The Return

by PrincessCeliel

Hacker has won. In a last burst of energy, Motherboard managed to save Digit, Jackie, Matt, and Inez. Motherboard's few allies have been looking for them. Slider managed to find a Mike, Jessie, Irene, and Donald Chase, but Mike doesn't want to get back into another war. Will Hacker rule forever? Is Cyberspace doomed? This is not good, not good at all! Disclaimer: I don't own this:)

5. Chapter 4

"Irene, what are you doing?" Donald whispered. It was the dead of night, and Mike and Jessie were fast asleep. He knew he shouldn't have been speaking, but Irene was standing next to the window. Her expression was glass, and he knew as much as a wrong breath could send her flying outside.

Irene turned on him, her chocolate eyes red-hot with rage. "My name's Inez."

"What are you doing? You're going to get all of us in trouble." Donald persisted.

Her face crumpled, and she slid onto the floor. Donald hopped down next to her, and she wrapped her arms around his small body. He was almost as big as she was, he realized.

"We're cowards." Irene whispered softly to him. He could feel the tears running down her cheeks. "I get hiding for a little while, until Hacker stops searching for us. But now? Slider was at our door, Digit! We could be fighting Hacker right now, working to get back home. I miss my home. I know that time's not the same, but people at home are probably wondering where we are, right? It's been years, Dige. I just want to go home. I miss my mom. I want to go fight Hacker and be done with this stupid life!"

Donald smoothed her hair back gently. "Oh, Nezzie. Mike and Jessie just want to keep us safe."

"It's Matt and Jackie, Digit." Irene corrected softly. "Matt and Jackie."

Donald grew quiet, letting the silence descend over them like a warm blanket. Soon, Irene's breathing became even, and he realized that she was asleep.

That was when Mike sat up. Gently, he put his arms around the little girl and brought her back to the bed, tucking the blanket around her and the cyborg mechanically. He moved to the other side and put a hand on Jessie's arm.

She sat up and let him lead her out of the bedroom. He tucked her into her own bed, ignoring her silent sobs. Afterwards, he slipped outside.

The barn was loud and smelly, despite the late hour. Mike sucked in all his breath and punched a stall, yelling loudly. His voice faded into the night, and he plopped down on a stool.

He did something he hadn't done in years, ever since the girls and Donald had needed him to be the strong one. He buried his face into his hands and dissolved into tears.