AndrAIa walked on the sidewalk, heading away from the mall. It had been a long day filled with rude customers and a salmon shortage. The delivery never showed up, and she was tasked with turning away patrons while trying to get a hold of her supervisor; who never bothered to answer her calls. She was thankful that the day was over. She reeked of fish and soy sauce, and wanted nothing more than to go home and take a shower.

"AndrAIa!" A familiar voice called.

She turned around to see Matrix jogging towards her. She had been busy with work, picking up extra shifts, and they hadn't had a chance to see each other in person for a while. Matrix did vidwindow her every now and then to check in, which she appreciated. As he approached she took note of his outfit. He wore grey coveralls and heavy work boots. She smiled.

"Hey, what's with the get up?"

"I'm working at the data dump tonight, just thought I'd say hi before starting."

"You work at the dump?"

"It's something to do." He said with a shrug, "Besides, I feel weird as an adult asking my dad for money."

"As you should." She laughed.

They started walking. She could tell that he was hiding something behind his back, but couldn't see what it was.

"How was work?"

"Let's not go there." She muttered.

"That bad?"

"Yeah."

"Well… Are you working tomorrow?"

"No, it's my first day off in forever and I plan on having no plans."

"That's too bad, I was going to ask you out."

"Oh." She blushed, "Well, what did you have in mind?"

"Dinner?"

"I think I could squeeze you into my busy schedule."

Matrix grinned from ear to ear and so did she.

"Great!" He exclaimed, "there's this really nice place on Baudway that has amazing steak."

"Steak?"

"They have lobster too if you're not in the mood for red meat- or we could go somewhere else. Whatever you like. And don't worry about the cost, it'll be my treat."

AndrAIa squirmed, her stride slowing down noticeably. She had never eaten anything fancier than fast food. Fine dining had never been an option for her before. Even so, she never thought of herself as the type of sprite who ate expensive steaks. She shook her head, in an attempt to dispel all doubts and stay positive.

Her smile slowly fell though when Matrix revealed what he had been hiding. He pulled out a bouquet of flowers. They were beautiful; blue and pink roses all wrapped up neatly with a bright red bow. The light of the setting sun reflected off of the crimson silk and she shuddered. She couldn't stop herself from thinking about the poor game sprite who had been attacked right in front of her. She had tried desperately to get his blood off that day, but it still stained her hands; buried deep in the bed of her fingernails. No matter how hard she scrubbed she couldn't get rid of it all.

AndrAIa looked up at Matrix. She had just realized that they both weren't walking anymore. Was it him that stopped first or her? She couldn't remember. AndrAIa frantically searched her mind for something to say.

"Enzo, you shouldn't have." She gave a weak smile.

"I know you said your place didn't feel like home. I thought maybe some flowers would help."

He handed them to her. The way she looked at him wasn't what he had hoped for. She seemed almost disappointed.

"Enzo…"

"You don't like them?"

"They're beautiful- I love them. But…"

She stared at the ground, not wanting to see the look on his face. AndrAIa had been so content to live in ignorant bliss. She actually started to imagine a life where she would stay in Mainframe and be happy with him, but reality was starting to set in. He was the son of Welman Matrix. As much as she enjoyed his company she didn't want to risk dragging him down to her level. He was a sprite who should be with someone better, someone he could call his equal. AndrAIa wasn't the kind of person who deserved to be taken out on fancy dates or get flowers. She was just the sushi girl at the mall. What kind of life could he have with her? She had nothing to offer.

"But?" He asked apprehensively.

"I appreciate you walking me home, and calling me, asking about my day; but I don't think we should see each other anymore."

Matrix stood in silence, processing what she just said. He searched for her eyes, trying to get a clue as to what she was thinking, but AndrAIa averted his gaze.

"Was it something I did?"

"No!" She insisted, "you've been perfect- a gentleman, but that's why I can't be with you."

"I don't understand-"

AndrAIa handed him back the flowers and ran off before he had a chance to react. All he could do was watch as she got further and further away. Matrix stood there until she had completely disappeared from his sight. He thought back to all the conversations they had, overanalyzing everything he said. Maybe he shouldn't have brought up the war, or any of his insecurities. Maybe getting her flowers was too much too soon. He didn't have any answers. The only thing he knew for certain was that somehow he had scared her away. As a result, the only good thing in his life was now gone.

# #

Dot had been riddled with guilt all day. She had woken up that morning and snuck out before Bob had a chance to talk to her. It was a coward's move, but given her current hangover she just wasn't equipped to deal with an argument. She barely survived her work day and she spent most of it in her office avoiding everyone. The bright lights and noises of the principal office overwhelmed her. The whole day Dot had been distracted, and she was sure that everyone noticed. The few times she left her office her interactions with sprites had been unpleasant at best. She couldn't help but be agitated. Since she came in her mind had been fixated on the clock. Once it was 17:00 she could leave and go to the bar. The only cure for a hangover was a stiff drink, and the stash of brandy in her office had run dry.

She pushed out all the negative thoughts, especially any ones having to do with Bob. It was finally her favourite time of day, which meant she could leave. Dot waved to Phong as she walked out the front door.

"Dot!"

Dot looked up at where the voice had come from. Bob stood, leaning against the hood of his red sports car. She walked over.

"Bob, what are you doing here?"

"I'm giving you a ride home."

"That's sweet, but you didn't have to… Don't you have work today?"

"I took a leave of absence." He said before walking around to the drivers side.

Dot got in without a word. Bob jumped behind the wheel, immediately pulling out into traffic. A few cars honked in protest, but that didn't stop him. There was an awkward silence as Dot tried to figure out what to say.

"What do you mean a leave of absence?" She finally asked.

"I can't be your husband full time and work right now, Dot. I'm choosing you."

"I don't understand what you're saying."

"There's clearly things we both need to work on and I want you to have my full attention. It's not like we are hurting for money right now."

"I don't know, Bob."

"...And."

"And?"

"... Given how things have been recently I think we should postpone the open house."

"No! Bob, we have this open house every year in the spring, it's tradition."

"I just don't think it's a good idea."

"Sprites expect it. It's an obligation at this point."

"All right, then no alcohol."

"No alcohol? Bob, it's an open house." She objected.

"I'm serious Dot, I'm putting my foot down."

"What are we going to serve our guests, water?"

"We could put in an energy shake bar. We've never done that before." He suggested.

"Yeah, because this isn't a sprite's birthday party- it's a formal event."

"All right, I see your point. We'll figure something out."

Dot let out a frustrated sigh. She knew he meant well, but was still hurt. He left his job so he could become her babysitter. She didn't need someone to watch her 24/7. On top of that he was trying to dictate what she did with her open house. Dot sat in an anger fueled silence, one that projected heavy waves of hostility towards her spouse. Bob instantly knew she was upset. The silence continued for the whole journey home. Once in the parking lot Bob pulled into a spot and looked over at her.

"Are you mad at me?"

"I don't know, Bob. What do you think?" She spat.

"Dot-"

Dot got out of the car, slamming the door hard behind her.

# #

"I need your help." Ray spoke into the darkness.

The black around him was seemingly endless, almost as if he was floating through the web. But even the web had some light. He was never completely blind there.

"Curious that you've come to me." A gravelly voice responded.

"I'm in a bit of a pinch."

"Hmm… I see."

Suddenly a spotlight shone through the dark room. Hexadecimal sat on her throne in the center of her new lair. Ray raised a hand, shielding his eyes from the sudden light. Once his eyes adjusted he looked up at the virus, trying not to let on how scared he was. He had never met Hexadecimal before, only heard through the grapevine that she was no stranger to loaning money or doing favours. In Mainframe she was the only one he could turn to.

"So, will you help me?" He asked nervously.

"Depends. What do you think of my lair? Mainframe has grown on me, I'd like to stay for a while." her mask looked back at him, frozen in an exaggerated smile.

"This is nice… very cozy. And damp?"

"Thank you!"

"Hexadecimal, please. I'm desperate."

"Oh, you do look so sad. Well I suppose I need something to keep me preoccupied. My things won't be here for a few weeks. Will you be my entertainment?"

"Yes!" Ray beamed, "Thank you."

"All right, well you can go now. I need some alone time." Hex waved her hand before standing. Ray watched as she floated in the air, receding into the darkness. He waited and listened for a moment. Had she actually left?

"Wait!" He spoke with a nervous smile, "When do I get the money?"

Ray waited patiently, hoping that she had heard him. Suddenly a mask appeared. He jumped. The blank expression watched him. In a nano the rest of Hex materialized before him, sending a chill down his spine.

"I never said that I would give you money." She clarified.

"But that's why I'm here. I'm in debt, and you said you'd help me."

"Dance with me!" Hex smiled, taking hold of him.

Ray allowed himself to be ragdolled around as she led him in circles.

"Hex-"

"Here's some advice, Jay-"

"Uh, it's Ray. Ray Tracer."

"Sure thing." She said dismissively, "Don't repay the debt."

"What?"

"You'll never pay it back."

"What do you mean?"

"Did you take into account interest, dear?"

Ray squirmed out of her grasp and looked up at her.

"Interest?"

"And an enforcer fee."

"What's that?"

Hex laughed, deeply amused.

"If you're crazy enough to ask me for help, that means someone's come to collect. Maybe they roughed you up a bit? Well they need to get paid. That comes out of your pocket."

Ray fell to his knees. His life was over. Part of him wished that Mouse had just deleted him when she had the chance.

"My ASCII is done for, isn't it?"

"What was your plan, surfer?" Hex floated, circling around him like a vulture. She studied him, thinking about her next words carefully. He thought that he needed her, but in reality she needed him. Her gaze wandered over to his surfboard, which was hovering by his side. Hex looked back at him.

"I was hoping that you would have the money?" He spoke with his head down.

"And how were you going to pay me back?"

"Borrow from someone else I guess."

She offered a gentle hand and helped him to his feet.

"What you need to do is give something that will make money, instead of trying to repay… How much?"

"5 Million…" He murmured under his breath.

"Pardon?"

"5 Million." He spoke up.

Hex erupted in violent laughter.

"Oh, this is all very amusing. Here, I'll give you a hint."

Hexadecimal whispered in his ear, telling him exactly what he needed to do. Ray listened carefully and took in every detail. He didn't feel good about what had to be done, but it was the only way to get his freedom back. There was nowhere in the web or net he could hide that Mouse wouldn't find him eventually. A small smile touched his face after taking in her words. At that point he would do anything to clear his debt.

End Log