A/N: ***Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
The actors run out on stage one by one to take their bows with the Grand Kadic Theatre abuzz with cheering and applause. William, Odd, and Aelita join the standing ovation and congratulate Sissi from afar on her wonderful performance. The actors leave the stage gracefully and for a moment, only the stage is bathed in a final swath of ethereal light before the house lights illuminate the audience.
Odd can't help but let out a low whistle as he taps his fingers against the golden railing. "Man, that was something else. Sissi really knocked it out of the park tonight. My girl's got some serious talent."
Aelita, her eyes still glistening from the performance, nods in agreement. "Absolutely. She's so amazingly breathtaking when in character. She makes Evangeline Harcourt look effortless."
The three friends make their way out to the theatre's opulent lobby and spend a few minutes standing around and chatting with each other and some of the other patrons.
When the backstage doors swing open, revealing the exuberant actors now in their regular clothing, the lobby breaks into another round of applause.
Odd keeps his eyes focused on the doorway, waiting for his girlfriend to make her reappearance. "Where is she, where is she," he repeats under his breath like a mantra. "Ah! There she is." He glides forward and immediately engulfs her in a congratulatory hug. "Sissi, babe, you were incredible! I'm so proud of you."
Sissi blushes and returns the embrace. "Thank you, babe. That means a lot."
William and Aelita approach the couple, both of them wearing matching smiles.
"Congratulations, Sissi," William says, giving her a quick hug. "You were wonderful."
"Thanks, Will. That's very sweet of you."
It's Aelita's turn for a hug, and what a hug it is. It's one of their trademark impossibly tight, squealing hugs that turns the heads of whoever is nearby. "Sissi! I can't believe you! You are so radiant!" Aelita gushes.
"Thank you, Lita," Sissi manages to squeeze out.
William stifles a laugh at the sight of the two best friends hugging.
"Alright, you two," Odd interrupts. "Break it up. There's plenty of Sissi to go around."
Aelita releases her hold on her friend and steps back, a wide grin still plastered on her face.
"So, what's the plan for the rest of the night?" William asks.
"Well," Sissi begins, "I saw on social media that there's an after-party at a lounge not too far from here. I was hoping we could all go."
"An after-party?" William repeats, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, there's always a celebration like this. For the cast, crew, and friends. To commemorate the closing performance."
"I want to go," Aelita chirps up. "It's been a while since I've been to a party."
William shoots her a concerned glance. "Are you sure, Lita? Don't force yourself to go."
"I'm not forcing myself, honey. I genuinely want to go."
William and Odd exchange a worried look.
William continues. "Okay. We can go, then. But if you get uncomfortable for any reason, tell me. I'll take you right home."
"Deal."
The four friends leave the theatre and head to the building where the after-party is being held.
The lounge is packed with people, and the music is loud, even from the outside.
"Wow," Sissi says, her eyes wide. "This is a lot bigger than I thought it would be."
"Yeah, no kidding," William agrees. "I'm surprised there are already so many people here."
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Odd asks. "Let's go have some fun."
The four of them make their way inside and find a place to sit.
"Who wants drinks?" Sissi asks.
"Me!" Aelita answers quickly.
William's eyebrows shoot up. "Maybe, uh... maybe not, Princess."
"Why not?"
"Because..." William pauses, choosing his words carefully. "Maybe you getting drunk at a party like this isn't the best idea."
"I'll be fine, Will. Besides, I know you'll protect me if anything goes wrong."
William sighs. "Yeah. Okay. Just take it easy, though, yeah?"
"Yes, honey." She gives him a quick peck on the cheek before disappearing with Sissi to get a drink.
Odd and William watch the girls leave.
"So," Odd starts, "how has she been lately? Obviously better if she's able to be here and drink with no problem."
William sighs. "Yeah, she's been doing a lot better. It's just hard not to be worried about her in a situation like this."
"Why?"
"For one, I know how bad of an influence Sissi can be sometimes. And for two, Pelletier is still out there. He's still a threat. And even with a restraining order, there's still the risk that he could try something."
"Will, buddy, you can't live your life worrying about what might happen. Life goes on. You have to focus on the here and now."
"Since when have you been my therapist?" William scoffs before nodding at his friend. "But yeah, you're right. I just can't help but worry about her."
"I know. I get it. But she's strong, and she has you. She'll be okay."
William sighs. "Yeah. Thanks, Odd."
"Anytime, buddy."
The girls return with their drinks, and the four of them share time between the dance floor and their chosen seats.
"Hey, Princess," William says, pulling Aelita close. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm good, Will. Really."
"Okay. Just making sure."
Aelita smiles. "I appreciate it."
***Sissi pulls Aelita back towards the dance floor when the song changes. "Come on, Lita. Let's dance some more."
Aelita giggles and follows her friend.
William and Odd watch the two girls dance, content to enjoy the view in silence.
Sissi and Aelita lose themselves in the music, dancing and laughing together.
"Oh, great," Odd says, nudging his friend. "Hey, William."
"Yeah?"
"So much for party rocking. Party crashers at twelve o'clock."
William follows Odd's gaze and sees what he's referring to. Three guys from Monod's soccer team have entered the lounge and are making their way over to the dance floor before noticing William.
"Shit," William mutters. "Can't wait to find out what these assholes want."
The apparent leader makes a gesture to the rest of the crew and then points out William. They turn and make a beeline right for him.
"Well, well, well," the leader says. "If it isn't everyone's favorite knight in shining armor. How's it going, Dunbar?"
"What do you want, Kohler?" William growls.
"Oh, nothing. We just heard there was a rager in this lounge and wanted to see what's up."
"You came all the way from Monod just to crash a party? Bullshit. Why are you dicks really here?"
One of the other guys snickers. "Yeah, Kohler. Bullshit." He looks back towards the dance floor where Aelita and Sissi are still dancing, unaware of the commotion. "We came here to see your girl, Dunbar."
William's eyes narrow.
"Yeah. The pink-haired chick. What's her name again? Aelita?"
William stays silent.
"Pelletier has a message for her. He says she better watch her back."
William clenches his fists.
"Brandon may not be able to say this himself because of that stupid fucking protective order, but we're here on his behalf to remind you that he's not going down without a fight."
"Neither am I," Aelita says suddenly from behind William.
The three guys and William turn their attention to her.
"Well, hello, beautiful," the shortest one says, licking his lips. "If it isn't Brandon's favorite cum dumpster."
"You wanna run that by me again, fucker?" William growls standing between her and her aggressor.
"By you? Nah. Leave me be, I'm not talking to you. Just trying to remind her of her place in this world."
"My place is right here. Pelletier doesn't scare me," Aelita repeats.
"That's a choice you should rethink, girly. Brandon's got friends in high places and he won't let you get away unscathed."
"I guess that's why he needs his lackeys to do his intimidating. He's not a mob boss, just a rapist."
Both William and the shorter lackey blink in surprise at her comment. The guy looks at his friends before responding. "I like her. She's bold. You think a couple witty comebacks will get us to go away? Think again. We're not done talking to you yet, bitch."
"Well, I'm done listening." She gives him a once over. "Bitch."
"Whoa, whoa. Quite the mouth you've got there. I love a girl that can swear," he says licking his lips again. "Poor, naive, little Aelita. You think you can drag Brandon's name through the mud and get away with it?" He takes a step towards her, but William immediately cuts him off, so he stays where he is. "Your case is weak, Aelita. Like I said, Brandon has many friends in high places."
The Monod players turn to leave, but not before the shortest one says, "Watch your back, Stones. This isn't anywhere near over. You too, Dunbar."
The partygoers watch in stunned silence as they leave.
After collecting his jaw off the floor, William turns to his girlfriend. "Damn, Lita. Do you really need my protection? That was incredible. You shut them up good."
"I'm just tired of Pelletier's bullshit. He's already taken everything from me once, and I'm not about to just sit back and let him do it again."
In a cozy corner of the Hermitage living room, the aroma of freshly delivered pizza fills the air, mingling with laughter and lively chatter. William, Odd, Sissi, and Aelita are gathered around the well-worn coffee table, their chosen battlefield for the evening's entertainment. Empty pizza boxes lay open, each player's favorite toppings gracing the cardboard plates.
As the chatter and teasing banter flow, it is evident that this is more than a simple card game night; it is a chance to unwind, relax, and simply enjoy each other's company. The colorful Pit cards, with all their produce related pictures, are spread across the table, forming a chaotic array of trading possibilities.
Odd's expressive face is illuminated with excitement as he gestures to the rowdy scene before him. "Alright, folks, you know the rules: get those cards and vocal cords moving! It's time for a good old-fashioned commodities market meltdown!"
Sissi grins mischievously, surveying her hand of cards. "You may regret saying that, Odd. I'm planning to corner the market on wheat!"
William, on the other hand, is silently strategizing, eyes narrowing with focus as he watches the chaos unfold before him. The competitiveness that serves him well on the soccer field is now being channeled into this very important card game.
Aelita, ever the level-headed player, casually observes the spirited trading around her. She chuckles softly, appreciating the chance to forget about XANA, Replika destruction, and all the other struggles of her life, if only for a little while. "Let's do this."
The game of Pit commences. Cards are traded rapidly and loudly, each player attempting to collect a full set of one commodity. Wheat, barley, sugar, and soybeans become the focus of their wheeling and dealing. Shouts of "One! One! One!" and "I need three! Three! Three!" echo in the room as they trade cards with wild gestures.
Round after round flies by and more pizza boxes slowly empty, while the room is filled with laughter, good-natured shouting, and the thrilling chaos of Pit. For a while, the worries of Lyoko, school, and life outside these walls seem to fade into the background. And in the heart of the Hermitage, four friends find simple joy in the company of each other, with only a deck of cards and some well-placed shouts.
That is, until Aelita's phone rings.
She glances at the screen and sighs. "It's my lawyer."
William's expression darkens. "What does he want at this hour?"
"Only one way to find out." Aelita picks up the call. "Hello?"
"Hello, Miss Stones. I'm sorry to bother you on a Friday night, but some news just found its way to my inbox that you're going to want to hear."
"It's alright. What is it?"
"The court date has been finalized. You will be in court on May 22nd."
Aelita's eyes widen. "May 22nd? That's only two weeks away."
"Yes, it is. I apologize for the short notice, but the judge had an unexpected cancellation and our case got thrown into his docket for that day. It's not ideal for our prosecution like I've told you before, but it's our day."
"No, no. It's fine. I'll be there."
"Excellent. I will see you in court, Miss Stones."
"Yes. Thank you." Aelita hangs up the phone and looks at her friends, who are all staring at her expectantly.
"Well?" William asks.
"We have a court date. The 22nd."
"So close already," William says, his jaw clenched.
"Yeah."
"That's not a lot of time to prepare," Sissi points out.
"No, it's not," Aelita agrees. "And that worries me. Pelletier benefits from a quick turnaround."
"We'll be there with you every step of the way," William assures her. "If you need any help at all, we're all open."
"Yeah," Odd adds. "We've got your back, Lita."
Aelita smiles. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."
William wraps his arm around her shoulders and pulls her close. "Don't worry, Princess. We'll get through this. Together."
"Yeah. Together," Aelita echoes.