Chapter 10: Confrontations

Author's note: this chapter is dedicated to Angelfish369, Emma, and all those who keep coming back for more. Thanks for reading!

Present Second – Mainframe…

"The bikes will be able to get us in and out of Saugus quickly, and we'll be able to cruise the net to the other unaffected systems before coming back through the portal." AndrAIa looked at Matrix, making sure he was on the same screen as her, but the distant look in his eyes told her other wise. "Enzo."

That got his attention. His eyes turned to hers, clearing as he scowled. "Don't call me that."

"I think a virus could have come in here and you wouldn't have noticed."

The renegade's scowl deepened. "I'm fine," he growled. He leaned forward on the panel and pointed at the arranged transportation. "What is it with you and bikes?"

"What is it with you and Bob?" she countered lightly.

Matrix's hands tightened on the panel, but he remained quiet.

AndrAIa put a hand on his shoulder and leaned in next to him. "Sparky, what happened?"

"Megabyte happened, and everything went to Dell after that." Long fingers gently tilted his face toward the game sprite, a questioning look in her eyes. He sighed. "I've always looked up to him, Andi. Everything I did, it was inspired him. I know I made bad choices… but that's why I felt so ashamed to see him again, because I always wanted to be like him but I completely missed the mark."

"Bob has made bad choices, too," AndrAIa replied. "That makes you two more similar than you realize."

Matrix looked back down at the panel. "But I don't want him to be like me… not like that. Because Bob is supposed to be the hero."

"Are you saying he isn't?"

Matrix turned back to her, his eyes darkening as he again thought of the malicious Web sprite who had turned their little world upside down…

Matrix stood staring at the doors where Constantia departed, the hustle of the resumed activities unnoticed by him. Her suggestive words rolled around in his head and his fists unconsciously tightened in anger. It wasn't possible, what she said. He knew Bob, he'd seen him in action over and over again, and he never gave into anyone, not even to Dot when they had their fight.

And yet… somehow, the young renegade knew. Something had happened to Bob in the Web, everyone knew that, even if they refused to acknowledge it to the others. He remembered the Web creatures when Mainframe was under attack, recalling the frightening cries and sharp talons of the dangerous animals. There must have been more terrible things out there.

Perhaps in a sick joke by the User, Constantia was one of those things. A hideous creature harbored in the beauty of an average data sprite. She could fool anyone…

Matrix's head snapped to the right as he realized AndrAIa was calling him. He glanced up in the direction of Dot's office, the pressure in his chest easing. That was it, of course. She had tricked Bob. That made it bearable. It could have happened to anyone… and Bob would confirm that as soon as the two could talk…

But a seed of doubt had already been planted, and unconsciously Matrix was already questioning the unconditional faith he once had in the Guardian. Soon, even the smallest mistakes began building up into a larger picture that chipped away at Bob's flawless image. The admiration he once had was slowly fading into doubt… and mistrust.

When Matrix saw the Guardian heading for the exit of the War Room, the renegade followed in hurried pursuit. He called to the blue sprite, jogging slightly to catch up to him. "Bob, where are you going?"

"To talk with our guest," Bob answered without stopping.

"Alone?" Matrix asked in surprise. "Wait, let me come with you."

"No, finish planning the trip to the system. I'll handle this."

Matrix put a hand on Bob's arm, forcing him to stop. "That trip won't do us any good if the Guardians are given a free pass into Mainframe. We should get rid of her first."

Bob shook his head, a shadow coming over his face. "Getting rid of people never solves anything," he replied quietly. "That's why I'm going. I won't let her bring anyone into the system." He gave a reassuring smile. "Trust me." Bob turned away, only to be stopped once more by Matrix's soft reply.

"A lot of good that did us last time." The renegade watched Bob's shoulders tense before he slowly turned back, the unspoken question in his eyes. "You know exactly what I mean," Matrix continued.

"No, I don't," Bob countered evenly.

Matrix crossed his arms and leaned forward, looking down on the sprite who was once his hero. "You are always against deletion, but did you ever think things would be different if you had just done your job?"

Bob's eyes narrowed but he said nothing.

The silence only irritated the youth more. "Why didn't you end Megabyte when you had the chance?"

"It's not that simple," Bob sighed as he looked away.

"Yes, it is!" Matrix snapped. "Look at me, I never went to the academy, and I figured it out! Point and shoot, there, done! But, no, you want to talk it over and make deals and trust the very people that want to stab you in the back!"

Bob winced. "I know a made a mistake-"

"And the rest of us paid for it!"

The Guardian froze at Matrix's harsh words.

Matrix pressed on, ignoring the haunted look in Bob's eyes. "I can't do it, Bob. I can't go through that again, not if I can do something about it." He stepped closer, his voice soft and menacing. "And if you're not sprite enough to do what's necessary, then I will. I won't let Dot get hurt again."

Like a gate slamming shut, Bob's emotions disappeared under a mask of controlled anger. He closed the distance between the two, not showing the least bit of intimidation to the renegade's towering presence. "If you want to blame me for what happened, fine, I can live with that. But don't you ever think that I will let anything happen to Dot, or to you, or to anyone I care about."

"An hour ago, I would have believed that."

"An hour ago you were still a child, and you still have a lot to learn."

Matrix's fists clenched in anger. "I am not a little sprite anymore, Bob!"

"Then act like it, Matrix!" Bob replied sharply. "Your sister gave you an order to help another system, so obey your code and do it!"

Matrix was ready to tell Bob where he could put his code when a feminine drawl cut in. The renegade turned to see Mouse and AndrAIa standing in the doorway to the War Room.

"Yes, Mouse, we're fine," Bob answered tightly to the Hacker's inquiry, his eyes never leaving Matrix.

"Matrix? I need help with securing transportation in system Saugus," AndrAIa called across the hall, her eyes neutral but her tone worried.

The green sprite looked back at Bob. "This isn't over," he muttered before turning back towards the War Room, silence the only reply heard in the hallway…

"You blame him for what happened with Megabyte," AndrAIa said softly after he finished recalling the events in the hall.

"It should never have gotten that far," Matrix answered. "He never should have let Megabyte live that long, he never should have made me a cadet that early, and he never should have become a Guardian if he couldn't do what was necessary to protect a system," he finished bitterly.

AndrAIa moved away from him, his anger at his long time hero shocking her. She knew he had issues with what had happened an hour ago… but this was so much worse than she imagined. For a brief moment, a sliver of fear formed in her heart. Would Matrix ever be able to forgive Bob for this?

"Sparky," AndrAIa began softly, "a lot has happened, and now with Daemon… we haven't had time to deal with the past hour. Right now," she gripped his hand, "we need to be strong, as a team, if we're going to defeat Daemon. If we fall apart from the inside then Mainframe is going to fall to the infection."

Matrix took a deep breath. "Andi, I'm so angry."

"I know," she whispered and pulled him into a hug. "I know. But don't let it hold you back. Use it against Daemon… but not against Bob." She pulled away and held his face in her hand. "First the win the war… then get the answers. Ok?"

Matrix nodded. "Ok."

She kissed him softly then pulled away with a smile. "Now, let's go check out those bikes."

"You still never answered my question," Matrix complained while he was pulled out of the War Room to the transportation area.

"You'll see," AndrAIa grinned.

/

Past - Villanova...

The door clicked shut. Bob looked behind him as the guards left then peered around the lavish room. Expensive furniture and decorations glittered in the fire light. The atmosphere was warm, comforting, inviting. It was quiet, save for the crackle of the fireplace and torches. Bob could see no one else in the room.

His eyes caught on an ornate cabinet against the far wall. Inside, something silver glinted. He realized it was the keys to the transports. Blackadder had stolen one from there… but without knowing the override to access the tear, the keys were useless.

"Planning your escape?"

Bob looked to his left at the soft voice, and gazed dispassionately at the Warden. Dressed in thin red silks and dainty sandals, she leaned against the wall leading to another room, her arms crossed and a calculating smile on her lips. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, highlighting her face in a look of beckoning beauty.

She stepped into the room lightly, her silk shawl billowing softly with her movement. "That would be rather rude. You just got here." She moved in front of him, her height coming only an inch or two below his own. "And I'd much rather have you stay."

Bob said nothing.

Constantia cocked her head to the side, a half smile on her lips. "What, no witty comment? What a shame," she said in mock pity, "you were such a wonderful conversationalist before." As the silence stretched, her smile widened and her voice dropped to a whisper. Stepping closer, she placed her mouth close to his ear. "Or maybe you are simply a sprite of action. Does danger thrill you?"

Again, the Guardian stood silent.

She moved her head until her lips were a breath from his. Gazing deep into his eyes, she ran her tongue across her top lip and whispered, "I'm dangerous. Are you thrilled yet?" Her hands came up and pressed against his chest, her mouth lifting to his.

A gasp left her and her forward movement stopped when her wrists were roughly seized and pushed away from his body. Staring down at her, his hands holding tightly to her wrists, Bob spoke.

"Danger must thrill you if you are foolish enough to entertain a prisoner who is un-cuffed."

A soft laugh answered him. "And what are you going to do, hero? Hurt me? Chain me to a wall? Delete me, even?" Her face became smug. "Not likely." A sudden twist of her arms enabled her to break free from his grasp, and she backed away gracefully. "And, as you can see, I am quite capable of taking care of myself."

Turning away, she moved across the room to a table with various carafes. "Are you thirsty?" Despite his silence, she poured two glasses of a light colored liquid. Smiling, she carried them over. "Here," she pressed the glass into his hand, "you will find the dining much better up here." She gave a sultry smirk. "And the company."

Bob held her gaze for a moment. "Not likely," he mocked her earlier words. He took a small amount of satisfaction in the spark of anger at his insult, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

She covered her slip of composure with a sip before she sank down onto an oversized chair, crossing her legs demurely before him. "So," she drawled, "you want to be a Guardian?"

Bob's mouth tightened.

"Associating with a band of rebels might not be the best way to go about that," she smirked. "But you're an intelligent sprite. I'm sure you already knew that." She took another sip and looked him over, her penetrating gaze leaving Bob distinctly uncomfortable. "Not a Guardian, not a pirate, not a rebel, and not a killer.

"So, Interface. Who are you really?"

Bob, now tired of standing while she played guessing games, moved away from her toward the drink table. He set down his glass, turned, and leaned against the table with his arms crossed. As always, his face revealed nothing.

"Not even a clue?"

Silence.

Constantia chuckled into her drink. "All right then." She leaned further back into her seat, getting herself comfortable. "Most people don't choose to be outlaws. Their hand is forced. You did not come to the Web of your own volition.

"You are well spoken, so highly educated. You are passionate about the well being of your friends, so you value life over death. You are courageous… so you are very foolish. And you do not accept failure, so you are a sprite used to getting his own way." She stood gracefully and stepped closer to him.

"When you speak, others listen. When you want something, you obtain it. And when you play, you play for keeps. My guess?" she said lightly. She stopped in front of him. "Royalty."

Bob's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that, and he held back the sudden urge to laugh in her face.

"Play it cool all you want, Interface. A sprite used to having a position of power, but with too much of a rebellious streak to conform to the demands of society and politics… running away to sail with the scum of the net in the horrors of the Web as a hero in disguise." She clucked her tongue at him. "Such a romantic notion. Bet the girls fall all over you, don't they?" She leaned in. "Am I close?"

Bob shook his head. Royalty? The closest he'd come to that was in a dream he'd had, where he spoke another language and had wings. "Kilometers off the mark."

She shrugged. "So you say. But regardless of where you came from, you are still here… and you are still mine."

Bob stilled; his face neutral save for the cool anger in his eyes.

"You don't like that?" Once again, she stepped in close to him, their height equal as he leaned against the table. Looking deep into his eyes, she purred, "It doesn't have to be that way. Would you care to make a deal?"

"I don't think so," Bob answered quietly.

"No?" she asked in mock surprise. "Why, you haven't even heard the conditions?"

"The death of my friends is too steep," he glowered.

"Then how about for their lives?"

Bob leaned back slightly, a scowl forming on his features. "Funny, that sounds a lot more like blackmail."

"I will release them."

Bob scoffed and looked at the floor. "Yeah, right."

"In exchange for you."

His eyes lifted, his body tense.

"Stay with me willingly," she appeased him, "be my friend, and I will let them go." One hand lifted, and she traced a finger gently along his long silver hair. "Think about it, Interface. This is no different than that which you offered me."

"And you expect me to trust your word?"

"Do you have a choice?" She smiled. "We both want something. You want your friends' freedom and I want a permanent playmate." Brazenly, she placed a hand across his cheek. "Really, would it be so bad? In the Web, you were taking orders. Here, you can give them." She leaned in, speaking softly, "I can give you that power."

Bob remained quiet, patiently ignoring her constant come-ons. He didn't believe her words, not for one nano, but being anywhere but trapped in his cell was a better chance for escape. And if she really thought he could be turned by charms… maybe he could play her for a fool. She was so much like Hex, after all, and he'd dealt with the random virus' frightening affections all the time.

He watched her, trying to gage her reaction to his stoicism. To his surprise, she seemed pleased. It occurred to him she thought his resolve was weakening. He supposed, in a way, it was.

"I will let you go back to your cell. Of course I don't expect an answer from you now. For one so used to being in control, I shall let you accept my offer on your own terms." She patted his cheek slightly. "See? I can be very agreeable." She turned away and called to the guards, who came in and secured Bob again in a pair of metal cuffs.

Before he could be taken from the room, Constantia stood before him again. "One more thing, Hero. A taste of things to come." Reaching up, she threaded both hands into his hair and pulled his head to hers, capturing his lips with hers.

He didn't move, his eyes never leaving hers as he watched her pull away a moment later. She settled into a satisfied smile before waving her hand, gesturing him to be taken from her chambers. As he was escorted out, he felt her eyes burning into his back long into the hall.

Author's Note 1: Bob's dream about being royalty is a nod to Author Askani Blue. If you haven't read the ReBoot story 'Before' you are missing out. Go, do so now!

Author's Note 2: Wow, back to back chapters this weekend, woot! If you've noticed the chapters are a little shorter, I've decided to cut back a little to get the story out more frequently… and because this thing is turning into a novel! But, don't worry, on my side the end is in sight! Somewhere… down that long road… near the end… yeah.

As for my next post, it certainly won't be as long of a wait as before, but I wouldn't expect anything up before Friday. I've been finding more time on the weekends to write, so I'd like to get the next chapter up within a week.

As always, feel free to leave comments and critiques (constructive only, please, no story bashing, it tends to ruin my day). Thank you!