AN: Thanks for all the reviews again! I'm trying to keep all of your suggestions in mind and they help keep me writing. Chapter 5 will be on its way as soon as I can get it typed up. Enjoy!

With a gasp of pain, Yumi sat up quickly, clutching her stomach, unknowingly throwing off Ulrick's arm. The movement woke Ulrick, who cracked open an eye, then pulled out his earplugs as he saw Yumi doubled over.
"Are you ok?" Ulrick asked as he sat up. Yumi, who still had her earplugs in, couldn't hear him and was nearly paralyzed by pain. Ulrick reached over and pulled out her earplugs and placed his hands gently on her shoulders.
"What's wrong, Yumi?" Ulrick whispered to her worriedly.
"Hurts-so-bad," Yumi gasped.
"What hurts?" Ulrick asked, a frown forming on his face.
"Everything," she whispered, closing her eyes tightly. Small bead of sweat began to form on her forehead and it was all she could do to stay conscious. Ulrick withdrew his hands and leaned over to shake Jeremy awake. As he was turning, he caught sight of the infected tower found by the scan. His eyes widened as he made the connection and he shook Jeremy vigorously. When Jeremy groggily sat up and pulled out his earplugs, Ulrick wasted no time in explaining Yumi's condition and his suspicion that it was X.A.N.A. related. Jeremy lunged for his computer to contact Aelita and Ulrick moved to wake Odd. A few sharp shakes were sufficient to wake him and bring him to semi-alertness. While Ulrick and Odd pulled on their shoes, Jeremy made contact with Aelita.
"Aelita, are you alright?" Jeremy asked frantically as he slipped on his shoes, "Something's wrong with Yumi and I've detected an infected tower."
"I've been trying to contact you," Aelita explained, "There are strong pulsations coming from the forest region; I'm heading there now."
Ulrick bent over and gently picked Yumi up. Yumi stifled a cry of pain and buried her face in his shoulder, a few tears leaking down her cheeks.
"We've got to hurry," Ulrick said urgently. Jeremy and Odd nodded and stood up.
"We'll be there in a moment, Aelita," Jeremy promised.
After shutting down the computer, the guys went quietly to the back door. Ulrick moved as carefully as possible to keep from jarring the already aching Yumi. Once they were safely outside, they got their bearings and ran for the sewer. Ulrick worried that the movement may hurt Yumi more, but he knew they had to get to the factory quickly before more damage could be done to her.
"Yumi and I will take the long way," Ulrick shouted at the other two, knowing it would be easier than trying to manage the sewer while carrying her. Jeremy and Odd nodded agreement and Ulrick changed direction slightly. By the time he and Yumi got to the super computer room in the factory, Jeremy had already virtualized Odd, who was on his way to Aelita. Ulrick gently set Yumi down against the wall behind Jeremy and unwrapped her hands from his shirt, where she had twisted them during a new bout of pain. During the trip, Yumi's pain had abated briefly, only to come back stronger. As he stood, Yumi relaxed during another respite.
"X.A.N.A.'s going to pay for this," Ulrick muttered quietly as he walked past Jeremy. Jeremy's thoughts echoed Ulrick's as he saw three monsters on the screen following Aelita. Odd reached Aelita before they could attack and quickly dispatched the blocks. While they were fighting, Jeremy virtualized Ulrick. He, too, made his way to Aelita. As he was running, another wave of pain washed over Yumi. A sharp cry of pain issued from her lips as she doubled over again. Distracted by Yumi's condition, Jeremy didn't notice the red virus alert flashing on Odd and Ulrick's files or the fresh wave of monsters surrounding Aelita and Odd, now joined by Ulrick.
"Time to get to work," Odd said, aiming at the nearest hornet. Remember his job, Jeremy turned back to the computer and his mouth dropped open in horror. Not again, he thought to himself.
"I have some bad news," Jeremy began, "You guys are surrounded by three hornets and four blocks - and your life points are for real this time."