Code Lyoko: Revolutions and Evolutions

Chapter 11

Kadic was enveloped in fog, and it was not the comforting fog but the hot and muggy fog that made one feel as if one were the vegetables in the steamer waiting for the gentle ping that signified release. Jeremy couldn't take it. He couldn't understand how what such a beautiful day was had led into the hot, almost swampland feel of the present. Jeremy got up, sweating feeling caked in oily sludge. It was not uncommon for this kind of year, but still, it was far from ideal. Heading to the showers, he felt relief as the hallway was just barely cooler.

As he approached the showers, it was comforting as he found it was deserted. Turning on the cold water on gently, he eased into the sweet cooling relief of the shower. Jeremy let out an exhale that matched his state of mind, how wonderful the soothing water felt on his once-slimy skin. Lathering himself up with his favorite soap, he felt he was at the height of gratification, the sweet and spiced scent of figs and ginger filling his lungs.

Opening his eyes, he saw something that made him genuinely blush, "Aelita!" he said as he tried to shield his nakedness.

But Aelita was unfazed; she came more into the light cast by the moon through the higher windows. Her skin shined elegantly almost pearly. In shame, Jeremy said, "Please, Aelita, I'm indecent!"

She looked at him and closed her eyes, smiling in the way he always admired before saying, "Jeremy, why are you ashamed of me seeing you this way?"

"B—because! It's not descent! It's not how I wish you to see me!"

"Oh?" she asked gently, "And how would you wish for me to see you?"

"Not like this I-I mean, come on! I just wanted to enjoy myself and get relief from this hot weather."

Aelita advanced very slowly and dropped her robe, "There. Now, where is your shame?"

Jeremy's heart beat faster, stronger now. She was breathtaking. Far more beautiful than he thought she ever would be. Joining him in the cold waterfall of the shower, she wrapped her right hand around his body and embraced him, two people, naked, only one of them unashamed. Jeremy knew she could hear his heartbeat her ear pressed against his chest as it was. It was different, and while it was uncomfortable, as he felt her body against him, it felt more and more to be right. He embracer her in return, finding comfort half from the water, half from her warmth, a unique blend that together he felt truly comfortable.

As they embraced, he heard Aelita ask, "Jeremy, what do you want most in the world?"

He hesitated; he was afraid to say what he desired, afraid to admit what was his intention from the very first moment he saw her.

Feeling the gentle grip of Aelita's hands on the back of his ribs, he felt the courage and said, "To love you, and to protect you."

He was afraid of the silence that followed, but his fear dissipated when she said, "You don't need to protect me, I'm the one protecting you."

Finding such a statement strange, Jeremy asked, "What do you mean?"

"Do you think I can just let your genius run around without control or rationale?" she asked as she looked at him, "We need each other for reasons that should be very evident by now."

Jeremy closed his eyes thinking, "Oh if only you knew the half of it."

"But, I do, Jeremy. I truly do." Aelita's voice came this time inside his head, opening his eyes; he was shocked. Aelita now stood a full four inches taller than him.

Backing up, Jeremy was stunned; she had grown so quickly, so much. Jeremy yelled, "What's going on? What's happening?!"

Aelita was still calm, and she said, "Don't resist this so much, Jeremy, you know this would come to pass eventually."