Ulrich's POV

I landed swiftly on my feet in the mountain sector and looked around. Jeremy had sent us a small distance away from where the others were. I heard a thump and a moan of pain. I turned around and saw Dialla sitting on the ground.

"Oh yeah, you fall," I said.

She glared at me and stood up. I had a hard time composing my face when she did. Red leather shoes turned to pants and stretched up her legs, turning gray as they did. Her pants turned to red and white at her shins and stretched up to her torso, with a bit of gray on her ribs. Her chest was covered with a white protective plate. Her arms were covered with red and white sleeves, gray on the sides, and she had on white gloves. She had two shoulder guards and a holster on her right hip. Her brown hair was tied in a bun.

"Whoa," I said softly.

She looked over at me, smiling. "Well? What do you think?"

"Uh, well, you look... uh,"

"Guys, incoming." Jeremy said. "Two hornets coming at you directly."

Dialla's POV

I looked up and saw two bugs flying at us. One of them fired a beam at me and I flinched. A sword got in front of me and deflected the beam.

"Try using your gun," he said.

"Oh! Right," I said, embarrassed that I froze up.

I reached into the holster and pulled out the gun. I aimed at one of the hornets and fired. It hit the hornet right on the eye and it exploded. The other one fired at me at the same time I did. The hornet got destroyed and I got shot in the shoulder. I staggered back a little, wincing, holding my arm.

"You okay?" Ulrich asked.

"Yeah," I said. "You forgot to mention that we actually feel this pain."

"Oh, sorry," he apologized.

"Guys!" Jeremy interrupted. "Focus! Odd just got devertualized and Yumi has 50 life points left. Move it! You've got a megatank, three krabes and three hornets to deal with."

"Oh great," Ulrich said. "Let's go."

"Right."

He took off and I followed him, amazed at how much my speed had enhanced. When the hornets came into my firing range, I pulled out the gun and shot them. I got one but the other two dodged and fired at me. I did a cartwheel out of the way. As I did, I heard a soft click coming from my left shoulder guard. I tugged on it and it came off then turned into a boomerang. The hornets fired at me again, and I leaped out of the way and threw the boomerang. It cut one, destroying it, but the second one evaded it. Fortunately, since it was a boomerang, it came back from behind the other hornet and cut it in half. I caught it and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a beam fire at me from a krabe.

I did a backflip into the air and landed on the krabe. This time, however, I used the boomerang as a knife and jammed it into the krabe, then quickly flipped off. I smirked cockily and Ulrich suddenly tackled me crying, "Look out!"

A large red beam just missed us by a few inches. I looked up and saw Ulrich's face inches from mine. If I could've blushed I would have. He got up quickly and helped me up. A couple feet in front of us was a large bowling-ball like monster.

"Yumi! Dialla! Get Aelita to the tower," Ulrich ordered. "I'll handle the megatank."

"Come on," Yumi called, standing next to a pink haired girl.

I nodded and ran over to them.

"Hi there," the pink haired girl said. "My name's Aelita."

"Dialla," I stated smiling. "Nice to meet you."

"Ok," Yumi said. "let's go."

We nodded and ran towards the tower. I glanced over my shoulder, watching Ulrich destroy the megatank, and smiling in relief. We arrived at the tower which was brown at the bottom then turned to white, a red aura surrounded it.

"Do your thing, Princess," Ulrich said when he caught up with us.

She nodded and walked into the tower. After a moment, the tower's aura turned blue and Jeremy spoke.

"Ready for a trip into the past, guys?"

"Huh? Wait, does that mean I won't remember this?" I asked.

"No," Ulrich explained. "We remember it but everyone else forgets it."

"Oh god, this is so confusing."

Yumi laughed slightly. "Don't worry you'll get used to it."

"Return to the past now," Jeremy said and the next thing I knew, I was at the track field again, getting ready to run. I blinked, puzzled but heard footsteps behind me and took a few steps forward. The baton slapped into my hand and I took off. I raced around the track and the boy that tripped me earlier had caught up. This time, when he stuck his foot out, I jumped over it and crossed the finishing line.

My friends cheered and the boy stared at me shocked. I smirked at him and my teammate - the boy with blackish blue hair - hugged me. He was about four inches taller than I was so I stumble a little, uttering a small "oh" in surprise.

"That was amazing!" he cheered. "You're an incredible runner, Dialla!"

"Oh, um, thanks," I said, uncomfortably.

He must have sensed that because he released me, his cheeks flushing a slight red. "Sorry, I'm Alex Rider."

I smiled. "Dialla Reinhart, nice to meet you."

He smiled as well and Odd, Ulrich and Jeremy congratulated me.

"Well, not bad. Reinhart," Jim said. "Ever consider running for Kadic track?"

"Um, I'll think about it Jim," I said.

Once we finished the race he had us get a partner and do sit-ups. I was going to ask Odd or Ulrich, but Alex tugged my sleeve.

"Partner?" he asked, flashing me a small smile.

I looked over at Ulrich and Odd, who had paired together, and nodded. "Sure."

We sat down on the grass and he held my ankles. We each had to do 25 sit-ups. I did the push ups easily, chatting with Alex, before switching turns. Each time Alex laid down, his shirt went up a little. Although it was only a little, I could see a small portion of a well-built chest.

"Nice abs," I complimented. "You work out?"

"Yeah," he replied, "three times a week."

"Ooh, impressive," I said. "Perhaps, you and I could work out together some time."

He smiled as he finished. "Yeah, that'd be nice."

I smiled too, releasing his ankles. He sat up then scooted over so he was closer to me. It was awkward but only for a moment because we quickly began talking about various topics.

After class, Alex walked me to my next class, History. I said good bye, waved and walked into the room. I took my seat next to Ulrich, who had a strange look on his face. A cross of anger and something else marred his face. I was puzzled, but couldn't ask any questions because the teacher started rambling on about China. And, since History was my worst subject, I needed to pay attention. However, once class ended, I walked up to him. But I couldn't even make out a word before he noticed me and quickly walked to Biology.

"Hey, Ulrich!" I called to him. "Wait, I-"

He disappeared behind a corner, leaving me speechless and confused.

*What's with him? He's been acting strange ever since Phys. Ed. Did I do something?*

A second after that a voice called my name from behind. I spun around, beaming, expecting to see Ulrich, but my face fell when I saw Alex walking towards me, grinning. He noticed my sad face and cocked his head to the side.

"What's with the face? Something happen?" he asked.

"Huh? Oh, nothing," I said, quickly smiling. "How was Geometry?"

"Terrible. I don't get it at all. How was History?"

"Same. I'm so bad at History."

"I'm pretty good at History. Maybe I could help you out."

"And, even though I'm not a fan of it, I'm good at Geometry."

"So, I could help you with History, and you could help me with Geometry."

"Looks like it."

"What do you have now?"

"Biology, you?"

"Art," he said catching sight of his watch. "Crap! I gotta go! If I'm late again, Mr. Chardin will give me a detention. See you later!"

He turned swiftly on his heel and took off. I turned and contiuned my route to Biology, still wondering about Ulrich's behavior. To my luck, on my way, I saw Odd.

"Odd!" I called and rushed to him.

He looked up at me and smiled. "Oh, hey, D. What's up?"

"Your good friends with Ulrich, right?" I questioned.

"Yeah. Why?" he asked.

"Well, he was kind of weird in History. He looked kinda angry and when I tried to ask him, he ignored me and walked away. Do you know what happened?"

Odd shrugged. "I'm not sure. He didn't say anything to me or Jeremy. I could ask him later, if you want."

"Really? Oh thank you, Odd! That'd be great!" I said and hugged him. "You're the best!"

I released him and walked into Biology, nearly running into Ulrich as I did, who had probably been wondering where Odd went. I skidded to a halt, stopping inches from him. Heat beginning to creep on my cheeks, I looked down slightly. I muttered a "Sorry," and walked passed him to my seat. I was grateful when Mrs. Hertz started class, although I couldn't concentrate. My mind was flooded with thoughts about Ulrich. I did my hardest to focus on the photosynthesis equation, since it was going to be on a test on Friday. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get him out of my mind.

*Why can't I stop thinking about him? It's not like I like him or anything. No, he's a friend. Besides, even if we did like each other, it'd be really akward with everyone else.*

"Dialla!" Mrs. Hertz snapped. "Are you listening?"

"Y-Yes, ma'am! Sorry," I said.

A few people snickered, people I recognized as Sissi, Nicholas and Herb. I ignored them, focusing on the board, trying to memorize the formula. The bell rang soon and I quickly gathered my things. I had just walked out the door when Ulrich called my name.

"Dialla, can I talk to you for a sec?" he asked.

I looked at him for a moment, studying his face. He was completely serious. I wondered if Odd had talked to him during Biology. There was a little break between now and lunch so I decided to listen to him.

"Sure," I replied, following him as he walked outside.

Ulrich walked over to vending machines and leaned against the wall, casually.

"So, uh, what's up?" I questioned, breaking the silence between us.

"During Phys. Ed," he began, "that guy you partnered with was Alex Rider, a sophomore."

"Yeah? I didn't know that," I said.

*I guess I can't help him with Geometry if he's older than I am...*

He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Alex.... Well, he doesn't have the best reputation around here. He gets in trouble and starts fights a lot."

*Is he... worried about me?*

"So, just be careful when your around him, alright?"

It took me a moment to speak. "Yeah, okay."

He smiled and I must've been lost in la-la land when he moved closer to me.

I didn't realize how close he was until a familiar, whining voice appeared.

"Dialla!!" It was my younger brother, Dan.

I groaned and turned around and sure enough Dan was running at me. Dan looked a lot like me but he had my mother's emerald green eyes while I had my father's brown eyes.

"What is it?" I questioned.

"I need you to see Iron Man with me tonight!" he demanded.

"Why?"

"Because, it's PG-13 and Mom and Dad are going out tonight and said you had to take me." Dan noticed Ulrich and gave him a strange look. "Who's this? Your boyfriend?"

My face burned and I hated having a little brother for the moment.

"N-No, of course not! We're just friends. Dan, this is Ulrich Stern. Ulrich, this is, unfortunately, my little brother Dan."

"Nice to meet you," Ulrich said.

Dan ignored him. "Oh, and Mom and Dad want you to stay over at the house for tonight and they can drive you to school tomorrow. See you at 7!" Then, as quickly as he appeared, he ran off.

I sighed.

"You don't like Iron Man?" Ulrich guessed.

"No, I do," I said. "I just hate seeing movies with my little brother. He never shuts up during a movie! Plus, knowing him, he probably invited a friend and 'forgot' to tell me, so that'll be even more annoying."

I looked at Ulrich. "Would you like to come?"

"Huh? Well, uh, sure. Why not?"

"Thanks, Ulrich," I said. "That means a lot."

Suddenly, the bell rang for lunch and I grinned.

"Finally! I'm starving!" I cheered. "Let's go!"

My stomach rumbling, I rushed my way to the cafeteria, Ulrich followed me.

After lunch, the school day went by fast and I walked to my house which was about a ten minute walk, not that I minded. A gentle, warm but slightly chilly breeze blew as I walked, signaling that autumn was arriving. Already, leaves were beginning to change from green to shades of red, orange and yellow. Leaves blew off trees and scattered across the street and sidewalk. Across the street, I saw little kid jumping into piles of leaves, laughing jovially. I couldn't help but smile at the scene.

I arrived at my house, grabbing a small bag of chips before taking a shower. The hot water poured down my body, cleansing my brown hair of the strawberry-scented shampoo I have. After I finished, I turned the shower and wrapped a towel around my self. Humming slightly to myself, I changed into a gray camisole and blue jeans. Then I tied my hair in a neat bun and at 6:45, the door bell rang.

"Dialla!" Dan hollered. "You boyfriend's here!"

"He's not my-" I began hotly, then ignored it. "I'll be right down!"

I put on silvery gray sandals and walked down the stairs. Ulrich was in the door way, dressed in his same attire, but this time he had on a black jacket, probably because he was cold.

And sure enough, Dan's best friend Ricky Heckbert, who had a major crush on me, was also in the kitchen.

I narrowed my eyes at Dan. "Why's he here?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you that Ricky's coming," he said.

"Hi, Dialla!" Ricky said.

I sighed. "Alright, let's go,"

We left my house and Dan and Ricky walked a few feet in front of us while Ulrich and I chatted behind them.

"So," Ulrich said lowly, so that Dan and Ricky wouldn't hear. "Did you enjoy your first trip to Lyoko?"

I nodded. "Yeah, althought it'll take me a while to get used to going into the past. Doesn't it get kinda annoying?"

"It does, but it can also help you fix any mistakes you made earlier," he said.

"Great, so you get an advantage,"

"Yeah,"

"That's cool,"

We got to the theatre right when the preview ended. The movie was about two hours long. I found out later that Ricky was sleeping over, which I knew would be a pain. I made sure that Ricky and Dan got inside before turning to Ulrich.

"Thanks for coming," I said. "Now, you better hurry if you don't want Jim to freak out on you."

He laughed. "Yeah. See you tomorrow,"

He leaned forward a little, hesitated then turned and ran off, disappearing in the darkness.