A/N: Hey everyone so sorry I haven't updated in forever. I moved and then was working and life totally took control. I made this chapter longer and tried to go more into a whole day with Asa and the Lyoko Warriors. I hope you all enjoy and leave a review if you want more!
"So what exactly do you know about Ulrich's secret?" Asa asks, sitting beside William outside in the courtyard.
"Well I don't know a whole lot but I know that no teacher or adult is aware of what's going on with them. Also Yumi told me that its part of a special group and no one else can be apart of it cause it can sometimes be dangerous." William sighed, not meeting Asa's gaze.
"Really? How do you know its dangerous?"
"Yumi said that accidents happen and they have really bad consequences. Like the gas leak that happened or even the Earthquakes. This crazy stuff was happening even before I transferred here."
"I doubt Ulrich is doing anything dangerous. He plays it way too safe and he wouldn't want to hurt people." Asa looked down at her hands and noticed they were fidgeting. She tried to steady them by holding onto the denim of her jeans, her knuckles turning white.
"I'm sorry to tell you this Asa but I was told Ulrich started all of it along with Jeromie. They feel like heroes when they save everyone even though they are the ones doing the damage." William placed one of his hands on top of Asa's and gave her a comforting squeeze.
"I can't believe this, it sounds crazy."
"I know when Yumi was telling me I told her she was just imagining everything but then.." William drifted off and looked away from Asa, shadowing his face.
"But what?" She tried to get his attention and when William met her gaze she saw fear in his eyes.
"Then bad things started happening to me. Things I couldn't even explain. Days would go by but I couldn't remember what happened during the day. I got attacked by vines and plants while going out on a field trip and then when I got really sick Yumi visited me. She asked if I believed her yet and once I did I would feel better."
"They-they made you sick?" Asa's eyes widened and her pulse quickened in her chest as she stared into William's terrified gaze.
"Yeah, it's one of the reasons I wanted to keep you so close. After that terrible gas leak I got really worried they're targeting you now."
"How could they target me? It was just random gas leak! That doesn't mean anything bad was aimed at me, plus Odd was with me."
"Do you remember the Earthquake on your first day here?" William asked.
"There was no Earthquake." Asa scrunched her eyebrows together, trying to remember anything interesting happening on her first day at Kadic Academy.
"Yes there was. During the Earthquake you and Ulrich were talking and then a tree branch fell on you. It almost killed you and all Ulrich did was run away then they did this thing that like goes back in time and stop it so they can feel like they saved you. Didn't you think it was odd how Ulrich was suddenly so happy to see you even though he was angry that you came to Kadic?" Things began to click inside Asa's mind and she suddenly stood up shaking with fear.
"I-I have to go." She turned away from William and raced down towards the girls' dormitory. She turned down the hallways until finally she came across the door she was looking for. Feverishly she knocked until she heard someone yell on the other side.
The door slowly opened as Sissy stepped into the hallway. Her face was covered with a mud mask and her hair was wrapped in a towel and she was dressed in her usual outfit.
"What? I'm trying to get ready!" Sissy shouted at Asa but then her expression changed as she saw how frightened the girl in front of her was. "What's wrong Asa?"
"I need to change rooms and I know you're the only one without a roommate. Can I please be your roommate!" Asa begged.
"I mean I can talk to daddy but why do you want to move out?" Sissy stepped aside and let Asa enter her room.
"I don't feel safe in my room. I don't know it just feels scary in there with Aelita right now. I just want to put distance between myself and all of Ulrich's friends." Asa sighed in relief as she sat on Sissy's bed.
"Okay I'll ask daddy if he can switch you to be my new roommate. Wanna tell me why you don't feel safe there?" Sissy asked as she began to rinse the mud mask off her face and began to apply her makeup.
"Not really." Asa looked down at her knees and began to fidget her foot around Sissy's carpet.
"Ok, you don't have to tell me just yet. I know that whole group is full of freaks. It'll be nice to have someone else in here with me." Sissy offered Asa a reassuring smile and was relieved when Asa returned it.
"Thanks Sissy, I owe you." Asa began to stand up.
"Yeah you do. Now go I have to finish getting ready, class will begin soon." Sissy rushed Asa out the door with a friendly shove and slowly closed her door, making sure Asa was alright.
With a relieved sigh Asa smiled as she walked down the hallway and headed off to her first class. Asa looked outside the window as the day slowly passed by her. Jeromie sat next to her, sneaking glances at the girl with worry. Asa refused to sit with them earlier at breakfast and instead chose to sit with William. He even greeted her in class today and she ignored him, he also caught a look of anger in her eyes as he sat down beside her. Once the bell rang Jeromie collected his things and stood up.
"See ya later, Asa." he smiled at the girl but she just brushed past him. His smile faded as he walked out of the classroom.
"Hey Asa, mind if I sit here?" Asa looked up and smiled as William sat next to her during second period. They both whispered and giggled as Yumi entered the room.
"Oh hey guys!" She smiled in front of their table. Both students looked at the girl, only William returned her smile.
"Hey Yumi, how are you today?" William smiled at the Asian while Asa turned her gaze down to her textbook.
"I'm good. How are you, Asa?" Yumi looked at the girl trying to get her attention. When the girl didn't look up Yumi shifted her gaze towards William, his only response was to shrug his shoulders.
"What's up?" William whispered after Yumi left to take her seat.
"I just don't want to talk to them right now. After everything you told me, I think it would be best to just distance myself from them."
"Oh I get that, better safe than sorry I guess. Oh are you excited for the Fashion Show tonight?" William asked, trying to change the topic and cheer the girl up.
"Yeah I am, I found two new models and adjusted the outfits to fit them better. I'm really excited to see everything under the bright lights on the stage." Asa beamed with excitement as she went into detail about the outfits and changes she did.
The class continued without Yumi trying to talk with Asa, she messaged the group to see if anyone else had tried talking to her today and if they got the cold shoulder as well.
I sat next to her in first period and she completely ignored me.-Jeromie
That's not like her. I wonder if this has anything to do with the notes she left us last night.-Ulrich
Well Sissy told me during first period that Asa is moving into her room. Somehow she doesn't feel safe in our room anymore.-Aelita
I wonder if William said anything to her?-Jeromie
Most likely, I have next period with him alone and I'll try to get more information.-Yumi
With a sigh Yumi put her phone away and listened as the teacher talked until the bell rang. She slowly gathered her stuff and looked over towards William and Asa. He was helping her gather her things and walked out the room with her, hand in hand. Yumi swallowed the anger boiling inside her as she walked out of the classroom and headed towards her next class.
Asa entered her third period and sat next to a blonde girl reading a book. The girl looked up at Asa and smiled while putting her book away. Jeromie walked in and noticed both girls talking excitedly about something. He decided not to test his luck and sat behind Asa, straining his ears to listen.
"So you excited to model for me today?" Asa asked.
"Oh yeah I can't wait to see the finished outfit. The pictures you sent me were so cute!" the blonde giggled. Jeromie's eyes widened and he pulled out his phone.
Hey Aelita and Yumi are you two no longer modeling in the fashion show with Asa?- Jeromie
Nope, she messaged me last night and told me she found two other girls to wear the outfits.- Yumi
Yeah, she messaged me the same thing. When I asked what happened she never replied.-Aelita
Same here.-Yumi
Jeromie swallowed and continued to watch the girls talk. He fidgeted with his pencil as the class continued, his mind not focusing on the teacher but deep in thought. What if this was X.A.N.A's plan? What if he wanted to drive Asa away from the group and was using William to add her to his army? Fear caused pinpricks along Jeromie's arms as the class came to a close and Asa walked out, not even glancing in his direction.
Lunch and the next two classes played out the same way, one of the group would try to talk to Asa and she would either move seats or completely ignore them. Yumi could hear her phone buzzing after lunch during fifth period but the girl only glanced and then shut her phone off, anger on her face as she tried to pay attention to class and take notes. After the class ended Asa gathered her things and rushed out the door. No one had sixth period with her and it was almost like a sigh of relief for everyone but the group still had dread in their hearts about what William's plan truly was.
The bell to sixth period ended and Asa walked out of the classroom with another friend, a small redhead that almost skipped through the halls with happiness. The two girls giggled as they headed towards their next class. In front of the art room Asa said goodbye to her friend and entered the classroom to find the only seat available was next to Odd. He smiled up at the girl and was surprised when she returned his smile.
"Hey, not talking to anyone today?" He asked, only silence followed his question as Asa began to pull pencils and drawing paper out of her bag. "I see I'm part of the ignore group today." Odd looked down at his paper with sadness written on his face.
"Odd.." Asa sighed as she looked over at the boy. It pained her to see the usual class clown so sad.
"I'm not sure what William told you and I'm positive he told you something cause everything was fine yesterday and now you're ignoring everyone." Odd didn't meet the girl's gaze and continued to slowly sketch something on his paper.
"I'm sorry, I just feel its for the best," Asa whispered, sadness filling her voice.
"How is it for the best?" Odd asked, bringing his eyes to meet hers.
Asa turned away from him and tried her hardest to focus on her drawing and the class, not wanting to answer the boy's question. The time slowly passed by with the class chatting and drawing, the only table not talking was Odd and Asa's. They drew in silence, Odd sneaking glances at her ever once in a while and looking at her drawing. He wasn't feeling like being the class clown today and allowed the class to continue without any interruptions. When the bell rang he grabbed Asa's hand as she tried to leave.
"Uh, hey good luck tonight at the Fashion Show. I'll be watching and cheering you on." He said, not letting go of her hand.
"Thank you Odd, I really appreciate it." She smiled down at the boy and for a minute everything felt normal as he gazed into her eyes.
He opened his mouth to say something but the words didn't form and his mind went blank. Asa giggled at him and he could feel himself melting into her laughter. He stood up, still holding her hand and drew her close to him. He hugged Asa, smelling her perfume and feeling the warmth of her embrace. He was shocked as she hugged him back.
"I'm sorry Odd." Her voice cracked as if she was close to tears.
"It's alright. I just wish you would talk to us." Odd felt her tense up in his arms and then she pulled away from him.
"Why do I need to talk to you all when you guys refuse to tell me anything. You were a really great friend Odd but all the secrets and crazy things happening I just don't feel safe around any of you. William told me everything and I trust him, a lot more than I trust any of you." Asa gathered her bag and walked out the room. The moment they shared gone leaving Odd alone in the classroom.
After dinner, everyone gathered in the auditorium and took their seats. The stage was set with dozens of lights shining brightly and red curtains. Everyone was excited as the benches filled with students all waiting for the show to start. After the room was filled Sissy stepped onto the stage. She was wearing a bright pink dress with sequins that sparkled in the light.
"Alright who is ready for the Fashion Show!" She greeted everyone and they all cheered as the music began to play.
"First up the swimsuit category!" Sissy began to explain as each model stepped into the spotlight wearing a created or bought swimsuit.
"Next up is Aubry, she is wearing a created one of a kind bikini made by Asa Stern!" Sissy tried to keep the momentum up as a redhead entered the stage. Her bikini with pastel pink that ombre out to a deep maroon and the bottom half was a skirt that tied to the left side. It looked amazing on the model as she twirled around allowing everyone to get a good look. The group cheered on from the crowd, still wanting to support Asa.
"Ok, next up is the formal category! Honestly my favorite!" Sissy continued to MC as the lights dimmed then lit the stage back up. Sissy talked about all the different designs and said if she really liked it or if it should go back to the store.
"Next up is Lily, wearing another one of a kind design by Asa!" A blonde girl entered the stage wearing a golden ballgown, the sleeves were dark orange and it had various orange bows around the skirt. As she walked down the stage the bottom of the dress began to twinkle as the lights hit different angles of glitter all around the bottom. Everyone was amazed at how beautiful the dress was and even Sissy didn't have anything to say except wow. After the model left the stage to change two more followed after being called by Sissy.
"Alright, that's it for the formal wear now onto Designer's choice!" The final category began and everyone was excited as models began to enter the stage showing off their own creations. Slowly everyone heard the wind begin to pick up but brushed it off as the show continued.
"Ok, next up is Asa! She's already blown us away with two incredible outfits will her third one be just as amazing?" Sissy called out as Asa took the stage. She had a silver dress with a slit on one side that went up to her knee. The dress had bluebirds scattered around that glittered in the spotlight.
"She looks stunning." Odd whispered as he watched Asa carefully walk around the stage.
"Yeah all her outfits were amazing," Ulrich commented followed by nods from everyone else.
Asa finally made it to the center of the stage and began to twirl slowly in a circle. Suddenly a gust of wind hit the side of the building causing the music to stop. Everyone looked around as the wind picked up speed.
"What's going on? It was a clear day today!" students began to ask as teachers tried to get everyone to calm down so the music and show could resume.
"Hey, has anyone seen William?" Yumi asked, looking around to found the dark-haired boy. As she looked around suddenly there was a popping noise, drawing her attention back to the stage.
"Asa!" Ulrich yelled as the stage lights began to explode, littering the stage with broken glass. Asa screamed out in fright as she was coated in broken glass, as she moved it slowly began to cut into her skin. Odd rushed to her aid trying to calm her down so he could brush off some of the glass. As he made his way to Asa's side more lights began to shatter around them, causing everyone to scream.
"Everyone remain calm!" Principal Delmas tried to get all the students to calm down as teachers rushed to Asa's aid.
Suddenly Jim burst through the doors and rushed over to Principal Delmas, panic on his face. He whispered into the principal's ear and the two shared a nod before calling for everyone's' attention.
"This feels like another attack," Aelita whispered and the group looked around for an escape.
"Over there, we can try to sneak out the back door." Ulrich pointed and the four friends slowly moved through the crowd towards the back door. Slowly they left the building, leaving Odd and Asa behind with the others.
"Oh man, this is bad!" Yumi exclaimed as the group looked around. The wind was whipping their hair around but the true terror came from a funnel beginning to form in the sky.
"He's trying to create a tornado?!" Aelita cried out.
"We have to hurry!" Jeromie began to sprint, his friends close on his heels as they made their way down towards the supercomputer. Quickly the group transported to Lyoko while Jeromie tried to get a hold of Odd.
Odd was crouched down in the auditorium with Asa clutching to his arm. He tried to calm her down but he could tell she was terrified and shaking like a leaf. The principal finally got the school to calm down and told everyone that a tornado was forming and they needed to sit down in the center away from window and doors incase the tornado hit down. The students followed directions and remained silent and crouch as low as they could get to the ground. Everyone listened as the wind continued to pick up outside the building, their fear growing every time a gust of wind hit the building.
"Odd, do you really know what's happening?" Asa asked through the terror clasping around her.
"I have an idea and if I'm correct then don't worry everything will be over soon. I promise." Odd tried to give a convincing smile but Asa continued to cower in fear next to him.
"So it is true.." Asa whispered as she looked around at her frightened classmates.
"What's true-" Odd was cut off by his phone vibrating, he crouched lower behind another student and answered. "Hey, Jeromie. Everything's fine so far here but I won't be able to leave. The teachers have everyone gathered in the middle. They say its a tornado." Odd whispered into his phone, unaware of Asa listening to his every word. She pulled out her phone and tried to get in touch with William. She hasn't seen him since dinner and she was certain he had to be somewhere, hopefully, he was safe.
"That's great Jeromie and yeah I agree with Aelita we need to do a return." Odd nodded as he hung up his phone and stared at it.
"A return?" Asa asked, shocking the boy as he finally remembered she was right beside him.
"Uh," he muttered and finally sighed as a blinding white light showered everyone in the room.
The third category of the Fashion Show began as everyone sat in their seats, excited to see all the outfits. Yumi looked over as the door to the auditorium opened and in walked William. He met her gaze and smirked at her before taking his seat in the front row. Yumi bit her lip as Asa entered the stage, dazzling everyone with her outfit again. A few more models entered the stage after Asa left and then it was on to voting. Only three teachers were voting along with Sissy.
"Okay, the votes are in and its time to welcome our designers!" Sissy called each designer one by one onto the stage, Asa entered still wearing her silver dress.
"Alright well everyone did a great job but there can only be one winner! And that winner is...Asa Stern!" Asa squealed with excitement as her name was called and everyone cheered and clapped for her as she took her small trophy. It was golden with a sewing machine on top and had Fashion Show Winner engraved on the side of it. Sissy gave Asa her trophy and a hug as everyone exited the stage. William got up from his seat and began to head backstage, unnoticed by everyone.
"Hey congratulations!" he said as he found Asa.
"Thank you!" Asa wrapped her arms around William, a smile permanently on her lips.
"Hey, I'm gonna go and congratulate Asa." Odd excused himself from his friends since none of them wanted to go find the girl.
"Ok tell her congrats from us too, if she'll talk to you." Yumi sneered as she began to leave the auditorium. Odd nodded as he quickly walked backstage. He looked around until his eyes caught a sparkling silver dress in one of the corners. He slowly walked towards her a smile on his face but stopped when he heard another voice.
"So I have a question, Asa," William said as Odd peered around the corner to see the two standing close together, Asa still holding her trophy.
"Well I might have an answer." the girl giggled as she met William's eyes.
"Asa will you be my girlfriend?" William took Asa's hands in his setting the trophy on a nearby table.
"Really? Like we would be officially going out?" She asked, stunned.
"Yeah, if you want to. I really like you, Asa." William smiled at the girl and Odd's heart sank as she returned his smile with a happy yes. The two embraced and Odd turned away to sulk back into his room.
Asa's lips found William's as her heart swelled with happiness. He finally asked her out! She couldn't believe it and she won the fashion too. She couldn't be happier. After a few seconds later William broke the kiss.
"Oh hey wanna see something really cool?" He asked.
"Sure. Let's go." Asa answered and followed the boy out the back door, leaving her trophy on the table.