Chapter 17: Without knowing how
They both hadn't talked abut the small incident with the Kankrelats attacking them nine days ago, and Sissi suspected nothing. And because they had walked all day yesterday – again – Odd had given them one day rest again. This was the ninth day, but the third, fifth and seventh, they had also rested to get back some energy. Nicholas thought Odd did this on purpose, so he had something to laugh with, especially their painful bones and muscles they didn't know they had.
That morning, Odd was nowhere to be seen, probably catching and cooking them breakfast. As always, Sissi as to be found at the campfire Odd made them that day, and surprisingly he saw Odd there as well. He didn't mind the Warrior much, because said Warrior didn't mind them at all. Nicholas sat down next to Sissi and took something from the fire, looking like a small baked bird, and he bit in it.
Nicholas and Sissi discussed the same topics: how the sleep was, and what they dreamed that night – because of this, Herve became a daily topic as well. And all that time, Nicholas kept a close eye on Odd. He acted different, we know, because apparently Odd was a cook, serious, concentrated and certainly not deaf. And in those days they learned to know this new Odd, he often contradicted himself, he was the quietest of the group, and they hadn't seen him eat and sleep, though he told the two he did do them, just not when he's with them because of privacy issues. And, at the moment, he was busy building… something from wood, looking like a small gun. He'd been making it the past nine days, but he never explained the thing to neither Sissi or Nicholas, and when talked to him, he suddenly forgot the thing in his hand until the conversation was done.
"Odd?" Nicholas asked for Odd's attention. As usual, he turned his head to the redhead. His fingers closed around the wooden gun, and when Nicholas saw the look in Odd's yes, he knew the boy had forgotten about it already.
"What's that?" Odd frowned.
"What's what?"
"That wooden thing?"
"What wooden thing?"
"The one in your hands!" Confused, Odd looked at what he was holding, and then remembered what Nicholas was talking about, and how he was holding it in his hands. He changed its position to somewhat higher and in one hand, maybe not to forget about that again when talking, and he turned his head towards the two interested young people.
"So… what is this?" Odd said, "I have no idea, and I probably won't be able to explain it to you because I myself have no idea what it does, ad how I put it together." These words confused Nicholas and Sissi. You would know what it does and how you put it together when you invented it yourself?
"You… don't know what it is?" Sissi said, not believing the story, and Odd nodded.
"Exactly. And because of that, I made up a name for it so we don't have to refer to it as 'wooden thing. I present to you: the Laser-Arrow!" Nicholas frowned.
"Why the laser arrow?"
"Because 'Arrow-shooter' just sounds weird."
"And the Laser-Arrow doesn't?"
"Not at all!" Odd ended the conversation. Then, Nicholas noticed Odd didn't hold his Laser-Arrow – what a ridiculous name! – in his hand, but it was attached to his wrist. He guessed this was because didn't want to hold it all time, and it would be easier to aim, too. Still, Nicholas doubted the purpose and quality of the Laser-Arrow – he didn't really look useful.
"And can you use it?" Odd looked up from his Laser-Arrow to the redhead, "Not to hurt you or anything, I'm just wondering if it works. Or did you only made it to have something to do?" In a flash, Odd's facial expression changed. As if he, personality -wise, changed from weird Odd into a complete stranger. His facial expression turned harsh, emotionless, and he aimed his wrist with the Laser-Arrow at Nicholas. Not a moment later, something hit Nicholas' arm – something that grazed his arm easily.
Nicholas looked up at Odd, fairly sure the boy did this on purpose, even if he didn't know how he could've done that. "Do not ever underestimate the Laser-Arrow. It saved me from a lot of dangers and gave me a feeling of security, Lyoko -wise." And Odd stood up and walked away from them, while Nicholas still rubbed his arm. It really hurt, but it would only leave a bruise. Sissi stared at Nicholas with a somewhat angry glare.
"What?"
"Go apologize to him!" she said in a demanding voice, and he shrugged.
"Why me? He shot me!" Sissi liked it better when Nicholas just would do anything for her without doubting the actions and without grumbling. She longed for those carefree days, even though Odd told them the virus attacked at least one a week.
"But you insulted him!" To conform her argument, she stood right up and pointed in the direction Odd had walked, "Nicholas Poliakoff, you get up right now and apologize to Odd!" A few seconds, it stayed quiet, until Nicholas stood up sighing.
"Fine!" and he started to walk, "but know Odd started it, not me!" and he disappeared in the bushes. Sissi sighed. Boys! Whatever situation you put them in, they'll always act like little children!
A few hours later, Nicholas stumbled back into their small camp, most certainly happy to be back. Sissi noticed his skin – the part that was left visible – was filled with bruises. Immediately she helped him sit up. "Nicholas, what in the world happened out there?"
"The Laser-Arrow and I can't really get along." Sissi pulled out an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Odd probably didn't want to hear my apologies. Instead, he shot me with the Laser-Arrow from the strangest places!" Only when the sun was setting, Odd returned with his Laser-Arrow. At this point, the boy seemed relatively happy. Their dinner was, as always, prepared by Odd, who ignored them and instead focused on those birds. They had no idea what kind of birds they were, but they were at least larger than a simple dove and tasted not like a chicken. That was, until Odd turned his head towards them.
"In one and a half day, we'll reach the factory, so I see it logical we won't be taking another day break the day after tomorrow, since we might as well take a last effort and go for the factory. Let's just hope XANA doesn't expect us to show up right there, 'cause you'll be in even more trouble if he notices you guys with me. I seriously hope this is gonna work. Oh, and Nicholas?" The redhead turned his head and Odd smiled at him.
"Apologies accepted."
Odd watched them sleep. He saw Nicholas rolling over to his side. Sissi slept rather peaceful. Odd turned his head. He looked over to the bushes. He scanned it for any monsters. No signs of life were detected after the scan, except Nicholas, Sissi and himself. Odd required no sleep. He could easily stay awake all night. He could survive on few resources a day. He should be more careful, because Nicholas might be smarter than first thought.
Odd began to think. Goal accomplishment: 82%. The other 16 per cent were relevant. Eight per cent added when he had reached the factory. Three per cent when he had convinced Jeremy. Six per cent for those who had to die. And one more per cent for his own death.
He was almost there. The one who assigned him this mission will be glad to see these numbers. Odd would rather not do it. But Odd had no choice in this situation. Time was running out. Odd should go faster. A disadvantage was how Sissi and Nicholas easily could be compared with snails. Again, he should be more careful.
His sensors picked up activity. A scan proved it to be close to Kadic. Odd smiled a bit. The number of 82 had been increased to 84. Eight per cent added when he had reached the factory. Three per cent when he had convinced Jeremy. Four per cent for those who had to die. And one more per cent for his own death.
Aaaaand ... cut! That was the end of the seventeenth (rather short) chapter! Still got thirteen to go, at least! Which means thirteen weeks to go and then, it'll be over. But don't worry, I'll be back! Anyway, what do you think of the Laserarrow? What are Odd's plans, and what is his secret agenda? Will those two ever know his true colors? And what about Ulrich and Yumi? I'll return to you Thursday the first of May, with Ulrich and Yumi! On with the reviews:
Bluedog197 (Just one more week, mate... in fact Odd, Ulrich and Yumi remember XANA, but for now the factory's in trouble... that about Jim might actually be true, ha ha! I'd rather not live in a xanafied world, not the way I imagine it... thanks for the review!)
See ya next time!
-Dutchwriters2