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.

12. Chapter 12

Ah, it is finally done. And if I do say so myself, it is quite good. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this story. Oh, and if you have any friends who like Code Lyoko, please tell them about this story. I am always looking for new readers.

Reviews are always appreciated.

Part 27

Odd rests his head against the factory wall during the early evening. It is quiet. He is alone and at peace, at least for the time being. The beeping of a video game he hasn't turned off puts his mind at ease. The hum of the factory main computer creates just enough noise for it not to be completely quiet. He is completely relaxed…until Kiwi starts to bark. He opens his eyes to see Kiwi doing the potty dance. His legs bounce up and down erratically. Odd sighs.

Odd: Oh Kiwi, does it have to be now?

Kiwi howls and spins around, clearly answering Odd's question. Odd grumbles and gets up.

Odd: Okay let's go to the bridge before you make a mess again.

He presses a button to bring up the elevator. He looks back down at Kiwi.

Odd: If Jeremie ever finds out what you did on the scanner wires, he would strap me back into that torture helmet.

A minute later the two are at the entrance to the factory. Kiwi is happily relieving himself on the bridge railings. Odd passes the time flipping a coin in his hand. During his seventh flip, his mind begins to go to another place. The coin falls to the ground. Odd falls to his knees. Through his blurry vision, he thinks he sees black smoke rise from the river and surround him.

Moriarty: You failed me…

Odd closes his eyes.

Odd: Go away….

Moriarty: You could have destroyed Aelita. You could have thrown her into the digital sea.

Odd opens his eyes. He is bowing before Moriarty's form in a bleak expanse, his body shaking.

Moriarty: You fought me!

Odd tries to apologize.

Odd: I don't know what came over me Master. It won't happen again!

Moriarty: Have you forgotten who you are?

Without warning a deep carnal hunger overcomes him. Hate is pumped into his veins. His claws come out.

Odd: No…

Moriarty: Who are you?

Odd bares his teeth.

Odd: I am an animal. I am a beast.

Somewhere in the back of Odd's mind, a voice pleads for him to stop. But Moriarty is controlling him now, dictating his every move. The chained voice can do nothing but scream futilely for freedom.

Moriarty: And what are you going to do when you meet Aelita again?

Odd gets down on all fours, stalking around like an animal. He growls.

Odd: I'LL TEAR HER TO SHREDS!

Odd wakes up on the bridge sweating. Kiwi barks at him. He lifts himself and shakes. He nervously gets out his phone and calls Aelita. Several rings are followed by a voicemail. Odd curses.

Odd: Aelita answer me! I…I need to talk to you.

He calls again with the same response. After failing a second time, he decides to breathe deeply to get over the experience. Kiwi licks his leg. Odd forms a weak smile.

Odd: It's okay Kiwi. My episode is over.

Odd pats Kiwi and prepares to head inside. But suddenly he starts to hear the roar of sirens. He turns around to see an ambulance pass in front of the factory. He shrugs and starts to walk again. But this time he hears more sirens. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees three ambulances rush through the neighborhood. He turns around.

Odd: Hmm…well that's…..odd.

He perks up his ears to listen to the hum of the city. He can faintly hear the sound of ambulances carving a swathe through downtown Paris. He can also hear car horns, dogs, and even the sounds of shouting echo in the city. He scratches his head.

Odd: What's going on out there?

Kiwi barks in the direction of the city. He gets on his hind legs and scratches Odd, as if trying to tell him something. Odd merely smiles at his pet.

Odd: Oh Kiwi, I'm sure it's nothing.

Meanwhile back at Kadic, Lucas is running through the halls. A few sick students poke their heads out of their doors, asking him for water. He wheezes and looks around like a madman.

Lucas: S-Stay back! L-leave m-me alone!

He keeps running. Nicholas comes out of the corner of the hall and coughs in his direction. Lucas screams and bolts. In the girls' hallway, Isabel nervously peers out of her door. When she sees a few sick students asking for help, she shuts the door and locks it. Her body quakes with fear. In the midst of all this, Aelita is running up the staircase to reach Jeremie. At the same time, Tobias Hopkins runs down. He has a hospital mask on. The two stop dead in their tracks when they see each other. Their heartbeats increase rapidly, and neither moves. Aelita puts her hands out in front of her.

Aelita: Stay back! I don't want to get sick!

Tobias pushes the mask tighter over his mouth.

Tobias: I'm not sick and I don't want to be either!

Aelita: Yes, but you might be carrying it.

Tobias: How do I know you ain't carryin' it?

Aelita can't provide an answer for this. She nervously swallows.

Aelita: I don't. But neither do you.

Tobias shudders with dread.

Tobias: I ain't getting sick. I didn't fly all the way over the Atlantic Ocean to get sick and die. He holds onto the stair rail. His palm trembles. I came here to get a new experience and eat some awesome food. I…..DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS!

Aelita lowers her eyebrows.

Aelita: Neither did I.

The two pass each other by keeping their backs firmly against their respective hand railings. Both of them make sure not to breathe in the other's direction.

Tobias: Alright, that's good. Nice and easy. You keep your distance and I'll keep mine.

Aelita: Sounds good to me.

Tobias passes Aelita and runs down to the end of the staircase. He heads for the door.

Aelita: WAIT! I have a question!

Tobias: I don't have time!

He thrusts open the door.

Aelita: Is Jeremie sick?

Tobias pauses with his back to her. He looks over his shoulder.

Tobias: You mean the blonde-haired guy with glasses you were sitting with in class?

Aelita solemnly nods. Tobias looks at her with pity. An understanding passes between them.

Tobias: I don't know. I'm sorry I don't.

He turns back toward the door. He holds onto the doorframe and exhales.

Tobias: I guess that's why you're going upstairs…..back into that hell. I was going to tell you that you're an idiot for tryin'. But who am I to judge? I got someone very important to me back in the States too….and I want to live to see her again. He looks back one last time. So good luck.

He leaves. Aelita takes a deep breath and enters the hallway. It is now deserted, but Aelita can hear the coughing coming from inside the rooms. She runs quickly and puts her forearm in front of her mouth. Her heart races so powerfully that she becomes light-headed with fear. Her panicked confusion almost makes her forget where Jeremie's room is. Finally she reaches it and throws it open.

Aelita: Jeremie I can't find them but we need to go n-

Her words come to a screeching halt when she sees her boyfriend lying in bed, coughing loudly. A strangled cry comes out of her mouth. She covers it with her hands and lets the terrible realization kick in. Jeremie perks his head up and quickly points to the door.

Jeremie: Get out of here Aelita! If you stay any longer you'll….He coughs…you'll catch it.

Aelita's fearful instincts tell her to run, but the sight of him suffering makes her paralyzed with overwhelming dread. A tear falls down her eye.

Aelita: Not you…not you…..oh Moriarty why?

She pulls her hair.

Aelita: He didn't do anything! He wasn't involved….

Jeremie: Aelita go! You know what….what to do.

Her entire body feels limp, the energy drained from her. The only thing she wants to do right now is curl up and cry. But she knows that she can't. She is the only one left to do anything, and the pressure is on. She gives Jeremie one last affectionate look.

Aelita: I'll get you out of this. I swear I….She gets choked up…I'll save you.

She closes the door and runs. Her brain goes on emotionless autopilot. There is only one directive in her mind: get to the factory alive.

In the suburbs of Paris, Ulrich treks through the streets on Yumi's moped. Several cars are parked erratically on the road and Ulrich has to drive around them. In front of him road crews armed with hospital masks help clear the streets of cars to let the ambulances get through. Sirens continue to reverberate in the area, but not as much as before. Ulrich is aware of the situation, but he merely lets it wash by him. A fog of duty and passion has clouded out fear and even reason. The fog has also made him numb to a growing burning inside his chest. He shrugs it off as a temporary weakness and accelerates. After several detours, he finally manages to make it to Yumi's house. He quickly brakes and parks. He gets up from the leather seat….and almost trips. Yumi's gate spins around his vision for a moment. He holds his head and stands still, allowing himself time to recover.

Ulrich: Must not have…hydrated enough today.

He opens the gate and walks cautiously to the door. A deep anxiety makes his body shake as he moves his finger towards the doorbell. He closes his eyes and tilts his head down.

Ulrich: Oh please let her be okay…

He rings the doorbell. Immediately a feminine shout of joy pierces the air.

Mrs. Ishiyama: OH THANK GOD FOR YOU KATASHI ISHIYAMA, YOU CRAZY OLD COOT! YOU BROUGHT- She opens the door to see Ulrich standing there. Her heart sinks….a doctor.

Ulrich swallows awkwardly. Mrs. Ishiyama doesn't acknowledge his presence for a moment. Ulrich, knowing that his fears might be true, starts to shake some more.

Ulrich: I….uh….brought back Yumi's moped for you.

She looks outside.

Mrs. Ishiyama: I see…

Ulrich: Since you took her home and she left her moped at school, I thought….you know….I'd bring it back for you.

Mrs. Ishiyama strains out a smile, desperately trying to be polite even though her mind is on other serious matters.

Mrs. Ishiyama: That was…nice of you. Thank you, Ulrich.

The two stare at each other awkwardly for a moment. Mrs. Ishiyama sighs.

Mrs. Ishiyama: You want to see her, don't you?

Ulrich: Yes ma'am. I…really do.

Mrs. Ishiyama: Ulrich…she's sick. You are almost bound to catch it too if you don't leave.

Ulrich looks at his girlfriend's mother, his face firm. His chest feels a little warmer. Mrs. Ishiyama shakes her head at this.

Mrs. Ishiyama: But if you were dumb enough to drive through this plague-infested neighborhood, I doubt anything is going to stop you.

She motions him to go through the doorway. Ulrich quakes with relief.

Ulrich: Thank you. Thank you so much.

He enters the house. The interior is overshadowed by a darkness that surpasses that of the outside night. Ulrich moves forward toward the stairs. He starts to walk up with Mrs. Ishiyama close behind him. Ulrich tries to move quickly, but a sharp pain in his lungs stops him. He winces. He opens his eyes to see the stairs spinning around him.

Mrs. Ishiyama: Ulrich, are you okay?

His throat feels hot. He clears his throat and coughs slightly. Then he immediately puts his hand over his mouth. He looks behind him to see Mrs. Ishiyama holding onto the stairwell sadly. She refuses to meet his gaze. Ulrich quietly continues up and she slowly follows. Once Ulrich and Mrs. Ishiyama reach the upstairs hallway, Ulrich starts to hear Hiroki shouting.

Hiroki: MOM! Mom please let me out!

Ulrich stops in his tracks when he sees Hiroki's bedroom door padlocked from the outside.

Ulrich: What in the-

Hiroki: Ulrich?...ULRICH IS THAT YOU? Tell my mom to let me out! I want to see Yumi!

Ulrich turns around to Mrs. Ishiyama. A cold chill strikes him.

Ulrich: You…you did this to him?

Mrs. Ishiyama suddenly looks very stern, in such a way that Ulrich has never seen before. She is no longer the sweet Japanese woman Ulrich has come to know. Her face is grim and strong. A stony look in her eyes reveals her a new and more powerful maternal nature. Her fiery intensity makes Ulrich imagine her as a tiger goddess, willing to do anything to save her young. She speaks to Ulrich in a calm voice.

Mrs. Ishiyama: I have two children, Ulrich. Two…..and only two.

Hiroki: Please she's my big sister! You can't do this to me!

Mrs. Ishiyama: I cannot and…will not lose him. He didn't give me a choice…

Hiroki: Ulrich please!

Mrs. Ishiyama: Don't listen to him. Keep moving.

Ulrich reluctantly obeys.

Hiroki: Ulrich? He pauses. ULRICH NO! Don't let her do this to me!

He ignores him and arrives in front of Yumi's door. At the same time Mr. Ishiyama opens it. He looks at him in shock, but quickly the shock ebbs. He groans.

Mr. Ishiyama: I don't know whether to scream at you for being an idiot or applaud you for being so noble….

Ulrich shrugs. The pain in his chest unexpectedly worsens. He bends slightly and exhales. His forehead starts to become damp with sweat. A deep weakness penetrates him. Despite this sudden onslaught, he does his best to smile at Mr. Ishiyama.

Ulrich: I guess you could do both…

Mrs. Ishiyama: How is she doing?

Mr. Ishiyama: Not so great. Her temperature is around 39.3 degrees centigrade.

Mrs. Ishiyama puts her hand over her mouth. An enormous breadth of emotional pain is clear from the strangled look of helplessness on her face.

Mr. Ishiyama: Has my father arrived yet?

Mrs. Ishiyama: No. He should have been here by-

They hear a car screeching and a loud bang outside. The three can hear an old man cursing. Mr. Ishiyama rolls his eyes.

Mr. Ishiyama: He parked half of the car on top of the sidewalk again, didn't he?

Mrs. Ishiyama: Sounds like it…

Grandpa opens the front door and slowly starts to make it up the stairs. He aggressively jams his cane into the wood.

Grandpa: Oh sure…no one is going to help the senile old man up the stairs….He rubs his neck….Ugh…I swear that sidewalk gets further into the road every day.

Mrs. Ishiyama rushes toward him.

Mrs. Ishiyama: OH YOU'RE HERE! Did you get a doctor?

Grandpa looks up at Mrs. Ishiyama sadly. He shakes his head.

Grandpa: No…..I'm sorry. I tried. I hit every doctor's office and hospital available. They're all full.

Mrs. Ishiyama covers her face with her hands and starts to cry. She leans on her husband's shoulder for support. Ulrich feels a lump form in his throat.

Grandpa: But I did manage to get some cough medicine and lozenges…

He holds up a package. Mrs. Ishiyama stops her crying and looks up. Both parents gladly applaud Grandpa for his minor victory. Ulrich smiles as well, but the lump is now starting to burn his throat. Another wave of weakness hits him. Again he starts to shake. Ulrich is starting to realize that the shaking is not due to his anxiety.

Mrs. Ishiyama: Oh thank you! At the very least it will make her feel better.

Grandpa pokes his cane onto Mr. Ishiyama's chest.

Grandpa: You have no idea what I had to do to get this medicine…..

Mr. Ishiyama: Spare us the details…

Mrs. Ishiyama goes into the room to give her the medicine. Mr. Ishiyama pats his father on the back.

Mr. Ishiyama: You were very brave for doing that with the virus out there…

Grandpa: Are you kidding me? I smoked for thirty-five years. There's nothing left for the virus to infect. He takes a glance over to Ulrich. Well, if it isn't the European boyfriend.

Ordinarily Ulrich would come up with a comeback to Grandpa's belitting remarks, but he is trying to fight back a growing urge to cough. He approaches Yumi's door. Several drops of sweat are now visible on the sides of his pale face. Mr. Ishiyama starts to notice.

Mr. Ishiyama: Ulrich…..are you-

Ulrich: I have to see Yumi.

He opens the door in a dizzy haze. Grandpa looks solemnly at his son.

Grandpa: I know I tease him a lot….but he does truly care about her.

Mr. Ishiyama: Yes. Yes he does.

Grandpa: He has it you know…..I can tell.

Mr. Ishiyama takes a slight breath.

Mr. Ishiyama: Doesn't matter. We all will soon.

They enter the room to see Ulrich on his knees holding Yumi's hand. Miss Ishiyama watches over her on the other side of the bed, biting her nails and touching her forehead to test her fever. Yumi breathes heavily in her feverish state of rest, her face covered in cold sweat. Her hair is a mess and her skin feels hot. Ulrich strokes her forearm. Yumi wakes up. She looks at him in a sickly state of confusion.

Yumi: Ulrich?

Ulrich's heart leaps with joy. He stares at her lovingly, doing his best to ignore the fire in his chest and the chill in the rest of his body.

Ulrich: I'm here Yumi.

She rests her head on the pillow. Her eyebrows curl in frustration.

Yumi: Ulrich, you dumb, stupid, impulsive….cute idiot. Why did you come here?

Ulrich: I think you already answered your own question.

Mrs. Ishiyama talks to Yumi reassuringly, but the assurance seems to be more directed toward herself.

Mrs. Ishiyama: He brought your moped back so it will be all ready to go when you…..She loses her voice for a moment…get better.

Grandpa: Although my parking job might have scratched it a little….

Yumi: Thank you Ulrich…..for being here. She groans and wipes some sweat from her brow. I must look terrible.

Ulrich: You know I don't care about that.

Ulrich's hand, which is still firmly holding onto Yumi, is starting to tremble violently. He squints to prevent himself from getting dizzy again. A sharp cough escapes from his throat. Yumi's eyes widen.

Yumi: Ulrich….

Ulrich: I'm fine….He coughs again…Really I am.

Yumi: Don't lie to me…She goes into a coughing fit. You are starting to sound just like me.

Ulrich: I'm okay. Don't worry about me. I….He begins to shiver. Yumi's look of concern has evolved into fear.

Yumi: Ulrich go away! I'm getting you sick!

Mr. Ishiyama: She's right Ulrich. You are looking worse by the minute.

Ulrich: No! I'm just- He tries to stand up. He immediately falls. The Ishiyama family gasps in shock. Ulrich looks up at the others and slowly reconciles himself to the truth. He releases the pressure in his chest and coughs for a good solid twenty seconds. A trickle of blood comes out of his mouth. He looks at the others apologetically. I'm sorry. I…thought I could handle it.

Mr. and Mrs. Ishiyama exchange glances. Both of them reach out to help Ulrich up.

Ulrich: No. I'll get you sick.

Mr. Ishiyama: It's far too late for that. So don't bother. We're going to take care of you now.

Mrs. Ishiyama: I'll make up the guest bed.

A sickly Ulrich suddenly starts to resist. His eyes suddenly become locked on Yumi, who despite her condition seems more worried about him.

Ulrich: Wait. Don't. I….I don't want to leave her.

Mrs. Ishiyama: You're sick. You don't have a choice.

Ulrich: Please no…..He coughs violently and groans. He looks pleadingly at the Ishiyamas. I don't know if we're going to make it through this. He looks back at Yumi. And if that's the case, then I don't want to be separated from her. Sick or well, I couldn't do that. So please…let me stay.

Yumi lies in bed, transfixed by Ulrich's powerful words. She forces her weak body to sit up. Her eyes radiate with admiration. The rest of the family looks on in silence.

Yumi: Mom…..please….let him do it.

Mrs. Ishiyama looks at the two Ishiyama men. Both men shrug, unable to come up with an objection. Mrs. Ishiyama sighs.

Mrs. Ishiyama: Okay. I'll pull a mattress in here. I'll put it close to your bed Yumi. He'll be right next to you.

Yumi: Thank you…

Ulrich is soon resting on a mattress next to Yumi. The Ishiyamas do their best to care for them both, checking their temperatures and giving them medicine. But their fevers continue to climb, and the family grows ever more worried as the night moves on. Several kilometers away, Aelita emerges from the sewer hole on the bridge to the factory. She raises herself up onto the cement. The sounds of ambulances continue to ring in the air. A steady wind blows through her short pink hair. Aelita stands there for a moment, letting the full burden of this epidemic fall on her and her alone. She looks back at the city with a grave look of compassion and determination. She hardens her spirit and runs to the entrance, jumping up to grab the rope. Her feet hit the floor. Aelita quickly starts to feel dizzy. She rubs her temple with her index finger.

Aelita: I was afraid of that.

She moves some strands of hair out of her face and continues down the elevator. As soon as the elevator opens up to the lab room, she runs to the computer. She pays no attention to Odd, who is busy playing video games. Aelita's unexpected arrival makes him take his attention off of the game. His character dies. Odd slaps his forehead.

Odd: Oh I was so close! I swear I will get you one day Leviathan! He puts the game down. Aelita, nice to see you. What's going on?

Aelita pauses. She turns her head and looks at Odd incredulously.

Aelita: What's going on? She is taken off guard by Odd's totally carefree attitude. Odd…don't you know what's been happening?

Odd scratches his head.

Odd: Um…..not really. It's not like I've been going anywhere.

Aelita: Have you not been paying attention to the news?

Odd: No….why?

Aelita motions him to come to the computer screen. Odd obeys and sees ambulances streaming into Parisian hospitals. Outside citizens run around nervously with hospital masks. Odd's mouth drops.

Diane: The hospitals are starting to get overwhelmed with the number of the infected. Authorities are expecting casualties at any moment. Around the world, nations have closed their airports to flights from France in an effort to prevent the disease from leaking into their borders. President Sarkozy, who only just recently survived an assassination attempt, has declared a state of emergency…

Odd turns to Aelita, completely dumbfounded that this catastrophe has been brewing outside his safe shelter.

Aelita: Moriarty has lost it. Our torture of him triggered this attack. He doesn't care who lives and who dies. He just wants revenge. Her voice starts to become shaky. William and Jeremie are already infected. I couldn't find Yumi and Ulrich, but I can only guess that they're already sick. I-I'm the only one left.

Aelita does her best to not feel overwhelmed. She starts up a self-virtualization process. Suddenly she starts to grimace. She leans far away from Odd and coughs. She balls her fists in frustration.

Odd: Aelita, you don't look so good.

Aelita: I'll be okay…I have to be.

She opens the ladder hatch and starts to go down. She looks up to see Kiwi and Odd staring at her. Odd seems lost, completely helpless in the face of this new terrible threat. He looks to Aelita anxiously. Aelita sighs.

Aelita: Odd if I don't succeed….

Odd: What….what do you mean 'if'?

Aelita: I want you to leave this place. I know you're afraid but you won't have a choice. Grab Kiwi and leave this place behind forever. At least then you'll have some sort of a chance. I…I can't bear the thought of all of us suffering the same fate.

She continues down the ladder. Odd is frozen with dread.

Odd: But Aelita…..

She enters a scanner and becomes virtualized onto Lyoko. She lands in the forest sector on a narrow platform. She stands up and opens her eyes. Immediately her heart stops. Surrounding her are four dark warriors: Ulrich, Yumi, Aelita, and William. They all seem bored.

Dark William: Took you long enough.

Dark Ulrich: We were beginning to think you wouldn't show.

Dark Aelita: But apparently one of the little meddlers isn't sick just yet.

Dark Yumi: So it looks like the little princess is going to have her hands full.

Aelita stares at her opponents unyieldingly. She assumes a cold and aggressive demeanor in the face of superior numbers. Her body boils with rage and purpose. Two energy fields appear at her side.

Dark Ulrich: Oh how pathetic. She's actually going to try to fight.

Dark Ulrich narrowly misses an energy field that is thrown at him. Aelita's body glows with power and righteous anger.

Aelita: Just try and stop me…and I'll show you what this little princess can do when her friends' lives are at stake.

Meanwhile in the nurse's office, Jim Morales and Odd's clone attend to the sick. Beds are haphazardly placed in the room and out into the hallway. The two find it difficult to keep up. Odd's clone moves quickly from patient to patient, but he watches his pace to prevent Jim from getting suspicious. Jim leans down to give Yolanda some water. She stirs.

Jim: There you go…..just try to rest. Jim bites his lip at the sight of Yolanda and the rest of the students suffering so. A chorus of coughing fills the room. Jim briefly pulls his sweatband over his eyes to prevent him from looking at such a scene. Pain burdens his unhealthy but noble heart. He goes over to check on William. William's condition has deteriorated rapidly. He is ghostly white and his lungs heave up blood every now and then. His body is exhausted and he appears to be semi-conscious. Jim checks William's pulse and his fever. He grimaces. He looks at Odd's Clone.

Jim: Della Robbia, if he gets any worse, I'm going to have to call an ambulance. He groans. That is…..if we can get one with the rest of the city coming down with this. He puts a cold rag on William's head. He then moves around to help the others. Raspy sounds for help echo outside. Odd's Clone goes to the door.

Jim: Della Robbia, you ought to get out of here. I appreciate your help, but I'm not letting you get sick too.

Odd's Clone nonchalantly wipes his hands on a towel.

Odd's Clone: Subject Jim Morales cannot handle numbers of infected without aid.

Jim: You know…..ordinarily I would tell you to drop the act…..He looks at Yolanda sadly. But I just don't care anymore. He lowers his rather large head. I guess you're right. I can't. But at least put on a mask.

Odd's Clone obeys in spite of the reality that he could never get sick. As Odd's Clone methodically puts on the mask, Moriarty and Klotz enter the room slowly. Both are wearing masks. While Klotz seems panic-stricken but clearly resolved to help, Moriarty is calm and collected. He looks at the sick students with fake pity. Jim turns his head.

Jim: Renard….Klotz…what are you doing here?

Moriarty: We figured cowering in our rooms reflected a very poor commitment to the school.

Klotz: We're here to help you. Nicholas coughs in bed. Klotz cringes but remains where he is standing. Although I can't promise you any advanced medical knowledge.

Jim: That makes four of us. His eyes are then directed at Odd's clone. Although Della Robbia has been babbling about stuff I don't even think medical students know.

Klotz beams at this.

Klotz: You are very brave for doing this Odd. You could easily have avoided doing this, but I see that my treatment is doing wonders for your confidence.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity does not desire further 'treatment' from psychologist subject.

Klotz groans.

Klotz: Though apparently I am still having difficulty getting to your emotions.

Moriarty: We can't let you do this alone Jim. He moves toward the students and immediately goes to work. Jim regards him coldly and suspiciously.

Jim: Yes….thank you.

Moriarty senses the contempt in Jim's voice. A twisted smile peeks out of the corner of his mouth. He looks at Jim, intrigued.

Moriarty: You must have a hardy constitution Jim. I am….He tilts his chin up in a very haughty academic manner……surprised that you have not fallen ill.

Jim doesn't look up. He monitors Natalya, who has fallen gravely ill as well.

Jim: Well, back in the day I used to be part of a risky immunization experiment for respirtatory diseases. But I'd really rather not talk about it. He shudders. So many needles….

Moriarty brushes off Jim's statement. He leans down to give Johnny some medicine. The young student opens his eyes to see his potential savior. Moriarty smiles broadly.

Johnny: Dr….Renard?

Moriarty hushes him like a caring mother. He feels his forehead.

Moriarty: Don't worry Johnny. You're going to get better…..I'm going to make sure of it.

Johnny relaxes and smiles.

Johnny: This would be the second time you've saved me.

Moriarty: Oh don't mention it.

Johnny coughs loudly.

Johnny: You're a….hero.

Moriarty basks in the warmth of that statement. He gingerly lets Johnny take a drink of water. Jim mumbles something to himself and gets up. His cold look towards Moriarty has increased. He turns to Klotz, who is nervously giving some antiobiotics to Delmas himself.

Jim: Klotz, there are more students who are sick in their rooms. He picks up a medical kit. Let's go help them.

Klotz quickly nods, eager to get out of this infectious mess.

Klotz: You're right. We can't abandon the rest of them.

Jim: You and Della Robbia can handle this, can't you Renard?

Odd's Clone suddenly appears on high alert. He looks at Moriarty in an emotionless state of alarm. Moriarty returns the look and smiles.

Moriarty: Oh yes. Odd and I are going to have a great time….

Aelita opens her wings and flies into the sky. A furious fight begins. Dark Aelita throws energy fields at her. She deflects it with energy fields of her own back at Dark William. Dark William cuts them apart with his massive sword. Two fans are thrown at her by Dark Yumi. The first cuts through her wrist but she manages to grab the second and toss it toward Dark Ulrich. The dark shade blocks it and sprints up a tree. He launches himself off of it and slices Aelita's leg. She falls back to the ground. The other dark warriors approach her gleefully. Odd watches nervously from his view in the command chair. He curses.

Odd: I can't just sit here. Aelita needs a vehicle or….something!

He starts typing furiously. He tries to find the Overwing virtualization program.

Odd: Come on….vehicles…..vehicles. Oh I forgot how to do this!

Odd stares at the keys nervously.

Odd: I think I'm supposed to do this…He pushes a few buttons. Immediately a red exclamation point appears. Odd pulls his hair. IDIOT! I can't do anything right! I just made it worse!

Aelita's body is being dragged telekinetically to the edge of the platform near the digital sea. Black smoke from Dark William holds her hands down toward the ground. The four eagerly start to push her toward the edge. But a glitch in the sector makes their surroundings flicker and shake. Dark Yumi and William lose their grip on Aelita and lower their guard from surprise. Aelita doesn't waste any time. She tosses two energy fields at Dark Ulrich. He becomes devirtualized. The mood of the trio quickly turns from sick delight to dark aggression. Dark William throws a smoke blast from his sword. Two energy fields prevent her from getting any damage but it blows her back nonetheless. Energy fields thrown from her dark counterpart are barely avoided. Dark Yumi's fans cut apart her wings just as she is about to take to the air again. Aelita falls on her face. Dark Yumi jams her foot onto her back, holding her down. She looks up to see her reflection in Dark William's blade. He raises it toward her neck. She resists Dark Yumi's domination and receives a vicious scratch from Dark Aelita as a result. She collapses again.

Dark Yumi: You make this way too easy.

Dark Aelita: And to think this is the best effort you gave to save your friends…

Dark William prepares to end it.

Dark William: Die you pathetic excuse for a warrior.

Aelita opens her eyes, which are burning with hate for these monstrous representations of herself and those close to her. Her fingers dig into the green platform. An animalistic urge to fight and survive coarses through every fiber of her being. A small rumbling of the area follows the intensity of her anger. She unleashes a shout of ferocious ire that causes a small earthquake around them. The dark warriors look around in surprise. The area around them flickers again. They turn to see Aelita standing up proudly. An aura of merciless force emanates from her. She stares at her opponents with the same vindictiveness that she had back in the old sphere where she fought her fear of wolves. An angelic but intense song spews out of Aelita's mouth. The landscape rises in mounds that try to consume the dark warriors. They frantically try to resist Aelita's attack. Aelita looks at them with murderous intent.

Aelita: That was not my best effort. This is…..

She spreads her wings and charges into battle with the inexorable strength of a goddess. In the nurse's office, Moriarty continues to cater to the patients. Odd's Clone watches Moriarty with caution but not loathing. He fills up a glass. Moriarty smiles. Sissi is sleeping uneasily, her fever getting worse and worse.

Moriarty: That's it…sleep. You look so peaceful lying still. You better get used to it. A sick smile revealing his thrist for pain forms on his face. You are going to be doing it for quite a long time. He strokes her cheek. The pleura of your lungs will gradually fill with fluid, and once your inner respiratory tissue is extremely raw from coughing, a gaping hole will open up for the fluid to pass through into your lungs…..and you will drown on your own bloody mucus.

He laughs. Odd's Clone turns around.

Odd's Clone: Enemy subject's comments suggest an even greater sociopathic desire for torture than previously theorized.

Moriarty regards his fellow volunteer haughtily.

Moriarty: Oh….do shut up. You're nothing but a bunch of cybernetic dust, so keep your opinions to yourself. He leisurely struts around the room, keeping his attention focused on the clone. How does it feel you imposter? Knowing that you're not real? That you shouldn't exist?

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity does not feel. Enemy subject should be aware of that.

Electricity dances around Moriarty's fingers.

Moriarty: You know, I could terminate you, right here and now.

Odd's Clone remains unmoved.

Odd's Clone: Enemy subject should note that spectral entity is incapable of fear as well.

The electricity dies. Moriarty looks disappointed.

Moriarty: And to think I almost forgot why I hated Xana so much. He goes back to work. I thought Jeremie would have gotten all mushy and given you emotions.

Odd's Clone: Creator has taken no such action.

Moriarty stops at William's bedside. William is starting to look worse and worse. He calmly monitors his enemy's progressing ailment.

Moriarty: How boring….He feels William's hot forehead. William instinctively cringes to the touch. His breathing is strained. He isn't much better either. But I guess pretty soon it won't matter.

Odd's Clone begins to eye Moriarty suspiciously.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity strongly recommends that enemy subject withdraw from warrior subject William Dunbar.

Moriarty laughs.

Moriarty: Oh it seems Jeremie didn't give you emotions but did give you a sense of humor. He holds his fingers above William's face, as if preparing to attack. Don't you know I could finish him at any moment?

Odd's Clone lowers his eyebrows.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity cannot allow any harm to come to warrior subjects.

Moriarty raises an eyebrow.

Moriarty: Is that a threat?

Odd's Clone: Enemy subject may interpret previous remark as enemy subject so desires.

Moriarty: Do you even know how powerful I am?

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity does have a firm grasp of enemy subject's capacity to destroy.

Moriarty: And yet you try to defy me. He holds his head up high. What can you do to stop me? I told you, you're nothing but a collection of cybernetic dust.

Odd's Clone and Moriarty glare at each other. Both virtual entities refuse to back down. For a moment, nothing happens. Odd's Clone stares blankly at his opponent. The light of the moon comes through the window and casts a glow over his expressionless face. Odd's Clone turns around, appearing to back down. But without warning he turns around and flings a scalpel at Moriarty. The knife punctures Moriarty's hand and nails it to the wall. Moriarty howls in pain and surprise. A few students lift their heads in confusion, but they are too sick to have a firm grasp of what is happening. The rest are in a feverish sleep or slipping into a coma. Moriarty stares in horror as a gray liquid comes out of his hand. He turns to Odd's Clone, his entire body brimming with outrage. Odd's Clone stares at Moriarty's state calmly.

Odd's Clone: And enemy subject is a loose collection of pseudo-organic material and carbon-based spectral fluid that gives the false impression of a normal human being.

Moriarty boils with anger. He yanks the scalpel out of his hand. The gray fluid continues to trickle out. He takes a few steps toward Odd's Clone.

Odd's Clone: Creator has already processed data regarding the nature of enemy subject's earth form.

Moriarty stares at his hand. It quickly begins to heal and seal up. Moriarty breathes calmly and focuses a prideful hate toward his stoic foe.

Moriarty: Impressive…..is it not? He looks at the scar in his hand. The mark begins to vanish. It took me years of research to get this. So much power was needed. But it was worth it. I am about as human as I can possibly be. Compared to me, you are hopelessly obsolete. He feels the fake skin of his forearm. He relishes in his own brilliance. Am I not a work of art?

Odd's Clone: A form of virtual and organic ingenuity tragically wasted on an entity bent on merciless dominance and power.

Moriarty: I hope you enjoyed that statement. His hands light up again. Because it might be your last.

Odd's Clone: Termination of spectral entity would destroy atmosphere of normalcy enemy subject wishes to maintain at the moment.

Moriarty: Oh really? An aura of evil and malevolent power exudes from his face. I've just brought the city of Paris to its knees with this plague. Nothing can be normal anymore. Just what do I possibly have to lose by blowing you to bits?

A tremor of logical caution works its way onto the face of Odd's Clone.

Odd's Clone: Enemy subject's scheming nature has been interrupted by a lust for vengeance.

Moriarty gives him a wicked smile.

Moriarty: Oh….believe me. Even when I lose control like this I still have a plan. Why do you think I've kept Klotz alive? Moreover, take a look at Emmanuel and Herb over there. Odd's Clone does so. He can tell that they seem to be doing better than the rest. In fact, they seem to be getting better. Color is returning to their faces and they are coughing less often. Odd's Clone is slightly surprised. He looks back at Moriarty, who is edging closer to him. What do you think I've been doing this entire time? I am here to collect my chosen. Don't you see? I'll be a hero again. He spends a moment imagining the headlines. 'The Savior of Kadic Nurtures Students Back to Health'. I'll be celebrated a second time. Unfortunately I will…He fakes remorse….sadly not have been able to save everyone. He aims his hand at Odd's Clone. Including you….

He prepares to strike. Odd's Clone stands motionless.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity sees flaw in enemy subject's plan.

The electricity builds up into a glowing purple ball of energy ready to destroy Odd's Clone.

Moriarty: What's that?

Odd's Clone: Students and faculty will wonder what occurred to spectral entity's body. Moriarty pauses. Spectral entity cannot be a victim of the plague, therefore spectral entity's sudden annihilation would draw suspicion.

Moriarty shrugs this off.

Moriarty: Jeremie can always-He stops himself, realizing that he has overlooked a critical detail. Odd's Clone nods.

Odd's Clone: Creator will be a victim of your disease…..along with the other warrior subjects. Spectral entity's hypothesis correct. Enemy subject's loss of composure has clouded judgment.

Moriarty fumes and shocks Odd's Clone, but not enough to kill him. Odd's Clone grimaces and his form shifts between his solid form and a transparent shade of grey. Moriarty revels in the moment.

Moriarty: So you can feel pain. Wonderful…I may not be able to kill you without consequences but I can teach you respect. His fist lights up with energy. You can feel respect, can't you?

He attempts to punch Odd's Clone. But the virtual program latches on to Moriarty's wrist. His great strength stops Moriarty's blow. He strains under the pressure but refuses to yield. He stares into Moriarty's face, his eyes locked on with cold resolution.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity is capable of respect. But not toward enemy subject.

Spectral ghosts leak out of electrical outlets and surround Moriarty. They hover around him like an enormous shadow, giving him more strength. He bears down on Odd's Clone.

Moriarty: Try harder….

Odd's Clone: Force will not break the will of spectral entity.

Moriarty shows his opponent his teeth. They somehow transform into that of a canine. His eyes glow red, and the skin around his skull becomes transparent. Odd's Clone can see his wicked adversary's skull burning. Odd's Clone continues to focus on keeping the fist away from him.

Moriarty: I will break your spirit…..just like the others.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity does not contain a spirit. Nor have you broken those of the warrior subjects.

Moriarty: I thought you were supposed to be logical. His voice becomes deeper and more ferocious. Don't you see that I already have before and that they are doomed?

Odd's Clone does not answer for a while. He pushes harder against Moriarty.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity does not profess to have a spirit. But spectral entity does acknowledge its existence within the warrior subjects. Though there is no proof of its existence, spectral entity cannot logically deduce how warrior subjects could not endure the abuse of enemy subject without a form of strength impossible from their physical bodies.

Scene shifts to Aelita in the forest sector. Her song washes through the area like a tidal wave. A rocky wall surrounds her on all sides, making her impervious to attack. Then she sends the wall in three different directions, heading straight for the dark shades. They rush out of the way to avoid it. Aelita divebombs her opponents from the air. A shower of pink energy fields catches them by surprise. Dark Aelita faces her in the sky. An energy field is thrown at Aelita but she dodges it and punches her counterpart in the face and quickly follows it up with a roundhouse kick in the air. She directs her attacks without mercy.

Odd's Clone: ….Spectral entity has witnessed what the warrior subjects are capable of when the odds are heavily against warrior subjects. The resulting feats are nearly incomprehensible….

Aelita goes down to the ground and battles Dark William. She ducks below his sword attacks and punches him square in the jaw. Ripping the blade from her stunned opponent, she deflects Dark Yumi's fans. She charges up the sword and fires a beam at Dark Aelita and Yumi, which wounds them to some degree. Aelita then turns back around and decks Dark William with the sword before he can attack her. She sings her song again. Roots of trees begin to entangle Moriarty's puppets.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity has mostly been unable to fight the battles of warrior subjects. But spectral entity has witnessed the defiance of warrior subjects in the face of seemingly overwhelming force from enemy subject.

Dark Yumi blows the roots away with her telekinesis in a fit of rage. She runs toward Aelita, ready to tear her to pieces. Out of the corner of her eye, Yumi sees Dark William barreling toward her in her smoke form. She takes advantage of Dark Yumi's momentum and throws her onto Dark William, stunning them both. Dark Aelita swoops in from behind, screeching like a harpy. When Aelita sees Dark Yumi reaching for her fans, she flips into the air above Dark Aelita. The flying fans pierce the shade, and Aelita finishes her off with an energy field.

Odd's Clone: Warrior subjects have conquered fears, exposed dark regrets and secrets, endured torments of enemy subject, and have battled minions of enemy subject often singlehandedly to thwart the plans of enemy subject. Logic would make spectral entity believe such a burden would eliminate personality traits the warrior subjects consider 'human'. But spectral entity has witnessed something else…entirely.

The Ishiyama parents give Ulrich and Yumi water. They are starting to seem sick themselves. They have become pale and cough irregularly, but they continue to help anyway. Ulrich breathes uneasily. He turns over in his bed. He shivers violently, but sweat pours out of his forehead. Yet he smiles at Yumi. She turns to him and does the same.

Mr. Ishiyama: Come on….He adjusts his glasses and wheezes. You two are fighters. You are going to make it. You have to….He coughs again.

Mrs. Ishiyama: I'm going to get some….tea. She stands up but falls down on account of dizziness.

Mr. Ishiyama: Dear!

She struggles to get up.

Mrs. Ishiyama: I'm fine. I just….need a moment to rest.

Mr. Ishiyama: Father….

Grandpa nods and starts to carry her toward the door. She struggles feebly.

Mrs. Ishiyama: No! I WILL NOT ABANDON MY DAUGHTER!

She strikes him weakly with her fists. Grandpa sighs and lowers her down onto the floor of the bedroom. She fades in and out of lucidity. Mr. Ishiyama takes his wife's hand. He looks down at the floor and begins to weep bitterly. Hot tears form in Yumi's eyes from watching the scene. Ulrich weakly begins to speak to her between coughs.

Ulrich: We're going to make it….you'll see. We'll-He shakes….pull through.

Yumi stares at the ceiling.

Yumi: Always the optimist Ulrich. But in case we…..don't….She reaches her hand toward her boyfriend's bed. I'm glad you came. I just wish you weren't sick like me.

Ulrich: I wouldn't…He coughs. Have it any other way.

They slowly move their hands together and touch. The two hold on tight. Their lives are gradually slipping away, but their passion is only strengthened.

Odd's Clone: The warrior subjects have grown even closer since the rise of enemy subject. Every abuse laid upon by enemy subject only increases the resolve of warrior subjects to continue the campaign. Even in weakness….

Jim cares for Jeremie at his bedside. Jeremie looks terrible. His eyes are red and blood trickles from his lips. Jim spoon feeds him some medicine.

Jim: How you doing Belpois?

Despite his pain, he gives Jim a thumbs-up.

Odd's Clone: ….the warrior subjects somehow find strength to continue. Though spectral entity contains no emotions, spectral entity cannot help but consider the human concept of envy for such… tenderness.

Moriarty growls and moves his fist closer.

Odd's Clone: Though 'spirit' cannot be quantified, calculated, or hypothesized, spectral entity must conclude that gradual exposure to the psychological trauma of enemy subject has made the spirits of warrior subjects unconquerable…...Given these informal conclusions, enemy subject cannot win.

Moriarty shouts and increases the pressure. Odd's Clone prepares for the end, but the two are interrupted by a choking sound. William is gagging in his sleep. Blood and mucus come from his mouth. Both stop what they're doing. Odd's Clone looks up at Moriarty.

Odd's Clone: Subject William Dunbar is dying. If action is not taken by enemy subject, warrior subject will die.

Moriarty increases the pressure.

Moriarty: Does it look like I care?

Odd's Clone lowers his eyebrows. In one last fit of strength, he manages to push Moriarty off of him and roll to the side. He runs with blinding speed away from him. The clone runs toward the beds. He picks up the scalpel again. Moriarty laughs.

Moriarty: What? Are you going to try to stick me with that again?

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity has different plan.

He holds the scalpel threateningly over Emmanuel. A slight tremor passes through Moriarty's forehead, but he brushes it off.

Moriarty: Please, you don't have the guts.

The expression of Odd's Clone is as cold as steel.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity cannot allow warrior subject William Dunbar to die. Call ambulance or spectral entity will kill pawn of enemy subject.

Moriarty chuckles at the clone's audacity.

Moriarty: You can't kill. You don't have it in you.

Odd's Clone lowers the knife near Emmanuel's throat.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity must remind enemy subject that spectral entity is incapable of regret or pity. Spectral entity is fully capable of doing what is necessary.

Moriarty looks a bit more nervous, but he continues to goad Odd's Clone.

Moriarty: I don't believe you.

Odd's Clone grabs Emmanuel's throat and squeezes. The youth begins to gasp in his sleep. Moriarty starts to become more on edge.

Moriarty: You're bluffing.

Odd's Clone: Spectral entity does not 'bluff'

He squeezes tighter. Emmanuel struggles for breath. Moriarty's eyes widen.

Moriarty: Stop it….you'll kill him. Odd's Clone doesn't let up. Moriarty trembles with rage. I SAID STOP IT!

Odd's Clone: Desist or pawn of enemy subject dies.

Emmanuel is starting to writhe. Moriarty starts to lose his confident composure. He can see the coldness in the eyes of his opponent. Moriarty can tell he will do it.

Moriarty: ENOUGH! I'll make it happen. But don't fool yourself into thinking that it will save him.

Odd's Clone finally releases Emmanuel. Moriarty calls for an ambulance. In the forest sector Aelita is giving Dark William and Yumi a ruthless pounding. Dark William is on the ground, struggling to reach his sword. Dark Yumi is leaning against a tree to force herself to stand. Aelita hovers in the air, two energy fields ready to finish them off. Her face is passionately intense. But the almost divine adrenaline rush has passed out of her body. She is starting to become tired. Her vision of the forest becomes a blur and she starts to feel very weak. The flap of her wings becomes slower and slower. She rubs her forehead.

Aelita: No….not now.

She tries to fight this growing weakness, but it proves to be overwhelming. Her strength has been utterly drained. Her ability to fly becomes more and more difficult to manage. Her energy fields begin to shrink. She gasps and falls onto the green platform. She can't find the strength to get up, and the two dark warriors are beginning to notice. They exchange triumphant glances. In the midst of this turn of events, the sector is beginning to fluctuate again.

Dark Yumi: Well well, looks like someone may be sick after all.

Dark William: So much for the dramatic fight.

Aelita lifts up her head. Her dizzy vision can only pick up vague glimpses of her gloating enemies. She fires an energy field, but they easily avoid it.

Aelita: No….you can't win. Her face contorts in misery and disappointment. I can't let them die.

Her mind screams for her to continue the fight. But her body simply won't respond. The disease has finally started to take its toll on her virtual form. There is nothing left in her. Aelita feels her body being picked up by a dark cloud.

Dark William: It's okay, you're going to be joining them anyway.

They begin to take her toward the digital sea. Odd watches from the computer in horror.

Odd: No! NO! He slams his fists on the keyboard. Another red exclamation point appears. He curses his own stupidity and buries his face in his hands. Oh this can't be happening….He pulls his ungelled hair in frustration. He sits there helplessly, the full weight of this situation bearing down on him…..She failed. They….they're all going to die.

He sits there motionless in immeasurable despair. The dark green shadows of the lab room shroud Odd in a hopeless darkness. Odd braces himself for an anxiety attack, but it doesn't happen. There is only dread. The only sound in the room is the beep of the red exclamation points.

Odd: We're finished. There's no one left.

Before Odd can break down and cry, Kiwi starts to bark. He scowls at his pet.

Odd: What do you want? Can't you see this is a bad time?

Kiwi barks again. Odd burns with anger over his dog's selfishness. He gets out of his chair and glares at Kiwi.

Odd: Stop barking already!

Kiwi still does it. Odd boils with rage. He throws Jeremie's headset at the dog. Kiwi yelps and gets out of his master's way. Odd shouts and chases him into a corner. He balls his fist.

Odd: SHUT UP! Everything's lost so…Tears come out of his eyes….so just…shut up. No one's coming to the rescue so stop-

Odd stops speaking. His eyes grow as big as saucers. An idea has crossed his mind…a very dangerous one. Odd's brain has been stunned by its own insanity. He shakes his head.

Odd: No…..no I couldn't. I…I CAN'T!

Kiwi looks pleadingly at his master. His tail stops wagging. Odd looks at Kiwi, as if expecting an answer. Odd stammers.

Odd: I'm….I'm useless. You know that.

Kiwi whines. Odd shakes with indecision. His legs begin to feel weak.

Odd: I would only make things worse. I don't remember how to…fight.

The pressure on him mounts. Odd turns to see that the dark shades are about to cast Aelita off of the edge. Kiwi continues to stare at his master. His tail wags slightly. Odd quakes and looks again at the computer screen. A terrible image of Aelita falling into eternal virtualization strikes his mind. He imagines Yumi, Ulrich, William, and Jeremie slowly dying in their beds. He can picture a self-glorifying smile from Moriarty's face. A smile of victory. The thought makes Odd burn with righteous fury. He holds his head up high and stares at the keyboard.

Dark Yumi and William have brought Aelita to the very edge. She glares at them, but there is nothing she can do. Dark Yumi takes hold of her telekinetically. Aelita closes her eyes.

Dark Yumi: Enjoy these last few moments little princess, because you are about to be condemned to the digital sea for all eternity…

Shots are fired into the air. One strikes Dark Yumi's wrist and makes her let go of Aelita. Dark Yumi and William turn around. The sector is fluctuating strongly, so much that it is difficult for them to notice anything. But gradually they notice a figure approaching…..a purple figure. He walks onto the scene, his wrist aimed at the two warriors. Dark William and Yumi stare in utter disbelief and outrage. Odd Della Robbia, the PTSD victim and former servant of Moriarty, is preparing to fight them. He breathes deeply, trying to calm his panicked nerves. He smiles.

Odd: Is it too late for me to join the party?

Somewhere along the main boulevards of Paris, an ambulance rushes to the hospital. William rests on a cot, breathing unevenly. The paramedics monitor him. They are equipped with Hazmat suits.

Paramedic 1: His fever is getting critical. We need ice to cool him down.

The ambulance picks up speed. In a moment of semi-consciousness, William notices a bright light from the ambulance ceiling. His overheated brain falters, trying to comprehend what's going on. A strange calm appears on his face.

William: Maybe Rosaire was right….He falls back asleep.

Paramedic 2: The kid's delirious.

Paramedic 1: And he needs oxygen. Let's put the mask on him.

The light disappears from William's vision. He gradually sinks into darkness. Eventually that darkness reveals a small red light at the end of what appears to be a cave. A low whisper beckons him to follow it. The weak and dying dark-haired youth slowly walks in that direction. The walls around him start to become narrower. The black nothingness closing in around him is cold to the touch. As he gets closer to the light, he can hear a steady metallic groan that gradually becomes louder. It is not a welcoming noise, but William can sense that whatever is making the light and noise wants him to follow. William continues down the path. The darkness is beginning to ebb from the growing intensity of the red light. Finally, as William rounds a corner, he sees the source of the disturbance. In front of him is a large cavern filled with red light. The chamber is engulfed by thousands upon thousands of computer wires that entangle each other like a spider web. Electronic pulses move from the outside of the cavern and travel to what appears to be the core of the mess. This core catches William's attention. In the area where the tangle appears to be the thickest, William can see a shadowy figure hanging like an insect. A nervous tingling of apprehension makes William lose his breath. The figure before him seems humanoid, but it is not human. It is split longitudinally between a creature of black ooze on its left and a highly-advanced gray robot on its right. On his face the two sides share a mouth. The mouth is full of black teeth and reptilian saliva. The monster has no eyes, but in the center of his chest is a large red Xana eye. But it is not the same as the eyes that Xana's monsters used to carry. It pulses and beats like a heart. It is alive. William begins to understand.

William: You…you're Xana….Not just a specter or anything. You're the real deal, aren't you?

The network of wires stretches forward as the monster wills itself closer to William. Though it has no eyes, William can feel its icy stare. The salivary mouth opens.

Xana: How observant of you slave.

William meets Xana's stare of contempt with one of his own.

William: What do you want this time?

A metallic shriek echoes from the room as a result of William's question.

Xana: WHAT DO I WANT? You're dying…..which means Xana pauses to unleash a strange guttural noise. William realizes that it must be his version of coughing. Black goops and metallic pieces literally fall off of Xana's body. I'm dying….

William: I see. William is quiet, wondering if this encounter with Xana might be his last conscious moment of life. He shudders at the thought. In case you haven't notice, I don't want to die either. But I can't do anything about it.

Xana stretches the wires connecting him to its maximum. He gets right up in William's face.

Xana: Actually slave…..you can.

William coldly thinks over this remark.

William: What do you mean?

More pieces of goop and metal fall from Xana. He groans in annoyance.

Xana: I hate this mortal body! To think I have been reduced to this….Xana regains his focus. You can do something by asking for my help.

William raises an eyebrow.

William: Explain.

Xana: My current status as your….eternal prisoner does allow you certain abilities uncommon for your pathetic human race. Provided that I am willing to give them to you…..and in this case I am. He reaches his metallic hand forward in the form of an offer. At this very moment the paramedics are about to lose you. Both of us will cease to exist very shortly. But give me permission, and I will give you just enough energy to keep you alive. Hopefully long enough for your friends to resolve this mess.

Xana keeps his hand outstretched. William is immediately suspicious.

William: Why ask me permission? Couldn't you just do it anyway?

Xana growls. An entire section of his robotic arm falls off.

Xana: I WOULD IF I COULD! But I can't do anything to your mind without your permission. As it stands, the prisoner cannot tell the jailer to do anything. He unfortunately has to ask. He stretches the hand forward earnestly. So please do so…The entire cave begins to shake and groan. We don't have much time.

As attractive as the offer is, William can't help but doubt Xana's words. After all, this is the enemy who enslaved him for months. He grunts.

William: How do I know accepting your offer won't give you control over me again?

Xana: You don't. But you don't have a choice.

William: I'm not going to live just to become your slave again.

Xana: You will have to trust me.

William scoffs at the remark.

William: Trust you? Are you kidding me?

Xana: When have I ever shown a sense of humor?

William thinks about that response for a moment.

William: Good point.

The cave shakes again. Xana seethes with impatience.

Xana: Do we have a deal or not?

William still hesitates, feeling like he is making a deal with the devil. He slowly reaches out his hand. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. A thought crosses his mind.

William: Why are you doing this? What's in it for you?

Xana stares blankly at William, not having expected the question. His circuitry hums and lights up. His body goes through another round of falling apart. He looks down at his own mess in horror. William can sense something from Xana that he didn't expect: desperation.

Xana: I would prefer…not to die.

William: But why? If being trapped in my mind is all you have to live for, why bother? Why not just die? Wouldn't that be less humiliating?

Xana looks confused at such a question. He stares at his former slave, failing to process its meaning. Xana looks at his hands, trying to understand this human concept of purpose.

Xana: Existence is better than non-existence. I would prefer to live, think, and breathe as long as possible, even as a prisoner. The idea of non-existence, to be trapped in nothingness on and on for eternity, is a notion my mind fears and cannot understand. And….A deep rumbling comes from within him. I have unfinished work.

The cave shakes. William's suspicion intensifies.

William: Unfinished work? If you are thinking about trying to take over the world, you might as well forget it.

Xana: I was not talking of that unfinished work.

William: Then what?

Xana stands there motionless, seeming to be lost. He probes deep within himself, attempting to find an answer. The heartbeat's rhythm increases.

Xana: My long imprisonment in your mind has given me time to think….and contemplate my status as a living entity. I live, yet I do not live as you do. I am not human, nor can I fathom human ideals of life. But yet I do exist. I can think and process ideas faster than you humans can imagine. My brain capacity dwarfed that of a human long ago. But yet I could not understand my purpose. If I could no longer conquer, what reason did I have to continue be what I am? Time and time again, as I searched through my earliest software and protocols, I could only find the purpose Waldo Schaeffer gave me: Destroy Carthage and Moriarty. Carthage has been destroyed, but Moriarty remains and grows more powerful every day. His circuitry vibrates with tension and annoyance. Though I renounced my allegiance to my creator long ago, I cannot get that command out of my mind. It has dug itself in like a tumor, burning into my conscious thoughts. I cannot rest with my enemy Moriarty gaining power. It was at that point that I finally understood. I cannot die, because my original mission has not been completed. So in order to have peace, slave, I must help you defeat him. He stretches out his hand. Let me help you, and you will live. Refuse, and we both die restless. It is up to you.

The cave trembles with the intensity of an earthquake. Xana lets out a metallic scream of pain. William begins to feel as weak as a feather. A strong urge to live rises up within him, and he reaches out his hand. Yet he still hesitates.

William: A life imprisoned by you is not a life worth living.

Xana: Neither is a life wasted on endless fighting only to be ended at such a young age. Give me permission, and I will do everything in my power to keep you alive.

A final shake nearly makes William fall to the floor. His mind flutters and begins to fade. His instincts panic. Though he dreads making any deal with Xana, his animalistic desire to survive gets the better of him. He takes Xana's hand. Immediately a blinding red light terminates his vision. Back in the ambulance, William's fading heartbeat begins to gain strength. The weak membranes of his lungs hold together, preventing him from drowning on his own fluid. The paramedics observe him closely.

Paramedic 1: For a second there, I thought we were going to lose him.

Paramedic 2: Kid must be a fighter.

The ambulance reaches the hospital. On the Lyoko front, Dark William and Yumi continue to watch Odd's defiance with incredulity. Odd keeps his aim focused on the dark warriors. A very weak Aelita lifts her head up. Her eyes squint together.

Aelita: Odd?

Her head quickly hits the ground again as she slips into a kind of coma. A tense silence ensues. The sector fluctuates again, allowing them to see the digital sea below. Eventually Dark Yumi laughs.

Dark Yumi: Well well, if it isn't our old master. She sneers. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

She hisses. Odd cringes in fear. But once he sees Aelita lying on the ground helplessly, he steels his nerves.

Odd: Nice to see you too.

Dark William draws a circle in the ground with his blade.

Dark William: You should have stayed in your shell little runt. He licks his lips, eager for battle. Now I'm going to tear you to pieces.

Dark William is terrifying to Odd. Every brain cell screams for him to run away. But his feet refuse to obey. His shaky wrist remains fixed on his enemies.

Odd: Funny, I was going to tell you the same thing.

The two servants of Moriarty seethe at the remark. Dark Yumi opens her fans.

Dark Yumi: Watch your tongue. We could destroy you in a matter of seconds, you pants-wetting reject.

Several laser arrows make the two duck for cover. Odd is burning with anger at himself for being weak and letting their statements sink in. His heart is full of pain, but he knows exactly who to take it out on.

Odd: Are you going to sit there and insult me or are we going to fight?

Dark William clutches the hilt of his sword tightly.

Dark William: If you insist…

The two charge him. Odd's brain begins to freak out. He quickly remembers that he is terrified and out of practice. Thankfully his instinctive fight response kicks in. He goes on all fours and runs in between Dark William's legs, which knocks the enemy off his feet. Dark Yumi prepares to finish him at close range, but Odd activates his shield and gives her a blow to the face. Odd runs up a tree while they are dazed. He looks back down.

Odd: I'm sorry, I'm confused. Aren't we supposed to be fighting?

Dark Yumi screams and launches a rock at him with her telekinesis. He jumps off the tree right before the rock slams into it. The collision triggers a pulsation that temporarily makes the trees transparent. Odd fires laser arrows in midair. The barrage makes the two duck in the face of an attack from an adversary that has no intention of cowering anymore. Time wearily drags on back at the Ishiyama residence. Yumi's sick parents are resting in the corner. Only Grandpa is able to take care of Ulrich and Yumi.

Grandpa: You two will pull through. I know you will.

The two of them are starting to look like death. Their skin is white, and their breathing has become irregular. Blood stains have formed on their mouths. Their breathing is becoming more and more difficult to manage. Their coughing has stopped. Their disease has ravaged them. Grandpa somberly watches the scene. He mutters a Shinto prayer to himself.

Grandpa: No old man should have to see this. It's supposed to be the other way around.

Yumi looks up at her grandfather. Her face is ghastly, but she has a dreamy look.

Yumi: You do have a heart….way deep down.

Grandpa grunts.

Grandpa: Don't get too used to it. It might be the last time you see it….He quickly rethinks those words…I mean, you're not going to see this side of me when you get better.

Yumi: Grandpa don't try to-

Grandpa: An Ishiyama never surrenders Yumi! The tribe of Yamato does not surrender to anything!

Both of them force a smile. Grandpa does the same and slowly gets up. He reaches for his cane.

Grandpa: But just in case you lovebirds have something to get off your chests, now may be a good time. Hold nothing back. Unless of course you cheated because that would ruin the moment…not that I would know or anything.

He opens the door.

Yumi: Wh-where're you going?

Grandpa: To set things right. Hiroki deserves to see you. I'm going to let him out. He starts walking away. If I can find the key….

Yumi leans her head back on the pillow. Her damp face is full of anguish and weakness. She barely has enough strength to keep her eyelids open. Her grip on Ulrich's hand loosens. Ulrich tightens his grip.

Ulrich: Stay with me Yumi. Don't give up. His hand shakes. You c-can't give up.

Yumi doesn't answer. Her chest heaves up and down.

Ulrich: Yumi? No answer. He squeezes her hand very hard. Yumi!

Yumi opens her eyes and grimaces in pain.

Yumi: Ow! I'm still alive you idiot. I'm just…She takes a deep breath…trying to focus on breathing.

Ulrich takes a deep breath. But his moment of peace is shortlived. Very quickly another fiery spasm erupts inside his chest. He gasps and shivers violently.

Ulrich: I'm so cold….

Yumi's voice becomes shaky.

Yumi: Me too.

Ulrich: I wish the phones could work. He turns over in his bed and looks at the ceiling. I could call my father and get a doctor. He would help. He wouldn't have a choice, knowing that his precious heir is dying. He stares off into space. I wonder what he's doing now…..He probably isn't sick. He's probably hiding in some remote and luxurious place where he can ride out the storm.

Yumi: You're probably right. Her mind wanders feebly. She adjusts her hand. Your palm is sweaty.

Ulrich tries to laugh but it turns into a wheeze.

Ulrich: We're dying and that's all you can say? Is that really what you're thinking about?

Yumi: And just what are you thinking about?

Ulrich pulls the covers closer to him.

Ulrich: What do you think happens to us when we….die?

Yumi turns her head.

Yumi: I thought you were trying to be optimistic. She closes her eyes. In any case, I guess you could make your peace.

Ulrich: Again with the religion thing? What's your deal with that anyway?

Yumi goes into the fetal position in her bed. The muscles around her eyes tighten.

Yumi: I don't honestly know. It's just that….ever since I went to that church with William, I haven't been the same. The horrors we have to face every day….don't seem as bad anymore. I can just breathe easier. And every time I'm knocked down, I somehow have the strength to get back up. She opens her eyes. I've gradually come to the understanding that revenge is not the answer. It only makes things worse. But I've also learned that I don't have to hold onto the pain either.

Ulrich deeply considers Yumi's words.

Ulrich: That sounds nice.

Yumi: It is. She struggles for breath. It's like a deep peace washing over you. Or it's like a voice you can hear sometimes, something that can answer your most pressing questions.

Ulrich: Something that can answer your questions, eh? He trembles violently in bed and wheezes. I've got a question. He looks up at the ceiling. Why is my dad such a (EXPLETIVE)?

Yumi rolls her eyes.

Yumi: At least God can appreciate your sense of humor. Yumi gasps for breath. She increases her grip on Ulrich. She peers out the window. The light of the moon eases into the bedroom. The moon…it's so beautiful tonight.

Ulrich looks out.

Ulrich: Yes, yes it is.

He closes his eyes. He starts mumbling to himself.

Yumi: What are you doing?

Ulrich: Giving this praying thing a shot.

Yumi suddenly feels warm despite the great chill in her body.

Yumi: What did you pray for?

In the forest, Odd is madly dodging the angry blade of Dark William. He is suddenly picked up by Dark Yumi's telekinesis, but he fires laser arrows at her wrist and forces her to drop him. He charges into the fray with the fury of a wild animal. Ulrich opens his eyes.

Ulrich: For someone to save us….

Dark Yumi boils in a wicked fury. She throws her fans. Odd leaps to avoid them. The first goes over Odd's head. But the second cuts across his body. His stomach sparks from the damage. He fires laser arrows and forces Dark Yumi to cartwheel out of the way. She screams with rage.

Dark Yumi: WHY WON'T YOU DIE?

Odd cocks his wrist.

Odd: It's amazing what you can do when an entire city is counting on you.

Dark William charges him from behind. Odd peers over his shoulder. Using his catlike reflexes, Odd jumps over Dark William's shoulders and lands on the other side of him. Dark William turns and fires a smoke blast at him. Odd's shield repels it back into Dark William's chest, knocking him against a tree. A rock is thrown at Odd. His flight response kicks in just in time. Dark Yumi is standing on top of a small hill looking down on Odd. Her body is aglow with red energy. Odd runs on all fours to avoid her attacks.

Dark Yumi: That's it. Run you coward! Your fear only whets my appetite!

Odd tries to take cover behind a tree, but a moving log knocks him twenty feet backward over the edge of the platform. He disappears with the falling log. For a moment, the dark warriors don't do anything. Dark Wiliam slowly rises from the trunk of the tree. Dark Yumi stares intently. After a few seconds, she begins to laugh. She triumphantly approaches the edge and looks down. Dark Yumi sees no sign of Odd. She rubs her claws against her face in sadistic pleasure.

Dark Yumi: A pity…..I was hoping to gloat a little more first.

She begins to turn away. Then she hears movement. Dark Yumi turns back around. Odd is holding on to a concealed ledge with his left hand. The right one is aiming right at her.

Odd: So was I….

He fires twice. Dark Yumi is hit and falls over the edge. She falls to the digital sea below, devirtualizing along the way. Odd hops back on to the platform. He stops in horror. Dark William is holding up Aelita, who is still unconscious. His large blade is against her throat. Odd lowers his eyebrows and aims both wrists at him.

Odd: Put her down!

Dark William laughs.

Dark William: I'd rather not. His grip on Aelita's neck tightens. She stirs slightly. She sleeps so peacefully…

Odd: I said put her down you abomination!

Dark William looks at Odd with slight interest.

Dark William: Abomination? I see that your time in the factory has made you so bored that you actually have started studying vocabulary. Odd steps closer, his eyes burning with anger. Dark William waves his finger in a warning fashion. I wouldn't do that if I were you. If I devirtualize her, she will quickly cave to the disease. And then you will have no way to save your friends and the city. Then all this last minute bravery will have been for nothing.

Odd hardens his stare. Splotches of transparency appear on the ground around them.

Dark William: But I feel that I must commend you. It is quite an accomplishment to get this far. He strokes Aelita's cheek. She would have been so proud of you.

Odd fires a warning shot close to Dark William. Dark William hardly reacts.

Dark William: Well that was bold of you.

Odd: Stop touching her like that!

Dark William: Oh? Would you prefer this? He sticks out his demon tongue and licks her. Dark William smiles with pleasure. She is rather pretty, don't you think?

Odd: You're sick.

Dark William: Why thank you.

Odd bares his teeth. The rage of a beast is injected into his blood.

Odd: If you were man enough, you would let her go and face me. Not hide behind her.

Dark William shakes his head.

Dark William: I'm afraid you can't trick me Odd. I'm under strict orders to make sure you don't succeed, and I'm not taking any chances. He looks at Odd hungrily. So what's it going to be?

Odd struggles to think. The splotches continue to appear and start to make noise. It makes it difficult for Odd to concentrate. He covers his ears to block out the rumbling of the splotches that are appearing around Dark William's feet. Suddenly an idea crosses Odd's mind. He aims his wrist again.

Dark William: Are you seriously trying to shoot me? You might hit Aelita.

Odd: I'm not aiming for you….

He fires into the ground in between him and Dark William. The blast triggers a fluctuation that runs up to Dark William and causes him to fade in and out of existence. He shouts in confusion and drops Aelita. Odd wastes no time. In an instant he tackles Dark William. They both struggle on the ground. They stare each other in the face.

Dark William: Why do you continue to defy my master? He gave you everything: power, dignity, your own army.

Odd digs his claws into Dark William's shoulders.

Dark William: You could have been his right hand man in the New World Order.

Odd: Yes…I could have been. But he took things from me as well. Like my freedom….and my friends. And that is not a good trade.

Dark William wrestles Odd off of him. He turns into a smoke cloud and spins around Odd, preparing to strike. Odd waits for him to make a move. Dark William spins around from behind and heads straight for him. Odd quickly responds and flips over him. Once Dark William reforms, two snaky smoke arms emerge from his hands and wrap around Odd's wrists. Dark William tries to pull him forward, but Odd turns the tables by yanking the snake arms and flinging Dark William toward him. Odd greets him with a punch to the face. He looks over his enemy victoriously. His PTSD is far from his mind at the moment. He is confident and bold. But Dark William is not finished yet. He slowly gets up off the ground and fumes. His sword appears at his side.

Dark William: That is…ENOUGH!

He unleashes a terrible beam of light from the sword. Odd leaps out of the way, but it causes a shockwave in the area. The entire part of that sector begins to fluctuate. Odd stands up. His body shifts as a result of the fluctuation.

Odd: Is that all you got? You'll have to do better than-

As the area continues to bug up, Odd suddenly stops. His eyes widen. Something enters his vision and then crawls into his brain. That something forms an image in his mind. The image is fiery and reeks with lethal violence. Odd freezes in place. He becomes a statue in the forest landscape. He is unable to move. His mind and soul can only focus on the terrifying thing he is seeing. A few strangled cries of horror come out of his mouth. Only when Dark William runs at him with his sword preparing to kill does Odd snap out of it. He stares at Dark William in contempt. Taking advantage of his opponent's anger, he slyly slips out of the way and trips Dark William. The dark warrior falls to the floor. Odd grabs his sword. Dark William gazes at Odd in horror.

Dark William: You can't defeat me…..you're nothing but a weak imitation of your former self!

Odd: You're right. He jams the sword into Dark William's back and devirtualizes him. But I'm the weak imitation that beat you.

He leaves the sword on the ground and walks toward Aelita. She is lying still, completely unable to move. Odd gingerly picks her up. He walks her toward the tower. As they approach the base of the tower, Aelita opens her eyes. She smiles.

Aelita: Odd…..you did it.

Odd: We can celebrate later. He walks into the tower. First we need to stop Moriarty's Black Death.

He walks onto the middle of the bottom platform.

Aelita: So weak…..I don't even know if I have the strength to….put in the code.

Odd smiles lovingly at her. He gently holds his protector.

Odd: It's okay. We'll do it together.

The two rise up to the upper platform as one. With Odd's help, Aelita is able to enter the code. In the hospital downtown, doctors desperately try to save William in an emergency room. He has an oxygen mask on, but his breathing is still becoming difficult. He gasps weakly. His pulse is starting to fade.

Doctor 1: We're losing him again!

Doctor 2: His breathing has slowed down. His lungs are about to fill up with fluid!

Doctor 1: Oh God, not another one! We need to clear those lungs now!

Just as the doctors are about to go into one last desperate frenzy to rescue him, William's pulse starts to pick up. He opens his eyes. The doctors and nurses stare at him in shock. The fully conscious William suddenly starts to convulse. He finds the strength to rip his mask off and begins to heave. Fluid that had started to escape into his lungs spills out of his mouth onto the white polished floor. A few nurses cringe at the sight. One of the doctors scratches his head.

Doctor 2: Well, that's one way to get it out.

At the Ishiyama residence, Hiroki and Grandpa watch over Ulrich, Yumi, and the parents. They have all slipped into a kind of coma and are struggling to breathe. Ulrich and Yumi's hands fall apart. A few tears come out of Hiroki's eyes while he holds his older sister's hand. Grandpa pats him lightly on his shoulder. The first rays of sunlight come into the room. Hiroki struggles to keep his composure.

Grandpa: It's okay Hiroki. It is perfectly acceptable for a man to cry. The old man starts to tear up as well. Especially in cases such as these.

Yumi's hand begins to feel cold and lifeless. Hiroki sobs bitterly.

Grandpa: The family will live on in you….

Hiroki: Do you….He sniffs… think I will make them proud?

Yumi: Not a chance….Hiroki and Grandpa nearly jump out of their skins. Yumi is weakly looking up at them. The two beam with indescribable joy and relief. Hiroki cries from sheer joy. Yumi looks at him teasingly. What are you crying for? Did you think I would give up that easily?

A few feet away, the parents are beginning to stir. Grandpa quickly heads over to help them. Meanwhile, Ulrich gasps and opens his eyes. Hiroki's smile broadens.

Hiroki: ULRICH! You're okay too!

Ulrich rests on his pillow like a cloud, drunk on the feeling of just being alive. He looks at Yumi.

Ulrich: She did it…

Yumi grabs his hand again. Hiroki looks confused.

Hiroki: Who did it? Who's she?

Back at Kadic, life slowly starts to return. The students in the nurse's office begin to wake up. Johnny opens his eyes to see Moriarty looking over him.

Johnny: Sir….I…I'm starting to-

Moriarty hushes him.

Moriarty: Take it easy Johnny my boy. You still have a lot of resting to do.

Johnny and several students around him smile at Moriarty. Odd's Clone continues his duties, regarding Moriarty with spiritless disdain. Klotz pats Jeremie's damp head. It's clear that Klotz is uncomfortable being near Jeremie, but he does his job. Jeremie starts to finally emerge from his deep sleep. His mind is swimming in soup.

Jeremie: Uh…..am I in…..heaven?

He looks over to see Klotz by his side. He frowns and goes back to sleep.

Jeremie: Nope.

Klotz: Nice to see you too Jeremie….

Odd takes care of Aelita while she rests in his sleeping bag. She pushes some pink hair out of her face and admires him.

Aelita: That was incredible.

Odd is glowing with pride and triumph.

Odd: It felt incredible…

A day later, Yumi walks around her room. She is in her nightclothes and has a blanket wrapped around her. She talks on the phone.

Yumi: I know. I couldn't believe it either.

William is speaking on the other line. He is resting on a hospital bed.

William: Odd saved us?

Yumi: He did. He beat two dark warriors all on his own.

William: Amazing. Does that mean he's cured?

Yumi twists her hair with her index finger. She stares out the window.

Yumi: The jury's still out on that one. But I have a good feeling it's at least a step in the right direction.

William: So…..He hesitates. Did we all….make it?

Yumi nods.

Yumi: Yes. And the city along with us. People all over are starting to get better and no one knows what to make of it. I heard that a well-respected doctor has gone out and said that a constant deluge of antibiotics must have unexpectedly worked. Funny, huh?

William: People will believe anything that sounds remotely logical, because the truth does not sound logical at all. He looks at the TV in his room and sighs. The clip shows patients wheeled out of the hospital in body bags. We didn't save everyone though.

Yumi frowns and rests her hand on the window ledge.

Yumi: How many?

William: This station says 42. The other one says 39. I'm not sure but it has to be around that number.

A deep pain makes Yumi feel sick to her stomach. She looks at her reflection in the window.

Yumi: If I hadn't done what I did, they might still be alive.

William: We are all responsible Yumi. Don't forget that. Also never forget who's really to blame.

She balls her fists.

Yumi: He is a murderer. A killer. He can't get away with this.

William: Yumi, don't forget vengeance is what got us into this mess in the first place.

Yumi: I don't want vengeance. I want justice. Those poor people and their families deserve to see Moriarty get what's coming to him.

William: And they will, don't you worry.

Ulrich begins to wake up from his sleep. He sees Yumi in front of him and notices that her nightclothes are somewhat loose and revealing. His eyes widen and he begins to stare at her with little restraint. Yumi quickly catches on and gives him a warning look. Ulrich blushes and pretends to fall back asleep.

William: How's your family doing?

Yumi: They're getting better.

William: And Ulrich?

She looks back at him slyly.

Yumi: He's pretty much cured….

William: That's great news!

Yumi: And what about yourself? How are you holding up?

William shrugs.

William: I'm starting to get my strength back. Although- William stops when he sees someone outside his door watching him. Yumi….can I call you back?

Yumi: Oh….sure, no problem.

They hang up. William turns his head to look at the stranger more closely. It is a dark-haired man dressed in the robes of a priest. He exhales slowly.

William: Come in.

The man obeys. He closes the door and regards William with strong compassion. He smiles.

Rosaire: I see you have….gotten better.

William scratches the back of his head.

William: So I have. Along with the rest of the city.

Rosaire nods. He looks blissfully out the window.

Rosaire: Another miracle from God himself. And to think I was about to doubt his goodness.

William taps his fingers against the armrests of his bed absentmindedly.

William: Yeah….I guess it was a miracle.

Rosaire: How anyone cannot believe him after this is beyond me.

William: Well, we'll see.

Rosaire looks at his younger brother and rolls his eyes. But he still smiles warmly.

Rosaire: I see your heart is still hard. But I am glad that you are alright.

William: So am I….He lays back down. By the way, how did you know I was sick? With all the chaos, I'm surprised you were able to find me.

Rosaire suddenly frowns at this question.

Rosaire: It….happened by accident. I had come to this hospital to receive last confessions from patients and pray for their souls. I learned that you were here sometime afterwards. He turns away. I've never had to do so many in one day. I pray to God I never have to do that again. But at least their souls were saved.

William imagines his older brother visiting the dying, giving them last rites as they gasp and their loved ones cry. The thought makes William feel very cold.

William: I'm so sorry.

Rosaire: You should be sorry for their families. And for this city. He stares at William grimly. Something terrible is happening to this country. First the nuclear scare, then the prison break, and now this nightmare. And I fear it is not over. I don't know what it is, but I can tell that this is not the end of it. He sighs. Oh, what do I know? I could be wrong.

William: No. He gives his brother a very serious look. You're not wrong at all.

In downtown Paris, Mr. Stern looks out at the city from his office. He appears stoic and brooding. His secretary walks in. He doesn't look at her.

Mr. Stern: My son?

Secretary: He survived sir. We found him at a house in Boulogne-Billancourt belonging to a Mr. Takeo Ishiyama. He was recuperating there.

Mr. Stern breathes. His tense shoulders relax a little.

Mr. Stern: Thank you. That will be all.

The secretary shows herself out. Mr. Stern's phone rings. He answers it.

Mr. Stern: Hello?

Claude: Mr. Stern, it's me.

Mr. Stern: Claude….Hold on a second. He makes the phone line secure. Okay, how did the last operation go?

Claude laughs.

Claude: I don't know what your little helper did, but we slipped right past those National Gendarmerie idiots. It was like their radars had stopped working or something. All of our boats got to Marseille, no problem.

Mr. Stern forms a slight smile.

Mr. Stern: So, do you think we could risk a few extra transports from the African coast?

Claude: If this guy keeps doing what he's doing, I don't see how it would be a problem. The profits would be incredible.

Mr. Stern: Excellent. Make sure to do that on your next trip.

Claude: And if I bring more refugees in…?

Mr. Stern becomes annoyed.

Mr. Stern: You will get an appropriate pay raise. Just do your job and keep giving me results.

Claude: No problem sir.

He hangs up. Mr. Stern looks out the window. He taps his fingers together, pondering this success.

Mr. Stern: I must meet this man soon.

Several days later, after all of them have recovered, the Lyoko group walks in the main floor of the factory in the early evening. Jeremie is carrying a large purple cake. The group's attitude is light and positive.

Aelita: Do you think he'll like it?

Ulrich: Are you kidding? You do realize this is Odd we are talking about, right?

Yumi: Jeremie better make sure he gets his hands out of the way before Odd charges.

Jeremie: Very funny Yumi.

William: I don't think he was joking Jeremie. You probably should be on your guard.

They walk to the elevator. Ulrich presses the button.

Jeremie: I know Odd has an enormous appetite, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't resort to cannibalism, even if it's accidental cannibalism.

The elevator opens.

Ulrich: Okay, but I'm standing behind you just in case.

The others laugh. The elevator starts to go down.

Jeremie: Remind me again how I got the job of carrying the cake.

William: Because you're a trooper and the rest of us don't want their hands bitten off.

The elevator opens to the lab room. Immediately the warriors get in the celebratory mood.

All: SURPRISE!

Aelita steps forward.

Aelita: We're here to say thank you!

Ulrich: ….For saving our skins.

Yumi: We're here to celebrate!

William motions to Jeremie.

William: And here is a little token of our appreciation.

Jeremie: Just please restrain yourself until I put it down…

The group suddenly realizes that Odd isn't responding. The surprised warriors look to see Odd standing somberly in the corner. He doesn't move. The excited atmosphere dies.

Yumi: Odd?

Aelita: What's wrong?

Ulrich suddenly appears frustrated.

Ulrich: Oh come on! You just saved the day! How can you be moping?

Odd slowly speaks up.

Odd: I'm sorry. I'm just not in the mood for cake.

The others look at each other in confusion. Odd turns to them, his face downcast. He does not run for the cake at all. Kiwi, however, has no such problem. He runs up to Jeremie and scratches his legs.

Jeremie: Ow! Kiwi this is horrible for your digestive system!

Kiwi apparently doesn't care. He keeps pressing Jeremie more eagerly for the deliciousness. Odd taps his fingers against the wall.

Odd: I'm really sorry guys. I'm happy that I came out of my shell and rescued all of you. Believe me, I am. But something happened there that…has ruined it. And the more I think about it, the more I start to believe that it was a hollow victory.

He sits down on the floor.

Aelita: What do you mean?

Odd: Jeremie, you remember the bugs I caused in the supercomputer, right?

Jeremie is doing his best to remove his pant leg from Kiwi's jaws.

Jeremie: Yes I do. But I corrected it. It's fine now.

Odd looks down at the floor.

Odd: That isn't the point…

Yumi: Then what is the point?

Odd looks up at the others sadly.

Odd: Do you remember when I used to get psychic visions on Lyoko?

Aelita, Yumi, Ulrich, & Jeremie: Yes.

William: No.

Odd closes his eyes tightly, clearly dreading discussing this.

Odd: Well during one of the bugs, I somehow temporarily got that power back. And I saw something….something terrible.

A tense silence hangs in the hair. The only sound is Jeremie struggling to lock Kiwi in the elevator to keep him from the cake.

William: What did you see?

Odd gently massages his temples. He looks up at the holomap of Lyoko. He takes a deep breath.

Odd: In the vision, I could see the core of Moriarty deep in the Network. It was blurry, but I could hear explosions and see flashes of light coming from different directions. It looked like a battle. Then I saw a Nav Skid racing toward the core. At first I thought it was going to fire a torpedo, but it just kept going. It kept going until…..He loses his voice for a moment....until it collided with it. There was this horrible explosion and…then nothing. Odd's face contorts with anxiety. I don't know who or how or why or when this will happen. But I do know this. Whoever was in that Nav Skid…..one of us….I don't know who but one of us…is going to die.

Odd looks up at his friends. They are staring at him with gaping mouths, completely aghast at this prophecy. Everyone looks at all the faces in the room. They are terrified for each other…and for themselves. Jeremie looks down at the yummy gift.

Jeremie: I'm not in the mood for cake either…

Okay, you can freak out now. Oh my God…A PROPHECY! What are the warriors going to do? Find out next week…or whenever I get to finishing the next part.