CH. 29
Man On The Moon
Amines, France.
Two agents sat inside a small room. They sat side by side watching the Television. They where emotionless, they where silent, they looked like ghost,s. In the room were four other agents. They where working on sepreate projects and various machines. One was listening to the audio from the American agents room, one was watching video tapes of the original Vorseas Project. And the other two where unloading thier weapons. They all wore the same black suits and sunglasses, with a small audio receptor in thier ear communicating with other agents around the city.. around the country...around the world . They had all their gear ready. Guns, tranquilizers, and cell phones. They sat watching TV, waiting for a call. Waiting for a green light.
In the middle of the group was a man with grayish white hair. He sat there with his arms folded, watching a show about a monkey in school. He was ready. He know they were waiting for a call that had been waiting for several years. It had been a call for the one thing his agency had been looking for. One person. Maybe the most important person on the face of the earth, maybe even as important as Jesus.
His cell phone rang as he slowly and calmly reached in and pulled it out. He looked at the number and flipped up the receiver. He placed it into his ear and listened.
"Irene," the voice calmly said.
Jerome closed the phone and stood up.
"Everyone, we have trouble. The FBI is here. Give the Asset the green light. Take them out ASAP. And move in on the local and private schools. If the Americans are here... so are they."
The Factory. 5:00pm.
"And all it said was be here at 8," Yumi said as she sat out back of the factory with her cold bottle of coke. "At first I thought it was you texting me good morning like you usually do but it wasn't."
Ulrich, William and Odd were swinging golf balls out back of the factory into the abandoned shed near the waterfront. It was mostly a storage shed for when the factory was active. But ever since Odd bought all the useless crap at the local garage sale it was currently used to help Odd work on his drive. It was unclear why Odd had taken up a sudden intrest in sports but then again it was Odd. No one ever knew if or when he ws serious...excpet Odd.
"Well have you told Jeremy yet?" Ulrich asked as he placed another golf ball on the tee.
"I did and he said he didn't send it. Neither did Aelita. So it must be Xervix."
"But if Xervix runs the same way as Xana, he would need to activate a tower to leave the computer, right?" William said as he swung a ball. It cleared the fence and landed in the water.
"No, that's for if he attacks. He could contact the outside if he wanted," Yumi said as she flipped on her sunglasses.
"You know, you should work on a tan in this heat, Yumi. Sissi tans on the roof of the school," Odd said.
"Sissi, Sissi, Sissi. That's almost all I hear from you these days, Odd," William teased. As Odd Glared at him.
"Anyways I don't like to tan. I burn too easily. Like the time we went to the water park?"
"That was bad," Ulrich said as he swung his club and hit the ball. "You blistered all on your poor arms and legs."
"Well, I mean, you wear black a lot, Yumi. And black attracts heat," Odd said as he fiddled through the bag for a new tee.
"That's why I get naval shirts. And I stopped wearing that black sweatshirt too if you noticed," Yumi said. "And I just don't like wearing shorts. I don't feel comfy in them."
"That's the tomboy in you," Ulrich said as he walked over and grabbed a drink. "But that's what I love about you," Ulrich said as he kissed Yumi on the lips.
"Not to sound creepy but I liked it to. But honestly I'm more of a book worm kind of guy," William said.
"Why book worms?" Yumi asked.
"Well they speak their mind and listen also. They're better than, say, party girls… and the only one here is Tanell."
"I hate her. She keeps thinking she can get me to leave Yumi for her. No way that's ever gonna happen," Ulrich said as he sat down next to Yumi.
"She wants you to what?" Yumi asked.
"Yeah. She keeps saying she will get the rest of us in trouble unless I date her instead of you."
"That little brat," Yumi said, " I wanna tear her big dumb teeth out," she said as she slammed her bottle to the ground.
"It doesn't matter Yumi. I made my choice. And I'm sticking by it," Ulrich said as he hugged Yumi. "I got the best girl in school."
"So… you don't wanna dump me?" Yumi said. The other guys stopped and looked at Yumi.
"Where would you get that?" Ulrich asked.
"Well… Tanell said to me once that guys like you use girls like me to get to a better person. And I kind of believed her," Yumi said as she lowered her head…. She felt Ulrich's fingers on her chin as she felt him raise her head.
"Trust me.. your the most important person in my life right now. No one else."
Ulrich put his hands on Yumi's shoulders. He looked up just a little bit to see her eyes since she was taller than him.
"So dont listen to that idiot. Besides when Sissi did it you never let her ger under your skin so why now?" Ulrich said as he kissed Yumi on the lips. Yumi closed her eyes as she felt her lips touch his. They held it there for a few minutes until he pulled back.
"I love you Ulrich...," Yumi said happily.
"Um… did you forget we were here?" Odd asked.
"Seriously...were watching the whole dang Thing...from start to finish." William said jokingly.
Ulrich and Yumi's faces turned bright red as they realized they had forgotten about the others.
"Why don't you guys just get the rings and get it over with," William said as he grabbed his soda and took a swig from it.
"Oh please they just started dating...it will be 3 or for decades before they even tie the knot." Odd Laughed as Willam Coughed up his soda.
"Yeah well at least we have each other." Yumi said as she wrapped her arms around Ulrich.
"I got some one too you know." Odd said as he picked up his golf club. "Good old Kiwi."
Odd swung his golf club and hit the golf ball. It flew into a glass window of the shed and shattered it. It flew in and hit a concrete slab as it bounced off it and flew back outside the window. The gang flinched and freaked out as the ball flew past William and hit the ground behind him.
"OH wow," Odd said as he burst into laughter.
"Holy… ...I got to pry the toenails out of the ground," Ulrich said as Yumi was laughing at the top of her lungs.
"I saw Williams eyes get big and…," Yumi said as she kept laughing.
"...I need to change my pants." William said as he dropped his club.
Aelita walked to her room to drop off her book bag. She was going to meet Jeremy at the vending machines and they would walk together to the factory. She stepped in and placed her bag on her bed next to her nightgown and Mister Puck.
"What a day" Aelita tought to her self as she slipped off her Shoes. She slipped off her shirt and reached into the closet to grab a new one. She reached for the new pink tee shirt she bought at the store a few nights ago when she went clothes shopping with Yumi. It was pink with a pair of white angel wings on it. She grabbed it and slipped off her Pants and grabbed her new mini skirt. It was a Purpleish bage color with small red leggings underneath it which where attached to it.
Aelita laid it on the bed with her shirt as she reached into the small minifridge that Jeremy's parents had so kindly bought her for the school year. She reached in and glanced at the diffrent types of drinks and small healthy snack foods she had bought.
"Why not. Aelita said as she reached in and grabbed a Mountain Dew. She flipped the tab to it and took a small swig out of it. She placed the soda on the desk and walked over to her bed. She grabbed her Tee-shirt and placed it on. She then sat on the bed and slipped into her new miniskirt. She glanced over at her door when she saw a small slip of paper underneath it. She walked over and picked it up. It was a letter. She flipped it over and saw the return address.
"Frank Morse from… COLORADO US?" Aelita said as she double talked on what it said. Her hand shook a little as she ripped the letter open and removed its contents. It was a postcard. It read. "Having a good time in Colorado. Wish you were here."
"Really Jeremy...silly boy." Aelita said with a smile on her face.
A knock came to the door and startled Aelita a little. She walked to the door and opened it to see her young blonde friend with his usual smile.
"You know. You were supposed to go to the vending machines and meet me there silly goose," Jeremy said as he walked in.
"Is this your doing again?" Aelita asked.
"What?"
"This?" Aelita said as she held up the postcard. "You did this once before you know. I mean I liked it and all but don't you think once is enough?"
"…I didn't send you a postcard Aelita. Who is it from?" Jeremy asked.
"Frank Morse from Colorado U.S. Are you sure this is not you?" Aelita asked with one eyebrow raised.
"No. Maybe some of the others might know about it," Jeremy asked as he walked over to the other side of her room.
"It's so weird…,"
"Did it come in this envelope?" Jeremy asked as he picked it up.
"Yeah, it did."
"There is something else in here," Jeremy said. Aelita picked up her head at the news as she walked over to see what it was. Jeremy pulled out a picture. It showed a rundown house sitting on a hill in the middle of a snow covered forest. The house was boarded up and showed signs of distress along the frame.
"Why does this look so familiar?" Aelita asked. ...Suddenly it snapped. She ran to her bed and reached underneath it for a large book. It had all the pictures of her life before Lyoko. Her childhood. Her first bike. Her father…. Her mother. Then she found it. A picture of her father and mother holding each other. Aelita's mother was pregnant with Aelita herself and seemed quite happy as she held her swollen belly…while standing in front of a house similar to the one in the picture.
"Oh… my god," Aelita murmured. "It's my old house."
"What?" Jeremy asked
"It's my old house from before my mom disappeared," Aelita said in amazement.
"But I thought you used to live near the Swiss Alps," Jeremy said.
"I did too but that was a very long time ago…. It means I'm American. That means I might even still have family back there in Colorado," Aelita said excitedly.
"Wait… how do we know this isn't a trick from Xervix? I mean Xana used to do this and it could be the same trick," Jeremy said.
"It could be but…. I don't know. I want to believe it's true though. I mean, I have no idea who I really am or where I'm from. All I have ever known was my father and here."
"Well we could look into it. I'm sure there is a way to find out the truth," Jeremy said as he sat down in Aelita's chair.
"Oh sure… let's just call some people we know from Colorado and say "Hi, you may not know me but there is the possibility that I may be related to you or even know you. Can you help me?'" Aelita said as she stood in front of Jeremy.
"Yeah… ...I'm sorry. But one thing is bothering me," Jeremy said.
"What?"
"If this letter is legit... how did this Frank Morse person learn your address here in Amines?" Jeremy said.
Aelita paused as she looked at the letter. "You don't think… ...this is them, do you?"
"Why would they come looking for you now? They think you're dead… and besides, you're protected now. My parents took you in, remember?"
"I know but… what if they come for me?" Aelita asked.
"Then… I'll fight for you… like I always have," Jeremy said as he stood up and hugged Aelita.
"But I dont wanna...i dont want to lose you Jeremy. Your all have left.
Your all care for."
"I wont let them take you Aelita. I swear to god i will never let them hurt you again"
Aelita looked up at him and stared into Jeremy's eyes. She saw the soft feel behind them again… the same feel that made her safe and warm. She slowly reached up and removed his glasses.
"You should get contacts… really," Aelita said as she wrapped her arms around Jeremy and laid her head on his chest so she could listen to Jeremy's heart.
Jeremy's face was bright red from Aelita's actions…. He tried to calm down but he could not.
" I forgot how warm you where…," Aelita said as she looked into his face. "Jeremy?"
"Yes, Aelita?" Jeremy said….Both of them stared at each other for a while. Thier eyes both locked as the world around them seemd to move slowly.
Slowly his head reached down towards her face. Aelita closed her eyes as she leaned towards Jeremy.
They felt each other's lips touch.
Jeremy felt wonderful…. He felt warm and complete. Ulrich was right. When it happens… you feel like you're in heaven.
Aelita felt so warm. Her heart was racing and yet she was loving every minute of it… she wanted to stay that way forever.
Aelita slowly stepped away as they both opened their eyes at the same time… ...they stared at each other not knowing what to say next.
"….Hi," Jeremy said.
"Hi…," Aelita said as she smiled.
"I'm so sorry I didn't… mea…,"Jeremy tried to explain until he noticed Aelita was smiling.
"Jeremy… it's OK... I liked that…. You've done so much for me Jeremy, I can't imagine living without you...,"
"I can't either Aelita," Jeremy said. He leaned down again for another kiss…. Aelita closed in her distance as well. They got within inches when Aelita's cell phone went off. Both Jeremy and Aelita opened their eyes to the sound of the Subdigitals Break Away.
"At least we kissed once," Aelita said as she sighed.
Aelita picked up her phone and answered it.
"That was Yumi. She wants to know when we will be coming to the factory."
"Yeah, we better…," Jeremy couldn't finish as Aelita kissed him quickly on the lips.
"For good luck with the computer," Aelita said as she put the postcard and the picture under her bed. The two headed for the door as they made their way out of the building...Holding Hands.
The streets of Amines were actually quiet and calm for a Sunday afternoon. Most people were at church or were visiting family. Only a select view were sadly forced to work on this day. Small businesses that thought more of themselves then their employees. Businesses that saw their employees as assets more than people… ...Retail Businesses.
A black and silver Mustang GT drove down the old styled road and pulled up onto a curb. The car came to a halt as the engine idled down and shut off. Three people stepped out of the car as one of them carried a silver brief case. The driver stepped out and checked his side arm in his holster.
"Is that the French agent there?" George asked.
"Yeah. Jinee Dupree," Jessica said as she looked towards the bald elderly man sitting at a coffee table. "He is a member of the DGSE."
Jinee was a young man in his late 30s. He wore a blue button up shirt with hints of green in the fabric. He had tan skin with curly black hair. His hair was shoulder length and smooth. Almost as if he had gelled it earlier that day. His features and looks almost made him look somewhat… Middle Eastern. Had it not been for the way he spoke. Pure English. His English was so good that he could have fooled anyone that he was from France.
"Agent Jinee Dupree. Member of Directorate-General for External Security," Dupree said as he stood up.
"Agents Travis Dalesman and George Knight of the FBI. This is CIA analyst Jessica Hillsabeck," Travis said as he shook Dupree's hand and sat down at the table.
"So… how do you three like the French community?" Dupree asked.
"Well… I had to bring my baby," George said as he pointed towards his Mustang.
"Right American Muscle i see. Very good. So, Franz Hopper, huh?" Dupree said as he waved his hand for the garcon.
"Right. We know him as Waldo Schaeffer. An American who disappeared though our witness protection program. Now assuming this is the same individual as your… Franz Hopper."
"Well, Franz Hopper came over here from America… and he brought a daughter… Aelita Hopper," Dupree said as he pulled out two small pictures from his jacket pocket. One was of Waldo…. He had more grayish hair and was already working on a small mustache. Aelita looked sad and depressed. She seemed hollow and alone. According to her picture, she was five when it was taken… the same age as when her mother disappeared.
"This is the same little girl as our pictures," Jessica said as she looked at Aelita's picture. She set it down and looked at Franz Hopper's pic.
"And this is for sure Waldo Schaeffer. So then Franz Hopper and his daughter are in fact the Schaeffers."
"Franz used to teach math at a boarding school for gifted youngsters just outside of town… Kadic Academy. His daughter was enrolled there too. But she was mostly home schooled," Dupree said as he received a plate of escargot and some coffer.
"Agent Dalesman? Would you like some Snail?"
Travis stared at the snail as it sat moved on his plate… he watched as a small stream of slime dripped down slowly. Travis felt a sudden surge of pain in his stomach… he knew what was coming.
"Um… ...oh shi…," Travis said as he slowly stood up and walked over to the bathroom.
"Agent Knight?" Dupree asked.
"No thanks…. We don't really eat… snail… in America," George said as he tried to be as nice as possible.
Dupree pulled the snail out of the shell and popped it in his mouth…. Jessica tried not to look as she looked around the small outdoor restaurant.
"So, um…. Did Franz Hopper have any other friends or family here?" Jessica asked.
"This we are not sure… we questioned most of the staff at the school… the only one left from Hopper's disappearance is a principal… Mr. Delmas. He seemed to be as close a friend to Hopper as anyone else. We also checked his bank account… 30 thousand Euros… all left in one account," Dupree said
"Added to the millions back in the states… this guy was loaded," George said as he drank from his water.
"Where's Travis?" Jessica asked.
Travis stepped out of the bathroom stall as he wiped the sweat from his brow… he had just placed his face where no man should ever place their face…. He closed the stall door as the toilet flushed its contents down the drain….
"Yuck," Travis said… he then noticed a pair of feet in the stall next to him… then he realized that the person in the stall must have heard and smelled the whole thing.
"Sorry buddy," Travis said as he walked over and started washing his hands. The stall door opened slowly as the man inside of it stepped out and spotted Travis washing his hands. He pulled out his toy. A glock .45. He pointed its barrel to the back of Travis's head. Travis realized what was touching his head as he looked in the mirror of the bathroom… he noticed the man holding the weapon… a grizzled old man. One he had seen before…. Then it hit him.
"Frank?" Travis said slowly.
"Don't move, agent Dalesman. I don't wanna do it," Frank said as he reached in and pulled out Travis's pistol. He pulled out Dalesman's Colt 1911 and placed it in his pocket.
"What…. What are you doing here?" Travis asked.
"Put both your hands on the mirror, Dalesman."
Travis put his hands on the mirror as he starred at Frank.
"I'm here for the same reason you are…. I'm here for Aelita," Frank said.
"Aelita? She's alive?" Travis asked.
"Yeah, but if you don't get to her soon she won't be for long. She is in good company and has been taken care of for a while… but they're closing in on her," Frank said as he whispered so only he and Travis could hear.
"Who…Who is after her?" Travis asked.
"Mal-tech… they want her and this… observer, whoever that is."
"WHO?" Travis asked as he turned around in confusion.
"Turn around..." Frank said firmly as Travis sighed and turned around. "Yeah, the same people who kidnapped her mother and helped to kill her father," Frank said.
"…Waldo is dead?"
"Yeah…. He died protecting his daughter," Frank said with remorse in his throat.
"Where is she…? If she is in danger I have to find her… the bureau…,"
"Screw your agency…. There is more at stake here than any of that. Look… I'm here to tell you two things…. One: that man out there cannot be trusted… he is with Mal-Tech…. Two: go to Kadic Academy… tell Mr. Delmas about Aelita… he will help you there even if he doesn't know it. And three... no matter what… protect her and protect her observer," Frank said.
"What the hell are you talking about? Are you nuts?" Travis asked.
"NO… you will know I'm telling the truth, because when you see me next… I'll be dead…," Frank said as he put Travis's gun back in his holster. He then put the guns magazine in the sink.
"Remember, Travis…. Save the girl… save the world," Frank said as he put his gun up and walked out of the bathroom. Travis ran out after Frank. He ran out in time to see Frank run into the kitchen. Travis ran out after him. He ran past three chefs and a dishwasher and kicked open the back door. Travis ran out into the street…. He was suddenly startled by the sound of tires screeching…. He looked in time to see a blue econo car come slamming to a halt as Travis jumped out of the way…. Travis looked around for any sign of Frank…. None, the man disappeared.
Travis walked back to the table. He noticed Dupree was gone, George and Jessica sat at the table and laughed a little from some random story George was telling. George looked up and saw Travis coming back to the table. George waved at first, but soon noticed that Travis was sweating a little and looked a little unraveled.
"Hey, man…. What's wrong with you?" George asked, garnering the attention of Jessica.
"Yeah, you look like you saw a ghost or something," Jessica added.
"Get in the car, I'll tell you then," Travis said as he walked over to the black Mustang.
"Wait, what are you doing? We got an address for Hopper's residence here," Jessica said.
"Just shut up and get in the car," Travis said as he bumped into a pedestrian. George and Jessica looked up at each other in confusion. Just what exactly was Travis talking about? Was he crazy?
Jessica stood up finally and picked up her briefcase. Following suit, George stood up and walked over to the car with Jessica. George sat in the driver's seat while Jessica sat in her usual back seat area.
"OK, man, what the hell is going on? Are you having flashbacks again or something?" George asked.
"...OK," Travis said as he breathed in deep. "I saw Frank Morse… alive and well."
George and Jessica stared at Travis… they looked at him as if he just said he wanted a bacon burrito. Alternatively, if he just admitted he liked Barbie dolls.
"Um, Travis, if you didn't wanna try the snails then don't make up a excuse," Jessica said.
"I'm not kidding guys. He was in the bathroom and pulled a gun out and held me at gun point."
"OK… any reason he did?" George asked
"He said Aelita is alive and well…. She is going to school at Kadic Academy, and her father is dead."
"How does he know?" Jessica asked. George began counting on his fingers, starting from five.
"I don't know… But do you know how in the Bureau they taught us how to tell when someone is lying?" Travis asked.
"No, I didn't take that class, Travis," George said, losing his place.
"Ok. When someone lies, they have a facial expression of some type or form when they speak it. Such as blink or smile or look away or what not…. George…. Frank looked me straight in the eye. He didn't do anything at all."
"Did he say anything else?" Jessica asked.
"Yeah…. Dupree is in on it all. Aelita is being chased by Mal-Tech. And they're after her and this… Observer person, whoever the hell that is," Travis said.
"Dupree? Wait. Morse comes out of hiding to tell you this and has no proof... How do we know he isn't in on all of this?" Jessica asked.
"I don't know. However, I think we should be cautious. This is turning more and more into a situation no one wants the world to know about. Frank also told us that we need to speak to the principal of the school. Kadic Academy. Mister Delmas," Travis said.
"I say we go with Travis on this one... Let's check this school first and then we will check this house of Hopper's. Apparently according to Dupree, Waldo owns a house in the middle of the park next to…," George said as he stuttered.
"A school," Jessica finished.
"The Hermitage," George said.
"What the hell have we gotten ourselves into…? Who the hell are we dealing with?" Travis asked.
Jeremy and Aelita walked into the lab. William, Ulrich, and Yumi were already inside listening to the iPod player Odd had bought at the same yard sale that he had gotten the cots, the mini fridge, and the golf clubs. The iPod was playing The Rolling Stones' Jumping Jack Flash. It was one of the songs the school had received from its American counterpart school. The Rolling Stones had become one of the school's newest favorite bands…. In addition, The gang had used the last part of the bands name Stones to give Aelita when she came to earth.
The reason Jeremy and Aelita choose the name Stones was from Aelita's time on Lyoko. Jeremy was listening to them one day and Aelita wanted to listen, she was instantly hooked on music, Whenever Jeremy was busy or sleeping, she would surf Youtube and Jeremy's iTunes account for songs. She never got into hip-hop or country. She liked techno a lot though. However, rock and roll was always a good one for her. Once she left the computer though she spent hours downloading songs off Jeremy's computer onto several CD's. A bill from iTunes that Jeremy finally paid off a few months ago.
"Hey guys" Aelita said as she led Jeremy into the lab. "What are you guys up to?"
"Just figured you could use some company today while Jeremy looked into why the RTTP program is bugged out," Odd said as he handed Jeremy and Aelita a soda.
"Also wanted to know what caused it to bug out as well. In case it's something we might need to go to Lyoko for," Yumi said as she sat on the cot. "Consider it where here just in case."
"Well, I better get started then," Jeremy said as he got onto the computer and began to type out a large series of codes and programs into the computer. After a few minutes, he came across its program. He looked it over and discovered the problem.
"This… this isn't right," Jeremy said.
"What is it?" William asked.
"The program was completely deleted. The RttP program is gone," Jeremy said.
"Why? How?" Ulrich asked.
"Well, the program is what we use to go back in time. It sends us only. But I have never found out how it worked or why it works."
"I looked through all my father's notes once. It said it was meant to contain and slow ascension," Aelita said.
"For what?" Odd asked.
"Well, at first we thought Xana. But I think it might be for something else… maybe this system thing or what not," Jeremy said. "I can't work on it here…. We got to go down to the computer and work on it," Jeremy said.
Jeremy got out of the chair as the whole gang walked over to the elevator.
"Wait! Leave your drinks here guys," Jeremy said.
"Why?" Odd asked.
"Um lets see. Heavy electircal items. A super computer the size of a car...Take your pick." Jeremy said.
"Good point." Odd said
Odd, Aelita and Willaim placed their sodas on the cot as the elevator door opened. As everyone filed in Jeremy hit the button to send the elevator down to the computer lab room. As they entered, Jeremy's face suddenly turned frantic as he noticed the computer was already open and ready.
"What? What the hell is this?" Jeremy asked as he walked over to the series of USB ports. He pulled out what looked like a small flash drive. He noticed on the screen above the flash drive: it read "Download complete." Jeremy looked at it. It has a small antenna connected to it by paper clips.
"Is this a joke, guys?" Jeremy asked.
"Um, I don't know anything about that," Odd said. The others nodded their head in agreement.
"Great. One more thing to deal with… a breach."
"WHAT?" The others said at once.
"Who though?" Aelita asked.
"I'll look at that later. Right now, I need to get the RTTP program going."
Jeremy turned around and opened a second panel of buttons. He typed in the numbers 102089. A second door slid open revealing most of the computer's wiring. Jeremy pulled out a large piece of paper. It showed the schematics of the entire computer. Jeremy followed it to where the RTTP components were located…. According to the schematic, it was a large solid metal box like part of the computer.
"Ok i guess this would be the main power supply of the computer. Everything seems to route around the system but this box im guessing is like a seperate computer. It basically just sits thier with only a few small connections to it." Jeremy said as he pulled out his tool box he had tucked away behind a panel.
"So that means what for those of us who dont speak Einstien?" Odd asked.
"It means Jeremy thinks that the RTTP program may be stored in this box. Like its a seperate computer inside a computer." Aelita corrected.
Jeremy walked over towards the section where the RTTP components were held. The others walked around to see. Jeremy removed the section panel and pulled on a leaver as the large metal box slide out like most of the other components would when they need'd to be serviced or replaced. The box was smooth and polished to a mere sheen. It was so polished that the gang could see thier reflection in it.
"What is it?" Odd asked.
"A computer?" William asked.
"A storage container?" Yumi asked.
"A SAFE!" Jeremy shrieked
The others looked at the item in question. It was a safe with a combination lock on it. But there was more. It had a small crystal screen on it with several wires and cords running though the safe into the box. Its contents were not meant to be removed at all, for no reason at all. Unless someone knew the code.
"And that is a finger print scanner," Jeremy exclaimed.
"But….What the hell is it?" Odd asked.
"Maybe... it's the power source for the RTTP program?" Yumi said
"I can't do this, guys," William said. "What if that releases like an explosion or a force of nature we never dealt with? What if it causes us to cease to exist?" William asked.
"I… I don't think so," Aelita said.
"What makes you think that?" William asked.
"It says 'For Aelita' on it."
Jeremy pulled out a small flashlight on his dorm key. He flashed a light on the inside near the safe. On the left side of the case was in fact a note saying… "For Aelita."
"So…What the hell is this?" Odd asked.
"I think it's from my father. I think it's meant for me," Aelita said.
"Well try it out. Open it up." Ulrich suggested.
Aelita placed her hand on the scanner as a green light scanned up and down on her hand and pinged several times. The screen flashed the name: Aelita… Code: Lyoko.
The safe opened as air hissed out of it. Aelita backed up slowly as the others freaked out a little. A small glass table slid out from the safe. On it was a small bracket with wires and cables connected to a small crystal shard. As the table slid out more the wires and cables detached and slid back inside the safe with wicked speed. Leaving only a crystal shard the size of a pen.
William stood protecting his face. He lowered his arms as he saw that it was all finished. Ulrich, Yumi, Odd, Jeremy, and Aelita slowly peaked out from behind William, checking to see if the coast was clear.
"It's… a diamond?" Ulrich said.
Aelita walked over and looked closely at it. She felt a sense of high pitch ping coming from the crystal. Almost like a him or hum. She reached out and touched it. She felt it touch her fingers… it felt almost like she touched water. It pinged a little as she pulled back. It suddenly began to glow and change colors. It seemed like it was glowing in a way that seemed familiar to her... Aelita suddenly realized the world had fallen silent to her. She heard and saw nothing but the crystal. She felt something deep inside stirring in her. It felt like a rise of pressure in her. It felt amazing. She never felt like this before. Suddenly she lost consciousness. She realized her feet were not on the ground. She was in the air.
The others watched in disbelief. Aelita looked as if she was in some type of trance. Suddenly She screamed loudly like a bat out of hell as Aelita rose into the air. Her eyes turned white as a white light shot out of her mouth. The others coved their eyes, the light was so bright.
A bolt of Lightning arched through her finger tips as a bolt of Pink energy flew out of her hand and snapped at the wall of the lab. The gang ducked in fear as another shot on the floor. Ulrich Grabbed Yumi and ran behind the computer. Odd and William tried to break for the elevator as another shot hit the wall. They stopped and ran back towards the computer as they hid next to Yumi.
"Whats Wrong with her?" Odd asked.
"I dont know...Jeremy do you..." Ulrich stopped as he realized Jeremy was not behind them. He looked out from behind the computer as he spotted him walking up toward the levitating Aelita.
"JEREMY!" Ulrich yelled.
Jeremy didnt look back.
"JEREMY NO GET BACK HEAR." Yumi yelled.
"No." he yelled as he walked closer to Aelita.
They watched as he walked slowly to Aelita. Her eyes flowed with tears as the light continued to pour out of her mouth and eyes. Ulrich covered Yumi in fear something was going to happen to her. Odd and William covered their eyes. The light was so bright, so white that it almost blinded them a little.
Jeremy reached out and grabbed Aelita's frail hand. She looked down at him and stared at Jeremy. Jeremy knew Aelita was in there somewhere. In some form Aelita was alive in there. He felt her.
"Aelita! Please… !" Jeremy said
"Jeremy Dylan Belpoise! You stand to protect this child?" A voice said from Aelita's mouth. It sounded as if there were multiple people in the voice. Deep voiced people, high-pitched voices, and even children voices.
"What was that?" Odd asked as he watched from behind the computer.
"Who are you?" Jeremy asked.
"We are all that are past and we are all that have fallen. We are the coralation of many diffrent worlds and race's. All have used the Tear Of God to recreate and save our worlds. ...We are the Avatar's.
"Just let her go... let her go." Jeremy demanded as he touched her finger tips.
The others watched in horror. They were afraid of what would happen next.
"This child shares the same feelings. You must protect this girl at all costs. For she is the hope for not just your world. But the future of all worlds and life as well. For she holds the device of god himself. The life giver, the System," The voice said.
"I will. I will protect her no matter what," Jeremy said.
"You shall be her Observer. You shall be her sword and shield. You are now connected to her… and us," The voice said as Aelita slowly descended from the air. She landed slowly into Jeremy's hands. Jeremy held her as the light from Aelita disappeared. Aelita fell asleep in his arms as the light diminished from her. Jeremy held her close, he did not want to let go of her for fear something might happen to her. He laid her down on the ground and looked towards the others as they came out of hiding.
Jeremy checked Aelita's pulse. It was normal. She was breathing normally.
"What… What was that?" Yumi asked as she bent down next to Aelita.
"It mentioned the System. It must have been the system that just talked to us," Ulrich said as he took off his jacket and placed it under Aelita's head.
"Observer… System. That was what we downloaded from the computer the last time," Odd said.
"Let's get her to the cot," William suggested. Ulrich walked over and took some tissue paper out from his pocket. He picked up the diamond slowly as he ran over to the elevator. Jeremy picked her up in his arms as he slowly walked over to the elevator. The elevator rose with the six kids inside it. The elevator door opened as Jeremy walked over to the cot and laid Aelita down on the small pillow. He put a thin blanket over her and sat down next to her. The gang breathed heavily as they took in what had just happened.
"Ok… can someone tell me what that was?" William asked.
"That was the System. This crystal must be part of it. It awakened and must have recognized her as this Avatar and…. I don't know," Jeremy said
"What did it mean when it said you were her Observer?" Yumi asked
"I don't know…. It might mean like a guardian or something," Jeremy said.
"Is… Aelita gonna be OK?" Odd asked.
"I…. I do not know. She is sleeping though, she is breathing too. I just...,"
Suddenly a message popped up on the computer monitor's screen. The gang jumped at the sound of the message icon. Jeremy slowly stood up and walked over to the screen. He read the message aloud.
"I see you discovered the Computer's other purpose?" Jeremy read.
"Who sent that?" Yumi asked.
Jeremy typed in "Who is this?" into the message screen.
After a few minutes, another message popped onscreen. "I am the first. I am your guide now."
"Ok but who are you?" Jeremy typed in and sent. After a few minutes, another message popped on.
"1 sec"
A video screen suddenly popped on screen. It showed a young boy with pale skin and purple Hair, he wore a large blue stocking cape with a purple scarf wrapped around his shoulders, around his waist was a pink sash and small blue fee.
"Hiya .Humans." the kid said.
"WHAT THE HELL?" Odd exclaimed.
" Oh your surpised! This coming from a kid who's hair is shapped like a accorn? Sigh...I guess He was wrong when he caculated that the goverment would find the lab first...but then again he usually was." The figure said.
"Ok, wait, who are you?" Yumi said firmly.
"Who is this? Xervix? Or Xana?" Jeremy demanded with a stern voice.
"None... im kinda the first... surely my little Sister Aelia's friend knows me." The boy said.
Jeremy starred from a minute trying to focus on who this kid was...Suddenly it snapped on him.
"No...Mister Puck?" Jeremy said slowly.