Code X - Chapter 17 - Maverick Storm

Ulrich and the other humans were teleported to the area known as Voltech City to destroy a Maverick who apparently has been stealing the electricity of the town.

"You know guys," Aelita started, "this will be the first Maverick we ever faced without X or any other Hunters help. Do you think we can handle it?"

"Of course we can Princess. Don't you worry," Odd commented. He then made a victorious smile and thumbs up.

A deep chuckle was made and the others turned to see Jeremy following.

"Woah! Hey there Einstein! What're you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Spider?" Odd asked in amazment.

"If you'll recall, Commander Signas did not give me a specific team to go with, so I decided to go with you guys. After all, he did say the "Lyoko" Warriors. That includes me doesn't it?"

Ulrich smiled and kept walking next to Yumi. "'Course it does. Come on Buddy."

The three of them began walking ahead, but Aelita's face seemed to show despair. Odd stayed back to talk with her.

"What's the matter Princess? Aren't you happy to be with Einstein after all this time?"

She made a deep sigh and answered, "Well it's just, that doesn't seem to be our Jeremy. There's something different about him, you know?"

Odd tilted his head, his tail swaying slightly. "What do you mean?"

"He just seems... angrier, colder, like he's not still that same guy we knew..."

Odd walked over to her bright, pink body and put his soft paw on her shoulder. She looked over to see him smiling brightly. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll see everything will be alright."

With tears forming in her eyes, she smiled and hugged him.

"Hey! What's taking you two so long!" Yumi shouted to them. They blushed, let go of each other, and ran over to them.

Meanwhile, X and Zello were alone in Steelocks. They were combing the area for the Maverick. X seemed distracted during the search. Zello kept his usual calm composure, his long, blonde hair flowing behind him as he dashed through.

"Did you find the Maverick yet Zer- Zello?" X's voice stopped due to his sadness.

Zello clenched his fist and stopped in his tracks. He then turned his body to face him, bringing his fist to X's face.

As X flew through the air, sliding into the ground, Zello shouted, "Enough! You need to get over it! Zero's fine and he will stay that way! If you stop crying and feeling sorry for yourself you can find him sooner and drag him back to us! Stop being so selfish!"

X, lying on the ground, looked up at him, his face in shock after what had occured. He lowered his head and seemed to be pouting.

Spider, Megaman, and Protoman were working together in Ironty to find thier own Maverick. However, all was silent. Protoman never spoke, Spider was a bit on the quiet side, and Megaman was always serious when it came to the lives of others.

Commander Signas had the three navigators watching each of the three teams. He watched as all of these, what should have been private, events occured. He stared intently on the screens all day. He saw the Mavericks on screen, all preparing to ambush the teams. He shouted at the screens, as if the members could hear them, "Watch out!"

Author - Oops. Looks like I lied. No fighting. :D

Bass - Darn it! I wanted -

Mystery Reploid - No one cares what you want

Bass - Argh!

Author - Tune in next time for the battles! For real this time! :D