Matrix held the door open for AndrAIa as she got out of the cab. She looked around as he grabbed bags full of get well soon gifts out of the trunk. The neighbourhood they were in was much nicer than what she was used to. The roads were completely free of imperfection, and there was noticeably less litter on the ground. She looked up, the streetlamps weren't on, but seemed to be in good condition. It was early and she had just been released from the hospital. After a few tests the doctors determined she was fine and sent them on their way with a bag full of meds.

Once he was done Matrix led her across a nice courtyard with a fountain in the center. As they approached the high rise apartment she couldn't help but feel a little out of place. She was used to slumming it for so long, being somewhere nice made her feel anxious.

Matrix tried the handle for the entrance, but it was locked.

"Right." He said as if he just remembered something.

He put down one of the bags and reached into his pocket. AndrAIa watched as he pulled out a card and touched it to a key reader above the handle. It beeped and Matrix tried to open the door again. This time it swung open with ease.

Matrix kept the key card in his hand as they walked through the lobby. Through a glass door AndrAIa could see several mailboxes lining the back walls. She looked down another hall and thought she saw what looked like a gym. They stopped in front of the elevator, but there were no up or down buttons. Matrix tapped his card on a small black box and the doors slid open.

Inside smelt clean and fresh. The floors and walls around them were all a dark burgundy and looked well kept. No cracks or debris. She held onto his arm as the elevator started to move, feeling dizzy.

"Are you okay?" He asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I think I just need to lie down."

"We're almost there."

Once they got to the fifth floor the door dinged before opening. She followed him around a corner to a blue door at the end of the hall. As they went they passed a sprite vacuuming the floor. He had headphones in and was listening to loud music as he worked.

Matrix tapped his card once again, unlocking the apartment door. He held it open for her as she slowly walked into their new place. Matrix allowed her to lean on him for balance as she looked around the bare apartment. Apart from a couch and coffee table there were several cardboard boxes that still needed to be unpacked.

The walls were painted a smooth grey and the floors were navy blue carpet. It was smaller than their last place, but in much better condition. No holes in the walls or leaking pipes from what she could see. After glancing over she could tell that the appliances in the kitchen were practically new.

"Wow." That was all she could manage. She was speechless.

AndrAIa let go of his arm, walking over to the large window against the far wall. She didn't really know how to feel. She looked through the window, being able to see nearly all of Kits from where she stood. Cars zoomed by a busy street and she could see families walking over to an energy park. Even though it was busy there was something strangely peaceful about the area.

Her eyes then focused on her reflection. She had a split lip and black eye, and generally didn't look great. Her face was also less full. She was aware of the fact that she didn't look healthy at all. Ray did that to her, and he thought he could get away with it because she was a game sprite. He very nearly had.

AndrAIa crossed her arms, deep in thought. Matrix set down the bags and walked over, hugging her from behind. She smiled, thankful for his touch.

"What's on your mind?" He asked before kissing the top of her head.

"... What if Daemon sends someone else for me? I don't know if I could go through all that again."

"You won't have to. You're safe now, really."

"I know we aren't in G-Prime, but what if that isn't enough?"

It hurt Matrix to hear her say those words. He could feel how tense her body was, she was still on edge. Even though there was no threat she still didn't feel safe.

"Listen," He said spinning her around to face him, "I'm going to have to work a lot more now, if you need someone to be here with you I could ask Dot or-"

"No, I don't need a spritesitter. I'll be fine." She was just beginning to feel like his family was warming up to her. The last thing she wanted was to come across as needy.

"All right. You should get some rest." Matrix walked over to one of the boxes and opened it up, pulling out his work uniform.

"...You're leaving now?"

"I have to, but you can call me at any time. Your card is on the kitchen counter, none of the doors will be able to open without it. Only residents can get in. And if you ever call the police they'll be here in a nano."

He walked back over to the window and she looked down. There was a police station a stone's throw away. Matrix had tried his best to find a living situation that would make her more comfortable. An apartment in a good area and security precautions came with a higher price tag however. He was paying twice as much in rent for half the amount of space.

AndrAIa looked up at him and forced a smile.

"You're right, I guess I just need some time to adjust to everything."

"I'll be home as soon as I'm done, okay?"

"Okay."

Matrix kissed her on the cheek before heading for the door, leaving AndrAIa alone with her thoughts.

# #

Dixon stood staring at the place she used to call home. Now that things were finally over between her and Bob she dreaded going through all the memories that were waiting for her inside. She shook her head, knowing that she should have just been thankful she had a place to go to. Usually the guardian collective only paid for residences when someone was injured on duty. Turbo must have really called in some favours for her.

She sighed, unlocking the door and stepping inside. Upon entering the townhouse she was instantly greeted with a musty smell. It was clear that no one had been there in ages.

Dixon covered her nose, trying to get used to the strange odor. At first she just stood there, not sure where to start. She knew that she didn't want to stay there, but before she could sell the place she had to clear everything out. Part of her just wanted to hire a company to throw everything away, but then she remembered what Bob said about her going through old cases. There could be confidential files, which she had to return before officially resigning.

"Well, I guess upstairs then?" She confirmed plans with herself.

As she walked up the stairs she looked at the photographs on the wall. Most of them were of her and Bob, living a life she would never see again. She stopped in front of the last one though, smiling. It was of their graduating class at the academy. They were all so young and full of hope. At the time, each and every one of them looked forward to a future with endless possibilities.

Maybe not all the memories were bad. Dixon carefully wiped away the cobwebs and dust around the frame, taking the photo from the wall. It left behind a dark patch of wallpaper, unbleached by the sun. She tucked the picture under her arm and continued to the second floor.

Dixon walked over hardwood floors, leaving behind distinct footprints in the dust. She tried her best to just walk past the bedroom, but she couldn't. Dixon sighed, pushing open the door. It slowly swung with a creak. Looking inside everything was the same. A large dresser sat beside the bed. She went over, opening the top drawer. It was empty.

"Of course." She laughed uncomfortably. That's where Bob kept his things.

She then brought her attention to the closet. Dixon slowly walked over, hesitantly sliding the door open. Inside everything was as she remembered. Several work uniforms hung side by side, taking up most of the space. Beside them a few civilian clothes, but not many. She then brought her attention to the furthest corner, where a large silver bag hung. Before proceeding she set the photograph down, focusing only on the contents of that bag.

Dixon reached over with unsteady hands, carefully unzipping it, revealing her wedding dress. It was still a pristine white. She pulled it out and held it up. It was beautiful. Dixon wasn't very fussy or feminine, but the white ball gown would suggest otherwise. It had intricate beading and lace around the neckline. To top it all off the sleeves resembled large, puffy clouds. The skirt of the dress was made of shimmering fabric and layers of more lace. She remembered trying it on for the fitting. Tears came to her eyes. Only herself and the seamstress ever got a chance to see her in it. She had been so excited to see the look on Bob's face when she walked down the aisle. He wouldn't have expected it at all. She was sure he thought she would have been in a tux.

Despite the influx of emotions Dixon laughed before returning it to the bag in the closet. She left the bedroom, wiping away a few tears. She didn't know if what she was feeling was sadness or just nostalgia. Either way, she had to keep going.

The doorbell rang. Dixon paused, but then went down to answer. A courier sprite had a package for her. She took it and went back inside, carrying it up with her to where her office was. Calling it an office was a bit much considering it used to be the linen closet. A single lightbulb dangled above a small desk. She sat down, wasting no time to open the package. After ripping off the brown paper a note fell out. Dixon picked it up, reading it out loud.

"Dixon, I know you have your mind set on quitting being a guardian. If that is what you truly want then I will respect your decision. Either way, you'll always be a guardian in my eyes. I know you've been through a lot, but all I have to offer you is this. It belonged to my grandfather, and now I am passing it down to you. His name is Chip, I have a feeling you two will get along great. -Turbo."

Dixon paused, looking at the box sitting on her desk. She gently took the lid off to reveal a bright red keytool. It was much bulkier than the more recent models, but instantly she took a liking to him all the same.

"All right Chip, I've got a lot of work to do. Care to help?"

Dixon gently placed the keytool to her wrist and the code transfer started immediately. Within seconds it gave a series of low clicks. She chuckled.

"I don't really know what I'm looking for." She answered.

It clicked again and she turned to the cabinet next to the desk. From what she remembered they were filled with old files of completed cases she'd worked on. Suddenly she remembered something else.

Dixon opened the top drawer of her desk. After sliding it open she took all the papers out. On the far corner of her desk sat a small screwdriver, she took it and wedged it between the bottom and the side of the drawer. Gently she wiggled it, prying out the false bottom. A single file folder sat underneath.

"There you are." She smiled.

It must have been the case she was working on before the accident. Her memory was still fuzzy, but for some reason she felt like it was important.

She opened the folder, reading the top of the first page. Dixon wrinkled her brow, trying to make sense of what she was reading. What was so special about a former resident of Mainframe?

"I wonder if this got solved while I was offline?"

Chip chattered.

"I guess you're right. There's only one way to find out."

# #

Megabyte sat on his throne in silence. He loosened his tie, leaning back to relax. He had spent most of his day in meetings and dressed for the occasion. Everything was falling into place and his cycles of hard work were finally starting to pay off. He didn't want to admit it, but Hexadecimal's plan was brilliant. She somehow found a use for everything he had been working on. He was ashamed that he hadn't discovered the full potential of his research sooner. Her chaotic mind had a creativity he would never grasp.

The days before the war were hard times to be a virus. Many were programmed to corrupt and conquer, but against their will. The User built them that way, and it was hard to go against their code. It took great will power to break themselves from their creator's shackles. Megabyte was one of many viruses who were successful in doing this. But despite his efforts to coexist with other beings on the net he was looked at with scrutiny. Even he had been unjustly hunted by guardians.

The war changed all that, though. Everyone banded together against the Users. Viruses gave them an advantage, they were stronger and had powers sprites could only dream of. They were all forced to put aside their differences for the sake of the net.

Sprites seemed to always fall back into their old ways, though. Once the war was over and a truce was met; barely a cycle went by before they projected their fears onto game sprites. Megabyte and other viruses were suddenly granted freedoms and luxuries they weren't allowed to have before. He finally lived in a time where viruses could be free. Most of his kind quickly adjusted to their new found comforts without a second thought. Megabyte, however, would never forget. He was held back and degraded because of who he was. And now, with Hex and Daemon by his side, he could change all that.

The virus opened a vidwindow. Herr Doktor looked back at him with a smile on his face.

"Megabyte!" He said excitedly, "everything is perfect. Testing has all yielded positive results. We await further instruction."

"Good to hear. Enjoy this moment Doktor, the work we are doing now will change the course of history."

"I am very honoured, mein fuhrer."

"Take the rest of the day off, my treat. I will let you know when the trial run begins."

Herr Doktor gave a salute before ending the call.

Megabyte couldn't help but smile. In due time everyone would understand.

# #

"This place is really nice." Maxine commented as they walked towards the elevator.

"You seem to be liking it more than AndrAIa," Matrix sighed.

Right after finishing work Maxine had called asking if he wanted to go out for drinks. He knew he could use the downtime, but promised AndrAIa he would be home. The compromise was to do the drinking at his place. Each of them carried a bag filled with hard liquor and beer.

"Kits is a nice sector, why doesn't she like it?"

"I don't know, I just got a feeling."

"She's been through a lot. Give her time."

"Yeah, you're probably right."

They stepped into the elevator. Once the doors closed Maxine pried.

"More importantly, how are you able to afford all this?"

"I can't. Basically I have to work double shifts every day for the rest of my life. And that's just covering necessities. Now I've got a wedding to pay for too…" Matrix sighed, clearly stressed, "But don't say anything to AndrAIa, she doesn't know."

"You didn't tell her that you're completely broke?"

"No I didn't"

"She's going to find out eventually."

The doors slid open and they walked down the hall.

"I know, but she can find out after she's recovered fully."

"How long is that going to take?"

"As long as she needs."

Maxine sighed. She admired his dedication, but it was clear that he was running himself ragged.

"All right."

Matrix opened the door and they stepped inside. He flicked on the light and Maxine found her way to the kitchen to unload the beers into the fridge. Matrix looked around, not seeing AndrAIa anywhere. After a minute he carefully opened the bedroom door. She lay under the covers, fast asleep. He smiled.

Every hour like clockwork she called him while he was at work. If she heard a creak or saw a shadow she got spooked. Matrix felt a little foolish thinking she would have been fine by herself so soon, but he couldn't afford to miss any more work. It was nice to see that she was finally getting some sleep, though.

He backed out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He walked over to Maxine.

"She's out cold, don't really want to wake her. Sorry."

"It's all right. I'd probably be sleeping all day and night too if I was her… I don't want to wake her, maybe I should go?"

"No, it's fine. We'll be quiet."

Maxine smiled. She took out a beer for herself and handed him one. They took a seat on the couch staring at an empty wall. There was no TV or entertainment, so all they could do was talk. Within an hour the coffee table was covered in empty beer bottles and cans. Maxine poured out a couple shots with shaky hands, spilling onto the table a bit.

"Sorry!" She laughed.

"Don't worry about it, it's an old table."

They raised their glasses before pounding back the shots. Maxine made a face as the hot liquid poured down her throat. Matrix laughed.

"There is no way I'm keeping up with you." She sighed. Her face was already flushed and the night had just begun.

"Don't know why you would even try."

"One last hurrah before leaving Mainframe I guess."

"...What do you mean?"

"I'm going back to the Desert Port System."

"Really?" Matrix said, disappointed.

"Yeah, I'm throwing in the towel and moving back in with mom and dad."

Matrix got up, retrieving another two beers from the fridge. He handed her one and they opened them simultaneously. Matrix held his up and she did the same.

"Best of luck Maxine in the future. Hopefully you won't be on your parents couch much longer!"

She laughed and they touched cans and drank. Welman had offered Maxine her old job back, but she declined. She decided a desk job wasn't for her and planned on going back to her old job as a search engine.

"Who needs luck?" she joked. Pretty soon she'd be back to her old life and away from all the drama.

"I don't think I can thank you enough for all your help." Matrix looked back at her with pure gratitude. "I never would have found AndrAIa if it wasn't for you."

"No need to thank me." She shrugged and drank.

"I do. You didn't have to… Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Things got dangerous, really dangerous. You could have backed out at any time; why didn't you?"

She put down her empty can.

"The truth might make you think less of me." She admitted.

"I don't think that's possible. You completely have my respect."

Maxine paused, touched by the statement.

"All right." She took a deep breath, "I like you Matrix."

Matrix blushed and gave an awkward smile. Despite coming from a rich family he had never been popular with the ladies. He knew he sulked a lot and had a temper. Most women saw that as a turn off. Even more surprising was the fact that Maxine had seen him at his worst and still felt that way. He wasn't sure how to respond. Instead he just drank, staying silent.

"I saw the whole thing as an excuse to spend more time with you," She continued, "to be honest, I never thought we would even find AndrAIa."

"But you did help me find her. Wouldn't it have been easier for you to just not try?"

"It would have, yes, but the more time we spent together the more I realized how out of reach your heart was. Whether we found her or not, I would have never been able to measure up to her. In the end I just wanted you to be happy, and that meant finding AndrAIa."

Matrix paused, thinking before speaking again.

"Is that why you're leaving?"

"Partially, yes. But mainly I'm leaving because I hate my job."

"Is that all?" He chuckled.

"Yeah, it is." She admitted defeat, "I should probably go now. I still have some packing to do."

"All right."

They both slowly made their way to the door. They stood in silence for a moment.

"... You know, when I came to Mainframe I thought I'd be bored out of my mind. Turns out this place is way too exciting for a simple sprite like me… And you've got trouble written all over you. I should have known better."

Matrix smiled. He reached out a hand and they shook. They had been a great team, but she knew it was time for her to go. She had a lot of stuff to figure out.

"Goodbye Maxine… and thank you, really."

"Don't mention it." She whispered before leaving.

He sighed and then returned to his seat, finishing his beer.

End Log