Here's chapter fifteen! I'm proud to report that it's my looooongest chapter yet… about a full 10 pages on Microsoft word. Enjoy, and pleaseeeeeeee review!
Chapter Fifteen: A Recipe For Disaster
Odd sat in the oversized chair in front of the Super Computer monitor, staring at it closely. He wore Jeremie's headset that he always had on while working at the computer. William stood behind, with one hand on the back of the chair. He drummed his fingers impatiently.
"Tell me what we're doing here, Odd," he said, his voice a tad annoyed. Odd didn't even hint at what they were doing here.
Odd's fingers clacked noisily away at the keys, and he opened various windows.
"Okay. There's this software here that is a voice converter type machine."
"A voice what?"
Odd sighed and rolled his eyes, but William didn't see.
"You can call any cell phone and by using this software, it changes your voice. All it needs is a sample of the voice you want to use."
"So you mean we could sound like Yumi, or Ulrich?" William said. Odd located the program he needed, and closed the other windows he didn't need.
"Yes. Ulrich's voice is already saved onto here, and so is Yumi's, Aelita's, Jeremie's, as well as mine. So, all we ha-"
William held out his hands in a "wait" signal. He walked to the right of the chair, and put his back to the monitor to face Odd.
"I know your friends are really weird, Odd. And you're always together. What the hell is this place? And what's it for? Is this something that nerd Jeremie put together with some money from his rich parents or something?" Odd scowled at William for a moment, and crossed his arms. With his blonde hair and posture, as well as the headset he wore, when Odd sat in this chair he bore a strange and uncanny resemblance to Jeremie. Right now, he looked like a mad version of his friend, however.
"Okay. Let's get something straight. We agree on some things, like the fact that Ulrich and Yumi shouldn't be together, yes. But you must remember, William, that these people still are my friends. I don't like my friends being made fun of." Odd took his left arm and put his elbow on the armrest, and propped his head up with his hand. He let the other arm fall to his side.
William stepped back a half-step and his mouth dropped a bit in surprise. Shaking his head, he wiped away the surprised look. He completely he had asked what this place was.
"Sorry," he mumbled.
"Okay. Now can I carry on?" Odd asked, gesturing with his right hand to the computer screen. William glanced at it.
"Yeah."
"Anyways, I was saying, all we have to do is call up Sissi, and imitate Ulrich with this software. We can ask her to the dance tomorrow night and everything. She'd be too excited to have any doubt it's him, and if she asks, we'll make up some story about how he's not going with Yumi." William grinned.
Odd clicked a button that read "Choose A Voice", and a sub-menu popped down with the names of the people already pre-loaded in the Super Computer. When Odd clicked Ulrich's name, his picture appeared below on the main window. To the side it said "Number To Be Called," with a box after it. He clicked inside the box, and then William reached into his pocket and took out his cell phone. When he was done scrolling through the addresses and found Sissi's number, he read it aloud to Odd.
"Her number's 895-392-0948," William said. After Odd finished typing in the number, a new button showed up below the phone number that read "Call."
"Now all I have to do is hit this and it'll convert my voice to Ulrich's. It's that easy."
"Wow. Okay. Do it."
Odd hit "Call," and then a button appeared of a speaker. Clicking it put the call on speaker phone, and the ringing of Sissi's phone echoed through the Super-Computer room, so that William could hear the conversation too.
"Hello?" Sissi answered in a peppy tone.
"Hey Sissi, it's Ulrich," Odd said, although his voice sounded exactly like Ulrich's.
A split second of silence was destroyed by a girly giggle.
"Oh, hello Ulrich. I knew someday you'd call." Sissi bought it, although William couldn't think of a reason why she wouldn't. The program was flawless.
"Er, uh, yeah. Well, I had something to ask you." Odd glanced up at William, who grinned and did a "thumbs up" signal. Odd nodded in response.
"What do you want to ask me?" Sissi asked, her voice curious. She tried to sound alluring. Odd had to stifle a laugh, in fear of blowing his cover. William shot him a warning glance, and Odd retracted the smile.
"I'm sure you know about the dance that's happening tomorrow night, right?" Odd asked.
Sissi squealed slightly. "Yes!" Her voice had returned to the peppy state it had been in earlier.
"Well, I was wondering if you'd like to go with me. If you'd like to be my date," Odd said. He glanced at William for a split second. William held up a hand and crossed his fingers.
"Yes! Yes yes yes! I would love to! Oh, Ulrich! I knew someday you'd call and ask me that," Sissi said. Odd imagined her jumping up and down with happiness.
"Okay, great. I'll meet you at the dance. I have detention with Jim that ends five minutes before it. Go figure," Odd said.
"Wait, what about Yumi? I mean, I saw you walking around with her all yesterday and such. I thought you were a couple or something."
Odd turned towards William, and bit his lip. Then, a millisecond later, his eyes lit up and William knew he had an idea. "Ah, we were, yeah. But she's being a total bitch. There's drama at home, and she's brought it in between us. Right now, I'd much rather not have to deal with the emotional headache that she is," Odd continued to lie.
"Oh. Okay then. I won't argue with that. Ha!"
"Yeah. Well, I got to go. Jim wanted to talk to me about my detention. See you tomorrow, Sissi."
"Okay, Ulrich. See you tomorrow." Sissi excitedly hung up the phone, and Odd closed out of the voice software.
He stood up and grinned evilly at William. "That went well."
"Very well," he said. "We fooled her. Hahaha. And that was a lot easier and quicker than sending her a fake letter would have been." William held his fist out in front of him, and Odd bumped his fist to William's.
"We did it. Now we can leave, before Einstein happens to find us here. I wouldn't want to have to explain to him why we're here. Me, he'd understand. You, he might get angry at."
"Okay. Let's go," William said. Odd and William picked up their skateboards and headed back out of the Super-Computer room, and up in the elevator. They skated through the empty factory back to the sewer tunnel entrance, and through the tunnels, with Odd in the lead.
"Hey, Odd, I have a question though," William said when they were putting back their skateboards next to Yumi's skateboard and the two scooters.
"Shoot."
"We fooled Sissi now, but what happens when Ulrich shows up with Yumi, and Sissi sees?"
Odd grinned. "That'll create major turmoil and drama, knowing Sissi. And so hopefully Ulrich messes up his words. I can almost guarantee there'll be a huge scene. Sissi will surely insist he called her, and lately Yumi has been trusting, but not too trusting. So, it's a recipe for disaster."
William laughed, with a lot of malevolence in his voice.
"Great thinking, Odd. I'm glad we agreed to work together on this."
"So am I, William," Odd said. "So am I," he repeated.
Odd climbed up the ladder that lead to the manhole in the park, and pushed it aside. He stuck his head out just enough to peer around, making sure he didn't see nor hear anyone nearby.
"Coast is clear," he commented, and climbed out of the hole. William followed, and replaced the manhole cover.
………………..
It was about four o'clock, and Yumi and Ulrich were lying out on the soccer field on their backs, looking up at the puffy white clouds that inhabited the sky. Yumi's left hand was on the ground at her side, and Ulrich placed his right hand over it. She smiled, and pointed up at the sky with her other hand.
"Look, look! I see a bunny. See the tail? And there's the ears," she said, pointing to a cloud that was above them.
"And there's its feet," Ulrich said, pointing up at the same cloud.
"I wish I had a bunny. They're so cute," Yumi said, turning her head to look at Ulrich. He smiled, and brushed away a strand of hair that fell into her face when she turned her head.
"You know something?" Ulrich asked.
"What?"
Ulrich grinned and moved his hand off of Yumi's and put it near her shoulder. In one quick movement, he shifted himself so he was leaning over Yumi, with his other hand on the other side of her. Being as athletic as he was, he could hold his weight up with no problem. He leaned down and kissed her.
Yumi smiled. "Ulrich, we're still on school grounds."
"I love you, Ms. Ishiyama," he whispered after.
"I love you too, but you should probably get off me."
Ulrich frowned and moved away so he was sitting next to her. "Sorry, that was a bad idea."
Yumi sat up. "No, it wasn't. It's just that we're still on school grounds. That's probably not something we should be doing on school grounds."
"Like I said, bad idea. Sorry." Ulrich stood up, and Yumi did too. She took his hand, and he attempted to wriggle his hand free, but she tightened her grip just enough so that he stopped. "I should probably get back to the dorm," he said, starting to walk away. Yumi tightened her grip even more. "It's almost dinner time," Ulrich mumbled, looking towards the dorms and away from Yumi.
Yumi frowned and took two steps closer to him. Placing her right hand on his cheek, she gently moved his face so that he was looking at her. "You're not mad at me, right?" she asked in a small voice.
"No, of course not."
"You're not mad at yourself either, right?" Yumi asked. Ulrich's eyes flashed downwards to the ground.
"No…" he mumbled. Yumi sighed and tapped his chin to make him look back up at her.
"Ulrich, please. Don't be mad. I just don't want Jim to come by and get us into trouble or anything. Summer detentions aren't what I really want."
"You have a point. Sorry I acted how I did," Ulrich said.
Yumi kissed him lightly. "It's fine. But hey, why don't we do something tonight before the movies? For dinner, perhaps?"
"Ah? Like what?"
"How about we go back to my house for dinner and order out? Chinese food sound good?" Yumi asked.
"Mmmm that sounds yummy… and definitely better than the school food. Let's go."
Yumi and Ulrich walked across the soccer field, and over to the gates, hand in hand.
…………….
"No, no, let me help you. You're holding them wrong," Yumi said with a laugh. She set her bowl of noodles down on the coffee table in front of them and turned towards Ulrich, who was struggling with his chopsticks.
"I never understood how to work chopsticks."
"It's not complicated at all. All you need is a little practice," Yumi said, reassuringly.
"I couldn't ever work them," he said, holding the chopsticks out to Yumi. She took them out of his hand and laid them on the table next to her bowl.
"Watch me," Yumi said. She took her right hand and positioned it to where it needed to be. "Copy this position."
Ulrich nodded and positioned his hand like Yumi's. She took one chopstick and put it under her thumb. Ulrich did the same.
"Good. Now take the other chopstick and put it like this." Ulrich copied Yumi's movements.
"Like this?" he asked.
"Yeah. Now move the second chopstick like this," Yumi said while demonstrating. Ulrich struggled at first with it.
"Ah, I can't do that."
Yumi sighed. "Don't be a pessimist. Just keep trying."
"Okay."
Yumi picked up her bowl again, and easily picked up a few noodles with the chopsticks.
"Try that," Yumi told him. He picked up his bowl, and tried. He bit his tongue and took up an expression of confusion and hard concentration. The noodles slipped out of the chopsticks and back into the bowl. Ulrich frowned.
"I tried. And failed."
Yumi laughed. "Well, that's okay. A little practice and you'll get better."
Ulrich tried and tried again, and eventually improved a little bit with using chopsticks. Yumi had to help him out a little bit here and there, and a few times had to laugh. Chopsticks just didn't like him.
"Are we still going to the movies later?" Ulrich asked when he had finished his food.
"Hmm… Well, I'm kinda in the mood to just hang out actually. Is… that okay?"
"Yeah, yeah. Actually, that's what I'm in the mood for right now anyways. But, is it okay with your mom? I don't want to be intrusive. We were supposed to go out tonight."
"I'm pretty sure, but if you want I'll ask." Yumi set her empty bowl on the coffee table and stood up.
"Thanks," Ulrich said. Yumi walked to the kitchen, where she found her mom reading a magazine.
"I was wondering if it was okay for Ulrich to stay here for a few more hours. We decided we didn't want to go see a movie right now."
"Yes, that's fine," Yumi's mother replied, looking up from the magazine.
"Thanks." Yumi spun around and headed back into the living room.
………………..
Morning had come and gone quickly, and the Lyoko gang hadn't heard anything from Odd. He had left early that morning, according to a note Ulrich found on the desk. No one knew why, however. The note didn't specify.
………………..
About an hour before the dance, Sam called Odd.
"Hello?" Odd said when he answered the phone.
"Odd? Where are you? I've been trying to reach you all day," Sam asked. Her voice was slightly frantic.
"Don't worry. I was out buying stuff."
Sam was quiet for about five seconds. "Stuff? Like what?" In the back of her mind, she considered the worst. She shook her head. No, not even this Odd would do that.
"Yeah, I bought new skateboard wheels….. and something else, for you."
"Something else for me?" Sam questioned. She began to wonder what it was. Something for her skateboard? Jewelry? Nah, she thought, he wouldn't buy me jewelry. Since he lost his memory he doesn't know we were a couple before.
"You'll see, later at the dance. Okay?" Sam smiled.
"Okay."
"I'll meet you outside the gym for the dance," Odd said. "Oh, and I can't wait to hear you DJ tonight." Sam smiled again.
"Thanks, Odd. I'll see you tonight,"
"Bye," Odd said. Sam said goodbye, and hung up.
………………..
Odd grinned, and turned to William.
"Tonight's going to be an interesting night," William said with an evil grin on his face.
"Oh yes. One hell of an interesting night…. If it goes well, anyways."
"Dude, think about it. It's foolproof. After tonight, Ulrich and Yumi will be history. It's just how we want it to be."
"Just how it should be," Odd said.
………………..
Jim stood outside the gym doors, greeting the dance guests as they came. He wore a gray tuxedo suit, which made him look a little bit more dressed up than usual. But, the band-aid that he always wore on his cheek made the outfit less dressy.
"Oh, hello Ulrich and Yumi," he said. Ulrich wore a deep blue polo shirt, and black pants. Yumi stood beside him, in a simple, but pretty, all-black dress. She wore red and black plaid heels, which complimented black fingerless gloves she wore that had red lace trim. The necklace she wore was a rose, and was a gift from Ulrich.
"Hey Jim," Ulrich said. Yumi smiled and said hello. Ulrich put his right hand on her waist and they walked inside the gym together. The music was blasting, and colorful lights were moving all around the room, on the walls, the ceiling, and the floor. Yumi recognized the music style, and glanced up at the DJ table to see Aelita, deep into thought with the music. Jeremie watched nearby with a smile.
"Yumi! Ulrich!" A familiar voice called, and the two turned to see Sam hurrying over towards them.
"Hey Sam!" Yumi said, and then hugged Sam. Odd had followed behind
Sam, and waved at Ulrich and Yumi. Ulrich waved back reluctantly. He still wasn't too pleased that Odd went through those letters of his.
"Hey Ulrich," Sam said.
"Hello," Ulrich said.
Yumi noticed the skateboard necklace that was around Sam's neck that had her name inscribed on it, and said, "Ooooh isn't that pretty! Where'd you get that?"
Sam smiled and said, "Odd bought it for me, when he was gone earlier. I love it." She smiled and looked at Odd. He was looking over in one corner, where William was.
"I'll… be right back. I need to go to the bathroom," Odd said. The group nodded, and he left in the opposite direction of William.
"Well, I think I'm going to go get a drink. Do you want anything, Yumi? Sam?" Ulrich asked.
"Yeah, actually. I'll take a soda, please," Yumi said.
"No thanks, I'm okay," Sam replied. Ulrich nodded and left, weaving in and out of the crowd on the dance floor towards the refreshment table.
When he reached the table, someone grabbed his arm from behind.
"Hey Ulrich," Sissi said, pulling him a little closer to her. "There you are. Dance with me," she said with a giggle.
"Sorry, Sissi. Like any other day, I have to say no," he said with a slightly angry tone, brushing her hand off of his arm.
Sissi crossed her arms, and twisted her expression to one of shock and confusion. "Excuse me? You're my date tonight, so stop treating me like I'm nothing to you."
Ulrich laughed with disgust. Sissi stepped closer and started dancing with Ulrich.
Before he got a chance to pull away from her, he heard an unhappy familiar voice behind him.
"What the hell is going on here?!" Yumi asked. Ulrich stepped away, and glanced at both girls. Sissi was grinning, and Yumi was scowling. Odd showed up a few seconds later, and William joined them.
"Yumi! I swear. She just-"
"I was dancing with my date," Sissi said. "He called me up yesterday and asked if I would be his date, to replace you," Sissi spat at Yumi.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Yumi said. "He's MY boyfriend." She stepped towards Sissi, with her hands clenched into fists.
"HA!" Sissi said. "He said you were being a bitch and he'd MUCH rather have me for a date." Ulrich stood in shock.
"… This is getting good …" Odd said to William in a quiet voice.
"Oh yeah it is. Catfights are hilarious."
"Ulrich what the hell is she talking about?" Yumi asked, turning towards Sissi.
"I… I have no clue. I never-"
Sissi snarled. "Now, now, Ulrich. We don't need you to lie. You know you're my date."
Yumi bared her teeth at Sissi, and stepped forward towards her.
"You rotten little skanky bitch. If you don't shut the hell up right now you're pretty pearly white teeth will be on the gym floor." Sissi raised her hands and went to shove Yumi.
Sissi lunged towards Yumi, but Yumi ducked out of the way and kicked Sissi's leg. Sissi staggered back, which gave Yumi some time to plan her next move. Ulrich stood watching, unsure of what to do.
Sissi swiped at Yumi's face with her newly manicured sharp nails, but grabbed hair instead. Yumi squeaked in pain and hissed, "Bitch!"
When Sissi let go of Yumi's hair, she went to attack Yumi again, but Odd stepped in, trying to stop the girls from hurting each other. He didn't want the drama to turn into any injuries.
Odd was pushed aside by Sissi, who was blinded by anger. He wobbled backwards, and stepped on a stray piece of melting ice. Odd slipped backwards, and fell down, bashing his head on the refreshment table, which consequently knocked him out cold.
Well, there it is! Chapter fifteen all finished. So… What do you think will happen to Odd? Hmm? Review please! I love hearing everyone's opinions. Next chapter is comin' up soon!
