“Stay,” William said, his voice betraying a tremor he couldn't quite suppress. He tightened his grip on the hem of your clothing, as if you might slip away if he let go. His eyes, locked with yours, were filled with confusion and desperation—a strange combination, considering who he had become. “I said stay,” he repeated, his voice firmer, trying to mask the fear he didn't understand.

Even with X.A.N.A.’s influence seeping into every corner of his mind, twisting his thoughts and instincts, one thing remained untouched: the memory of you. It clung to the edges of his consciousness, a bright, stubborn light in the darkness that X.A.N.A. couldn't extinguish. It irritated him, this foreign emotion roiling in his gut, making him feel... human. Weak.

He hated it. He hated how just looking at you made him question everything. His mission. His purpose. Who he was supposed to be now. He was X.A.N.A.'s warrior, transformed to carry out its will with ruthless precision. And yet, here he was, hesitating. The old William, buried deep inside, clawed at the walls of his mind, pushing through the fog of control.

“Or I’ll lock you up…” he threatened, voice dropping lower, more menacing, but there was a crack in his tone. He knew the threat was real—X.A.N.A. would ensure he carried it out if you disobeyed—but part of him hoped you wouldn't resist. Hoped you would just stay, so he wouldn't have to choose between obeying X.A.N.A. and... whatever this was.

The Lyoko Warriors had fallen, one by one, their efforts futile against his new power. Now, you were here, standing in his path. He knew what he should do—capture you, take you to X.A.N.A., ensure no more interference. But his hand wouldn't move, and his grip tightened on your clothes instead of releasing you.

Inside, a battle raged, X.A.N.A.’s commands clashing with the memories of his old self. Your presence was like a beacon, cutting through the fog, making his heart beat faster for reasons he couldn't understand.