's handle bar, I pull the shaft open. Grabbing the side of the shaft, I lift myself up, to the top of the elevator. Kneeling I lower my hand. Nodding to Sissi, Ulrich gives her the okay to go first. She starts jumping, and I barely catch her hand. Pulling her up, and out of the freight elevator, Sissi kneels beside me. Ulrich starts jumping, and grabbing both of his, hands we start pulling him up. Getting Ulrich out of the freight elevator, I look down to see the creature's hands pulling the floor apart. Closing the shaft, I lock it and I then look at the ladder.
"Ulrich, Sissi. I hope you two aren't afraid of heights. We have some climbing to do."
"I can handle this," Ulrich nods.
"How far is this climb?" Sissi asks.
"Not far, we were nearly half way up when the creature attacked us. If we start climbing, we can make it to a vent that should be nearby."
"Right, let's get going!" Ulrich exclaims. Grabbing the bars of the ladder, I start climbing. Sissi follows behind me, then Ulrich starts climbing.
In Lila's Memory
Walking out of the alley, my father, Odd, and I start walking the empty streets of Paris. Keeping an eye out for more creatures, Odd starts talking.
"Our mutual friend told us you had decided to go into town to search for something. What were you thinking, and why bring Lila?"
"She… she needed to be outside a little. Being in that house of ours… it's not good for her. And… the material we were searching for was…" My father answers.
Turning to him; Odd looks at my father.
"Uranium for that time machine of yours?"
My father's eyes widen, "Yeah. How did you know?"
"Like I said our mutual friend told me. Jeremy… time travel is crazy. It can't fix what's already been done. It…it can't bring Aelita back."
"Lila hasn't heard about time travel since she was very young. I'm not trying to bring Aelita back… I'm trying to save all of us. Besides… I heard about what happened in Barcelona. Did Yumi and Ulrich make it out?"
Shaking his head Odd replies:
"We haven't heard from them since it happened… since Xana blew it off the map."
"I see… I'm sorry to hear that. With this Uranium…" my father trails off and shoulders his backpack. "I truly hope it we will have enough power to charge the time machine. Once it's completed."
End of Lila's dream
Sometime later
Gasping awake, Ulrich and Sissi looks at me in concern. Looking around, I notice we're still in the inner backroom.
That memory… why would I forget that? I think.
"You've been out the entire time. Are you okay Lila?" Sissi asks.
"I… I am thanks," I smile slightly. "Do you think the creature followed us?"
"Probably," Ulrich says, "And Finson is probably wondering where his creation is."
"That creature… Ulrich… I could have-" Stammering, my hand starts shaking. Seeing this Ulrich grabs a hold of my hand, cupping it.
"Sissi and I were there. Don't think about that. We made it through; that's what counts."
"There's still something I don't understand – what is Xana? Is he controlling the costume?" Sissi asks.
"It's a long story… but yeah basically," Ulrich replies, letting go of my hand he then looks at Sissi.
"If only we could call for help. Then our friends could reach us."
"And that's the group you two are a part of, right? What could your friends-" Sissi starts explaining, and we hear a loud crash nearby. Raising his finger to his lips, Ulrich shushes Sissi and she nods. Looking for the creature, we start hearing footsteps approaching the inner backroom.
If the creature finds us… I'm not sure what we'll be able to do… I think.
The creature appears at the entrance of the inner backroom, my eyes widening, it then starts running towards us. Opening its mouth, it shoots slime at us. Ulrich crashes against the wall, then the slime hits Sissi and I. Crashing against the wall, the slime then hardens.
Reaching us, the creature looks at Sissi. Jerking her head away in fear, the creature licks her cheek. Groaning in disgust, Sissi shudders and then the creature looks at me. Turning away from me, the creature starts retreating out of the room.
Afterwards
I really hope one of the others have realized something's wrong… even if it's a member of Finson's crew! Heck Finson himself! We just need someone to rescue us! It feels like we've been stuck on the wall for more than a few hours… I really hope Aelita, Odd, and Yumi are on Lyoko. One of them must be. I'm sure of it! I think.
"Why does this Xana creature want to hurt us? I mean, what have we ever done to it?" Sissi asks, starts weeping. "It just isn't fair!"
"Sissi… the creature isn't after you. It's after us, see… the thing is trying to use Lila and I as bait. It's trying to attract our friends," Ulrich explains, trying to calm her down.
"I still don't understand! What can your friends have to do this?" Sissi asks.
"We've been in similar situations like this before. See-" I start explaining, but hearing a noise from where the creature had first entered the inner backroom, we tense up. Ulrich, Sissi, and I see raven hair at the entrance. Sighing in relief, Ulrich and I yell:
"Yumi!"
Turning to us, she gasps and then starts running toward us.
"I'm going to get you down!"
Reaching us, she looks at Sissi.
"Don't move okay?"
"I won't," Sissi answers. Taking out a pocket knife, she places the knife on the molted slime, Yumi starts cutting it. Bit by bit, the knife cuts through the hardened slime. Falling to the floor, Sissi tries to get up. Going to her, Yumi helps Sissi up from the floor. She then goes to Ulrich. She starts cutting Ulrich down. Yumi's make another cut and dropping to the floor Ulrich lands safely. Turning to me, Yumi starts cutting the hardened slime.
Falling to the floor, I land safely. The three of us start picking the hardened slime from our bodies.
"Tell me Odd's on Lyoko with Aelita," I say.
Looking at Sissi unsurely, Yumi then turns to me.
"As far as I know he went ahead. We need to get going, Finson's crew is searching for the three of you. The scaffolding would be difficult for them to get through this part of the factory, especially difficult if they didn't know how to find this backroom. They think you somehow got pass his security guards and took his creation. I heard he went back to campus, to try and look for you. I had to sneak around the sewers just to get to you. And it wasn't easy."
"Thanks, Yumi," I say.
"Yeah thanks," Ulrich says, "We owe you one big time."
"I just never want to see that hideous creature again!" Sissi exclaims.
Afterwards
Ulrich, Sissi, Yumi, and I start walking to a door nearby.
"It's weird how the monster just gave up," Ulrich says, rubbing his head. "I just have a bad feeling about this."
Hearing creaking from above, the four of us gulp. Taking her phone out Yumi presses a number on it. The phone starts ringing.
"Answer Jeremy," Yumi says hopefully and we start picking up our pace to the door nearby.
"Yumi! Odd and Aelita are almost to the tower! Did you find them?" Jeremy asks, his voice on speaker phone.
"Yes but Jeremy-" Yumi starts explaining. A loud crash comes from the ceiling, pulling Yumi to the side, Ulrich and Yumi barely miss the falling debris. I pull Sissi aside and some of the debris crushes Yumi's phone, smashing it. The creature landing safely, it starts running toward us. Grabbing a pipe, that had fallen with the debris Ulrich starts running.
"Ulrich!" Yumi exclaims, Sissi gasps. Taking a swing at the creature, Ulrich shouts and he tries to hit it. Grabbing the pipe with one hand, the creature easily takes it out of Ulrich's hand and then tosses it to the side. Using its' other hand, the creature grabs Ulrich by the throat.
"Let go of him!" I exclaim. Yumi and I start running, and the tentacles on the creature's head starts moving toward us. Wrapping around Yumi, some of the tentacles grab me by the waist as they lift Yumi and I in the air. It begins to squeeze us, and screaming in pain, my eyes start becoming blurry.
In Lila's memory
"Say Jeremy, about that work in progress time travel machine… how long do you think it will take to get it up and running?"
Fixing his glasses my father responds, "It's still going to take at least eight more years."
"How come you haven't told me since I was little dad? I mean… I'm only fifteen years old and you keep a lot of secrets from me," I say.
Looking over to me my father nods,
"I do and they're to protect you."
Hearing roaring from afar, the three of us turn to the direction of four more creatures. Their eyes start glowing red.
"You two need to get going! I'll take care of them!" Odd exclaims. Taking his laser energy guns out of his hoisters, he starts yelling and begins running then starts firing off his laser energy guns. Grabbing my hand, my father and I start running away from Uncle Odd.
...
Gaining some miles between the creatures and Odd, my father and I stop running. We pant heavily.
"We – we left Uncle Odd there all alone… Why?"
"If – if we didn't we would be… he'll be fine I'm sure of it."
"Dad I-" I start to say, but then hearing roaring again my father and I look ahead to see several creatures starting to run towards us.
"No – we're trapped!" my father exclaims.
End of Lila's memory
My vision returning, the creature continues squeezing my waist, screaming in pain I see Sissi is on the ground, crying. The world starts becoming blurry again. Suddenly, I fall to the ground.
The creature then releases Yumi and Ulrich, and deactivates. The three of gasp for breath. Picking herself up; Sissi walks up to us. Reaching us, she gives Ulrich a big hug. Sissi then hugs Yumi and starts crying again.
"It's okay Sissi…. Everything's going to go back to normal," I say. A big white bubble engulfs all of us.
Earlier the same day
Waking back up, I shoot up from the bed. Gasping for breath, Mary runs over to me and reaching me, she starts patting my back.
"You're okay Lila. Just try to relax. What happened?"
"Finson's creature was possessed by Xana. I experienced… these memories of my past. Odd in the future he…."
Sitting on the bed with me, she stops patting my back and then breathes in and out. Looking at her, I start breathing in and out, trying to relax.
"Whatever you faced most likely triggered a buried memory. It happens sometimes with traumatic experiences."
"But if that's true… then why was my memory buried? I mean… it suggested Odd died facing the same creature Finson created. And in the future – my father said Xana remembered it when it was possessed the first time. That just happened the first time today. Somehow… my father and I escaped the creatures that surrounded us. But I'm not sure how."
"Perhaps you'll remember something. Someday," Mary says. Getting up from the bed, she walks back to the chair. Turning it towards me, she sits in it.
"What will our friends do about Mr. Finson this time?'
"I'm sure Ulrich will think of something. Mary… I need a day off from school today. Learning about my past… it wasn't Odd that just died in the future. Ulrich and Yumi died too... along with an entire country."
"Lila – I'm sorry. I had no idea… I'll see if I can talk to Mr. Delmas. I'll tell him that you're not feeling well. It's a good thing he doesn't know I'm living in the dorm… that's one less thing we don't have to worry about. I think from now on, I'm going to travel through the school's network systems only. It'll be less conspicuous."
"That sounds like a good plan Mary," I nod. "Also… thank you for that book you packed for me the first time. I enjoyed the first few chapters. Could you possibly buy it again please?"
"Of course. I'll see to that, after I finish speaking with Mr. Delmas. I'll leave now then," Mary says. Transforming into her smoke form, she wisps away into an outlet. Grabbing my pillow, tears start dripping down from my eyes and my cheeks.
Odd... Ulrich... Yumi... Everyone I ever loved, they were already dead. Dad, how in the world do you expect me to defeat Xana this time? Why – why would you put this burden on me? I wonder despairingly, while hugging my pillow closer.
And done! Such a long chapter!
P.S. Lila's Journey MAY be on a SHORT hiatus. I have too many projects at school… BUT I promise the next chapter will have a LOT to offer :D I hope to update the story no later than May 15th. Don't forget to check for an alert in your email! If you haven't favored or followed the story yet, please do so if you can!
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Thank you!
LyokoWarrior1994