When the Towers Wake | Code Lyoko FanFiction | Project Carthage

XANA

Elias and I came up with a new plan. Sending Lyra into the real world using a temporary materialization program—just like Aelita once was. Code Earth.

Her mission there is to steal a key piece of Jeremy's code from the Factory's computers that could sever my control. I know Elias sees it as tactical; I see it as a test. To see how Lyra handles freedom.

Lyra

I stepped out of the scanner, my feet touched the floor. I looked around with awe. I put my hands on my hair, touching it. I am a real girl. I am not just a code anymore. I heard XANA's voice in my head:

"Don't get distracted, Lyra. You're not one of them."

I sneak out of the Factory and make my way to Kadic Academy. Thanks to XANA, I have a new, false identity. I watched other students laugh, I felt joy.

I saw couples holding hands, kids skateboarding, and music playing. A pang of longing hits me—this world feels like a dream.

After classes, I sneak back into the Factory, I hack into Jeremy's system, downloading a key algorithm while fighting off defence firewalls.

While inside, I saw fragments of Aelita's original memory codes—raw, pure, untouched by corruption.

One file shows Aelita and Franz hugging. Another: Franz holding a baby—Aelita.

I sighed as I looked at it.

"Why did my own father never hold me like that?"

I heard an elevator, and I hid in the shadows. I overheard their conversation.

"Aelita was going better, but she still doesn't trust us," Urlich said.

"XANA didn't attack for two days. I don't think I like that." William said.

"I don't like it, either," Jeremy said.

"I saw a strange new girl around campus. I am a little suspicious about her.

Jeremy?" Odd said.

"I didn't make her. Someone else did." Jeremy said.

Lyra

The next day...

After a math class, I bumped into Odd. He started flirting with me.

I play along. I didn't really have a choice anyway. It was awkward, but I was curious, realizing human interaction is messy and warm and unpredictable.

He walked away, I stared at him. I felt a strange...feeling...around my...heart?

I heard XANA's voice.

"I said, don't get distracted."

"It's not that easy..." I mumbled.

XANA

Lyra was back in Lyoko, she gave Elias the code. He called her the 'perfect daughter of the network.'

I watched them from the shadows. I was jealous. I was goddamn jealous of the warmth Elias shows her. I just can't stand it. I fucking can't. She is the prettiest human being I've ever seen in these...few years of my existence. She is the real gem. I want her to myself.

I was finally alone with her.

"The real world doesn't love you, Lyra. Don't forget who brought you into it." I said, in her ear, with a deep, husky voice.

Lyra

I stare at my own reflection in the tower's mirrored surface.

Not just code. Not just a girl.

Something between.

And maybe... something neither my Dad nor XANA truly understands.