The Games of Moriarty

by Ragnarok777

Xana is gone. Victory has been achieved by the Lyoko Warriors. But a simple test to understand William's nightmares of Xana unveils a new enemy: Moriarty. This evil entity wishes to play a series of games that shake the Lyoko Warriors to the core.

7. Chapter 7

Part 22

A guard walks down the dark hallway of La Santé Prison, an infamous penitentiary in downtown Paris. As he makes his rounds, he lightly taps the metal doors holding the sleeping prisoners inside. The only light in the prison comes from the glowing red electric locks, casting an eerie inferno atmosphere to the place. As he comes to the end of the row, he notices some blue light coming from one of the cells. He peers in to see a prisoner looking at a cellphone. The guard quickly bangs on the door with his baton.

Guard: Hey!

The prisoner looks up.

Guard: How did you get a cellphone in here?

The prisoner doesn't answer. He gives him a cold look.

Guard: Alright….hand it over.

The prisoner hesitates, but eventually gets up and slides the phone through a slot in the door used to give food to high-level criminals. The guard quickly snatches it away.

Guard: We'll deal with you in the morning.

The prisoner gives him the finger as he walks away. The guard's radio goes off.

Camera Monitor: Chris, you finished with your rounds?

The guard picks it up.

Guard: Yes I just finished.

Camera Monitor: Any problems?

Guard: I caught Laroche with a cellphone, but other than that, everything's fine.

A fat man in a police uniform leisurely watches the different screens of the prison from the comfort of his well-lit camera room. He reaches for the radio again.

Camera Monitor: Ok, come on back. You're done for the night.

The guard heads back to the other end of the hallway. But as he inserts his key into the cell block door, he hears a ping noise. He turns to find one of the electric locks has turned green. It's unlocked. He somewhat casually saunters over to the cell. The prisoner is sleeping inside, unaware that he is no longer locked inside. The guard picks up his radio again.

Guard: Louis?

Camera Monitor chows down on a sandwich

Camera Monitor: Yeah?

Guard: Any particular reason Cell D-13 is now open?

Camera Monitor stops chewing. He talks back with a mouthful of food.

Camera Monitor: Um…..it shouldn't be….

He goes over to one of the computers. A screen shows him all of the cells in a virtual map showing the layout of the prison. All of the cells are highlighted red except D-13.

Camera Monitor: Huh…This is weird. Hold on, I'll see if I can lock it back.

Guard: Ok, I won't move until you do.

Another cell turns green. This time, the prisoner inside realizes it and quickly walks out. The guard points his baton.

Guard: Hey! Get back in there!

The prisoner looks back at him and gives him a smug grin.

Guard: Get back in your cell! I won't ask you again!

Prisoner: Then why did you let me out?

The guard gets on his radio, eyes still on the escaped prisoner.

Guard: Louis, what's going on?

The fat police officer has gotten visibly nervous. Beads of sweat come down his face.

Camera Monitor: I don't know! The systems are all out of whack! They're not responding!

The cameras' view of the prison on the monitor switches to images of the Moriarty eye. The computers freeze. The officer turns white.

Camera Monitor: We're….we're being hacked or something! I can't control it at all!

Guard: WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T CONTROL IT?

In sudden hideous unison, all of the red electric locks turn green. The single guard watches in terror as the green light pours into the chamber, unleashing the very gates of hell. The prisoners all come out, viewing the unexpected situation with unsupressed glee.

Camera Monitor: Chris, what's happening?

The guard backs up slowly as the prisoners steadily approach.

Guard: All units…this is Officer Blanc. Complete jailbreak in D-Block. I repeat, COMPLETE JAILBREAK! GET OVER HERE NOW! I NEED BACKUP!

As the prisoners attack the poor guard, an alarm goes off. Frantic officers rush to the scene, trying to contain it as best as they can. But soon all of the wings of the prison are released. A jumbled mix of prisoners and guards unleash chaos in La Santé. From his main office overlooking the prison, the Warden calls Police Headquarters.

Warden: CHIEF BENOIT, GET YOUR (EXPLETIVE) MEN OVER HERE RIGHT NOW! WE HAVE A FULL-SCALE RIOT ON OUR HANDS! IF YOU DON'T GET THEM HERE QUICKLY SOME OF THEM ARE BOUND TO ESCAPE INTO THE CITY!

The next morning, Ulrich enjoys his Sunday at Yumi's house. He sits leisurely on the couch while Yumi walks into the kitchen to talk to her parents. Yumi stands next to the doorway of the kitchen as she begins to make an announcement.

Yumi: Mom. Dad. There is something important I need to tell you….

Grandpa walks by the kitchen at this exact moment.

Grandpa: Oh I knew it! You're pregnant!

Ulrich is heard spitting his drink out in the living room. Yumi's parents roll their eyes and a thoroughly red Yumi slams the door in Grandpa's face.

Grandpa: I'm guessing that's a no….Good. I guess I won't have to kill Ulrich after all.

Ulrich is heard spitting out his drink again. Yumi takes a moment to regain herself.

Mr. Ishiyama: Well…..

Mrs. Ishiyama: We're listening….

Yumi: As you know…..my birthday is in two days….

Mr. Ishiyama: We are aware.

Yumi: And I haven't asked for much….

Mrs. Ishiyama: Yes…

Yumi: So for my birthday, I mean…..in case you haven't gotten it for me already….

Mr. Ishiyama: Yes, get on with it.

Yumi: All I really want is a moped.

Brief silence.

Mr. Ishiyama: No.

Yumi: But Dad!

Mr. Ishiyama: It would be mean for me to get your hopes up, so I'm just going to say it. No.

Yumi: But it's the only thing I want!

Mrs. Ishiyama: But Yumi, they are still very expensive. That is not exactly an easy gift.

Yumi: But I'm turning sixteen! I can drive a moped!

Mr. Ishiyama: It may be okay with the law but it is not okay with my wallet.

Yumi: Dad….please. I'm tired of walking to school.

Mr. Ishiyama: Did your legs stop working?

Mrs. Ishiyama: Takeo…

Yumi: But other students my age are doing it. Why can't I? And it's not like I'm letting Hiroki walk by himself this time. Johnny's mom has been carpooling Hiroki ever since Johnny decided to become a day student.

Mrs. Ishiyama: And you could ride with them if you don't want to walk…

Yumi: Are you kidding me? I could never do that….

Mrs. Ishiyama: Well, you have another option.

Yumi: Why don't you just let me live a little?

Mr. Ishiyama: Yumi, we don't object to the idea of you having a moped. But it has been a difficult year financially, and I simply can't afford it. I'm sorry.

Mrs. Ishiyama: You'll have to ask for something else.

Ulrich listens to the conversation as Yumi continues to protest. His phone rings. He absentmindedly answers it.

Ulrich: Hello?

Ulrich cringes as shouting begins on the other line.

Mr. Stern: ULRICH! DO YOU CARE TO EXPLAIN WHY YOU HAVE SPENT MONEY LIKE A DRUNKEN SAILOR?

Ulrich: …..Maybe after my ears stop ringing….

Mr. Stern: YOUR EXPENSES HAVE GONE THROUGH THE ROOF! I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH MONEY YOU SPENT THIS WEEK ALONE!

Ulrich: Oh come on! It hasn't been that much…

Mr. Stern: Six hundred euros? I think not!

Ulrich: Hey, I was just using the money you gave me!

Mr. Stern: I gave it to you for emergencies! And there hasn't been any! Instead you've wasted it on food and…CAMPING EQUIPMENT! Would you mind explaining?

Ulrich: Yes I would mind….

Mr. Stern: Are you planning to run off with that Yumi girl or something?

Ulrich: No!

Mr. Stern: Then why all these strange purchases?

Ulrich: It's none of your business.

Mr. Stern: WRONG! My money equals my business!

Ulrich: I needed it alright! That's all.

Mr. Stern: You're going to have to give me more than that. I want to know why you've suddenly spent an enormous amount of money!

Ulrich: It was for a friend, ok?

Mr. Stern: YOU'VE SPENT MORE THAN A THOUSAND EUROS FOR A FRIEND?

Ulrich: Well, when you put it that way….

Mr. Stern: UNBELIEVABLE! And just when I was getting the faintest hope that my son had a brain in his skull!

Ulrich: And just when I thought you might actually have a soul…

Mr. Stern: These reckless expenses have to stop!

Ulrich's face hardens.

Ulrich: I can't do that…

Mr. Stern: WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'YOU CAN'T'? I AM YOUR FATHER AND YOU WILL LISTEN TO ME!

Ulrich: I'd prefer to listen to my conscience.

Silence on the other line.

Mr. Stern: Ok….fine. If your conscience tells you to waste my money, go ahead. But guess who is spending his long weekend break with his math tutor?

Ulrich suddenly becomes tense. His hands choke the cushions of the couch.

Ulrich: WHAT? But I was going to spend the weekend with Yumi seeing the city!

Mr. Stern: Too bad. You should have thought of that before you decided to mess with me.

Ulrich squeezes the cushion so tightly, his hands become white.

Ulrich: You…..

Mr. Stern: And your credit card is cancelled. You can forget about getting your hands on my money again.

Ulrich is fuming.

Mr. Stern: …I'm glad we had this talk. Have a good day son.

He hangs up. Ulrich swears loudly and then covers his mouth, remembering that he's in Yumi's house.

Grandpa: What? Who said we're having roast duck tonight?

A very angry Ulrich turns on the TV. News of the police riot fills the screen.

Diane: Despite the police's best efforts, at least 10% of the prison population has escaped into the Parisian community. Citizens in the 14th arrondissement are recommended to stay indoors whenever possible. Manhunts are taking place throughout the city, as the police have doubled their efforts to prevent these escaped convicts from getting out of reach. Meanwhile, questions remain as to how the prisoners were released simultaneously…

Ulrich: Oh no…

Yumi walks in.

Yumi: Great. Now because of the breakout my parents insist on walking me to school! Could this get any worse?

Ulrich: It could…..Moriarty might have been behind it.

She takes a brief look at the TV.

Yumi: I wouldn't be surprised.

Ulrich: And my dad has cut me off.

Yumi gives him a surprised look.

Yumi: He has?

Ulrich: Yes. He noticed all the money I've been spending. Paying to keep Odd in the factory just got really complicated.

Yumi: Oh you got to be kidding me…

Ulrich: I wish I was.

Yumi: What are we going to do?

Ulrich thinks for a moment.

Ulrich: I'm not sure. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that there is more than one way to drink from our money fountain.

She rolls her eyes

Yumi: Well forgive me for doubting you, noble heir.

Ulrich: Ha ha. And forgive me for being one.

Yumi: I guess it's not too bad then.

Ulrich: Oh yeah, I almost forgot. My dad has trapped me with my math tutor next weekend.

Yumi spins around.

Yumi: What? But we-

Ulrich: I know. And he doesn't care.

Yumi: …..I'm going to murder him.

Ulrich: Not if I get to him first.

Yumi sighs.

Yumi: When do you have to go back to Kadic?

Ulrich: Well we don't have school today. I could stay the entire day unless you want to kick me out.

She rests her head on his shoulder.

Yumi: No. I don't feel like doing that today. She turns to him. But be careful walking home. God knows who's on the streets now.

Ulrich: Oh don't worry about me. The police are circling Boulogne-Billancourt like a swarm of bees. Nothing's going to happen over here. At least not during the day.

She is quiet for a moment.

Yumi: Well looks like the moped is not going to happen…

Ulrich: I know. I'm sorry, but what can you do?

Yumi: Absolutely nothing. So much for my birthday.

Ulrich: Hey, don't worry. I'll make it special somehow.

Yumi: You're not going to forget this time, are you?

Ulrich: Okay, so I forgot one time….

Yumi: Last year to be exact…

Ulrich: It's not going to happen again.

Yumi: Oh it better not….

Ulrich gives her a more than slightly nervous smile. Yumi rolls her eyes again.

Yumi: Well I'm going upstairs to study. Coming with?

Ulrich: Yeah just give me a minute.

She walks out. Ulrich snaps his fingers.

Ulrich: Oh right….I still need to get her a gift…And plot my revenge against Dad.

Ulrich scratches his head. Suddenly an idea crosses his mind. He smiles.

Ulrich: Who says I can't do both at the same time?

He gets out his cellphone and scrolls down his contact list. He puts the phone to his ear.

Ulrich: Mom?...It's me. Listen, I need a favor.

That night, Odd descends into another dream. He is back in the front seat of the Audi A6, the fateful night he decided to outrun the cops. He snuggles up close to Sam, who also returns the favor. He breathes in the night air, finally relaxed after such a long time.

Odd: You know I didn't mean any of those things…

Sam: I know. You were just scared.

Odd: Scared doesn't even begin to describe it.

Sam: I should have told you. But I mean, I doubt you would have understood.

Odd: Probably not…..He turns to her. But why did you steal it?

She turns and shrugs.

Sam: Maybe I just wanted us to have our alone time…..in something more romantic than the back of the subway.

Odd's heart is racing. His hormones have started to take over his head.

Odd: I don't even care. I don't care that you did this to me. All I know is…..I want you now…

He approaches to kiss her, but suddenly a distinctly Moriarty laugh pierces her girlish voice.

Moriarty/Sam: Oh how pathetic.

Odd backs up against the driver's side door as fast as lightning. He tries to get out, but the handle becomes locked.

Moriarty/Sam: After all the pain she has caused, you still come back for more.

Her voice changes back to Sam's, but her facial expression still clearly belongs to Moriarty.

Sam/Moriarty: You dirty…dirty little boy.

Odd: Stay away from me!

Moriarty/Sam: This is how it all began….isn't it?

The haunting red and blue lights of police cars slice into the once comfortable interior of the car. Odd digs his fingernails into the door, trying to escape.

Moriarty/Sam: If you had just avoided this night, things could have been so different.

The sirens become absolutely deafening. Odd covers his ears. Somehow Moriarty's voice gets through.

Moriarty/Sam: But no. You just had to have your little teenage tryst.

Incomprehensible police shouting hammers the windows. Odd curls up in a ball, trying to block it all out. Moriarty's voice shifts back to Sam's.

Sam/Moriarty: Tell me Odd. Was it worth it?

Police Officer: COME OUT OF THE CAR WITH YOUR HANDS UP!

A panicked Odd looks to Sam. Sam outmatches the devil himself with a wicked smile.

Moriarty/Sam: What are you waiting for? Drive! Drive to your doom!

Odd wakes up screaming. Kiwi jumps up and barks wildly as a result of his master's outburst. Odd hugs his shoulders, still shaking from the experience. The ring of his phone startles him. He answers it.

Odd: He….Hello?

Aelita: Odd?

Odd: Aelita? Shouldn't you be asleep?

Aelita: I can't sleep tonight.

Odd: …..I know the feeling.

Aelita: Odd…..are you ok? Your voice sounds shaky.

Odd: Oh, don't worry about me. I'm fine.

Aelita: ….Odd.

Odd: Okay, I just had a very bad nightmare. And I guess I'm not completely myself.

Aelita: Do you want me to come over for a little bit?

Odd: Oh no, you don't have to do that.

Aelita: Too bad. My mind's made up. See you in a few minutes.

Odd hangs up, obviously happy Aelita is coming over. He grabs a mirror and adjusts his hair and clothes. A few seconds later he stops and questions his motives for doing so. He puts the mirror down and leans against the factory wall. A few minutes later, Aelita walks in in her pink pajamas. There is a certain elegance about her, but she looks incredibly cold. She is visibly shivering.

Odd: Aelita!

Aelita: I…..didn't realize it was…..so cold tonight.

Odd: You're freezing! Come over here.

She walks over and rests on top of his sleeping bag. When she continues to shiver, Odd puts a blanket on her and brings her close to him in an embrace. She starts to warm up some.

Odd: Better?

Aelita: Yes. Very much so.

As Aelita snuggles up close to him, both realize at nearly the same time how accidentally intimate this situation is. Neither one does anything, but they are cognizant of how things could easily head in a different direction. They start to turn slightly red.

Aelita: So, you said you had a bad dream?

Odd: …..What?...Oh yeah I….I did.

Aelita: What was it about?

Odd: …It was about…..Moriarty tormenting me with the memory of that night with Sam….when things went terribly wrong.

He starts to sweat and freak out at the thought. But Aelita hugs him tighter and the feeling passes. But the closeness of her touch doesn't.

Aelita: I'm so sorry. I wish I could make them go away.

Odd: You are already doing so much.

Aelita: But it must be awful dealing with this on a daily basis. She leans close to him. I don't know how you can stand it.

Odd can see some of Aelita's firm and beautiful white thighs as she rests against him. A warm tingling moves up his spine. He swallows and looks away.

Odd: It's not so bad…..actually. Not….not all the time.

Aelita: Really? When is it better?

Odd: Well, like right now…for instance.

Odd's statement makes both of them turn deep red. The hormones begin to do their work in both of them. Odd's hand taps the ground near Aelita's side. Both can hear a tiny voice in their heads, warning them to stop, but it starts to get drowned out by their increasing heart rates.

Odd: Thank you for….coming.

Aelita: Odd?

Odd: Yes?

Aelita: You….you still don't like that Sam girl, do you?

Odd, slowly suspecting the motives for Aelita's question, shakes his head. A feeling of incredible and almost intoxicated lightness consumes him.

Odd: No. No of course not. She ruined my life. He looks to her. Why do you ask?

Aelita: Just…wondering.

A minute or so of incredibly awkward silence passes.

Odd: You're not worried Jim will catch you, are you?

Aelita: Don't be silly. He's fast asleep along with the rest of the school.

Her fingers tap his hand.

Aelita: I can sneak back in…..whenever I want.

Their hands lock together almost by instinct. Aelita rolls to rest on her side, her chest close to Odd. Odd breathes deeply. The desire is becoming intolerable. The tiny voice in his head makes one last, valiant effort, but to no avail. Aelita also seems to show some hesitation, but she looks at Odd and the doubt begins to ebb. She lays a hand on his 'svelte' stomach.

Odd: Aelita…..I…..

She looks up.

Aelita: Yes?

Both gaze into each other's eyes. A single deep stare wipes all doubt from their minds. They both want….or more likely need each other. Odd's face illuminates the trauma, the guilt, and the hopeless despair driving him to find an outlet in her. Aelita's long weeks of loneliness as well as the deep scar of betrayal has led her to this moment of surrender. Without another word exchanged, the two kiss. Odd wraps his arm around her and pulls her close. She doesn't object. The two stay that way, not going any farther but reveling in passion nonetheless. They stay that way for a long time.

The next morning, Jeremie is awoken by a beeping at his computer. He groggily gets up, moving toward the computer like a zombie. He opens a flashing window to reveal the Moriarty eye looking at him.

Moriarty: Well good morning sunshine.

Jeremie swears.

Jeremie: What do you want?

Moriarty: I was hoping you would give me some advice….

Jeremie: Advice? What are you talking about?

Moriarty: Real estate.

Jeremie raises a suspicious eyebrow.

Moriarty: I need to decide where to put my winter palace once I take over. Which do you think is better? The Caribbean or the Mediterranean?

Jeremie: Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?

Moriarty: I'll show you the videos and see what you think.

A video showing a relaxing view of some Caribbean beach pops up. But it is quickly replaced by a clip of Odd and Aelita from last night. Jeremie sits motionless, his mouth opening slightly as the horror unfolds before him. He holds his stomach, making a sharp groan as if he has been stabbed. His eyes furrow in agony.

Moriarty: Oh how embarrassing! I must have gotten my files mixed up. I wasn't supposed to show you that one.

Jeremie takes off his glasses and rests them on the desk. He mentally retreats, doing his best not to look at the scene.

Moriarty: …..I know this must be hard for you. But then again, you should know the truth.

Jeremie covers his face with his hands. A few tears come out from underneath his clammy palms.

Moriarty: Don't look so down Jeremie. Look on the bright side. Odd is well on his way to recovery.

Jeremie slouches onto his left bicep resting on the desk. His forearm wraps around the top of his head as Jeremie sinks into despair.

Moriarty: Do you want me to speed this up? This goes on for a while.

Jeremie: Enough!...Can't you see I get it?

The door opens. Ulrich enters in his pajamas.

Ulrich: Jeremie, you're going to be late. What's keeping y-?...WHOA!

Jeremie hides his face in folded arms on his desk. Ulrich steadily approaches, unable to believe what he is watching.

Ulrich: No…they would never do that.

Jeremie: …Apparently…they have.

Ulrich: My God…..What have they done?

Moriarty: I know you're dim Ulrich, but I think the video explained that very clearly.

Ulrich growls.

Ulrich: And just when I thought you couldn't possibly get more sick….

Moriarty: I do my best. Well, I'd stay around to rub it in, but I have class soon. Duty calls I'm afraid.

The window closes. Jeremie rises and mechanically gets a towel and some clean clothes ready to take a shower.

Ulrich: Jeremie….

He doesn't listen.

Ulrich: Jeremie talk to me.

He turns. His eyes are dark red, emanating his painful reaction to a reality his scientific mind cannot deny.

Jeremie: There's nothing to talk about.

Ulrich: Just listen for a second.

Jeremie: Why should I?

Ulrich: Don't forget I've felt your pain…..I've been in the same shoes.

Jeremie opens his door.

Jeremie: There's just one critical difference.

Ulrich: What?

Jeremie: Aelita wasn't possessed….. He starts to walk out but then stops. Tell the group to come to the factory after dinner. My spectral immunization program has been completed.

The door shuts on Ulrich with a creaky and slow moan. Ulrich looks back to the video screen. He shakes his head.

Ulrich: Hormones and Moriarty abuse. Never a good combination.

That evening Ulrich, Yumi, and William enter the scanners. Jeremie starts up the program. A digital image of their bodies appears, slowly loading with his immunization program. The scanners hum and shake with an electric roar. At last the doors open. They exit disoriented and confused.

Jeremie: Now at first you might feel some slight abnormalities.

Yumi groans.

Yumi: Is nausea one of them?

William: Yumi why do you look orange?...Why does everything look orange?

Jeremie: …Granted, exposing virtual inhibitors to the human body is a mostly theoretical concept, but there should be no lasting negative side effects.

Ulrich tries to walk out of the scanner but then falls down.

Ulrich: Jeremie?

Jeremie: Yes?

Ulrich: Can you explain why I theoretically can't feel my left leg?

Jeremie: Like I said, it should be temporary.

William: Wait…..I think I'm starting to see some yellow now.

Jeremie: The important thing is that it protects us from future Moriarty possession attempts.

Yumi and William help Ulrich up. His left leg has gone completely limp. He relies on them to get to the elevator.

Ulrich: Exactly how long is this supposed to last?

Jeremie: Do you want the honest truth?

Ulrich: If you'd be so kind.

Jeremie: No idea.

Ulrich: Wonderful….

As the others head up the elevator, an emotionless Jeremie turns to Odd and Aelita, who are talking in the back of the lab room. They are smiling and laughing.

Jeremie: It's your turn now.

Aelita shrugs.

Aelita: Okay….

She heads to the elevator. Odd remains against the wall.

Jeremie: No. As in both of you.

Odd gives Jeremie a nervous look. Aelita turns back to Jeremie, her body tensed and ready to defend Odd if need be.

Odd: Jeremie…..I really don't think that's necessary. Moriarty has no need to possess me again and I don't really feel uncomfortable with-

Jeremie's face becomes as cold as stone.

Jeremie: Get….in….the scanner. Now.

Odd is taken aback by Jeremie's unexpected forcefulness. Aelita approaches Jeremie with her hands on her hips.

Aelita: You know Odd doesn't want to get back into a scanner.

Jeremie: I need everyone to be exposed to the program. And quite frankly Odd needs it the most. Compared to everyone else, he has the least immunity to Moriarty.

Odd: But….

Jeremie: No buts!

Aelita lowers her eyebrows, displaying her growing anger at Jeremie's hostility towards Odd.

Aelita: Have you forgotten about…his condition?

Jeremie: All the more reason to let the program do its work.

Aelita: And what about you? Shouldn't you be exposed?

Jeremie: The program only works for people who have at least fought Moriarty on Lyoko before. I don't qualify. I'll just have to take a chance like with Xana. But there's no reason for Odd to do the same.

Odd looks slightly pale.

Odd: Jeremie….can't we wait until tomorrow?

Jeremie: Downstairs. Now.

Aelita: Why should he?

The elevator doors open. William and Yumi drag a still limping Ulrich into the lab room.

William: I think I can distinguish red from green now.

Aelita: There you are. Do you mind telling Jeremie that Odd doesn't have to get into the scanner?

To Odd and Aelita's surprise, the others do not jump to their side. Instead they regard the two with an air of distrust and disapproval.

Aelita: What…..what is with you people? What's wrong?

No response. Aelita throws up her hands in disgust.

Aelita: Fine. Come on Odd.

Before Odd reluctantly goes into the elevator, he pulls Ulrich to the side.

Odd: Hey, mind telling me why Jeremie looks like he wants to kill me?

Ulrich looks away. Odd backs up, incredulous that he is being treated this way. He enters the elevator with Aelita and they silently go down. About midway to the scanner room, both of them have a revelation.

Odd & Aelita: THEY KNOW!

Odd puts his hands on his head and Aelita lets out a groan.

Odd: How could they have found out?

Aelita: Jeremie. He probably was spying on us with the cameras all over the place.

She folds her arms in disgust.

Odd: Oh, we're in trouble now.

Aelita thinks for a moment. She purses her lips.

Aelita: Forget them. Why should we care what they think?

Aelita takes his hand.

Aelita: They have no right to judge us for last night.

A morose Odd takes his hand away.

Odd: How…..how could I have done that…..to Jeremie?

Aelita: Don't blame yourself. I'm not his property after all.

Odd: That…still doesn't make it right.

Aelita: Are….are you regretting what we did?

Odd hesitates. As he gazes into her sad eyes, the elevator doors open.

Odd: Aelita, I've just stabbed the guy who has done so much to help me with me PTSD in the back. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel something…..but I can't ignore the facts. I betrayed Jeremie.

Aelita: …..A good dose of karma.

Odd: Excuse me?

Aelita walks toward the scanners. She struts with a gait illuminating her stubborn defiance.

Aelita: Don't worry about him. Besides, it was just an innocent romantic moment.

Odd: ….Was it?

Aelita turns. Odd faces her with a countenance of solemnity.

Odd: Was it?

Night begins to fall onto the Parisian skyline. On the bridge to the factory, Jeremie sulks away back to the school. Aelita hugs Odd goodbye at the entrance to the factory. After Odd returns inside, Aelita glances at Yumi, William, and Ulrich, who are loitering on the bridge's guardrail. She passes them by, not giving them a hint of remorse.

Ulrich: I still can't believe they did that.

Yumi: In retrospect, I guess it shouldn't have surprised us too much. But still.

William shrugs.

William: I know this kinda caught us off guard, but is it really our business?

Pause.

Ulrich: It was a rotten thing to do to Jeremie.

William: True.

Yumi: And I highly doubt all of that was true love.

Ulrich: I think the video answered that question….

Another pause.

Yumi: How's your leg?

Ulrich: I'm starting to get some feeling back, but I'll still have to limp a little to Kadic. I'm sure it will be better in the morning at this rate. But thanks for asking.

Yumi: No problem. She kisses him on the forehead. I'm going to head home. My parents are going to freak out if I don't get there soon. Goodnight.

Ulrich & William: Goodnight.

She walks away.

William: If you don't need any help, I'm going to head back too.

Ulrich: Wait.

Ulrich grabs his arm.

Ulrich: Yumi's heading home alone. And my leg is still in pretty bad shape.

William: Yes…..I know.

Ulrich shakes his head.

Ulrich: No you don't. Yumi is walking home alone in the dark with escaped prisoners in Paris. And I can't make sure she gets home safely.

William starts to put two and two together.

William: Oh…

Ulrich: I was going to follow her home, but now I can't.

William: Meaning?

Ulrich: In the past, I would never ask you to do this. But I want you to follow her home. I'm….I'm worried about her.

William holds up his hand.

William: Say no more. I'll do it. It's no big deal.

Ulrich: Thank you. Just stay out of sight. I don't want her to think I'm overprotective or anything.

William: Don't worry. I have a lot of experience following her without her knowledge.

He heads off in Yumi's direction, leaving Ulrich with a suspicious look on his face.

Ulrich: I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that….

Yumi makes her way home along a narrow sidewalk. She can see families turning off the lights to their houses much earlier than usual. A woman turns off the light to her upstairs window and quickly closes the shutters. Yumi stares at the window for a moment. With the exception of a few falling autumn leaves, the residence has become lifeless. Pretty soon only the blinking streetlights illuminate her surroundings. A cold breeze exhales through the trees and the shadows. Yumi shivers and hugs her arms together. A lone dog defies the stifling neighborhood and barks, but he is quickly hushed. Silence draws a curtain over the neighborhood. Silence. Yumi stops. She looks to her left and her right. The quiet heightens her senses. There is a certain nervousness to her walking gait. For the first time in her life, she feels truly alone. The two massive metropolises of Tokyo and Paris have always given her a feeling of human contact. But now a city of more than ten million people has gone silent, and she is truly alone. Yumi steps up her pace. A loud insect makes her stop and listen. She shakes her head.

Yumi: Come on Yumi, don't be silly. There's nothing to be afraid of. You're just walking home. Like normal….

Yumi continues on, but her self-encouraging words do little to help her. The only sound she can hear is the clomp of her boots. Even the wind has died. The air is stagnant…..and oppressive. As she nears the end of the block, a streetlight lights up a parked car. Yumi tries to pass by, but her heart nearly stops when a man who was lying against the side of the car outside of the light's radius approaches her. She backs up. The man is dark-haired and in his late twenties. His face is rugged, with black facial hair covering his neck and chin. There is a suave but disturbing nature about him. He regards Yumi with unrestrained glee.

Stalker: Hey little lady, where are you going?

Yumi: I'm uh…..just on my home.

She tries to quickly walk past him, but he gets in her way.

Stalker: What's the hurry?

The hair on Yumi's neck rises. She tries to walk around him, but he simply moves in front of her. His eyes look over Yumi and come to focus on her chest. Yumi notices this and uses her forearms to cover her chest and prevent him from staring. Stalker laughs.

Stalker: Oh baby, you don't have to be modest for me.

Stalker takes a step forward. Yumi puts up her arms in a defensive stance.

Yumi: Don't….don't come any closer. I know Pencak Silat.

Stalker: Oh a fighter! Wonderful! That always makes it so much more fun.

Yumi: I'm…I'm warning you.

Stalker: Baby, we could do this the easy way or the hard way.

Yumi: I pick neither!

Stalker: Don't make me bring out the others….

Yumi: Others?

Two men come out of the shadows behind her. One of them looks like a pro wrestler. He is dressed in all black and his head is shaved. Various tattoos, most of them racist in meaning, dot his arms and neck. He glares at Yumi with immediate hate. Another shorter guy approaches her. He is incredibly ugly, but also appears dangerous.

Ugly: You idiot! You blew our cover!

Skinhead: Doesn't matter. We were about to come out anyway.

Stalker: Well this one is clearly not going to cooperate, so I figured I needed to prevent this from getting…..messy.

The men form a triangle around her. Yumi tries to appear brave, but she is shaking all over. A thought crosses her mind.

Yumi: You….you're some of the escapees, aren't you?

The trio smiles. A snort comes from Ugly.

Stalker: Smart girl. I like it.

Ugly: And we plan on staying that way.

Stalker: But what's the point of freedom if you can't have a little fun with it?

Stalker tries to grab Yumi. When she grabs his wrist and tries to counter, Skinhead responds by pulling out a knife and putting it to her throat. She lets go of Stalker's wrist.

Stalker: Oh, so now she's willing to cooperate.

Ugly: Works every time.

Stalker turns to Skinhead.

Stalker: Well it's your turn to go first now.

Skinhead spits onto Yumi's shoes.

Skinhead: You kidding me?

Stalker raises an eyebrow.

Stalker: Problem?

Skinhead: You know I don't touch Asian trash!

Yumi swallows, absorbing his hateful comment with a sick feeling in her stomach.

Skinhead: That goes against my principles.

Stalker: Oh yes…..I suppose I forgot.

Skinhead: Of course, I wouldn't mind smacking her around a little.

Yumi puts her arm in front of her head, expecting the worst.

Ugly: Hey don't do that! You'll beat her up to the point that it won't be fun for us!

Skinhead: Fine. I'll wait until you're done.

Stalker: Well, since I believe all women are created equal. He puts a finger under her chin. I guess that makes it my turn.

Ugly: No way! You went first last time!

Stalker: Too bad. I saw her first.

Ugly: We agreed!

Stalker: Yes but the others weren't as…..He strokes her cheek. Yumi recoils. beautiful as this one.

Ugly: If you touch her first I'll….

Skinhead focuses the knife on Ugly.

Skinhead: Shut it! He gets her first.

Ugly: What? Why?

Skinhead: Because every word out of your mouth makes me want to gut you like a pig! THAT'S WHY!

Ugly shuts up. Stalker grabs Yumi's wrist.

Stalker: Thank you for resolving that. Now where was I?

William: About three seconds from unconsciousness.

Stalker looks around.

Stalker: Who said-?

William comes from the other side of the car and beats Stalker upside the head with a metal pole. Before Skinhead and Ugly can react, they are whacked firmly across the face and stomach, respectively. A stunned Yumi looks at William, whose face reminds her of a darker side of him she once knew. William drops the pole and grabs her hand.

William: Yumi, RUN!

They take off down the sidewalk, leaving the cursing convicts behind. Soon Yumi and William can hear the sounds of angry pursuit.

William: Look's like I didn't hit them hard enough!

Yumi: Just keep running!

They turn off onto a narrow street, trying to lose them. But they can still hear their shouts and curses. Yumi and William step up the pace, zigzagging into whatever street they come across. At first both fear that eventually the convicts will catch up, but Yumi and William surprisingly find themselves running faster than normal. A wave of adrenaline they have never felt before, even in the most tense of situations, is pumping through their veins. They sprint like mad, allowing this new energy to do its work. The shouts become more distant, but they don't go away completely. William eyes a street to his right and pulls Yumi in that direction.

William: Follow me!

Yumi: Where are we going?

William: Some place safe!

They turn and quickly come to a Gothic style building in front of a small city park. William drags her up the stone steps. Yumi notices a cross and a statue of the Virgin Mary at the wooden entrance.

Yumi: A church?

William: Just trust me!

William forces the heavy wooden doors open. The brightness of candles shatters the outside darkness. The two rush into the ornate sanctuary, where they notice a young priest dressed in a fine white robe lighting a candle. The priest turns to the unexpected guests with surprise. William talks to the priest while trying to recover his breath.

William: Rosaire, you need to hide us!

Yumi gives William a strange look.

Yumi: Um….I'm not Catholic, but aren't you supposed to address a priest as 'Father'?

William rolls his eyes.

William: I'm not calling my own brother 'Father'.

Yumi assumes a 'Stop everything, what the heck just happened?' pose. She gives William a funny look. Then she looks at the priest. To her astonishment, Yumi can notice a resemblance between the two. The priest is older, most likely in his mid to late twenties, but their jet black hair is the same (although the priest's hair is much more orderly than William's). The priest is slender and tall, much like his younger brother, but he walks with a more grave and reserved manner than William does. He has a distinctly longer nose and also seems to be less muscular. The priest looks at his brother with disbelief.

Rosaire: Would you care to explain what's going on?

Angry shouts are heard outside the church.

William: No time to explain, JUST HIDE US!

Rosaire, now understanding the gravity of the situation, points to the right of the pews.

Rosaire: The…the confessional booth. Hide there!

Yumi: What's a-?

William: Come on!

William and Yumi squeeze into the small wooden booth and duck down. They are cramped together.

Yumi: Why is this space so small?

William: Well typically Catholics don't have company in here.

Yumi: I'm guessing that's because they are confessing private stuff?

William: Yes.

Yumi: Why couldn't one of us have gone into that other chamber?

William: Because that's for the priest. You don't go in there.

Yumi: Oh.

William gives Yumi an annoyed look.

William: You live in Europe. How can you know nothing about Catholicism?

Yumi crosses her arms.

Yumi: And I'm guessing you must be an expert on Shintoism…

William: ….Okay, but I don't live in Japan.

Their argument is interrupted by the three thugs entering the church. They are bruised and are eager for blood. Rosaire watches them with obvious caution.

Rosaire: Good evening gentlemen. Is there something I can help you with?

Skinhead: Can it priest. You know why we're here.

Rosaire: I do?

Skinhead: Why do you think we're here?

Rosaire shrugs.

Rosaire: Either you've come to me for medical attention or you're here to confess.

William peers through a crack in the booth. He shouts at Rosaire through a restrained whisper.

William: Don't offer that! WE'RE IN HERE!

The trio laughs.

Stalker: Maybe another time father. When we're not busy.

Ugly: It's too late for us anyway.

Rosaire: No such thing as 'too late' here.

Skinhead: Alright enough. Have you seen two teens around here?

Stalker: An Asian girl and a black-haired punk perhaps?

Rosaire thinks for a moment.

Rosaire: No I haven't. No one here but me and God.

Stalker: Are you sure?

Skinhead approaches him. He tries to intimidate him.

Skinhead: A priest isn't supposed to lie.

Rosaire: Except in cases of the greater good.

Skinhead leans closer.

Skinhead: What are you trying to say?

Rosaire: Absolutely nothing.

Stalker: Are you certain you haven't seen them?

Ugly: Think hard.

Rosaire: I have been alone in this church the entire night. I have seen no one.

Skinhead looks to Stalker.

Skinhead: You believe him?

Stalker: Not sure. Either he's telling the truth or he's a very good liar. He gives Rosaire a dark look. The latter is not a very good quality for a priest.

Rosaire: I agree. But may I ask why you have entered this holy sanctuary demanding the whereabouts of two young people?

Skinhead: We'll ask the questions. Not you. Got it?

Rosaire: Unfortunately yes.

Ugly: I'll bet they're in here. Let's search the place!

Rosaire becomes visibly angry at Ugly's remark.

Rosaire: Have you no respect for the church?

Skinhead: About as much respect as I have for you.

Ugly: I'm getting tired of this guy. I think he should learn a few manners.

Skinhead: Couldn't agree more.

Rosaire swallows.

Rosaire: You wouldn't hurt a poor servant of God, would you?

Skinhead: You clearly don't know me very well.

Stalker: Please. That's a waste of your strength and our time.

Skinhead: Well if I can't find the other punk, why not him?

Before things can get out of hand, the criminals hear police sirens outside. They become tense.

Ugly: (Expletive). How did they find us?

Skinhead: I bet the priest knew we were coming and called before we came!

Rosaire shakes his head.

Rosaire: No, the police have been circling this neighborhood ever since the breakout. It's just a coincidence.

The trio look at each other with uncertainty.

Stalker: Let's go. They're not here.

Ugly: But-.

Stalker: LET'S GO!

The three leave, but not before Skinhead gives Rosaire a threatening glare. Once they are gone, Rosaire breathes a sigh of relief. He walks into his side of the confessional chamber and sits down.

Rosaire: Tell me your sins my son.

William: Well, your jokes still suck.

A few minutes later, Rosaire peeks his head out of the door. He watches the shadows outside the church, looking for any sign of the criminals. After a brief moment he closes the door and walks up the aisle and approaches Yumi and William, who are sitting on the first pew. William has her arm on Yumi's shoulder.

Rosaire: I don't see any sign of them.

Pause.

Rosaire: But I would stay here a little longer. Just in case they are…..waiting.

William looks up. Rosaire eyes William coldly and turns away. William turns her attention back to Yumi. She refuses to look up from the ground.

William: Yumi?

No response.

William: Yumi are you alright?

No response.

William: Yumi?

She shakes her head.

Yumi: I am not….alright.

William: I know that must have been horrible. I understand.

Yumi: No.

She turns to him. Her voice is shaky.

Yumi: You don't understand. You can't understand. No guy….no matter how good he is, can understand what just happened to me. The degradation…..the paralytic fear. Only a girl could understand that.

William is quiet. He absentmindedly looks at the altar. Yumi sighs.

Yumi: But I don't know how to thank you enough for saving me.

William: ….You're welcome.

Yumi: That….that took a lot of guts.

William: You are a fellow warrior and a friend. I wasn't just going to sit by and let them do that.

Yumi gives him an odd look.

Yumi: Mind telling me why you were following me?

William pauses and throws up his hands innocently.

William: Don't look at me. Ulrich wanted me to do it.

Yumi: He…..he did?

William: He wanted to make sure you got home safely. And since Jeremie's program messed up his leg, he asked me to do it…..Apparently he was right to be concerned.

Yumi sits there, glancing around the church.

Yumi: Either way, thank you.

William: No problem.

Yumi: Speaking of the program, how are your eyes doing?

William: I can see fine now. The side effects have worn off.

Yumi makes a strange face.

Yumi: I'm not so sure.

William: What's wrong?

Yumi: When we were running, I suddenly felt this rush of energy I had never felt before. I started sprinting so fast, I probably could have set a track record at Kadic.

William: Yeah. I started to feel that too.

Yumi: Think it's the program?

William: Well how else would you explain this almost inhuman speed?

A woman in a black dress opens the door to the church. Rosaire walks up to her and the two go into the confessional booth.

Yumi: Okay I can't take it anymore. That priest is your brother?

William: Yes…..yes he is.

Yumi: You never told me you had an older brother, or any siblings for that matter.

William: You never asked.

Yumi: You've never mentioned him before.

William averts her gaze.

William: Well…..

Yumi: Well what?

William: We don't exactly get along.

Yumi: Why not?

William motions to the church all around them.

Yumi: You clash on religion?

William: You could say that. He's the pious Catholic. I'm the rebel. Conflict is inevitable in such a situation.

Yumi: He doesn't approve of your behavior…

William: Particularly the womanizing. He has a big problem with that.

Yumi: Has it always been like this?

William shakes his head.

William: He used to be a lot like me. Only…..

Yumi: Only what?

William: Only worse. He was big into wild parties and alcohol. When he was in high school he got addicted to drugs. My dad sent him to this top notch rehab center in Italy, once it got unmanageable. Someone over there must have converted him to the Catholic faith, because he came back completely changed. He started talking to us about his spiritual rebirth and how he wanted to go into seminary.

Yumi: And how did your parents take that?

William: They were surprised to say the least. We're not a religious family. My parents…..somewhat begrudgingly went along with it. His mind was made up, and I guess they were so happy that he broke his drug addiction that they didn't bother to argue.

Yumi: And ever since, you haven't seen eye to eye?

William: In a nutshell, yes.

Yumi sits in silence for a few moments.

William: Well, what do you think of that?

Yumi: You hold completely opposite views on the meaning and purpose of life. Views that neither of you can fully prove to be valid. Like you said, conflict must be inevitable.

Rosaire finishes with the woman's confession.

Yumi: But it took a lot of nerve to stand up for us like that.

William: Yeah. I'm going to go talk to him.

William gets up and goes to Rosaire. They awkwardly walk down a narrow aisle between the pews and the wall. Rosaire subtly and calmly acknowledges his presence.

William: I suppose you deserve an explanation.

Rosaire: I may not deserve one. But it would certainly be appreciated.

William: We ran into some trouble.

Rosaire turns to him.

Rosaire: Obviously. And I can't help but wonder how you got yourself into that mess.

William can tell Rosaire is giving him a judgmental look.

William: Look. It's not what you think. Yes I made them mad. But I didn't have a choice.

Rosaire: Oh really? Do tell.

William: Don't do that!

Rosaire: Don't do what?

William: You automatically assume that I must have done something 'sinful' to get myself into this situation.

Rosaire stays quiet. The two stop.

William: Well?

Rosaire: You enter with a girl into this place of God at night begging to be protected from armed and dangerous thugs. Exactly what am I supposed to think?

William gives him a spiteful stare. Rosaire looks at Yumi.

Rosaire: May I ask the nature of your relationship with this girl?

William: For your information, her name is Yumi, and she has a boyfriend.

Rosaire: A fact I would certainly hope you would respect….

William: There you go again!

Rosaire: Right. Assuming things….Anyway, you were going to explain what happened, correct?

William rubs his temples.

William: Those guys were trying to have their way with Yumi. I ambushed them and we ran like mad over here. There. Are you happy now?

Rosaire eases his strict demeanor a touch.

Rosaire: I suppose that makes sense.

William: Thank you for finally listening to me.

Rosaire: And it is certainly noble to defend a woman's purity.

William: That's why I didn't have a choice.

Rosaire: And it would explain the vicious bruises I saw on their faces….

William: You seem to have problems believing I'm telling the truth.

Rosaire: I am merely speaking from experience.

William huffs.

William: Doesn't the Bible say something about 'throwing stones'?

Rosaire stares at him intensely.

Rosaire: The old me you are referring to is dead. I am dead to sin and pure in the sight of God. I have been washed clean.

William: Oh not this again….

Rosaire: I know you don't want to. But you should hear what I have to say. I was evil in the sight of God before he saved me. But he forgave all, and he can forgive you too. I am merely trying to point out your sin, so that you may find the need to repent.

William: Hey, if you want to follow an obsolete religion, fine. But don't force it on me.

Rosaire holds his neck up with a twinge of outrage.

Rosaire: Obsolete?

William: Rapidly declining I think would be more accurate.

Rosaire: So you think Catholicism has no place in this modern world of excesses and comfort?

William doesn't say anything.

Rosaire: Fine. Perhaps faith is dying in Europe. But I have seen miracles happen. And I have seen how crisis can bring people quickly back to God. When the nuclear scare occurred recently, this church was filled to capacity. That never happens. But it happened then. You and the rest of Europe can pretend you don't need God, but when the chips are down, I know that you will always come running back. And what about that cyber bug mysteriously disappearing without a trace. How do you explain that?

William starts to interject.

William: Well….

Rosaire: It was the hand of God.

William: Actually…

Rosaire: Unless you have a better explanation.

William holds his tongue.

William: Yes. The hand of God. Let's go with that.

Rosaire: That incident eliminated any doubt in my mind. There is a God, and evil will never triumph.

William grunts

Rosaire: Do you have a problem with what I just said?

William: Maybe just a little bit.

Rosaire: And what would that be?

William: Good always coming out on top. It doesn't sound logical to me.

Rosaire: It's not logical to assume a loving God would allow evil to win.

William: Hasn't he already done that?

Rosaire: I didn't say he wouldn't allow evil to exist. He does allow it, because of our fall into sin. But evil cannot win.

William: I'm sorry, but it's hard for me to accept what you're saying when I have seen the exact opposite.

Rosaire: What are you talking about?

William gives Rosaire a somber look.

William: Forget about it.

Rosaire: No, what is wrong? What evil are you talking about?

William: It's none of your business. You wouldn't understand.

Rosaire lets off the interrogation.

Rosaire: If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. But listen to me for a moment. He touches William's shoulder and points to the massive cross on the wall. I don't know who this enemy you are speaking of is. I don't know whether it's a personal demon or a real one. But know this. Neither is stronger than that. Remember that no matter how many battles it wins, evil cannot win the war. Even in your darkest hour…..he will not fail you. And that is the truth.

Rosaire's unexpectedly strong words have started to have an effect on him. His spirit lifts and the room seems brighter than it once was. Rosaire takes his hand off William's shoulders.

Rosaire: If nothing else, think about what I have said.

William: I…..I'll try.

William returns to sit next to Yumi.

Yumi: What did you talk about?

William: Uh, nothing special.

Yumi: What did you tell him?

William: The truth. Our story had nothing out of the ordinary to hide.

Yumi: Right.

The two don't speak for a while.

William: When do you think it's safe to leave?

Yumi: I don't know. I texted my parents and said I was at a friend's house. I thought that would make them calm down, but now they're demanding I come home immediately. I…..I don't want to leave….just yet.

William: I'll walk you home.

Yumi: Thank you.

The two turn their attention to the cross on the wall.

Yumi: What you said they believe...that's…pretty wild.

William: I guess so.

Yumi: Christianity has a long history, doesn't it?

William: Yes. It's been around a long time.

Yumi: I guess I never bothered to learn much about it. My history classes discussed it a little, but not very much. And so few people in France seem to be following it.

William: It's lost some of its appeal.

Yumi: Then why does Rosaire defy that trend?

William: God knows.

Yumi and William look at each other and laugh a little. Then they get quiet.

Yumi: Do….do you believe in it?

William sits motionless for a long time. His stare seems distant and lost.

William: Even if it was true, I wouldn't accept it.

Yumi: Why?

William: A God who allows Moriarty to threaten the world does not deserve to be followed.

Pause.

Yumi: If it is true, we could sure use his help.

William doesn't say anything.

Yumi: William?

William: I heard you.

Yumi: Any idea how we can get that help?

William: We could ask. We could pray. That's usually how Christians do it.

More silence. William turns to see that Yumi is still staring at the wall, trying to understand this spiritual place. William scratches his forehead.

William: Do you…..want to pray?

Yumi: Oh…..I don't know. Maybe but-

William: But what?

Yumi: I wouldn't know what to say. I've never done it before.

William takes her hand. He bows his head. Yumi, following William's example, does the same.

William: Good. That makes two of us.

The next morning the sun punctures through the foggy sky. The air is crisp and cool. It is one of those fall days that gives warning of approaching winter. Inside the gymnasium, Ulrich looks up at a rope attached to the ceiling. Jim taps his watch.

Jim: Come on Stern, get up there!

Ulrich: Sir….

Jim: We don't have all day.

Ulrich groans.

Ulrich: Why is it always heights?

Ulrich reluctantly forces his way up the rope. Jeremie, Aelita, and the rest of the 9th grade gym class watches. Odd's clone decides to make some commentary.

Odd's Clone: Extra bicep muscle needed to complete arduous task.

Ulrich: Not…..helping.

Jim: Della Robbia, don't distract him! I'd like to see you do better.

Jeremie observes Aelita from a distance. Aelita recognizes Jeremie's presence, but little more. She doesn't appear angry. Rather it seems she has lost all feeling for Jeremie whatsoever, be it hatred or love. In Jeremie's view, indifference is worse than hate. At first he turns away and tries to remain focused on the activity. But he has grown tired of giving Aelita space. Her distrust and enmity toward him has not ebbed at all with this strategy. He takes a deep breath and walks up next to her. Aelita glances to her right and quickly looks away. She holds her chin high.

Jeremie: So um….very…..VERY long awkward pause…….how are you?

Jeremie smacks his head as soon as those words come out of his mouth. Aelita does not hesitate.

Aelita: Fine.

Jeremie probes his mind, trying to think of SOMETHING to get her talking. He notices that Ulrich is halfway up the rope and is clearly struggling.

Jeremie: Yeah….crazy right? Why would Jim make Ulrich climb a rope when he knows he is afraid of heights?

Aelita does not answer.

Jeremie: I mean he does know that, right?

Aelita: It could have slipped his mind. You know how easy it is for him to do that.

Jeremie: You….you make a good point.

This is going nowhere. Jeremie tries to think of something else, but he is saved by a sudden accident. Ulrich loses his grip and begins to fall. He desperately tries to hold onto the rope, but it only slows him down a little bit. He falls to the mat below. The gym class crowds around him. Ulrich, still on the floor, curses. He winces and looks at his left hand. It is scarred by rope burn and a few nasty cuts. A few sympathetic comments are passed around.

Odd's Clone: Hypothesis of spectral entity correct.

Jim: Alright Della Robbia, that's it! You get up there and show us how YOU would do it! Stones, take Stern to the infirmary!

Aelita begins to help Ulrich up. Jeremie acts on an impulse and raises his hand.

Jim: Yes Belpois?

Jeremie: May I take him over there too?

Jim gives Jeremie a funny look. Aelita gives Jeremie a much less kind funny look. Jim seems to be a little suspicious, but after looking at the two, he begins to understand.

Jim: Alright but hurry up! You've already missed enough gym class this semester.

Jeremie and Aelita go with Ulrich and exit the gym. Odd's clone scampers the rope with little effort. Jim's mouth drops when Odd's clone returns to the ground.

Odd's Clone: Challenge completed.

Jim: How…..how could you break a school record with arms so scrawny?

Odd's Clone: Objection! Body type svelte.

Back in the science building, Ms. Hertz is giving a rather riveting lecture. She pours water into a beaker. She holds it up to eye level.

Ms. Hertz: Water. An inorganic compound we often take for granted. Without it, we cannot live. But what makes water so important and vital to life as we know it? Well, first of all, it is a polar molecule, which makes it an excellent solvent. In addition to this, it has a very large heat capacity….

William and Yumi are extremely bored. William seems to have trouble staying awake. Last night took a lot out of him.

William: Is she TRYING to make me fall asleep?

Yumi rests her head on the desk with her arms serving as a pillow. She shrugs.

Yumi: She's been talking about water for over half an hour. I have to go to the bathroom now.

William: Do you actually have to go or are you just bored?

Yumi: …Both.

She raises her hand.

Ms. Hertz: Yes Yumi?

Yumi: May I go to the bathroom?

Ms. Hertz dismisses her with a wave of her hand.

Ms. Hertz: Yes just hurry up.

Yumi gets up to leave the room. As she exits, Ms. Hertz notices Natalya is sleeping in the back.

Ms. Hertz: Miss Dikau!

Natalya wakes up, muttering something in Russian.

Ms. Hertz: I would certainly hate for you to be unpleasantly surprised on another pop quiz.

Natalya halfheartedly starts to pay attention. Across the courtyard, Moriarty addresses his youngest class, the 7th graders, on French history. Johnny and Hiroki sit towards the front.

Moriarty: By the year 1429, the Hundred Years' War was going very badly for France. Most of Northern France was under British control, including Paris. English forces were laying siege to Orléans. French forces were demoralized and disorganized. It was at this point in time that a simple peasant girl, Joan of Arc, was said to have received a vision from God himself. She was told to rally her people and drive the invaders out of France, once and for all.

Gunshots are heard outside the classroom. The students cover their ears and peer out the window in horrified surprise. Moriarty sculpts a worried look onto his face.

Johnny: WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Moriarty: STUDENTS GET DOWN! UNDER THE DESKS NOW!

The terrified children get under their tables without any complaints. Moriarty gets on his hands and knees and crawls down the aisle of desks.

Moriarty: Remain calm and stay where you are!

Hiroki: Dr. Renard, is that gunfire?

Moriarty turns his gaze to Johnny and Hiroki. The two boys are cowering under the table, trying their best to block out reality. Moriarty gives them a caring smile.

Moriarty: Don't worry. It's going to be alright.

In the science building, Ms. Hertz continues her lecture.

Ms. Hertz: It is tragic to note that much of rural Africa does not have access to clean water…

The gunshots go off. The students nearly fall out of their chairs. Ms. Hertz spins around. They can hear screaming and shouting.

Ms. Hertz: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS…?

An armed gunmen enter the classroom. Ms. Hertz faints and the students scream. His face is all too recognizable for William.

Skinhead: GET ON THE GROUND AND STAY THERE!

The students quickly obey. Skinhead turns to William. William braces himself for punishment, but he quickly recognizes Skinhead is not in control. His pupils are proudly displaying the Moriarty insignia.

William: Of course….

Skinhead: Make yourself comfortable. You're going to be here a long time.

Another gunman comes in. It's Ugly.

Skinhead: Secure this hallway!

Ugly: Yes sir.

Ugly walks out. William crouches under the science desk, praying that his companions aren't trapped like him.

Rewind to two minutes earlier. Yumi is washing her hands in the women's bathroom down the hall. The gunshots go off. Her heart nearly comes out of her chest. She holds onto the sink to recover from the shock. She can hear screaming and shouting outside. She timidly makes her way to the door and opens it a crack. She can see Ugly and Skinhead coming down the hallway, firing shots into the ceiling to scare people. Yumi shuts the door and breathes heavily.

Yumi: No…no…not them again!

She peeks out again. Ugly is standing in the hall with his back to her, blocking her exit. To her surprise, Ugly fires an electric blast at a hallway camera. Yumi retreats back into the bathroom.

Yumi: Moriarty…

Yumi looks to the window. She forces it open and walks out onto the ledge. It doesn't take her long to remember that she is on the second floor. She warily looks at the long drop before her. But after she hears more shouting inside, she takes a deep breath and jumps. She bends her knees to cushion her landing. Then she gets up and climbs the fence separating the science building from the track and athletic fields and takes off towards the woods.

In the administrative building, Ulrich is getting his hand patched up by Yolanda. She tenderly wraps the bandage around his hand. Ulrich winces slightly from the pain.

Yolanda: Honestly, if I've told Jim once, I've told him a thousand times. The risk for injury during that activity is too great.

She finishes bandaging him.

Yolanda: There. That should do it.

Ulrich: Thank you.

Yolanda: You're welcome. And you tell Jim-

Gunfire. Both sets of eyes in the nurse's office immediately become wide. Yolanda leans her ear against the door.

Yolanda: Did…did I just hear?

Yolanda hears a creaking noise. She turns to see Ulrich jumping out of the window and taking off in the direction of the woods.

Yolanda: Ulrich!

At the same time, Jeremie and Aelita walk across the courtyard on their way from dropping Ulrich off at the nurse's office. Both wear their workout outfits, although Jeremie has a light jacket on because of the cold. Aelita walks in front of him, not saying a word. Jeremie forces himself to approach her.

Jeremie: Aelita…

Aelita: Yes?

Jeremie: I wanted to talk about…..what happened between you and Odd.

Aelita immediately goes on the defensive.

Aelita: May I ask why?

Jeremie: It…..it's not what you think…

Aelita: If that's the case then why do you want to talk about it?

Jeremie: I just wanted to make it clear that….if you want to, you should go out with Odd. I'm….I'm okay with it.

His somber face says otherwise. Aelita softens a little bit, but not much.

Aelita: Thanks…..but I wasn't asking your permission.

Jeremie: I don't care if we aren't together again. I just want you to talk to me.

Aelita: Aren't we talking now?

Before Jeremie can answer, they hear gunshots. The embittered duo freeze in terror. Three armed men (one of them is Stalker), come around the side of the cafeteria, armed and under Moriarty's control. Aelita begins to scream, but Jeremie puts a hand over her mouth.

Jeremie: Follow me!

The two rush into the cafeteria. The attackers follow.

Stalker: Hurry! They went into that building!

With no time to lose, Jeremie pulls her into the kitchen. He frantically looks for a hiding place. But the only thing available is the walk-in freezer.

Jeremie: IN THERE!

Aelita: WHAT?

Jeremie: COME ON!

Aelita and Jeremie retreat into the freezer. The cold air blasts them. As Jeremie slams the door behind them, they begin to feel the chill. Aelita hugs her shoulders.

Aelita: It's so cold in here!

Jeremie: Quiet! They'll hear us!

The two become silent as they listen to the soulless clomp of boots outside the freezer. Jeremie's heart stops when one of them seems to pause in front of the door. He closes his eyes and prepares for the worst. Instead, the assailant laughs and the entire group seems to leave the cafeteria. Jeremie and Aelita continue to listen.

Aelita: Are they gone?

Jeremie: I don't know. I'm going to take a peek to see if the coast is clear.

Jeremie tries to open the metal door, but the handle won't work. He pulls harder to no avail. A brief moment passes and Jeremie quickly becomes nervous. He tugs again, only to get the same result.

Jeremie: We….we're trapped!

Aelita: WHAT?

Jeremie: I can't get it open!

Aelita: Let me try!

Aelita and Jeremie pull together, but nothing happens. Their hands become red and chaffed. They take a breath and shiver.

Aelita: If….if we don't get out of here, we'll freeze to death!

Jeremie: I….I'll call the others for help.

A swarm of police cars and special tactics vehicles descend on Kadic. They immediately begin to establish a perimeter. One of the police cars opens its doors to reveal a rather large and intimidating French man. This man with a crew cut hairstyle surveys the landscape, considering his method of attack. He gets out of the car and walks through the Kadic entrance. Principal Delmas, Jim, and Jim's gym class greet them at the entrance. Delmas rushes to shake his hand.

Delmas: Oh Chief Benoit! You don't know how relieved I am to see you!

Benoit: Yes yes. Thank you. Do you mind telling me where these escapees are hiding?

Jim gives a salute and begins talking. He points to the locations on campus.

Jim: Sir, there are at least two hostiles in the science building across the track and field. To the left the enemy has control of the main dormitory building as well. Behind that is the courtyard, which is surrounded on three sides by academic buildings. Most of those are probably also in enemy territory, making it vulnerable to sniper attacks. All in all, I believe there are seven hostiles scattered throughout this campus.

Benoit gives him a strange look for this odd yet informative answer.

Benoit: And hostages?

Jim frowns.

Jim: Probably in excess of a hundred. Mostly students.

Benoit swears.

Benoit: This is not going to be easy. He motions to his men. Move up! We're narrowing the perimeter around the central courtyard of the campus. But move with upmost caution! Students have become hostages!

The men start to move forward. Delmas bites his fingernails, completely overwhelmed by the horror of this situation. Odd's clone turns to Jim.

Odd's Clone: Gym instructor's speech suggests delusions of military service.

Jim: Della Robbia, shut up…..or I will talk about it!

As the police close in around the school, Yumi and Ulrich make their way into the woods near the sewer entrance. Both of their senses are heightened, cautiously looking for more armed thugs under Moriarty's control. As they get closer to each other, both start to hear each other's footsteps. They tense and hide behind trees opposite each other. Then, at the same time, they leap from their hiding places in attack stances. Luckily they both recognize each other before they attack. They hug instead.

Ulrich & Yumi: Thank God you're okay!

Both blush for saying the exact same thing at exactly the same time. They withdraw from each other. Yumi grabs Ulrich's wrist.

Yumi: Ulrich, your hand!

Ulrich: Oh it's nothing. I got it during gym class. I was just getting it patched up in the nurse's office when the shooting started. If I hadn't rolled out of the window, I might have still been trapped in there.

Yumi: You escaped out of a window too?

Ulrich: Wait…you climbed out of a window?

Yumi: From the science building. But William wasn't so lucky. He's trapped in there with those convicts controlled by Moriarty.

Ulrich gives a solemn nod.

Ulrich: I wasn't sure, but I figured he was behind this.

Yumi: Are Jeremie and Aelita okay?

Ulrich: I don't know for sure. They were heading back to the gym after dropping me off at the infirmary when they took over.

Yumi's phone vibrates. She picks it up.

Yumi: Hello?

She gasps.

Yumi: WHAT?

Jeremie talks to her on the other line. He paces around the room, trying his best to warm himself up, while Aelita rubs her hands together in a corner. Visible breath flows from his mouth.

Jeremie: We ca….can't get out!

Yumi: Where are you?

Jeremie: The freezer…in the cafeteria…..the gunmen chased us in here.

Yumi casts a worried glance through a clearing in the woods. Police and special tactics units are blocking off the area, guns trained at the buildings. They refuse to move forward, keeping a sharp eye on the student hostages in the classrooms and dorms via binoculars and their scopes. The cafeteria building is out of reach. Yumi turns her attention back to the conversation.

Yumi: Jeremie, you are right in the middle of this mess. The central courtyard is completely surrounded by police, and all the buildings around you are controlled by the convicts.

He shakes.

Jeremie: Well you have to do SOMETHING! We can't last for very long in here!

Yumi bites her lip.

Yumi: Okay, we'll do our best. Just hold on, okay?

Jeremie: Hurry!

Yumi hangs up. She grabs her hair and pulls on it slightly. Ulrich, who overheard most of the conversation, lays a hand on her shoulder.

Ulrich: We have to try….

Yumi: You're right.

They start to jog towards the police line. Yumi moves in front. Ulrich stops for a moment.

Ulrich: Yumi?

She turns to him, obviously overwhelmed with anxiety.

Yumi: Yes?

Ulrich: Happy Birthday.

Yumi forms a small smile that quickly disappears.

Yumi: I wish it was Ulrich. I really do.

Back in the classrooms, Moriarty peeks through the window in the door. He can see two gunmen outside in the hallway. He sighs and leans against the wall. The 7th grade students are very quiet now. Hiroki decides to speak up.

Hiroki: Sir?

Moriarty: Yes Hiroki?

Hiroki: How long are we going to be stuck like this?

Moriarty shakes his head.

Moriarty: I don't know. Hostage situations can last anywhere from a few hours to…much longer than that. It all depends on the situation.

Johnny lowers his head.

Johnny: We're going to die…we're going to die.

Moriarty looks at them sternly.

Moriarty: We are not going to die. Don't you dare talk like that.

Hiroki: He's right though….how are we supposed to get out of this?

Moriarty: Now you listen to me.

He crawls over to their desk. He lifts Hiroki's chin up with his hand.

Moriarty: We're going to get out of here. I promise you. No one is going to hurt you.

Hiroki feels slightly uplifted by his words. He nods.

Hiroki: You….you're right. We can't give up that easily.

Moriarty: That's the spirit!

Moriarty pats him on the head. Hiroki smiles.

Hiroki: You're really brave Dr. Renard…..I don't understand why my sister seems to really hate you. He thinks for a moment. I mean REALLY hate you.

Moriarty chuckles. If not for the current situation, Hiroki and Johnny might have noticed an unnerving twinge to his laugh.

Moriarty: Well, it's best if you make judgments about a person yourself instead of relying on other people's opinions, don't you think?

Back at the police line, Yumi and Ulrich try to plead their case. A stiff and emotionless police officer isn't being too cooperative.

Police Officer: I'm sorry. I can't do that.

Yumi: But they're trapped!

Police Officer: As are the rest of the students. Any rash action would endanger their lives.

Yumi: You don't understand…..

Ulrich: They're trapped in a freezer! They can't last much longer!

The officer now starts to pay attention. His eyes furrow with concern.

Police Officer: Where are they?

Yumi: The cafeteria. She points. It's that one-story building there in the middle of the courtyard.

The officer is hesitant. He turns to them and shakes his head.

Police Officer: That's way too close. The assailants would open fire if we approached.

Ulrich: You have to do something!

Police Officer: I….I have my orders. No one moves forward without the chief's approval.

Ulrich lowers his eyebrows.

Ulrich: Then get the chief over here.

Police Officer: He's in the middle of the most complicated operation in this unit's history. He doesn't have time to talk to two high school students!

Ulrich: He will talk to me.

The officer gives him a condescending look.

Police Officer: And why's that?

Ulrich: Because my last name is Stern.

The officer views Ulrich with surprise. He thinks it over for a second and then decides to act.

Police Officer: Hold on. I'll be right back.

He walks away. Yumi turns to Ulrich.

Yumi: Does the chief really know you?

Ulrich: He knows…of me.

Yumi: I know you have the 'Dad' card. But do you really think it could work here?

Ulrich: No. But it's the only thing I have right now.

Benoit arrives. Every ounce of tension from the situation is funneled in one direction: aggression. He regards Ulrich with disdain.

Benoit: This had better be good!

Ulrich: It is. Two of our friends are trapped in a freezer in that building. You need to get them out and fast.

Benoit immediately lashes back.

Benoit: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? We'd be wide open targets in that courtyard! All that would do is get my men AND the students killed!

Yumi: But sir!

Benoit: We have no way to get to them without blowing up this hostage situation!

Yumi: IF YOU DON'T DO SOMETHING, THEY'LL DIE!

Benoit: SHUT UP! DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT?

Ulrich: Benoit….

Benoit: It is Chief Benoit to you!

Ulrich: And it's Mr. Stern to you!

Benoit and Ulrich stare each other down. Benoit seems utterly shocked that Ulrich would have the audacity to say that to him.

Benoit: You got a lot of nerve kid. But you're not your father. And this is out of your league.

Ulrich: You have to listen to me. We have an agreement.

Benoit: Wrong! Your father and I have an agreement! And I don't care what he's told you. I am not his slave! This is my police force! Not his!

Ulrich: Look, if you help them, I can make it worth your while. I can talk to him….

Benoit: Do you really think you can bargain with me right now? LIVES ARE AT STAKE!

Ulrich: YES I KNOW! THAT'S WHY I NEED YOU TO DO SOMETHING!

Benoit: Your father was right. You are an idiot. I just can't turn gravity upside down for you! This is beyond my control!

Ulrich: YOU CAN'T JUST DO NOTHING!

Benoit: I'm working on the situation. We are doing our best to negotiate and set up a rescue operation. As soon as it is safe, we will help your friends.

Ulrich: That could take hours! And they don't have that kind of time!

Benoit puts his foot down.

Benoit: NO ONE IS CROSSING THAT LINE! NOT WITHOUT MY AUTHORITY! I AM NOT GOING TO KILL DOZENS TO SAVE TWO PEOPLE! I CAN'T DO THAT! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? …NOW GET OUT OF OUR PERIMETER BEFORE I THROW YOU OUT!

Ulrich fumes, but it is clear the battle is lost. Yumi puts a hand on his shoulder and leads him away. Benoit resumes his duties. The two walk toward the sewer entrance, lost for words.

Yumi: You did your best.

Ulrich: Not enough to save them. He kicks a tree in frustration. Yumi turns to the cafeteria, almost driven to tears that their salvation is so close, but yet so far away.

Yumi: There's nothing we could have done.

Ulrich: If Benoit wasn't trying to turn this into the Battle of Verdun….

Yumi: He's powerless too….

Ulrich: That French army wannabe…He mimics a military voice. On ne passé pas! (Translation: They shall not pass.)

Long pause.

Yumi: What do we do?

Ulrich: If we don't deactivate the tower, Aelita and Jeremie will die. And possibly William with them.

Yumi throws up her hands.

Yumi: But we can't save Aelita and the others without Aelita! We're useless!

Ulrich: We can virtualize ourselves, can't we?

Yumi: A lot of good that does us if we can't deactivate the tower.

Ulrich: We have to do something…

Yumi: What? What could we possibly do with the activated tower?

Ulrich thinks for a moment. He snaps his fingers and gives Yumi a sly look.

Ulrich: We could blow it up.

Yumi stares at him incredulously. She puts her index fingers on her temples.

Yumi: That is…..the dumbest…..Wait. Could that work?

Ulrich: We don't really have much of an option, do we?

Yumi thinks for a moment. She tries to think of an alternative, but can find none.

Yumi: Okay. I'm so desperate, I'm willing to listen to your stupid ideas.

Jeremie and Aelita sit somewhat apart in the freezer, hugging their knees close to their bodies. The room is still, with only their cold, visible breath giving the evidence of life. Jeremie turns to Aelita. There is an emptiness to her face that seems to have only one mission: endure.

Jeremie: Aelita, I'm so sorry.

She doesn't answer.

Jeremie: This is my fault. I got ourselves into this mess.

No answer.

Jeremie: I'm…..I'm sure help is coming soon. He coughs a little bit. Ulrich and Yumi are probably doing everything they can to save us.

Distant gunshots ring out. The two perk their heads up.

Jeremie: Probably warning shots…from both sides.

Aelita closes her eyes.

Aelita: We're surrounded.

Jeremie: Yes. We are. But we can't give up hope.

Aelita turns away from him. Jeremie's expression deepens with despair.

Jeremie: Aelita, can't we talk?

Aelita: I thought we were talking.

Jeremie: You know what I'm talking about.

Aelita turns to him. Amidst her present suffering, her cold body is able to generate enough scorn to make Jeremie's body temperature drop another half-degree.

Aelita: No.

Jeremie: Aelita…..He touches her arm. She recoils, but Jeremie doesn't let up. Aelita...please.

Aelita: Why do you want to talk about it now?

Jeremie: Because I can't take it anymore. I can't have it…..weighing on me any longer.

Aelita: Now…is not a good time.

Pause. Jeremie shakes his head.

Jeremie: No. Now is the perfect time…He points to their surroundings. We're not going anywhere.

Aelita looks at him. For a moment, it seems like she might soften, but she quickly withdraws.

Aelita: No.

Shortly after a disheartened Jeremie turns his head, Aelita begins to shake violently. She cuddles up into herself. Her light workout clothes are letting the cold get to her. Jeremie turns to her with concern. When he turns away, he suddenly remembers that he is wearing a jacket. He pulls the blue cotton fabric, examining its texture. It's not much, but it's enough to keep Jeremie's body temperature at tolerable levels, at least for the moment. He sighs. He dreads parting with it, but he takes a deep breath and pulls the jacket off. A blast of cold air hits him as he throws the jacket onto the floor next to Aelita. She turns with surprise. Jeremie nods.

Jeremie: Take it.

She looks away.

Aelita: No.

Jeremie: That wasn't an option.

Aelita: Keep it. I don't want it.

Jeremie's cheeks burn with anger. He has had enough. When Aelita shivers again, he stands up and aggressively points at her.

Jeremie: WILL YOU SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE ALREADY?

Aelita is taken off guard. Jeremie fumes.

Jeremie: I know you hate me. You have made that very clear. But you will wear that jacket. You will wear that jacket whether you like it or not. Do you understand me? PUT IT ON!

Aelita: …I...

Jeremie: I WON'T LET YOU KILL YOURSELF TO SPITE ME! SO STOP THE DRAMA AND PUT ON THE (EXPLETIVE) JACKET!

After releasing all his frustration, Jeremie slowly begins to sit down. Aelita, almost mechanically, puts the jacket on. She huddles together and slowly starts to look better. On the other hand, Jeremie begins to look worse. But he bites his lip and presses on, strengthened by the slightest hope of reconciliation. At the same time in the Ice Sector, Yumi and Ulrich fly towards an unguarded activated tower on their vehicles. They brace themselves as they approach.

Ulrich: Three…..two…..one….NOW!

The two jump off and let their vehicles crash headlong into the tower. The vehicles explode and shake the tower to its core, causing a small earthquake as the pair make an uncomfortable landing. But the tower holds, and Yumi and Ulrich view their impossible obstacle with grave disappointment.

Yumi: I should have known that wasn't going to work.

Ulrich: It was the only thing I could think of.

Yumi: Of course it was! No surprise there….

Ulrich: Hey, it was worth a try!

Yumi: No. It was STUPID!

Ulrich: Well I don't see you coming up with anything helpful!

Yumi: Oh right! Come up with something to deactivate a tower without Aelita…No problem!...Oh wait…..YOU CAN'T!

Ulrich: Oh shut up! At least I haven't given up Jeremie and Aelita for dead!

Yumi's eyes shine with outrage.

Yumi: How…dare….

Odd's voice breaks through.

Odd: Will you two lovebirds SHUT UP? This is not helping!

He sits at the command chair, a nervous sweat on his face. He turns the chair away from the computer, looking in the direction of Kadic. He twiddles his fingers together nervously. He turns back around and talks into the earpiece.

Odd: Both of you need to calm down and think about how to deal with this.

Both become slightly ashamed.

Yumi: Odd, I'm sorry, we didn't mean to-

Odd: We don't have time for apologies! He balls his fist. They're…..they're still in trouble. He looks back at the screen. Jeremie and…..He swallows. Aelita…need us.

Ulrich: He's right. But what can we do?

Yumi observes the tower, scouring her mind for answers.

Yumi: If only there was something more powerful than our vehicles exploding. A really powerful blast…One that Xana's megatanks used to make. That could work.

Ulrich: Yes, but we don't have any megatanks available.

Odd: Is there anything we have that could destroy it?

Pause. Ulrich taps his foot against the ice. Yumi snaps her fingers. Her face brightens.

Yumi: The Skid!

Ulrich turns. His eyes widen.

Ulrich: Yumi, that's brilliant.

Yumi: The lasers on that thing could destroy that tower for sure!

Ulrich: It would be so simple. A few shots and that would be the end of it!

Odd slams his fist onto the armrest.

Odd: What are you waiting for! Get over to Sector 5!...I'll bring up the transporter orb.

Yumi holds up her hand.

Yumi: Hold on.

Ulrich: What's the matter?

Yumi: If both of us leave, the tower could become guarded while we're gone. If that happens, we might come back to a bad welcome party.

Ulrich follows her logic.

Ulrich: They could damage or even destroy the Skid. Or at least bog us down into a long fight.

Odd: Which is time we can't afford to waste.

Yumi nods.

Yumi: One of us will have to stay behind and guard the tower.

Ulrich: I will…You can go get the Skid.

Yumi: Okay. Sounds good to me. Just don't let Moriarty interfere.

He gives her a soldier's salute.

Ulrich: I'll stand my ground. No matter what it takes.

She mockingly gives him another salute and then heads off toward the edge of the sector. Ulrich watches from a distance as the transporter orb Odd sent takes her away. Then he turns toward the glacier plain, watching the landscape for any enemy. Meanwhile, at Kadic, the students in Morairty's class are getting restless. One blonde-haired girl speaks up.

Lucie: I can't take this anymore!

Moriarty is still crouched near his desk.

Moriarty: Miss Bouillon, please calm down.

Lucie: NO! WE ARE NEVER GOING TO GET OUT OF HERE!

Moriarty: Miss Bouillon, PLEASE!

Lucie: I want out! I want out!

Moriarty: If you don't stop, they'll hear you!

Lucie: I GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE!

Stalker enters with semi-automatic weapon in hand. The students cringe.

Stalker: WHAT'S GOING ON?

Terror chokes the room. The students whimper.

Stalker: WELL?

Moriarty begins to speak calmly toward his own secret slave.

Moriarty: It was nothing. Just a little anxiety problem, that's all.

Stalker turns to Moriarty.

Stalker: Well keep them under control!

Moriarty: I….I will.

When Stalker begins to walk out of the room, a cellphone rings. He turns around. The students prepare for the worst. No one answers it.

Stalker: WHOSE PHONE IS THAT?

No answer. The phone rings until it goes to voicemail.

Stalker: Is someone trying to contact the outside?

No answer. He aims his gun at the students. They all scream and cry.

Stalker: WHOSE IS IT?

He aims the gun at Hiroki and Johnny. They close their eyes.

Stalker: Was it you two?

A thoroughly outraged Moriarty "decides" to take action. Without warning, he hooks his legs around Stalker's feet and causes him to trip. Stalker goes down and drops his gun. Before he can reach it, Moriarty grabs the gun and beats him over the head with it a few times until he is out cold. Moriarty stands there breathing heavily as the class stares in absolute shock.

Hiroki: THAT WAS SO COOL!

A few whispers perforate through the classroom. Moriarty picks up the gun and cocks it. Silence.

Johnny: Dr. Renard?

Moriarty: Stay here.

He cautiously opens the door and views his surroundings. Then he slips into the hallway, ready to fight his own personal war. On Lyoko, Ulrich leans against the tower, almost nodding off from boredom.

Ulrich: Odd, is she almost done?

Odd: Not exactly. Moriarty has rearranged Sector 5 a little. The Hanger is not in its original place.

Ulrich: Great.

Odd: Just stay there. She will find it eventually.

To his right in the direction of an icy bluff dotted with curved icebergs, Ulrich feels like he can hear something. As he strains his ears, he begins to discern the flap of wings. His body tenses. Odd's warning comes almost too late.

Odd: Ulrich….

Three dark red energy fields barely miss Ulrich. A bat-wing creature lands close to him.

Dark Aelita: Hello Ulrich.

Ulrich: You again.

Dark Aelita: Yes. I'm really disappointed you didn't stay in our ranks.

Ulrich: Sorry to disappoint you.

Dark Aelita: Oh it's nothing personal. But it looks like you could use some company.

Ulrich laughs. He looks up to the sky.

Ulrich: Is this the best you can throw at me, Moriarty?

Dark Yumi: No.

Ulrich turns to see Dark Yumi rising from a crack in the ice using her telekinetic powers. She opens her fans. Ulrich backs up. He walks right into a shadowy mass behind him. He recoils, expecting Moriarty. But instead the smoky mass transforms into a half solid/half shadow version of William. His costume is all black, and his face looks more evil than it did under Xana. His sword displays the purple Moriarty insignia.

Dark William: Going anywhere?

The three close in, doing their best to intimidate Ulrich.

Dark Aelita: Is this enough for you to handle, or should we throw some more at you?

Ulrich hardens his face into expressionless steel.

Dark William: We'll be taking that tower now.

Dark Yumi: Our master would hate to have any interrumptions.

The enemies laugh. Ulrich's senses heighten as he waits for one of them to make a move.

Odd: Ulrich, Yumi still needs more time. You need to fight this one out.

Ulrich's face is blank.

Odd: Ulrich?

Ulrich draws his sabers. He regards his opponents with reckless defiance.

Ulrich: On ne passé pas!