"Lost Within the Void"
A/N: This fic has been up on the Java Hut for a long time, but I've decided it deserves a place on as well. Also, due to popular demand, there will be a sequel...eventually. Enjoy!
Chapter One
Disclaimer: I do not own ReBoot, or any of it's characters; they are property of Mainframe Entertainment.
Matrix leaned against the wall in the shadows of the dimly-lit main hall of the Principle Office, watching impatiently as sprites and binomes alike waltzed across the floor. Why had AndrAIa dragged him to this? He was just as "happy" as everyone else that there was peace, but this foolish, informal banquet gave him the urge to put his fist through a wall.
AndrAIa stood still for a moment, trying to listen for him or catch sight of him, which made him hold his breath and hope to go undetected; he refused to dance. He simply refused. He had worn the suit, he had agreed to be pleasant if necessary, and he had left Gun at home - that was all she was getting out of him in one night. He then saw Ray appear in the crowd, and the two crossed the floor to see meet each other. Instantly, Matrix stood up stiffly, and slowly moved through the people to get within earshot of the two.
"AndrAIa, you look amazing..." The Surfr stated, giving her a solid once-over as she released a flattered laugh.
"Thank you; have you seen Matrix?" Her eyes flashed over the crowd for a moment. "I haven't been able to find him, and I know he's not too far..."
"Sorry Love, I haven't caught a glimpse of him anywhere." He placed a hand on the small of her back and started walking. "C'mon; Mouse is over here somewhere..."
The Renegade felt his entire bitmap inflame with anger, but he could only clench his teeth and crunch his hands into balls at his sides. The mere sight of them showing any affection to one another set off an impulse in his mind that made him want to destroy, and denying that impulse was like fending off some hideous infection.
Crash it all. He knew he couldn't trust Tracer. Not only had made a move on his girlfriend - he had done it with Mouse present. How could he let his guard down? If it wasn't the viruses, it would be the sprites, and he had let himself forget it. And AndrAIa was angry with him too. When she had come out of her room earlier, she had dared to ask,
"How do I look?"
She had been magnificent; there was no way around it. She had been wearing a backless velour dress with a v-neck. It had shimmered between aqua-marine and azure as she walked, and caught every one of her curves in their perfection. She had swept her hair up, with a few soft tendrils hanging in her face and around her eyes, with their slight hint of make-up. There had been sapphire drop-earrings in her ears, and a matching necklace around her elegant neck, but what had be said about her appearance?
"Fine. Now let's go." Funny; at the time he had been short with her, but now he was taking the time to remember every detail. Then the sudden thought of Ray Tracer's hand on the small of her back made him want to go over there and wring his little neck.
He shook his head and made a B-line for the door; he wouldn't make a scene here, but if the Surfr dared to set foot outside of the banquet hall, he would snap him like a twig.
------
"Well, Ray Sugar, I think we should be on our way." Mouse said with a radiant smile and a wink.
"Oh, already?" AndrAIa sighed with disappointment. "I haven't even found Matrix yet..."
The Hacker shrugged her shoulders.
"Sorry AndrAIa, but Ray and I only showed up because it was expected of us; we've already been here longer than we'd planned..
"Alright, but at least let me see you two out."
With that, the three made their way for the exit, and stepped out into the cool Mainframe night. Matrix had once again retreated into the darkness long before they had come out, and had taken some time to cool down. He had gotten so bent out of shape over nothing...
"Well, you two have a good evening." His Gamesprite lover gave Mouse a hug, and when she did the same to Ray, he pecked her on the cheek.
At the sight of this, all rational thoughts that had quelled Matrix' anger were vanquished, and he was out of the shadows faster than he could think, one hand delivering a punch while the rest of his body followed the victim to the ground. The green sprite clamped the other hand around Ray's neck and pressed a knee into his chest.
"Give me one good reason not to delete you right now, Surfr." He snarled, a sadistic grin working its way into his expression.
Ray force out a hoarse, unintelligible whisper while lifting one hand to point at the aqua-haired beauty he had just given his farewell to.
Matrix knew to whom that hand gestured, and knew she'd never forgive him if he deleted his victim.
"You got lucky." He spat, getting up off the ground and letting Mouse run into the middle of things.
The purple sprite helped her love up off the ground and instantly turned on the Renegade.
"Who in the net do you think you are?" She yelled venomously. "You watch yourself, Enzo Matrix, 'cause right now, it would be my pleasure to take you out, you worthless son of a virus."
The green sprite stood straight, staring past her into nothing, letting the insults wash over him. He showed no emotion whatsoever as this happened, but instead waited for the pair to disappear from the area.
AndrAIa stood behind him, on the verge of tears. The banquet inside had become quiet, and people were crowded in the doorway to see the source of disruption.
"How could you do this?" She whispered faintly, and as Matrix turned to face her, he caught a glimpse of Dot, leaning back against Bob's chest. She was shaking her head at him as two glimmers of moisture ripped down her cheeks. Guardian 452 had wrapped his arms around her waist, glaring silently. Then Matrix met his lover's face, opened his mouth to speak, and found he had nothing to say.
"I will never forgive you Enzo..." Her jaw began to quaver, and, before he could see her cry, she tore into the city, running homeward.