EPILOGUE Wendy Simpson Wendy Simpson 2 24 2001-10-23T17:58:00Z 2001-10-23T17:58:00Z 35 8526 48601 n/a 405 97 59685 9.2720

EPILOGUE

THE PRESENT

PART I

"And you found no sign of Raven at all, mate?"

"We searched the city," Bob said, "According to Gavin, there was no indication of him leaving the system.  I'd like for you and Gavin to search the surrounding sectors."

"How will you get home?"

"We're taking a shuttle.  Give Matrix's ship a tow."

"You got it," Ray said.  "What about Flame? Going after her?"

"No, at least not now," Bob said, "I've got an ANB out on Flame.  Cracker is in custody at the medical center.  Right now, we all just want to get home."

"I heard that," Ray said, "See you back in Mainframe."

"You got it, take care Ray."

Bob closed the connection, then leaned back in the chair, stretching his aching muscles.  The CPU office was quiet which was strange considering this was System 998, but considering the total lack of policing in the city, Bob wasn't too surprised.  He had requested to use their vid-phone, which had very limited range, but he was able to call Gavin and Ray.  Ray was going to relay the news home that Enzo had been found and Bob needed to get back to the Super Computer to officially close the investigation.  The system 'officials' had been rather miffed that Bob hadn't requested their assistance in finding Enzo, but frankly, Bob didn't care. 

Matrix and Enzo were waiting for him.  Might as well get going.

***

Enzo spend a good millisecond in the shower and he still felt dirty.  The steaming water stung his cuts and bruises but it wasn't so bad.  He was glad his ordeal was finally at an end.  Yet he worried and wondered.  Flame had escaped and wouldn't take her defeat lightly, Enzo knew.  As for Raven –

Why had the mercenary helped them?  Oh, Matrix had told him Raven was settling a debt he owed Enzo but for some reason he couldn't fathom, Enzo felt it was more than that.  No matter what thought, Enzo knew he'd see Raven again.

Enzo stepped out of the shower and marveled at the size of the bathroom.  Sometimes it paid to be related to the Prime Guardian.  The shuttle for the Super Computer wasn't due to leave until tomorrow afternoon, so Bob had procured them a very expensive three-bedroom bungalow.  It was one of a group of rentals that were situated along a cliff near the net port, overlooking the Data Sea and catered to the criminally wealthy.  Enzo was a little wary about staying there but their privacy had been assured.  Enzo felt it had more to do with the owner not wanting the Prime Guardian to suddenly decide to raid the place.

Enzo finished toweling himself off, wrapped it around his torso went into his temporary bedroom.  They had purchased some fresh clothes for him and he pulled on a black T-shirt and jeans.  He stopped and caught his reflection in the mirror.

"Well Enzo," he said, "You got out of this one with your skin intact.  Now maybe you'll stay home where you belong."  He knew where he wanted to be and it would be a long time before he left home again.

It came to him how tired he was.  He lay down on the bed.  He'd just rest for a moment. 

***

Bob was just exiting the CPU office when a short pudgy man, pushed his way past and turned back to the building.  Shaking his fist at it, the man yelled, "This is a travesty of justice!"

"Now I know you don't have a problem with the law, do you?"  Bob smiled at him.

"Guardian Bob!"  The man recognized him immediately.

"Well, well, if it isn't my old buddy Felix."

"Look, I ain't done nothing, Guardian Bob."

"It's Prime Guardian now," Bob said.

"No way?  So it's true?  Congratulations!"

Bob raised an eyebrow; "I've been Prime Guardian for almost eight hours."

"Oh – um – really?'  Felix couldn't quite look at him, "Well ya see I've been kinda – away."

"Umm hmm," Bob said, "So when did they let you out?  I haven't seen you since I busted you."

"Hmph!  I've been out for an hour, no thanks to you.  So what are you doing on System 998?"

"Looking for a dear friend, which I've found."

"Well good," Felix said, "Well I gotta be goin' now."

Bob stepped closer and towered over him, "And just where might that be?"

"None of your --,"

Bob gave him a menacing look.

"Okay, okay, I was on my way to the Super Computer.  A buddy of mine is gonna get me through the net port."

"Really?" Bob said, "You're leaving now?"

"Well a yeah, I'm kinda in a hurry --,"

"Tell you what Felix," Bob said, "I need to get to the Super Computer too.  You give me a ride and my friends a ride and maybe the next time you come to my attention I'll cut you a break."

"Sorry pal lost my last ship.  Only have a two-man now."

"Really?" And that gave Bob an idea, "Okay, so how about giving me a ride?"

"No prob' Bob," Felix said.  "Meet me at the net port gate 9A in half a millisecond."

"I'll be there," Bob said.  He hoped he wasn't overstepping his bounds with this one, but it was about time a few things were settled once and for all.

***

Matrix quietly closed the bedroom door. "He's sound asleep."

"He must be exhausted," Bob said.  "So you two will be all right here?"

"Yeah, sure," Matrix shrugged.  "It's just that – AndrAIa --,"

"Don't worry," Bob smiled, "Your son or daughter will be patient and wait for their father.

"I hope so.  If he or she has my temper --,"

Bob chuckled, "Matrix I have to level with you.  Getting this ride to the S.C. wasn't just so I could close the case back there."

"I know it wasn't," Matrix sighed.  It had been too convenient that Bob had decided to catch a ride with his 'friend'.

Bob smiled slightly, "I saw the look on your face when Enzo didn't even thank you for helping him.  I know you've wanted to settle things with him for a long time.  I'm giving you this time to do that."

"He won't like it."

"I know," Bob said.  "But this has gone on way too long.  This may be the thing that was needed to get Enzo to finally change his mind about you."

"I hope so Bob," Matrix said.

"Some advice?  Don't pressure, don't push and most of all, don't lose your temper."

"Two out of three isn't bad, right?"

Bob chuckled.  "I'll see you back home."

"Okay Bob."

***

The tantalizing scent of food brought Enzo awake.  "Wow," he said when he noticed the clock.  The afternoon was gone.  It was almost dinnertime.  He stepped out of the bedroom and the first thing he saw was Matrix, standing behind the breakfast bar in the kitchenette, unloading bags of fast food.

"Hey, you're up," he smiled stiffly, "Thought you were going to sleep all evening."

Enzo's took a moment to scan the room, then he looked at Matrix, "Where's Bob?"

"Oh, he ran into a friend in town and hitched a ride back to the Super Computer," Matrix said.  "So it's just us.  Thought we could hang out watch vid-cable --,"

"Bob isn't here?"  With the realization that he was alone with Matrix came the chill.

Matrix walked around the counter and faced him, "He wanted to get the official New Collective investigation closed.  He said for us just to take the shuttle tomorrow."

Enzo bit down hard on his lip, hoping the pain would help him fight off the attack, but already his hands were going numb.  Matrix was still looking at him.

"You hungry?"  Matrix asked.  "I know you have to be.  When was the last time you ate?"

"At Raven's fortress," And Enzo realized he was hungry, famished in fact.  Flame had only fed him once while he was her prisoner and that had been a bowl of weak broth.

"Well I wasn't sure what you wanted, so I just got Chinese," Matrix said, "Is it safe to assume that you like what I like?"

"I-I'm not hungry," and he was immediately proved a liar when his stomach growled. 

"Sit down, Kid," Matrix said.

"Don't call me 'Kid'," Enzo said.  He moved over to the counter.  The food did smell good.  Enzo opened a container of pork fried rice, "Where you'd get all this stuff?"

"From the bazaar.  There was this little shop in a back alley," Matrix said.

"Geez, Matrix what are you trying to do, erase me?"

"Hey if you go, I go."

"Oh now that's comforting."  Enzo opened another container.

"Is there anything you want to talk about Enzo?"

The question surprised him.  He looked at Matrix and could see the sincerity and concern in his eyes.  Unfortunately, he could also see –

Enzo rubbed his hands together.   "No."

"Are you sure?"  Matrix asked.  "We were afraid Raven had hurt you."

He did, Enzo wanted to say.  He wanted to talk about what had happened. He wanted to tell someone how terrified he'd been at first.  Not even knowing whether or not he see loved ones and home again.  But Matrix wasn't the one he wanted to discuss that with.  It was taking every once of will power in him not to leave the room.

"Here," Matrix had reached into the fridge and handed him a beer.

"You know I'm not old enough to drink," Enzo said.

"Oh come on," Matrix gave one of his rare genuine smiles, "Do you actually expect me to believe you go to the Science Academy to actually learn something?"

Despite himself, Enzo chuckled and tried to cover it with a cough. 

"You know if you want to talk about it we can," Matrix said. 

"I'm fine," Enzo took a healthy swig of the beer.

For a while, the two men ate without speaking.  Normally, Enzo had a very large appetite but now, he just picked at the food.  He concentrated on breathing, willing himself to calm.  He put the fork down and rubbed his hands again.

"You're still having those attacks aren't you?"

Enzo looked up, totally astonished, before he could stop himself he blurted, "How did you know --," He broke off.  No, Matrix couldn't possibly know about them. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Those attacks that you get every time you come within two feet of me," Matrix looked down at his plate, "I still make you that uncomfortable?  Even after all this time?"

Suddenly, Enzo wasn't hungry anymore, "I need some air --,"

"You don't remember do you?"  Matrix said, "That talk we had during the party on the Libertas.  I noticed it then."

Actually, Enzo hadn't remembered, but hearing Matrix mention, it brought it all back with stark clarity.  He hadn't believed Matrix then and he didn't now.

"You've never talked to anyone about them have you?"

"What are you my therapist?"  Enzo muttered.  He couldn't stay in the room for one more nano with him.  He had to get out of there now.  "Like I said, I need some air."

Enzo grabbed his beer and went out the back way.  He half expected Matrix to follow.  The bungalow was within walking distance of the beach.  One reached it by going through the copse of trees that surrounded their temporary residence and walking along a natural path that wound its way down the cliff to the beach.  When Enzo emerged from the trees, he found he had a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Data Sea and to his right, the column of light from the net port.  So he stood there enjoying the warm salt breeze and the sights around him and finally calmed himself.

"We have to talk."

Enzo expelled a frustration breath.  Why was he not surprised?  He didn't bother turning to face him.   "Matrix, what in the motherboard do we possibly have to talk about?"

"You're kidding right?"  Matrix said.  "Don't you think we have a few things to settle?"

Enzo tightened his grip on the beer bottle as he felt his anger stir, "The only way I could settle things with you Matrix would involve putting you in traction."

He knew what would come next.  Matrix's infamous temper exploding to life.  They often sparred like this.  Enzo was used to it by now.  It was a lot simpler than continuing to hope for something that he had decided long ago would never happen.

"Why do you still hate me so much?"

Enzo couldn't believe it. How could he hate him so much? How could that big basic green guy even ask me that?  What right did he have?

"Now you're kidding, right?"  Enzo turned fiercely to him.  "Did you forget already, Matrix?  Allow me to refresh your memory."  And Enzo repeated the words, "'I'm going to drain every drop of energy from you.  I'm going to suck you dry and enjoy your pain.  Do you know how much I hate you?' Ring a bell?  Should I continue?"

"No," Matrix growled, "And I didn't forget."

"Then you should already know why and stop asking basic questions."

Now Matrix's anger was a tangible in the air around them, "Don't you think I've regretted what happen?  Do you want to know something?  Something no one knows but AndrAIa?  After I thought I deleted you, I decided I didn't deserve to live.  If it weren't for AndrAIa, I wouldn't be here today."

Matrix had tried to delete himself?  He couldn't believe it.  Suddenly Enzo's ire rose, "I guess that was supposed to make me feel guilty?"

"No," Matrix stepped forward, "It's supposed to tell you that I did regret what happened.  I do to this very day and always will for the rest of my processing.  I've done everything I could to show you I'm not going to delete you --,"

"Damn it!"  Enzo flung the bottle over the cliff in his rage and frustration and was satisfied by the sound of the far off crash, almost wishing it were Matrix, "You still don't get it, do you?"

"No, I don't get it," Matrix yelled, "I have never 'gotten it'!  What do you want from me?"

Enzo shook his head.  He still didn't know, even after all these hours.  Enzo had resigned himself long ago to the fact that Matrix would never change.  "It's not important anymore."  Suddenly, the anger drained away and he felt a deep and unwelcome sadness.  Without another word, Enzo started back down the path.

*

Don't pressure, don't push, and don't lose your temper.

But the Kid wasn't making it easy for him.  Matrix watched as Enzo walked back towards the bungalow.  Okay, he'd give him a few moments, but they would talk.  Bob had been right.  This had gone on for too long and Matrix was determined to find out what Enzo wanted from him even if it took all night.  The least the Kid owed him was an explanation, considering he had saved his neck.

No, that wasn't right, Matrix thought.  He shouldn't make Enzo feel obligated to tell him because of that.  Matrix smiled inwardly.  Maybe he had learned a few things over the hours.  Matrix started back for the house.

Enzo was just getting another beer when Matrix walked back in, closing the sliding glass door behind him, "You have to help me out here."

"I don't have to do anything," Enzo shot back.

Don't lose your temper.  "Enzo – I really don't know what you want.  Would you tell me?"

Enzo slammed the beer bottle down on the counter, "Telling you would be pointless.  Even if I did and you gave me what I wanted, it would mean nothing."

"You're not making any sense, Kid."

"Of course I'm not," Enzo went to move around him, but Matrix took him by the arm.  "Let me go."

"Not until you tell me what the deal is."

Enzo snatched his hand away, "Fine, okay, if I tell you, will you shut up about it from now on?"

"Depends on what it is."

Enzo snorted derisively, "You always have to have the last word, don't you?  Fine Matrix. I knew a long time ago that you weren't going to delete me.  I stopped worrying about that a long time ago."

"Then why --?"

Enzo turned away from him and ran both hands through his already spiky hair, "Did you know what it was like for me growing up?  Did you even care?"

"Of course I cared."

Enzo shook his head, "They called me a freak.  A cheap carbon copy."

"I know," Matrix said quietly.  He had called him that once to.  Another regret. 

"I needed you back then, I needed --,"

"You never came to me," Matrix was even more confused.  "If you knew I wasn't going to delete you, then why --?"

"I didn't feel I could," Enzo said, "I told you, I could never make myself believe that you were sincere.  You never made any indication that you were sorry for what happened."

"I told you I was sorry."

Enzo turned fiercely, his eyes blazing, "No you didn't!"

"What?"

"You big green ASCII!"  Enzo said, "You never said you were sorry for trying to delete me!"

Matrix was stunned.  For a moment, he lost the power of speech and mobility.  He stared at the infuriated seventeen-hour-old and realized much to his complete surprise that Enzo was right.  Was that the problem?  Was all Enzo wanted him to say that he was sorry?  So Enzo had spent all this time hating him just because he hadn't ever said he was sorry?  Matrix felt his own ire rise. "I thought I showed you how sorry I was.  Don't you think that's kind of a basic reason to hate someone?"

He knew it was the wrong thing to say the moment he said it.

"Oh that's just great, Matrix.  You see that's exactly what I'm talking about," Enzo

snapped.  "Sometimes you know people have to hear things.  Two words I wanted to hear you say – I'm sorry.  Would it have deleted you to say them?"

Enzo began an agitated pacing, "And why can't you say them?  Because the big bad renegade can't show any sign of weakness.  And telling his weak, pathetic little sprite of a brother that he was sorry for putting him through the worst experience of his life just wasn't his way."

"Enzo --," Again, Matrix was at a total loss. 

"And that was another thing, Matrix," Enzo went on, "It was bad enough that for the first few hours of my life I had no idea who I was, User, sometimes I still don't.  Do you know what that feels like?"

"Yes, I do," Matrix was getting worried.  He realized that this went a lot deeper than his saying he was sorry and the former renegade had a feeling that it was all about to come out now.  He had hit a raw nerve, he only hoped it didn't turn out badly.

"But the only person whom I hoped would understand me, made it quite clear that he thought I was nothing!"  Enzo said.  "Every time I hear someone say your name.  Every time I say it, it reminds me why you refuse to let people call you Enzo.  Because it reminds you of what you were – a weak pathetic sprite.  Do you know how that makes me feel?"

"Yes," Matrix said.  He remembered a conversation he had with Dot a while back.  He knew then how much he had hurt Enzo and he had promised to make it right.  He thought he had, until now.

"So now that you know what the deal is, don't worry about it anymore because it isn't important," Enzo said. "Even if you were to say you were sorry it wouldn't mean a damn thing.  You'd just be saying it because I said so.  You wouldn't be sincere.

"Your wrong," Matrix said. 

"Am I?"  Enzo shook his head and gave another derisive snort.

Matrix wondered would it be any use?  He was sorry for what happened and he wanted Enzo to know.  Perhaps Enzo was right about that to.  Maybe deep down inside he hadn't said it for all these hours simply because it wasn't his way.

"You're still not going to say it, even now aren't you?"  Enzo said between clenched teeth.  He turned away, "Oh no, not the big bad renegade.  That would be a sign of weakness.  To hell with you, Matrix."

Matrix realized his hesitation had convinced Enzo he wasn't being sincere.  And like that time not so long ago, when Dot had thought he was angry with her for letting him go into the games during the Web World Wars, Matrix knew if he didn't speak now, there'd be no need to later.

Matrix stepped forward and laid his hand on Enzo's shoulder, "Enzo --,"

Enzo turned and taking Matrix completely by surprise, punched him in the mouth.

Matrix hit the floor, shock warring with anger.  He tasted blood, realized his lip was busted.  He touched his hand to his mouth, and then it curled into a fist.  Enzo stood rigidly, his own fists clenched, his face twisted with all the simmering anger and frustration that threatened to explode.  Never taking his eyes off of Enzo, Matrix climbed to his feet, "Don't do that again."

"Or else what?"  Enzo hissed.  "I'm not a little sprite anymore Matrix, I'll kick your ASCII."

"Yeah right, Kid," Matrix turned away, holding his fingers to his bleeding lip.  "We'll talk later when you've cooled off."

Matrix felt the hand grip his shoulder he turned, and before he had time to react, Enzo hit him again.  Matrix stumbled back and in a total reflex reaction, his own fist shot out and Enzo went down.

"Damn it!"  Matrix growled, "Why did you make me do that, if you know what's good for you, you'll --,"

He was surprised when Enzo recovered, leapt up and tackled him.  Matrix hit the floor hard, stunned and strangely enough, impressed that Enzo hadn't backed down.  That thought only stayed with for a nano, when he realized he might just be in trouble.

Enzo struck his once, twice, and on the third attempt, Matrix latched onto his wrist and thrust his palm upward in a sharp motion, twisted Enzo's wrist and threw him aside.

"What's wrong with --?"

Enzo charged him again. Matrix couldn't believe it.  Still he found himself impressed.  People seldom stood up to him.  Enzo threw his weight against him, forcing him back.  Caught off guard, Matrix slammed against the wall and Enzo shoved both arms against his throat.  Matrix realized with a great deal of apprehension that he was in trouble.  Looking into Enzo's eyes he saw – something he had seen in himself not so long ago.  Blinding fury, anguish, and confusion.  Of wondering who or what you were and what your purpose was in life.

As these thoughts occurred to him – another distasteful thought did as well.  Enzo was hurting him – might delete him and not even realize it.  Matrix was going to have to hurt him first.

The renegade slammed both his balled fists against Enzo's ears.  Enzo cried out and stumbled back, Matrix decked him in the face, and there was that ominous snap and Enzo hit the floor hard.

"Enzo!"  Matrix knelt before him.  His brother, moaned softly.  "Damn it, Enzo --,"

Matrix lifted him up.  Enzo placed his hands on either side of his head and shook it.  The young sprites nose bled, but Matrix didn't think it was broken.

"Hold it closed," Matrix said, "Are you all right?"

"Leave me alone," Enzo grunted.

"No."

This time Matrix was ready for the swing.  He blocked it, took him by the wrist again and twisted it up behind his back until Enzo cried out, then Matrix shoved forward, ramming Enzo against the wall and pinning him there.  Enzo struggled, grunting with the effort.  Matrix held on.  He said nothing, but waited for Enzo's strength to give out.  When it finally did and the younger sprites struggling ceased.

"Enzo," Matrix didn't know what else to do.  The moment he let Enzo go, it was a safe bet that Enzo would take a swing at him again.  He wished Bob were here, Bob would know what to do.  How had Bob handled him when he had been filled with so much rage?  But no, Bob had specifically given him this opportunity.  But what could he do?  What could he say to convince Enzo that –

Then it came to him.  Such a simple thing, it was almost laughable.

"Enzo," Matrix said, "I want you to listen to me very carefully.  Are you listening?"

"Yes."  Came the reply at last.

"I'm sorry."

He heard Enzo's sharp intake of breath.  Matrix went on before not wanting to give Enzo the chance to say anything just yet, "I'm sorry I tried to delete you.  I'm sorry I blamed you for things that weren't your fault and most of all – I' sorry I didn't say so sooner."

He waited and when the silence stretched, he began to worry that maybe it was too late.  "Can you forgive me?  I know everyone else has said this to you but I'm going to say it now, will you give me a chance?"

Matrix felt Enzo shudder as a soft sigh escaped him.

"Yes Matrix," Enzo said, "I forgive you."

Something happened then.  Matrix had often heard the saying, 'a weight being lifted off your shoulders'.  So, this was what it felt like.  This lightening of the spirit, a cleansing of the core-com.  Somehow, he knew, Enzo felt the same way.

"Thank you," Matrix released him and the two finally took the time to actually look at each other.  Matrix noticed how different they were – despite the fact that they shared the same code.  Personally, he was glad that Enzo had his own identity but there were things that Matrix wanted to know, and hopefully Enzo would tell him.

"You look like hell, Kid," Matrix said.

"You don't look so hot yourself."  Enzo smiled slightly. 

"You really impressed me you know.  Not many people stand up to me."

"Really?  I mean you were impressed?"

"Yes," Matrix suddenly remembered something Dot had told him.  That Enzo needed his approval.  "Why don't you jump in the shower?  We can talk if you want when you're finished."

"All right," Enzo said, "Look Matrix, don't expect any miracles, okay?"

"I'm not," Matrix said, "We'll just take things one at a time."

***

Funny how things can change in a nano, Enzo thought as the hot spray of the shower soothed his aching muscles.  Never in a million hours had to expected Matrix to say he was sorry.  The young sprite closed his eyes and leaned against the shower wall and let his eyes drift closed.

He felt strangely light.  He knew when it had happened, when Matrix had apologized.  He had listened for sincerity and found it.  A part of him that was so used to hating Matrix hadn't wanted to let go.  It was so much easier hating someone then trying to love them.  You didn't set yourself up for disappointment that way.  For a nano, Enzo had almost – almost said no.  He was afraid.  Afraid of what it would mean to finally start trusting Matrix to hope for something that he'd never receive.

He realized later that he must have dozed off for the next thing he knew, he was in the Principal Office in Phong's study, sitting across from the venerable old sprite. 

Phong calmly sipped a cup of tea, "What is it that you want from him, my son?"

"I --," Enzo hesitated, uncertain if he should reveal such a deep thought, "I want him to love and respect me."

Phong tilted his head to the side, "You already have that my son.  Was there something else?"

Enzo smiled, "No Phong, thank you."

He woke up.  The shower water had gone tepid.  Enzo turned off the faucets and stepped out, toweling himself off.  He dressed quickly, took a deep breath to get up his courage and went outside.

Matrix was nuking the food, "Didn't get a chance to eat.  Thought we'd take it out on the deck."

"Do you really want to eat that now?"

Matrix gave the food a cursory sniff, "Naa."  He turned and reached into the fried, taking out two more six-packs.  "Come on."

They stepped outside.  The evening air was warm, suffused with the energy glow of the net port.  Enzo sat down on the deck steps and Matrix sat on a chair on the deck above him.  For a few nanos, neither man spoke, content with enjoying their drinks and the quiet evening.

"Can I ask you something?"  Matrix finally said.

"Yeah, sure."

"Why did you decide not to become a Guardian?"

The question, which he had always dreaded, made his core-com sink to his stomach.  Sometimes he wasn't certain himself, "I – I needed to find out who I was, my own identity I guess.  I told you I'm still not sure sometimes.  I guess somewhere down the line I found I liked science."

"Yeah," something in Matrix's voice made him turn around.  The former renegade was looking at some far off place beyond where they were.

"You don't like that do you?"  Enzo turned away and drew his knees up to his chest.  "You're afraid I'll blow up Mainframe like dad did to the Twin City."

"Can you blame me Enzo?  Dot's afraid too but – we both want you to be happy."

Enzo smiled slightly.  It was nice to hear.  "I needed a dream of my own.  A lot of people seemed to automatically assume I'd grow up to be Bob or you."

"But I thought being a Guardian was your dream?"

"No," Enzo looked up at him, "It was yours and you achieved your dream even if you don't wear a keytool.  Me --," Enzo sighed heavily.

"Why didn't you ever come and talk to me?  You could you know."

"No, I didn't know.  I thought you hated me."

"No," again Matrix's voice was grim, "I hated myself."

"But why?"  Enzo could never figure that out, "Because of the game?  You should know there was nothing you could have done."

"I know that now," Matrix said.  "And you should know by now that I stopped hating you a long time ago.  I know I've never said I was sorry, but haven't I always looked after you like I promised?"

When Enzo didn't reply immediately, Matrix said, "Come on Kid, I know you can think of a few times that you were trouble and I was there for you."

Still Enzo couldn't find an answer.

Exasperated, Matrix said, "What about that time when Quicksilver and Chaos tried to take over Mainframe and the Super Computer?  Chaos had infected you and I stayed kept you warm for awhile."

Now Enzo turned fully to him, "Wait, that was really you?"

"Of course it was.  Who do you think?"

"I thought it was a dream," Enzo said, "You were gone when I woke up."

"That's because Dr. Norton and Nurse Six chased me out," Matrix said, "I was there the whole time."

Enzo stared at him.  He had always assumed that incident was a product of his imagination, wanting so desperately to have someone come and bring him comfort, "You – you really stayed with me?"

"Yes," Matrix said.

Enzo turned away again; embarrassment bringing a flush to his cheeks, "And like now too.  Thank you for coming for me, by the way."

Matrix smiled slightly, "It's okay."

"I guess I owe you an apology," Enzo said, "I'm sorry."

Enzo heard Matrix rise from his chair, and move across the deck.  Matrix sat down next to him and took a long drink of the beer.

"You know," Enzo said after awhile, "It always annoyed me the way everybody referred to us as being brothers."

Matrix gave him a raised eyebrow look, "Oh?"  Enzo could hear the disappointment in his voice.

"Yeah, well – nobody asked me if it was all right," Enzo said, "They just assumed."

"Oh," Matrix said, again, "Okay, you'll have to bear with me on this Kid.  If I just assume and not ask, don't take it personally, okay?"

"Okay."

"So is it all right?"

"Is what all right?"

"You know what," Matrix draped a companionable arm around him and mussed Enzo's hair.

Enzo didn't reply immediately, just took a moment to enjoy the new closeness they shared, "Yeah," he said at last, "It's all right."

And for the first time, Enzo realized the attacks had stopped.

PART II

"Hey Kid, are you ready yet?"  Matrix yelled.

"Don't get your shorts in a knot, Matrix," Enzo came out of his bedroom pulling on a green T-shirt.  He looked up and noticed Matrix wearing the exact same thing.  Green T-shirt and black jeans.

Matrix gaped at him for a moment before saying, "Okay, now this is just weird."

Enzo burst out laughing, "I can't believe it.  The Mighty Matrix has a sense of humor?"

"Yeah, well if you have my memories, you should have known that."

Enzo sobered slightly, "Yeah I know."

"Well come on, we're going to miss our shuttle and I want to get the hell off this system."

"You and me both, big brother," Enzo said.  His words earned a pleased grin from Matrix.

They made the shuttle with a few micros and boarded with no trouble.  They found seats near the back and settled in. 

"I wish we could call ahead and let them know we're on our way," Enzo said, "Do you think Bob would have waited for us at the Super Computer?"

"He may have," Matrix said, "He didn't really have to."

Enzo looked out the window, "I'm glad we're leaving.  I was worried that Flame would try something."

Matrix laid his hand on Enzo's shoulder, "Don't worry.  As long as I'm around, I promise, I won't ever let anything happen to you."

He could only give his brother a look of gratitude.

***

They arrived at the Super Computer to find that Bob had indeed gone on to Mainframe and had left a message for them to follow.  Arrangements were already made for their transportation.  Matrix sent an e-mail message him, telling everyone to expect them and they boarded the shuttle.

Matrix sat flipping through an e-magazine. Every so often, he would glance at Enzo, who was napping, and smile.  Matrix hadn't felt this good since the talk he had with Dot.

An old woman shuffled along the aisle and Matrix nodded to her and said, "Good morning."

"Good morning young man," she nodded to Enzo, "Your little brother?"

"Yeah," Matrix smiled.

"I'll bet he looks up to you."

"I hope so," Matrix said.

***

"Enzo, wake up," Matrix nudged him.

Enzo made an incoherent noise.

"Come on baby brother, we're home."

Enzo came awake abruptly, "We're home?"

Enzo pressed his face to the glass and Matrix couldn't help but grin.  "Like a kid in a candy store," Matrix smiled.

"There's Bob!"  Enzo said, "Hey Matrix, look at this!"

Matrix looked over Enzo's shoulder.  The shuttle was gliding in for a smooth landing at the Bookmark Tower landing pad.  It seemed that all of Mainframe was gathered there.  Matrix found Enzo's excitement contagious.  Then he frowned, he didn't see AndrAIa out there.

When the shuttle finally touched down, Matrix and Enzo were the first ones off.  As they stepped outside a cheer went up at the gathered sprites and binomes.  They paused for a moment and Matrix said, "Welcome home, little brother."

As the two descended the ramp, a cry rose over the cheering crowd, "Enzo!"

"Melissa?"  Enzo said.  "Melissa!"

Melissa tackled him.  Matrix cringed as both sprite and virus fell down.  Melissa kissed Enzo over his face.

"I missed you, I missed you so much."

"I missed you too, baby."

Suddenly Melissa stopped kissing him.  She got up, dragged Enzo to his feet and pulled him close.  She gave Matrix a wink and then the two disappeared.  Matrix shook his head.  The former renegade moved through a very confused crowd of people to where Bob and Dot stood.

"Welcome back," Bob smiled and the two men shook hands.

"Dot," Matrix embraced his sister.  "Where's AndrAIa?"

"Don't worry, she's home resting," Dot said.  "The doctor wants her to take it easy.  Why don't you go to her?"

Matrix nodded and started off.

"Matrix?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you Matrix," Dot said.  "Thank you for looking after him and bringing him back safe.  Is he all right?  I mean, is he really all right?"

"Oh yeah, he's a tough Kid," Matrix said, "He has my code after all."

Dot raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"And how are things between you two?" Bob asked.

"Good," Matrix said, "It's going to take some time but – we'll I think we're off to a good start."

"And just what is this about?"  Dot said.

Matrix looked at Bob, shrugged and left it to him to answer the question.

*

When Enzo stepped off the shuttle, he saw her.  User, how he had missed her.

"Enzo!"  Melissa, his beautiful Lissa, came at him and tackled him in true Enzo style.  She kissed him over the face and neck and Enzo just let himself enjoy the sensation. 

"I missed you, I missed you so much!"

Then she dragged him to his feet and pulled him close.  He wondered what she meant to do and the next thing he knew, they were at Floating Point, within a copse of trees.

"Oh, Enzo," she touched his face.  "I was so worried."

"So was I," he kissed her hungrily, holding her close.  "Baby, I thought I'd never see you again."

"Did he hurt you?"  She couldn't seem to stop touching him, "If he did, I'll delete him myself."

"I'm all right," Enzo said, "I'm just glad to be home.  Just let me --," 

He kissed her again.   Enzo didn't want to stop.  For his time away, the one fear he had had that he would never see the woman in his arms again.

*

Everyone crowded around them when they returned.  There were sincere congratulations and lots of back patting around.  Enzo was happy to see everyone.

Hex made her usual grand entrance, "Enzo love!"

Enzo continued to straighten his clothes, "Hi ya, Hex."

"One question, my love," Hex said, "Did you hurt you?"

"No," Enzo was beginning to feel guilty for being so evasive but he figured why get into it.  "Hex, I'm so sorry about – well I mean --,"

"Oh, don't you worry about that, love," Hex said.  "I've already taken care of it."

Enzo didn't have time to ask what that meant because Mouse grabbed him from behind, twirled him around, bent him back and gave him a quick peck on the lips, "Welcome back, sugah!  Don't you ever scare us like that again!"

"Believe me Mouse, I won't."

"Welcome back, mate," Ray smiled and clapped him on the shoulders, "Do you know how many people were looking for you?"

"I know.  I'm sorry I --,"

"Now don't you go apologizing for something that wasn't your fault," Ray embraced him.

"By the code, Surfer, don't hog the lad," Gavin walked up and Enzo knelt down and embraced him.  "Thank you Gavin.  Matrix tells me you and Mai – he nodded to where the captain's wife stood – were the ones who found Raven."

"That we did lad," Gavin said, "Unfortunately, we didn't find him in our search of the surrounding sectors but don't fret we will."

Bob came up behind him and patted his shoulder, "There's someone who's deleting to see you again."  And he stepped aside.

She stood a little ways off, smiling at him.  Her hands linked in front of her.  Looking at her, Enzo was reminded of that awful time he had run away from Mainframe, when Dot was pregnant with Kieran.  He had felt unwanted.  Jealous.  Dot had become so sick she had almost –

Had she felt that way now with his kidnapping?  The thought brought tears to his eyes.  He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he knew he had brought her that kind of pain again.

"Dot," Enzo whispered.  He swallowed the lump in his throat.  "Dot!"

He ran to her and she held out her arms and pulled him into her embrace.  He held onto her like she was a lifeline, never wanting to let go.

"Dot," he stepped back and couldn't stop the tears from falling.  "I'm sorry Dot.  I'm sorry I didn't listen to you and wait for the CPU's and caused you and everyone all this worry and --,"

"Ssh," Dot admonished gently.  She reached up and placed two fingers on his lips, then she brushed his tears away.  "Don't cry sweetie, everything's all right.  You're home now."

PART III "Phong!"  Enzo knelt and embraced the venerable sprite.

Phong wrapped his spindly arms around Enzo, "You were greatly missed my son."

"I missed you too," Enzo smiled at him, "Phong, thank you."

"Why my child, whatever do you mean?"

They had gathered in the War Room for a time but a big welcome home celebration was planned for tonight.  Melissa was by his side of course and Enzo didn't mind one bit.  As Enzo straightened to stand, the door came open.  Bob walked in and the two tiny forms that followed hurled themselves for Enzo.

"Enzo!"  Kieran and Eve both tackled him at once and the three of them fell down in a laughing heap.

"Why did you go away?"  Eve demanded.  "Didn't I tell you to be careful?"

"Wow, what was it like Enzo?" Kieran asked.  "Did you get to fight mercenaries?  Did you see the net?"

"Don't ever leave us again!"  Eve said.

Enzo brushed back a wisp of her silvery hair, "I promise."

Dot and Bob smiled down at the three.  Mouse leaned against the console and Ray was on the other side of the room, leaning against Baud but studying Mouse intently.  Enzo realized that the two of them hadn't said two words to each other since he had returned.  Surely, they weren't still fighting?

As Enzo disentangled himself from his niece and nephew, he approached Mouse at the console.

"Was this what you were looking for, sugah?"  Mouse said.

"Yes, so you got my signal?"  Enzo said, "Did Ran DeCrypt get the information?"

"Afraid so, sugah."

"Oh no," Enzo said, "Dot I'm sorry I couldn't stop Raven."

Dot gave him a cryptic smile, "Oh now, I wouldn't be too worried about it, Enzo."

Enzo looked from Mouse to Dot and back.  Bob was trying his best to look innocent and failing.

"Okay, what' going on here?"

"You know we females weren't just sitting idle while you big strong men were out searching the net."

"Dot," Phong said, "The call you were expecting is coming through."

"Perfect," Dot smirked.  "Put through him through, Phong."

The vid-window opened and Ran DeCrypt's face appeared.  He seemed surprised to see that other people were in the room.  "Ms. Matrix, I thought you and I could have a private conversation."

"Kieran, Eve, why don't you go sit in mommy's office?"  Bob said,  "She has a stash of chocolate chip cookies there."

Dot made a face at Bob.  When her children were safely out of the room only then did Dot turn to Ran DeCrypt.  "No I don't think so.  Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of everyone."

DeCrypt glared at her for a moment, the his eyes turned to Enzo, "Ah – so what I heard was true, you've brought your brother home safe and sound."

"No thanks to you, you lousy son of a horse's ASCII!"  Enzo's fists clenched.

"Now, now, I was expressing my pleasure that this situation didn't turn out to have an unfortunate ending."  DeCrypt said.

"You sent Raven here to Mainframe to get some dirt on Dot," Enzo said, "I know he sent you some information from our database.  So help me DeCrypt, if you do anything to hurt my sister, I'll --,"

"Enzo," Dot said firmly.

"Now, really, threats are unnecessary," DeCrypt said, "Especially since they can get you into serious trouble."

"You're responsible for all of this," Enzo said between clenched teeth, "I will make you pay."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, boy," DeCrypt's tone was dangerous, "Even if I did have anything to do with your abduction, which I didn't, you have absolutely no substantial evidence."

"You lousy --!"

"Enzo, don't," Dot placed her hands against his chest.

"Dot," Enzo said, "He's going to get away with this.  We can't let him get away with this!"

"Enzo," Dot said, "It's all right."

"But Dot!"  Didn't she care that this man wanted to destroy her?  That he had the means to do so?

"Trust me," Dot turned back to Ran DeCrypt.

"Now that that display of blinding rage is over, shall we attention to business, Ms. Matrix?"

"No," Dot said, "Mr. DeCrypt, let me make myself perfectly clear.  Under no circumstances will I have any business dealings with you.  Contact me again, I'll bring formal charges against you, is that clear?"

Ran DeCrypt leaned back in his chair and smirked at her, "Very well, Ms. Matrix.  Then I suppose there's nothing more for us to say."

"Well, there is one more thing," Dot said, "Mouse?"

Mouse was the one smirking now, "One last double cross, sugah?"

Mouse pressed a button on the console.

"What the --?"  DeCrypt looked down at the console within his desk.  "No!"  The man pounded his fists on the console, "You, you!"

Dozens of vid-windows came open within DeCrypt's office, displaying nonsensical data and pictures.  Surges of electricity shot up from within the console as DeCrypt barely had time to push back from the desk before the computer overloaded.  Enzo watched in utter fascination at the display.

"Sir!"  A vid-window came open and showed a harried technician, "All company computer systems have been infected with viral energy --," The widow display burst into a pattern of fireworks.

"You!"  DeCrypt pointed a shaking finger at Dot, "You're behind this!

"Sir, all systems data is being corrupted!"

Dot smiled evilly at the now infuriated Ran DeCrypt, "Have a nice second, Mr. DeCrypt."  And Dot closed the connection.

"Yes!"  Dot and Muse did a high five.

"You infected his systems!"  Enzo looked with admiration at Mouse.  "How?"

"Oh I have my little secrets, sugah," Mouse nodded at Melissa.  The young virus shrugged and smiled.

"I get it," Enzo said.  "You used the signal I sent, traced it back to Raven's system, then to Ran DeCrypt's."

"Now I told you he had a good head on those manly shoulders of his."

"Mouse, you are truly an artist."

Enzo kissed her on the cheek.  He noticed as he did so, that Ray left the room.

*

Dot had noticed Ray's action as well. 

Dot normally didn't like to interfere in other people's romantic relationships but she was convinced that Mouse and Ray belonged together.  Like thunder and lightening.  So she called Ray to her office and told him of her plan.  To her complete surprise, he agreed which told her how much the Surfer really loved Mouse.  She only hoped Mouse was too angry at her later.

***

The party was in full swing at Dot's Diner.  There was lots of loud music, food and drinks galore.  Enzo was the guest of honor of course.  A millisecond before, everyone had been in Bob and Dot's living room, hanging on Enzo's every word.

"I don't understand it, sweetie," Dot handed Enzo another energy shake, "He never hurt you?  He treated you well?"

"When he was interrogating me he did," Enzo admitted.

"Enzo, you said he never hurt you!"  Melissa's eyes glowed and Hex, who was sprawled on the couch, also sat up and took notice.

"He didn't hurt me as much as he could have, I think," Enzo said.  He just wanted that information about Dot."

"What I can't believe is the way he helped us in the end," Bob said.

"Oh, sweetheart?"  Dot smiled at Enzo, "I think Enzo had a lot to do with his transformation."

"Me?"

"Of course sweetie.  You can be a very good influence," she nodded to her children. 

Eve was curled up in Enzo's lap and Kieran was nestled against his arm.  Enzo blushed at her words, "Thanks Dot."

After Enzo had related the tale, everyone had gone to get ready for the party, which the exception of Matrix and AndrAIa.  A vid-call was made from the Diner and Matrix and AndrAIa could watch the action, while AndrAIa got her bed rest.  The doctor had stated that she could go into labor any micro now and Matrix wanted to be ready.

Dot slid into her favorite booth next to Bob, having just taken the kids home to bed.

"You've got that mischievous look in your eye," Bob smiled at her.  "What are you up to?"

"You really want to know, love?"  Dot smiled, "Watch and learn."

Dot slid from the booth and went over to where Mouse stood at the bar, arguing about sword fighting with Gavin, "Excuse me, Mouse?"

"Yeah, sugah?"

"Would you step outside with me for a moment please?  It's important."

"Okay, sugah," Mouse said, "We'll pick this up later, Gavin."

"It will be my pleasure."

Dot led Mouse outside to the front of the Diner.

"What's up?"

"Well," Dot said, "I wanted to apologize in advance."

"For what?"  Mouse asked.

"This," Dot stepped aside.

Mouse gave her a questioning look, then she heard the sound behind her and turned as Ray Tracer flew in on Surf Baud, scooped her up and carried her off before she could even react.

"Sorry Mouse," Dot said, "But like Enzo and Matrix, it's about time a few things got settled."

***

She was going to delete that Dot!

Mouse kicked and struggled and cursed but to no avail.  Ray continued to climb higher and higher, until they were well about the rooftops of Mainframe.  Ray finally set her down on Baud's surface.

"Just what in the net do you think you're doing?"  Mouse demanded.

"Don't be too mad at Dot," Ray said by way of reply.  "She cares about us both."

"What do you want, Ray?"

"To ask you one question," Ray said.  "That's all.  If you answer it, I'll put you down and if you never want to talk to me again afterwards – well, I'll guess I'll have to deal with it.  We've been friends along time until recently Mouse, will you give me this one thing?"

Mouse sighed, "Now how can I refuse that?  All right, what's your question?"

"Answer me truthfully and honestly all right?"

"All right."

"Why won't you marry me?"

"I told you why --,"

"No," Ray demanded, "The real reason!"

Mouse sighed again.  Could she dredge up those memories?  She had tried to suppress them for so long.  It had been simple because there had never been a man that she – that she what?  Did she love Ray?  Was an awful aching hurt when someone went away love?

"It – it has to do with my parents."

"Their marriage was  -- difficult?"  Ray said gently.

"On the contrary," Mouse said, "They had a very loving, stable relationship.  My sister and I were very happy."

"You have a sister?"

"Had," Mouse said.  "A younger sister.  She and my father were deleted in a shuttle accident."

"Mouse," Ray said, "I'm so sorry."

Mouse looked up at him, pleading with her eyes for him to understand.  "I told you my mother loved him very much.  After he and my sister died – she just kind of wasted away.  Then she deleted to.  I had to spend most of my young adult hours caring for her.  When she died, I had to run away."  Mouse pursed her lips bitterly; "I got shuffled around a lot from place to place, with relatives and strangers.  Finally got fed up and left for the Super Computer."

She didn't know how it had happened but she was in Ray's arms suddenly.  "Do you see now, why I can't marry you?"

"No I don't," Ray said.  "You said your parents had a very loving relationship."

"They did," Mouse said, "And that's my point – I – I love you Ray.  And if anything ever happened to you, the same thing would happen to me.  I'd just delete."

"Look at me, Mouse."

She looked up and Ray removed his visor.  "You know I can never promise you that I'll be safe forever, especially not with the work I do.  But I thought you were the Mouse.  The one who liked to take chances?  So why not take one with me?  Hopefully nothing will ever happen but if it does, you should know how much I love you."

"I do," Mouse said and she kissed him.

"So can I ask you another question?"

"You said one!"

"Please?"

"Oh all right, what?"

"Will you marry me now?"

Mouse crossed her arms and snorted.  "And I suppose you'll never leave me alone until I do."

"Nope," Ray said.

"Hmph," Mouse turned away, "Then I suppose I'll have to.  Although why I'd want a basic --,"

Ray whirled her around, pulled her to him and kissed her thoroughly.  Mouse smiled dazedly afterwards.

"I told you I'd make an honest woman out of you."

"Why you --!"  Mouse sputtered, "-- arrogant horse's ASCII!"

Ray burst out laughing.  He pulled Mouse into his arms and guided Baud down.

"I changed my mind!  I'm not gonna marry you!  I'd kiss a null before I married you!"

Ray just continued to laugh.

***

Dot looked up as Mouse burst into the Diner.

"Oh boy," Dot said.

"You're in trouble now," Melissa said. She and Enzo were sitting across from her and Bob.

"Dot!"

"Hey Bob, Enzo, will you come over here for a nano?  Gavin?  Will someone get Matrix on the line?"  Ray said.

Dot made way for Bob to slide from the booth.  "Now Mouse, don't get too

angry -- ,"

"I am way past angry, sugah," Mouse said.

Dot looked across the room where the men had gathered.  They were all congratulating Ray and patting him on the back.  She turned her attention back to Mouse.

"Don't ever interfere with my life again, understand?" Mouse demanded.

Dot barely heard her, "What's going on over there?"

"Hey Dot!"  Bob strode over, "Ray wants me to perform the wedding ceremony.  He just asked Matrix to be his best man."

Dot turned to Mouse in open-mouthed shock, "Wedding?"

Mouse folded her arms across her chest.  "Yeah."

"Mouse!"  Dot cried, coming to her feet, "You and Ray are getting married?"

"No!"  Mouse said, "He thinks we are."

"Now why would he think that if you're not?"  Dot asked.

"Cause I told him I would.  But I changed my mind!"  Mouse said loudly and obviously for Ray's benefit, "I wouldn't marry you if you were the last search engine in the net!"

"Whatever you say, Bluey," Ray said, "Now who wants to arrange my bachelor party?"

Mouse growled in frustration and stormed out of the Diner.

"Hold that thought," Ray dashed out after her and before Mouse got halfway down the sidewalk, Ray scooped her up on Baud again.  Mouse cursed a blue streak.

"Thunder and lightening," Dot smiled.

PART IV

Man, what a party!  Enzo lay in his bed but he wasn't in the least bit sleepy.  He was too keyed.  He was excited about the party, about his newly forged relationship with Matrix, and about Mouse and Ray's upcoming nuptials.

He got up and tossed his robe over his shoulders made his way quietly out onto the back patio.  It was a warm night and the stars were clear and bright overhead.  Enzo breathed deeply and enjoyed the peace.

Then suddenly, he realized he wasn't alone.  He didn't know how, but he felt a presence watching him from the shadows of the house.  And he had a feeling he knew who it was.

"Why don't you come out?"  Enzo said softly.

Raven stepped into the circle of light from the back porch.  "Hello Enzo."

Amazingly enough, Enzo wasn't afraid of him.  "You're taking an awful risk.  What are you doing here?"

"I – wanted to make certain you got home all right."

"But where have you been all this time?"

"Here."

"Here, in Mainframe?"

"Yes," Raven said, "The perfect hiding place."

Enzo looked at him for a moment, then burst out laughing, "Now that's what I call major circuits."

Raven chuckled slightly.  Enzo started back in an exaggerated motion, "My User, did I just hear the dark and menacing Raven, laugh?"

He laughed slightly again and ducked his head to hide his smile, "I wanted to say I was sorry about everything.  I heard about how you screwed around Ran DeCrypt."

"Classic, wasn't it?"

"Very.  He got what he deserved."

"Will you ever work for him again?"

"No," Raven said, "But – he and I have unfinished business."

Enzo frowned thoughtfully.  Since Raven didn't seem about to elaborate, Enzo didn't ask.

"I must go before I'm discovered," Raven said and turned.

"Raven?"

"Yes?"

"What are you going to do now?"

Again, a soft chuckle floated through the air, "Quite possibly, my friend, commit suicide."

***

Hexadecimal watched as Raven entered her museum through the skylight.  She leaned back in her throne and adjusted the mirrors angle, "Now won't this be interesting?"

Raven dropped down to the museum floor.  Hex leaned forward, intrigued.  The motions hadn't gone off.  The security system was Dot's idea.  Hex quite frankly, thought she didn't need it.  No one was basic enough to steal from her and Raven's presence in her museum told her they were useless anyway.

He moved towards her office and began to pick the lock.  Hex's impatience grew and with a wave of her hand, had Raven standing before her, still in his crouched position.

"Well now what do you have here?   A sprite with a deletion wish?"

Raven went down on one knee, "My beautiful --,"

"Quiet!"  Hex made a motion with her hand again and Raven was wrenched from his kneeling position to float before her.  "Now, I think you'd had better give me a good reason why I shouldn't delete you now."

"I'm sorry for deceiving you."  Raven said quickly.

"I'm sure you are, now that you are faced with your imminent demise," Hex said.

"Hex – if I didn't really care, I wouldn't have risked coming back here to tell you I was sorry.  Knowing you could make me into null bait."

"Yes, I could do that," Hex drew him closer and ran a clawed finger across his chest in circular patterns.  "But there are much more pleasant ways to spend an evening.  For now, my golden one, I am fatigued, so I'll just have to stash you somewhere until I'm ready to deal with you."

Hex waved her hand and a snow globe appeared.  Within it was a tiny cottage in a wooded field.  "Oh, this is one of my better ideas!" The Chaos Virus giggled madly.

*

Raven sighed as he sat before the crackling fire.  He set aside the book he had been reading and took a moment to reflect on his present situation. 

All right, this is what he wanted.  A place to hide.  He had food and shelter and things to occupy his mind.  The little cottage wasn't so bad.  It was comfortable and warm, despite the ever-present snowfall outside.  And as long as he behaved, he would be well cared for.  He was safe.

There were worse places to be, he knew that for certain and as long as he was alive and had a chance to convince a beautiful virus that he truly cared for her, then things weren't so bad.

He looked out the window into the darkness.  It had started to snow again.

***

"Enzo!"

Enzo woke up abruptly, "Hmph, what?  What is it Dot?"

Light flooded around his sister's form standing in his bedroom doorway.  "Get dressed, quick!"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," Dot said.  "AndrAIa just went into labor."

***

Friends and family gathered in the waiting room, the mood anxious yet jovial.  They had seen a very harried Matrix for only a few micros.  Mike the TV and Lucida Sans were walking around, talking to each family member.

Mike toddled over to Dot, "And here's Dot Matrix, the happy aunt-to-be!  How do feel right this nano Dot?  Happy?  Ecstatic?  Excited?"

Not even Mike could tick Dot off right then, "All three."

Mike turned back to Lucida and her camera, "And there you have it, ladies and gentleman of Mainframe, much excitement in the air tonight as we await the glorious event!"

"Mike," Enzo shook his head and smiled.

Milliseconds passed.  Then suddenly the peace of the hospital was broken by a whoop of joy.  Matrix came barreling into the waiting room, grinning from ear to ear.  "It's a boy!  I have a son!  It's a boy!"

Congratulations were traded all around.  Gavin passed out cigars.  Matrix didn't stop grinning all night.  They were allowed to see the baby, but only a few at a time.  Mother and baby needed their rest.  Bob and Dot went in first but a few nanos after they went in, a game cube dropped and Bob and Melissa made a run for it.

So Enzo went in to see his baby nephew.

Matrix sat at AndrAIa's side, watching with awe as his child nursed.  Dot was sitting in a chair across the room.

"Hi Ande," Enzo said gently.

She smiled up at him, "Enzo, would you like to hold your nephew?"

"Oh yes," Enzo said.

He moved closer, and AndrAIa gently handed her newborn son to his father.  Matrix stood and laid the precious bundle in Enzo's arms.  Already, even in that tiny emerald face, Enzo could see the traces of his father's strong jaw.  The baby opened his eyes briefly and Enzo was amazed at their aquamarine color, which matched the soft thatch of aquamarine curls on his head.

"Matrix," Enzo looked up at his brother, "He's perfect."

Matrix placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and grinned, "Thank you."

"So what's this handsome little man's name?"  Enzo asked.

Matrix and AndrAIa exchanged a knowing look, before Matrix turned to Enzo and said, "Enzo Matrix, Junior."

"We'll call him E.J."  AndrAIa said.

"We will?"  Matrix smiled.

"Yes," AndrAIa said in a tone of voice that told him there would be no argument.

Dot walked to stand beside her brothers.

Enzo smiled at Matrix, "Enzo."

"A second chance," Matrix said.

***

The game ended and Bob and Melissa returned.  Enzo was just walking out into the waiting room when they arrived.  When he saw Melissa he thought of the love AndrAIa and Matrix shared and the family they would raise and he hoped to have something like that with Melissa someday.

"Hey," he slid his arms around her and they kissed hello.  "Want to go see the baby now?"

"Of course," Melissa smiled.

He slid his arm around her slim waist and they walked back down the hall.