Author's Note: This story has finally been rewritten in a new style! In case you're in the middle of the story when you catch eyes with this note, I've done the same for all of the previous chapters as well. I apologize if it's a bit sudden, haha.


"Ugh, my head," Loya said as he stoked his temple, sitting in the barracks of Hero's Duty. He vaguely remembered everything that had happened, but it was all fuzzy, and it was coming into focus slowly. It was as if he was never in control of his speech or actions. Like watching a movie from 'Private Loya's' perspective.

"Who was that guy?" Kohut asked. He directed it at Loya specifically, but he wouldn't argue if anyone had an answer. If anyone knows, it would hopefully be you..

Vanellope decided to sneak out to Sugar Rush 2. I don't have time for this. They have it under control, I'm sure. My first priority is finding Ralph. He'd have to be in Sugar Rush 2.. I'm sure I've got to be in his brain somewhere, and with that being the case, he's bound to come looking for me.

"I have no idea," Loya said contemplatively as he struggled to find any memory that would help in any way. He gave an account of the first thing that came to mind. "The first thing I can remember is waking up in this weird hallway with tubes of light all around.. In the church, I think." He took a deep breath. Recalling it only made his throbbing headache worse. "Spears came out of the next room.. It was all dark in there except for what looked like some weird boxes and wires. I think he said something like, 'Let's go, brother'. He had this sinister smile on his face.. Sorry, that's all I can remember about it right now.. I couldn't move how I wanted to after that, I was perfectly in somebody's control.. It's been like that since the day we were plugged in." This headache is going to be the end of me..

"Wait, Spears was the guy who followed after him!" Kohut yelled. They're in it together and we let them get away! "We're going after them!"

Kohut grabbed his radio about to give a secure transmission to Calhoun just as she was running into Hero's Duty.

"Kohut, come with me, we have to get to the church, now!" Calhoun said firmly.

Felix's eyes fell on Calhoun for the first time in person since his game was plugged back in, and it sent shivers down his spine. "Jiminy jaminy.." he said in lovestruck shock, which made Calhoun smirk. She's so beautiful.. But more so she's so.. so.. He couldn't have put it into words, even in his head, but Calhoun carried herself with an air of such confidence and strength.. He was smitten instantly. I'm already falling in love with her all over again.. The soldiers' stories didn't do her any justice.

"Ma'am, there were intruders," Kohut said seriously, trying keep it as brief as possible, "This guy in a blue jumpsuit was, uh, hijacking Loya's character somehow until just now. He ran off just a moment ago after splitting from him. Spears is chasing him now, but we're sure that he's being controlled as well."

"You fit for duty, Loya?" Calhoun asked firmly. I know you just got out of hell, but we need your help on this one. You're programmed to handle stressful situations. All of my boys are. Until now Markowski was an exception, but now it seems like that may not have been the case after all.

"Yes Ma'am!" Loya yelled as he got to his feet and saluted. I want to deal with this guy personally. Damn crybaby..

"Alright, change of plans," Calhoun said firmly. She grabbed her radio to speak with Markowski. "Markowski, I need to you to fix Spears. I'm assuming you've done the same for Loya already.. And give me a location."

"Yes Ma'am!" Markowski said happily over the radio.

Calhoun's eyes turned to Felix. What do I say to you? You don't even remember me.. In this situation, I..

Before Calhoun could come up with anything, Felix stepped forward, brandishing the Multi-Mode Rifle the soldiers had him practicing with. He smiled warmly and took a deep breath then said, "Ready for duty, Ma'am." If you'll still have me..

Calhoun smiled. She tried fighting the urge to pull Felix into her arms, being in front of the men, but reluctantly allowed herself one hug. That's the Felix I fell in love with.. Whether he remembers being with me or not. Always 'ready for duty'.. That innocent, sincere charm of his really gets my blood boiling. "Glad to have you pint-size," she said warmly. We'll have plenty of time to get you back up to speed later..

The words 'pint-size' echoed in Felix's head. Unknown to them, somewhere in the depths of Hero's Duty's memory files, pieces of code had been downloading themselves into Felix ever since he had entered the game.

Felix suddenly remembered Calhoun complimenting his 'slick tiddlywinking' around while being shot at by the soldiers thinking he was a Cy-bug, that he had originally come looking for Ralph who had gone Turbo, and meeting Calhoun for the first time. He tried to remember more, but his head felt like it was on fire. He appeared to glitch, briefly turning into yellow code.

"Felix!" Calhoun yelled worriedly as she stayed knelt down in front of him, touching his forehead. Are you okay? If something happens to you..

"I'm.. I'm fine," Felix said with a pained smile, tenderly grabbing her hand into his, "I remembered something. When we first met.." I want to remember more. I need to..

"About the intruders, Ma'am," Kohut said to bring the issue back to light. I'm glad that Felix's memory started coming back, but the longer we leave the intruders alone, the more likely it is that another game will be taken over.

"Markowski here," Markowski said over Calhoun's radio, "I fixed Spears, but I can't find his location. Are you sure he's in the game?"

"Negative. They were gone before I arrived," Calhoun said firmly with annoyed disappointment, "We'll just have to find them on our own." That's just great.

"So uh.. should I stay in here?" Markowski asked apprehensively. I'm not used to doing things on my own. It doesn't feel right unless I'm following orders.

"Sit tight, big boy, just don't fix it if it ain't broken," Calhoun said with a hint of appreciation in her voice, "I need you to hold the fort in case those guttersnipes return. And if they do.. Do what you have to. We're headed to Sugar Rush 2." Logically speaking, Sugar Rush 2 is the most likely place those two would go. Not only is it the newest game, but it's also right next door.