Code Lyoko: Revolutions and Evolutions

Chapter 60

AN: This chapter came after a definite prayer of just where I wanted to go regarding pacing and perspective. Suffice to say, I'm delighted how it turned out. I thank God for His help in this regard, and I am very grateful my story is reaching so many people so quickly.

I am also immensely grateful for all of you who have read, reviewed, and continue to do so. You are my reason for writing because I know that many of you come back because you enjoy the story, and that, to me, is the greatest thing I could ever have as a writer. Thank you all for your kindness and support. See you next chapter.

Love,

Pagliacci-11

Five o'clock had just sounded from the Kadic tower. Aelita had awoken gradually, and now, she was fully awake. Getting up, she looked around her room, alone with her thoughts in the cold silence. She had slept well, a dreamless sleep that was in its own way, welcoming. Sighing, Aelita got up and got dressed. She opened her door; it was utterly silent save for Sissi's A.C. unit's gentle hum next door.

Aelita put on her shoes and gently headed down the hall towards the west stairwell. Opening the door gently, she listened for any footsteps in the vicinity. Hearing nothing, she closed the door and headed down the stairs, step by step gently to make minimal noise. Coming down to the main entry corridor, she peaked out from behind the door. No one was present, and so Aelita closed the door gently and headed out towards the park towards the sewers.

Much was on Aelita's mind, and after Jeremy's explanation last night, even though a joke, she was troubled by it on some level. Aelita had reached the sewer, upon opening the lid, she descended. She came to the boiler room in time, but she found it was locked by an electronic lock.

Aelita looked up and seeing a small camera with a view of the door, she said, "Uh, hello. May I speak with Sylvia?"

There was silence for a moment, and then there was a gentle beep, and the door opened. Aelita stepped into what was once a narrow corridor and found the hall had been just slightly widened. Aelita, finding this augmentation just a touch strange, she proceeded to the computer room.

Upon entering the room, Aelita saw a sight that amazed her; the place had been completely revamped. All manner of holographic displays lined the walls on all sides. The primary node that acted as Lyoko's projection had been revamped and divided into color-coded sectors with specialized symbols above each sector.

"Wow," Aelita thought, "Someone's been busy."

She called out, "Sylvia, are you there?"

The display of Lyoko disappeared, and a hologram appeared before her. It was of a young woman, but despite having the physiological appearance of a woman, Aelita believed this was likely an automated directory.

Deciding to test this out, Aelita asked, "What is the directive of North-Gate?"

The hologram gave no response, But Aelita noted it looked at her as if slightly bemused or annoyed; it was hard to tell.

She tried another question, "Who is Sylvia-Anna Penrose?"

The hologram was heard to sigh, and then it spoke, "Are you quite finished?"

Aelita was surprised, "Sylvia? Is that you?"

"You called me. Logic dictates that it would be me you speak to."

"You look—different." Aelita said, "Not as you usually appear."

"Eh, it's the perks of exploiting the subconscious through a passive dream-implantation protocol. How may I help you?"