Zipped Files

A white flash lit up the path ahead, a panicked heartbeat sounding louder than the thunder surrounding them against feathered ears. While the rain was soaking through the jacket surrounding him, Ranvier welcomed the familiar damp feeling. It was far preferable than whenever he looked up to see his carrier's face.

Clinging desperately with his new tiny fingers, the rapid heartbeat wasn't even his, it was his father, Ladislav's. As far as the little anti-virus knew, they had been playing a game through the world of nightmares, popping up and spooking unsuspecting victims until he found someone to truly strike fear into. Though the next thing he knew, Ranvier was tossed from his games of monsters and chasing. Tossed back into his reality in hell with a new form. One that was painful and glitching.

Quick to pick him up, he had been doing so well lately in his nightmare form, it was a shock for Ladi to watch his baby topple to their side. Thankfully there were still emergency measures in place for unexpected situations back at the lab in his own home. By the looks of things, Ranvier's code was unraveling, breaking apart and fading into oblivion from the arms and legs. For now the saving grace was that it wasn't starting on all edges, only the weakest areas that his nightmare form didn't have to begin with; the limbs.

It was okay, he could fix this, everything would be fine. Something the young feral heard whispered under their breath, but wasn't sure if it was meant for him or not. Of course everything would be alright. Everything always got better when they moved to the other lab. There were snacks, games, and best of all, he was able to cling to Ladi without anyone else around bothering them with tests.

At least the pain in his legs was starting to dull. Having a greater need for the hands and fingers he had only recently acquired, Ranvier was unconsciously using his own magic to sustain them for holding on to his father. A simple will, but one that proved vital as Ladi instructed him into the flashy tube he wasn't fond of. It wasn't as cramped for this more humanoid body, but the noise it produced still hurt his sensitive ears. Something he dealt with along with a bit of whining when he was finally released from the machine hours later.

As he had known all along, of course everything was fine, nuzzling into his father once things were quiet and nothing hurt any more. He wasn't sure why they were shaking, but kisses and snuggles always made him feel better, so it'd obviously work on Ladi too. They did laugh and pick him up again, looking happy despite the stressful glittering eyes. If they were happy, so was he!

There were plenty of late night snacks along with his favorite glass of juice now that things were settling down. It wouldn't be until the next day that he'd realize the little normal feet he had recently acquired had to be replaced with a more feral, rat-like pair.