Part 20
Aelita and Odd sit together in the lab room, passing the time. They lie on a massive sleeping bag that Ulrich has bought for him. Surrounding his "bed" are various assortments of food, pillows, music, paper, and anything else Odd needs to be entertained. Kiwi rests on his haunches near the two. Odd leans against the wall and sighs. Aelita pats his shoulder.
Aelita: Are you comfortable?
Odd: Yes. You….you all have been too good to me.
Aelita: No. I wish we could do more.
Odd: You already are overwhelmed by…..Odd finds it difficult to form the words….him. Now you have to cater to me. I don't want to be too much of a burden.
Aelita: You're not. She looks at all of Odd's stuff. Are you sure you don't need anything else?
Odd: No, I don't think I need anything else.
Aelita: It must be awfully lonely staying down here all day.
Odd: A little. But I have Kiwi.
Kiwi wags his tail in response.
Odd: I don't have to leave him alone anymore to go to school.
Aelita: But it must be very boring….
Odd: It's not really that bad. I have a lot of time to play video games.
He holds up a small handheld device.
Odd: …And I can draw. I do that a lot. Sometimes I just sleep. No one to prevent me from sleeping in anymore. Besides…I….I feel safe here.
He hugs his knees and looks up at the ceiling.
Odd: I….I'm afraid when I leave this room. The factory is so dark and damp….even during the daytime. I used to not be afraid of that….but every creak and noise up there….He shivers. I can feel him. Watching me. Reaching for me.
Aelita: He can't hurt you anymore.
Odd gives her a disapproving look.
Odd: You know very well that isn't true.
Aelita frowns. Trying to change the subject, she notices some crumpled papers near Odd's bed. She points to it.
Aelita: Are these your drawings?
Odd: Yes…but-
She reaches for them but Odd lunges in front of her.
Odd: NO!
He grabs them and holds them to his chest.
Odd: You can't look at them! You can't…
Aelita: Why not? I'm sure they're great. You always were the best artist of the group.
Odd: No…you can't. They're…they're disturbing.
Aelita pauses. She watches him with concern as he hides the drawings under his bed.
Odd: Sometimes when I….when I'm having trouble….I draw what's in my mind. My flashbacks of Moriarty.
Aelita: Why would you do that? That can't be good for you.
Odd: I read that exposure is one form of treatment for PTSD. Force yourself to face your trauma.
Aelita: That's the last thing you need.
Odd decides to look at one of the things he drew. He quickly realizes that it was a bad idea. He turns white and grabs his chest. He begins to shake. His eyes widen.
Odd: Oh…oh no.
Aelita: Odd, you're having a panic attack!
Odd: Look away! You don't want to see me like this!
Aelita: No! I'm going to help you!
Odd: I'm burning…I'M BURNING!
He swats himself trying to put out an imaginary fire on his body. His body motions become more and more erratic. Aelita grabs onto him and hugs him. Odd initially struggles against her. But Aelita's determined and warm presence eventually makes him calm down. He rests against the wall and breathes deeply. He looks to Aelita. She lets him go.
Odd: Thank you….
Aelita: You're welcome. I wasn't about to let you go through that alone.
Odd: Aelita….about earlier, when I first got free from Moriarty…
Aelita: Yes?
Odd: I'm sorry. I should have admitted to you how badly I needed help. But I was just so desperate to be normal…..I tried to ignore it.
Aelita: No one blames you Odd. It's not always easy to ask for help. I just wish you had told us the truth sooner.
Odd: So do I.
There is a pause.
Odd: I'm having nightmares.
Aelita: I was afraid you were going to say that.
Odd: That's why I'm tired all the time. I'm afraid to go to sleep.
Aelita: It's part of your condition Odd. PTSD victims always have bad nightmares. You have to try not to relive the experience.
Odd: I can do that when I'm awake. But I have no control when I'm asleep.
Aelita: Do…do you want me to stay here until you can fall asleep?
Odd: No. Thank you. There's only so much you can do for me. When it comes to my nightmares…only I can face them.
He looks down.
Odd: You should probably head back to Kadic now. It's late, and you need some rest. Besides, you wouldn't want Jim to catch you out of your room after lights out.
She sighs.
Aelita: You're probably right.
She subtly takes Odd's drawing that caused him to have a panic attack and hides it behind her back. She gets up and looks at him.
Aelita: Are you sure you're ok for tonight?
Odd: I'll be fine. Thank you. For everything.
As Aelita goes up the elevator she unfolds the paper. It sends a shiver down her spine. An innocent looking Odd is being consumed by a black fire that has engulfed the left half of his body. Half of his smile is sweet. The other half is malicious and wicked. An hour later, Odd drifts into sleep against his will. His body descends into a black hole. When the blackness recedes, he finds himself tied to the throne in Sector 5. Chains wrap around his body, securely fastening him to the chair. He struggles, but there is no escape. He looks down and discovers to his horror that he has his old Moriarty uniform back on.
Odd: No! Get off of me!
A deep and malicious laughter echoes through the chambers.
Odd: No….
A black smoke cloud approaches him.
Odd: LEAVE ME ALONE!
Moriarty appears in his skull form. Odd hides his face from him.
Moriarty: Oh, is this the greeting I get after we got to know each other so well?
Odd doesn't answer, but looks away, visible weakening from Moriarty's presence.
Moriarty: I don't understand why you're being so cold to me. I gave you everything you wanted.
Odd: I never wanted to be your slave!
Moriarty: Power, Respect….He motions to a group of monsters in front of him. Loyal followers. Isn't that what you wanted?
Odd: NO!
Moriarty: Odd, Odd, Odd. Your memory is failing you. Don't you remember how you got into this situation in the first place?
Odd is silent.
Moriarty: I didn't just possess you outright. I didn't have the power to do that at the time. I needed help. Help you were oh so willing to provide. As they say….it takes two to tango.
Odd: You're lying!
Moriarty: Am I? 'A statue of you in every plaza in every major city in the world'. Isn't that what I promised? Didn't you want to be known? You were tired of being the unsung hero. I could sense a hunger in you. A hunger for fame. For glory. And when I told you what you wanted to hear, you came right into my arms. By the time I was done with you, it harldy took any effort to complete my hold on you.
Odd: I'm not that person anymore!
Moriarty: Of course not. Just look at you now.
He growls and his smoke form glows with fire. Odd whimpers and cowers under his chains.
Moriarty: Be careful what you wish for.
A heavy lead crown appears on Odd's head. Odd struggles to hold his head up against the weight. He looks absolutely pathetic. Moriarty turns to his monsters.
Moriarty: Hail Odd! Prince of Lyoko!
The monsters jeer at him with strange grunts. Moriarty's laughing form swallows Odd as he screams for mercy. Moriarty's smoke cloud devolves into an inky abyss that Odd begins to fall into. The sounds of evil laughter die away. Odd drifts through this weightless blackness, expecting the worst. But as a new vision takes shape, the feelings of torment and fear begin to ebb. At first he can see nothing, but as his eyes adjust, he finds himself in a city with stone-paved streets. Although the city appears to be very large, the dark of the night reigns unchallenged over the neighborhoods and alleys. There is an eerie silence. Odd aimlessly wanders down the street. After a few seconds, he begins to feel light-headed. He holds onto a lamppost.
Odd: Algiers. 1960.
He shakes his head.
Odd: Whoa….How did I know that?
Before Odd can get an answer to his question, his body is inexplicably transported into a small but comfortable apartment in the French side of the city. The family he finds living in the apartment are Pieds-Noirs, French settlers who lived in Algeria before the nation gained independence from France. Although the windows are shuttered, the inside of the apartment is comfortably lit. A woman sits on the couch in the living room, holding an infant in her arms. A boy of around seven-years-old plays with a toy tank and some toy soldiers.
Richard: BAM! BAM! Go away FLN! Algeria doesn't belong to you…The child starts to imitate the soldiers. Oh no you won't. We're kicking you out. He turns back to the tank. Then take this!
The child makes a loud explosion noise and topples the soldiers over.
Mother: Richard. Play quietly. You'll wake Damien.
Richard: Ok mommy.
Odd notices a man dressed in a military uniform sitting in a nearby chair, reading the paper. His medals and manner indicate that he holds a high rank in the French army. He pours himself another glass of wine.
Mother: Pierre….That's your fourth glass tonight. Please stop. Drinking this much is bad for your health.
The man grunts.
Colonel: This war is bad for my health.
Mother: You're on leave dear. Don't you think it's best that you try to forget about the war?
Colonel: Why do you think I'm drinking?
Mother: Isn't there any other way to forget it?
Colonel: Not with this war. Not with this war…He takes another sip. But if you find a way, please let me know.
The mother is silent for a while. When the baby stirs, she gently rocks it back to sleep.
Mother: I know you don't want me to ask questions about what's going on…
Colonel: That's correct.
Mother: But I worry about you. This war has to end. Is there any sign that it is….wearing down?
Colonel stares at the ceiling for a while.
Colonel: We've made significant progress, that's for sure. But I hesitate to say it's over. The village relocation program has had some major success in cutting off the rebels' supplies. Terrorist attacks are becoming more infrequent. Most of the rebels are either captured or in hiding deep in the desert. Things have tipped in our favor. But they're like rats. They hide and wait to strike when you're most vulnerable. It's very hard to beat them…..unless….
He pauses.
Mother: Unless what?
Colonel: Unless you play by their rules.
The mother turns to him.
Colonel: Dear, you aren't suggesting that we have….stooped to their level?
The colonel doesn't immediately answer. As he opens his mouth, another boy bursts into the room.
Boy: Daddy!
The colonel turns to face a blonde-haired boy of around nine-years-old approach him. Odd, who can only observe this situation as it unfolds, looks at this boy intently. There is something in this child's eyes that he finds familiar. As he focuses on the boy's face, Odd suddenly loses his breath. For some reason Odd knows that this innocent-looking nine-year-old is Moriarty as a child. Moriarty's father smiles.
Colonel: Ah, there's my little Napoleon!
He gives the child who will eventually be known as Moriarty a big hug. Moriarty holds up a sheet of paper.
Colonel: What's this?
Moriarty: A letter. My teacher told me to give it to you.
Moriarty's mother smiles.
Colonel: I'm assuming you've already read this.
Mother: Well, don't just sit there. Read it!
The colonel takes a good look at the letter. He reads some parts out loud.
Colonel: 'In all my years of teaching, I have never encountered a student as precocious and brilliant as your son. He shows a mastery of topics well above his age. I know some teachers love to praise their students and embellish their accomplishments, but I can honestly say that your son is nothing less than a genius. With that kind of mind and work ethic, there is no limit to what he can do. I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to be the best in whatever field he chooses to pursue. But in the meantime, I would highly recommend that he be moved to more advanced classes. My class is doing little more than limiting his potential at this point.'
The colonel folds up the paper.
Moriarty: Well?
Colonel: Well what?
Moriarty: What do you think?
Colonel: I'm very proud of you son. But this honestly does not surprise me. I already knew you were a genius.
He rubs Moriarty's head.
Moriarty: But do you want me to move up?
Colonel: Well, do you?
Moriarty: Yes!
Colonel: Are you sure? The other kids are going to be much older than you.
Moriarty: That's ok. Sometimes they are easier to talk to. The boys in my class only want to talk about the war and how fun it must be.
Colonel: Well, you'd have to say goodbye to your friends.
Moriarty avoids eye contact.
Moriarty: That won't be a problem. I don't really have any friends...
The colonel realizes that he has been away at war too long. He has been oblivious to the fact that his son's brilliance has isolated him.
Colonel: Well, maybe you'll make new friends…
Moriarty: But what if they don't want to talk to me?
Colonel: With a mind like yours, they're going to have to if they want to pass the hard classes.
Moriarty's face brightens.
Moriarty: Do you really think my teacher's right? Am I going to be the best in everything?
His father laughs and pats his head again.
Colonel: Son, if you keep this up, you're going to put Charles De Gaulle himself out of a job.
Moriarty: You think I could become president?
Colonel: No doubt in my mind.
Mother: Your father's right. One day you're going to make France proud.
Moriarty: That's all I want to do. I want to serve my country. Like daddy.
His father smiles.
Colonel: That's a heavy responsibility son. It requires commitment and a willingness to sacrifice yourself so others may live. Are you ready to do that?
Moriarty: I promise!
Colonel: Swear?
Moriarty: I swear!
Colonel: Ok son. But remember, your country will hold you to your word.
Moriarty: I know. But I'm a patriot. I won't break my word.
Colonel: I know you won't.
Moriarty smiles for a while, but it soon disappears.
Moriarty: Daddy?
Colonel: Yes?
Moriarty: When do you have to go back to the war?
His father sighs.
Colonel: In two days…
Moriarty turns away.
Moriarty: I don't want you to go away. You just got home.
Colonel: I know son. But the army needs me. I have to do my job. Believe me, I wish I could stay here. But the war goes on. As much as I want to stop fighting, I can't.
Moriarty: You're never around…
Colonel: And for that I am truly sorry. But even though I am gone a lot, I always think of you. Remember I am fighting this war for you. I fight so that the enemy can never hurt you. So that they never come to Algiers and you can stay-
He is interrupted by a loud noise in the alley outside his apartment. A dog barks outside. The colonel stands up and listens. The sounds are coming from the Muslim quarter of the city. The colonel's body tenses.
Mother: Dear?
Moriarty: Daddy?
Richard looks up from his toys.
Richard: What's going on?
The colonel reaches to his side and pulls out a pistol.
Colonel: Stay here.
The colonel sneaks down the hallway. For a moment there is silence. Then there is a loud bang like a door being forced open. Sounds of a struggle are heard. Another loud bang. This one sounds more like the clash of wood against a human skull. The struggle ends. The mother gets up, still holding the baby.
Mother: Dear?
She screams when three Algerian nationalists storm into the living room, guns drawn and aimed at the family. Moriarty and Richard back up towards the supposed safety of the couch, incredulous that what they have been told in school is actually happening. The baby Damien starts crying. Two of the nationalists drag a wounded colonel toward the couch. He has a bloody bruise on his head from the fight. The mother continues to scream. One of them aims a gun at her.
Ahmed: It would be in your best interest to be quiet.
The mother huddles with her children in the corner of the room, clearly shaking with fear. The colonel looks up at his attackers with a dazed look on his face.
Colonel: Ahmed Kanaan.
Ahmed: So glad you recognize me.
Colonel: You were foolish to come to Algiers. You're in enemy territory.
Ahmed: Yes. For now.
Colonel: Don't flatter yourself. You're not strong enough to drive us out of Algiers, and you know it.
Ahmed: Maybe not now. But we will. This little invasion of your home is only the beginning.
Colonel: When my comrades hear of this, I assure you there will be consequences.
Ahmed: More crimes against my people which will rally them to our cause? Hmm… that's exactly what I want.
Colonel: Algeria belongs to us. We have ruled this land for more than a hundred years, and you can't change that. We are staying.
Ahmed: My ten million Muslim brothers and I would have to disagree with you on that.
Colonel: This is our home too! We have lived here! Settled here! Algeria is the only home I know.
Ahmed: Justifying French control over my people on the grounds of reaping the benefits of the conquest of your ancestors is a hollow argument.
The colonel gives Ahmed a hateful look.
Colonel: I'm going to give you ten seconds to leave my apartment. If you don't leave, I'll-
One of the Algerian nationalists points it closer to the Colonel's head.
Algerian Nationalist 1: You'll what?
The colonel is silent.
Ahmed: You are in no position to be giving orders.
Colonel: This entire city is under French control. Do you expect to come into Algiers with a ragtag militia and take over?
Ahmed: Of course not. We're not here to take the city.
Colonel: Then what are you doing here?
Ahmed: We're here….for you.
Pause.
Colonel: I don't understand.
Ahmed: Allow me to refresh your memory.
Ahmed pulls out a photo of the body of a dead rebel and hands it to the colonel.
Ahmed: Do you recognize this man?
Colonel: ….Yes.
Ahmed: Who is it?
Colonel: He is…he was Hasim Kanaan.
Ahmed: Yes. My brother. Dead. Not only dead but mutilated and tortured in such a way that would make the demons in Hell shudder!
The colonel looks at Ahmed without an ounce of contrition.
Ahmed: Would you care to explain to me what happened to him?
He looks to the family huddled in the corner.
Ahmed: Better yet, would you care to explain to your own family what happened to my brother?
The colonel's face remains hardened. The mother looks to her husband.
Mother: Dear, what is this man talking about?
The colonel doesn't say a word.
Ahmed: Go ahead. Tell your dear wife what you did to him.
There is another pause.
Colonel: ….Your brother Hasim burned a coastal Pieds-Noirs town to the ground.
Ahmed: So this is your response? An eye for an eye?
Colonel: Most of my unit's men were from that town. Many lost family members. One of my corporal's fiancée was violated and then brutally murdered. They wanted revenge. When we captured your brother, I couldn't stop them. They were going to have Hasim pay for his crimes, even if they had to beat me out of the way to do it.
Ahmed: You lie. You ordered it!
Colonel: I did not. My men did it without my permission.
Ahmed: Even if you didn't give the order, I bet you enjoyed it.
Colonel: I didn't lose much sleep on it, if that's what you mean.
Ahmed hits him in the stomach with the butt of his rifle. The colonel doubles over. Moriarty is outraged by this violence against his father. He bravely but foolishly rushes to his side.
Mother: BABY NO!
He tries to hit Ahmed.
Moriarty: Stay away from my daddy!
One of the Algerian nationalists throws him to the side. He threateningly looks over his helpless victim.
Algerian Nationalist 1: Another generation of Pieds-Noirs.
Algerian Nationalist 2: Not if I can help it.
He holds a gun to Moriarty's head.
Mother: NOOO!
Colonel: For the love of God! He's just a boy! Do what you want to me but let him live!
The two nationalists laugh.
Algerian Nationalist 1: What if we take them out instead?
Algerian Nationalist 2: Yes. We could make him watch as we destroy what means most to him.
Colonel: NO! NOT MY FAMILY!
Baby Damien cries harder. Richard is crying too.
Algerian Nationalist 2: It would be so easy.
But Ahmed holds out his hand.
Ahmed: No brothers. That is not right. Allah demands justice for my brother. But slaughtering his family is not justice.
He cocks his gun.
Ahmed: It is only his blood I want.
Moriarty: Daddy….
There are tears in his eyes.
Colonel: It's going to be ok son. Just…just look away.
The gun is aimed against his temple.
Mother: NO! LET HIM LIVE I BEG YOU! I'LL, I'LL DO ANYTHING! I'LL GIVE YOU ALL THE MONEY I HAVE! JUST DON'T KILL HIM!
The colonel is unusually calm.
Colonel: I'm sorry honey. But I'm afraid it's no use. There's no getting out of this.
His wife begins to sob profusely.
Moriarty: Daddy! Fight back! You….you can beat them Daddy….can't you?
Colonel: Look away son. I don't want you to see this.
Richard hides his face in his mother's arms. The colonel turns to Ahmed.
Colonel: Well?
Ahmed: Are you going to repent for your crimes against Algeria and my brother?
Colonel: Does it make a difference?
Ahmed: It might affect whether or not I kill you painlessly.
Colonel: Forget it. I'm not going to beg for my life. If I'm going to die, I might as well die with dignity.
Ahmed: There is no dignity in the death of an enemy to Allah. Have you anything else to say?
Pause. Tears well up in Moriarty's eyes.
Colonel: Yes…..Burn in Hell.
The reflections of several gunshots burn in the pupils of Moriarty's young eyes. A horrifying scream pierces the tranquility of the neighborhood. The scene changes. The bereaved family watches their father's remains be given full military rites during a rainy afternoon. As the soldiers carry away his father's coffin, a young Moriarty salutes his father.
Moriarty: I'll…I'll keep my promise….I swear.
Odd's dream gradually fades as Moriarty's father is lowered into the ground. He wakes up to find himself still in the lab room. He sits up in the sleeping bag, holding his head. Kiwi notices that his master is awake and licks him. But Odd remains fixated on the wall, unable to fully grasp what he has just seen. Back at school, Ulrich and Odd's Clone enter the rec room. Students are busy watching TV, playing ping pong, and other things. But when the two enter, the students give Odd's clone a strange look. They start whispering amongst themselves. Ulrich tries to ignore it and grabs a soda from the refrigerator. He pops it open.
Ulrich: They are talking about you.
Odd's Clone: Spectral entity is aware of that fact.
Ulrich shakes his head.
Ulrich: Too many people saw Odd have that breakdown. They are bound to be rumors and questions.
Odd's Clone: Spectral entity sees no threat in aimless speculation and gossip.
Ulrich: Still, it must be pretty embarrassing for you.
Odd's Clone: Warrior subject Ulrich Stern should know spectral entity is incapable of embarrassment.
Ulrich pauses.
Ulrich: Right. Or any emotion for that matter.
Odd's Clone: Affirmative.
Ulrich: So I guess this isn't a problem for you after all.
Odd's Clone: Statement false. Behavior of incapacitated subject Odd Della Robia draws attention to spectral entity. Mission of spectral entity to avoid suspicion has gotten more difficult.
Ulrich takes a sip.
Ulrich: So has ours.
Delmas: Mr. Della Robia.
Ulrich turns to see the principal approach Odd's clone.
Ulrich: Oh no.
Delmas: Can I talk to you for a moment?
Odd's Clone: Request granted.
Delmas: Uh…in private?
Odd's Clone: Second request granted.
Delmas and Odd's Clone go off to the side, with Ulrich watching them closely.
Delmas: Odd, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable…
Odd's Clone: Temperature in this building is adequate for normal human body temperature.
Delmas raises an eyebrow. He expected to see Odd distraught, but this is not exactly what he had in mind.
Delmas: Umm….yes. Well, Dr. Renard has informed me of your….. 'incident' in class.
Odd's Clone: A severe error that shall not be repeated.
Delmas: Well, I'm very glad to hear that. But given what I've heard, you could understand how I would be concerned for your emotional well-being.
Odd's Clone: Sentiments natural for occupation of subject.
Now Delmas is really confused.
Delmas: …It could be that you are trying to bury your emotions to avoid what's bothering you. And believe me when I say that is not good for you.
Odd's Clone: Burying emotions would imply spectral entity had emotions to bury.
Delmas: Odd? Are you okay? You….you aren't acting like yourself.
Odd's Clone: Concern unnecessary. Spectral entity is fine.
Delmas: Odd. I am your principal. It is my job to solve these kinds of problems. You can talk to me.
Odd's Clone: Acknowledged.
Delmas: I need to know why you had that episode.
Odd's Clone: Spectral entity had….adverse reaction from cafeteria food.
Not exactly what Delmas was expecting either.
Delmas: Um, as much as I also fear Rosa's cooking, I don't believe that would have caused-
Odd's Clone: Offer of aid appreciated. But it will not be required.
Delmas is silent for a moment. He doesn't know how to take Odd's strange behavior.
Delmas: I see. Well, if you need to talk to me, let me know.
He walks away.
Delmas: He's even worse than I thought.
Odd's clone walks back to Ulrich.
Ulrich: Well?
Odd's Clone: Suspicion unrelieved. Behavior of principal subject would suggest suspicion has been raised.
Ulrich: Would it kill you to speak normally? That could really help you blend in.
Odd's Clone: Faulty programming of spectral entity makes said task difficult.
Ulrich: Great. So much for avoiding the spotlight.
Odd's Clone: Female subjects no longer follow spectral entity.
Ulrich: Oh yeah. The real Odd dumped them. You're alone now.
Odd's Clone: Understood.
Ulrich: Disappointed?
Odd's Clone: No.
Later on, Yumi and William are forced to endure Moriarty's history class. He holds up some sheets of paper.
Moriarty: Class, I've graded your essays. And I must say, I was not exactly impressed.
He begins handing the papers back. Several students groan.
Moriarty: Forming an argument based on historical fact requires research, painstaking deliberation, strong organization.
Yumi gets her essay back. Her head immediately hits the table.
William: Was it that bad?
Yumi: 65.
William: Uh….I'm sorry.
Yumi: I hate my life.
William: I thought you just hated him.
Yumi: I hate him and my life, especially with him in it.
Moriarty: Although there were some….pleasant surprises.
He hands William's essay back. He is surprised.
Yumi: What did you get?
William: A….93.
Yumi gets really mad.
Yumi: Are you kidding me? I spent several hours on that last night and failed. But you wrote that 30 minutes before class and he gives you a good grade?
William: Believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are.
Moriarty goes to Emmanuel and Christophe's table. When Christophe gets his paper, he grimaces. But Moriarty gently gives Emmanuel's essay back to him and smiles.
Moriarty: Mr. Maillard….
Emmanuel: Sir?
Moriarty: Well done. Your paper was excellent. Forceful. Unorthodox. Highly argumentative but also very intellectual. You truly shined in this assignment. I was greatly impressed.
Emmanuel: Well, thank you sir.
Moriarty: It would be to your advantage to follow Emmanuel's example. Hopefully by the time I'm done with you, you will all be able to excel. He turns to Emmanuel. I can't wait to see you progress even more in this class.
He heads back to his desk. Moriarty's compliments have put Emmanuel in a kind of daze.
Christophe: Well, someone's ego just got worse.
Emmanuel: And someone sounds jealous.
Christophe: And someone sounds completely delusional.
Moriarty: Both William and Emmanuel's essays were well written. Each in their unique way. William's paper was good because it was short and to the point.
Yumi: Not sure it had a point. But it was definitely short.
William: Alright, I know you're mad but you don't need to insult me.
Yumi: What did you even say in the paper?
William: That the firebombing of Dresden was brutal but necessary to win the war.
Yumi pauses.
Yumi: I said the exact opposite…Oh, of all the…..he's grading us based on our opinions!
William: Meaning?
Yumi: That if he doesn't like what we say, we fail.
Moriarty: Too many of you tried to write too much. I'm not looking for a novel. On the other hand, Emmanuel's was much longer but was incredibly organized and well-written. He made an argument, then supported it with flawless use of details. That is what I am looking for. Some of you simply rambled and obviously didn't research the topic carefully. If you don't research the firebombing of Dresden, how can you make an argument?
One girl, Anais Fiquet, raises her hand.
Anais: But sir, some of us didn't have time to do that.
Moriarty: Oh, is that so?
Anais: You only gave us a week's warning.
Moriarty: Isn't that enough?
Anais: Well, usually sir, yes. But everyone in the tenth grade also had a research paper due in English.
Christophe: And the physical education tests also took out some free time to do homework.
Mathias: Not to mention our physics project.
Similar complaints come up. Moriarty holds out his hand.
Moriarty: Enough. Please. I wasn't aware of that so many teachers had given you such a heavy load last week. As you know, I'm new here, and I'm afraid they don't tell me everything.
The students nod.
Moriarty: Why didn't you tell me last week was so hard for you? I could have postponed it.
This statement seems to surprise some of the students.
Moriarty: Well?
Emmanuel: Sir, usually, if we do that, the teachers just laugh at us or tell us we're trying to make excuses for not doing work.
Moriarty shakes his head.
Moriarty: I was afraid you would say that.
He stares out the window for a moment.
Moriarty: Students, I haven't been here long, but even a newcomer like me can notice that something is wrong in this place.
He turns back to them.
Moriarty: Class, what is the definition of insanity?
There is a pause.
Mathias: Complete and utter mental incapacity?
Moriarty: Not exactly what I was looking for.
Emmanuel: Doing something over and over again and expecting a different result.
Moriarty: Ah, someone knows his Einstein quotes. Yes. That's what insanity is. And yet so many teachers have forgotten that.
He turns to see he has the class's attention. He smiles.
Moriarty: For instance, I have seen from the school reports a sharp rise in failures at this school over the past few years. Some can barely stay afloat here.
Yumi (aside): Yeah, I'm dating one.
Moriarty: One would think that such a trend would prompt some reforms in the way the classes were taught. Well, there were changes. But I said changes. Not reforms. No over the past few years the level of work imposed on you has increased. And has this helped? You need only to look at your essay grades to find the answer. The rest of your teachers put a heavy load on you with the current system, and are somehow appalled when grades are so bad. 'Oh well, I guess we have to give them more work'. They are doing the same thing over and over again and are expecting your grades to rise.
Some students start to nod in agreement.
Moriarty: And who gets the blame?...You do. You try your hardest, but you still get blamed. 'Well, too bad. Survival of the fittest'. Class, don't you think that at a certain point, the teacher needs to be held responsible for students failing his or her class?
They nod again.
Moriarty: I mean, isn't that their job?
Some vocal affirmations of approval from the class.
Moriarty: I'm going to ask you an important question I want you to consider. What do you think is the major problem in academia today?
Anais: Tuition?
Mathias: The college entry exam?
Moriarty points a ruler in their direction.
Moriarty: Wrong! Arrogance!
Pause.
Moriarty: Teachers believe that their subjects are the most important for a student to learn. Thus, they ignore the importance of the others. They believe that other subjects should make way for them and take a back seat to their greatness. He waves his index finger. Only one problem. If every teacher in every subject believes that, what is the inevitable result?
Anais: A very heavy workload?
Moriarty: Exactly! And who pays for it?
Emmanuel: We do.
Moriarty: Exactly! And how well does that bode for your academic success?
Mathias: Not well.
Moriarty: So, so very true.
Yumi leans to William.
Yumi: What is he trying to pull?
William: I don't know. But I don't like it.
Moriarty: I've been in faculty meetings. I have witnessed this blatant arrogance firsthand. Some of them recognize that your workload needs to be reduced. But what is their solution? Simple. Reduce the workloads in every subject EXCEPT their own. 'But I simply must teach this. This project is critical for the class.' You can imagine how this scenario creates a multitude of hilarious and pathetic arguments. It's a wonder your dear Principal Delmas has been able to maintain his sanity.
It's clear Moriarty has their full attention at this point. Yumi and William cautiously monitor their reactions. Moriarty shrugs his shoulders.
Moriarty: I'm afraid that's the reality.
Emmanuel: It should be changed.
Moriarty: I agree. But as I said before, that is nearly impossible. What could we do?
Emmanuel: Well, you could stand up for us.
Moriarty points to himself and seems surprised. But he's a bad actor, at least in the eyes of William and Yumi.
Moriarty: Me? I'm afraid I'm nothing more than a simple history teacher. There's nothing I can do to change it.
Mathias: We should speak out! Let them know that this is unfair!
Moriarty: Oh, your ideas are so noble, but I'm afraid-
Moriarty is interrupted by the classroom door being opened. Everyone turns their heads to see a girl, slightly shorter than Yumi, standing in the doorway. She has light blonde hair, almost white in appearance, that drops slightly below her shoulders. She gazes back at the glass with piercing blue eyes. Her aqua blue hoop earrings appear to dance as she turns her head back and forth to get a good look at the class. She is dressed somewhat immodestly and edgy, wearing a thin white top and skinny navy blue jeans. A red crystal necklace hangs around her neck. Her trademark UGG boots clash with the tile floor. Her attractive appearance and clothing draw several stares from the guys in the class. Moriarty turns to her.
Moriarty: May I ask who has the honor of visiting our class?
She answers in a thick Russian accent that she seems to be trying to hide.
Natalya: My name is Natalya Dikau. They…they told me this was my class.
Natalya hands Moriarty a note. He reads it for a moment, then puts in on his desk.
Moriarty: Well Miss Dikau. We are all glad you could join us. Even though there's only a few minutes left of class.
Natalya seems embarrassed. With her snow white skin, a blush can be seen very easily.
Natalya: I….I got lost.
Moriarty: You can talk to me about it later. Please take a seat.
Natalya takes a seat at a desk by herself.
Moriarty: Now class, as I was saying, I can't do much to change things around here. But I can give you a second chance on this essay.
Students' ears perk up.
Moriarty: I don't want you to start out in this class with a very bad grade. It's only fair that I give you a second chance. So I'm giving the opportunity for anyone who received a grade below a seventy-five to come and see me sometime tomorrow outside of class to work something out. This is completely optional. If you don't want to come, that's your decision. He gives a mischievous smile. But it would be in your best interest to come and see me. I do believe in extra credit. Keep that in mind.
The bell rings. Moriarty looks at the clock.
Moriarty: Well, how the time flies.
The students get up and start to leave.
Moriarty: Students, don't forget to read your assigned pages in the textbook. Tomorrow we will be discussing atrocities committed by the Japanese army during World War ІІ.
Yumi curses to herself. The students exit out of the hallway. Some guys follow Natalya, who doesn't seem to be too surprised at their presence. William walks with Yumi.
William: Are you going to get help from him?
Yumi: I'd rather choke down hydrochloric acid.
Yumi's house.
Mr. Ishiyama: You are going.
Yumi: But Dad!
Mr. Ishiyama: No buts! A failing grade in history is unacceptable.
Yumi: Mom!
Mrs. Ishiyama: If you expect me to take your side, I'm sorry. Your father and I completely agree. He took the time to email us about your poor grades and how he could help. You would be silly not to take his offer.
Yumi: But I don't like him!
Mr. Ishiyama: There are going to many teachers in your life who you won't like. That doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to your studies.
Yumi: But…but…you don't understand. He's evil!
Mrs. Ishiyama: Yumi really….
Mr. Ishiyama: Like I haven't heard that one before.
Yumi: No I mean he really is-
Mr. Ishiyama: Any teacher who offers you a second chance to improve your grade does not qualify as 'evil' in my judgment.
Yumi sighs. This is utterly pointless.
Mr. Ishiyama: You will leave early tomorrow morning so you can get some help.
Yumi: Why tomorrow morning?
Mrs. Ishiyama: Because you can get there before the rest of the boarding students wake up. You won't have to compete with anyone for his attention.
Yumi: Go see him….alone?
The thought makes her cringe.
Mr. Ishiyama: That was the idea, yes.
Yumi: Mom. Dad. I'll get my grade up. I don't need to go see him to get this extra-
Mr. Ishiyama: You are going and that is final!
Yumi groans. Back in the factory, Jeremie is talking with Odd. There is a powerful curiosity glowing from Jeremie.
Jeremie: Are you sure?
Odd: Absolutely.
Jeremie: You saw all of this?
Odd: As clearly as I see you now.
Jeremie turns in his chair back to the computer, deep in thought.
Jeremie: Is there any possibility that this was just a crazy dream?
Odd shakes his head. He seems very confident about this.
Odd: Jeremie, it was so real. I know I'm supposed to have nightmares and all, but this was different. It was if I was watching a home video of a real event.
Jeremie: ….Incredible.
Odd: What does it mean?
Jeremie: It's too early to say for sure….but I have a guess.
Odd: What?
Jeremie: After we freed William, vestiges of Xana were still left in his mind. In fact, he was connected to Xana in ways we didn't even know. Some of those traces still exist in him. I have to believe that a long possession such as yours would have the same effect. I believe you have a connection to Moriarty.
Odd looks a little nervous.
Odd: You mean he's still in there? In my head?
Jeremie: Now hold on. Don't worry. You have been freed of Moriarty's control. But his possession of you probably left an imprint on your subconscious, which can play out in your nightmares and other symptoms. It's not much of a mark, but maybe just big enough for you to have a psychological connection to him.
Odd: And how is that supposed to make me feel better?
Jeremie: Because it's a one-way street. You can access his memories and thoughts, but my program has made it so that he can't do the same. Otherwise he would have been aware that you were having a dream exposing his childhood memories.
Odd: But what about me being tied to the throne?
Jeremie: That wasn't really Moriarty. That was just a remnant of him that haunts you. The real Moriarty cannot access your dreams.
Odd: So, having these dreams is ok?
Jeremie: It's more than ok! Moriarty made a serious error when he possessed you. When he took over your mind, he exposed his mind to yours. Now you know about his past, something that can be very useful to us.
Odd: So, what am I supposed to do?
Jeremie: You don't need to do anything but tell me your dreams of Moriarty's past as they come. And we need to make sure he never discovers you can do this. If he did…..well, we need to protect you.
The elevator doors open. Aelita comes out. She obviously wasn't expecting Odd having company, because she looks at Jeremie with unpleasant surprise.
Jeremie: Aelita….
Aelita: What are you doing here?
Jeremie: I just came down here to do some more research.
Aelita: Why couldn't you have done that from your laptop?
Jeremie stutters. He wasn't expecting to have Aelita interrogate him.
Jeremie: Well, Odd also wanted to talk to me.
Aelita: About what?
Odd: My dreams.
Aelita turns to Odd.
Aelita: Odd, you could have talked to me about that.
Odd: I know. But I didn't want to bother you too much, and I thought Jeremie would be able to help me understand them.
Jeremie: And I've got great news!
Aelita gives him a cold stare. Jeremie pauses.
Jeremie: Odd's dreams….might tell us something about… Moriarty's past.
She folds her arms.
Aelita: You could have at least told me you were going to visit Odd…alone.
Jeremie: I….I guessed it never crossed my mind.
Aelita: You know he's sensitive right now….
Odd: Aelita, it's ok. I don't mind.
Aelita doesn't pay attention to Odd. Her eyes are locked on to Jeremie.
Jeremie: Aelita, I never meant to…
Jeremie pauses when he realizes it's not softening her stare. He's not welcome here.
Jeremie: I'm….going to go.
Jeremie quickly leaves. Odd turns to Aelita.
Odd: Why did you do that?
Aelita: Odd, many things happened when you were gone.
Odd: What…what happened between you two?
Aelita: It's a long story.
Odd: I'm not going anywhere.
She shakes her head. She's clearly upset.
Aelita: I saw a side of him that I never thought could possibly exist.
Odd: I don't understand.
Aelita: He hit a low point. A very, VERY low point. And I can never look at him the same again.
Pause.
Odd: Well, so did I.
Aelita kneels and takes Odd's hand. She completely changes her demeanor and becomes very affectionate.
Aelita: No. Not like you. That wasn't your fault. You were the victim.
She touches his cheek. Odd looks at her with surprise.
Aelita: You're not like him.
The next morning, Yumi enters Moriarty's classroom. He stops writing to give her a look of dark satisfaction.
Moriarty: Yumi….how nice to see you.
Yumi: Cut it out Moriarty, I'm not interested.
Moriarty: So I'm guessing fake courtesy is not amusing.
Yumi: No.
Moriarty: Very well. To what do I owe this less than cordial visit?
Yumi: Your stupid extra credit.
Moriarty: One strike already against you. Calling your extra credit 'stupid' isn't exactly bringing you closer to getting it. You're going to have to do better than that.
Yumi: How?
Moriarty: An honest effort to politely ask for my assistance couldn't hurt.
Yumi: I would rather commit seppuku.
Moriarty: Funny you should mention that. I also plan to talk about that in class today.
Yumi: And make some harsh judgments of my people no doubt.
Moriarty: I just teach history. Historical fact. It's not my fault if you can't handle those facts.
Yumi: I didn't come here to hear you justify yourself.
Moriarty: And if you didn't come to get extra credit, then what did you come for?
Yumi: My parents made me come to get the extra credit.
Moriarty: Ooh, how conflicting. Forced to obey your parents and kneel before your enemy in reverence at the same time.
Yumi: If you think I'm bowing to you, you're completely out of your mind.
Moriarty: As tempting as that would be, no. That's not your extra credit.
Yumi: Then what is my extra credit?
Moriarty thinks for a moment.
Moriarty: Write an additional essay discussing the importance of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Yumi: Is that all?
Moriarty: No. You also have to be my slave for a day.
Yumi's eyes widen, trying to process what he just said. She backs up.
Yumi: WHAT?
Moriarty: Slave. You know, serving someone against your will…
Yumi: HELL NO! FORGET IT! I'LL TAKE THE FAILING GRADE!
Moriarty: Oh, but you see Yumi, I wasn't asking your permission.
The classroom door shuts. Yumi tries to open it, but it's locked.
Yumi: LET ME OUT!
Moriarty: I can't do that Yumi.
He gets out of his chair and approaches her. Yumi leans against the door, bracing herself.
Yumi: You…you're just a middle-aged man. You don't scare me.
Moriarty: Yumi, I may have reassumed my old human form, but I assure you, I am just as powerful.
Yumi: What…what are you going to do to me?
Moriarty: A better question is what are you going to do FOR me.
Yumi: You can't make me obey you. I told you I'd rather fail.
Moriarty: Oh but that's where you're wrong. He snaps his fingers and a spectre emerges from an outlet. Yumi's heart pounds. You see, I'm somewhat curious. I don't think you've built up enough resistance to me to escape…possession.
Yumi realizes too late what Moriarty wants. She tugs on the door harder, but in vain. The specter stalks toward her. She bangs on the door.
Yumi: HELP!
Moriarty: Everyone is just waking up Yumi. No one is going to hear you scream.
The specter attacks her, causing her body to become enveloped in a flickering gray shade. She seems to struggle for a moment, but the specter holds its grip. She becomes still. Then she slowly rises. Her eyes open to reveal the Moriarty eye in her corneas. She stays still, waiting for orders.
Moriarty: This is going to be fun…
William puts on a shirt and is just finishing up getting ready for breakfast. He takes a moment to look at his reflection in the mirror and adjust his hair. As he puts on his shoes, he hears a knock on his door.
William: Come in.
The door opens to reveal Yumi leaning on the doorframe
William: Oh, it's you. Good morning.
Yumi doesn't speak for a moment. William pauses and looks at her.
William: Are…are you ok?
Yumi: I'm going to be…
She closes the door. William gives her a strange look.
William: You're…you're going to be? What are you talking about? Do you need to talk?
She sits on the bed next to him.
Yumi: Talking isn't exactly what I had in mind.
William: Then what did you have in mind?
She runs her fingers along his shoulder. He tenses at her touch. She giggles.
Yumi: You're a smart boy, guess….
William: Um….Yumi, are you feeling alright?
Yumi: I told you, I'm going to feel SO much better soon.
She gets closer to him. William can't believe what she's doing. His face becomes extremely red. He backs up along the bed.
William: Yumi….I don't know what's going on….but in case you forgot, you have a boyfriend.
She puts her fingers through his hair.
William: And I'm not him.
She laughs.
Yumi: Oh… what Ulrich doesn't know won't hurt him.
William: Yumi, no…this….this isn't right!
Yumi: Oh come on. Are you really going to give up this opportunity?
William: You….you're not yourself!
Yumi: Oh stop trying to resist. She leans to whisper into his ear. You know you want this.
William swallows. The truth is he does want this and has dreamed of it for a very long time. His hormones are raging so violently he can't think straight or logically deduce why she is doing this. He backs up some more, but his will is weakening. He holds his hand against the wall.
William: I….I….I couldn't do this to Ulrich.
Yumi: Forget him. He's not important. All that matters….She smiles and pretty much gets on top of him...is what you want.
A confused and struggling William begins to cave under Yumi's seduction. Her lips come close to his and touch. Suddenly there is a banging on the door.
Christophe: Yo William! What's going on in there?
He opens the door to see this less than glamorous scene. His body freezes.
Christophe: WHOA! I…..I…uh….didn't mean to interrupt…..anything.
Jeremie and Ulrich are seen coming down the hall.
Jeremie: Christophe, what's with all the shouting?
Christophe tries to stop them but the words don't come out fast enough. Jeremie and Ulrich walk right in on the scene. Jeremie puts his hand over his mouth. Ulrich's mouth drops, as well as his computer bag. In a matter of moments, his face changes from cool contentment to a violent mixture of jealousy, incredulity, anger, and searing pain from this betrayal. He glares at William with unbridled hate. William forces Yumi off.
William: Ulrich…..it….it's not what you think!
Ulrich lunges for William, but luckily Christophe and Jeremie grab him just in time.
Jeremie: ULRICH NO!
Christophe: Calm down! You aren't thinking straight!
William: Ulrich, please it wasn't like that!
Ulrich: YOU THINK I'M AN IDIOT?
William: Ulrich, please trust me on this! I didn't do anything!
Ulrich tells William to do something rather vile to himself. He still struggles against the two holding him. But eventually his anger is replaced by despair. He lowers his head, unable to believe what he has just seen. Jeremie puts a hand on his shoulder.
Jeremie: Ulrich….
He shrugs off his hand. He looks at Yumi, completely heartbroken. A few tears break through.
Ulrich: How?...Why?
Her only response is a flirtatious smile. Ulrich winces as if he has been punched in the stomach. Her reaction is the salt in his wounds. Unable to take it anymore, he rushes out of the room. Christophe and Jeremie also leave. Jeremie picks up Ulrich's computer bag as he leaves. William turns to Yumi, disgusted at her and himself.
William: You mind telling me what just happened?
She doesn't respond but starts to walk out of the room.
William: Hey, I'm talking to you!
He grabs her arm. She looks back at him with rage. The familiar insignia blazes in her eyes. William's heart nearly stops from shock.
William: Moriarty!
She throws him with superhuman strength onto the far side of his dormitory room wall. He goes down hard. She walks out. Back at the factory, Odd walks down the main floor to the elevator leading to the lab room. As he pushes the button, he hears the sound of a rope swinging and someone hitting the factory floor. He turns around.
Odd: Oh, it's you Yumi. What are you doing here this time of the day?
Yumi grabs him by the neck and hoists him up. A completely shocked Odd sees with horror that his friend is possessed by his greatest fear.
Odd: Yumi…YUMI NO!
A purple sparkle of electricity and a wicked smile are his only answer. The sound of him screaming can be heard along the Seine River outside the factory. Back at Kadic, Jeremie tries his best to console Ulrich during breakfast. It's not working.
Jeremie: Ulrich, if it makes you feel any better…..I've also lost someone. I know it hurts.
That really didn't help. Ulrich twirls his hot chocolate around with a straw. Jeremie sighs.
Jeremie: Ulrich…I…I honestly don't know what to make of this.
Ulrich doesn't look up.
Ulrich: You and me both.
William comes in, rushing to their table but clearly injured. He holds his shoulder. Ulrich avoids his glance and squeezes a glass in his hands so hard, it nearly shatters. Jeremie, however, turns to him with concern. William leans on the table. He breathes heavily.
Jeremie: William, what is it?
William: It's Yumi! Moriarty's possessed her!
Ulrich and Jeremie's emotions instantly change from deep despair to immediate alarm.
Jeremie: Are…..are you sure?
William: Positive. I saw her eyes, and she nearly broke my shoulder.
Jeremie opens his computer. An activated tower warning has been going off for a while. He slaps his forehead.
Jeremie: Idiot! I haven't checked it for hours! You're right, she must be possessed.
Ulrich: Is…is that even possible?
Jeremie stops to think.
Ulrich: I thought we had resistance to him.
Jeremie: To Xana, yes. But Moriarty…..you may not have fought him long enough to have a strong enough immunity to him.
William: We need to stop her! No telling what she will do.
Ulrich is really lost in emotion. On the one hand, he now knows that Yumi never cheated on him of her own free will. But on the other hand, his girlfriend is a prisoner under Moriarty's control. He is still furious at William, but he is letting that go for her sake. Finally, anger gets control of the wheel. He balls his fists.
Ulrich: Maybe I could pay Dr. Renard a visit and free her.
Jeremie: Don't be stupid. We have to deactivate the tower. Attacking our history teacher won't do any good.
Ulrich reluctantly sees reason in this.
Ulrich: Then we have to act now. Moriarty could do awful things to her mind.
Aelita bursts into the cafeteria.
Aelita: ODD'S IN DANGER!
Jeremie, Ulrich, & William: WHAT?
Aelita: He called me! Yumi's in the factory trying to kill him!
William: OH THIS IS BAD!
Jeremie: No time to lose! We have to stop her!
The group takes off, with Ulrich in front, bristling with anger that Moriarty has done this to her. The group arrives at the factory and swings down to the main floor. They take a second to look around.
William: Where are they?
Aelita: I don't know. He didn't say where he was.
They notice a flash of light coming from the assembly room, which is quickly followed by Odd's scream.
Jeremie: If I had to guess…
Ulrich: I'll stop her!
Aelita grabs Ulrich's shoulder.
Aelita: Wait! You can't!
Ulrich: Why?
Aelita: Could you really make yourself fight her?
Ulrich: I….uh….This is a problem. He wants to save Odd, but at the risk of hurting her in the process?
Aelita: You're too emotionally attached. We need someone who isn't to stop her, like Will-
Aelita quickly remembers that William is too. William's hesitant look reminds her that he doesn't want to fight her either. Ulrich turns his back on him.
Jeremie: Well, one of you has to do it. Aelita and I can't.
Ulrich: I will.
Aelita: Ulrich, Moriarty will use her to play games with your mind.
Ulrich: I know. But I might be able to reach her and help her resist him.
They take a moment to think about this. Another flash and scream.
Aelita: Good luck Ulrich. Let's go William!
The three disappear down the elevator. As Ulrich approaches the assembly room entrance, he sees a metal bar with a slightly pointed tip. He picks it up. His hands suddenly become clammy and cold. He hesitates.
Ulrich: Please…please let me not have to use this.
He reluctantly searches for Yumi. On Lyoko, William and Aelita are virtualized into the Forest Sector. The Overdisc and Overwing appear for them, and they quickly take off.
William: Any sign of monsters so far?
Jeremie: No. Keep heading to the western part of the sector. The tower shouldn't be too far away.
Aelita points ahead.
Aelita: I see it!
A purple tower blazes at the intersection of several forest paths.
Jeremie: Now's your chance! Deactivate it now and we can stave off disaster.
William: Piece of cake.
Suddenly something cuts through Aelita's Overwing. The vehicle is devirtualized and she collapses onto the forest floor.
William: Or not…
He lowers himself to help her up.
William: Are you ok?
Aelita grabs his arm.
Aelita: LOOK OUT!
She pulls him down right before a fan nearly chops his head off. The weapon returns to the arms of a somewhat familiar opponent.
William: What the-?
Aelita: Yumi's dark half.
Dark Yumi smiles.
Aelita: What are you doing here?
Dark Yumi: There was a job opening…
William raises his sword.
William: I thought we defeated you.
Dark Yumi: I'm no different than any other monster. I can appear whenever I want. You can't kill me.
William: Maybe not, but I can send you away for a while.
Dark Yumi: I wouldn't count on that.
William: Why not?
A strange trumpet sound penetrates the forest. William and Aelita pause in confusion.
Aelita: What was that?
An anxious William points ahead.
William: Aelita….the circus is in town.
Aelita: What does that mean?
William: Look!
William points to three large monsters coming up ahead. Their thunderous presence makes the ground below them rumble. The monsters look like elephants, with several notable exceptions. Instead of moving on legs, the monsters get around on two massive steamroller wheels below their body. Their bodies are colored Persian green, and the Moriarty eyes rest on both ears and on two mammoth size tusks. On the elephants' heads are several gill-like slits that glow with red light. Lastly, their trunks are plated gold. One of them aims its trunk at the warriors. A continuous beam of fire spews out. Dark Yumi gets on top of the first one, confidently riding this tank of a monster.
Aelita: Retreat?
William: …. Yes.
Aelita flies and William follows close behind with his Overdisc, as the monsters slowly but steadily chase after them. Scene shifts to the assembly room. Yumi hunts around impatiently, electricity at her finger tips. Her demonic grin indicates that she is enjoying this.
Yumi: Come out come out wherever you are.
Odd is seen hiding below one of the assembly lines, desperately trying to stay quiet. Yumi walks away from his hiding place. Odd almost relaxes, but out of nowhere Yumi drags him out. She throws him to the cement floor. Her hand sparks.
Yumi: Tag. YOU'RE IT!
Ulrich jumps off the stairs and comes in between Odd and Yumi. He holds the bar in a defensive stance.
Ulrich: I can't allow you to do this Yumi.
She frowns angrily.
Ulrich: You're out of luck Moriarty. Yumi would never allow herself to hurt me. She will fight off your control.
She grabs his jacket collar and throws him halfway across the room. He lets go off the bar, which rolls out of reach.
Ulrich: …..Or maybe not.
She turns her attention back to Odd and shocks him. But Ulrich manages to get up and tackle her.
Ulrich: Odd, RUN!
He quickly obeys. Yumi furiously throws him off. Before he can fully get up, her fist connects with his face. He goes down and coughs. A trickle of blood falls from his nose. She cocks her fist back again for another blow. But the sight of Ulrich bleeding and in pain makes her stop. Her mind starts to waver. She holds her head. When she opens her eyes, her corneas flicker on and off with the Moriarty eye. Her eyes close again tightly as each side of her vies for control. Ulrich reaches for her.
Ulrich: Yumi…
She gazes at him with a pained expression.
Ulrich: Yumi, fight him!
She groans with a metallic edge to her voice.
Ulrich: Don't let him control you!
She comes near him.
Yumi: Too….strong…can't.
She closes her eyes again.
Ulrich: Yumi?
She gives him a roundhouse kick to the side of the head. Then she goes off to find Odd. Ulrich forces himself to rise. He grabs the pole and heads after her. Meanwhile, William races away from the attacking elephant tanks. The leading monster manages to burn away his Overdisc. He goes to the ground. Dark Yumi prepares to strike him with her fans, but he dissolves into smoke. He moves around behind the last monster and reforms. The elephant tries to reverse himself to face his attacker, but it is too slow and cumbersome. William smiles.
William: So that's its weakness.
William jumps on the elephant's back. Standing on its head, he cuts off the two large tusks. The creature groans and falls over on its side, dissolving into nothing. Aelita flies through the air, avoiding long beams of fire from the elephants. She fires energy fields, but they fail to hit their target. A fan cuts into her wing and she falls next to the trunk of a large tree. Before she can get up, Aelita feels her body being picked up. She struggles, but her body is frozen. Dark Yumi uses her telekinesis to pin her body to the tree.
Dark Yumi: That's it….hold still for the camera.
The elephant aims its trunk at her.
Aelita: WILLIAM!
A large, smoky black fist punches Dark Yumi onto the forest floor. Aelita drops just in time to avoid getting barbecued. William reforms. Dark Yumi hisses.
Dark Yumi: Didn't you mother teach you not to hit girls?
William: I'm pretty sure my mom would make an exception in your case.
Dark Yumi makes a log rise and throws it at him. He cuts it in half. Then she throws a boulder. Shockingly, an intense William manages to cut through this as well. He seems angry.
Dark Yumi: What's the matter, William? Trying to make up for your mess-up this morning?
William: Shut up and fight me!
Dark Yumi becomes flirtatious.
Dark Yumi: You know, I could give you a second chance.
William: Not interested.
Dark Yumi: So the young debauch has reformed his ways?
William: I was caught off guard!
Dark Yumi: Xana….the ladies…your problems just keep adding up, don't they?
William: Stop trying to play head games and fight me!
Dark Yumi: Oh, are you angry with me? Well, that's too bad. Don't blame me for your complete lack of control….
William throws his sword at her in rage. She ducks, cartwheels, and kicks him to the ground. She gets on top of him. William tries to throw her off.
Dark Yumi: Hmmm…this scene feels familiar.
William: Get off of me!
Dark Yumi: You say that, but do you really mean it?
William's body tenses.
Dark Yumi: After all, if you can never have Yumi, why not have the next best thing?
William: I'm not like that!
She licks her lips like a carnivore. She leans closer to him. William grimaces.
Dark Yumi: You're a terrible liar William.
William: Stop!
Dark Yumi: I'm hungry…and you are too. I can sense it. I can smell it. Don't you dare try to deny it. And you don't have to be…..You can be satisfied….at last.
William, desperately trying to break her spell, dissolves into smoke and eludes her clutches. She hisses. From behind William can hear a trumpet. He turns to see one of the elephants about to attack him. Luckily, Aelita swoops in and takes out the monster by firing energy fields at its ears. She takes off towards the tower, with the last slow elephant unable to follow. Now Dark Yumi is really angry.
William: She's getting away.
Dark Yumi whistles and a condor flies down to her. She gets on its back and orders it to head toward the tower. Then she points to the last elephant.
Dark Yumi: DESTROY HIM!
The monster steamrolls towards him. William grabs his sword.
William: Wanna dance?
A river of fire is his only reply. In the upper floors of the factory, Odd barricades himself in the old security center. He puts a desk in front of the doorway. He wipes his forehead.
Odd: That ought to hold her.
A possessed Yumi phases through the wall. Odd backtracks to the monitors.
Odd: Don't you ever stop?
Yumi: You have outlived your usefulness.
Odd: PLEASE DON'T!
Yumi's fingers come alive with electricity.
Odd: HAVEN'T I SUFFERED ENOUGH MORIARTY?
Yumi: I'll be the judge of that.
Odd backs up into a corner.
Odd: YUMI I'M BEGGING YOU!
Yumi: Oh please do. It will make this so much more fun.
A metal pole busts through the old wooden door of Odd's barricade. Ulrich crawls through and slides across the desk onto the floor.
Ulrich: Yumi…..stay away from Odd!
Yumi: And if I don't?
Ulrich: …..I don't want to hurt you.
Yumi: That makes one of us…
She fires a blast that Ulrich barely avoids. As she prepares to attack Ulrich again, Odd reaches for a loose brick. He hits her on the head with it, causing her figure to fluctuate. She goes to her knees. Ulrich stops a moment to breathe.
Odd: That should take care of her for a while.
Yumi's boot nails Odd's upper chest to the wall. He strains to get air.
Yumi: Big mistake!
Ulrich charges.
Ulrich: You don't give me a choice!
Yumi grabs the metal pole from behind before it hits her. A spark comes from her hand. Ulrich freezes.
Ulrich: I'm such an idiot….
A powerful electric shock rocks Ulrich's entire body. Near the tops of the trees, Aelita does her best to avoid Dark Yumi and her condor ride. She swerves in and out of trees. She is being assaulted by lasers and fans.
Jeremie: Hang on Aelita! William's on his way.
Down below, William runs across the forest floor, watching the battle in the air.
William: Jeremie! I'm going to need the Overdisc again!
Jeremie: Coming up.
As soon as it is virtualized, William hops on and rushes after Aelita. The condor successfully hits Aelita, who begins to fall toward the digital sea.
Jeremie: NO!
William catches her in his arms. He rushes to the tower and drops her off at the platform. Unfortunately, some humanoids are blocking the way.
Aelita: I'll handle them. Get rid of evil Yumi!
William: With pleasure…
He goes after her. Dark Yumi fires her fan and devirtualizes William's Overdisc, but William turns into smoke and curves around the trees, looking for an opening to attack. Dark Yumi watches him warily. William goes below the condor and then attacks straight up. The collision knocks Dark Yumi off of her monster. William briefly reforms long enough to cut the condor in two. He expected to see Dark Yumi fall into the digital sea, but she makes her body levitate using telekinesis. William attacks again, but Dark Yumi is waiting for him. She creates a forcefield of telekinetic energy that blocks William. His smoky form wraps around her forcefield, trying to break through. Dark Yumi expands the bubble without warning, throwing William off balance. His smoky form falls to the digital sea, but he recovers just in time to rise back up. But another fan cuts through the smoke, causing him to once again fall. The smoke seems to dissolve and disappear into the digital sea. Dark Yumi watches the green abyss, looking for any signs of survival. She finds none and smiles confidently.
Dark Yumi: So long pretty boy.
Dark Yumi heads off to fight Aelita. Meanwhile, underneath a nearby platform, William's smoky body hides. When he is confident she is gone, he cautiously follows. The scene shifts to the top floor of the factory, where Ulrich struggles to recover from his painful electric shock. He tries to follow Odd's cries for help. It leads him to the factory's balcony, where Yumi holds a helpless Odd by the neck over the edge. The Seine River flows hundreds of feet below him. A gentle breeze blows across Yumi's hair, highlighting her cold, murderous look. Ulrich stops, careful not to endanger Odd. Odd tries to choke out a few words, but they are cut off. His hands pull on hers, trying to get them off his neck, but they clamp on like a vice grip.
Ulrich: Yumi, LET HIM GO!
She extends him farther over the edge.
Yumi: If you insist….
Odd thrashes in desperation. Ulrich's heart skips a beat.
Ulrich: You know that's not what I meant!
Yumi: Then you really should be more specific.
Odd struggles to speak.
Odd: ….Ulrich!
Ulrich: Hang on Odd!
He takes a step forward, but Yumi loosens her grip a little. A panicked Odd holds onto her hands to avoid falling. Ulrich hesitates.
Yumi: I wouldn't come any closer if I were you…
Ulrich realizes that this is a serious hostage situation.
Yumi: It's a long way down, isn't it?
She looks at Odd.
Yumi: Poor, pathetic thing. Powerless to stop what you know is coming.
Ulrich: Odd is not yours to boss around anymore Moriarty. He's back. And you can't take him away from us!
Yumi: Oh but I can. You have doomed him Ulrich. You could have left him with me. I would have taken care of him. Made him something great. But your little rescue mission has made him useless to me.
Ulrich: YOU WILL NOT KILL HIM!
Yumi: Kill him? Please….this is mercy. I am merely putting him out of his misery. She strokes his hair. Odd is shaking. Don't you think it's wrong to let him continue to suffer?
Ulrich: Suffering that you caused!
Yumi: I admit, it's hard to logically justify myself. But it's still very fun.
Ulrich: Moriarty, RELEASE YUMI!
Yumi: Tempting….but no.
Ulrich: That wasn't an option.
Yumi: That may be, but you're in no position to enforce your demand.
Ulrich: LEAVE ODD AND YUMI ALONE!
Yumi: Funny how you think words are going to stop me. But since you can't use your brawn to get out of this, I suppose words are the only thing you have left.
Ulrich: HASN'T ODD BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH?
Yumi: Oh that's just it. He has been through enough. I've been so successful with him, I can't go any further. He's done. Finished. He's no fun anymore.
Odd tries to protest again, but Yumi silences him.
Ulrich: So you possessed Yumi and sent us into this nightmare just to get rid of Odd?
Yumi: Of course not. He's just collateral damage.
Ulrich pauses.
Ulrich: Then why did you possess her?
Yumi: To make you decide.
Ulrich: Decide what?
She smiles. Ulrich takes a chance and swings the bar at Yumi's legs. But it harmlessly passes right through her. Ulrich stares in disbelief. Yumi laughs in her metallic tone.
Yumi: I'm afraid that's not going to work.
Ulrich searches his mind for a way to get out of this. But he can find none.
Ulrich: What am I supposed to decide? I don't have any options!
Yumi: Oh, but you do.
Ulrich: HOW? You've made Yumi invincible!
Yumi: Not completely.
Now Ulrich is confused.
Yumi: There is one part of my body that you can injure.
She holds her free hand on her chest, the area right above her heart.
Yumi: Behold my Achilles heel.
Ulrich looks at his pole. An icy chill passes through his body when he gazes at the sharp point at the edge. He swears.
Ulrich: ….No.
Yumi: So now you understand…
Ulrich: MORIARTY WHEN I GET OUT OF THIS-!
Yumi: I'm sure I'd love to hear about it later. But in the meantime, one of us has to die.
The pole vibrates under Ulrich's shaky grip.
Ulrich: ….Not again.
Yumi: Yes…again. And don't try to offer yourself this time. I never make the same mistake twice.
Ulrich's face becomes white.
Yumi: So what's it going to be?
Ulrich: I…..I can't.
Yumi: Then be prepared to watch your best friend die.
Ulrich: NOO!
Yumi: Then be a man and end this. She extends her arms. Here. Wide open target.
Odd's eyes plead for Ulrich to save him. Ulrich tries to avoid his inaudible appeals for rescue. Ulrich raises the pole a little bit.
Yumi: That's it. Say goodbye to Yumi forever.
Waves of horror wash over Ulrich's face.
Yumi: What are you waiting for?
Tears come down his cheeks. Ulrich tries to intimidate Yumi by edging the sharp pole closer, but it doesn't work. It only encourages her. Ulrich closes his eyes, not wanting to face this. At last he can't take it anymore. He drops the pole and goes to his knees.
Ulrich: I can't…..I just can't. He looks up at Odd in despair. I'm so sorry Odd. I can't do it.
Yumi smiles triumphantly.
Yumi: Predictable as ever.
She turns around to drop Odd to his death. Odd whimpers and closes his eyes, bracing himself for the end.
Ulrich: I love you.
Yumi freezes.
Ulrich: Congratulations Moriarty. You found my limit. I cannot and will not hurt Yumi. Ever. I can't because I love her. So do what you will. Hold this guilt over me for as long as you can. I still won't do it. I'm only human. There is one thing I could never force myself to do. And this is it. The thought of losing Odd He cries harder it kills me. But driving a pole into Yumi's heart? You sick, twisted bastard. I can't do that…..So break me apart. Tear me open from the inside out. Enjoy my pain. But nothing on Earth can force me to hurt her. That may seem hilarious to you. After all, what do you know about love? Nothing! THE ONLY THING YOU CAN UNDERSTAND IS TORTURE!
Odd hangs on to Yumi's wrist for dear life. Yumi seems lost.
Ulrich: Yumi, if you can hear me, please….PLEASE STOP! Moriarty is trying to make me kill you….and I can't! Yumi, if you don't….Odd is doomed. Don't let him make you do something that will scar you forever.
Yumi's body trembles. She looks back at Ulrich, clearly fighting back for control.
Ulrich: He knows my weakness Yumi. He knows it and he's using it against me. It's not my self-esteem. It's not my intelligence. It's not even my fear of heights. Yumi, it's you. You are my weakness. He knows there's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Don't let him use my weakness against me. If you're still in there fighting, know that I love you.
Sparks erupt around Yumi's head. The veins in her temples throb as the real Yumi tries to resurface. At the same time, Aelita finishes the last humanoid and prepares to enter the tower. But she is grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground. Dark Yumi stands over her, fan ready.
Aelita: No! NOT NOW!
Dark Yumi: So, so close to saving him. But you failed.
Dark Yumi gasps when a blade penetrates her stomach. She watches in disbelief as she is devirtualized away. An exhausted William drops his sword after she disappears. She helps Aelita up.
William: It's all you.
Aelita enters the tower. Back at the balcony, Yumi seems to be losing the battle. Her arm slowly starts to loosen her grip on Odd.
Ulrich: NO!
The tower is deactivated. The Moriarty eye vanishes from Yumi's pupils. She begins to swoon. Ulrich reacts just in time to catch Odd's hand when she lets go and faints. He pulls him up. Odd is completely distraught. He stares up at the sky like an animal beaten beyond the capacity of endurance. He sweats and holds on to the railings of the balcony, trying to regain himself. This new abuse has brought painful flashbacks to his mind. He does his best to avoid a panic attack. Ulrich tries to pick him up, but he resists.
Ulrich: Odd…..I…
There is nothing to say. He goes to Yumi's side and rests her head against his shoulder. He turns back to Odd.
Ulrich: Help me carry her.
Odd regards Yumi with trepidation. He gets up and walks away, wanting nothing to do with her. A few minutes later, the group is huddled around the elevator on the main floor of the factory.
Yumi: What do you mean I can't see him?
Aelita: He's completely terrified! Seeing you will only make it worse!
Yumi: But…but it wasn't my fault!
Aelita: You still need to stay away from him! He's vulnerable, and this attack has made him associate you with Moriarty.
Yumi: I need to apologize!
Aelita: No! You need to stay away from him! His PTSD will get worse if you don't!
She seems near tears.
Yumi: That's not fair!
Aelita: Nothing about this attack was fair.
Yumi: He needs to know I wasn't myself!
Aelita: He does. But seeing you will bring on a wave of terrible symptoms. We need him to get better. And you can no longer help us with that.
She lowers her head.
Aelita: I'm sorry Yumi. I'm trying to do what's best for him.
Yumi gets a text. She opens it. It reads: Well done Yumi. You went above and beyond the call of duty today. Because of your hard work, I have decided that you don't need to write an essay for me. I am giving you the extra credit.
This last horrible gesture makes Yumi drop her phone and cry uncontrollably. William and Ulrich do their best to comfort her. In Delmas' office, a timid figure walks in. Delmas raises his head from his work to look at his guest. He does his best to hide a frown.
Delmas: Oh, it's you. I…I wasn't expecting you.
Klotz: I'm sorry to bother you Mr. Delmas, but I needed to see you.
Delmas: I see…..How have you been? I haven't seen you for a while.
Klotz: To be honest, not so good. I believe you know why I've come.
Delmas: Uh yes…I've been meaning to answer your messages, but I guess I never got around to them.
Klotz: I…I would really like my job back.
Delmas scratches his head.
Delmas: ….Yes….I…am aware.
Klotz: Well….?
Delmas: I don't mean to insult you Hans. But I have my doubts.
Klotz: Sir….
Delmas: You left very distraught. And when you explained your reasons for taking a leave of absence, quite frankly you didn't make sense. Something very strange about Jeremie Belpois or something. I thought you needed a long time to relax.
Klotz: And I have.
Delmas: Forgive me if I am a little uneasy. You see, we have had some problems since your departure. Just recently Gilles Fumet had a nervous breakdown.
Klotz is startled by this.
Klotz: Gilles? Impossible. He always seemed very stable and content. That doesn't make sense. How could he just snap?
Delmas: I wish I knew. Many things are happening that I don't understand. But I still am not ready to give you your job back.
Klotz: Sir….please.
Moriarty walks in. He feigns embarrassment for walking in on this meeting.
Moriarty: Oh, I'm sorry if I interrupted anything.
Delmas: It's not a problem.
Moriarty: I just came to drop off those forms you asked for.
Delmas: I…I thought I told Nicole to do that. He rubs his beard. Oh well. Hans, this is Dr. Sebastian Renard, our replacement history teacher.
Moriarty extends his hand.
Moriarty: A pleasure to meet you.
Klotz: And you.
Delmas: Renard, this is Hans Klotz. He was our school psychologist…until recently.
Moriarty: Well, that's wonderful, that's just what we need.
Delmas: I…I beg your pardon?
Moriarty: Has he not come to get his job back?
Delmas: Well….
Klotz: I have.
Moriarty: Splendid. And I assume you are going to give it to him.
Delmas: Well, Doctor Renard, there are some….issues with that.
Moriarty innocently probes for answers.
Moriarty: I don't understand.
Delmas: You see, I'm not sure if Klotz…
Moriarty: Am I to understand that you are not going to hire a trained psychologist who knows the students here on a personal level during this critical time?
Delmas is taken off guard.
Delmas: It's not so simple as…
Moriarty: Students need him. Exams are coming up soon. This has been a difficult year for them. Not to mention Odd.
Delmas stutters.
Moriarty: You told me yourself that Odd needed help. He points to Klotz. Well, here it is!
Delmas: Mr. Klotz has been through a-
Moriarty: Whatever the issue is, I can tell Hans here is ready to rise above it. Aren't you?
Hans is really surprised that this total stranger is standing up for him.
Klotz: I….yes.
Delmas still seems uneasy.
Moriarty: Mr. Delmas, the students need someone to talk to.
Delmas: I know but…
Moriarty: Oh, what would Odd's parents think if they knew about this?
Delmas adjusts his glasses uncomfortably. He turns to Klotz.
Delmas: I….suppose I'm willing to reconsider. Hans, come back tomorrow morning at around nine or so. We need to go over some details. He glances at Moriarty. Thank you for your input Dr. Renard.
Moriarty: You are most welcome.
He exits. Klotz follows close behind.
Klotz: I…I don't know why you did that, but thank you. What you did….that means the world to me. How can I repay you?
Moriarty: Oh, don't worry about that. A sly smile comes across his face. But who knows? Maybe you'll get a chance to help me.