Okay! Finally, Chapter 7! Sorry about not updateing last week! I caught the stomach flu from my friend. Heh heh, good times…O.O

ANYWAYS, here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!!

Chapter Seven

Charlie Landers backed away, taking a shaky breath. "W-what?" he whispered.

Mr. Hall didn't repeat it, and instead nodded. "I'm sorry, Charlie."

Charlie stumbled, and felt S.T.A.N. catch him as he fell. "No…" he muttered weakly, "No!"

He yanked away from the andriod, backing away from the both of them. "Y-y-you're lying! It's impossible!"

Charlie ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. "No…" he mumured once again.

Suddenly, his confusion and surprise turned into hate and anger. "Why didn't you tell me any of this!?" he shouted, "What—did you think I didn't deserve to know!? I mean…" he trailed off, disgusted.

"Charlie, I only—"

Charlie held out his hand. "You only what? What could you possibly think was worse then telling me what happened to my own father?"

Mr. Hall was silent, then lowered his head slightly.

Charlie suddenly flinched and took a step towards Mr. Hall. "You…you were afraid I would quit, weren't you?"

Mr. Hall didn't answer, and didn't look up.

Charlie nodded. "Yeah. That's what I thought. Well, guess what? You were right." He took a breath, and projected his voice so it echoed off the walls. "I quit!!"

The room was completely silent. Charlie shook his head, and bit his lip. "I need to go home."

==--==

When Charlie got back to his house, his mom looked at him like he was insane. "What are you doing home, honey? You don't feel good?"

"No," Charlie said, "I'm just really tired."

His mom nodded, and felt his forehead. "You do feel a bit hot…alright, go on up to bed. No games, you rest."

Charlie nodded, and went directly into his room. He grabbed Hero Rising, placed the disc inside the cover, and threw it down, stepping on it. "Ah!" he shouted, angry. He collapsed onto his bed, tears rolling down his face. My dad…worked for Mr. Hall? How is that even possible? Oh man…Dad…

He wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand, then got up and grabbed the picture of his dad. He looked at it for a moment, then flipped it over, about to hang it up on his wall, when the paper on the back suddenly tore slightly.

Charlie, confused, slowly took the paper off, and saw it concealed a disc. On the front, were the words Hero Rising, and To Charlie.

Tilting his head, Charlie jumped up to his computer and played the C.D.

He flinched in surprise as his father appeared on the screen. He began to speak, and Charlie could only watch in awe.

"Charlie, my dear son. As you know I gave you the game Hero Rising. And yet, I have something important and serious to tell you. Hero Rising is not just a game. I know you might not believe this, but I am actually my avatar. Yes, I play the game too.

Please Charlie, you must listen to me. I only gave the game to you because I had no idea it was dangerous. If you are watching this, you must be looking at the picture of me on your drawer. I am terribly sorry, Charlie, I will be home as soon as possible.

I love you, Charlie."

Charlie, slightly crying, mumured, "I love you too…"

He wiped his eyes and stood up. He walked out of the room, and downstairs.

"Mom?"

"Yes, Charlie?"

"Uhm, I'm feeling a little better. I'm going to go back to school." Charlie answered, smiling.

His mom grinned. "Alright, sweetie, do you want a ride?"

"No, I got it. Thanks!"

Suddenly, faster then he could comprehend, something shot through the air and clanged into Charlie's head, and he dropped to his hands and knees. "Whaa?" he muttered, blinking hard and shaking his head. A wave of dizzyness swept over him, and he collapsed completely.

When he awoke, he gasped and instantly jumped up. "Mom!?"

No answer. Dead silence.

"Mom!!"

Hello! Anyways, well, that's the next chapter…I'm kinda confused as to what I might be making happen next, but I should be updateing soon! Hopefully I don't get sick again Lol.

Danni