Ulrich stood juggling a soccer ball around in the rain. He was waiting for his parents to pick him up from Kadic Academy, and they were late. 'Typical,' he thought. 'Its something important to me and they have something better to do.' Ulrich's brief distraction earned him a bop on the head with his muddy soccer ball. It bounced of his head and rolled over to where his duffel bags were waiting. With a sigh of irritation, Ulrich dug into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a much worn letter. He looked down at the familiar words, memorized after the constant readings in disbelief.
Dear Mr. Sterns,
After much consideration, we have decided to accept your application to North Ridge Sports Academy for the spring session. Enclosed are the following scholarships you are eligible for. Please respond by January 28 to accept your spot.
Sincerely,
Ms. Helga Sparewater, Principal
Ulrich refolded the letter again and shoved it into the pocket of his cargo pants. His parents weren't too thrilled about buying him a plane ticket to Illinois, but they accepted his decision to continue his education at a place that would help him succeed his at his goals. His friends weren't too thrilled about his decision.
Flashback
"What about Xana!" Jeremie screamed when Ulrich told them the news.
Like I care, Ulrich thought. Out loud, though, he said, "Xana hasn't attacked in three weeks. THREE WEEKS. I'm sick of waiting around to see what happens. I need a break from this 'saving the world' bull shit we've been dealing with for the past three years! Its enough to drive a guy insane, and I'm going insane!"
"Ulrich," Aelita said quietly, "we need your help. We need all the help we can possibly get. Xana's getting stronger each minute. I don't like the quiet anymore than you do, but that only means when Xana does attack its going to be drastic."
"Get somebody else to help, then," Ulrich said, fuming. He looked around at all of them again. Odd was sitting there looking like he'd been slapped; Yumi was staring out the window with a completely shocked look on her face and tears in her eyes; Jeremie was fuming; Aelita was sitting on the bed calmly, her hands folded in her lap, waiting for Ulrich's decision. "I'm done fighting Xana. Everythings arranged. I'm leaving tomorrow."
With that, he walked out the door. He could have sworn he heard Odd say, "Einstein, are you SURE there isn't an attack happening right now," in a meek voice, but he honestly didn't care.
Present
Hearing a horn honk, Ulrich looked up. There sat a brand new Cadillac, and in the driver's seat sat his father. Sighing with disgust, Ulrich grabbed his bags and prepared himself for a new life.