Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter 2

We open at the Super Computer in the Guardian Academy with cadet Bob's recent arrival.

Well,” An azure and silver-haired sprite exhales, “we finally caught the virus.” He treads the Guardian Academy hallway with his partner and mentor, Dixon Green. “Is it right to just delete them off?” He raises a sculpted eyebrow at her. “Can’t they think, and talk like us?"

“Of course, they can cadet, but don’t let that fool you!” Dixon reminds and crosses her arms. “They want you to sympathise with them – even the outdated ones.” Sighing, she shakes her head. “They’re not something that can be reasoned with.” She places her hand on the cadet’s shoulders. “Hurry up.”

Bobs nods and keeps pace. “Since when are you that concerned about viruses?” He scratches the back of his head. Grinning, he runs ahead of Dixon to a virus’s cell. "See? Nothing to worry about!” he shouts from down the hallway.

Dixon rolls her mauve eyes at the cadet’s enthusiasm. "Cadets! Always so full of themselves.” She shakes her head and catches up to Bob. “Don't you dare go near IT, Bob. "

The guardian and cadet enter the cell as Kilobyte starts to awaken. He observes Bob closely for any sudden movements. He hisses before pounding his claws against the cell’s glass. Bob jumps in response and glances over his shoulder at his mentor.

“By the user, that scared me!” The cadet turns around to face Kilobyte who smirks at him. The virus’ razor-sharp claws run down the glass, making the sprites wince and shudder at the ear-shattering scratch. “I know that look and I don't like it, virus!”

"Do not think you are as safe,” Kilobyte mocks in a deep baritone through the glass. “As your guardian mentor would care to admit,” he snarls at them both in hostility.

“Take anymore steps and I will electrify your cell!” Dixon holds up her key-tool and aims it at Kilobyte.

Kilobyte retreats and paces his cell in back-and-forth strides. He glances back at Bob as he crouches on all fours. Eventually, Dixon brings the virus out from his holding cell. He remains quiet but focused, even as he's lead into the virus deletion chamber.

Dixon sighs dramatically, “another one for the deletion chamber.” She shackles the virus into the restraints. "I doubt he has much to say now, right Bob"?

“Yeah Dixon, but I got a bad feeling about this." Bob places his hand on his left hip.

The deletion chamber becomes electrified with violet lighting. The fluorescent lights shut off. Kilobyte growls. He wrestles out of the locks onto his front arms and hind legs.

Dixon coms into Glitch, "calling for additional guardian support.” She steps onto the wall and somersaults over the virus. She hooks her elbow around Kilobyte’s neck. "You won't get him or the other guardian cadets, virus!”

“Glitch: nano beam!” The key-tool sends a beam between Kilobyte’s eyes. It stuns him for a moment with a shock.

The virus roars with fury, knocking Dixon off him and into Bob. The guardians collide into the nearby wall. The cadet is knocked unconscious from the impact.

"You had your chances to delete me more than once, guardian!" Kilobyte rushes forward with his claws extended. His talons impale Dixon through the midsection. The azure energy drips from her chest as she thrashes against him. He drops her fading form right beside Bob's unconscious's one. He crouches back into the shadows on all fours.

“What?” Bob stirs and sits upright before he kneels beside his mentor. “Dixon.” He cradles Dixon’s head his hands. “Just hang on.”

“Cadet …” The guardian groans weakly.

“Help!” The cadet feels for his mentor’s pulse against her neck. “I need help in here!” The pulse slows and grows fainter.

“Too late …” Dixon exhales, “Bob.” Her form flickers as she slowly inhales.

“Dixon please, don’t.” Bob shakes his head in sorrow.

The key-tool on Dixon’s arm beeps and whirls its cog.

“No! Glitch, stop!” Bob protests in alarm as the key-tool releases Dixon’s code.

Dixon wheezes and gasps. Her eyes close, and her head drops. With the last few flickers, her form disintegrates into pixels in Bob’s arms.

“No!” Bob cries out and hangs his head. “Dixon, I’m sorry.” A tear trails his cheek. Glitch floats and attach to his right, arm bracer. Blinking back tears, he stares at the key-tool screen and arises to his feet. “Glitch: system scanner,” he orders in a steady tone, “track and lock on Kilobyte.”

With an affirmative beep, Glitch displays a beeping red dot on a map of the deletion chamber on its screen.

“I’m right here, guardian,” the virus growls from the gloom.

Bob spins around at glowing jade and crimson eyes. He backspaces, aiming Glitch at Kilobyte.

“Glitch: narrow beam!” The golden beam shoots forwards.

The virus dodges the energy attack. He sprints for Bob who races from of the deletion chamber. There are the distinct, metallic claws of Kilobyte behind him.

"Oh, this is so not good.” Bob frowns at the key-tool’s screen. He spins on his boot heel with Glitch raised.

“Glitch: flare!” Glitch flashes a powerful light, blinding Kilobyte.

"You won't hold me off forever, cadet!” Kilobyte roars in ire. “The others have left you, just as Dixon Green did!” He scissors his claws together.

“No thanks to you!” Bob glares in righteous anger. “Glitch – mmph!“

Kilobyte lunges forward. His clawed hand covers Bob’s mouth. He grabs Bob with his other clawed hand. A group of guardians sprint into the corridor and shoot with their key-tools’ energy. The beams hit his shoulder armor and midsection. He eyes a vent, then slashes it into pieces, escaping with Bob into the vents.

Bob manages to muffle into the palm," I won't help you, virus!” His captor removes his hand as they venture further into the vent system. “Now release me, before I make you! He whispers and struggles in Kilobyte’s grip.

"I have a better idea, guardian cadet, Kilobyte laughs softly at his hostage. He directly points his maw to Bob’s icon, showing his teeth. He bites down on the disc, almost breaking it in half. Bob groans in pain as he’s dragged roughly by his icon, deeper into the large-winding vent system. They arrive near one port in the port authority- an isolated one without many guards around.

"You’re trying to infect me … so,” Bob inhales, “you can … escape from the guardians.” He hangs his head weakly as the virus drains his energy.

"How I wish you guardians and cadets alike would accept our virus code,” Kilobyte growls in frustration. He tightens his hold on the cadet, clamping his fangs downwards on the guardian icon. “It won't matter, your code is already degrading its own anti-virus code because you’re not a full guardian.” He continues feasting on Bob’s pure code, injecting his own. He releases the fatigued guardian who then falls to the ground. “Now, open a portal to the isolated system, or delete the sprites who oppose us.”

Bob slowly stands up. “Over my deleted bitmap!” he hisses, much to his horror. He glances at silver claws forming from his nails. “No!”

“Oh yes.” Kilobyte grins at the infected cadet in malice. "Why, you’re even starting to change to viral,” he chuckles, “as I chip away at your very code and core processor.” He slashes apart the vent, opening it. He remains within the building’s shadow and peers over his shoulder. “Your guardians will turn on you, once they know the extent of my code’s infliction onto you.”

"You’re lying,” Bob growls in protest. “They would never do that!” he shouts, trying to alert the nearby guardians. His throat tightens ups. He gasps and wheezes. Lime and scarlet code branch around his neck - like a snare. The lines and viral infection cracks on his icon. Shaking his head, he aims Glitch at the tear. “Don’t make me do this.”

"Do it or suffer the consequences, Bob!” Kilobyte peers into the cadet’s wide eyes. “I do know your name as you do know mine. " He flashes a feral grin of hunger for the system displayed in the portal.

Grabbing Bob by the neck, Kilobyte drags him into the portal. They exit the portal from the Super Computer which closes behind them. Bob surveys the obscured alleyways and warehouses, and Kilobyte studies the lower levels.

"Ah, a small system, but one more suitable than your precious Super Computer, Bob,” Kilobyte snares as he sets foot into Level 31 of G-Prime.

Bob glares, his tightened fists tremble in anger. "I’ll do everything to stop you!” he hisses. “I will!” He approaches the virus.

Kilobyte rumbles back until a small group of binomes gather around the pair. The binomes stare, studying the new arrivals. He advances on the crowd, causing them to scatter.

"Stay out from here!” A construction binome shouts at Bob, raising his fist. “This is Level 31 for a reason!” He threatens. “You’ll get worse than that, guardian. Always ruining our peace!”

“So, what, if your so-called system runs the way it needs to?” A biker binome scowls in defiance. “We need to be the outcasts!”

Bob narrowly dodges rocks and debris thrown his way. "Hey!” He holds out his hands in a passive gesture. “I’m not the one causing trouble!” He pleads as the binomes retreat into the gloom, only to notice Kilobyte slink in the shadows "Don't tell me you actually like that virus?” he asks the scattering binomes.

Overhearing the cadet’s comment, Kilobyte merely growls, heading further into Level 31. He enters an unfinished building that towers over all the other buildings surrounding it.

To be continued…

Kilobyte arrives in an unfinished building that towers over the surrounding ones in G-Prime.

"Ah, perfect for me to dwell in.” The lanky virus peers over his shoulder at his new companion. He then strides through the first floor which are half-painted. “Now, let us take care not to alert anyone, right Bob?"

"I have a bad feeling about you, Kilobyte.” Bob enters the looming structure beside Kilobyte, studying the interior that is still under construction. “And leave the citizens alone!” His voice echoes through the hallways, carrying down to a small group of construction binomes.

"My, aren't you ever so protective, guardian.” Kilobyte rolls his snake-like eyes. “And mildly irritating." With a warning growl at Bob, he creeps into the vent system.

“Oh no, you don’t, virus!” The guardian cadet crawls after the virus into the vents. “I’ll pester you as long as I can." The pair notice a group of binomes guarding the power supply through a crate opening in the shaft.

“Glitch: nano beam!” The key-tool fires off an energy shot at Kilobyte that clips him in the shoulder.

“Glitch: energy net!” The key-tool encases the virus in a glowing net.

The construction binomes jump in panic and surprise from the noise in the shaft system. An azure face peeks in from the opening above.

“How did you get in here?” One construction worker peer up into the grating. “Wasn't someone supposed to be guarding the entrance?” He glances at the others, then the cadet. “Also, could you get that key-tool of yours under control?” He places his hands on his torso block. “You nearly deleted us just now!”

The cadet drops down before the production binome. “Sorry.” Standing up, he dusts himself off. “Just thought I drop in.” He grins, then glimpses up at the shaft opening.

“Listen, you guys should leave. Right now, it’s not safe here,” Bob lowers his voice to a whisper. “There’s a vir … vir …” He gasps and swallows, then points upwards.

The construction binomes stare up at the ceiling, and they shiver at the growls and scratches overhead. They then glance at each other

"Well then.” The lead construction worker scratches his head. “I guess that's enough of an excuse to backspace and leave.” He shrugs. “Never liked how maze-like this building was in first place!”

The workers back away and sprint for dear life, running as fast as their little legs carry them. More noises resound overhead. The lights flicker off. The vent opens in a flash before their eyes. Kilobyte leaps and crouches in the middle of group; grabbing and clawing the closet binome. He promptly infects an icon, converting the binome into a new viral. When the process is complete for the rest, he points his claw to the escaped ones.

“Why, I almost have to thank you Bob - for keeping them distracted.” Kilobyte eyes the cadet’s key-tool. “You can't harm me or my virals now, your key-tool is locked by my own virus code.” He grins at the navy cracks forming on Glitch. “So, don't get any ideas about say … escaping.”

“So, that's why I can't call for help,” Bob snarls at the virus before he storms down the hall, careful not to alert Kilobyte, or the new virals. He shudders in shock at more energy-curdling screams.

Kilobyte rips off locker doors from hiding places and snaps down into the workers’ PIDS. Code flows from their bite wounds. He then nods at the newly infected workers. “My viral binomes, seek the rest before the cadet attempts to save them."

Further down the corridors, the remaining workers gather as a scientist binome tries to calm them."Vhat has happened since I left to gather up my supplies?” He rubs his digits together. “Speak up now, if vis is important."

"We were ambushed after we met a guardian.” The lead construction worker trembles all over.” I ... it was a ... virus, doc! We have to hide at least."

“A virus here? Zis is very bad!” The scientist’s eye widens with fear. “We have to reach the center of this building,” he whispers, “so I lock the virus out.” He spots crimson- lime eyes glowing in the darkness. “Come on then!” He flinches in alarm. “You all can't be this scared!” He tugs at a few binomes’ hands frozen in fear.

“Ack! By the user’s luck, fine!” The researcher deserts the terrified binomes, pushing the rest forward. “You vant to escape? Then go to the very center!”

Kilobyte stalks the corridors until he tracks the rest of the escapees. So, they think hiding from me will save them, how foolish, my prey, he muses. He sniffs out their evasion spot, uttering a quiet but consistent rumbling while hunting the group.

"Surrender your PIDS now,” the virus snarls in the gloom. “And avoid an extremely painful and brutal infection." Arriving at a towering computer in the room, he pokes his head out around the corner to pursue a pile of black tarp and metal.

"Oh please, by the user!” the scientist thinks underneath a black tarp, “vill this virus spare me from deletion - right here and now?"

Kilobyte catches the slightest movement from the corner of his eye. His muzzle bumps right into the metal pile, clamping his jaws on it. He drags his near-motionless prey out from the tarp with a threatening hiss.

"Ah! Don't delete me, virus!” The prey panics and trashes in Kilobyte's maw. “There must be something I could do for you!”

Kilobyte removes his jaw. “Oh? I’m listening.” His clawed hand seizes the scientist’s digits. “Lead me to them and I won't delete you for your code.” His grip tightens on the fingers. “Besides, I do appreciate your survival instincts,” he chuckles.

Bob approaches from behind Kilobyte with a disapproving glare. “You know, I wouldn't make a deal with a virus.” He crosses his arms over his chest armor. “He’s still going to betray you."

"Vell,” the scientist sighs, “it’s not like I have much of a choice, traitorous guardian." He gives a worried and fearful glance to the mismatched pair, then yelps when Kilobyte releases him. "O … okay, I'll find them, virus. " He scurries to flee but the virals block his path.

“You would be fine as the virals’ group leader.” Kilobyte extends his lethal claws. “Bob has more pressing matters to attend to.” He grasps and lifts the scientist up to eye level; his lethal claws pierce the scientist’s chest. He savors his captive’s screams as the brutal force of his code changes his victim.

To Be Continued …

We now focus on the Gateway Command at the Twin City Centre with the Matrix family.

A middle-aged sprite in an ivory, lab coat checks the control panel. Now, what could've caused the malfunction to occur? He adjusts his glasses. I triple-checked the components used to initiate a lock down onto the system. He then turns to face the group of fellow scientists.

The other technologists talk amongst themselves a bit, examining the energy readings on a vid-window.

"Well, as far as we know, Wellman, the power analyses were in normal perimeters a few cycles ago.” The lead scientist studies the screen. “We haven't seen Herr Doktor since then, peculiar, isn’t it?"

"Let’s not jump to conclusions with unknown variables.” Wellman shakes his head. “Judging from the few interactions with him, he wouldn't sabotage such vital data.” He studies the energy analyses on the console monitor. “It’s crucial to detect other systems on the net."

The other scientists nod in agreement.

"Of course, that would be logical,” the head engineer exhales, “but that doctor was private with his research. He never consulted with his colleagues in the Twin City.” He regards his fellow researchers. “The few that even attempted to pry into his inquiries were shut out.” He adjusts his glasses. “He’s become paranoid.”

"Still, the matter stands, my fellow researchers.” Wellman rolls his eyes and shrugs. “We cannot act on mere speculation alone, we need facts.”

The researchers nod again in understanding, and they peer up with more questioning glances.

“There is one thing I haven’t yet considered.” Wellman rubs his emerald, spiky hair. “Had the system that the Gateway Command locked onto been damaged or in a blackout state, it would've deactivated the lock-on feature.”

"Hmm, then that indicates the failsafe activated.” The lead scientist adjusts his glasses again. “It should have been stable. So, it’s back to the drawing board again, if you will allow it, Wellman."

"Why of course, -just don't dismantle its framework.” Wellman reminds his team. “That’s the process of perfecting a major breakthrough technology.”

With a collective nod, the group of binomes resume their work on the Gateway Command. A teen girl and a little boy greet him, and she waves to Wellman.

“Hey Dad.” The punkish girl, in the fuchsia dress, smiles. “We heard everything on the way here.” She crosses her arms. “So, what do you think exactly happened with the Gateway Command?”

“I’m … still hypothesizing that, princess.” Wellman rubs his head nervously. “How did the diner opening go?”

The punkish teen retrieves her organizer. “It was a success in Mainframe! My diner is busy-all things considered,” she exhales. “I left it in Cecil's hands, so we could check up on you.”

“Hey Dad!” A boy, in a red cap and 01 jersey, jumps up-and-down. “The binomes saw a real-live guardian! On level 31!” He waves his hands in excitement. “Pixelacious!”

"Oh, that’s good news to hear.” Wellman beams at his son. “I do wonder if there is any evidence to support those rumors.”

The boy perks up even more. “Can we talk to the binomes at Level 31? Can we? Can we?”

“They might be hostile.” The girl places a hand on her left hip. “I heard they were running from someone or something.” She shakes her head. “I should investigate the rumors on Level 31.”

"Really? Can I go, Dot? Can I? Can I?” The boy’s hopping increases. “I’m not scared! I got Frisket!”

"Enzo calm down, it's too risky.” Dot gives a stern look of disapproval. “Besides, you already know both me and Dad will say no.”

“Awwww, nulls.” Enzo pouts.

The father and daughter share knowing grins.

“Hey, could you and Frisket keep watch on Dad and the Gateway Command?” Dot removes Enzo’s cap and ruffles his hair. “Just don’t wonder off or Cecil will have a fit again.” She places his cap back on.

“Ok Sis!” Enzo stares with child-like wonder. “We’ll guard the centre, right Frisket?”

Frisket barks in agreement.

“Don't worry Dot, I'll keep my eye on Enzo.” Wellman places a hand on Dot’s shoulder. “If you are planning on visiting Level 31, you’ll be careful, won’t you?”

“Of course, Dad.” Dot nods and beams at Enzo.

***

In another part of the Twin City, Bob advances on the Twin City’s main centre.

Well, that took way too much convincing for Kilobyte to let me go, the cadet muses as he glances at Glitch. Should a game cube land, I can still use Glitch. He wanders on a bit, pausing by curious binomes along the way.

“Look, it’s the guardian!” One binome points and peeps at his friends. “Well, we should give him directions to the Twin City Centre.”

The group of bystanders nod in understanding.

“Hey you!” A zero binome with glasses calls out, “guardian, over here! You’re going the wrong way!”

"Well, thanks then.” Bob lays his hands on his hips. “Speaking of which, have you seen the command.com of this system?"

The group of binomes chatter amongst themselves before speaking up.

"Yeah, she’s right next to the Twin City core.” The zero adds. “We believe Dr. Matrix built a Gateway Command, but it’s been on the fritz lately " He points in the right direction.

“On the fritz?” Bob frowns in concern. “That sounds bad. Looks like I’ll check it out.”. He waves goodbye before hurrying off.

I gotta warn them, the cadet thinks in urgency, now that there’s a residential Class 2 virus. He’s building his viral army. I gotta cure this virus infection! In his hurry, he almost bumps into a CPU binome with a lieutenant hat.

"Watch where you’re going, guardian!” Lt. Chauncy snaps. He hides one hand behind his back which is slightly scratched.

"Oh, sorry there, officer.” Bob stops suddenly, suppressing a viral growl at the scent of code. “I’m looking for the command.com of the Twin City.” He cocks his head to the hand hidden behind Chauncy’s back. “Uh … Are you ok? Do you need a diagnostic program?”

"I'll live, guardian!” Lt. Chauncy grumbles. “Besides, I was just returning to Mainframe.” He shrugs. “Hopefully, our upmost leader doesn’t disappoint you, guardian.” Waking away from Bob, he quickly turns around a corner.

Now, what’s his problem? The guardian cadet raises a brow at the retreating binome. I have a feeling that CPU officer wasn’t honest to me. He’s up to something.”

Bark! Bark! Bark!

The cadet glances up from the ground. “Uh oh!”

A red canine rushes at the azure stranger. “Uh, down boy. Nice doggie!” He holds his hands out as the dog growls at him. He climbs up on a nearby crate pile. A snap of jaws narrowly misses his boot.

“Frisket, down boy!” Enzo calls and chases after his dog. “Just guard, don’t scare them!”

Frisket just whines, shaking his head. Enzo tugs on his collar.

“Down boy!” Enzo pets Frisket’s head.

"Whew!” Bob nervously stares at the canine. “I’m just looking for the command.com.” He scales down the shipping boxes. “What’s your name, kid?”

“Huh? Command.com? I don’t know.” Enzo tugs in his shirt collar. “I’m Enzo.” He scratches behind his dog’s ear. “This is Frisket; he don’t trust strangers.” He looks up, his eyes widen. “Hey! You’re that guardian! Pixelacous!”

“Yeah, I’m Bob.” The cadet peers in the distance. “I think I see someone, finally!" He eyes the Gateway Command and heads towards a teen girl and a man in a lab coat.

Dot turns around at the footsteps’ approach. “Oh? Who are you?” She notices the azure, handsome sprite. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

“My name’s Bob.” The cadet nods with a blush. “I’m a cad … I mean guardian from the Super Computer.”

“A guardian?” Dot raises her brow at Bob. “From the net?”

“So, the rumors are true!” Wellman beams in pride. “This means Mainframe isn’t the only system on the net!”

“That great news, Dad!” Dot pats her father’s arm. “Your theories were right!”

“It’s a scientific breakthrough!” Wellman then glimpses at the cadet’s key-tool. “So, this must be how you access other systems!”

“Look,” Bob interrupts in abrupt manner, “I really need to access the Twin City’s command.com.”

Dot and Wellman exchange glances.

“Well, she’s very busy with maintaining both systems,” Wellman heaves a sigh, “she doesn’t like to be disturbed.”

“But we’ll help,” Dot reassures in determination.

“Thanks, uh…?” Bob tilts his head.

“I’m Wellman Matrix.” The scientist holds his hand out to Bob.

“I’m Dot.” The teen places her hands behind her back.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Bob shakes the scientist’s hand “Professor Wellman.” He flashes the teen girl a boyish grin. “Miss Matrix.”

“That’s Wellman, son.” The scientist squeezes Bob’s hand in return.

“And please call me Dot.” The punkish teen smiles sweetly at the teenage cadet.

“Ok Wellman and Dot.” Bob smiles at the sprites. “About the rumors on Level 31, there’s a viral outbreak happening there.”

Both Matrixes’ eyes broaden, and their shoulders tense in nervousness.

“We need to contain it." Suddenly, Bob winces and closes his eyes as Kilobyte forces a mental link upon him. Ugh, what in the net is this virus doing to me?

“Bob!” Dot grips the cadet’s shoulders and glances at her father. “Dad, something’s wrong!”

“Snap out of it, son!” Wellman snaps his fingers in front of Bob’s face. “It’s appears that he’s in some sort of trance.” He studies the cadet in wonder.

“Making new friends, guardian? How quant.” Kilobyte speaks to Bob though the viral hyperlink. "Do be discrete, Bob,” he snares “They will be turned viral should they become curious; nonetheless, I can do much more than control your code, guardian."

“Bob, it’s ok.” Dot squeezes the cadet’s shoulders. “You’re safe, so come back to us! Please!”

“Log off Kilobyte!” Bob demands in the mental link. “I won’t say anything!”

“Very well,” Kilobyte growls in the hive mind, “consider this your only warning!”

Bob’s chocolate eyes blink. “Whoa, Dot?” He notices the pretty sprite up close. “What’s going on?”

Dot and Wellman give a collective sigh in relief.

“You spaced out.” Dot raises a sculpted eyebrow. “Like you were somewhere else.”

“Or like talking to someone?” Bob rubs his forehead and thinks, man, I am in over my head, but I still can't leave this virus to wreak havoc on these systems.

“Why yes, actually,” Wellman interrupts, “you were in a cationic state just now.”

“Oh sorry.” Bob recovers sometime after Kilobyte’s mental threat.

“Maybe I can inform the command.com and request some backup.” Dot lays a hand on her left hip. “Is something else bothering you, Bob?"

“Uh, no, and that’s a good idea!” Bob rubs the back of his silver mane.

“Well, given the way he arrived here so quickly, the virus might have been injured or worse.” Wellman crosses his arms. “We may need to contact this Super Computer system.”

“I should contact the guardians.” Bob eyes Glitch and walks away a few paces. He opens a channel with his key-tool to access Turbo and inform his superior. While the Matrixes talk privately, he returns to them.

“I was just talking to the Prime Guardian.” Bob creases his brows. “He confirmed that the collective suffered a power outage.”

“That would explain the Gateway Command malfunction.” Wellman nods and squeezes the young man’s shoulder. “Either way, you need a diagnostic program. There’s a medical hospital near here.” He then frowns as Bob's hands trembles from Kilobyte’s virus.

"Dad, are you sure that's wise?” Dot crosses her arms. “I think Bob just needs a recharge and some downtime.”

The cadet motions for Dot and Wellman to come closer.

“Truth be told, I’m infected with virus code,” Bob whispers to the Matrixes and points to his golden icon with the glowing cracks. “Whatever it did to me, it’s disguising the code.” His lungs and chest muscles contract. He freezes up before catching his breath again

“Well Bob, we have to find a way to extract it.” Supporting Bob on his feet, Wellman nods to his daughter. “I will assist Bob to the Twin City hospital.”

“Ok, I’m going to watch Enzo.” Dot mirrors her father. “Take good care of Bob, Dad!”

“Thanks Dot.” With a farewell grin, Wellman leads Bob to his vehicle.

Bob gives a relieved smile as Wellman starts the ignition. “Thank you, Wellman.” He bats an eyelid as the scientist lands the car in the hospital parking lot. He looks around curiously, trying to ignore the faint scent of spilled code as his viral instincts activate. “This hospital seems state of the art.”

“It is.” Wellman beams with pride. “Are you alright, Bob?” He then raises a brow.

“Yeah.” Bob adverts his gaze. “Just frosty.”

Wellman turns off the ignition. “It’s not every day one has to visit this facility, now let’s find some medical assistance.” He opens the car door and exits, Bob follows. They approach the hospital which looms over the surrounding buildings. A set of double doors with the red cross greets them.

Wellman passes through the entry to enter the hospital lobby. “To start with, we will drain this virus and suppress it - if need be.” He motions for an available, binome doctor. “Excuse me, doctor, this sprite needs treatment to remove a virus code.” He clasps a hand on Bob’s shoulder.

With a patient gesture, the doctor listens to Wellman.

“There's been an outbreak, we believe it originated from G-Prime.” Wellman crouches down to the binome’s eye-level, covering his mouth. “We have reason to believe that there is a hidden virus nearby,” he whispers.

The doctor binome jumps and glances between the hospital staff and patients. He frowns at Bob from beneath his surgeon’s mask.

“The virus won't hurt him," Wellman reassures, “not the first time nor last.”

“If that's true, we really need to be mindful of any contagion,” the doctor mutters. “Please follow me, I'll have to quarantine you to prevent spread.” He leads the sprites to a medical operating room. “We’ll be alone here, the rest of us are already quite busy.”

"So then, what now? Just use an IV to drain the virus code?” Laying himself down on table, Bob flinches from its cold surface. An icy, forceful, and unnerving code rushes through him – like Kilobyte himself.

“Yes, if all goes well,” The doctor binome remarks in a calm tone. He approaches the IV in the examination room and ensures its sterile before sliding on surgical gloves. Carefully, he rolls up Bob’s arm and turns the inner elbow. He disinfects the area before he inserts the hypodermic needle, forcing a yelp from the patient. His eye widens, catching a glimpse of metallic claws that recede quickly.

“It’s progressing faster than expected, Bob.” Wellman watches with worry. “Be prepared for containment - should it spread.”

The guardian cadet grimaces at the warning.

“Herr doktor would've been the one to consult about this,” Wellman explains,” but he’s been missing for the past few cycles.” He shakes his head in sadness.

To Be Continued …