Chapter 10: Silent Change

I woke up on a hospital bed with Doug standing by the window. "Doug?" I said as I sat up.

"Incorrect." he said as he turn to me. I recognize Dean's green eyes.

I said, "Oh, so it's you. What happened Dean?"

"Well you past out in pain. You're body was going insane, or as you Hackers called it your code. You've went through a dramatic change that your code matches my own."

"Seriously? What the hell? Wait, if I'm here in the hospital then what about the others?"

"Being checked up on. Don't worry your secret is safe. I had to rearrange their memories."

"You know how to do that?"

"Yeah. I had to use the Matrix to do it. It takes a lot out of me, but it saves us both the trouble for answering questions."

"So what story did you come up to your friends?"

"That we were attacked by a random criminal.

"So that guy, Albert. Is he like one of the toughest of the Virus Society?"

"I've never seen a Virus like him before." I said, "His code was weird and way stronger than the Viruses I've encountered. Also he had two different color to his uniform. We usually have one other color to represent our rank. It's the same with the Viruses."

I suddenly remembered that pain in my abdomen. Albert told me how Charlie died by his own weapon. Did you die alone Charlie? Was anyone there to hold you until you passed away?

"Thinking about your friend?" said Dean.

"...How can you tell?"

"You got this somber look on your face. What's your friend's name again?"

"Charlie Harrison. He said he died by using his own weapon against him. He was about to kill me the same way. He almost succeeded too." Tears started welling up in my eyes. "Dean, thank you for rearranging their memories. Heh heh, I should work with you more often if I'm going to get through this mission."

I covered my eyes with my right hand. "It's not good to mourn over a loss friend for long." said Dean, "You have to carry on their memory with your head held up high."

I looked at him with a confused look. I remember how Charlie was always happy. So spirit lifting. We were partners, and I was his equal. Now this character Dean living in Doug's body. I consider him as a new friend. Not just a friend, a partner. I would consider him as my third partner in my life.

"Dean?" I said, "I know this is early, but... Do you want to become partners?"

"...Like a fighting partner?"

"Yeah, to become a Hacker."

"...I'll help you out, but you're going to have to give me time to decide. This Hacker business seems a lot of stress."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah in a way, but it pays off."

"How?"

"People are saved."

...

I was released before 8 and brought in my report to the Colonel. When I entered the headquarters though they found my code quite off and wanted to check what's happening to me. It took a while for them to figure out what's wrong. Until the answer came to them. One of the Hacker scientists name, Jones said, "When you tried getting a copy of Dean's code it mixed with your own. In ways he shared his power with you."

"Is there a way to get it separated from mine?" I asked him.

"If we even tried it could kill you. You're just going to have to adapt to this new power. You know from what I've heard, Markiplier has the same coding as Dean's."

"So Dean is the not the only one who's all three?"

"Correct."

"How many gamers are out there who have the same coding?"

"So far we've only know two and it's Mark and Dean. Now it's you too. Just keep watching over Doug Walker and practice getting the hang of this new power. Keep us updated okay?"

"Yeah, will do."

They let me go and I was going to head out, but I was stopped by another Hacker. This Hacker is Private Gabriel. He said, "Lieutenant Raimi, General Necro wants to see you in her office."

These kind of requests are rare. I wonder why the legendary General wants to see me? Well when I went straight away to her office I presented myself with a salute and said, "1st Class Lieutenant Raimi reporting, General."

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant." she said, "How's the new power?"

"Still getting use to it, General." I said.

"And Dean?"

"... He's fine, ma'am."

"Good, your mission of watching over him might end today."

What? "May I ask why this decision, General?" I said.

"You and Dean are going to accompany me to Game Over Prison."

... No way! General Necro said, "Go back to him and tell him the news. I'll come by to Chicago tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes, General!"

I salute my goodbye and exit out of the Matrix. "No way no way no way!" I said excitedly as I grab my phone and called Doug. When he picked up he said, "Hey Elvira, what's up?"

"Dean!"

Dean talked to me, "You really need to be careful when you want to talk to me. I don't want Doug to know my existence yet."

"Dean we're going to be visited by General Necro. She's a legendary Hacker and she wants us to accompany her to Game Over Prison."

"What for?"

"She'll explain once she get's here tomorrow afternoon. So be at the studio tomorrow afternoon okay?"

"Alright."

Oh my gosh shit is getting REAL!