8-Bit's Inside Story

Chapter 3: The Mistake

Rico paced the group like a commanding officer. His robotic tone was once again replaced by that assertive audio. "Bull. You will act as the commander. With your massive size and outstanding power, you shall lead the team to an uncertain goal."

Bull blew a proud puff of smoke from his nose. "Who better?"

Rico turned to Tara, "Tara. Your mastery of the mystical arts will be paramount to our success. 8-Bit's body is as much technology as it is magic. Your assistance is pertinent."

Tara respectfully bowed her head in response.

Bibi annoyingly prodded Rico with Mr. Bat's barrel. "What about me?"

"Bibi. You have a personal connection with 8-Bit. Perhaps you can connect with The Virus. Stop its rampage."

Bibi thought about that for a second. She questioned, "Why aren't you joining us?"

Rico tapped his smooth head. His voice went back to its normal robotic cadence, "If I were to enter, I would risk being hacked by The Virus." They ignored the loud banging coming from The Virus' holding pen. "Your flesh bodies are not corruptible."

Bull solemnly nodded, "Yeah that makes sense."

Rico presented the large milk crate of items, "If you wear these special suits."

"Ah there's the catch," Bull grumbled. The giant man retrieved one of the shockingly small wet suits. The latex body condom was roughly the length of his upper torso. "I can't fit this," he grumbled to the waist-height robot. "I've blown balloons bigger than this."

"One size fits all." Rico demonstrated by stretching the fabric far past Bull's wingspan. The satisfying snap that followed upon its release made Bull cup his fragile gems.

Rico went around the group passing out the strange uniforms. Their blue-and-black scheme looked like scuba gear save for the excluded goggles and breathing apparatus. Sandy groggily gazed at his gear and asked an interesting question. "What about me?"

Rico's distribution was swiftly halted, "Yes?"

"What about..." He yawned between his sentences, "Me? What's my job?"

Rico's quickly remembered Sandy's inclusion. "Oh... you are Tara's translator." He swiftly responded without augmenting his voice.

"I didn't even get the cool voice," the sleepy prince sighed. Bibi examined the stretchy fabric. She tried her best to keep her eyes off of 8-Bit's eroded body but she couldn't help but sneak a peek.

The broken arcade machine was trying to crack the glass with his spiked feet again. The sounds of his constant strikes were akin to the tink of a pickaxe against stone. His verdant LEDs locked with her black dots. Her gaze didn't waver but her mouth flipped with discontent. This sign of weakness pleasured The Virus. He partook in more taunts behind his plexiglass barrier.

His constant jeers turned Bibi's nose up. She refocused on the robotic owner of the arcade. "Yo Rico! Are you sure we can do this?"

Rico silently stared at her. She could feel the power in his glassy gaze. He bluntly stated, "No." Bibi snorted at his blatant lack of faith. "I would have chosen Jessie, Pam, and possibly Penny."

"Mhmm-HHmmH HHHMM!" Tara yelled from her spot in the middle of the room.

Sandy lazily translated, "She said thanks for the vote of confidence."

"You're welcome." Rico happily answered.

"She was being sarcast- *sigh* oh who cares." Sandy fought off the need to nap. "Before we start... can I use the bathroom?"