Chapter 4

Odd had been scouting the area for at least half an hour. Jeremy couldn't find the activated tower, even though he knew exactly where it was. This irritated Odd. He had never ever been utterly clueless about something. Except maybe his math tests. Aelita tried to see him and gave him a sad look. he had been jolting around - never staying anywhere for more than two seconds - for the last few minutes.

"Odd, calm down, we'll help Yumi," she cooed. Odd ignored her, flying about nonstop. Aelita sighed. She'd never seen him so wound up. he twisted and turned so fast that Aelita had to hold on tight so as not to be thrown off. Odd ground his teeth.

"Odd, are you okay?"

"Jeremy, why? Why did you have to send the first girl I've ever actually cared about out to practically attempt suicide?" Odd shouted sharply. Jeremy refrained from doing anything.

"I'm sorry. But, Odd, get a hold of yourself. All of us make those risks. I feel the way you do whenever I let Aelita anywhere near Lyoko. Ulrich hates to let Yumi out of his sight. Don't try and act like your special just because you've actually found "her"" he snapped. Odd bit his lip. He stopped flying and glanced at Aelita.

"sorry," he grunted. Suddenly Odd leapt of the overboard. He aimed his arm at his head and flinched. A laser arrow shot loudly next to his ear and suddenly, he was back on Earth.

"odd you dork! Why did you do that? Didn't you hear me?" Jeremy screeched. Odd grinned.

"I heard you, Jeremy. And you just told me why I'm so worried. So, I'm sorry, but I've gotta go save her!" he announced, sprinting to the elevator.

Maddie had had Ulrich in her sights for the last twenty minutes. She was slim, nimble and fast for her age – whereas Ulrich was just downright lightning. He would occasionally look back to see if Maddie had stopped chasing him, but each time he would glare and speed up. it didn't usually take this long to get to the hospital, but Ulrich kept weaving and changing directions to try and lose her. Maddie was only a few meters away at the moment and it was eating her up. she was so close, yet still out of reach. She stretched her arm out to him. Only a few more feet. She sped up until her stomach and throat were starting to hurt and suddenly, she found she had overtook him. A smile fell across her face and a sense of triumph filled her. If it were a tv show, this would be the part when the really joyful music would play. But no, she saw the hospital now, clear as day. That big white institute of fancy-pants doctors and white lab coats. Maddie felt like cursing. She pivoted on her foot and blocked Ulrich's path. He stopped immediately, confusion on his face. Maddie was staring at him darkly.

"Ulrich, no. She's not safe to see right now," she growled. Ulrich didn't seem to hear her. He leapt over but Maddie continued to block him. Ulrich glared and began trying desperately to get past.

"maddie, move," he advised in more of a shout then he'd intended, "I'm asking you nicely," he added after she refused. Maddie folded her arms.

"oh, well, forgive me for thinking that you're not asking nicely," she said, "I'll remember next time. When he shouts, he's being nice," she mocked. Ulrich growled.

"I won't say it again. Move, or you'll find out what being mean is," he warned. Maddie refused.

"you're such an idiot. You're trying to go see the love of your life to protect her with no protection of your own. If whats-his-name is in her, he's controlling her. That's a no-no, it's a bad thing!" she told him. Ulrich stared at her, pleading now.

"please. All I want to do is help her. If I can't save her from herself, I wouldn't be able to save anyone else," he begged. Maddie stared down at him. She smiled and leant down.

"no," she whispered. Ulrich's pleading eyes transformed into rage. A deep growl came from him that shocked Maddie.

"have it your way," he barked. He stood up, pulled into a battle stance and kicked Maddie in the stomach. There was a loud "oof" sound and Maddie collapsed, her eyes watering and her arms clutching desperately at her stomach. It felt like an anvil had been dropped onto her. Ulrich stood over her.

"I'm sorry. But you were asking for it," his last word was cut off. There was a sound of shoving and then a lot of unnecessary swear words. There was punching and kicking and then the sound of running. Maddie managed to squint her eyes open a fraction to see Odd's concerned face above her. she felt his arms around her and tried to smile.

"I guess I should have known I'd go to heaven. You must be an angel," she cooed. Odd chuckled.

"your an idiot. Do you know that?" he told her. Maddie nodded.

"go help him," she pleaded. Odd bit his lip. He lifted Maddie and pulled her to a nearby wall to sit on.

"I'll be back," he promised. before he left, Maddie grabbed his hand and pulled him back.

"in case you don't," she stuttered. She leant over and kissed him on the cheek.

"Jeremy has a message from me," she told him. Odd raised an eyebrow, but grinned and ran off.

Ulrich was still running. He didn't even stop to register and he could have sworn he heard some doctors chasing after him for a while. But now it was silent. The only sound was his feet on the parquet floor and his deep breathing. He had gotten a stitch from having drank too much water before he hear about Yumi, but he didn't care. There were bigger problems. Yumi. Her beautiful dark hair and pretty face kept flashing into his mind. He imagined her Xanafied. Her eyes blank and vicious, sweaty hair stuck to her face. his heart hurt whenever he thought of it. but he kept running. 123, 124, 125...he stopped running. Yumi's room was 126. He was still breathing raggedly, but began walking, slow and steady. He was oddly aware of his heart beat. Thump, thump, thump. When he got to the doorway, he broke into a smile. Yumi. She was lying on her bed, eyes closed, breathing lightly. He moved over and brushed a stray hair out of her face. she turned onto her other side, facing away from him. Ulrich smiled. She looked so beautiful when she slept. But where he couldn't see, Yumi's eyes flicked open...