Note: Cyberchase has nothing to do with me personally…which really sucks because it's awesome!
I'm not going to bore you with too much, so I'll just tell you that in this chapter you'll get to see what Hacker discovered in the last chapter. You Cybersquad fans out there will be happy to know that the majority if this chapter involves them.
Enjoy!
My One and Only: A Cyberspace Story
By LaurenShort-DisneyFan (Formerly Dramaqueen-8.0)
Chapter 8: The Bad News
"Bless my circuits!" Dr. Marbles breathed, examining the young girl on the medical table in front of him. He fidgets with his glasses as he looks her over. "This is quite remarkable."
"Um…thank you?" Ivy responded, not really enjoying the curious stares from everyone since she'd arrived. She's no longer wearing what she had on before, but instead adorns a hospital gown.
Once the group had fled from the Northern Frontier, the long ride back to Central Control had gone by much faster for the teens and Digit, hanging on every word the small green girl had to say as she did her best to describe the past weeks. She'd told them how she'd been created, how the man she'd come to call her father had been hiding his true colors from her, lying to her as he pretended to be something that he wasn't.
After she had finished, it was the cyber squad's turn to offer their take on Hacker. Normally, when it came to describing the villain to an unsuspecting citizen of Cyberspace, they had no problem dishing out the dirt on him. But this time, it was different. Much different. It was difficult for them to explain to a child that the one person she shouldn't trust was the same person who had given her life, giving them probable cause to believe she was The Hacker's latest scheme in the works.
Upon reaching their destination, they wasted no time in getting Ivy to the Doc, knowing there had to be more to this than what Ivy had been able to tell them. Considering who Hacker was, it couldn't be a good thing. For all they knew, the girl might just be a distraction, or pose some kind of hidden threat. Either way, they weren't about to take any chances.
Doctor Marbles, after being briefed on some of the already fuzzy details, went straight to work, giving Ivy a full physical, determining whether or not if she's dangerous to any of them. Even herself.
He was surprised to find her to be very cooperative for someone so young…and even more surprised to learn who she had originated from. Her bizarre, yet understanding behavior only raising further questions…
"Mr. Marbles?" She asks suddenly, breaking the silence as he takes her blood pressure. She points up at his large cranium. "Do you ever have to change your light bulb? Cuz, I saw on TV, whenever someone has an idea, a light bulb comes on over their heads, and since you're really really smart, yours must come on all the time, right? So does that mean it burns out sometimes if you use it too much?"
The doctor suppresses a laugh. "Oh, I don't believe so. It's really just more for show."
Ivy blinks. "Oh." She pauses, still staring at his head. "Well…that doesn't make much sense."
Marbles gives her a grin before standing up straight, speaking to the Earthlings. "There's definitely nothing wrong with her curiosity…and I don't need any test to tell you that."
"Tell me about it," said Digit, wings crossed. "The whole way here, it was non stop with the questions: What site is that? What's Earth? Why is he purple? And, Ooh, what's this button do!"
"Give the kid a break, Didge," says Matt. "This is her first time being anywhere except the Northern Frontier. Wouldn't you be curious if all you've ever had to deal with is Buzz and Delete?"
Digit gives a nod. "Okay. I'll give ya that…Still, it wouldn't have killed the guy to take her for a walk or something. Ya know, so she wouldn't have been so surprised. That's all."
"This certainly would explain Hacker's absence over the past few months, that's for sure," the doctor adds. "No doubt keeping him at bay on the sight, preventing him from actually going anywhere too far or for too long."
"He probably didn't want anyone to know she existed yet." Inez adds her opinion. "He probably wanted to keep it all a secret."
"Huh," Jackie mutters to herself. "I wonder why he'd want to…she seems okay to me."
Doctor Marbles proceeds to move over to a printer, snatching up what's in the paper tray and reading over the notes he'd taken over the past half hour carefully. After a moment, his brow furrows. "Most unusual…"
"What is it, Doc?" Matt steps forward, not liking his solemn tone.
"Well, according to these readings-"
He stops, looking over at the young girl, whose focus is now on her small feet as they swing back and forth below her. He then nods towards the medical room door, indicating they needed to step out of the room for this. He then turns to Ivy. "My dear, will you be alright with Digit for a moment? I just need to have a quick word with the others."
She nods, smiling innocently as she resumes studying her ten toes.
Doctor Marbles leads the group out of earshot of the toddler, his serious expression unchanged, releasing a deep sigh before he begins. "I don't know how to put this, but…" He glances back into the room at the young girl then back at the others, his voice even lower. "She's, unstable."
"What do ya mean, Doc?" Matt blurts out, before anyone else has a chance to. "She looks okay to me."
"Yeah, she's actually really sweet." Inez agrees, giving a chuckle. "Considering who she's descended from, and all."
"I'm afraid that's not what I mean by, unstable." He hands one of the papers to Inez. "Take a look at these test results from the physical I administered…I'm afraid you won't like what you see."
She reads through some of it while the others glance over her shoulders. With every line she reads, her brow furthers downward, expressing her confusion, then her state of shock. She gasps, putting a hand to her mouth, almost dropping the printout before Matt makes a grab for it, also reading over it, not exactly sure what he's looking at as it's mostly medical charts.
Inez looks up at the doctor. "Can those be right?"
He nods. "I'm afraid so. Though, I have no idea how it's at all possible."
It's silent as Jackie glances back and fourth between the two. "So…what exactly are we talking about?"
Marbles and Inez look over at her, as if noticing her presence for the first time. Inez clears her throat. "What Doctor Marbles means by unstable, is that, well…" She trails off, glancing over at Marbles for feedback.
He sighs. "It's her genetic makeup. I can't explain it as well as I'd like to, but…the best way to put it is by saying, that her DNA is, rather unsound." He frowns at the confused looks he receives. "It's unpredictable, erratic even. To put it simply-"
"She shouldn't even be alive right now." Matt interrupts in a quiet voice as he finishes reading. Even a teenager can get the gist of a medical printout. Especially with something like this.
Jackie looks over at him in alarm. "What!"
"Here." He hands the paper numbly over to her. "See for yourself."
Jackie is now silent as she concentrates on studying the notes. Within a minute her expression changes, resembling Inez's. She looks up at Doctor Marbles, horrified.
"See what I mean?" She hands him back his notes as he continues. "According to this, her organic structure is rather poor. But she appears to be in top condition. In fact, she's one of the healthiest children her age I've ever met. It must not be effecting her physically yet. But if my calculations are correct…and I hope they're not…she doesn't have much time left."
He glances solemnly over at the child again. The earthlings mimic his actions, observing the young girl glumly as she giggles down at Digit, who produces the smaller version of himself, Widget. Ivy then shakes the small bird's wing as introductions are made. Marbles looks back at the three teens in front of him.
"If she doesn't get the medical attention she needs, I'm afraid she will, go offline…indefinitely."
Before they can ask him the obvious, he blurts "unfortunately, there's nothing I can do for her. She needs a transfusion of the same DNA that was used to create her in the first place."
He reads over the paper in his hand again, having some doubts about his findings. "Her molecular structure is deteriorating from the inside. It's as if she was created in an extremely short amount of time. Perhaps too short, from what she's mentioned."
He adjusts his glasses. "If Hacker really was intending on manufacturing some sort of protégé, it appears he would have succeeded, if something hadn't have gone wrong in his calculations.
Matt shrugs. "Like what?"
"Well, let's say that Hacker actually was planning on artificially creating a child of his own. According to her vital signs, it appears as if she was born, premature. Almost as if she were supposed to come out of that pod at an older age than what she is…which does make some sense when you think about it."
Jackie raises an eyebrow skeptically. "So, what you're saying is…she wasn't supposed to be a little girl, but an adult?"
"That would be my guess, but something must have happened during her production, causing this supposed pod she was created in to cease what remaining fabrication was needed in order for her to reach the desired age Hacker wanted."
"Whoa, whoa, time out!" Matt crosses his hands. "This doesn't make any sense! If Hacker wanted to have someone to take over for him, why wouldn't he have a son? Why a daughter?"
"And what," Inez states, agitated, "is wrong with a woman taking over?"
Matt groans, feeling as though he would never understand which words to use and what not to use in front of girls. "Nothing. It's just that Hacker seems more like the type to want to name something after himself, like a Hacker Junior. Doesn't he? Tell me I'm wrong."
"No…you're right."
Everyone turns to see Ivy in the open doorway, gripping the side of her medical gown tightly as she focuses sullenly down at the floor. She sounds as if she's about to cry, but somehow manages to keep her voice steady as she speaks.
"He didn't want a girl…I'm an accident." She shakes her head. "He doesn't really care about me. He just wanted someone to help him take over the world. To hurt people."
Ivy brings her head up to meet the grim stare of Dr. Marbles. She sniffs. "I've seen you before…on the television. A long time ago." She brings her small hands together, picking at her fingernails. "You, were talking about my daddy…saying that, even though nobody had seen him, and it was a while since he'd done something wrong…" Her eyes glaze over slightly. "It, didn't mean Cyberspace shouldn't stop worrying about him.
"At first," she says, wiping away a stray tear. Her voice beginning to crack. "I didn't know…who you were talking about…but, today…him and Wicked, were fighting, and he said, something that…he…" Ivy trails off, weeping into both hands.
The two other girls in the room instinctively reach down to her. Inez, being the closest, scoops her up in her arms, cradling her as she cries into her shoulder. Jackie pats her on the back consolingly. The news about her condition only adding to their pity.
"You poor thing!" Jackie coos.
"It's okay, Ivy," Inez says gently. "You're safe here with us."
Before Matt can offer his own words of comfort, someone tugs at his shirt sleeve. He looks down to see Digit nodding away from the three girls, towards the doctor. He abides, going over to Marbles.
The doctor's voice is low when he speaks to the boy, his gaze fixed on the green child in Inez's care. "Something's not right here," he says. "I wasn't expecting this reaction from her."
"What do ya mean, Doc?" asks Digit, feeling sorry for the poor kid. He could relate to what she was feeling, having once thought of Hacker as a type of father. If it wasn't for the villain, he never would've been brought into existence. "Seems like a pretty normal reaction to me."
Matt nods. "I know I'd be upset if my dad wasn't who he said he was. You have to remember Doctor Marbles, she has no idea who Hacker really is. He's kept that from her." He glances over at Ivy for a moment before continuing. "How else is she supposed be reacting? She's just a kid, she's too young to fully understand what he does."
"That's not what I mean." Marbles shakes his head, looking between him and Digit, unable to hide the hint of rage at the mention of Motherboard's arch rival. "It doesn't make sense that she's totally oblivious to his intentions. From what she's told all of you, her existence has a far greater purpose than she realizes. How it is that Hacker has been so naive as to not calculate the outcome of her creation, baffles me."
He pauses, getting his emotions under control. "If he was so determined to create a younger version of himself, it doesn't explain how she couldn't possibly know anything about what lay in her future…what he plans to do with her."
"It's like the kid said," Digit shrugs. "He wasn't expecting a girl. He wanted a boy. Probably a lot older than just five."
Matt agrees. "Didn't you say something about her genetic structure being unstable? Maybe that's why he never told her anything. He probably knows she's defective. Um, in a manner of speaking." He shifts about, not comfortable with his own choice of words. "Anyway, that makes more sense doesn't it? I mean, why would he bother sharing any of his plans with her if she, doesn't have much longer."
The doctor looks on at them for a moment, thinking. Since the first day he'd brought Hacker on line, he'd always known that there was something about the cyborg that never sat quite right with him. True, Hacker had been his own creation, given life for the sole purpose of assisting his efforts in bettering the cybernetic world around them, aiding Motherboard in any way they could.
It was Doctor Marbles who had failed to fully assess the consequences of his actions. So many times he'd had reason to be wary of Hacker's behavior, occasionally letting slip the façade he'd managed to fool them all with since the day he'd been activated. But despite the gnawing at his conscience to throw judgment where it had definitely been needed most…for some bizarre reason, he could never bring himself to do it.
To this very day, he regrets that decision. And has been doing anything, and everything, in his power to somehow make amends for it.
"I suppose. But still…" He glances back at Ivy. "I don't like this. Not one bit. I've dealt with Hacker too long to not know that anything of his creation is nothing more than an abomination."
Digit clears his throat loudly.
Dr. Marble gives him a weak smile. "Present company excluded, of course." His eyes are again on Matt, almost glaring. "She may seem innocent enough, Matthew. But keep in mind who she is; Hacker's daughter. If that's not a red flag I don't know what is."
The red-head nods once, but a bit reluctantly. "Good point."
"I'm not saying she's as bad as him , but we should pay close attention to her nonetheless." He shakes his head, rubbing the back of his neck. "One thing's for sure…she will most definitely be trouble to someone at some point. Whether it's for any of us, or The Hacker, is too soon to tell."
"Ivy?" Wicked calls, more anxious this time. She'd been searching the Grim Wreaker for a good twenty minutes, turning up no sign of the young girl. She was actually glad for the delay in locating her, giving her a chance to think about what all it was she was going to tell her. Despite Hacker's request for her to reveal everything about him.
If there was one thing she'd ever learned throughout their on/off relationship, it was knowing when the cyborg was attempting to cover up his true feelings towards something…or someone. His affection for her in particular was no exception.
She'd often considered what he would be like if he learned to open up a little on the issue. She'd hoped Ivy would eventually make him realize that. And, up until a few moments ago, it appeared to be a very good possibility. But now, things weren't looking as bright as they had before-
"Wicked! WICKED!"
"Wuh?" She spun around, nearly being run over by Hacker. His hands are suddenly grasping either side of her. "Hacker, why-"
"Where is she?" He almost shouts, unable to hide the panic in his voice.
Wicked stares, eyes wide. "Well, I don't know, I haven't found her yet. But I'm sure she's-"
"We need to find her! Now!" He releases his hold on her, looking frantically in all directions. "Ivy, where are you?"
"Hacker what is wrong with you? I know this a big deal to you, but aren't you overreacting just a little?" Upon seeing the panic in his eyes, the answer is clear.
"Wicked," he breaths heavily, grasping her by the arms again, but not as forceful this time, more consoling. "Ivy is in terrible danger. And if I don't find her and take the right precautions, she could… Wicked she'll…" He stops himself, looking down at the metallic tiling of the Grim Wreaker.
She grasps his hands. "What? Hacker, what's going to happen to Ivy?" He shakes his head, still panting. This reaction was enough to tell her that something much more serious was going on than Ivy simply being mad at him. "Hacker?"
When he brings his head up, Wicked's heart immediately goes out him, seeing the tears he desperately tries to hide from her. "Is something wrong with Ivy?" she asks, not liking his solemn expression. And, after a deep breath, he begins to explain. Her eyes fill with terror the more she hears about the fate soon to befall his innocent daughter.
"Oh my god." She places a hand over her mouth. "But…what can you do to help her? Please, tell me you know you can help that poor girl!"
He stares at her for a moment, finally speaking quietly. "There, might be something I can do." He pauses, his tone now a whisper. "Or, rather, what we can do." He swallows, trying to find the right words. "I…I know you and I haven't been the, best of acquaintances in the past, but…trust me when I tell you that, without your help…Ivy is as good as…" He stops, grasping her a little tighter to get a hold of himself. He finally looks her in the eye again. "I need you, Wicked…more than you'll ever know."
She cocks her head to the side. His sudden burst of affection was definitely unexpected, not to mention a bit out of place. But the sincerity in his eyes told her that his abnormal behavior was for a very good reason. Otherwise he wouldn't sound this desperate for help.
"Me? What can I-"
"I can't rightly explain it to you. Not now. All that matters is Ivy." He glances down the hall. "We'll split up. She's got to be around-"
"BOSS!"
The two adults turn around in time to see two frantic robots running up, screeching to a halt at their employer's feet. Almost immediately, Wicked notices their panicked expressions. Something was horribly wrong.
"Boys," Hacker barks. "Listen very carefully, I need you to find Ivy, it's-"
"Earth kids! Here!" Buzz pants, pointing back behind him. "They, got away!"
Wicked sees the stoned expression on Hacker's face. He must've known what was coming, but wasn't ready to hear it.
"Motherboard, here?" He states, somewhat to himself. "I haven't left the Northern Frontier in months, why would she send-"
"Hacker they took her!" Delete screamed, unable to help himself. "The kids took Ivy!"
Wicked gasps. Hacker's heart skips a beat. "What? When?"
"Just a few minutes ago!" explained Buzz. "We tried to stop 'em, but they'd let her in their cyber coupe and flown off. We came back here as fast as we could!"
"Let her in?" Wicked asks. "But, why would she go with them-"
Buzz shakes his head heatedly. "I don't know! But she did! Poor kid hardly put up a fight!"
Delete tugs on Hacker's sleeve. "What're we gonna do, Boss?" He stops, seeing the cyborg's cold stare into the distance, his brow furrowed. "Boss?"
Wicked sees it, too, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hacker, what is it?"
He's silent for a moment before responding quietly. "She, really does hate me. Doesn't she?"
"Wuh?" Both robots exclaim, only to be silenced by a glare from Wicked.
Her attention is on him again, voice cracking. "Hacker you don't know that. She loves you. It's like you said, you're her father. No one could care for her the way you do-"
He shakes his head slowly, continuing to look forward. He couldn't believe it. The thought that Ivy, his own flesh and blood, was so willing to get away from him that she had left with his greatest rivals, it was almost too heart-wrenching to be true. But an explanation would have to wait. For now there was something much more life threatening to deal with.
"Alright," says Hacker, taking in a quick breath, attempting to get his bearings. "The important thing right now is that we get Ivy back home, by any means."
"But Boss," Delete began. "They're probably headed to Control Central! We've never been able to get in there without-"
"I don't care!" Hacker bellows, the metallic walls vibrating. The sound causing even Wicked to cringe, while the two henchmen scurry behind her for safety. "I won't stand by and watch her die in the hands of my worst enemy! I can't let that happen! I WON'T!" His eyes are on her again, almost pleading. "Wicked, come with me. If I hurry, I can begin developing a treatment for her before we reach them." He offers his hand. "But not without you."
She nods once. "Of course," she says, accepting his gesture. "Whatever I can do to help."
With Hacker leading, they head in the direction of his lab, both moving with a purpose. His voice echoes back at the two confused robots. "Prepare the Wreaker for take off, I'll be in the control room shortly!"
Buzz and Delete are silent, glancing at each other with wide eyes. Without a word, they make their way to the front of the ship. Something told them that now wasn't the best time to question their employer's actions.
Ivy was in trouble. For now, that was all they needed.
To Be Continued…
Well, what'd ya think of Chapter 8? Pretty messed up for a kid so young, huh?
But who'll come up with a cure first; Hacker or Dr. Marbles?
And will she be saved in time…?
Who knows…but probably…maybe…oh, the anticipation is KILLING me!