Part 19
The tranquility of the Network is shattered by a deep rumbling from the abyss. Out of the darkness emerges Moriarty's spheres. Every single one, both empty shells and the ones who had connections to nuclear arsenals, converge together in a massive circular gap within the databases. The spheres become one, forming one massive sphere. The sphere hardens and becomes crystalline, shining like glass. Inside the glass sphere blue light flows and takes the shape of the Moriarty eye. The eye releases a pulse wave into the surrounding Network. Blocks from the skyscraper databases are pulled apart towards the sphere, as if drawn by a gravitational field. The blocks form together on the surface of the sphere and create four separate pyramids. The bases of the pyramids connect to the surface of the sphere and rotate along the sphere's equatorial and polar axis. From the tips of the pyramids four powerful blue beams fire into the nearby databases. The beams do not destroy the databases, but rather infect them. A dark shadow envelops the databases like a plague, causing them to turn black. The databases grow and form spikes on their ends. Strong cables emerge from all sides of the pyramids, creating a web connecting the infected databases to the central sphere. The sphere hums and the surrounding sea changes from aqua green to royal purple. Finally Moriarty himself emerges from the abyss. He views his new creation hungrily, especially the glass sphere. A small opening emerges in the sphere. His smoky tentacles caress it.
Moriarty: When one door closes, another one…opens.
He enters the glass sphere. The pyramids begin to rotate with incredible speed. The sphere lights up. Moriarty exhales and dissolves into a beam of light that shoots out of the sphere straight towards Lyoko. Meanwhile at Kadic, history teacher Gilles Fumet drinks coffee while preparing for his morning classes. He twirls it around with a short straw while studying his textbook. He hears a small creaking in the ceiling. He looks up. Seeing nothing wrong, he continues with his work. He writes down a few notes and then pulls out one of his drawers. He holds two DVDs in his hands. Both are about the Holocaust. He seems puzzled.
Gilles: Hmm…Which one? Which one do I show?
The creaking noise is heard again. He looks up again, this time a little annoyed. But once again he goes back to his work.
Gilles: The BBC one is more educational, but also very graphic. Too much for some of the students last year. Too many complaints from parents.
A specter emerges from a vent.
Gilles: But the students need to have a healthy understanding of this genocide….
He hears the slight creak again but chooses to ignore it.
Gilles: I think I'll go on the safe side and show the interview with Elie Wiesel.
The creak is now so loud he can't ignore it. He wheels around and stares at the ceiling, this time very angrily.
Gilles: Who's there?
He gets no answer. He looks around the room, but he sees no evidence to prove he's not alone.
Gilles: If this is a student, I promise you this isn't funny! You will be heavily disciplined for this!
He looks to the ceiling again. After he fails to hear the creaking again, he turns around to see a massive black specter staring at him in the face. His heart flies into his throat and he holds his chest, unable to take a breath from the shock. The specter slithers toward him.
Moriarty: You want to teach your students about the Holocaust?
Gilles: Y..ye….ye….y….ye….yes…yes.
Moriarty: I could help you.
The menacing specter is making Gilles shake with absolute terror. Cold sweat pours down his face.
Moriarty: I could show you the full horror of it all. Something no video can give justice to.
Gilles: No…..NO PLEASE NO!
Moriarty: You want to give your students a healthy understanding, don't you?
Gilles: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD I BEG YOU NO!
Moriarty laughs. Gilles cringes.
Moriarty: Not even God can save you now….
The specter attacks. A piercing scream resonates in the school hallways. In the boys bathroom, William and Odd are having a conversation. They both have towels along their waists, having just come out of the shower.
Odd: I'm telling you, I'm fine.
William: And I'm telling you I'm not buying it.
Odd: I'm free aren't I? Isn't that the end of it?
William: Not exactly, no.
Odd: I appreciate you looking out for me, but I don't need it.
William: Playing macho is not going to help you. Believe me, it doesn't go well.
Odd: Look, can we not talk about this? I don't like to think about it.
William: But you need to. You need to be honest with me about how you are doing. If not, it could end badly. You need me.
Odd tries to ignore William by brushing his teeth.
William: You can't be possessed by your sworn enemy for months and be 'ok'. It doesn't work that way.
Odd spits out the toothpaste and rinses his mouth.
Odd: Maybe not for you.
One of the students slams the door to one of the shower rooms. It causes a loud banging sound. Odd suddenly jumps and looks around him, expecting to be attacked. His eyes are wide. William crosses his arms.
William: Uh huh, sure.
Odd ignores him and tries to walk out of the bathroom. But William grabs his wrist.
William: Don't act like that didn't happen.
Odd gives him a dirty look.
William: Will you let go of your pride and just admit you need help?
Odd: Let go of me….
William: I am trying to help you. And I can help you. I've been there.
Odd's look becomes more intense.
Odd: Just because you were Xana's slave doesn't mean you know what I went through. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!
William suddenly becomes very hostile. An aggression foreign to William's real character seems to have possessed him. He squeezes Odd's wrist very hard. Odd becomes nervous.
Odd: William….stop! You're hurting me!
William comes back to reality and lets go of Odd's wrist. He breathes heavily and stares at his arm. He looks to Odd.
William: Do you see what I mean? There are consequences to this!
Odd begins to shake. He leans against the sink, trying to brace himself. He appears to think he's somewhere else. He grabs his hair. His face is white.
Odd: Please Master! NO TREATMENT!
After that statement, Odd seems to come back to himself. William stares at him, deeply worried.
William: Odd….what did he do to you?
An expression of fear and weakness take shape on Odd's face. He flees the bathroom. Later on in the day Ulrich, Aelita, Jeremie, and Odd walk to class together. They notice a large crowd gathering outside Gilles Fumet's classroom. Principal Delmas tries to shoo them away.
Delmas: Please students, go to class! There is nothing to see here.
Several doctors in white lab coats bring out Gilles. Jim helps them. Gilles babbles incoherently. His eyes alone speak of the psychological abuse he has been subjected to.
Gilles: His eyes…..HIS EYES!
Doctor: Try to relax Mr. Fumet. We're going to take good care of you…
Gilles: THE HORROR!
Jim: Uh….this reminds me of the time I worked in the insane asylum.
Delmas: You used to work in the insane asylum, Jim?
Jim: I'd rather not talk about it.
Ulrich: Well, I always knew he was uptight….
Aelita: This is awful. I feel so sorry for him.
Gilles: PLEASE! MAKE IT STOP!
Delmas follows Gilles to the ambulance. He pats him on the head.
Delmas: You're in good hands Gilles.
Gilles: THE SKULL! THE SKULL!
Jeremie raises an eyebrow at this last statement. The doctors put him in the 'special' ambulance.
Delmas: Don't worry about your classes. We'll find someone to fill in for you.
This last statement perturbs Gilles.
Gilles: NO! DON'T DO IT!
He grabs on to Delmas' shirt collar.
Gilles: HE…..HE'S COMING!
Jeremie walks toward the scene without being noticed, listening. Delmas does his best to unlatch Gilles' hand.
Delmas: Yes. That is…truly fascinating. Please try to relax. I'll be sure to visit you once a week.
Gilles: YOU'RE IN DANGER! YOU'RE ALL IN DANGER!
Delmas: Or perhaps once a month….
The ambulance speeds away. Delmas turns to the students.
Delmas: Go to class. All of you! Now!
The students reluctantly obey.
Delmas: Jim, can you proctor Mr. Fumet's classes until we find a suitable substitute?
Jim: I'll try sir. But history was never my strong point.
Delmas: I am well aware. You're going to be their proctor, not their teacher. We're going to have you assign some work for them to do in class and you will make sure they do it. Understand?
Jim: Yes sir!
Delmas: We just need to make sure that order is maintained and the students don't revert to the level of savagery.
Jim: I won't let it happen again sir!
Delmas: Just remember this is history class and not 'Story Time with Jim Morales' class.
Jim gives Delmas a slightly guilty look.
Jim: I will do my best to resist the temptation sir.
As the group peels away from the scene, a gaggle of girls approaches Odd from behind. Ulrich pats him on the back.
Ulrich: What did I tell you?
Odd: Are they…..following me?
Ulrich: Yep. You have your own fan club. Cool, huh?
Odd: Yeah….really cool.
He doesn't seem that enthusiastic.
Girl 1: Hey Odd, do you to sit by me in class again?
Girl 2: Hey! No fair! You got to last time!
Girl 3: But it's my turn! I haven't sat next to him for forever!
Girl 4: But it's my birthday! I should be the one sitting next to him!
Arguing ensues. Odd gives them a "How in the #%$ did this happen?" look. Ulrich, Aelita, and Jeremie leave him with the girls.
Ulrich: See you in class.
Odd tries to motion for them to stay, but they walk off.
Girl 3: So Odd, are you excited for the party tonight?
Girl 1: You should.
Girl 2: It's going to be amazing!
Girl 4: Everyone is going to be there!
Odd scratches his head.
Odd: Uh….refresh my memory?
The girls give him a quizzical look. Girl No. 2 nudges him with her elbow.
Girl 2: Remember? We're sneaking out and heading downtown to that dance club?
Odd: Oh, right….
Girl 1: Are you feeling alright?
Girl 4: You don't look so good.
Girl 3: And how come you aren't doing the 'spectral entity' thing?
The girls laugh. Odd is really lost.
Girl 2: Oh don't play dumb, you're the funniest guy in school…
Odd: Funniest guy in school….?
Girl 3: Yeah, go on. Do your thing….
Odd doesn't really know what they're talking about. But they want him to be funny, so he gives it a shot.
Odd: Ok, so a frog tells the bartender…
Girl 2: No, not that!
Odd: I thought you wanted a joke.
Girl 1: Not that kind…
Odd throws his hands up.
Odd: Well, what do you want?
Girl 3: You know….Her face becomes robotic in appearance. Calibrating awesomeness of spectral entity. Must pursue more female subjects. Sex appeal of spectral entity reaching critical levels.
The girls crack up at their comrade's imitation. But Odd does not think it's funny. He finally understands that his clone has made a fool of himself during his absence. Ordinarily he would like attention like this, but not anymore.
Odd: Um….that's not my style of comedy.
Girl 4: Oh shut up. It's your thing.
Girl 2: Yeah. It's who you are.
Odd: But I don't like being that kind of funny.
Girl 3: But you're not funny without it.
Odd raises an eyebrow.
Odd: Not funny without it?
Girl 2: Yeah, you were a real dork back then.
Odd: A dork?
Girl 3: Yeah, but then you got really funny and cool.
Odd: But that….that wasn't….
Girl 1: Do you remember when he tried to get you to go out with him last year?
Girl 2: Oh yeah! I told him he would have to fumigate his feet first.
Girl 4: Oh the look on your face. Priceless!
The girls laugh some more. Odd now understands that his replacement has been nothing but entertainment for them. They don't really like him for who he is, just who he has been for the last few months.
Girl 3: Come on! Do something hilarious!
Girl 2: We need something to get us through the day!
Girl 4: Say something stupid!
Odd becomes angry and balls his fists.
Girl 2: What are you waiting for?
Odd: No.
The girls are taken back by this.
Girl 3: Come again?
Odd: I'm done playing your game. You don't know me. You don't care about me. You just want to laugh at me. I thought acting different would get me more girls, and I guess it has. But for what? I can't be someone I'm not. You don't like me.
Girl 1: We do like you.
Girl 4: You're so funny!
Odd: I mean the real me! You don't like who I really am. You don't like me when I'm a dork. Well, that's who I am. I'm done with this. I'm done pretending. This joke has gotten old. I'm not playing your game anymore. So goodbye. I'm NOT going to the party.
He walks off, leaving the girls speechless. Later on in theater class, Ms. Kensington is giving a lecture about Hamlet.
Kensington: Now I'm going to read a passage to you from Act 5 Scene 1 of Hamlet.
Ulrich turns to Odd.
Ulrich: So, how did that go?
Odd: Hmmph.
Ulrich: That clone of yours really hooked you up, didn't he?
Odd: Yeah…..I wish he didn't.
Ulrich raises an eyebrow.
Ulrich: I'm sorry….what?
Odd: It doesn't matter. They won't be following me around anymore.
Ulrich looks to Aelita, who is sitting next to Emily LeDuc. Aelita gives him an inquisitive look, but Ulrich shrugs his shoulders. Jeremie, who sits in the back next to Paul Gilliard, is clearly concerned.
Kensington: But of course, this famous monologue wouldn't be complete without the correct prop.
She opens a drawer and pulls out a white object.
Kensington: A skull…..
Odd's head jerks up. He takes a good look at the white plastic skull. He tries not to look at it, but his eyes are pulled in against his will. He tries to pretend nothing's wrong, but it's clear by the way he swallows and breathes that that is not the case. He taps the desk nervously. Ulrich notices this scene and looks to Aelita. Her face sends a clear message back: Uh oh.
Kensington: Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio- a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.
Odd's arms begin to shake. His eyes lock on to the skull as if it is a gun and he is soon to be the victim of a firing squad.
Kensington: …He hath borne me on his back a thousand times…
In his mind's eye, the skull's eyes light up with intense fire. His vision goes red. Sweat trickles down Odd's forehead.
Kensington: …And now how abhorred in my imagination it is!
Odd has lost track of reality and seems on the verge of a panic attack. He hears Ulrich say, "Odd…ODD!" but it feels as if he is hearing him underwater. Black smoke starts to cover the skull.
Kensington: My gorge rises at it.
Odd's mind goes to a flashback. He is tied to a chair with Moriarty's smoky skull form looking over him. They are surrounding by inky blackness.
Moriarty: We can't have that again….
Odd: Please Master! I don't know what came over me!
Moriarty: You fought my control…..
Odd: A moment of weakness Master! It won't happen again…
Moriarty: Oh I will make sure it won't…..
Odd: No please Master! No treatment!
Moriarty: We must awaken the beast in you again.
Odd: I am a beast! I am an animal! I serve you and you alone!
Moriarty: And there is only one way to do that.
Odd: NOOOO!
A wave of indescribable horrors are subjected to Odd's mind, images of fear and terror no human mind should be subjected to. Odd is trapped in this black hole. He can't find a way out.
Kensington: MR. DELLA ROBIA!
Odd comes back to reality and notices everyone in the class is looking at him. All of the students laugh except for Ulrich, Aelita, and Jeremie, who seem very concerned.
Kensington: Would you mind explaining to the class why you nearly had a seizure?
Odd: Uh…I….
Kensington: If you were trying to imitate Hamlet's onset of insanity in Act 5, it was marvelously well done. You truly have a career in acting….
The students burst into laughter. Odd buries his head on the desk. An hour later, Odd washes his face in the bathroom. He tries to wash what has happened from his mind. He looks at the mirror and decides he doesn't like what he sees. He feels his spiked hair. He lightly touches the gel. Fully disappointed in himself and his past, he throws water at the reflection. Not satisfied with that, he starts to mess up his hair. The gel makes him have spikes of hair in all different directions. In a final act of frustration, he puts his hair under the sink and washes out all of the gel. When he rises to the mirror again, his hair is completely put down. It looks like the style he had before he ever came to Lyoko….when it was normal. He dries it off and walks out of the bathroom. Later at lunch, Odd approaches the group's table.
Ulrich: I'm telling you, I thought he was going to have a nervous breakdown.
Aelita: He was scared…..I could tell.
Jeremie: …I think he forgot what was real and what wasn't.
The group notices he is standing right next to them. They try to change the subject, only to double take and look at Odd's hair.
Yumi: Um….Odd…..
William: Your hair…..
Odd: What about it?
Aelita: It looks….different….
Ulrich: …..Normal…
Odd: Is that a problem?
Jeremie: No no no. It….it looks good on you.
Odd sits down.
Odd: Thanks.
Yumi: It's just that….
Ulrich: We thought you preferred 'Lyoko style'. Remember?
Odd twiddles his food around with a fork.
Odd: Maybe I don't deserve 'Lyoko style' anymore.
Aelita: Hey….don't talk like that.
Odd: Why not? Shouldn't I be honest with myself?
Jeremie: There's a difference between being honest with yourself and letting what is past define you.
Odd: Easy for you to say…
Jeremie: ….Quite the contrary.
Yumi stares at his tray.
Yumi: Aren't you going to eat?
Odd: No. I'm not hungry.
This last statement does not sit well with the group. Odd is always hungry. The speed of his metabolism is legendary. If he isn't hungry, the group knows there's something seriously wrong. William decides to break the ice.
William: Odd….I've heard there was a bit of a problem in-
Odd: I don't want to hear it.
William: Odd, if we don't address this, it will happen again.
Odd: No it won't. I've handled it.
William: Odd…..I know you're afraid….It's ok to be afraid.
Odd: But it's not ok to jump to conclusions…
William: Odd, please listen to reason…
Odd: I'm done….
He leaves the table.
William: It's worse than I thought.
Yumi puts a hand on his shoulder.
Yumi: William, be honest with us…..is he going to be ok?
William stares at the table.
Aelita: William, please….
William: …He needs us…..badly.
The group is silent.
William: He knows what's happening to him. He knows….and he's terrified. I think he's starting to remember everything now.
Yumi: Memories of his possession?
William: Correct…
Ulrich: This early?
William: Yes…
Aelita: That's not possible….
William: Not unless his former master wants him to remember everything.
Yumi: But why…?
William gives her a look that tells them all they need to know.
Jeremie: My God….
William: I got off easy compared to him…
Silence overtakes them.
Aelita: We all need to watch over him. Make sure he's relaxed. We can't let him experience anything uncomfortable. We need to make sure he's in control. And if we can't….
William: God help his soul…
The next day, Mr. Delmas sits at his desk playing that penguin game on his computer again. His phone intercom beeps. He presses the red button on the receiver.
Delmas: Yes Nicole?
Nicole: Sir, there's a man here to see you…
Delmas: Tell him I'm busy and will get to him in a minute.
Nicole: But sir….
Delmas looks annoyed.
Delmas: Yes….?
Nicole: He says he's here for the job opening…
This response gets his attention. He closes the game and adjusts his tie.
Delmas: Send him right in.
Nicole: Yes sir…
A lean middle-aged man opens the door. Delmas rises to shake his hand.
Delmas: My apologies. I didn't expect someone to come in on such short notice.
?: It's perfectly fine. I heard about your job opening and just wanted to put my foot in the door, so to speak.
Delmas: Yes of course. May I ask you your name?
?: Dr. Sébastien Renard. I understand you are in need of a history teacher….
Later in the day, Yumi and William head to their history class. They walk slowly down the hallway.
Yumi: First the theater class episode, then his hair, and….now he says he's not hungry. Are you sure we got the right Odd back?
William: We definitely got the right Odd. But he's changed.
Yumi: I wish he hadn't….I was so happy to have him back…but I can't even recognize him anymore.
William: It's just something we're going to have to accept. Both of our possessions have left a permanent mark on us.
Yumi: I guess you're right. You became very cold and rational a few months after you were freed. You used to be so reckless and such a flirt
William: Hey…I can still be a flirt….
Yumi: Yeah….whatever…
They enter the classroom with a group of students. Yumi heads immediately to a desk. Their substitute writes on the chalkboard. As William approaches the teacher's desk, the substitute turns around. William and the substitute come face to face. William is struck speechless. His mouth drops. His hands let go of books and paper and let them drop to the floor. The substitute remains expressionless, but William can see a malevolent glint in his eye. William can't even breathe. The students behind William get annoyed because he is blocking the aisle between the tables and the teacher's desk.
Emmanuel: Hey, Dunbar, what's the matter with you? Look alive!
William scrambles to get his things, avoiding the substitute's eyes. Christophe bends down next to him.
Christophe: Let me help you with that…
William: Thanks…
Christophe: You alright?
William retreats to his desk with Yumi without answering. His face is still in shock.
Moriarty: Good afternoon students. My name is Dr. Renard, and I'm most likely going to be your history teacher until the end of the term.
William lets out a whimper. Yumi does not pay attention, but rather draws a sketch of Odd. She does not look up.
Moriarty: To start off, we are going to call roll. Arceneau?
Arceneau: Present…
William tries to get Yumi's attention. But she is oblivious to him. William is so terrified, he can't even speak. He finally taps her on the shoulder. She looks up.
Yumi: What?
William points to Dr. Renard and gives her some obscure hand motions.
Yumi: Charades?...Seriously?
William shakes his head and becomes more dramatic. He still can't find the strength to speak.
Yumi: Will you spit it out already?
Moriarty: ...Dunbar?
William does not respond but feebly raises his hand.
Moriarty: A little higher, if you please. My eyesight is not what it once was.
William reluctantly obeys.
Moriarty: That's much better.
Yumi: What's the matter with you?
William: We….have…a…serious problem.
Yumi: What are you talking about?
William can't even bear to tell the truth to Yumi. He's completely terrified, not knowing what to expect. Yumi gives up and starts drawing again.
Moriarty: ….Ishiyama?
Yumi: Present…
Dr. Renard walks to her desk. He observes her drawing. She does not notice him until he takes it out of her hands.
Moriarty: Miss Ishiyama…I received a PhD in history…not art. And I am sure I have the right classroom.
A few of the students chuckle as he walks away. Yumi huffs.
Yumi: Jerk….
William: Oh, you have no idea…
Moriarty: And now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's go to our lesson for today. We are going to be discussing one of the greatest genocides in human history: The Holocaust.
William turns white and raises his hand.
Moriarty: Yes, Mr. Dunbar?
William: May I go to the infirmary?
Moriarty: Mr. Dunbar…I have read in Mr. Fumet's notes that you and a group of your friends have had quite a few visits to the infirmary….Pray tell, what is your ailment?
William: Mortal terror….
The students laugh. Yumi turns to him with a quizzical look on her face. Dr. Renard chuckles.
Moriarty: Hilarious William. But I assure you my class won't be THAT difficult.
Students laugh again. William sits down. He is shaking. Yumi has had enough.
Yumi: If you don't tell me what's wrong right now, I'm going to slap you.
William does not respond.
Yumi: Can't you speak?
He reaches for a pencil.
Yumi: Now what are you doing?
He writes a little note and passes it to her. She nonchalantly picks it up. It is only one word: Moriarty. She gasps and puts her hand over her mouth. She looks to William with fear in her eyes. She points to Renard. William nods, clearly terrified.
Moriarty: Miss Ishiyama, is there something wrong?
Yumi: No…no sir. Nothing's…wrong.
Moriarty: I should hope not. Now students, before we begin, let me start by listing some things you might expect in this class. First of all, this is not your average history class. Lecturing is boring. I want the students to be involved in discussion. History is not black and white. It can be examined by several different angles. I want you to question what you have been taught before. Second, this class will be an open forum for us to question the current political situation of Europe and elsewhere. The recent nuclear scare provides ample opportunity. Third, opinions, even ones that might be considered radical, are welcome in this class. And lastly…He grins….have fun. You will have fun in this class. He twists his fingers together. We are going to have so much fun in this class…You could even consider this a…..game….if you will..a very VERY big game...He looks to Yumi and William…You have no idea what I can do to you in this class…
Both Yumi and William look at their enemy with dread.
Yumi: How long did he say he would stay?
William: For the rest of the term…
Yumi: We are so screwed…
Under the portico of one of the school buildings, Yumi and William tell Aelita, Ulrich, and Jeremie the terrible truth. As usual, they take this news very calmly.
Ulrich: WHAT?
Jeremie: HE'S HERE?
Aelita: I….I think I'm going to be sick…
Ulrich: Are you absolutely sure it's him?
William: I've seen him before, during one of his games. I've stared him right in the eye. I know what he looks like. And that substitute IS Moriarty.
Yumi: I haven't seen his human form until now. But I could tell it was him. The way he looked at us, the way he spoke, the way he called out on us…..Moriarty is Dr. Renard.
Aelita: What do we do?
Jeremie: What can we do?
Aelita: We can't allow him to stay here! There's no telling what kind of harm he is capable of.
Jeremie: And how do we reveal himself without revealing our secret?
The group doesn't have an answer to this.
Ulrich: He really has us this time.
William: He must have taken over a tower. If we deactivate it, that should take care of it, right?
Jeremie looks at his laptop. He shakes his head.
Jeremie: No. There's nothing on the super scan. That would be too easy. He must be getting power from somewhere else.
Yumi: So, what's the plan?
Jeremie: I'm going to the factory to try and sort out this mess. Cover for me.
Ulrich: That's not going to be easy. Our next class is with Moriarty…
William suddenly looks concerned.
William: Wait….is Odd in your class?
Ulrich: Yeah…why?
William: No, this is HORRIBLE! You have to get Odd away from him!
Aelita's eyes widen.
Aelita: If Odd sees Moriarty…
William: He'll flip!
Yumi: When does your class start?
Ulrich: Like….now..
Aelita grabs Ulrich's arm.
Aelita: We have to get to Odd before Moriarty does!
Ulrich: Alright, let's go!
Ulrich and Aelita take off towards the classroom. A few minutes later they sit in class, waiting for both Odd and Moriarty to arrive. A few other students trickle in. Ulrich leans back in his chair towards Aelita.
Ulrich: Where is he?
Aelita: I don't know! This is driving me insane!
Ulrich: If Odd doesn't get here in the next thirty seconds, it will be impossible to prevent disaster….
Aelita rests her head on her hands.
Aelita: Oh please….PLEASE let Odd come first.
As if an answer to her desperate prayer, a still morose Odd walks in. Ulrich and Aelita jump from their seats and grab both of his arms.
Odd: Hey…what are you doing?
Ulrich: Um Odd….I think you need some rest…
Odd: What are you talking about?
Aelita: Ulrich's right….maybe it's best you….take the day off!
Odd: Take the day off? I don't exactly have that option…
Ulrich: Make up an excuse….say you have to go the infirmary.
Aelita: Sure, it's no problem. We'll cover for you.
Aelita and Ulrich are trying to edge Odd closer to the door. The other students seem oblivious to this. They are busy talking amongst themselves.
Odd: Mind explaining to me what you're doing?
Ulrich: Don't you need to feed Kiwi?
Aelita: Yeah, you shouldn't keep him waiting.
Odd narrows his eyebrows.
Odd: I fed him this morning….
Aelita looks at the clock and starts to become desperate.
Aelita: Well, you may need to feed him again!
Ulrich: Yeah, you know how he can be such a pig.
Odd: My dog is not a pig!
Aelita: Odd, you don't understand. You can't-
Odd: No I know perfectly well what's going on here. You think I am messed up!
Aelita: No, it's not that.
Odd: Yes it is! You think I need help!
Ulrich: Well no…it's..just that…
Odd: Let me get to my seat…
Odd tries to pass by Ulrich, but Ulrich moves in front of him.
Ulrich: I can't let you do that Odd.
Odd: Get….out….of my way.
Ulrich: No. Go back to your room. That's an order.
Odd throws his hands up.
Odd: You're ordering me not to go to class?
Ulrich: You're going to have to trust me on this…
Odd: Give me one reason why I should…
Aelita: Please listen to him Odd. It's for your own good.
Odd: How? What will happen to me if I stay in class that is so bad?
Moriarty: So many things…
Ulrich and Aelita lose their breath. They have lost their chance. A timid Odd turns around to see his former tormentor staring at him in the face. Every ounce of Odd is frozen by a fear that has no limit. The color drains from his skin, leaving nothing but a ghostly white hide. He struggles to draw a breath. His terror is of such magnitude, that had he seen Satan himself instead, his reaction would hardly have altered. Moriarty gazes upon his former pet with a sadistic and merciless smile.
Moriarty: So nice to meet you…..Mr. Della Robia.
Moriarty offers Odd his hand. Odd backs up from it like the plague. Aelita is also afraid, even though she has expected this. But Yumi and William's warnings did not fully prepare her to come face to face with her father's murderer as her new teacher. As for Ulrich, having seen his enemy's true human form for the first time, he steels his nerves. Ulrich knows that he is currently the strongest one facing Moriarty, and he must behave as such. But he is clearly worried about how Odd is going to respond to Moriarty's presence.
Moriarty: Is there a problem, Odd?
The breath is taken out of Odd's lungs. His legs are shaking. Aelita and Ulrich stare helplessly, unsure what to do. The other students are starting to take notice.
Moriarty: I'm looking forward to spending this year with…teaching you.
Odd has broken into a cold sweat again. Moriarty puts a hand on his shoulder. He leans and whispers into his ear.
Moriarty: It will just be like old times…
Odd loses physical control after this statement. He backs up in terror, shaking terribly. He then looks at his pants and gasps with embarrassment. His fear has made him lose control of his bladder. A trickle streams down his pants leg. The students react with horror.
Herb: What the-?
Olivia: OH THAT'S SO GROSS!
Sissi: What's the matter with him?
Odd looks down with shame.
Moriarty: Mr. Della Robia, if you needed to use the bathroom, you could have just asked…
Finally Aelita cannot take it anymore. She wants to yell at him, but she despite her burning anger, she knows she can't risk exposing Moriarty or their secret.
Aelita: Sir, he is not well!
Moriarty: You are quite right Miss Stones….
Sissi takes her attention away from Odd's accident to look back at Aelita and her substitute. She seems puzzled.
Sissi: Wait….how did he know her name?
No one listens to her question. Ulrich grabs Odd's arms. He gives Moriarty a venomous look.
Ulrich: I'll take him to the infirmary.
Moriarty: Thank you for offering Ulrich, but I'll take care of it. He pulls Odd towards the door. I'm no doctor of medicine, but I believe I know EXACTLY what Odd needs.
Odd musters the courage to look into Moriarty's eyes. He begins to hallucinate that his tormentor's pupils are on fire. The flesh melts of Moriarty's face, revealing a burning skull, grinning wickedly at him. Odd's world begins to spin around him. He holds his head. He has reached the breaking point. He lets out a bloodcurdling scream that shocks and frightens the entire class. He breaks free of Moriarty's grip and holds on to the door, the wildness of animal fear scorching his eyes.
Odd: NOOO! NOT THE EYES! ANYTHING BUT THE EYES!
He runs out of the classroom like a wild students look at each other in confusion. Aelita tries to run after him, but Moriarty puts his hand in front of the door.
Moriarty: Go to your seat.
Aelita: No! Odd needs me!
Moriarty: I think it would be best for the adults to handle Odd.
Aelita is literally about to strike him. She grits her teeth.
Aelita: Get…out…of…my way.
Moriarty: I don't think you are in any position to give me orders. I may be new here but I am your teacher.
Aelita is so angry and distraught she almost emotionally shuts down. She can't even speak.
Moriarty: So I'd suggest you respect me as such.
Aelita doesn't say anything but mouths the words: "When hell freezes over."
Moriarty: All of you sit down! We need to begin class.
Everyone settles down except Ulrich and Aelita. Ulrich motions for Aelita to sit down, but she won't budge.
Moriarty: Miss Stones, that wasn't an invitation…
The students can only stare in wonder as she defiantly refuses to move.
Moriarty: I won't ask you again….
Ulrich tugs on her sleeve.
Ulrich: Aelita, you're making a scene…
She doesn't answer. Ulrich pulls her from her hateful stare at Moriarty and whispers to her.
Ulrich: Iknow you're furious…I am too. But can't you see he is enjoying this? This isn't going to help Odd.
She looks away from him.
Ulrich: One day we'll make him pay for this and remove him from this school. But now is not the time or the place.
She looks back to him.
Ulrich: We'll have to be patient.
Aelita sighs and slowly takes her seat. Ulrich quickly follows.
Moriarty: So glad you finally remembered where your seat was Miss Stones.
A few students chuckle.
Moriarty: And don't forget to tell your friend Jeremie that he has detention for skipping my first day of class.
A few colorful words come out of Aelita's mouth.
Moriarty: So to begin the lecture, let us focus on the most infamous death camp of the war, Auschwitz.
Aelita leans to Ulrich.
Aelita: We can't just let Odd run around like a madman! He could hurt himself! He needs help!
Ulrich shows her his cellphone.
Ulrich: I would never think of not sending him help.
Back in the library, William and Yumi study across from each other. Both are absorbed in their work, trying to block the day's shocking revelation from their minds. Yumi's phone buzzes. She grabs it to prevent anyone from hearing. She subtly takes her phone out and looks at the text. She raises an eyebrow. William pretends to stretch and whispers to her.
William: What is it?
Yumi: It's from Ulrich…
William: What does it say?
Yumi: This is strange. It just says 'Stop Odd'.
William: Stop Odd? What in the world does that mean?
William and Yumi turn to the library window to see Odd running through the campus, screaming with wild abandon. They look at each other in horror.
William: Sorry I asked…
Yumi: We have to stop him before he hurts himself!
William: Yes, but how do we get past G.I. Jim?
They take a glance at their overweight proctor, perusing a comic book but keeping a sharp eye on the students. Yumi turns back to him.
Yumi: You're the former rebel. How would you get out of this?
William thinks for a moment. He tosses a rubber band ball in his hands that he made himself. He eyes the fire alarm several feet away from their desk. He makes a few motions with his wrist toward his target, taking aim. When Yumi realizes what he is doing, her eyes widen.
Yumi: Don't even think about it…
William: I thought you wanted a way out of here.
Yumi: Yes, but not that drastic!
William: But what about Odd?
She purses her lip and closes her eyes. She waves him to proceed.
Yumi: Do it.
When William is positive no one is looking, he launches the rubber band ball at the fire alarm with perfect aim. A sharp ringing sound shatters the library's silence. Jim jumps up from his chair in surprise.
Jim: BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES! TAKE COVER! WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST! ….Uh…I mean…evacuate in an orderly fashion.
William and Yumi sneak out with the rest of the crowd. William gives her a thumbs up. She shakes her head in response. Once they are outside and Jim isn't looking, the two bolt after Odd. They find him bracing himself against a tree in the woods, his body trembling. His back is to them. William looks to Yumi. She holds out her hand, telling him to approach him slowly and gently. He nods. Yumi tiptoes closer to him. She tries to put her hand on his shoulder.
Yumi: Odd?
He spins around with his right arm outstretched and his left hand on his right wrist. He breathes heavily. His eyes burn with intense vigilance.
Yumi: Odd, this isn't Lyoko.
He refuses to drop his arm.
Yumi: Odd, it's me, Yumi. And William.
William: We're here to help you…
Odd only seems to get more tense. An inescapable doubt rests uncomfortably on his face.
Odd: How do I know?
The other two don't seem to understand.
William: Know what?
Odd turns to face him.
Odd: How do I know this is real?
Yumi: Odd, what are you talking about?
Odd: How do I know I'm really free?
Yumi: What do you mean? You're here…with us. You're no longer trapped under Moriarty's power.
Odd shakes his head.
Odd: NO! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
William steps forward to pacify him.
William: What is too good to be true?
Odd: You. ALL OF YOU. YOU ARE ALL LIES!
Yumi and William give each other strange looks.
Yumi: We don't under-
Odd: You're all just images! Tricks sent by Moriarty to torment me! I am not free. I never was free. I'M STILL IN HELL!
Yumi and William are silenced by this statement. After a few seconds, Yumi tries to calmly talk to him.
Yumi: Odd. I don't know what Moriarty did to you. And to be honest, I'm terrified to ask. But you have to believe that I am real. Look into my eyes Odd. Tell me if I'm a Moriarty illusion.
Odd obeys. At first he seems to take comfort in this, but his fear soon returns. He shakes his head.
Odd: I can't tell. I can't tell.
William: Feel the grass. Touch the trees. Breathe the air. Look around you Odd. Moriarty may be good, but there's no way he could create a parallel world this advanced.
Odd: THEN WHY IS HE HERE? HOW DID HE COME TO EARTH?
Yumi: We don't know Odd. Jeremie is working on that right now. Believe me, we were as much surprised by his presence as you are.
His wild look intensifies.
Odd: LIES! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!
Yumi: Odd!
Odd: I have to get out of here. I HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!
William: ODD YOU'RE HOME!
Odd covers his ears.
Odd: Go away Moriarty! WHY CAN'T YOU LEAVE ME ALONE?
Yumi: Odd!
Odd: I won't let you do this. I WILL ESCAPE!
He goes to the ground and starts madly digging with his hands.
Odd: YOU CAN'T HOLD ME HERE!
Yumi: ODD STOP IT!
Odd: HE'S EVERYWHERE! HE'S EVERYWHERE! EVERYWHERE I TURN I CAN SEE HIS EYES!
William: Odd, you need to calm down!
William and Yumi's warnings fall on deaf ears. Yumi grabs her hair and pulls it in frustration. She looks to William.
Yumi: Don't just stand there. DO SOMETHING!
William: What? What am I supposed to do?
Yumi: Stop him!
William: How?
Yumi: I don't know. THINK OF SOMETHING!
William looks around. He sees a decent sized stick a few meters away. Without any hesitation, he takes the stick and smacks Odd upside the head, knocking him out cold. Yumi turns to him with a condescending look on his face.
William: I thought of something….
Yumi: For the love of…..help me carry him.
William: Where?
Yumi: The factory.
William: Seriously?
Yumi: You know a better place to put him while we try to figure this out?
William: Good point…
The two pick up Odd's limp body and carry him toward the factory. Later on, the group reconvenes in the lab room. Odd leans against the wall, with Aelita at his side, trying to comfort him. Jeremie sits in his chair, with Yumi, William, and Ulrich surrounding him. Jeremie's expression is grave. But this time, it's due to worry, not guilt.
Ulrich: PTSD?
Jeremie: All the signs point to it.
William: I thought only army veterans had that disorder.
Jeremie: It's very common in soldiers. But no. It can affect anyone who has had a deeply traumatic experience.
Yumi: I think we can all agree that Odd fits that description…
Jeremie: Flashbacks, Nightmares, Avoidance of painful stimuli having to do with the trauma, increased arousal; It all adds up.
William rubs his head.
William: Sometimes I hate being right.
Yumi: He isn't even sure if this is reality or not. Moriarty has totally screwed up his mind.
Ulrich: And how are we supposed to fix that?
Jeremie: That I can't easily answer. PTSD is a very complex disorder that can be very hard to manage. Under normal circumstances, we might be able to help him…
Yumi: What do you mean 'normal circumstances'?
Jeremie: Usually there are medications and special therapy for this disorder. But that would require a prescription and an examination by a psychiatrist.
Ulrich: In which case….
Jeremie: He might blurt out our secret and make them think he is a total lunatic. They'd put him away…..For good. Which I doubt would do him any good.
Yumi rubs her temples.
Yumi: What a nightmare….
William: Then what can we do?
Jeremie pauses.
Jeremie: We need to do the best we can. First of all, he can't go to school. He'll have to stay here.
Yumi: But-
Jeremie: We can't risk him having another episode. Not with Moriarty around.
William: But what about his classes?
Jeremie: We have no choice. We'll have to bring his clone back.
Ulrich: Ok, I'm with you so far.
Yumi: But if he's not going to be at school, where is he going to stay? Where is he going to sleep?
Jeremie takes off his glasses and rubs them with his shirt.
Jeremie: ….Here.
Yumi: …..IN THE FACTORY?
Jeremie: Yes.
William: Are you sure about that?
Jeremie: It's the safest place to put him.
Ulrich: Please tell me you're joking.
Jeremie: I am not. Odd has to live in the factory, under our protection. It's the only way to prevent further damage to his psyche.
Yumi: You can't let him live in the factory like a rat! What is he going to eat? How is he going to sleep? How is he going to …bathe? How is he going to…..Oh I don't even want to think about that!
Jeremie: We'll bring him everything he needs. Food. Clothes. Sleeping Bag. Pillow. Everything. And as for the last part…..there is an old factory worker's locker room a few floors above us that still works fine.
Jeremie seems to be making sense to Ulrich and William. But Yumi is still not convinced. She hugs her shoulders.
Yumi: But it's cold down here…and he'd be all alone.
Jeremie lowers his head.
Jeremie: We'll do our best to make him feel comfortable. We'll visit him as much as we can….And he won't be totally alone.
Jeremie opens his backpack. A familiar mutt emerges. Jeremie holds his nose.
Jeremie: Ughh….that's the last time I EVER put you in my backpack.
Odd turns his attention to his dog.
Odd: Kiwi?
The mutt leaps into his needing arms. He holds him close.
Jeremie: I've read that canine companionship can really help with PTSD. I really hope it does.
Odd's mood does seem to improve significantly.
Jeremie: There is one thing I'm worried about.
William: What's that?
Jeremie: Keeping Odd down here safe and sound is going to be expensive. I'm not sure how we are going to afford this.
Ulrich smiles. He looks to Yumi.
Ulrich: You don't have to worry about that.
Jeremie: I don't?
Ulrich: Money is not going to be a problem.
Yumi smiles and affectionately squeezes his hand.
Jeremie: Well I guess that's it then…
William: What about Moriarty? How has he appeared out of nowhere at our own school?
Jeremie: That I am still trying to figure out. I don't know all the details yet, but I know that Moriarty has transferred all of his spheres closer to the Network's surface and has created a sort of massive cybernetic parasite that is stealing power and information from the databases. It appears that's how he managed to transfer himself to Earth in such a realistic human form.
Ulrich: But if he's put all his spheres in one place, wouldn't that make it an easy target?
Jeremie: It appears he's sacrificed secrecy for power. Which is not good. Moriarty wouldn't be this bold unless he was well on his way to world dominance. He must be pretty confident.
William: Couldn't we just go to the Network and blow it into a million pieces?
Jeremie: I'd love to. But I said Moriarty was bold. Not stupid. It's heavily defended. Destroying it won't be easy.
Yumi: Sounds like another bumpy road ahead.
Jeremie: Yes. But we can't give up. Moriarty has to know that it will take more than a little substitute surprise to frighten us into submission….Besides…we owe it to Odd.
The group is silent. Aelita hugs Odd, who still looks very weak and vulnerable.
Aelita: We're going to get you out of this Odd. Whatever it takes.
Odd watches the group warily. He turns to Aelita.
Odd: I'm….I'm still not positive you are real or not…But I don't care. I need you either way. Don't leave me. Please don't….ever leave me. Even if you're a hideous lie, stay. I'm so lost….I'd rather have a lie than be alone again.
Part 20