Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story. Just the plot.

Flashback

"Talking"

Thinking

Mind Talking

oOo

Matt lay in his bed, his forehead burning, and occasionally tossing in his sleep.

Inez sat next to his bed, keeping a cold, damp dishcloth to his forehead. He'd been like this ever since they last came back from CyberSpace.

"Matt!" Jackie called.

Matt was facing Hacker.

"Matt!" Inez called.

Hacker spoke to Matt, but it was too low for the girls to hear.

"MATT!" Jackie and Inez both called.

Matt passed out. Inez ran over to him.

Hacker began walking away. "Next time he wakes up, we won't be the same."

Is this what Hacker meant? Inez wondered.

Matt sat up.

Inez reached out for him. "Matt, you're awake!"

Matt pushed her away and stood on shaky legs.

"Matt..?"

` Hacker solemnly looked at Matt.

"It's not true!" Matt cried.

"It is. There's a part of you saying it is true," Hacker said. "Just find me if you reconsider my offer."

Matt then passed out.

Matt wasn't thinking clearly.

It's all true… he was right… he thought. They don't really need me here. My parents are barely home these days… they won't notice my absence… Jackie, Inez, and Digit just need me to help Motherboard… it's not like I mean anything to them…

Matt left his room then saw a red vortex. He walked through it, knowing full-well where it would take him.

Inez called Jackie. "Jackie, there's something wrong with Matt! Meet me in CyberSpace and I'll explain!"

Inez then contacted Digit and explained the situation.

"I'll contact Motherboard and Slider immediately!" Digit stated. "I'll also activate a portal for you and Jackie!"

"Thanks, Digit," Inez said.

Seconds later, a blue vortex appeared. Inez grabbed her bag from a corner and walked into the vortex.

OOooOO