Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Tom was glaring furiously at the Lyoko gang. He was angrier than he had ever been in his life.

"What would a person like you want with a cross?" asked Ulrich bitterly, "A cross is supposed to symbolize love and sacrifice. Two qualities you would never have."

"Shut up," growled Tom, "You know nothing of me."

Yumi, thinking quickly ran towards a window facing the lake and said, "If you don't calm down Tom, I will throw the cross into the lake."

Tom stopped in his tracks, "Fine. Just don't throw it into the lake. It's all I have to remember Sarah by."

"Who is Sarah?" asked Jeremie.

Tom looked at the gang straight in their eyes with more sadness that Jeremie only saw in the eyes of Franz Hopper in his video diaries, "Sarah was my friend. She was wonderful to me and was the only person that ever gave a damn about me. She became my best friend and later my girlfriend. But then, Stan Rox killed her because I was not part of some gang he's part of called, 'The Brotherhood.'

Tom chuckled bitterly at the shock on the others' faces, "Don't call me heartless, Ulrich," he continued, "I am far from heartless. I know of love and sacrifice. Sarah taught me that. She taught me a lot of things. This is why I joined Xana. He promises me he can bring Sarah back and to help me get my revenge on Stan and the rest of "The Brotherhood."

"I'm sorry, Tom," said Aelita, "But that gave you no right to stab Jeremie. Xana always lies. He can't bring Sarah back to life. He wouldn't even if he could."

"He can," argued Tom, "That cross is the key to bringing her back. It has her DNA. Xana promises me that if I can get that cross, he can use it to bring back Sarah."

Yumi looked at the cross for a moment and then gave it to Tom and said, "Go to Xana. See if he keeps his promise."

"That won't be necessary." boomed a voice, "I am already here."

With that, a man with a dark business suit walked in.

Tom paled and yelled, "You're not Xana! You're Stan Rox! You killed Sarah!"

"Poor, clueless Tom," replied the man, "I am Xana and Stan Rox! Stan Rox is an alias. Have you ever stopped to ponder how I found you so easily after your pathetic girlfriend died? I killed her and then turned you into my pawn. You were an excellent pawn. Doing whatever I liked and believing I would bring Sarah back."

Tom's eyes blurred with tears, "No. No…. I thought you cared. You lied to me!"

Laughter filled the room and Xana looked at Odd.

"This is your chance. Join Xana." Came the voice in Odd's head, "Look at Aelita. See how she clings to Jeremie and how Jeremie has his arm around her protectively. Even Yumi and Ulrich are close to each other. You are alone."

"No. I cannot join Xana. He's our enemy!"

The mark on Odd's hand burned, "Come on Odd! What about your friends? They will abandon you. You know they will have Tom replace you since he's no longer with Xana. They never liked you!"

"I-I don't b-believe you!"

Xana smirked. The conversation only lasted a few seconds and Odd's defenses were already weakened. Soon, Odd would be his new pawn, but now, it was time to attend to Tom.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" screamed Tom as he tried to form an energy sword, but failed.

"My dear Tom. Do you really think I'd let you keep my power, now that you're useless to me." mocked Xana as he lifted up his hand and tossed energy at Tom. His eyes were still brimmed with tears as he fell down, unconscious.

"Damn you Xana!" cried Yumi.

Xana smirked, "Sticks and stones, young lady. Sticks and Stones. And speaking of stones, Aelita, I see you are trying to hide Jeremie from my view. How are the injuries my former pawn inflicted upon him."

"Just shut up," growled Aelita.

"We will defeat you Xana," pledged Ulrich, "That's a promise."

Xana smirked, "Very amusing. Now, if you excuse me, I'll be leaving. Not to Lyoko. It has served its purpose. But I'll see you all soon." Xana smirked and disappeared into thin air.

"Odd," said Jeremie, "Are you alright? You haven't said anything."

"I'm fine Jeremie," replied Odd, a little annoyed. Why did he always have to pry in his business? Odd checked his wrist and was a bit relieved, but also disappointed that the mark stopped burning.

"I suppose we better do something about Tom," said Yumi as she kneeled to check his pulse, "Tom's okay. He's just unconscious."

Ulrich nodded and helped Yumi lift Tom up. To think that this all started with an innocent glint in the forest.

A/N. Like it? Hate it? Please review and God bless!