Lines in the Sand

Things stayed quiet for a while after Jin shared his reasons with the sixteen teenagers which was his exact intention. Chelsea brought herself back to reality and realized that she’d been holding onto the boy’s torso the whole time. Out of embarrassment she relinquished her gripped and slowly backed into the throng of on lookers to wait for the hour to pass. The elevator’s doors closed in their usual fashion as it prepared to take the original members back into the depths of their headquarters. As the large machine began its decent, a loud, panicking voice broke managed to break through the mechanical orchestra.

“MY RIBS! MY RIBS! GAAAAH CHELSEA, WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SQUEEZE THEM SO HARD! THEY’RE STILL HEALING FOR PETE’S SAKE!”

Sixteen sweatdrops simultaneously formed at that moment.

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Odd and Jeremie exited the elevator and were besides themselves with laughter.

“For someone who put up such a tough face, you really know how to scream your head off,” the more intelligent of pair said in-between giggles.

Normally such a comment would resort in the delivery of more verbal abuse by the team’s favorite purple prankster but he was still reeling from the humor of the situation.

“Oh sure Jeremie, laugh it up, just laugh it up,” the oldest team member’s reply through clenched teeth. “Who would have thought that a broken rib cage would make me the life of the party?”

As if to hammer his point home, Jin raised his shirt just high enough to show the rest of his friends his medical tapped-covered torso. Realizing the absurdity of his own actions, the once angry boy could no longer keep his stern look and proceeded to laugh as much as his injured ribs would let him. The behavior proved to be contagious as it was something that everyone needed. What started out as two people poking fun at the contrasting expressions the Japanese boy had shown, evolved into a moment of bonding that alleviated some of the gloom that surrounded the entire ordeal.

That feeling of happiness was lost on Aelita first. Her smile faded into a more solemn look as she gazed at the floor her mind heavy with thoughts. Although this change was done ever so slightly, they did not go unnoticed by Jeremie’s caring eyes.

“Is something wrong?”

“Please be honest with me everyone, do you think we’re doing the right thing with all of this?”

That question forced everyone to relive that faithful day when the idea was first conceived. The discussion was both fierce and thought provoking. Their very bonds of friendship were tested as each member fired off their reasoning without a single shred of restraint. It was after enduring hours of arguing did a final plan begin to surface.

Aelita paused for a quick moment and then spoke again.

“We all agreed that this was the best plan we could think of but to see how strongly attached the others were to their own experiences is making me question our judgement.”

Odd too had his own concerns that he needed to get out. He didn’t feel like laughing anymore.

“Here’s my stand on everything guys. Do we really have to go MIB on all the losers? Real life is dull, plain and simple. If I was responsible for saving the world then I think I should be entitled to keeping my memories.”

“Sometimes I wonder about that,” Ulrich responded. “If it were not for Lyoko the six of us would have never met but one of the reasons why I’m fighting is so I can go back to my normal life.”

“Normal?! Don’t tell me you want things to go back to they used to be.”

“Aren’t you tired of keeping up this dual identity? My father always wanted a son to be the best at everything. Since I can’t be a good student, I’ve spent more time and energy into soccer than your average person but even then it’s not good enough to please him. The one thing at life I’m really good at, the one thing I’m proud of; I can’t tell him. I think he would be proud to see his son saving the world for the sake of others...maybe. You could say that I envy losers slightly.”

His reasoning struck a cord deep within Yumi as she shared many of his plights.

“I can see where you’re coming from. Every time I have to lie to my parents, I just feel sick to my stomach. Can you imagine telling them that them that the real reason why Aniki was hurt was a freak accident when you know fully well an evil computer program was responsible!”

The debate resumed and its second incarnation proved to be just as trying as the first. Having the sixteen candidates in the factory only proved to reconfirm the beliefs they once had. Aelita brought herself back to the front line and expressed her opinions for a second time.

“We have sixteen people back there wanting to be part of the team. If all of them were to be brought to our side then we’d be a serious force against XANA. Maybe they don’t all have to fight on Lyoko. Just having them stay at Kadic for damage control would prove to be very helpful for us.”

This exchange of ideas was repeated in the past but for one injured team member, but it was completely new. He really sympathized with the formal virtual resident. Clearly she was looking out for friends’ interest both old and new. Although he was not present during the time they first discussed this topic, he still could provide a unique insight into the matter.

“I understand where you’re coming from but wouldn’t we be putting them in greater danger if we took in all sixteen members?”

This was a point not said in the past but once it was laid out a whole new line of thinking was forged in which Jeremie lead the way.

“It’s hard enough concealing Lyoko’s existence among the six of us ever since we stopped relying on our Return to the Past trips. Think of the tough time we’re going to have when sixteen students suddenly sneak off campus. Even if they were to stay just as damage control then we’d be an even bigger target for XANA. The scary thing about Jin’s accident was that it could have happened to any one of us. What if he decided to target the reserve members as well?”

He placed his hands on Aelita’s shoulders. He hated dashing her hopes and crushing her optimism. Still, in his heart he believed that this was the right choice for everyone, not just the original founders. The elevator was alive with activity meaning that there were some people who didn’t need an entire hour to figure out if they wanted to go with the entire tournament.

“I guess that’s enough squabbling on our part. If there’s anyone you want to talk to before this thing starts then I suggest you do it now.”

The rest of the team nodded and went their separate ways.

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“Odd!”

The blonde boy quickly turned around to face the person calling his name and saw his younger relative running toward him.

“Yo James, how’s it hanging?”

“Please be honest with me when I ask this. Do you honestly think I can win against all these people?”

Odd didn’t even need a second to think of his answer.

“Man you can beat these chumps with one hand tied behind your back.”

Even with the reassurance of the one family member he really idolized. The nervousness did not subside one iota.

“I wish I had your confidence with you going into this. When we fought on Lyoko together I honestly felt like I could have taken on the entire world.”

“Well of course you can take on the entire world. You’re a Della Robbia after all.”

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A tiny digital counter reached zero. The sound within the teenager’s ear using the device slowly faded until nothing but the mechanical hum of the factory filled her surroundings. Only a few seconds passed before the numbers increased in value once again.

“This will be the eighth time this song has played in a row. Change the track Izz.”

“Actually it would be the twelfth time. Besides, it’s my mp3 player. No one asked you to listen in on my playlist.”

“Well variety is the spice of life.”

Sitting against the walls of the computer rested two teens. They too had done their own fair share of soul searching determined to find their own resolve to fight above all else.

“I know I sounded all excited at first but I’m beginning to see how serious this battle is going to get.”

“Do my ears deceive me? I swear I think I just heard Cy saying something quiet poignant.”

“Hey I’m trying to have a moment here.”

“Then continue.”

The music became nothing more than just background noise as it was just another layer of sound for the friends to break through.  They were indeed the lucky pair. While most of their peers struggled to find meaning in their own actions, Izz and Cyrus had each other to draw strength from.

“I think I’m beginning to see why they’re only allowing one of us to join the team.”

“You’ve been thinking about that too? Let’s hear your thoughts. “

“Ever heard of the saying ‘Too many chefs ruin the broth’?”

Izz traded in her smile for a darker glare in which she shot at her best friend.

“I know for a fact that it’s always been your dream to own a restaurant but would you please stop it with all the bad food references!”

“I’ll cook something else up then.”

“Ugggg”

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Somehow it didn’t sit well with Yumi to go out there and just talk to one of the battle participants as if nothing had happened. As much as she wanted to deny the fact, she played a role in deciding this horrible battle. No one foresaw such a large amount of recruits as circumstances beyond their control forced the team’s hand. Originally they anticipated scouting only a handful of people but there were many instances where they were the ones who were approached by people who wanted, no demanded to be let in. Jeremie faced the brunt of these threats as he was once held at knife point. They’ve gotten sloppy.

Her grim recollections vanished by the site of a large white cup being handed to her filled to the brim with coffee.

“You need this more than me.”

“Thanks.”

The drink was still warm, soothing and was strong enough to perk up one’s spirits without causing a hyperactive caffeine rush.

“Good thing I ordered two of these babies, I had a feeling I was going to need the extra dosage.”

Casilde Farefax, a girl who shared both her grade level and walking route, she was now a good friend. To see her hand over her precious Mocha Latte over was indeed a genuine act of friendship on her part.

“This doesn’t taste like you usual blend.”

“That’s because it’s not. I asked them to make it a bit lighter than usual. This would be the second time I ordered this.”

“Second time? When was the first?”

“The day I gave that XANA clone a taste of my pepper spray.”

“Oh....”

Her speech trailed off and shifted her gaze to the container of brown liquid she was holding. If it wasn’t for her brother’s injury, she would have never made such a great friend. However on the flip side, it was because of her negligence that such a kindhearted person will have to go through the tournament. These two sides tore at her on the inside.

“I’m sorry to hear about your brother. Looks like toughness runs in the family. I mean he’s in good spirits for someone who’s been through as much as he does.”

Yumi still stared at her cup.

“One time, XANA robbed Aniki of his vision and he was blind for two whole days. For him, losing one eye is nothing but in reality I should be apologizing to you and everyone else for being involved in this mess.”

“Ok. You definitely need to drink more of this stuff. I hate to see you so down. Listen, no one’s going to hate you for doing this. Sixteen is a really big number so I can partially understand your reasoning.”

“You can?”

“Cream and sugar is great in small amounts. Use them too much and you can mess up even the most well-made javas....yeah that was the best I could come up with.”

Warm drinks and an even warmer hearts brought Yumi out of her slump. She could finally look her friend in the eye again.

“Hey, speaking of the sixteen. Did you notice how there’s way more girls here than guys?”

“I did. I wonder who’s responsible for that?”

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A valuable lecture on what makes a good Lyoko warrior was suddenly interrupted as the speaker experienced a rather strange shiver run through his body.

“Hey James, did it all of a sudden get chilly in here?”

“Why Odd? Is there something wrong?”

“Must have been my imagination.”

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“I don’t get what you’re trying to say Kitsune.”

Aelita stood off to the side with another person who personally requested the presence of the pink haired girl. Nervously the other girl twirled with her pigtails.

“My time on Earth was fun. I learned many new things, made new friends and of course had some great sweets.”

“Including Jeremie’s mouse.”

The two girls laughed at the little inside joke and proceeded as normal.

“The thing is Aelita. When your father created me, it was so that XANA had a counter balance on Lyoko. It’s not fair to the other people for me to fight them.”

“Wait. Does that mean you wish to....”

“I intend to return to Lyoko so I can better fulfill my duties.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a bit rash?”

“It’s obvious that XANA is getting stronger with or without the Return to the Past trips. If I go back then I’m sure I can help prevent another tragedy from befalling your friends like what happened before.”

“But-“

“I’ve made up my mind Aelita. The issue has already discussed this with Jeremie and I do not intend to go back on my word. It’s been fun but I have to-“

Now it was Kitsune’s turn to be cut off as she was pulled into a tight hug. Being both former inhabitants of Lyoko had created a special bond between the two girls not easily duplicated. Tearfully Aelita let go of her hold and watched the girl walk into the elevator to be taken to the scanners.

By that time Ulrich had caught the tail end of the conversation and was quiet puzzled at what happened. Of course he went with his gut and asked what happened. Such a simple quiet was met with a rather cryptic response.

“There’s only fifteen now.”