Prologue

(This section of the play lasts for about half an hour before the beginning of the first act. For the duration of the play, the stage is separated into two sections- the main stage, where the primary actions occur, and an upper section, suspended above the other. The main stage will be rearranged to suit each primary location; the background may be painted with trees and buildings, to suggest Kadic, but staging to suggest the sectors might be pushed in front of it, or a wall to suggest a dorm. The upper stage has two sections. The center, which is circular, is the inside of a tower, and is separated from the rest by a blue curtain. The surrounding area is the computer interface, from which JEREMIE may access the computer, and interact with AELITA more intimately.

AELITA is sitting within the tower area, legs crossed and eyes closed. She will remain in this area for most of the play. Currently, she is asleep, and light is very dim in this area. An instrumental version of another song might be playing. AELITA is dressed in her Lyoko clothes; see show for reference. She has short, disheveled pink hair, framing her face; this could be achieved by dye or a wig. She has pointed, elf-like ears, and an earring in her cartilage. She has two pink stripe markings beneath her eyes, which resemble a stream of tears.

As the actress might get bored, give her some sort of entertainment. No one can see from that distance anyway. At the time when the play is set to start, the tower area will be entirely blackened, and the actress can go and get a snack or something.)

 

Act 1
Scene 1

(LIGHT RISES on Kadic Gate. Faint car noises are heard in the background, and there is a brick wall that extends about halfway across the stage area. Additional staging, such as trees and an actual gate, may be used if the production company isn't a tightwad. WILLIAM is standing by the gate or wall, staring somewhere to the side; his mind is elsewhere, but his gaze is sure, even a little angry. WILLIAM is about fourteen years old, tall, with a solid stature. He has messy dark blue hair, tousled about his head. He is wearing clothes that reflect an utter lack of a sense of style- a blue shirt layered over a longer red shirt tucked into tight blue jeans cuffed over tan combat boots- but still give off a sense of power, a "cool" air, if one slightly unhinged. He fiddles with the strap on his pack, and looks around. There are several suitcases around him.)

ODD: (offstage, humming "My Victory")

(WILLIAM does not look up as ODD enters the stage, crosses it, and joins him on the other side of the gate. His vibes are a far cry more positive than WILLIAM's. He's a head shorter, with straight blonde hair that comes down to his chin and frames his face. There is a purple splotch in the middle of the hair on his forehead. He wears purple skinny jeans and a purple shirt over a pink undershirt. ODD sets out several cases as well, including a guitar case. He looks up at WILLIAM, pulls out a paper, checks a paper, and then looks up again.)

ODD: Hey, Ulrich. (WILLIAM twitches a little, but doesn't look up.) Ulrich? (ODD, perplexed, walks over and leans over into his ear.) Um, anyone home?

WILLIAM: Huh, what? (He turns to face ODD.)

ODD: Ulrich! Looks like you spaced out a little. That's okay, I don't much like waiting either. Anyway, I'm Odd Della Robbia, and according to this slip of paper I'm supposed to-

WILLIAM: I'm not Ulrich.

ODD: - room with you this year. Wait, you're not?

WILLIAM: No, I'm William. I don't know any Ulrich Stern. (He turns away.)

ODD: Really? (He puts the paper away.) Sorry about that. I'm supposed to meet someone named Ulrich here, and you just happened to be standing right here. It's only natural I thought you were him.

WILLIAM: Yeah...only natural. Right.

ODD: I guess I just introduced myself...and so did you! (He eyes WILLIAM's suitcases.) Are you new, too?

WILLIAM: Mm.

ODD: Cool! Who are you rooming with?

WILLIAM: No one.

ODD: Then why are you standing here?

WILLIAM: Because I can.

ODD: Oh. Well, that's cool too. (His bag rustles and whimpers.)

WILLIAM: Did that just...

ODD: Yes, yes it did. Alright, Kiwi, you can get out now... (As he is talking, he puts the bag on the ground. KIWI, a small brown dog, walks out of the bag and sniffs at the wall.)

WILLIAM: You didn't. (Grinning a little despite himself, but only for a second) You did.

ODD: Tell me if anyone's coming, will you? Pets aren't allowed at Kadic, and if any teachers or something see Kiwi, he's done for.

(WILLIAM nods.)

ODD: You want to give him a pat? He's real friendly.

WILLIAM: No. No, he looks busy. (If you could train the dog to pee or something when he says this, it would be a riot.)

(There's a short, uncomfortable silence. WILLIAM stares back off into space again as ODD looks adoringly at KIWI. Then, he turns back to WILLIAM.)

ODD: Hey.

WILLIAM: Hm?

ODD: It's the middle of October.

WILLIAM: So it is.

ODD: Well, it's just kind of weird that we both transferred this late, don't you think?

(WILLIAM glowers at him. ODD is unfazed.)

ODD: Well, don't you?

WILLIAM: Just because you talk to me doesn't mean I have to say anything.

ODD: (only slightly affronted) Wow, you've got an attitude. But that's okay. It adds to the whole "bad boy" thing it looks like you've got going on. (WILLIAM glowers again, ODD ignores it.) But, I won't pry. If you've got skeletons in your closet, there's no reason I have to let them out. Yet. (He laughs.) So if you don't want to talk...that's okay. But, I want to talk. You just don't have to listen.

WILLIAM: (in a slightly softer tone, after some consideration) I'll listen.

ODD: (quietly accepting what he said) Anyway, up until last week I went to a French immersion school in New York. Lycée Lakanal, nice little French flair there. I lived with my family...my mom, sometimes...my dad, sometimes... and my sisters...five, give or take one or two. (His voice cracks a little, but only for a second.) Anyway, about a week into school, I stopped one day and thought, hey, I'm bored as hell.

(WILLIAM gives him an incredulous look. Some backing music begins.)

ODD: I mean, you know how when you live somewhere all your life, everyone, well, everyone knows you? Everyone's seen you grow up, go through puberty, make mistakes... (He's sounded morose through the past sentence, but snaps out of it) and all of a sudden, you find you've dug yourself into a rut. Nothing changes, nothing happens...you can't make anything change or happen. It was driving me mad. And when I had the thought, I thought, why not do something about it? 

My time won't last forever
And a loop's a waste of time
Life's not a storm to weather
And monotony's a crime

 I could live a hundred thousand years
And only live a day
Or I could make a massive change
And I could break away

 New world, new course
It's in my hands
I have the force
I have the plans
So now I'll reinvent myself
And leave them all behind

 And I declare
My victory
‘Cause my old life
Is history
This country's where I'm meant to be
This school will hold my destiny

 As you can see, I took this decision pretty seriously. My family has a legacy at Kadic; my dad and three of my sisters went here. So just an hour later I called up my dad and told him, "Dad, I'm going to Kadic." And he said, "When?" And I said, "When's the first flight?"

 A world where no one knows you is
A world where I can shine
There's nothing that I have to do
‘Cept go to class on time

 I'll wear the clothes and get the girls
To decorate my face
As my identity unfurls
I'll take a legend's place

 They might say I'm crazy
For risking my safety
But when they venerate me
Don't even think you'll hate me!

 New world, new course
It's in my hands
I have the force
I have the plans
So now I'll reinvent myself
And leave them all behind

 And I declare
My victory
‘Cause my old life
Is history
This country's where I'm meant to be
This school will hold my destiny

WILLIAM: And he took you seriously?

ODD: Of course he did! The paperwork took a while, but I'm here now, obviously. And everything's just like I said. I've got plans for this school; and if I'm not the biggest spectacle around in the end, I haven't done my job right. (He sounds very hopeful.)

(A chime chimes the time. ULRICH enters stage left as ODD begins to sing again. He does not have any valises, but holds a paper much like ODD's. He is between WILLIAM and ODD's heights, with mousy brown hair in a shorter version of a scene cut. He is wearing cargo pants, and a green jacket over a green tank top. His voice is not sad outright, but melancholy, in a complacent manner. He reminds one of a puppy. He stares at the scene incredulously.)

New world, new course
It's in my hands
I have the force
I have the plans
So now I'll reinvent myself
And leave them all behind

 And I declare
My victory
‘Cause my old life
Is history
This country's where I'm meant to be
This school will hold my destiny

You know what, I changed my mind. I am going to pry. Why'd you leave your old school?

WILLIAM: Mm. I was expelled.

ODD: Expelled?

 WILLIAM: (agitated) Yes, expelled. I don't want to talk about it, and if I have my way I'll be out of this school before tomorrow morning. (mumbling, perhaps as a sort of aside) I told my mom I didn't want to go back to school...

 (ODD is dumbstruck, but only for a second.)

 ODD: Really? (not taking him seriously- understandably shocked, but also unwilling to discourage him directly) That's a shame. And we were getting to be such good friends, too. (short pause) So, are you going to run away or-

(WILLIAM looks even more agitated, but before he can say anything else, ULRICH steps in. He sounds somewhat bewildered, but not at all shy.)

ULRICH: Uh...which one of you is Odd? (He looks uncertainly from one to the other- he's not sure he wants ODD to be the one in purple or the one he just heard was expelled.)

ODD: Ooh! Me! (He leaves WILLIAM's side and runs over to ULRICH with renewed enthusiasm.) I'm Odd!

WILLIAM, ULRICH: Indeed.

ODD: So you're Ulrich, then?

ULRICH: Yeah... (he forces a grin)

ODD: And I'm Odd Della Robbia, your brand new roommate!

ULRICH: So they told me (grumbling) half an hour ago... (He pulls away from ODD, and eyes WILLIAM suspiciously.) You're not my roommate too, are you?

ODD: No! This is William. (He walks over to WILLIAM, putting his arm around him.) He's gonna get expelled.

(WILLIAM and ULRICH grimace at each other.)

 ODD: (runs back to ULRICH, not missing a beat, getting right in his face) Anyway, it's great to meet you! I've waited about a month to see this place. It looks even better than it did in the pictures. (with rising excitement) So, where are you from? How long have you been here? How big is our room? Are there any hot girls in our class?

 (By this point, WILLIAM is staring into space again, ignoring them both.)

ULRICH: Wait, woah...lay off a little, okay? (ODD lays off...a little.) I guess you're excited, though I can't imagine why, but we don't exactly go way back. Maybe this is how you are, all touchy-feely, I don't know, but I'm not. So for now, let's just take it nice and slow.

ODD: (A little disappointed) Okay, nice and slow. I can do that. Maybe.

ULRICH: Good. (He checks his paper again.) Here, I've got your schedule...and the shower timetable...some basic house rules...and I guess now I should show you to the room before class starts.

ODD: Great. Come on, Kiwi! (KIWI runs over, and he stuffs him into his bag.)

ULRICH: (shocked) Wait, is that a dog?

ODD: Uh, yeah, it's not a cat.

ULRICH: But dogs aren't-

ODD: Don't you think I know that? (ULRICH looks horrified. ODD packs up the rest of his bags.) You know, I was just telling William here (he gestures to WILLIAM, who still isn't listening) why I came to Kadic in the middle of the semester. You wanna hear?

ULRICH: Uh, maybe later. (mumbles) I thought I told you to lay off... Here, the dorms are this way... I'll show you to your side of the room. (He begins to walk off the stage.)

ODD: Sweet! You know what, I'll tell you on the way. It'll make the walk less boring. So up until last week I went to a French immersion school in...(continue his previous lines until the two of them are offstage)

(They exit. WILLIAM is left alone by the gate. He looks around again, and then at some spot offstage. As he says his next line, YUMI walks in from stage left. YUMI is Japanese, and very tall. She is dressed all in black, but with none of the stereotypical trappings of any particular dark subculture. Her eyes are downcast, even as she passes people.)

WILLIAM: (unenthused) I should probably go and get a scheduele or a dorm key or something. I should, but I won't. (a little melancholy, quieter) I don't care about school anymore...

(He is interrupted when YUMI walks past. His eyes follow her, and a short "wow" escapes his lips. He stands there for a minute, as if undergoing some sort of internal struggle, but finally decides to approach her before she can walk away.)

WILLIAM: Um, excuse me...

YUMI: Huh?

WILLIAM: Hi...I'm William, and I'm new here today. Do you know where the office is? I needed to get some things there. (He is making himself look very strong and secure otherwise.) I haven't seen anyone yet, and I thought you might...

YUMI: Oh...it's right there. (She points offstage.)

WILLIAM: Really? Wow! It was right there the whole time. (He laughs.) That's great. Thank you. (YUMI begins to walk away.) So, what class are you in? We might-

(YUMI does not answer; she keeps walking offstage. WILLIAM stares after her, with a completely changed expression- where there was apathy, there is now a faint flush of excitement. He begins to pick up his suitcases. The stage goes dark.)

 

Scene 2

 (LIGHT RISES on MRS. HERTZ's classroom. The classroom is just that- a classroom. There are nine tables in rows of three, each with two students at them. MRS. HERTZ stands at a table in the front in front of a chalkboard, giving a science-y lecture about atoms. The students at the tables are, from the front downstage, ALEX and THOMAS, JEREMIE alone, HERB and SISSI, SONYA and SOPHIE, CLAIRE and NICOLAS, ULRICH and ODD, NAOMI and EMILY, HEIDI and JEAN-BAPTISTE, and THEO and ROMAIN. SISSI is reading a magazine, ODD is doodling, ULRICH looks annoyed, and JEREMIE is taking careful notes. Everyone else is doing whatever.)

MRS. HERTZ: (Lectures about atoms.)

JEREMIE: (Answers the questions she poses correctly three times in a row without a thought. JEREMIE is a scrawny boy, just barely pubescent, and no older than twelve. He has short blond hair and blue eyes. He wears a blue sweater and khaki pants, and has black-rimmed glasses. There is an earnest look on his face, but no other glimmer of emotion.)

MRS. HERTZ: Excellent, Jeremie! You've done well today.

JEREMIE: Thank you, ma'am.

(The music begins. The entire scene pauses, and the lights dim a bit. Each child stands up as they sing.)

ROMAIN:
Genius this
And genius that
She can't see he's a prick
No one cares if he's an Einstein
That pansy makes us sick!

HERB:
It's obvious
He's showing off
She won't give us a call
And it's just like you said, LeGoff-
Should he upstage us all?

ALEX:
Look at all
Those dirty looks
He's lonely, it's a crime
So if I get in his good books
His homework could be mine!

ROMAIN, HERB, ALEX:
Say a word, don't say a word
Just keep it all inside
We can't posion the air with all
The thoughts inside our minds

(They sit down. The lights go back up, but the music keeps going. MRS. HERTZ stops her lecture suddenly, and eyes ODD. She walks over to his desk, and peers down at his paper.)

MRS. HERTZ: My, that's an interesting diagram of an atom.

ODD: (unnerved) Oh! Well, yeah, yeah it is, isn't it?

MRS. HERTZ: Very interesting. Would you like to explain to the class what each part of her body represents in terms of the atomic model?

(ODD crushes the paper. The class laughs.)

MRS. HERTZ: I thought as much. A detention on your first day, Mr. Della Robbia? I hope this doesn't become a habit.

(The class laughs again, and the lights dim again as they all freeze.)

ODD:
What is this?
That's not her job!
Should she care what I do?

THEO:
Course not, it's only natural!

NICOLAS:
Can I see what he drew?

NAOMI:
He's got looks
And he's got charm
My heart just skipped a beat

CLAIRE:
There's no reason we shouldn't stare
Because he is fresh meat!

(CLAIRE and NAOMI sigh.)

ULRICH:
Why did I
Room with this guy
He's driving me insane
Although he's charmed most everyone
They can't see he's a pain!

Though I've known
Him just an hour
He's always in my way
He only thinks about himself

THOMAS (or, for more sensitive productions, HEIDI):
Don't see why you complain.

ULRICH: Yeah, well, you're special.

THOMAS/HEIDI: Excuse me? (The lights come back up. ULRICH doesn't notice.)

ULRICH: I'd pay anyone to switch places with me, and you don't want to know why!

MRS. HERTZ: Stern! Do you mind?

ULRICH: Yes, ma'am.

MRS. HERTZ: You'll join Mr. Della Robbia in detention this afternoon, then. (He grumbles.)

ODD: (laughing) Well, at least now I know Mrs. Hertz gives out detentions like nicer people give out candy.

MRS. HERTZ: Mr. Della Robbia!

ODD: What? I'm already in trouble! (Every girl (and THOMAS) giggles)

MRS. HERTZ: That doesn't mean you've reached any limit. Another hour for you.

(ULRICH glowers at ODD. ODD grins at him. The lights dim.)

ODD, THEO, NICOLAS, NAOMI, ULRICH, THOMAS/HEIDI:
Say a word, don't say a word
Just keep it all inside
We can't posion the air with all
The thoughts inside our minds

(Everyone except ULRICH sits down.)

ULRICH:
I never wanted any trouble
I'm only trying to survive
I can't handle all his antics
I just don't have the time

I've had no friends for thirteen years
Who says I'll need them now?
They've only brought me trouble...

(He trails off, and begins to sit back down. The lights begin to come back up...)

SISSI:
But I'll get to you somehow!

(Before the scene can unfreeze, SISSI jumps up. SISSI is about ULRICH's height, and has long black hair and grey eyes. She is dressed very fashionably and outlandishly; her dancing should be more active and showoffy than any of the other children. Perhaps she could push other people out of the way, or makes suggestive motions toward ULRICH.)

SISSI:
Day and night
I wait for you
Eight years is way too long
Day and night I call to you
But you never respond

(Even as ULRICH doesn't react to her directly, he begins to look annoyed.)

Stubborn boy
You're teasing me
I know I'm what you need
And nothing but your pleasing me
Will bring me what I seek...
Ulrich dear

SONYA:
Prissy bitch

JEAN-BAPTISTE:
Spoiled brat

EMILY:
Get away

 HEIDI/THOMAS:
No one cares

(JEREMIE stands up, but MRS. HERTZ interrupts him.)

MRS. HERTZ:
Child, sit down! (The lights flare up.)

SISSI: (to MRS. HERTZ) And what will your boss, my father, say when he hears that I've been tossed about? Hm?

MRS. HERTZ: (mumbling) Horrid little...

SISSI: What was that? (The whole class looks over in shock.)

MRS. HERTZ: Nothing. Nothing at all.

SISSI: Yes, that's right.

(The lights go down again. Everyone stands up, except Jeremie, who sits down, looking a little disgruntled.)

ALL EXCEPT JEREMIE:
Say a word, don't say a word
Just keep it all inside
We can't poison the air with all
The thoughts inside our minds

(The stage darkens.)

Scene 3

(LIGHT RISES on the vending machines. It can be the same background as the Kadic Gate, but with a prop to suggest the vending machines. Kids are chatting at the sides, or going in and out of the vending machine shelter. ULRICH and ODD are standing on the outside. ULRICH is drinking something, and ODD is holding a drink, but he is busy talking.)

ODD: And then the waiter says, "No, I don't have frogs' legs, that's just the way I walk!" (He laughs hysterically at his own joke.)

ULRICH: Mmm.

ODD: See? I told you it would be a good joke. I like you, Ulrich. You're a good listener. (He eyes NAOMI and CLAIRE downstage.) I think those girls were checking me out in class today.

ULRICH: Yeah, they probably were.

ODD: As soon as I finish this hot drink, I think I'm going to over there and get myself another one. Which one should I talk to first? I'm thinking the brunette. The blonde's dress is a little hokey, but the brunette's got a nice... (He makes a curving motion with his hands.)

ULRICH: You know, instead of describing what you're going to do, you could go over there and do it.

ODD: Ah ha, not on the first date. (Da dum pish.) But they're not the best catch here. If we see that girl that sassed Mrs. Hertz again today, I wouldn't say no to a little...social time with her. I mean, you wouldn't, would you? With a girl like that?

ULRICH: Trust me, I would.

ODD: You just can't like anyone, can you?

ULRICH: What? (defensive) No! It's just, well...you're insane and Sissi's-

ODD: Sissi? Is that her name? That's a weird name.

ULRICH: No, really, you don't-

SISSI: (offstage) ULRICH!

(ULRICH cringes and ODD grins as SISSI bounds onstage. Some of the other groups flinch.)

ULRICH: Sissi-! I just remembered, we have detention! (He grabs ODD's arm and begins to run offstage.)

ODD: I thought we were going to skip.

ULRICH: We aren't now! (He tugs at ODD, who is staying still.)

SISSI: Oh, there won't be any need for that. (She bounds in front of him and stops the two dead.) I told my father, or at least I will tell him in a few minutes, that you were going to be helping me with a very special project this afternoon, so you couldn't possibly attend detention. See that, Ulrich dear? An hour of free time, all for you.

ULRICH: (deadpan) Oh...well...thank you. How nice.

ODD: Hey, uh, Sis-a-ma-whoozit, do you think you could get me out of detention too?

SISSI: And just who do you think you are?

ODD: I'm Odd Della Robbia, Ulrich's new roo-

SISSI: Wait a minute, I know who you are! You're the little pervert from science class this morning!

ODD: (indignant) For all you know, that drawing was a stick figure.

SISSI: A stick figure with breasts. (or "a female stick figure" for more sensitive productions)

ODD: (thinking he still has a chance at flirting with her) Well, maybe it was, kind of like you. Except you're not so much a stick as you are- (he reaches around her waist)

SISSI: (pushing him away) Hey, watch it! You're invading my Ulrich-only bubble. (ODD is pushed back- his face holds shock and the beginnings of disgust. SISSI turns back to ULRICH, and her face regains a seductive look.) So as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, you're helping me with a very special project this afternoon- or rather, tonight.

ULRICH: (pulling away) You know what, that's very nice of you, but I'd really rather go to detention.

SISSI: Oh, no, you're staying right here. I have to talk to you. Your friend can go to detention. (She waves carelessly at ODD.) I wanted you to know that I've got something very important to tell you, and if you want to know what it is (as she is saying the next line, she holds her pointer finger up to her lips and then attempts  to put it onto his) you'll meet me in my room at seven o' clock tonight, and in exchange I'll let you out of detention.

(ODD grins, and makes a "woo hoo hoo" noise.)

SISSI: I didn't ask for your opinion!

ULRICH: And I didn't ask for your affection. Really, I need to-

SISSI: Ulrich dear, are you rejecting me? (she grabs him yet again) What makes you think you can do that?

ULRICH: Everything. Just because you think you can run every other inch of this school doesn't mean you can run me!

SISSI: Think? What do you mean, think? (There is some giggling from the students on the fringes. She doesn't notice, but turns to ODD.) Um, you. Do you happen to know what my last name is?

ODD: ...Machiavelli?

SISSI: Delmas. And do you happen to know what your principal's last name is?

ULRICH: (bored) Delmas...

SISSI: Yes, Delmas. And you know why? Because that man happens to be my father.

ULRICH: You just love to talk about it, don't you?

SISSI: (ignoring him. As she gets into her rant, everyone on the edges looks up. The music starts- think Vaudeville. She could begin to walk forward on the stage.) My daddy has two possessions in this world- this school, and me. He would do anything to be sure I was happy, and anything I ask of him, I receive immediately. Sure, it might be an inconvenient personality flaw, but who am I to complain? I have every power I could ever want, all thanks to him. One could call me the queen, the star...the diva of this school!

(She looks around at everyone staring at her) Well, what are you waiting for? (The other students participate in whatever choreography goes with this, but not altogether willingly- when Sissi turns their back on them in her dance, they should make disgusted faces at her or summat. Only HERB and NICOLAS should look anything close to happy.)

There's a thousand different students
And a hundred different castes
There's some kids at the top and then
There's some down with the trash

On top of all these peasants
Is the one they want to please
None less beautiful or popular
Can hold the spot but me

With my daddy round my finger
I'll do anything I want
The girls are always awestruck
Boys want what they haven't got

So many loving specimens
Not hard to choose and pick
But the only boy I'll ever have
Is acting like a prick

 (to ULRICH)
You've got a body like an angel
And a temper straight from hell
I'm always here to rescue you
From where the losers dwell

You're the only thing I haven't got
And who could ask for more?
If you'd just see my way for once
You'd be MY paramour

(to ODD)
You think you're competition, but
You don't deserve a crown
You jumped right off the shemale tree
And died on the way down*

You'll never get to taste the top
While I run this parade
When you see how my Kadic works
I'll make that smile fade

ODD: I was wrong about you, you're not cute at all!

SISSI: And that was my plan all along! See? I control you already. (ODD gives her an incredulous look)

 They jump when I say jump

 CHORUS:
JUMP! (They jump.)

SISSI:
They dance when I say dance

CHORUS:
DANCE! (They dance.)

SISSI:
And if I need a date to Prom
They'd all jump at the chance

 HERB, NICOLAS:
YES! (They are the only ones; the rest just all give each other uneasy glances.)

Most all my dreams can be fulfilled
Life's like that when you rule the world

ODD: Oh, and I meant to tell you. You know a few minutes ago, when I said you weren't a stick? I was calling you fat.

(Dead silence. SISSI walks over to ODD, stupefied.)

SISSI: Did you just insult me? (She tries to look confident, but is definitely visibly unnerved at the "fat" comment.) No one ever insults me to my face.

ULRICH: Yeah. It's less lethal to do it behind your back. But not as fun, I have to admit.

SISSI: Shut up, just shut up! You too! (She shouts at her chorus.) You're ruining it! You're all ruining it!

(This verse is done in a far angrier, far more frenzied tone. The crowd doesn't do their part until SISSI gives them a dirty look or two.)

They jump when I say jump

CHORUS:
JUMP! (They jump.)

SISSI:
They dance when I say dance

CHORUS:
DANCE! (They dance.)

SISSI:
And if I need a date to Prom
They'd all jump at the chance

 HERB, NICOLAS:
YES! (The crowd doesn't even give moving a thought.)

Most all my dreams can be fulfilled
Life's like that when you rule the world

(The crowd sits back in their regular spots as fast as they can, before SISSI can tell them to do something else.)

SISSI: I'll be sure to tell my father you skipped detention today, Della Robbia! (She begins to walk offstage in a huff.)

ULRICH: Uh...wait!

SISSI: What is it, Ulrich?

ULRICH:Uh... (He looks from ODD to SISSI, wondering if his plan is a good one.) Look, I'm sorry about what I said. I'll...see what you have to say to me at your room tonight. That is, if you can get me and Odd out of detention.

SISSI: For you, of course, but he's-

ULRICH: I'll come an hour early.

SISSI: Done! Well, if that's the case, I should be going. I need to get ready. Goodbye, Ulrich sweetheart! (She blows a kiss at him as she leaves. HERB and NICOLAS get up and go after her. ODD looks after her, dumbstruck, but only for a moment.)

ODD: I have to say, I'm impressed. You made her give you a favor in exchange for another favor?

ULRICH: Whoever said it was a "favor"? She said she wanted to talk to me.

ODD: Did you completely miss everything she said? She wants you, Ulrich. I'm really going to envy you in a few ho-

ULRICH: Do you actually think I'm going?

ODD: You're not? Sure, she's insane, but, still...she's offering herself to you! That's as good as anything for one night.

ULRICH: You wouldn't think so if she'd been tormenting you for eight years. Besides, it conflicts with my Pencack Silat class tonight.

ODD: Your pancake what?

(As these next few lines are spoken, the following scene happens in the background. JEREMIE shows up, now toting a very heavy-looking backpack. He heads for the vending machine, eyes downcast. ROMAIN and ALEX, who are sitting close to the vending machines, notice him coming closer. ROMAIN whispers to ALEX, the and the two boys nod at each other.)

ULRICH: Pencack Silat. It's a martial art...thing. I have classes on Mondays.

ODD: A martial art...thing? That sounds pretty cool! Where is it being held?

ULRICH: Uh...I forgot.

ODD: Oh. Well, at least you got one favor out of her. You did, right?

ULRICH: Of course. She'd do anything for me. Not that this is unusual...every month or so she gets it in her head that she's going to-

(Their conversation is interrupted as ROMAIN and ALEX leap up in front of the vending machine entrance, scaring the ever loving wits out of JEREMIE. The next half-a-song is to the tune of "The Thoughts Inside Our Minds.")

ROMAIN:
The genius leaves
Us all behind
But now we've stopped you cold
If you want to get by us
You'll have to pay the toll

ALEX:
Look at this
You seem upset
There won't be any strife
If you only give to him
Your homework, not your life!

ROMAIN: I couldn't have said it better. (He holds out a stack of paper.) Do these by tomorrow, and we promise you won't spend the day in the infirmary.

JEREMIE: I- I don't- I don't-

ROMAIN: If you're saying "I don't want to not be covered in bruises in five minutes", then by all means, go ahead!

ALEX: (Trying to play good cop/bad cop) Hey, Jeremie, don't worry about this scary person. Just give him what he wants and I'll make sure you're okay.

JEREMIE: But I can't-

ALEX: Forget integrity! Do you want him to beat you up or not?

ULRICH: Hey, leave him alone!

(ULRICH finally abandons his drink and whirls around to face the scene. ALEX and ROMAIN are nonplussed; JEREMIE is euphoric.)

ALEX: Oh, so a hero finally comes to save his princess! Took you enough time. (That last remark is aimed more at JEREMIE.) What's your problem, Stern?

ROMAIN: I wasn't aware Belpois had friends. You're in our class, we know you want to see him put down as much as we do.

ULRICH: (muttering) Maybe. But that doesn't mean you actually have to do it!

ODD: Hey, uh, I'd be careful. He knows Pancake Sunsuit!

ROMAIN, ALEX: What?

ODD: I don't know either, but I think it means he can kick ass! (JEREMIE crawls away from the scene.)

ULRICH: Odd, that's enough... I'm not looking for a fight! I'm already not in detention.

ROMAIN: But could you hold your own if you were? He said you could kick ass; I wasn't aware you could kick anything but a soccer ball.

ALEX: Yeah, Stern. Just remember, don't use your hands!

(Before this fight can begin, WILLIAM wanders onstage. All the other groups tear their attention from the vending machine scene, and look at WILLIAM with one emotion in their eyes- naïve fear. He tries to get to the vending machines, but finds that the spectacle is in his way.)

WILLIAM: Uh...can I get in here?

ALEX: You can wait until we're done, fancy pants.

ROMAIN: Hey, watch it...isn't that the other new kid? You know, the one that got kicked out?

ALEX: You mean... (The fear finally enters his eyes.)

ROMAIN: I heard he pushed a teacher down a flight of stairs, and then stabbed her in the back with the sharp side of a compass.

ALEX: Now that you mention it, I think I heard someone mention him...but they told me he burned his school down.

ROMAIN: Either way, he's a hardened criminal, completely crazy! He might kill us if we don't do what he says! (he turns back to WILLIAM, his attitude changed) D-don't listen to him, you can go right in...!

ALEX: Yeah...here, enjoy your drink! (They leave the stage, throwing a Euro in their wake.)

(ULRICH, ODD, and JEREMIE are awestruck. WILLIAM, having little to no comprehension of what just happened, picks up the Euro.)

WILLIAM: Um...thank you?

ODD: William! Hey! (He walks in front of WILLIAM in order to ensure that he is noticed.) That was pretty badass. If Glasses over there was still able to speak, I think he'd thank you.

WILLIAM: Oh...hey, Odd. (He does a brofist with ODD, and nods at ULRICH, who nods back.) I'm not sure what I did, but, thanks.

ODD: I haven't seen you since this morning! I guess you must be in ninth grade.

WILLIAM: Yeah, I figured you were younger when I didn't see either of you.

ULRICH: I guess that's good in some way. The ninth grade only has fourteen people; they could always use fresh meat.

WILLIAM: Yeah, there aren't too many people in my class. But it's not that bad. The classes, I mean. They're not that bad at all...

ODD: (a little confused at his cavalier attitude) Really? So how goes the expulsion?

WILLIAM: Well, about that...

 (At this point, JEREMIE has approached the group, hanging around the edges, but too scared to talk)

ODD: You missed a prime opportunity a few minutes ago! If you'd killed one of them or something-

WILLIAM: I'm not going to get expelled.

ODD: What? You seemed so set on it this morning. Did you find a reason to stay?

ULRICH: That must've been a challenge. It can't have been the classes.

WILLIAM: It's my own business. Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. I'm just not going to get expelled.

JEREMIE: That's good.

ULRICH: Yeah, that's good.

ODD: (Disappointed) I guess...

(There is a short silence. JEREMIE backs out.)

ULRICH: So did you really burn down your school or was that just a rumor?

(As he is talking, THE GIRL peeks out from behind the vending machines. She slowly, very slowly, emerges- perhaps not even all the way. THE GIRL is shorter than WILLIAM; she has long blonde hair and brown eyes. She is wearing what looks like a Catholic schoolgirl's uniform, with slight rule infractions- a tight white blouse with a red tie and a school crest, a short khaki skirt, and thigh-high black socks and school shoes. She has an intermediate look on her face.)

WILLIAM: (visibly unnerved) No. I threw a Bunsen burner through a window once. It wasn't on...but that wasn't what I-

ODD: Then what did you get expelled for?

WILLIAM: I told you, I don't want to talk about it!

ODD: Hey, I'm sorry, I just wanted to know!

(As he's saying this, YUMI walks onstage, and heads for the machines. No one notices her- except WILLIAM. He completely ignores ODD and heads for her. As he does, THE GIRL disappears.)

WILLIAM: Yumi! I thought you went home.

YUMI: (apprehensive) Oh...no, I was just going.  I'm sorry, who are you again?

WILLIAM: William, William Dunbar. You gave me directions to the office this morning. And I'm in your class. And I sat next to you in Science. And Lit. And English...

YUMI: Right... (She is something between shy and antisocial.)

WILLIAM: Do you want something? I could get it for you. (He holds up the Euro he got from ALEX.) Or you could stay here, and talk a while...

ODD: (whispers) Who is that?

ULRICH: (he grunts) Chinese girl in the ninth grade. Never spoken to her in my life.

YUMI: Um...no. I was just passing through.

WILLIAM: No, no...wait here, I'll get you a hot chocolate. It's on me, okay?

(He disappears into the vending machines before YUMI can object. As he does so, YUMI casually turns to face ULRICH, ODD, and JEREMIE. The four of them, the future Lyoko Warriors, lock eyes. Dim light floods the tower area above them, where Aelita is sitting again. She begins humming the tune to a song, "Lyoko", which will be sung in the next scene, very softly.)

ULRICH: Um...hey.

(YUMI does not respond.)

 JEREMIE: Hi...

(ODD turns away and does the "awkward turtle" sign. The tension is broken when WILLIAM comes back, cup in hand.)

WILLIAM: Okay! Here...

YUMI: You know what...have it.

WILLIAM: But I want to-

YUMI: It's okay, really.

WILLIAM: (trying not to create strife with her) Hey, um...this is Ulrich, and this is Odd, and that's-

JEREMIE: I'm Jeremie. Belpois...

YUMI: Yes...I know. (There is a short, awkward pause.) Look...thank you, but I do have to get home.

WILLIAM: Okay! I'll see you tomorrow, then?

(YUMI stares at him for a second, looking hesitant, before making a tiny smile.)

YUMI: Okay. Yeah...okay.

(She breaks into a run as she leaves. WILLIAM gazes longingly at her; ULRICH and ODD are dumbfounded.)

ODD: Wow. I-cy. 

ULRICH: Does she not speak French, or something?

(WILLIAM does not respond.)

ULRICH: Hello?

WILLIAM: What? Oh, no...I mean, yes! She...

(ODD grins at him.)

ODD: Would she happen to be your reason to stay?

WILLIAM: It's none of your business!

ULRICH: She doesn't seem to take to you much.

WILLIAM: She's just shy. If I just get to know her...

ULRICH: (trying not to be keenly interested) She doesn't seem to want to get to know anyone.

ODD: And she's not even that good looking.

(WILLIAM looks angry.)

WILLIAM: You can't just judge her because-

JEREMIE: Do you love her?

(There's another awkward silence. WILLIAM is enraged for a millisecond before he finally just shakes his head.)

WILLIAM: I've got a headache. I'm going to bed.

(He walks away, leaving JEREMIE, ULRICH, and ODD alone. ODD doesn't allow any time for awkward pauses.)

ODD: Well, now that that's over with...(He eyes CLAIRE and NAOMI again.) I'm going to spend some quality time with the fairer sex. Want to join me? (He directs this invitation at ULRICH.)

ULRICH: Nah. I kinda want to be alone right now...I'm going to go do some homework.

ODD: Oh! If you go back to the room, make sure you feed Kiwi for me, okay? His food's in the top drawer of the-

JEREMIE: Um...thank you.

ULRICH: Huh?

JEREMIE: (petrified) You know, for helping me. (Despite his gratitude, his voice still has a slight elitist tone.)

ULRICH: Oh...uh. You're welcome. See you tomorrow. Try not to let anyone threaten you too much. (He leaves.)

JEREMIE: ‘Bye.

(ODD doesn't bother with a goodbye- he runs right over to CLAIRE and NAOMI, and, perhaps overlapping with JEREMIE's next lines, pantomimes a wild conversation with them. One by one, that group and others leave the stage, leaving JEREMIE alone.)

Scene 3.5

(As Scene 3 packs itself up, JEREMIE strolls to the middle and sets his pack down on the ground. In this monologue, he appears to be talking directly to the audience- it would appear that he has no one to talk to but his own conscience.)

JEREMIE: "Do you love her?" (angrier) "Do you love her?" What was I thinking saying that? What was I thinking, saying anything at all? What was I even saying? (He sighs, clutching his head.) I didn't have to kid myself into thinking they were listening to me. I was just there, that was all. It wouldn't have made any difference to them if I'd just taken off and left them alone.

And Stern saving me...that wasn't anything but a moral anomaly. The natural order of the strong either protecting or hunting the weak. He's never paid me any attention, none of them have. Maybe they shouldn't. (He sits down.) I've had enough attention to last me the rest of my life. ‘Genius!' ‘Gifted!' (mimicking MRS. HERTZ) ‘You've done well today!' Why did she have to say that? She knows they all hate me. She knows that's the reason they hate me.

Genius...what does that even mean? Above-average intelligence. An advantage. A mark of superiority. (He stands up.) If that's the case...if I'm supposed to be smarter than they are...then why are they happy while I'm miserable? Why do they act like I'm below them? If I'm so smart, so gifted, why can't I get what I want? (At the height of his indignation) If I can solve every problem on a paper, why can't I figure out how to make a friend? Why can't I figure them out?

Maybe that's it. (He's exhaused himself; he collapses again.) My mom always told me that some people are good at some things, and not so good at others. Maybe they're just good at talking to people, making friends, being friends, being popular...like I'm not. Maybe I've got it backwards. She also said that I have to respect peoples' differences, that I can't judge them by their shortcomings. And I do respect them. I respect them a lot more than I respect myself.

It's more than just being nice to people...this being liked thing. You have to be good looking. Charismatic. Smart without going to excess, almost wily, cunning. Good looking. Generous about the right things. Good looking. Mature to the right extent. And confident... (He looks up.) You have to be able to hide your secrets with a smile on your face...

(The following song is completely optional.

The sky always above me
Filled with the cataclysms
And dreams of light and gas

 The angels in the heavens
Their followers, the chosen ones
In flame will never pass

They've all gone up before me
The boys and girls (they'll have their way)
I'll never see again

The codes of constellations
Too alien and faraway
For me to comprehend

They're like a different species
Two chemicals and wavelengths
That push themselves away

My ways are like a poison
With reason comes an end to fun
I'd steal their souls away

 They've all gone up before me
The boys and girls (they'll have their way)
I'll never see again

The codes of constellations
Too alien and faraway
For me to comprehend

They're fake and hardly human, but
There's nothing else to take
Their world's uncensored beauty,
And I'm just a walking brain

If anyone can see the ground
There's nowhere else I can be found
I'll never burn like you, so please
Would just one star burn out for me?)

Maybe I'm being selfish. There's no reason I deserve special treatment. They've already made that pretty clear...but still...what if there's just one of them out there, any person, I don't care how ‘popular' they are...one person that just doesn't care? Someone that wouldn't be socially condescending. Someone that doesn't know what it means to be socially condescending... (He smiles triumphantly, before coming to a realization) Preferably someone that isn't my mom.

(He bends down at his pack.) At least I've got you. (He pulls out a shiny laptop. His voice isn't quite as melancholy anymore.) The newest model. My parents got it for me when I came here last year. They told me to take care of it...and I have. Everything's in perfect condition, except maybe the warranty...it doesn't have the operating system it came with anymore. If it did, it wouldn't be perfect. I'm in the process of inventing a new one. I just have to... (He trails off as he stares forlornly at the computer. Silently, gently, he puts it down.) But, no...

Oh! They've just introduced a robotics competition here in December, and...and I'm...I'm building something, see. Two different models, with a few variables switched around. I'm trying to see if a lighter model will...

It's not working. Not the robot, the robot works just fine. But it's not working. There's so many parts missing...

(The next three stanzas are sung to the tune of "Jump.")

A body made of plywood
And a convex lens for eyes
An OS made of circuits
With a cold metallic shine

A mind of gears and switches
Follow simplistic commands
The will of cold green metal
All that I have in my hands

The only thing that's missing
The vital, crucial part
The factory can't give me
Is a working...
(He can't continue. It should be fairly obvious what he wanted to say.)

The old car factory...that's where I get all my scrap metal to make them. That's where I'm headed now, actually. Model Alpha could use a little embellishment, and I saw a strip yesterday...anyway, I like it there. Once you've got used to the silence and emptiness in your head, it's hard to remember that anything else exists. I like that. I like that a lot.

(He gathers up his supplies and walks offstage. Blackout.)