One is the Most Painful Number. (*Open*)

[kristopher]

<<Following on from Going to Lyoko. Alone. Though the previous thread was private this one is very much open to all members of the site.>>

Silence engulfed the factory for a moment before one of the scanners doors opened. Falling to my knees, beaten and bleeding from my encounter with Haxx on Lyoko just moments before, growling in pain. Blood was already starting to soak through my clothes, though they were untouched, like Roxas I kept my wounds from Lyoko. And only now would I feel the true extent of my disadvantage.

One gloved hand slipped into my jacket’s inside pocket, pulling the spare material I used some of as a bandage before out of my inside jacket pocket; I tied the material around the deep wound that, if I know it had not already, I would have guessed the blade straight went through my leg. Only the low growl of pain echoed through the factory breaking quiet calm that had settled moments before my agonising and rapid return.

Few precious minutes passed. I used the rest of the little material I had left round the worst of my wounds, having nowhere near enough to cover all the damage he inflicted. Using one hand to cover a wound on the opposite arm I looked up at the elevator door. Cursing under my short breath and turning my amethyst eyes back to the ground that had grew to have several bloodstains on.

My light grey hair hid my, slowly turning pale, face. Closing my eyes I felt as if I could do no more without risking putting myself in more danger or pain, as if it mattered now. The battle between Haxx, Xana’s new advantage over the Lyoko warriors, was over. But it had left me almost unable to move. I sat against the scanner. Waiting for a saviour, or impending doom.

[The Dude]

Marty dropped from the ladder and looked at Kris. He scowled. "Damn." He walked up to him and hit him lightly with his foot. "Get up." He said and ash dropped down. "Holy shit Kris you ok?" Ash ran up to kris and put his arm around him to help him up. "Marty get the elevator." Marty nodded and hit the button.

[Terra Kuran]

Beginning from Paths Less Traveled.

The elevator cranked and groaned as it made its way down the elevator shaft. The machinery sounded old and in need oil as well as many other things. Slowly it descended its way to the bottom where Marty stood waiting. However, when the doors slid open, it was not empty as expected. Terra stood a step out of the elevator and gazed around with wide eyes at all the mysterious technology glowing in green and yellow that surrounded her.

"Holy hell...."

Was all the words that she could say while she took it all in. Only when her eyes fell on Kris did her expression change a great deal - one that of surprise, confusion, and concern.

"What the- Kris what happened !?"

She dashed to Kris' side, noticing himself and the floor around him covered in blood. There were bandages on his wounds, but in her opinion they were clumsily wrapped.

[kristopher]

Even Marty’s light tap in encouragement to get me to stand made me wince in pain. Glaring up at him as Ash came down the ladder close by. “I’ve been a lot better...” I replied to his question, which really answered itself. Growling under my breath trying to hide the amount of pain I was in as I responded.

The elevator doors open slightly before expected, revealing Terra slightly overwhelmed by everything in the factory we had gotten so used to seeing. Her first time in the factory offered a lot to see and understand. We allowed her to take an uninterrupted moment to take it all in before she noticed the situation that had unfolded before her. I saw her expression change from the mixture of confusion and fascination, similar to what I had when seeing the factory for the first time, to one of surprised concern.

Managing to slip out a single word as she walked out of the elevator I knew Marty and Ash would disapprove of letting Lyoko’s secret slip. Accidental or not. “Terra...” was only just audible as my amethyst eyes slowly reached her sapphire eyes looking back at directly at me. I could hear the panic in her voice as she asked what had happened. I took a glance at my inefficiently wrapped wounds before speaking. “I ran into some... Trouble, on Lyoko.” Looking to Ash I took a deadly serious tone with him “I don’t want you two or Terra going to Lyoko until it’s safe.”

More concerned for their safety rather than my condition, I pushed myself up using the scanner behind me and Ash’s support. Only just standing, with more discomfort than ease, vision slightly blurred due to the loss of blood I tried to shake it off making my silver fringe swing across my slightly pale face as I did. Looking up to Terra and round to Ash and Marty “Help me up to the computer and I’ll explain everything. What happened and Lyoko itself.” I proposed, while trying to keep any and all weight off my injured leg. Blood was already starting to soak through the bandages but I preferred not to complain and do as promised. Show Terra the surprise that was waiting for her.

[The Dude]

Marty and ash nodded. Marty stood in the elevator with his arms crossed. Ash offered to help kris into the elevator.

[Terra Kuran]

Terra's eyes still slid from one machine to the next while darting back at Kris and his open wounds. It was as if only her two eyes were unable to take it all in within just a few moments she had to spare before Kris had spoke and was taken away from her awed thoughts. His eyes met her's and for the moment, Terra actually pinched her arm to make sure this wasn't some messed up hallucination or something - she felt like she was in total shock;

Is this seriously for real?

Was the only thought that kept echoing in her head. Then he mentioned about a place called Lyoko. If this oversized computer was some kind of a portal or something, then Terra had only thought that it was some kind of virtual universe if her assumptions were right...

But that doesnt explain how he managed to sustain such severe wounds!

Then he pointed out that neither her nor the two others should go to Lyoko unless it was safe - like she knew how to get there and what it was to begin with. And by the looks of things Terra doubted that the two Kris was indicating had any intentions of doing otherwise as Kris tried to support himself on a part of the large computer and asked the two others to take him to the computer so he could give an explanation to her. One of them supported Kris and brought him to the elevator while the other kept the elevator open. Terra wondered if the computer was the next floor up because if memory served her right she didn't recal seeing a computer from where she came from inside the first entrance of the old abandoned factory.

[kristopher]

With a touch of reluctance, I accepted Ash’s help in order to keep the weight off my injured leg. All four of us made our way to the elevator. After each new individual entered the battered elevator it groaned from the pressure, a groan of which most that ventured to the factory had gotten familiar with.

Glancing to Terra through my silver fringe from the elevator, leaning on the left wall, I took a moment to think before speaking ”Terra?” I nervously asked before continuing. ”It’s up to you. If you want to know about Lyoko- Or you could go home and think this never happened if that is what you want.” Even though I was uncertain, I spoke with a caring tone to her. Despite the situation that I was just dropped into, I was still more concerned about her over my own needs.

Glacing to Ash and Marty I gave them a small nod. Letting them both know I knew what I was doing, if all else failed they should be able to explain Lyoko. I turned back to Terra in a attempt to explain a part that she could either take onboard or take with her as she left. ”I’m sorry to pressure you... But you need to make a choice. If you want to stand aside, or change the world with me.” As I spoke I kept a deep wound just below my shoulder covered with lose bandages being held up by a blood-soaked glove.

Slowly looking up, amethyst eyes meeting sapphire eyes I waited for her response... Waiting, wishing for her to make the decision.

[The Dude]

Ash toke out new bandages and attemped to move his hand to wrap up his wounds. Marty leaned on the wall and closed his eyes and crossed his arms.

[Terra Kuran]

Terra looked at Kris with her own blue orbs, her eyes portrayed the battle of thoughts and mixed feelings that swirld around in her mind like winds. What she was able to take in at the bottom of this elevator shaft was enough alone for her mind to be unable to comprehend. But it wasn't enough to satisfy her curiousity. For the moment, Terra saw the massive amounts of blood soaking through the loose and roughly torn bandages that had no effect to holding back the bloody flow. Sighing Softly, she took off her light coat -the same one she wore the night she first met Kris- and tore it into strips for Kris and the other two to use with a look that plainly read 'don't worry about it.'

Then she leaned against the wall that Kris had supported himself on and folded her arms with the intent on gettign questions answered. Just what was it she saw? What is Lyoko? And what was all this about?

"Tell me everything..."

If she had at least some clue to why Kris and the other two were hurt and why no one knew about that secret part of the factory - or lyoko for that matter- she might be able to give them an answer in rerurn. Terra hoped that Kris would understand.

[kristopher]

I was surprised that Terra gave up her jacket for me as I had for her the first time we met, but the idea of returning the jacket that was now being used as bandages was a little silly. ‘I’ll repay her later’ was my initial thought about the situation. She clearly did not mind, but I knew I would need to repay the favour in due time.

As Ash went to better tie the bandage around my arm I closed my eyes looking down and to a side where Ash, Marty, nor Terra could see more than my silver fringe. Though just by looking down was easily enough to cover down to the blue arrows that most had gotten used to as my normal dress. Not that I would openly admit it... But I was slightly ashamed to need this help, not to mention first impressions of Lyoko were not looking so bright for Terra.

Glancing at Terra’s stance through my fringe I let out a small sigh at her request, I owed her that much as to explain. ”Terra... Lyoko is a virtual world where a demonic virus named Xana is fighting us for control. If he gets control of the towers on Lyoko he can attack the real world.” Though the answer was short and to the point, it gave enough insight into Lyoko for now. A small smile cast in her direction as we stood in the creaking elderly elevator was enough to tell her I was happy to answer any question she could conjure up.

[The Dude]

Marty closed his eyes. "You don't die in lyoko but you can get hurt like hell. The only way you can die in the real world is by falling into the virtual sea." Marty kept his arm crossed and his eyes closed. "He is right about xana but even us alone we cannot beat him. We need more time and enough training."

Ash stood up. "There that should be good until we can get you some real help or until we can get a return to the past ready." He got out of the elevator as it opened and walked over to the computer.

[Terra Kuran]

The look of surprise was by far worth more than that jacket of hers. It made her smile a little knowing that he seemed appriciated by it, but then mentally slapped herself for acting too 'lovey-dovey'.

Christ, it's like I'm falling for the guy.

The thought that bugged her the most was that Kris seemed like the type that would most likely pay her back, it would just make things difficult because she's not willing to accept things so easily. On the other hand she did consider that she took his jacket pretty quick - mentally slapping herself too for not returning it when she came here- but then she shrugged it off just as quick as it came because of the cold and rainy weather that night. Then she felt a slight uneasy aura when Kris tilted his head down and hid most of his face from view. But no matter how much he tried to hide it, Terra was pretty good on picking up emotions just by body language. Not looking at her in the eyes and away from the other two ment he was hideing something inside he didn't want them to know. She bit her lip to keep back an unnesscary comment about it and decided to bring it up later.

Then came time for the explanation of the Lyoko world. Terra listened intently as the two explained about the digital universe and about the computer virus they referred to as Xana. Terra didn't know a whole lot about computers, but she did know that if there was a virus there must be someone that created it. Then she wondered how long these guys have been fighting the virus and if they had any lead to the source of it - though they did say it was demonic, and even though she's heard tales she didn't really believe in demons. None the less, fighting was something she could handle - virtual or not. Even after the two others said you could still sustain injury, a bruise or two was nothing to cry about to Terra. She was more than willing to take out some frustration on just about anything. And if what this Xana thing was doing really did affect the real world it gave her all the more encouragement to fight. The virtual sea didn't faze her at all either. So far as she was concerned, her brother was against her - a real jerk at that - and her mother hardly ever pays attention to her without even hearing from her father. In her mind, Kris was the only person that ever showed any human emotion twoards her.

Just before the elevator opened up, Terra looked straight at the three with a serious expression.

"I'm in..."

The doors creaked open with - it seemed- years without any proper oiling. This factory must have been around for years - all the machinery was old, dusty and rusted out.. that was until her eyes met what looked like a giant mainframe computer. Her jaw dropped at the advanced technology before her giving her a sudden want to explore it all. In the end, Terra tore her eyes away from the huge equipment and went to Kris's side to aide him out of the elevator. Gently, she took his right arm and rested it over her shoulders allowing him to lean against her for better movement.

"This Xana thing sounds like a real pain. You really don't have to explain much more other than how to get there. I'm more than willing to check this place of yours out."

It was more out of curiousity to see this place for herself. The machinery around her was proof enough, but when they talk about it, it was more difficult than anything just to picture it in her mind. She had to get there and find out about what she would be up against... However, one thing one of the two that accompanied Kris did stand out so much she had to ask;

"Though... what do you mean 'return to the past'?"

She didn't even know their names - save for Kris- and already she was willing to help.

Dammit... I hope I don't regret this..

[kristopher]

Watching Terra’s reaction as a small part of our big secret was explained. I took chance to define some things a little better after Marty finished his explanation. ”As far as I’ve seen, myself and Roxas are the only ones who carry our wounds over from Lyoko... Everyone else fine when they return.” Not bothering to hide my heritage I passed a small smile to Terra, if my words were not good reassurance I was hoping at least my presence would be.

I thanked Ash quietly before seeing Terra’s response to the Factory. It reminded me how unique the experience of Lyoko was, compared to how life used to be before I –and probably the others also- found Lyoko, very different. It was almost cruel to drop her in the deep end of it so suddenly. Though it confused me how she seemed interested by everything and totally unfazed by the threat Lyoko could have posed to her.

As the doors painfully creaked open revealing the machine that made everything Lyoko possible, I looked to Ash and Marty before turning to Terra as she was looking in amazement around the room, ”Terra?” I hesitantly asked as she came to my side offering her help. A slight blush came to my pale face that was, mostly, hidden by blue markings or a curtain of silver fringe. ”Thank you...” I whispered to her, hoping it would go unnoticed. ”And a return to the past is exactly what it sounds like, a jump back in time; anyone who hasn’t been to Lyoko has no recollection of what happened the previous time around.” Immediately looking to Ash and Marty, single second of silence fell as a thought crossed my mind. My amethyst eyes looking into Terra’s I smirked.

”Ash, Marty, how about you launch up the virtualisation instead? That is- if you want your surprise, Terra.”

[The Dude]

Ash nodded and marty crossed his arms. "If you go back and get beaten up worse you do know you'll have a chance to die when you get out right?" Marty said and looked at kris.

[Terra Kuran]

Carrying wounds in and out of Lyoko on her own flesh was something that barely fazed her at all. Though it may not have been obvious on the outside due to her expression of awe written all over her face, Terra was concerned for her friend and what this Xana was capable of. She didnt need reassurance either, her curiousity to explore this virtual world of theirs was strong enough - added to the fact that she could take on battle wounds and still have enough strength to keep coming back for more. However, his smile was still enough to make her relax and smile back while surrounded in all of Lyoko's life and hardware.

As she supported him, Terra heard him ask for her followed by a slight whisper - barely audible. She smiled at him without looking his way and whispered back;

"You're welcome..."

She listened to his explanation, nodded. Things were starting to unfold into the most weird situations she had ever heard of. A trip into the past to stop recollections, a demonic virus.. what was next? Flying pigs? Suddenly she was torn out of her deep thought when Kris asked to 'launch up the virtualization board'. If this was what had hurt Kris in the first place, she didn't feel up to letting him go back so easily.

"Are you crazy? If that's the place where you got your wounds Kris, you're going to get yourself killed."

[kristopher]

”That all depends whether you’re with me, Terra.” I responded in a dark, almost teasing, tone. The very real reality of it was Terra and Marty were right. It was a large risk to go back to Lyoko in the condition I was in currently in. But I was not the type to not keep my promises, especially one made to Terra herself.

The skies were starting to grow dark, the heavens opened and rain started beating down on the factory’s ancient roofing at a fast steady pace, the sound of the rain echoed throughout the factory filling any empty air it could find. A single drop slipped through the elevator roof... Strange how the rain seamed to follow us every time we met.

Slowly looking through my silver fringe to terra, a sigh slipped as I ran through the possibilities of what could happen, the brighter and the darker possibilities. Finally glancing to Ash and Marty I had made my choice. ”When I get to Lyoko I will have at least 70 life points, that will be enough for me to show Terra the ropes." My amethyst eyes looking to Terra once more as I gave her a small nod to let her know I was certain I was prepared for it. ”We can turn off the tower our newest ‘friend’ turned on. There will be no need for a jump back in time.” I said in a serious tone, being more of an order rather than a suggestion.

[The Dude]

Marty pushed ash out of the chair and sat in it. "GOod luck is all i can say." "Asshole." Ash said to marty. Ash got up and brushed himself off. Marty hit keys on the computer. "It might be a good idea to return to the past but we'll only do it if we need to." Marty said and spun to face them.

[Terra Kuran]

She caught onto the teasing in his voice real fast. Even though she reacted within she kept her face expressionless. Though knowing Kris he probably would pick up on it any way. She had this funny feeling that he was able to notice just about anything she did that no one else had..... Then she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. Now was not the time for her to go soft. She tried to focus on what was going on now, but the soft tapping of water drops on metal distracted her. A drop of rain fell between a crack in the metal that made up the elevator and hit her hand. Weird how every time they met it rained.

Then Kris mentioned something about a tower... perhaps those were the things Xana used to control not only that digital world but theirs as well?

"Tower?"

She asked outloud, though she didn't want to seem like she was stalling or anything. But she didn't want to go full speed ahead into something she was compleatly unaware about - that was like asking for death.

Terra watched as one of the two boys pushed the other out of the chair. The one that otp ushed cursed. The way they squabbled she assumed they were brothers. Then she watched as they entered in the data needed to activate Lyoko while he expressed his thoughts on performing a 'return to the past' if necessary.

"I kinda have to agree with that one Kris. If things get messy and this Xana guy takes control like you say he can, we don't want anyone getting hurt or remembering this."

For once she was trying to be cautious, but she didn't know how much power Xana had or what he was really capable of. The only way for her to really understand this though was to go and see it for herself. She nodded to the two boys and Kris;

"I'm ready..."

[kristopher]

Watching Ash and Marty struggle over a seat was too childish for my tastes, yet still amusing to watch them squabble amongst themselves over something so trivial. Meanwhile. The sky remained dark and the tapping against the metal roofing got more frequent. Loudly, announcing the presence of the storm above.

Hearing Terra’s question I smiled a little, I was glad she was thinking about what was going on rather than jumping straight in to the unknown. Although I knew that, even if she asked every question that she could conjure, she would most likely still be blown away by the reality –or virtual reality- of Lyoko. No surprise. Lyoko was still full of surprises. Even for a veterans like Ash or Marty.

“Think of the towers as the link between our world and Lyoko, the virtual one.” I answered.

I glanced over to the computer’s interface in front of us. Then slowly nodding at Ash and Marty at the computer’s controls just after Terra did and then gave a slow nod in return to her. Slipping a hand aside to lower the elevator but, by no means with stealth. The doors jolted shut inch by inch to a close shortly followed by the elevators decent. My eyes slowly turned to the piece of jacket that had become a bandage, then to the person who would be so kind as to bandage that wound. I let out a quiet sigh before speaking. Knowing it was only to be heard by her I spoke quietly.

“Terra, the primary on Lyoko is to keep yourself safe. The last thing I could live down is getting you hurt. I... Honestly don’t know if I can keep you safe if our newest enemy turns up again. And that is not something I would like to admit...” I hesitantly said as the elevator doors clattered open onto the room Terra had already encountered.

My own blood remained on the ground by one of the scanners; it was slightly less than how much I thought I had lost. Yet, the sight of it was still unpleasant at best.Turning my eyes to meet hers, amethyst to sapphire, I give her a small smirk.

“Ready for this Terra?” I asked somewhat confidently. Gently wrapping my hand around hers to reassure her that I was by her side, every step of the way.

[The Dude]

Marty looked at the screen. "Go down and do what you must once you go in ash is going to stand by a scanner and he'll go in if you need help." He said and nodded toward them.