TRON: Programs of Rebellion

by ZigZagZrina

Summary:

CLU strikes a secretive deal with Castor at the End of Line Club to help identify and capture a mysterious program that’s been evading detection—suspected to be a bounty hunter with green circuit markings. To assist CLU’s search, Castor agrees to serve free drinks to the club’s patrons to loosen their lips and extract information in a more discreet way. The Sirens are enlisted to aid in this task, using charm and subtlety to gather intelligence during the club’s busiest hours.

Chapter 1: End Of Line Club

End Of Line Club, Castor’s Lounge-

“The club is busier than usual,” Castor hummed as he sipped on his margarita. 

“That’s good.” He smiled and turned to the siren, Gem. “Get the other sirens, I need to inform something privately.” 

“Of what sir?” Gem stood up from the couch walking up to him as he stared out the window. “Its CLU.” He mumbled his face turned to worry. “CLU..?” 

“Sh. Be silent my dear, there’s eyes and ears everywhere. Now do me a favor and get them. This is urgent.”

“I understand.” Gem softly hummed and headed to the armory room. The walk there was as normal, passing black guards in their patrol. As she neared the arena, chants and yells were heard from inside. She walked down the dark hallway, the icy blue lights lighting it up and the stairs where she headed to. 

“Girls.” She called out as she stood at the entrance the circular door sealed closed behind her, she looked around for them. “Swan? Eliza?” She called again as a soft hum emitted from the center of the room, lighting up the circuits flowing throughout the white walls. The girls walked downstairs looking up at Gem. “Yes?” They both replied with soft smile. 

“Castor called us for a meeting.” She announced as Yaya walked down the stairs, her face turned stern. “What’s going on?”

“Castor said this is private.” She repeated with a warning as the girls exchanged confused glances. They nodded and began to follow Gem out of the armory to the streets, taking shortcuts though alleys filled with broken programs.

They got to the End Of Line club, the electronic music always the same as they looked around with plain faces, walking to Castor’s lounge. “Ah ladies, you’re all here! Thank you Gem.” He nodded to Gem as he let them sit down on the couch. “So straight to the point.” He chuckled as he served four drinks. “CLU is paying a visit to the club. He wants information of a…program.” 

“What kind of program?” Yaya asked curiously, placing her gloved hand on her cheek, her soft brown skin glowing with the circuits. “It better not be one of your little mischiefs.” Eliza added, crossing her arms and laying back. “No it’s actually…one of CLUs plans…he ordered me well, us to give free drinks to everyone in the club to get them drunk.” 

“So he just wants to waste our energy in this bull?” Swan scoffed, crossing her arms in disbelief. “No, he wants the people to be dazed.” Yaya hummed. “And we’ll get the info they blabber about the program.”
Gem said as she looked out the window. He smiled placing the tray of drinks on the coffee table.
The girls leaned in to grabbed the glasses filled with blue energy.
“Since you gals are the best ones, I’m going to trust you and assign you to this ‘mission’.” He grabbed his glass and began to stir it. “Which is very simple and very important for our CLU. We are the only ones who know. And no one else.” Castor sternly added.
“And of course, he’s going to be in my damn private lounge.” He mumbled annoyed laying back on the bar and began to sip his drink. “Is that alright girls?” 

“Seems fun.” Eliza smirked looking over to Swan with a curious look.

“Hm I’ll flirt with the guards.” Swan snickered. As Yaya rolled her eyes with a smile. 

“Well then we should be in different parts to gain some info, and we can’t seem suspicious of anything” Gem added as she began to formulate a plan. 

“Straight faces, like always.” Eliza complained as she sipped her drink almost as if she were bored of this whole CLU thing. 

“Well you ladies are dismissed. I’ll be waiting for you.” Castor hummed and walked away leaving the sirens looking at each other with curiosity and some smiles. Yaya hummed looking over to Gem. “I wonder what program has captivated CLU’s attention.” 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Rectifier

Summary:

CLU watches the Disk Wars while Jarvis reports on a mysterious green-circuit program evading capture. Annoyed by the lack of progress, CLU prepares to visit the End of Line Club to gather intel, suspecting this program may threaten his control.

  Right above the Disk Wars Arena,

CLU sat watching the games through the large window, from his Rectifier ship, his face covered by his dark helmet with yellow outlines.

“Have you tracked the program?” CLU called for his data clerk, Jarvis. Standing on a corner, with his tablet in hand. He walked up to CLU were he sat watching.

“Yes sir…Spotted near the Arena and Black Markets. They are most commonly seen there. They seem to be in search of something…” Jarvis answered, tapping through the tablet. Then looked up at CLU for confirmation. “Have you gotten any more info about them?” He huffed as one of the players got derezzed.

“No sir. Any Black Guard that gets near them or corners them is derezzed immediately.” Jarvis added nervously fidgeting with the tablet. “Anything else sir?” 

“That’ll be all.” CLU hummed and continued watching the Disk Wars. The last player was left, the crowd began to chant and yell in excitement as the platforms merged into a big one. 

“Player 82 versus Rinzler.” The System announced.

The crowd yelled and chanted Rinzler’s name.

“Rinzler! Rinzler! Rinzler!”

The atmosphere was filled with tension and excitement as the fight began. Discs were thrown around the platforms as the players dodged them. The platform inverted as gravity pulled them to the ceiling. Player 82 was slammed onto it as he groaned Rinzler ran to the fallen player as the crowd shouted

‘De-Rezz!’

Rinzler delivered the final blow on the neck, a static yell came from the Player as they turned into small cubes. The crowd roared with excitement as Rinzler derezzed the final player. 

“You do have an appointment tonight.”Jarvis said as he pulled up CLUs schedule, showing him. “Which?” CLU added exasperated.

“End Of Line club. Castor is waiting for you, he has…info of this program…” Jarvis nervously added and pulled away.

“The bounty hunter…” CLU grumbled.

“I’ll get the adjustments ready.” 

“Make it quick.”  

 

 

Chapter 3: Arena, Armory room

Summary:

The Sirens prepare for a covert mission at the End of Line Club, serving drinks laced with blue energy as part of CLU’s plan to extract information. CLU, observing from Castor’s lounge with Rinzler and Jarvis, remains fixated on finding a mysterious bounty hunter with green facial circuits that disrupt surveillance. Suspicious and bored, he orders Rinzler to patrol and monitor the Sirens more closely.

The Sirens cleaned up the armory, restocking the armor and placing discs in their positions.

“Let’s go, we have a long night.” Yaya hummed as she grabbed her rain coat. The others followed closely. They looked up at the neon signs illuminating the cold streets and nearby buildings. Their gazes landing up to the tallest building in the city, End Of Line club. They mentally prepared for the night as they saw crowds of programs leave the Arena.
The crowds smiled with excitement as they talked with their groups.
Probably about the cold ruthless battle of Rinzler and the last surviving player. The Sirens merged with one group entering an elevator that headed to the club. Looking out the clear window, the vast glowing city expanded for miles until it ended on the Outlands. A bridge connected to it.

Gem took in a breath as the doors of the elevator opened. The loud electronic music boomed into the elevator, and the smell of liquor filling her senses. The sirens waited nearby, doing their usual shifts. They waited patiently for Castors go. They heard a ding from their earpieces and began the plan. Quickly grabbing trays full of liquor and blue energy. The sirens separated and served in different parts in the club. 
Gem stood near where CLU and Castor sat. She discretely glanced up at Castor’s Lounge. Seeing CLU lay back on the sofa as he looked out to the club, like a hawk waiting for any disturbance. Watching programs dance and the sirens do their work.

He stirred his martini and placed his chin on the back of his hand, as if bored. Rinzler stood next to him waiting for his command. As Jarvis looked at the alcoholic bottles displayed on the lounges bar. 

“Jarvis, do you have any updates about the bounty hunters whereabouts?” CLU tilted his head down, focusing on the martinis liquid. “No sir, but they seem to have green circuits.” CLU scoffed, “Why green?” “We don’t know sir, but, it blocks us from seeing their face.”—“Look for answers then.” CLU rolled his eyes under the visor as he turned his head back upfront. He opened a hologram of the bounty hunter, a short hood covering their face as a green light emitted from inside, supposing the circuits. “Imperfection is all I see from it.” CLU thought as he inspected it. “I’m bored. Rinzler, patrol the area a bit. Check on the sirens progress.” 

 

Chapter 4: Rinzler‘s task

Summary:

I’m not putting any more summaries I will when I can or want to. 👍

---

Rinzler tensed up, his broken code rumbling from his circuits. He nodded and followed his order. Walking down the stairs, his eyes under the visor sharp on the crowd. Focused. He walked around the club discreetly, not wanting to bring attention to himself. He spied on the sirens as he stood near the bar. Watching them do their routine and serve the trays. He began to get a bit bored seeing people mumble, not even trying to be low, just whisper about him. 

Four sirens. He counted memorizing their actions and their characteristics.
Time passed, he rejected anyone who came to him, or just ignored them and walk to another place. Now, he stood near the entrance. He paused, scanning the room again, counting now five sirens.

Five? The new one served drinks, just like the others. But they seemed more alert. Standing near big groups of programs, ready to serve just like the others. He watched as she mumbled something to Gem, both nodding. Gem seemed pleased as she grabbed the new sirens tray and headed up to the lounge where CLU was. Castor smiled at Gem as he talked with CLU, almost as if they were talking with their eyes. 

CLU and Castor seemingly talked about arrangements and the information that the sirens picked up on. Gem placed down the tray on the coffee table in-front of the couch. Ignored any contact with CLU, always looking down to the tray out of respect. But Rinzler knew it was out of fear and just an act.

His analysis was cut off by the new siren, she raised a brow as she inspected him with a curious look. Seemingly to ask again. “You gonna move? I need more drinks to serve.” 

 

 

Chapter 5: New Siren?

Rinzler was a tad annoyed by her tone, his corrupted code grumbling again as he stood aside.
“Please and thank you.” She added with a soft smile as she placed down the glasses on the the tray. He inspected her with curiosity seeing her white hair and green dyed braids resting on her shoulders.

“You are no normal siren.” The bartender chuckled. “Where you from?”
“I’m from Purgos, just visiting here for business.” The siren added with a soft smile as she picked up the tray.
“Hm from Purgos? Very sketchy place eh? I have to visit Argon city again, such beautiful architecture.” He hummed with a smile.

“Architecture are you interested in it?”
The siren smiled. “Yes I planed to be an architect. Never got the chance because of..” He gave a quick glance at Rinzler noticing his interest in the conversation, he hummed deciding what to say.

“You know who.” He chuckled. “Well I’d love to see more different buildings in Argon. It’s all a big infrastructure in there.” She added with a smile. 

This conversation intrigued Rinzler a siren from Argon going all the way to Tron city? “Well welcome to Tron city beautiful. Stay as long as you like, but you should get going.” He chuckled scratching his black beard.
“Ah yes of course.” She sighed picking up the tray and heading back out, Rinzler’s gaze followed her with curiosity seeing her talkative and carefree nature. Sirens are not that talkative, is she not a siren or is she just programmed this way?

He shook his head a bit and sighed continuing patrol he should not be wasting his time thinking about this damn siren. He glanced back at CLU seeing him also intrigued by the siren.
His earpiece went off, CLUs voice filling his ears. “Was that a siren?” He asked intrigued watching her from afar. “I heard her convo with the bartender while you stood nearby. Purgos city? Interesting.” Rinzler hummed as he heard his boss analyzing the info.

“Keep an eye on her, if she’s from Purgos city she still can have all that digital slum from that disgusting place.” He spat finishing the call. Rinzler now realizing his thinking was not in vain, began to watch the sirens actions.
“You know what, bring her to me. I want to speak with this siren.” 

 

Notes:

Update:New chapter coming soon!
Fri. Jun, 6.

Chapter 6: Confrontation

Summary:

The new siren is being confronted by CLU and his trusty companions wanting to know her program and origin.

  “You’ve captured CLU’s attention.” One of the sirens chuckled as she walked pass the new siren. She looked confused as she watched her companion walk by her. Wondering what she meant by that. In blink of an eye, she saw a hand reaching for her arm. Tightly grasping her as the figure pulled her close. “What the hell? What’s your fucking problem?” She scoffed as she saw Rinzler glare down at her, hearing his earpiece go off. CLU’s voice ordering him to bring her to the lounge. She glanced at him in warning, trying to pry his hand off.

Rinzler hummed in response as he inspected her, tightening his grip on her as they walked through the crowd’s in the club. The loud music booming in her ears as she worriedly looked for an escape.

“What are you doing?” She asked looking up at Rinzler. “Quiet.” He whispered pulling her into the lounge, her brows furrowed as she glared at the back of his head. He nudged her trying to calm her down as she looked over to the lounge. Being met with Castor’s worried face and CLU leaning down on his seat as he looked up at her. “What’s your name, program?” He grumbled as he looked up at her.

“Why would you want to know?—” Rinzler nudged her forcefully his code growling as he looked down at her menacingly. “I’m Sova, sir..” She mumbled her body stiff as Rinzler continued to hold her.

“Sova hm? What’s your programming I wonder..” CLU glanced at Jarvis, he quickly walked up to her and pulled off her disk. “Hey!—“ She scoffed trying to pry away from Rinzler, she quickly kicked Jarvis making him clutch his stomach, ducking down as she quickly pulled Rinzler close and slam him down on the ground as she quickly grabbed her disc and turned it on, pressing it near Rinzler’s neck.

“You have no right to grab my disc.” Electronic hum filling up the room with other guard’s disc’s as they formed a wall infront of CLU, protecting him. Two behind her wielding spears threatening to tase her. She huffed and looked back up at CLU. “You’re no siren..” He walked in between two guards letting him pass. “Relax. I’m not going through your disc, yet.”

He stopped in front of her seeing her pin Rinzler down. “We can talk, but I’m not trusting you with my disc.” She looked up at CLU as she pulled away from Rinzler, both getting up.

 

Chapter 7: Prying Eyes

  He glared at Sova as Jarvis watched behind some guards. The crowd watched in worry as mumbled and worried glances fell on the conflict. Rinzler knew CLU liked attention, it satisfied his ego. But this was supposed to be a subtle mission, or so he calls it. And this Sova is not helping.

He looked down at CLU and Sova curious of her unique fashion. Very different from here. She’s definitely from Purgos. Castor casually leaned on the bar, watching. He nervously smiled and walked up to the front. “I’ll handle this.” He mumbled to CLU as he raised his white cane to the crowd.

“Ladies and Gents! Don’t worry your mind on the situation, let us enjoy a tonight with drinks and some good loving fun.” He announced as he walked down the stairs, chuckling as he grinned at the sirens, he nodded.

“Enjoy our newest Blu energy drinks and some new additions for it. I must say, I love what they have added in them.” The crowd awed as they watched sirens pull up some more beverages and alcoholic drinks. The crowd gasped in curiosity now distracted by the strong drinks. Sova glanced at Rinzler with an annoyed look as he grumbled. Castor ordered for the music to continue as he walked up to his lounge. The DJ’s nodding. “All under control.” He smiled at CLU and sat down on the bar. CLU sighed his face turning stern as he walked over to Sova.

One of the guards clicked a button near the exit door. Blurring the window so no one could see inside. “Can you let me go?” Sova glared over to CLU as he shook his head. “I’m not making a deal with you-“ She began as CLU cut her off. “I’m not asking for a deal.” CLU hummed stretching his hand to Sova for her disc. “Fine I’ll talk.” CLU sat down on the couch and let her sit.

She complied with him and sat down. “Guards, give us some privacy, you too Jarvis.” CLU ordered as he flicked his wrist. He looked at Castor as he served drinks for them. “Does Sova want one too?” “No.” CLU hummed as he took off his mask. “I’ll take a Bloody Mary thank you.” Sova inspected him as she glanced back at the club. “What do you want.” She watched as Castor placed the tray on the coffee table as he drank his own beverage. “I need to get to know you, Sova. There’s a bounty hunter in my city and they have the same color of circuits as you…” He hummed as he reached for one of Sovas circuits.

She leaned away as she curiously glared at him. “Ah excuse me.” CLU added as he inspected her laying back with a small smile. “I haven’t seen one of you programs in ages, and one from Purgos? Far away from here? That’s…interesting. A bit too interesting.” His voice began to turn stern as he stirred his liquor.  “Considering that there’s a bounty hunter and you’re from Purgos, one of the most high criminal ranked cities.” A long silent pause.

“I could simply be a program trying to get a better payment a better life.” Sova began. Glancing at the club goers. “But that would be a lie to you no?” She smirked as she fidgeted with her fingers. CLU chuckled watching her. “That would be a lie, Sova.” He hummed.

“Drink up hm? You must be yearning it.” “No. I take what I want not yearn for it.” “Hm just like me. We have the same mindset. It’s…interesting.” He chuckled watching her sip on her drink. “We are not the same CLU, we have different beliefs.” She sternly said as she looked down at the crowd. CLU hummed and followed her look. “You’re part of the rebellion? The uprising?” “No, I’m just looking for a bounty.”

“Ah so you are the bounty hunter.” He chuckled watching her smirk. “Yes, I am. And I hope I’m not bothering you with my job.” “Oh not at all.” He sarcastically huffed. “Derezzing my men? Stealing from my cargo?”

She avoided eye contact as she turned stiff. “I took what I needed.” She coldly answered as she watched him impatiently fidget. “Who’s the target?” He spat. “Who’s so valuable that making you steal from me and hide away?” He looked over to her as he leaned back. “He is too valuable for you to know. I need the information and credit.”

“I don't need that credit.”

Rinzler stood behind the couch watching them as he noticed Sova’s cheek light up with some faint circuits. He glanced at CLU noticing his hand get close to Sova’s knee, noticing that CLU was getting eager and inpatient with her. “So may I see your disc?” He demanded as he looked up at her.

Rinzler got in position behind to grab her disc as she chuckled. “If you are planning to derezz me—“ “No I wont, it’s stupid to waste such useful program.” He hummed as he placed a hand on her knee. She swiftly rejected him.”what are you planning CLU?” She sighed, lighting up a chance for CLU. “I could reprogram you though…I see a lot of imperfections in you.”

“Stop talking. It’s bullshit.” She spat in anger, placing down her drink angrily as she sat up, making Rinzler tense ready for CLU’s orders. “Hm, I’m open if you need anything. Any info about the bounty, weapons.” “Don’t try to persuade me.” She rolled her eyes crossing her arms as she looked out the window, “I’m not, I’m giving you a chance. More options…” 

 

Chapter 8: Promises and Options

Summary:

Sova looks for a way to escape, not liking CLUs options. She finally sees his true colors in person and someone’s combat skills.

He glanced at Rinzler as he talked, in response he nodded walking up to the exit to block it. Sova rolled her eyes in annoyance looking over to Rinzler inspecting him. Her brows furrowed as she noticed a grumble come from him.
A sense of familiarity passing through her.

“I won’t do anything, I promise.” CLU spoke as he finished his drink. “You don’t do promises, or even keep them.”
“Oh but I do. I kept a promise from an old buddy of mine.” He chuckled looking over to a white polyhedral figure, displayed with the alcoholic bottles. 

“To create the perfect system.” ‘Sounds like bullshit.’ She thought, looking over to the exit. “I should go, my bounty is waiting.” She coldly hummed as she headed to the door. Rinzler continued to block the exit as she huffed. ‘He really is a lap dog.’ “Move please?” 

“You’re not leaving Sova.” CLU walked up to her, she tried to push Rinzler away but he slammed her to the wall. Worry stung her heart as she looked up at them. “Let’s test your skills hm?” CLU smirked as he watched. “What?”

Rinzler kicked her knocking down the coffee table and couch. She coughed in shock as she held her stomach in frustration. Crouching up as she looked over to the open balcony. Revealing the vast city. She knew it was her only escape, a risky one that is.

“Shit..” she mumbled as she crawled, quick footsteps were heard behind her as Rinzler pulled out his disc separating them to two. He lunged at her ready to strike her. But Sova quickly rolled to the side and elbowed his helmet as he pinned her, the strike luckily let his grip fail as she began to run again.

“Get her!” CLU shouted as black guards got in the lounge. Rinzler grunted as she began to walk away, he grabbed her ankle making her fall and dragged her close. She huffed and kicked his stomach as he tried to restrict her movement, grabbing her arms and pinning them up to her chest as she glared up at him in anger. Rinzler paused as he inspected her amber eyes, he grunted in discomfort as she fought back. 

“Damn, calm down!” He huffed, her grey locks blocking his view as she wrapped her legs around his torso, turning him to pin him down. She pinned his wrists to the side as she tossed his disc’s away. He noticed a scar on her lips and a recent one that his disks caused on her shoulder.
She inspected his helmet and sighed, a sense of familiarity passing through them. But quickly broken as black guards began to inch closer to them.

She acted fast and quickly got up heading to the balcony and pulling up a light jet baton, a guard caught up to her and grabbed her baton as she neared the edge, she yelled frustrated as she tried to get it back. Grabbing her disk and derezzing the guard to bits. 

She failed to grab back her baton as she fell from the high building, panic filled her eyes as she watched the balcony get farther. Wind whipped through her as she forcefully tried to reach her baton. Rinzler and the others watched with suspense from the balcony.
A strange feeling stirred in Rinzler as worry filled him watching her fall. He wasn’t supposed to worry for a stupid program. He doesn’t know why he even is worried. Maybe because she is a a target he is supposed to finish? Could be, but it didn’t click right for him. 

 

Chapter 9: Ping from an Old Friend

Summary:

Sova is still in pursuit looking for her bounty. Tension uprises between her and CLU’s elite enforcer. Both programs shadows with secrets and mystery to uncover. But there is a strange sense of familiarity in between them? Leaving both conflicted.

  She grinned and opened the baton summoning a light jet. Quickly flying in between buildings. She looked back checking if they followed her, worry filling her mind as she watched the men retreat only Rinzler watching her from the balcony. His cold stare piercing her soul, or whatever programs have.

“Who really are you?” She mumbled to herself as she flew the light jet, it’s neon light reflecting with the buildings. She received a signal from her wristwatch, humming as she saw the familiar name pop up in the screen she answered. 

“Did you find him?” “No, but…I’m in big trouble with CLU right now, he caught up on me.” She paused and sighed. “You alright? Does he know of our plan?” “No. I’m going to be in hiding for a while though.” She huffed, frustration tensing her muscles. 

“I’m still going to look for the bounty. I don’t know where he is hiding. But I can feel him, he’s close.” 

A ‘Mhm’ hummed through the comms as he began to ponder. “We have to bring him back. He’s a big part of the uprising if I fail him—“ 

“You won’t. You heard him before the Severance. You’re the leader now Beck. And I trust that you will do a great job in the Uprising.” A sigh could be heard from the comms. “Thanks but, it’s not the same without him…” 

“I know Beck, I know…I miss him too.” 

“Will you join the Uprising?” “Y’know I can’t, kid. My job is dangerous and I have created far too much enemies. I don’t want them hunting you either, or finding out I work with the Renegade.” She smiled looking over to the screen seeing Beck’s worried face. “If you can, we need more people and ties in the Uprising. It be a good thing if you, y’know…” 

“Ask people to join the Uprising?” She chuckled with Beck. “So you’re an ally then? Is that what you’re saying?” He smirked trying to annoy her. “Fine then I’m a proud ally.” She sarcastically announced with a smile at him. “

If you need anything I’m here, Soren.” He added. “Hey I’m under cover, I’m Sova for now.” “Ah right sorry. Sova. Good luck then, send me a ping if anything.” 

“Thanks kid.” She smiled to the screen her muscles relaxing. “The group is waiting for you in HQ, we miss you.” “Ill be back in Argon in a few weeks I’m guessing.” 

“You better and with T—“ “With the bounty.” She corrected shuffling on the seat as she flew down to a sharp alley. Beck noticed her avoidance on talking about the bounty, but he decided to keep shut about it. “Good luck.” “Thanks.” 

The call ended, silence filling her senses as she landed. She shut closed the light jet. Looking around she opened her watch screen, the blue light emitting from it lighting her face up as she checked for any black guards. She thought back at the End Of Line club, she knew she shouldn’t have trusted Castor. Well, Zuse.

He has always been a trickster, a smart one at that. She glanced up at the club then over to Downtown. Deciding to head Downtown. As she walked down the streets memories filled her mind on how different the streets looked before CLU’s oppression. She didn’t have to worry of any reprogrammed guard, or even the weak programs doing the bad things and not the good to survive. 

When Tron was protecting the Grid with Flynn. Her thoughts were interrupted by her watch alerting her that she’s getting near to the destination. “Another club…” She grumbled. She’s always been familiar with these types of clubs in Purgos. They always were a hotspot for information. Information in the Grid is knowledge. And knowledge is power and if you’re caught with sensitive data you could be derezzed. No, you will be derezzed. 

 

 

Chapter 10: Downtown

Notes:

This chapter was long to write for me, I was a bit lazy with the writing here, so might be taking more breaks than usual. Sorry for any mistakes, hope you enjoy the chapter!

  Soren pushed the doors of the pub being met with the stench of alcohol. It was less classy than the End Of Line club of course, it was Downtown.

She sighed and began to look around, tired of searching and dodging enemies, she was beginning to lose hope. If there were any info on what happened to her bounty it would’ve been a lie. She noticed a lot of black guards and CLU’s men hanged here more than any other club, this spiked her curiosity. She walk through big groups of programs dancing or either distracted.

Unnoticed, she finally reached the restroom and pulled out a serum. She quickly injected it on her shoulder, changing her facial features. A surface render. Rare to make or to even find these days. But quite easy in Purgos. The con of this code, its temporary.

She sighed her body tensing as she got ready to face the guards and programs, looking over to the mirror admiring her new look, she hummed noticing her amber eyes changes to black and her grey hair to a soft red. 

She chuckled amused of the similarity of the black guards. She focused back again and got out of the restroom, lighting up a joint as she looked around with curiosity.

Walking over to the tables and watched as the workers pleased the guests. She looked over noticing her footsteps were being tracked, but she didn’t see the program who followed. ‘Fuck.’ 

She began to panic internally, getting up. She felt a pair of hands grasp her hips and pull her to the dance floor, panicked she looked up to see who it was. 

“What are you doing back here girl?” Yaya a siren, smiled. 

“Yaya? How’ve you been?” Soren said surprised. “Good actually, I’m sorry if I startled you.” “Don’t worry I’m happy it’s you.” Soren chuckled, pulling back as she followed Yaya to the bar. Getting comfortable on the bar stools. Yaya ordered beer. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be in the club?” Soren smiled up at her with curiosity.  

“Zuse called me off early, I was serving too much drinks.” Yaya smirked as she stirred her beer. “Did you find any info? And how did you even notice me if I’m using the render?” Soren whispered a bit rushed. “Oh! Right I saw you getting in the bathroom as I danced with Mike.” Yaya smiled with curiosity as Soren nodded. 

“I don’t look that bad.” “Why do you sound so surprised?” Yaya scoffed nudging Soren’s shoulder, making her eyes roll. “Girl, you’re lucky you got out of the club like that. Im surprised CLU gave up that quickly.”

“CLU doesn’t give up, he’s very stubborn.” Soren huffed annoyed. Yaya paused realizing how big of a problem Soren is in. “Shit, he’s still looking for you?” 

“I expected it.” Soren hummed drinking the beer as she looked around. “Your combat skills improved. I saw you fighting Rinzler, you looked so badass.” Yaya smiled as she leaned onto the table. “Thanks I’ve been working hard.” “I see.” She grinned and looked back down at her drink. “Rinzler kept his gaze on you.”

“What do you mean?” Soren scoffed confusion plastered on her face. “When you flew away in your light jet, he kept on watching you. CLU had to snap him back in place.” Yaya said worriedly, fidgeting with the glass. 

“He always stares.” Soren mumbled as she scratched her eyebrow in confusion. 

“Well he was looking.” Yaya immediately added, placing a hand on Soren’s shoulder. 

“I think I’m going insane. I need to get out of Tron city. I can’t keep on risking my life or others..” Soren sighed, moving her hair behind her ear. 

“If I get any updates I’ll quickly contact you. So you can come to Tron city safely.” Yaya added. “You have 20 minutes right?” 

“Yeah before the render gives up.” “You can stay at my place. It ain’t far and it’s safe.” “Yaya I don’t think…” 

“Please I don’t mind, just don’t trash the place. I stay there rarely. But I use it as a hotspot for parties.” Yaya smiled and nudged her. 

“Thanks Yaya.” Soren smiled as she got Yaya’s apartment location on her watch. “Wait, where would you be staying?”

“You remember that guard I told you about?” Yaya smirked a bit too confident. “Mike? Actually?” Soren scoffed surprised. “Yeah.” Yaya giggled. “Enjoy Mike then.” Soren smirked.

“Thanks ‘Sova’.” Yaya laughed and patted her back, Soren paid for the drinks as they got up to leave. Mike stood near the entrance and smiled opening the door for them. “Good luck with Mike.” Soren winked at Yaya. 

“Thanks, good luck!” Yaya chuckled, walking up to Mike. As Soren walked away to the streets. She looked down at her watch, “5 minutes, I better get going.” She mumbled and headed to the apartment. 

 

Chapter 11: The Apartment Complex Isn’t The Only Complex

Summary:

Rinzler is being lessoned by CLU for failing to bring Sova (Soren), back to him. As Soren finally takes a break, little does he know his target is much more closer than he thinks.

  Soren walked around the apartment complex, enjoying the sight of the Sea Of Simulation. Looking down at the coast seeing the classy restaurants and hangout spots.

She smiled as she saw programs sitting back and enjoying the beauty of the sea while it rained, making it look like the droplets jumped on the sea, almost like dancing. She sighed and grabbed the apartment code putting in the keypad.

She heard distant footsteps and raised a brow wondering what it was. At the end she ignored it and entered. Too tired to care. The round door shut closed behind her as she inspected the apartment, she smiled seeing how comfortable it was.

A circular staircase heading up to a balcony revealing a bedroom, the living room right under it. She looked to her right side seeing the kitchen. Having a kitchen island and the basic equipment for it, she chuckled as she placed down her stuff and laid back on the island.

She saw the second door next to the bedroom one, guessing a bathroom one and another bedroom. She began to ponder if to eat or go to sleep. She sighed and headed upstairs. Opening the bedroom sliding door, being met with a king sized bed and a sliding door to her left, leading to a balcony.

“Jeez Yaya you love balconies..” She mumbled as she closed the door seeing the bathroom door on her right side being followed with shelves and a full body mirror. She hummed in delight as she slumped on the bed finally getting a break, the cold night rain making it more delightful to sleep.

---

“What happened back there Rinzler?” CLU hummed, tiredness clear in his tone.

A long pause of silence followed, filling the room.

He fidgeted with a pair of marbles as he looked out the window watching the city lights flicker. “You were supposed to capture her. I gave you that order!” He glared back at him with furrowed brows as he walked up to Rinzler. “My best enforcer, failed.” CLU spat at Rinzler.

Rinzler’s code grumbled a bit more louder than before as he kept his gaze forward, out of respect. “Turn round, let’s see your disc.” Rinzler tensed for a moment but obeyed, turning around.

CLU grabbed Rinzler disc and went through it, humming in curiosity as he watched his code. “It’s looks fine, let me just…” He began to toss away some coding deleting it, he smirked satisfied as he placed it back. “Should be enough..” Rinzler’s circuits glowed orange as his shoulders tensed up, taking in the new adjustment. “Go home, rest up. You’ll need it.” CLU ordered as he watched Rinzler turn back around, nodding as he began to leave.

CLU sighed and laid back on his seat, his arrogance pissing Rinzler off. He could still feel it after he left the ship. He walked through the cold streets, rain began to pour as he walked. The rain drops soothing his muscles making them relax.

The icy blue lights and neon signs lighting up the streets, making it look like a painting. He always loved when it happened. It always captured his mind. Like he was free of responsibilities and the weight of being an enforcer, gone.

He looked up to his apartment complex seeing the elevator just arrive, perfect. He avoided programs as he headed there, pressing the button to his floor. The elevator began to head up he finally let his guard down and lean back on the railing. He watched as the other building get smaller as the elevator continued.

The elevator stopped to his floor, making him sigh in relief. He quickly got out and began walking down the hallway seeing the raindrops thump on the glass creating a rhythm, he watched as they trailed down and connect with other droplets. But his peace was abruptly stopped as he saw a familiar silhouette enter an apartment. He tried to get a closer look but the door closed, he shrugged it off and opened his apartment door. 

He began fidget with his gloves, thinking back about the conflict in End Of Line club. He sighed, frustrated as a memory replayed,

“Sova…” he mumbles as he looks down at his gloves. The memory of her slicing through the guards torso on the balcony replaying in his mind, the way she looked so focused and skilled as she fought. Well partly…when she fell and she grabbed back the light jet baton? That impressed him. But the familiarity in her eyes, he couldn’t quite understand. And that infuriated him. He always knew how to read people and know their intentions. He learned that a long while ago… he shook his head and headed to his pod. wanting to get ready to sleep, no needing to.

His muscles strained as he walked back to his bedroom passing the living room and kitchen as he walked down the short hallway. Opening the bedroom door he saw his sleeping pod next to the bed. He always slept in the pod, he was used to it. But today, he wanted to try something else.

He quickly changed his suit and took off his helmet covering any mirrors as he looked down, shame filled his brown eyes as he walked over to his bed sitting down. He didn’t know why he was ashamed of his face, well not after CLU disrupted his memories and erased some. He sighed, deciding to ignore those feeling what not a better way to lay back and head to sleep.

 

Notes:

Hope you guys liked this chapter, I’m taking a break now. But I got so much more ideas coming. (If they ever come.)
I might have writers block rn or Im just REALLY tired. Im currently writing another chapter when I can and maybe write some more.

Thank you for your patience.

Chapter 12: Sleeping Pod

  He stirred in bed, huffing in annoyance as his body cramped. The pain too much for him to go back to sleep. He leaned up, sitting on the edge of the bed, sighing as he looked over to the healing pod. He noticed his arm, wincing as he saw his scars revealed under the suit. They glowed a dark blue as he watched them react to his touch, he weakly got up from bed and opened the pod. Sighing as he saw the scar on his face crawl up to his left eye. He quickly got into the pod. The blue energy emitting from the pod soothing his body as he saw his scars fade. The pod let out a soft hum calming him. He relaxed as he saw the scars stop glowing, stepping out and stretching as he slumped back to bed. Memories disturbed his mind, about the scars, how he got them, how CLU used him…and still does. 

He looks over to his reflection on the pod, his head slumping down as he shook it. His body was full of imperfection. This wasn’t his purpose or his programming. His body shuddered as he laid back, squinting his eyes as the action made his surroundings blur. Images glitched as voices overlapped in his head. Palming his face to calm his mind. He huffed and grabbed his helmet, heading to the front door. Rubbing the back of his neck as he fixed his suit. 

Placing his helmet on before he opened the door. As he locked his door shut, he looked over his shoulder noticing the neighbor also lock their door, seemingly heading out for the night. But he noticed their silhouette as she held a white scarf close to her, and her green circuits. Green… he thought. 

He paused and looked back again, their eyes locking with each other. Their bodies tensing as they realized who they encountered. She quickly tried to open her apartment door again. The keypad turning red as she failed to put in the code. Rinzler ran up to her reaching to stop her, but she quickly dodged him. Wrapping her scarf around his wrists, then pulling it to his neck and tightly tying it. She quickly began to run down the hallway her footsteps loud and quick as Rinzler untied his wrists from his neck, tearing the scarf off. He growled in anger and began to chase her. 

“Sova!” He yelled as they ran, she quickly reached the elevator and clicked the button. Looking down at the elevator on the bottom floor still stalled there. She huffed frustrated and looked around trying to find anther way to get out. But she was slammed into the glass door by Rinzler, his grip tightening on her neck as she struggled to breathe. “Let me go!..” She breathily begged, gripping his wrist as she looked over her shoulder, down to the steep fall. “Sova…” He grumbled inspecting her, inching closer. Too focused on her to noticed the glass cracking on the floor. His code buzzed as he shoved her into the elevator door.

She nudged around and reached to grab a shard of glass, stabbing his shoulder. Making his grip loosen giving her a chance to escape. She gasped for air and quickly got up to run, looking over to him as she crawled to the side. He reached for the chard of glass, ripping it off and tossing it aside. Turning his head over to her.

 She quickly got up and ran to the staircases. Rinzler annoyed, began to run to her, lunging to the door making it slam open, the loud boom echoing down the stairs. Soren (Sova) ran down the stairs glancing over her shoulder as Rinzler grabbed his orange disc, separating it and throwing them at her. She crouched, dodging them as the discs bounced off the walls and back to Rinzler. He jumped down a few flights of stairs. His footsteps got quicker as his code basically growled with his breath. He reached to grasp her hair, trying to pull her back. Soren looked up to the door and quickly opened it, then jamming it to give her time to escape. She looked around the hallways as she calmed down, seeing other programs walk into the elevator, deciding to blend in. She noticed Rinzler’s struggle to slam the door open. She looked over at Rinzler being met with his intense glare from the door. She noticed the orange light pass though the door as he began to cut the lock with his disc. Placing his discs back as he calmly walked up to the elevator and got in with her. She let out a sigh, anxiousness filling her body as she felt his gaze on her.

Well, he was literally standing next to her. 

She didn’t dare to look up, too scared to meet his gaze. Unease built in the elevator as they stood stiff. The elevators doors opened as they watched programs walk out. She looked over to the floor number, sighing as she pondered on what to do. Rinzler’s hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her close as another group of programs entered the elevator, making them a bit more impatient. Rinzler looked down at the floor as Soren got the chance to glance at him. Inspecting him more closely, trying to catch a glimpse of what or who was under that helmet. His code grumbled as he looked over her with curiosity, she looked back down trying to pull away from his grip. But it restricted any of her movement, slowly dragging her into the crowd. pulling her farther away from the elevator door. 

As they got to the last floors, the elevator got emptier. Silence fell as they shoved and punched each other to separate ways. Soren quickly punched his jaw reaching for her disc. Rinzler swiftly grabbed her head and slammed it onto his knee. “Gah!” Making her fall onto the railing, she held onto it and glared up at him in anger. She grabbed her disc and threw it to him. Her disc bouncing on the glass and back to her. Rinzler quickly dodged them and grabbed his discs ramming up to her determined to derezz her. While they fought Rinzler recalled CLU’s order, bring her alive… He sighed annoyed by the order already waiting to finish her. He can deal with that later. Grunts and hits could be heard coming from inside of the elevator, the disc’s hum and clashing filling the room. 

They reached the second floor, Rinzler’s fighting got more brutal. Making Soren more sore at every hit and dodge. Rinzler slammed her down onto the floor placing the disc near her neck. He grumbled and tilted his head.

“Bounty hunter.” He grumbled grabbing cuffs, making Soren tense. She quickly kicked his stomach with both legs launching herself out of the elevator as her disc shattered the glass. Free falling down from the elevator she braced for impact for the rough landing.

She gasped in pain as she slammed onto the floor, twisting her leg as small specks of derezz bounced on the floor. She quickly sat up holding her side, limping a bit as she noticed her derezzed leg. She held her thigh in discomfort as she grabbed her light cycle baton. Looking over to Rinzler, seeing him glare at her as the elevator went to an underground level, loosing sight of him. She quickly opened the baton as she drove away from the scene. 

Fear filled her eyes as she traversed through the city, looking for a way to hide away from Rinzler. She drove down the rainy streets of Tron city, looking over her light cycle mirror she noticed black guards tailing her through the streets. She looked over to a sharp alley quickly driving to it. The black guard’s bikes crash into each other as they tried to fit in, blocking the alley for other guards. She chuckled with her success and continued to drive around with a smirk. She finally noticed a urban street, noticing its cover and perfect hideaway, only for a while.

Closing the bike and hiding in a corner, she grabbed her disk and began to fix her code looking down at her de-rezzed leg as it re-coded itself. She sighed relieved, looking up to the clouds and leaned back onto the wall, finally taking some time to relax. The rain drops fell on her face as she looked down, her curls sticking on her forehead as she began to doze off. Tightly holding her disk if any danger came by. 

Her dim green circuits lit up the hallway as she relaxed. But a white glow reflecting on the walls and nearby buildings disturbed her rest. Making her look over to the source. She watched as programs walked over to the light, holding some gloves and bags.

Confusion filled her face as she watched. She tilted her head to see where they were headed, being met with a large painted mural. She awed at it as she saw the Tron symbol in the middle, it’s icy blue color emphasizing from the dark blue background. Looking around in curiosity she got up, watching people gather around. She slightly smiled as she watched young programs talk with excitement as others painted more details to the wall. Peace filled the place as she walked closer to the mural. Peace was very rare under CLU’s reign and this shocked her.

She quickly took a picture of the mural and saved it. ‘Beck will love this.’

She thought as she looked at the mural she sighed as the rain drops added beauty to the painting, merging the colors together. She continued to awe at it with a soft smile.

“You part of the Uprising?” A program stood next to her inspecting the painting. “Maybe.” She hummed. “Still thinking about it?” The program looked over to her with a soft smile. “Yeah…” She mumbled as she looked at the blue paint drip a bit. “Im Cutler.” The programs said. “Sova.” She said with a soft smile.“Tron Lives.” Cutler hummed looking up at her.

“Tron Lives…” She softly echoed and looked over to the program, both sharing an understanding and maybe even hope that the Uprising might actually work. Even with all the process hat they have gained and the conflicts they conquered, CLU was still powerful.

 

Chapter 13: Mural

Notes:

Im back! Finally. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, I’m digging more into their relationship. And its very long and took me a long time too.

   Rinzler stormed out of the elevator, anger buzzing through his circuits. He knelt beside the scattered pixels where Soren had derezzed her leg accidentally. Touching the floor, he activated her trace code and inspected the glowing trail. He quickly grabbed his light cycle baton and followed the tracks to her location. His determination pulsing as he drove through the streets. He finally reached the alley and paused, his eyes widen under the helmet as he sees the mural commemorating Tron. He closed his light cycle as he looked at a figure standing in front of the mural under the pouring rain. He inspected them a bit more in the shadows, noticing her wet white curls falling on her back as she admired the mural. A strange feeling coursed through him as he watched her, the loud hum from his broken code lowered.

Surprise filled his body as the same glitch of familiarity flashed through his eyes. He grumbled as he stood behind her, watching her from the dark alley. He fidgeted with his fingers as he thought about why he felt this again, the familiarity when they stood next to each other in the elevator and her gaze… Her gaze felt too familiar, it made him feel something he thought he lost a long time ago. 

---

    Programs began to leave as time passed, the warmth of peace still present as Soren continued to admire the mural. Memories poured into her mind as she traced the symbol with her eyes, hope still in them. She paused as she noticed the heavy silence in the alley. The rain still pouring damping her, she sighed and wiped her hair back looking over her shoulder to see the neons signs displaying CLU’s propaganda. She rolled her eyes annoyed, focusing back on the mural, then back at the signs. An idea clicking on her mind as she remembered the photo she took, she could spread word around the city. But, she should stay under cover, wanting to be safe and not chased down by CLU’s forces again. She doesn’t want to be caught mindlessly screwing with billboard signs. She sighed and placed her palm on the wall. Her body tensed, a low growl echoed nearby, she paused and reached for her disc. 

She quickly got into a defense position, looking over to the sound. Seeing nothing she scoffed, checking again aware that she is not alone. She faced the wall again being met with a sharp punch on her face. She gasped as Rinzler pinned her to the wall. “Again? You really don’t give up.” She spat in anger trying to get out of his grip. “Let me go!”

“So you are part of the Uprising?” He mumbled looking over to the Tron symbol then down to her. “Tron’s dead.” He whispered to her ear, quickly cuffing her as she struggled. “No, don’t you dare bring me back to that fucker!” Soren yelled and she kicked his stomach and took a step back, looking over to her disk laying the floor. She quickly ran up to it but was slammed to the wall by Rinzler. She scoffed and slammed her shoulder to his stomach. She reached for her disk and sliced off the cuffs. 

Rinzler kicked her jaw making her stumbled back. She groaned and quickly got up, holding her jaw as she glared up at him. The pouring rain fell over them making their circuits reflect on the raindrops, distant lightning flashed. Rinzler grabbed his disk separating them with a loud buzz. His broken code rumbling as he stood menacingly under the rain. The neon orange circuits on his suit lighting up the alley. Soren held her disk tightly as she composed herself. Glaring at Rinzler as she got to position.

“Cmon…” Soren whispered a curse, her muscles tightening in anticipation ready for action. They both sprinted towards each other, discs clashing in a violent blur filled with sparks as they fought. Kicks and punches came quicker, landing much harder than the last. Their movements a deadly dance, you could almost hear a rhythm in it. Soren got more flexible, ducking down under a swipe as she kicked Rinzler’s legs then his chest, making him stumble back. He quickly noticed this and got into position. He lunged again. But she dodged, spun low. But he quickly landed on a three point stance she’d seen before. She paused as she took a few steps back, crossing her arms inform of her. Something about the way he recovered. Quick, centered, precise. It felt familiar…His stance was trained, taught, remembered. She blinked through the rain, the raindrops blurring her vision. Her eyes were not focused on his weapon, but at him now. Locked and ready to analyze. 

Rinzler’s body twitched, just slightly. As if Soren’s stare stirred something buried deep in his corrupted code. Their discs clashed again, sparks flew. Reflecting on his visor was Soren’s bruised up face and her amber eyes, watching his every move and adapting to it. She was reading him. 

He took in a breath, huffing as he looked over being met with Soren’s leg. She chuckled and slammed her foot on his chest. Rinzler wheezed as he curled up in pain. Getting up as Soren surprised him with a punch, making his helmet crack. Soren continued to deliver punches, pinning him down on the floor. Rinzler quickly grabbed her wrists, lunging forward to stop her.

Crack.

His body tensed up in panic looking for a way to swiftly dodge the situation. The crack on his visor getting bigger with each blow, revealing his left eye.

Crack.

Soren paused as she raised her disc to him. Ready to derezz him. But her body tensed not from fear but from recognition. “Do I know you?” She spat, her brows furrowed as she inspected him. Her circuits buzzed, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. He looked up at her, his exposed eye softening as his vision glitched. For a moment, his rage disappeared. Soren noticed his eyes softening, filled with hesitation as he inspected her. Soren felt conflicted looking down at the bruises she gave him. Then back at his exposed eye, the same eyes she used to love seeing on a particular program. He couldn’t be…

Rinzler’s grip loosened, just slightly. Her gaze fell down to his hands, then to the symbol on his chest. Small but recognizable. She turned her head over to the mural of Tron. Rain trailing down her face like tears she refused to shed. The soft light of the mural lit her skin in shades of blue and white. Rinzler stared, frozen. His visor reflected her glow. For a second his circuits pulsed. Not with aggression but with something dangerously close to awe. Almost as if he were mesmerized by her. She looked back down at the emblem on his chest. He shoulders slumped as her eyes widened, her chest rose and fell sharply with each breath. Shock rippled through her circuits. Rinzler leaned up to her, one of his arms helping him stay up as the other rested on her hip. He tried to understand, ‘Where have I seen her before?..’ He thought as frustration crept onto his eyes. He began to part his lips to call out to her in a whisper but was cut off. 

“Rinzler.” A sharp voice from Rinzler’s earpiece called out. CLU. Too easy to miss. His voice cut through the air, like a cold knife. “Have you captured her?” The intimacy in the air broke, replaced with uncertainty and wariness. Rinzler grumbled in response, CLU’s question like a slap to his face. His brow furrowing as he looked down, then up at Soren. His eyes flickering with…guilt? 

Soren shoved off his lap, tightening her grip on her disc. She scanned the area then back down at him. Muttering with a broken voice filled with fury. “Traitor..” Her pain evident in her tone as she quickly began to run. 

“Rinzler?” CLU impatiently called out. But Rinzler laid there frozen. Lost in his thoughts…his eyes followed Soren’s figure, disappearing under the hash rain. Making his hand twitch just a bit. He shouldn’t be feeling this…yet he did.

 

Chapter 14: Unspoken Words

“How did you lose her again? And how did she even lay a hand on you?" CLU glared at Rinzler, focused on the crack on his visor, staring back his own reflection. "Clean up. You've done nothing but fail." CLU turned away from him looking out the window, his helmet was back on. "What an imperfection." CLU spat and with that, Rinzler excused himself. Heading straight to Med Bay.

Yaya, Soren's friend worked there. It was her final shift and she was calling it a day. As she cleaned up the place, she received a ping on her wrist watch from Soren. She reached to open it but stopped. Interrupted by the Med bay’s door hiss open. She looked over her shoulder seeing Rinzler all bruised up, limping a bit too, but he tried to shrug it off. She guided him to sit down on a med bed, reaching to grab his disc for further inspection. Rinzler slightly grumbled in defense of her touching his disc. But calmed down, too tired to protest. 

Yaya quickly worked on healing his code, each mark and bruise healing quickly under her fingertips. Mike walked in, staying on his post as he watched Yaya with curiosity as she worked.

Finally the crack on his helmet closed up. Yaya smiled satisfied. “Ready.” She announced giving him his disc back, he nodded a curt thanks and placed his disc back. Getting up and headed out of Med bay. Now in the clear Mike spoke. “Did you hear? He lost a mission, a target.” 

“Do you know who it is?” Yaya asked, laid back on a wall. “No, but they say it’s a bounty hunter. Outside from Tron city. Word is spreading fast.” 

“Do you know why they are here?” “No one knows, not even CLU. Thats why he’s so pissed these days. They are searching for something or someone thats for sure, and CLU doesn’t want them here.” 

Yaya hummed in curiosity at hearing this. Looking back over to the ping that Soren sent her. “I’ll be in the bathroom.”——“You want some company?” Mike hummed leaning closer to Yaya’s shoulder, making her chuckle. “No, please, I don’t want you getting in trouble for leaving your post.” “Oh but it’s only for a little while..” He teased kissing her shoulder as he looked up to her dark eyes. “I’ll be alright Mike.” She reassured. “Alright then babe..” Mike hummed and straightened up, leaning back on the wall.

Yaya quickly headed to the bathroom, opening Soren’s ping. A message was presented to her:

“Your apartment is in perfect condition. I’m in hiding now. Coincidentally CLU’s lap dog lives right next to your luxury apartment. I can’t tell you too much but…I think I found what I’m looking for..” 

This revelation made Yaya freeze, she sighed as she began to type back a message with a soft but worried smile. “Yes just healed him right now. You caused..the bruises?” 

 “Trust me its more complicated than that, I gotta go. See you around.” Soren sent the final message, going offline. 

“I’ll be there for you, whatever you need.” Yaya sighed in worry, looking over to her reflection on the mirror. She walked back out again, looking up being met by Mike eating from a bag of Chip-Bytes, patiently waiting for her outside. “Mike..” She sighed with an amusement as Mike looked over to her with a smirk, putting away the chip bag. “Let me escort us home. Cmon. Erik is covering the shift for me.”—“You’re crazy.” Yaya giggled as he wrapped a arm around her waist, walking down the hallway. 

---

Rinzler sat on his bed, pondering about the day. Fidgeting with his gloves, yet again. His thoughts drifted to Soren, the way she felt against him, the determined look on her amber eyes as she looked down at him. The way the rain dripped on her face as she looked over to the mural. It’s glow revealing her beautiful features…She looked so…

“Fuck.” He grumbled, his mixed feelings turned out to be genuine. He slapped the gloves on the nightstand, huffing in annoyance as he repeated her name. “Sova, Sova, Sova.” But it didn’t ring right. 

A warm tingle on his abdomen began to tease him. Thinking it was just the bruises of Soren’s kicks but no. His mind tricked him. The memories of her repeated as he tried to relax, but they began to pop up constantly. He sighed getting up to his pod. Hoping to heal his bruises and to get that damn warm feeling off of him. He looked at his reflection on the pod’s glass, a bit ashamed. “Jeez, get yourself together…” He growled, looking down as he placed a hand over his abdomen, feeling the warmth beneath his skin.

His scars trying to heal. Just like him. His eyes looked over to the window, past it. The Arena. His mind now distracted, seeing the Arena. A safe heaven for him, and a perfect distraction. 

---

Soren huffed as she opened her eyes, blinded by a harsh white light. A shadow loomed over her, gently calling her name. She squinted her eyes, trying to make out the figure. Suddenly, a loud circuit hum vibrated from it, like a loud yell. before she could even get up. The figure grasped her neck, adding tension to it. With a gasp she yelled back to consciousness. She looked around shocked as her chest heaved with every breath she took. She soothed her neck trying to calm down as she looked around the place again. Noticing her body submerged in a bath of ice. She held onto the sides, balancing herself. She saw Yaya walk up to her with towels.

“You’re safe…you’re in the armory room.”—“Armory?” Soren huffed in disbelief looking around the place. “Yaya…” Soren began to mumble shaking her head, trying to piece up what happened. “I found you hidden here, in the closet. Bruised. You where fast asleep.” She softly said, placing down towels on the stand. She tied up Soren’s curls up to a bun, moving the curls away from her forehead. “There’s a match going on right now. You should stay here for your safety.” She patted her shoulders with a soft smile. Soren chuckled with a smirk. “Thank you…how can I?”

“Relax girl, no need for that.” Yaya reassured, soothing her shoulder. “Heal up ok?” She softly whispered and left the armory, Mike followed behind. 

Soren hummed, looking back down at her body. The injuries she sustained in battle still marked from Rinzler’s brutal hits. She exhaled slowly, soothing the burning sensation on her neck. Tilting her head side to side, she thought. Her mind filled with memories of how Rinzler moved in battle, his precision, calculated attacks. Moves that she had once trained beside. Moves she had once trusted to protect her, now harming her. 

She began to tear up shaking her head in disbelief. Remembering his eye softening under the broken visor as he looked up at her. No, looking up at her with awe and guilt. Bullshit it cant be that. Her hands trailed down to her hips, remembering his hands holding her so securely. She shook her head as she noticed her green circuits humming softly. She quickly grabbed the towels on the nightstand, wrapping them around herself. As she got out she heard the System announce a new game. 

“All combatants, prepare for Disc Wars.”

Hearing the System announce the players. She quickly walked up to the closet and suited up, her green circuits lighting up the black suit. Hastily patting her damp hair as she walked over to the exit, fixing her bun and tossing the towel.

“Player 25 vs Player 13.”

She put a cloak on, covering her face and shoulders. She walked down the long hallway, her footsteps heavy as she watched the game from the window. Watching as the last player, Player 25. Run across the Arena from Player 13. Player 13 lunged onto Player 25, tackling him mid sprint. The loud buzz and harsh light of Player 13’s disc filled the Arena, finally derezzing Player 25. 

“Player 25, de-resolution.”

The viewers roared in excitement. The winning player celebrated, raising his disc up high in triumph. Chest heaving with the adrenaline from the match. But, was cut shortly, the System announced the new combatant. Rinzler. The air shifted to anticipation as the crowd chanted his name. 

“Rinzler!…Rinzler!…Rinzler!”

He dropped from the ceiling, landing with a heavy thump against the hard glass. He tilted his head up, locking onto Player 13. Rinzler hurled his two orange discs at Player 13. Derezzing one of the players arms, the player howled in pain looking up to Rinzler. He grabbed his disc and swung it to Rinzler. The disc bounced off the walls, almost grazing Rinzler’s head. But Rinzler didn’t flinch. The Player huffed and ran up to him for a counter attack. But failed as Rinzler grabbed their head and slammed to the ground. A loud crack heard from the Players helmet. He punched his disc into the Players chest, roughly yanking it off. A loud zap came from the disc a buzz followed. Derezzing the final player. 

“Final Game, concluded. Rinzler wins.” 

Rinzler looks up at the stadium, his eyes landing on the Rectifier ship, where CLU watched with a judgmental gaze. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a figure in the crowd. He tilts his head to the crowd, trying to get a better view. The lights of the stadium reflecting on his visor. He pauses, not paying much mind to it, sighing as he looked back at CLU.  The weight on his shoulders heavier than usual. The platform lifted him up for the crowd to view. Their chants echoed louder, building like static in his ears. He then drowned the crowd out. 

Silence, for him at least. He looked back down to the cloaked figure, merged in the chanting crowd. An agitating feeling came across between them. Their locked gaze's intensified—electric. Annoyance? Irritation? Well, it was something in between. 

With a heavy memory neither of them dared to breathe. 

 

 

Chapter 15: You Follow Me Like a Virus

Summary:

“Rin.”
“Rinzler.” He corrected her.
“Who really are you?”—
“Do you need to know?”
…
“Can’t I ask?”

“You follow me like a virus.” He murmured, his voice smooth as he looked at the figure. His fingers twitching, itching to reach for her. He took a step forward. “Rinzler?” CLU’s voice crackled into the ear piece, Rinzler responded with a monotone hum. “I’ll be in the Armory.” He said flatly.

“Be quick.” 

Rinzler moved through the corridors like a shadow, senses high. Sighing a bit, he paused. Standing in front of the Armory door. The hallway too quiet for his liking. “I know you're there..” He quietly called out, he didn't reach to grab his disc, nor he was tense. He looked over his shoulder, seeing nothing he turned back and opened the door. He was met with a dim lit room. He tilted his head a bit walking deeper.

“Im right here.” A voice called out from behind, laying back on the wall, arms crossed. Was Soren. Sova in Rinzler’s knowledge. 

“Sova.” He murmured, taking a few steps over to her. 

“Rin.” She replied, letting her shoulders fall leaning off from the wall. She began to circle him like a shark.

“Rinzler.” He corrected her as he watched her walk around. His voice now cold as he spoke. “Who really are you, Sova?”—“Do you need to know?” She asked almost teasingly, looking over to him as she stood in front of the mirror. “Can’t I ask?” He snapped. “I know you’re a bounty hunter, thats obvious. It’s written in you.” He looked down at her then up, inspecting her. 

Tension filled the room, both wanting to ask much more but held back.

He fidgeted with his fingers, his eyes locked on her. “In our fight…”—“Which one?” She glared over to him, being met with his visor. Surprised, she took a step back hitting the glass wall.

“The Mural. That fight, that…”He snarled his code buzzing loudly with his voice. “That interaction?” She raised a brow, holding back a smirk. He shook his head, his patience wearing thin as he tried to form his words. Fidgeting more constantly as he looked up at her. His shoulders tensed, sizing her up. He glared down at her trying to make sense of his confusion. “You really are a virus.” He whispered, looking up at her eyes, casually glancing at her white curls and soft caramel skin.

“You infect anything.” He sighed.

“Is that a compliment?” She hummed plainly, studying the sudden shift on his body. Looking back up at his visor. “No wonder CLU sees you as an imperfection.” He muttered, more softly this time. Soren noticed the change on his tone, surprised it wasn’t anger or even irritation. It was more of…respect? “What do you mean?” 

“Your programming, it’s interesting Sova. Bit complex too.” His voice changed to one of admiration. He was more attentive of her reaction as he took a step back. “Now we’re being all soft? more talkative?” Soren scoffed crossing her arms, still wary of his actions. She focused on his visor, trying to make out his facial features. She finally noticed his eyes, they were staring back at hers. Half lidded. Gentle look. A soft spark in them. His guard was down. 

“Answer me..” she whispered. 

“Fighting you is useless. You ran away from me, twice.” His voice darkened. “CLU’s furious. Shocked even. He’s pissed at me! You managed to escape me. Twice.” He spoke leaning back. “Hate to say it, but…Im impressed.” You could hear the smirk in his voice, his eyes gazing at hers. “You should control your eyes.” She spat lowering some tension. Rinzler tilted his head to the side. Unreadable. Still analyzing her. “Hm.” He exhaled slowly. “You shouldn’t have come back y’know. CLU is still hunting your ass.” 

“Like if I didn’t know already.” She scoffed amused, she walked past him heading to the window. Her green circuits glowing faintly as she walked. Rinzler’s eyes followed, stealing a glance at her rear, his eyes lingering for a moment. But quickly looked away, scratching his neck. “Y’know he’s trouble right? It’s obvious but.”—“Don’t finish that sentence.” He added hesitantly. “Did he repurpose you?” Soren hissed, cutting him off. Her tone much colder, full of resentment. Her fists clenched. “He’s been recoding you and you know that. But, you’re still fighting it…aren’t you?”

Silence fell.

“…” Rinzlers code growled louder. The sound was chilling to say the least. “He’s corrupted you!” She warned. “And you know it.”—“Shut up!” He yelled sharply, glaring up at her. “You don’t know shit.” “Then why are you so tense? Why are you shaking?” She claimed scoffing, she inspected his tense body that shook a bit. His hands twitched, as if he was holding something back. Rinzler growled, gripping her shoulders and slammed her to the wall. Her back arched in pain as she huffed out the air from her lungs. Looking down to the side as she watched him cuff her. He fluidly cuffed one of her wrists as she grunted in protest. “You talk too much…” he muttered into her neck trying to stop her from escaping. 

Suddenly the door opened, the red light poured in the room and to them like a spotlight. Cutting the tension in the room. A program stood there shocked. “Oh..?” Yaya stood smirking at the scene. “Am I interrupting something?”

 

 

Chapter 16: Sparks

Summary:

—Full Chapter now posted!!!
*This Chapter will be a flashback on how life was in Tron city, back when Flynn wasn’t in hiding, CLU wasn’t corrupted. And Tron protecting the Grid.

Tron and Soren are in the City Core. As usual, patrolling for the safety of programs. They talked, Tron complaining how Flynn is always late to everything and noticing CLUs weird behavior and disappearances. While Soren helps him by giving his brain a break.

  “I can’t with Flynn. We have to meet up at the ISO’s district and he hasn’t arrived yet. Not even CLU!” Tron grumbled, fidgeting with his bike baton. “I should’ve stayed in the Arena.” He tightened his grip on the baton looking down in worry.
“Flynn has always been like that and you know it. He’ll arrive.” Soren reassured with a roll in her eyes, drinking from her smoothie. Both leaned onto a bar height table infront of a cafe. Watching programs walk around the busy streets of the City Core. Tron tilted his head over to her, a soft playful smirk on his lips as he glanced at the smoothie. “Can I have some?” He hummed. Soren chuckled and moved the cup close for him to take a sip. He happily complied.

“I feel something’s off with CLU.” Tron muttered tasting the smoothie on his tongue. He looked up at Soren with worry. “He keeps sneaking away and disappearing at odd times. It’s getting constant.”

Soren nodded, noticing CLU’s escapes and disappearances. “Yeah, Flynn said it was nothing. Just him checking on the Grid/System. Probably dealing with stuff Flynn couldn’t handle himself if he was busy.”

“But he wasn’t busy. Not the last time or the other.” Tron pointed out, shaking his head. He was an observant person, an over-thinker. He knew that…But something was off. There was too much evidence supporting his claim. Soren cut his thinking as she slurped on her smoothie, speaking. “Maybe Flynn wants to cut some slack? I mean he’s lazy as shit. And you know that.” Tron rolled his eyes. “Yeah he is.”—“Is there any activity?” 

“No, today is surprisingly calm…too calm.” Tron looked around squinting his eyes a bit. His brows furrowing as he focused. “Jeez I know you’re a security program and all that. But damn, you gotta chill sometimes babe.”—“Don’t call me that in public.” Tron mumbled, his cheeks dusted pink as he looked away. “Cmon, it’s our first break since cycles! Can we just cut the formality?”

Soren huffed, her frustration lingering. “I’m tired of keeping this secret Tron.”—“I know love, I know. But it’s for your.”—“Own safety, I know.” Soren smiled moving his hair back. “What? Scared that your soldiers would bother you?” She teased pinching his cheek.
“No no—it’s just…” He looked down at her, red faced. “I rather have them focus on their own damn job.”—“Like they totally do.” He sarcastically added, cupping her cheek with a smug smile.
“You just want to show off huh? The stern ‘System Monitor’ is sleeping with the most talented enforcer is that it? I bet they already know.” She purred, resting her arms around his shoulders. Tron short circuited, heart melted, completely smitten by her confidence and beauty. His suit lights flickering as he gently smiled down at her.

“You look beautiful today..” He sighed out. “I love that bashful grin on you.” She smiled soothing the back of his scalp, he hummed in response. He nestled his head on her shoulder, his lips close to her ear lobe as his arms snaked up her back. He smoothly whispered into her ear. “Y’know, there’s an alley not too far from here..”—“Tron!” Soren gasped nudging his shoulders playfully. Covering her mouth to hold back a laugh. “What? You asked for it. With your angel hands…” He hummed out making her giggle. She leaned close and kissed his lips. “Let’s go back to the apartment? Sound good?” “Yeah.” He slurped the last drops of her smoothie making her scoff. “Let’s cook something too.” With a grin she tossed the smoothie cup away to a nearby trash can. Tron watched from a few steps ahead. “Let’s go?” He reached a hand out to her with a warm smile. Making Soren pace up to him with a smile. “Yeah let’s go.” 

The apartment was lit but by soft neon lights, the sound of a show emitting from the TV and additionally the soft breathing of the couple.
Relaxed in its warmth cuddled up on the sofa. Soren watched a TV show while Tron laid under her, deep in thought. His fingers resting in Soren’s hair as she braided a strand of it. She noticed his silence and how he rarely blinked. “Tron?” She softly called out to him. “Yes?” He blinked looking down at her, watching as she leaned up. “What’s up?” “Nothing. Love..” “Thinking about CLU?” “Yes..” He sighed defeated. Knowing that she was too good at reading him.

“Tell me your crazy theories then.” She smiled looking up at him with a curios glint in her eyes. Making him smile, thankful for her hearing him out. “Where meeting at the ISO’s district today…The protests are getting more intense. Sometimes violent.” “The apartment complex?” “Yes…” “You worried?” “Of course I’m worried. Flynn entrusted me to protect them.” He said with determination in his eyes.

“You’re a good program, Tron. But you exceed yourself a bit too much.” She hummed, tilting his head to her direction as she soothed it. “Take a break today and we’ll discuss this sooner ok?” “Alright…” Tron huffed defeated. Glancing up at her with a soft smile he kissed her lips. “I’ll be in bed…” “Yeah I need some recharging.” He got up and followed her to the bedroom, shutting the lights off on the way. 

---

“Flynn will arrive at any moment. Please be patient.” CLU announced to awaiting programs. They questioned and yelled, impatient of waiting for Flynn. CLU held them back along other security programs of Tron’s force. Flynn arrived from the portal, walking out of the Arcade’s door with a smirk. “Im here.” He chimed walking up to CLU, he placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. “Whats up?” “You’re late. The programs are complaining about the bugs.” CLU grumbled glancing over at the borders separating the ISO’s and programs.
“They’re ISO’s CLU.” Flynn sternly corrected patting his shoulder and walking to the programs. “What’s your plan?” “Just follow my lead.” He hummed raising his hands to the public. “I’ve heard your protests and your complaints about the ISO’s.” He began. “They are not threats. And I know they’re not created by me, but by the System. Respect each other for you both, are part of the Grid.” 

Silence fell on the crowd, hushed murmurs heard from both sides. Programs shuffled in discomfort and some in shame. Flynn turned his attention to the ISO’s a soft, steady smile displayed. “You are all safe.” His calm voice echoed across the plaza. “And always will be.” Just as the heavy atmosphere was lifted a yell was heard from the programs. 

A disc sliced through the sky lighting up the plaza. Striking a ISO in the chest. The loud buzz exploded from the walls making programs yell in shock.
Programs scrambled, pulling out their discs in self defense. ISO’s stepped back in worry, some grabbing their discs as they shielded each other from incoming programs. Discs flew each side, security guards trying their best to stop the stampede but failed.
“Shit!—Get back Flynn.” CLU warned, grabbing Flynn and pulling him away from the conflict. “No! Stop!” Flynn yelled reaching out as he tried to pull out of CLU’s hold. “Where the hell is Tron?” CLU spat, looking around for him. “That damn idiot.”

---

Tron snored softly in bed curled close to Soren. Her arm draped over his waist, yawning softly as she received a ping from her watch, watching it as it vibrated on the nightstand. She read the message sent by Dyson, a security alert. 

[ALERT: City Core Plaza disturbance. Multiple pings. ISO district activity unstable.] 

“Shit. We over slept!” She quickly sat up and nudged Tron, trying to wake him. “Tron get up! There’s trouble in City Core!” She yelled suiting up for combat. “What?” He softly called out, dazed.
“It’s Flynn!” She scoffed tying her brown hair back up as Tron quickly suited up, cursing under his breath. Grabbing their light-cycle batons.
“City Core? Shit, the ISO’s…” She looked over to him as she grabbed her helmet from the closet.
“I liked you better five seconds ago.” Tron raised a brow, placing the baton on his hip. “You can undress me when we get back.”—“Can I be top again?” Soren purred as she grabbed her light cycle baton from his palm. Her hands lingering on his lower abdomen. “Fine then…” Tron hummed a bit annoyed. 

They quickly drove down to City Core their bodies tense as they arrived, seeing the massacre and derezzed pixels of programs.

“What the hell…” Soren muttered gently picking up the pixels and inspecting them, looking up at the discs lodged into walls and some laying on the ground.

“Hey!” Tron yelled running up to a program. “They attacked us…” The programs voice was glitched, left arm and lower body derezzed. “What happened?” Tron asked holding their head up as he inspected them. Soren ran up to them and gently grabbed their disc, quickly checking on his vitals.
“You’ll be fine sir, just hold on a bit longer. Alright?” She reassured healing up their code.
“Some program threw their disc at an ISO. We don’t have a clue on who it was.” He huffed holding his side in pain.
“It started with one then many, so many are dead…programs and ISO’s alike! Flynn tried to control the conflict and you’re troops..” He coughed as he tiredly tried to keep his eyes open.
“Relax, don’t tire yourself, well take you to a medic.” She reassured, ambulances began to arrive.

The sirens filling the silence as medics programs began to run up to victims and discs. Tron informed the arriving medics as they placed the program on a stretcher. “His vitals are unstable, careful with him.” The medics nodded, gently picked the program and strolled him to the ambulance.
Security programs began to arrive running up to Tron for orders.
“Y’know what to do. Get every program to safety. Aid any and interrogate them on what happened.” The security programs nodded and split up to different directions. Tron looked around with worry, his lower eyelid slightly twitching. Tron called Flynn on his watch, impatiently waiting for an answer. He gently picked up a laying disc on the ground, inspecting it for a moment. The beeping of his watch echoing with the emptiness of the streets. 

“Over here!” A voice broke the silence. CLU held up Flynn, walking out of a sharp alleyway. Tron ran up to them, relief in his face.
“Are you alright?” Tron hummed helping them balance Flynn as they walked to a bench.
“Yeah..” Flynn smiled looking down at his bruised ankle.
“Shit...” He grumbled looking down at his twisted foot. Soren walked up to the trio ready to report. Her brows furrowed in worry as she inspected Flynn’s foot.
“That looks bad sir.” She mumbled checking the foot, a bit confused. “But it’s not derezzed?”
“Ah don’t worry, it’s a bit more complex to heal…” He hummed, his face churning uncomfortably as she felt the wound.
“Can you heal it?” CLU asked his arms crossed, face stern. She whispered in worry as she looked at the ankle. “I usually check programs. This is new to me…sir”—“No, you can do this. You’re one of the best healers in the field.” Flynn reassured, filled with confidence.
“Yes, in coding, sir. Not on flesh and bone.” She huffed looking back up at his face. “Cmon, I know you can do this. I programmed you.” He smiled amused holding Sorens shoulder, she shook her head with a soft smile and sighed. “I’ll try sir.”

---

“I’ll be looking for any survivors.” Tron informed before walking up to Dyson. “You alright old friend?”
“Those damn ISO’s..” Dyson growled his fists clenching as the other holding his derezzed eye. Tron helped him up, limping a bit as he glared down to the floor, shock, confusion and fury filling his eyes.
“Hey, calm down we don’t know who really threw the disc. Go to the medics, they’ll know what to do.”
Dyson grumbled nudging Tron away as he headed to the medics. Tron’s face turned to worry, sighing as he headed to other programs and ISO’s in need of help. 

---

Soren worked on Flynn’s ankle, her brows furrowed in focus. Flynn held his disc, his history and vitals displayed. Soren casually glanced at the vitals then at the ankle, tightly grabbing it.
“Breathe in…” She muttered.
“Shit be gentle now.” Flynn nervously said as he drank some blu energy. CLU continued to watch, almost glaring at Soren’s work.
“Now.” Soren snapped the ankle back in place, making Flynn groaned in shock, sighing as he looked back down gently moving his ankle.
“See? You’re a pro.”
“Be careful when you move it okay?” Soren smiled looking up at him with a soft smile. “Thank you Soren.”
“No need to sir.”
“Cmon Flynn let’s get you back to the portal.” CLU hummed, gently helping him up as they walked to the Arcade.
Flynn entered the arcade limping a bit, CLU held the door for him checking him for any discomfort. Soren took a step in but CLU stopped her.
“Only Flynn.” He grumbled but Flynn stopped him. “Hey, she earned it.” CLU sighed and let her in. “See?” Soren sneered with a playful smile. CLU rolled his eyes nudging her shoulder. “Don’t act all cocky.” He muttered walking past her and to Flynn. 

Flynn laid on the sofa checking on his disc.
“You put that update on me didn't you?” Soren hummed, leaning on the door frame with crossed arms.
“Yes i did. I knew if I invited more Users to the Grid there would be more…conflict.” “Then don’t invite them?” She tilted her head a bit confused. Making Flynn laugh.
“I have to show people of this world Soren. I know it’s dangerous but it could change everything!”
“Can’t you just make programs go out to your world?”
“Hm, never thought about it that way.” Flynn smiled. “Thanks.”
“How’s it like out there?”
“Well…it’s beautiful. It’s more brighter that this city, more greener and well full of Life.” “Biotic life?” She hummed.
“Yes its very impressive, and big too.” He smiled.
“Maybe I’ll show it to the Grid one day.” 

“Can I know more?”

---

Soren stepped out of the arcade, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she glanced down at the wristwatch. Audio logs and photos stacked in files.
Her pace quickened, approaching the emergency tent she was met with programs awaiting medical help. Soren Walked up to a program looking down at her derezzed leg, wincing as she held back from touching it. Soren grabbed the girls disc going through the footage of the event. “Can you tell me what happened?” She looked over to the shocked program. 

“Programs attacked.” She muttered hoarsely. “The ISO’s…it was a disaster.” Soren paused as she watched the memory drive of the girl. Her brows furrowing as she quickly went back to fixing the derezzed girls code. “Cubes were flying everywhere. You either hid, fought, or attacked.” 

Sorens grip on the disc tightened seeing one of CLU’s programs throw the first disc. “Shh, here. Some medicine to heal the leg. You’ll be up and running in no time.” Soren reassured, placing a hand on the girls shoulder with a gentle smile as the leg regenerated.
“Thank you!” The girl grinned happily, her soft eyes full of tears. Soren smiled.
“And thanks for that disc too. You got some good eye.” Tron hummed from behind, his protective shadow looming over them. “Thanks.” She murmured with a hint of blush. 

 

 

 

Chapter 17: Contemplate

Summary:

Soren and Tron investigate a suspicious attack, uncovering footage that hints at something much deeper. As they split up to gather more intel, Soren is ambushed before she can regroup. Meanwhile, CLU and his allies quietly begin closing in.

Tron and Soren walked away from the tent, replaying what they saw on the disc. Soren pursed her lips, her eyes full of anger. She glared at CLU from far away. Watching him tent to programs and the scene.
“You saw what I saw?” Tron replied, glancing at CLU then sighing.

“Yes…” Soren took a step forward but Tron quickly stopped her, reaching to grasp her wrist with Firm but gentle grip. Soren huffed and looked over her shoulder to Tron.
“We gotta tell Flynn. Now.”—“No. We wait until everything calms down.” 

“Fine, but we need to keep a close eye on Flynn and him.” Soren crossed her arms, scanning the area. Tron gritted his teeth looking to where Soren was looking.
“I agree. I knew he was up to something.” “Yes, and I’m sorry for doubting you. But, we need more evidence.” She looked up at him as she fidgeted with a strand of her hair.
His brown eyes looking down at her amber eyes in focus. “We have his disappearances and the memory file.” Tron brainstormed, thinking of what else they could use.
“We can check the security cameras.” He added looking down at Soren as she smiled approvingly.
“Perfect. Ill be checking the cameras and you can take care of Flynn.” Tron nodded and smiled down at her, gently holding her shoulders for her full focus.
His eyes reflecting his worry. “Be careful. His sidekick could be anywhere ‘kay?” “K.” Soren smiled, gently grabbing his hand and kicking his knuckles. “I’ll ping you.”
Soren began to walk away summoning her light cycle and driving away. Tron focused on her until she  left his view. He turned back to CLU and Flynn. Clearing his throat he placed a firm hand on Flynn. “Anything?” He murmured. “Nothing.” Flynn hummed but CLU cut him off. “Reports say that the ISO’s attacked first. Derezzing a fellow program.” “Are you certain?” Tron added his eyes slightly darkening. “Ofcourse.” CLU said with a thin smile. “ISO’s attacking?” Flynn questioned, his mind conflicted. “They would never.”
“They just did Flynn. And they’re dangerous.”
“They could’ve done it out of self defense. We need to search deeper.” Flynn added with detrmination. CLU placed a hand on his chest. “Flynn.” CLU warned placing a hand on Flynn chest making Tron tense up. “I’ll try to get info. Maybe even some footage of the Plaza.” Tron reassured Flynn a soft smile displayed. “Don’t worry.” “Thanks friend.” Flynn grinned patting Tron’s shoulder, he quickly straightened up and began walking to the plaza.
“Let’s take care of the others.” Tron followed his senses on high alert as CLU followed from behind, a dark frown under his breath.

---

Soren walked into the security building, looking up at the CCTV cameras displayed. She quickly got into the elevator, the cold rain falling thrumming on the elevators glass.
Soren watched them race with a soft smile. Looking over her shoulder as the doors opened. She walked out and quickly headed to the security room. Where all the cameras of the city where displayed. She quickly opened the cctv’s of the Plaza. Her eyes darting around the cameras as she watched the first disc being thrown. She paused the video and zoomed in on the program. Their neon orange circuits poking out like a sore thumb. “Reprogrammed…but how..?” She thought worriedly looking through the videos. She watched as CLU formed alliances in bars and low life places.

“Fuck. He planned this all along.” She spat and pulled back as she saving the CCTV footage. 

Out of nowhere, a sharp buzz cut through the air, a neon orange glow flared from behind her, casting a long shadow. Soren quickly spun around, her disc in hand, body coiled and ready to strike the intruder. As the program lunged with his disc, she intercept it, grabbing their arm and derezzing them limb with a loud crackle.

The program grunted in pain, looking up at Soren with wide eyes. Her disc’s electric light illuminating the programs face. With a sharp kick on the programs chest, she sent him flying to the ground, a loud crackle heard. She stalked forward and slammed her foot on their helmet. Making the fellow program panic.
“Who sent you?” She growled, her voice stern filled with fury. She inched her disc closer its electric buzz filling the room. “Why are you working for CLU?” 

“Why would I ever tell you?” The program spat, their voice disrupted by the helmet. She scoffed. “You wanna go that way, hm?” She sarcastically chuckled, but then paused her foot connecting to his jaw as he yelped in pain, the helmet, now broken in the middle flew off to the side revealing the programs face.

“Why?” She yelled, the program flinched their shoulders tensing as he replied. “For the glory of the system!” This made Soren scoff leaning back a bit as she inspected the program. “The system must be cleansed! Perfection is the goal!”—“There’s beauty in imperfection. I mean look at you. All hopeless and weak.” Soren spat crouching down to his level, she began to mutter to their ear. “You really think CLU will free you?”
The program punched her face making her fall back. He quickly took it as a chance to escape as he began to frantically run to the elevator. Suddenly a disc hit his back his yell crumbling just like his body. Soren scoffed as she walked up to the cubes of the derezzed program.
“Pitiful.” She hummed grabbing her disc as she watched his face glitch on the floor. Jaw loose as the face hummed, eyes rolled up, occasionally glitching back to look up at her. She sighed and slammed his own I disc into his face. She retracted it.
“Let’s see what you got in those memory files?” She murmured transmitting the discs memory to her watch. “Tron, baby? You hear me?” 

“Now’s not the best time Soren.” Tron muttered into the wrist watch, Flynn standing near him raised a brow. Hearing the conversation he leaned in to speak. “What happened? Are you alright?”—“Yeah yeah. I got the CCTV footage. You wont believe what else I found.” Soren huffed the cycles engine heard in the background. Tron hummed satisfied. “Alright. Meet me up right here in the Plaza.” “Yessir.” She hanged up the call. Tron sighed relived, but clearly tense.
“So…you two are actually dating?” Flynn smirked up at Tron. “Flynn. Don’t start” Tron murmured looking down at the floor as he placed his hand on his hips.
“Hey, Im just saying. Im happy for you. She’s a strong program.” Flynn clapped him in the back. “Glad you have something…besides guarding the Grid.” Tron sighed and nodded, making Flynn chuckle. “So, Soren got the footage?” “Yes. I instructed her to meet up here in the Plaza.”
“Good. We’ll wait.”

---

Soren arrived at the plaza, scanning the area for the trio. She walked up to the medical tent, no sign of them. Worry filled her as she pinged Tron.
“Where are you?” She texted, no response. She looked over to the arcade, slightly pushing the door open.
“Tron..” she muttered frustration filling her code. She stepped back out, hitting something solid. She turned around froze. Dyson, towering over her, his gaze cold and unreadable.
“Oh Dyson. Glad to see you here. Do you know where Tron is?” Soren forced a smile noticing Dyson circuits now red. “With Flynn.” He said sharply, he placed his hand firmly down on her shoulder, guiding her away from the Arcade.
“Hey!—” Without warning Dyson struck the back of her neck, she crashed onto the ground her vision blurry. She hissed in pain. Reaching to grab her disc throwing it to his direction. “You—traitor!” He swerved the disk, only hitting his shoulder as he scoffed. Soren tried to get up again, but Dyson grabbed a fistful of her brown hair and slammed her to the ground. Soren grunted and looked up at him. “Why are you doing this?”

Dyson coldly smirked looking down at her amber eyes. “Perfection is freedom, Soren. You’ll understand.” He crouched down as he talked, moving a strand of her hair away.

“The scar makes your face more disgusting to look at.” Soren spat lunging at him and biting his finger. Dyson yelped and kicked her face, her vision fading to black. 

“She’s out.” Dyson informed, turning his head to look over at CLU stepping out from behind one of the pillars. “Perfect. Let’s get the other two.”

 

Chapter 18: The Cat, The Snake, and The Rat.

Summary:

If the cat sees the snake, it wants to eat it, just like the snake wants to eat the cat. But if a rat interferes they both target it.

 

  Flynn walked down the streets with Tron by his side. A wide grin plastered on his face as he talked with so much passion. Talking about his plans for the Grid and future projects he had in mind. Tron smiled amused. “A small solar sailor?” 

Flynn hummed as he nodded. “Yes! It would be much more easier to transport medical equipment, packages to any building! Just imagine!”—“Talking about transport. Your transport to the portal is waiting. I don’t like it when you cut it this close.” He hummed worriedly looking over at Flynn, his eyes glancing at the portals light. “Can you stop worrying, Tron?” He sighed. “Everything is just fine, everything is under control.” 

“Flynn!” CLU’s voice rang out from the shadows as he stepped forward. He stopped in the center of the street. His sharp eyes locked on the two figures ahead of him. “Am I still to create the perfect system?” A long pause followed. “Yeah.” Flynn called out, confusion and worry, seeing CLU’s orange circuits.

Suddenly black guards appeared from every alley, surrounding them. 

It was a coup…

CLU stepped back letting the guards handle the confrontation. “Go.” Tron barked, pulling his disc free as he got into a defensive stance. He lunged at the black guards, derezzing them one by one, his disc a harsh blue light striking like thunder. CLU ran up to Flynn picking him up by the collar and slamming him down to the ground. “You’ve been corrupted.” Flynn huffed in terror, his back laying on the ground, his limbs stumbling as he crawled back. Watching as CLU turned on his disc. “Why? Why!” 

Suddenly, Tron jumped onto CLU holding him back from striking Flynn. “GO!” He roared grappling CLU with all of his strength. With that, Flynn ran away looking over his shoulder to CLU and Tron. Witnessing Tron yell as he got derezzed by CLU. Flynn stumbled, his chest tightening as he leaned onto a wall. Breath ragged and eyes fully wide. Staring in shock. He looked up noticing an orange glow following him. Punching the wall, he pushed himself off the wall and continued to flee. 

---

Elsewhere, Soren winced as she got up from the ground, looking around dazed. She sighed in frustration as she noticed her cracked wrist watch. “Where are these two?” She muttered as her memory returned like static, her brows furrowing as a name resurfaced. “Dyson..” She whispered, her grip tightening on her cycle baton as she quickly got on. The engine roared to life as she zoomed down the cold streets of Tron city. As she U-turned to a street she almost hit a fellow program promptly stopping to check on them. “Are you alright?” She called out as the program nodded. “You almost hit me!” The girl huffed frustrated. “Sorry!”—“You’re a security program right?” Soren nodded, looking up at the girl. “I heard a yell from someone being derezzed! Just down the street!” “You did?” Soren chimed, her interest spiked. “Get in.”

“Alright…” The program awkwardly jumped in, holding onto Sorens torso. Soren looked down at the program, inspecting them. Noticing the ISO symbol on her arm. “You should cover that up.” Soren quickly took off one of her arm bracers, passing it to her. “Thank you.” The ISO smiled as she adjusted it. Soren nodded. “Hold on.” Soren revved the engine as the ISO guided her through. “Is that Flynn?” The ISO doubted looking at the fleeting figure. “Holy shit…” Soren mutter parking a few feet ahead from Flynn. “Flynn!” Soren called out running up to him, the ISO following. 

“Are you alright?” Soren worriedly cupped his cheek seeing his pale face. “CLU…”—“Lets get you somewhere safe.” Soren requested as Flynn nodded. “You can hide in my place.” The ISO said, her eyes worried but full of focus. Soren grabbed a spare baton, giving it to the ISO. Once they arrived at the ISO’s home, Soren soothed Flynn as she gave him energy to drink. “Thank you uh…” he muttered a bit ragged. “Quorra?…” Quorra nodded with a soft smile. “Thank you.”

Soren smiled up at her. “Keep the bike.” Quorra’s eyes widened surprised. “Keep it.” Soren smiled as she stood next to the couch Flynn sat on. “Ill get more energy drinks.” She nodded and left. Soren looked over at Flynn face full of worry, she crouched down in front of him as he leaned forward on the couch, fidgeting with a glass cup. She soothed. “Now tell me what happened.”…

“CLU…CLU happened…He’s corrupted Soren. I don’t know how…” He sighed and slammed the glass down breaking it, he got up making Soren rise and take a step back, giving him some space. 

“He said that he’s going to create the perfect system…” Soren paused connecting the dots on her head, she looked up at Flynn a bit ashamed. “I planned to show you something…Tron, he suspected CLU for a long time…I gathered some evidence of his plans.”—“Show it to me.” Flynn urgently said as he walked up to Soren, she complied and gave him her disc. “Here…”

He quickly opened the memories and watched the events that happened. “Why didn't you tell me sooner?” He huffed, agitated, taking in a deep breath to calm down. “Thank you.” He looked up at her, pained look in his eyes. “Im going into hiding. He’s planning to kill me, you can come with me.”

“No, I’d get you in danger, I need to protect the System.” “Soren, you’re the best in the field.”—“No. You need someone else.” Soren cut him placing a reaching hand to him. Their heads snapped to Quorra walking in, holding a tray of drinks. “What?” 

Soren softly smiled and nodded. “She’s smart and capable, big fan of you too. Plus, she needs protecting too.” Flynn nodded in approval, resting his hand on his hips. “Good thinking.” He murmured, handing her disc back. Soren’s eyes lit up, clipping her disc on her back. “I’ll go get Tron then. He must’ve ran off and hiding somewhere.” She said, taking a step close to the front door. 

“No. Soren…he’s..” Flynn muttered making Soren turn over to him, her smile fading with worry. “CLU…” He sighed rubbing the back of his neck, trying to gain up the courage. “CLU derezzed him…He’s long gone. Soren.”—“what…?” Soren took a step back her breath catching in her throat like spines, her body now in shock. Quorra stood by quietly, watching with growing concern. She nervously fidgeted with the glove Soren gifted her, feeling the weight in the silence. Soren began to deny, her voice cracking. “No…no!”

Flynn reached for her shoulders then grabbed her arms as she tried to slip away. “Soren.” His voice almost pleading. Soren’s eyes glared at him coldly and tearful. “No. No he’s alive he has to be.”

Flynn cupped her cheek drying a tear, making Soren sigh in disbelief. “Tron’s gone. Soren...” Her head shook as she looked at the ground, Flynn noticing the silver ring on her ungloved finger as he held her. “Where did it happen?” She asked her voice now gruff. “No you are not going it’s dangerous!”—“Please!” Her grip tightened on his arms, her eyes full of fury. Flynn sighed, his tone a bit wary. “Where you spotted me, just passing the alleyway a sharp right turn.” “Thank you. Now hide, CLU’s near.” She gave him a peck on the cheek, quickly running out of the apartment in search for Tron. “Be careful!” Quorra called out as she watched her leave. “She’s going to be okay, right?” Flynn sighed nodding his head slightly. “Let’s get moving.” 

Soren raced down the streets with her bike, her eyes falling on the derezzed cubes laid on the cold floor. She sighed eyes full of pain as she took off her helmet. Looking desperately down at the cubes. “Cmon where’s your disc baby?” She mustered to herself as she looked around the scene. She clicked some buttons on her watch, summoning Bit. “Yes?” His robotic voice chimed. “Scan the area. Quickly.” “Yes.” Bit quickly got to work his body emitting a blue light that reflected on the floor as he scanned the street. Soren walked up to the blue cubes, Bit following her as his light illuminated the cubes as she gently picking them up in the palm of her hand.  

“Tron…”

 

 

Chapter 19: Recognize

Summary:

Soren (Sova) are now in conflict, they always have been. But now, it’s more than just physical.

It’s emotional.

Rinzler is fighting back with his corrupted code and Soren is trying to flee back home.

Notes:

Warning- NSFW (implied).

Now present time.

---

 

   Soren stirred her glass of blue energy, the metal straw clicking against the ice cubes, reflecting the neon blue of the drink. She sat beside Rinzler in the Armory, her demeanor clearly annoyed. Judging by Rinzler’s cold silence, he wasn’t thrilled either. Yaya sat across from them, sipping from her own glass, eyeing the pair with a curious smirk.

“So what exactly where you two doing in the Armory?”  

“Nothing.” Soren huffed. 

“I was just taking her to CLU.” Rinzler cut flatly. 

“Then why are you still wearing that?” She muttered, leaning closer, voice low and sharp as she pointed to the emblem placed on his suit, just lower to his collar bone.

Rinzler tensed, shifting slightly as her presence brushed too close. “You should mind your business Sova.” He grumbled, looking away his eyes caught a silver ring looped around her bracelet. He paused inspecting it for a moment, he quickly grabbed her wrist. His grip firm but gentle. “Where’d you get this?” His code buzzed as he inspected it, reaching to grab it. 

Yaya stepped in, shoving him away as she shielded Soren. “Watch it.” She warned glaring at him. Rinzler rose with Soren as Yaya separated them.

“Of course.” He muttered taking a step back keeping his gaze on the ring. 

His visor tilted up to meet Soren’s eyes, light seeping through his visor to meet his brown eyes. Soren drew in a breath, a knot forming on her stomach as she noticed his curious eyes looking back at hers. She exhaled, slowly placing a calming hand on Yayas shoulder. “That’s enough.” She murmured, her eyes never leaving Rinzler. Making him pause to admire her white curls, the way her eyes looked up at him through her lashes with such intensity. 

Yaya rolled her eyes, noticing the tension in between them. She muttered. “Jeez you two need to get a grip—”

Before she could finish, a sharp ping echoed from Rinzler’s wristwatch. He looked down. A message from CLU. 

In a flicker of orange light, CLU’s hologram appeared, “Have you captured the Hunter?” His cold voice echoed. A long pause in the room followed, enough to hear Rinzler’s nervous breathing. Why was he feeling like this? He stiffened, forcing composure as he glanced at Soren, but keeping his visor directed on CLU. “No sir.” A pause, then CLU spoke again, his voice suspicious. “Then what was that figure you were staring at?” 

“Just another fan sir. I got confused.” CLU hummed. “A fan huh? Alright then. Alert me when you locate the hunter.”—“I will.” He sternly answered and closed the call. Rinzler looked up at Soren, her stance tense as she stood in-front of him. 

“That ring…is it yours?” He asked voice low with confusion, his head tilting down with a sigh. “Go. Before I change my mind.” He warned as Yaya nodded never hesitating, grabbing Soren’s hand pulling her to the exit. Soren looked over her shoulder taking one last glance at Rinzler. Her mind hesitating, noticing his eyes focused on her every move and his feet shifting forward.

He took in a breath, forcing himself to look away from her. His mind busy with the silver ring wrapped on her bracelet. The stillness returned, until a soft click nearby disrupted it making his head snap towards the closed door. Then down to the table, being met with the bracelet laying there glowing, forgotten or maybe placed there on purpose. 

He gently picked it up and inspected it with caution. Seeing a worn off inscription in the ring by time and code corrosion. 

-‘Şœřēň/-|n——’. 

His code grumbled, blurring the name. He gently swiped over the text trying to depict the name. Static buzzing in his vision as he slightly moved it. Seeing a familiar name. 

-‘ȚŘøn’

He froze inspecting it again. Eyes locked on it as he muttered it. He glanced at the other name next to it. The name painfully familiar to his code. Why was Tron’s name etched next to hers? 

‘ȚŘøn—Şœřēň/-|n——‘

He looked back up at the door as he fidgeted with the bracelet in thought. He wanted to call out to her, ask her more about the ring, and why she had it. Who was Soren? And why was the name so familiar, blurred by his code? Why was Tron’s name next to it.

 But it was too late. They were gone. She was gone…

He slammed his fingers on the keypad opening the door. He took a step outside, looking down the hallways hoping to see her figure. “Sova…” He mustered out, his body stiff as he looked around for her.

“Soren..” He softly called out, her name slipping out his lips like a ghost. Too scared to mutter her name, too ashamed to. He remembered. Bit by bit.

“Fuck where are you..” He huffed, beginning to ran down the hallways, her bracelet held safely in his palm as he ran. Images began to buzz into his mind, memories of her, of this Soren, was she this Soren?

He looked out the window mid stride, watching her run to her light-cycle. His heart dropped, she was slipping through his fingers. “No!” His legs moved faster as he got out of the Stadium Arena. 

Just in time to see her put on her helmet and look over to him, his orange lights reflecting on her visor as she hopped on the cycle. Following Yaya’s fleeing bike. He wasted no time on summoning his light-cycle from his baton, determination flaring in his eyes as he gripped on the bike handles. His whole body coiled for the chase. 

“Soren he’s onto us!” Yaya’s voice crackled through the comms. Soren pondered as she looked down at her bike. “Go! I’ll distract him.” Yaya scoffed and shook her head. “No!”—“Go! Yaya!” Soren barked, she had no time for arguments. They turned their gears, drifting to different sides of Rinzler. He paused seeing them separate, his attention shifting back to Soren as she halted in the middle of the street. He slowed down, his gaze settling on her as he waited for her next move.

Yaya continued to her left, checking back on Soren. “Goodluck.” Soren hummed, keeping her focus on Rinzler through her visor. Their bikes met in the middle of the street, their neon colors melting with the puddles of the rain. Soren revved her engine, hard and deliberate. Rinzler responded with a longer revv, and deeper like a threat.

Silence fell, the only thing heard was the rumble of the cycles motors, their front wheels almost touching as they revved their bikes. Soren quickly shifted, swerving down an alleyway. Rinzler’s code buzzed, quickly following her, he revved the engine as he appeared next to her. A smirk plastered on his face as he looked over to her, revving again passing her, he created a light wall making Soren turn with him closely. Soren looked over at him, shaking her head in disbelief.

Their shoulders tensed as they felt their knees clash into each other, Soren pulled back and slammed into him fighting to be the lead. Rinzler was amused by this, he revved the engine and slammed into her, their bikes screamed with intensity as they fought in protest. They already passed the cities streets, now reaching the Outlands. Soren chuckled, trying to gain power by reaching to his kill switch. He hummed momentarily distracted by their thighs touching but he shoved it off.

He looked up, a bridge column inching closer with every heartbeat, the impact seconds away. His eyes widened as his code flared, he quickly grabbed her arm that reached for his kill switch and pulled her onto his lap. She gasped, holding onto his shoulders and placing a hand on his chest, trying to balance herself on his bike. Soren’s bike crashed onto the column, exploding at the contact. She watched shocked as they passed the entrance of the bridge that connected the city to the Outlands. She looked up to Rinzler as her bike crashed onto a pillar behind them. The flash reflecting on her face as Rinzler checked on her. 

Damn, she looks so beautiful. 

“Rin!” She called out grabbing his chin and pushing it up. He followed up, seeing the cliff that they were about to head onto. “Jump.” He ordered. “What!?” 

“Please!” He begged his voice cracking, brown eyes soft under the visor as he looked down at her pleadingly. Soren huffed, “You better make this work Rin.”—“Rinzler.” He corrected, checking on her before jumping off the bike. The bike flew over them crashing down the cliff. He stumbled on the edge, holding her tightly against him. She raised her head, watching as the explosion shook the ground. 

A crack was heard then another. The cliff began to crumble, cracks slithered through the ground reaching out to them. “We need to move.” Rinzler warned, quickly pulling her away from the edge by her arm. The rumble stopped, a long pause of relief followed. Soren sighed looking over her shoulder, watching as Rinzler inspected the cliff looking over at Soren with a nod. The neon lights of the city shining behind him, reflecting on the visor. Soren felt a flutter on her chest, her green circuits fluttering a bit. “You alright?” She softly said, sitting up. “Are you?” He asked looking down at her with a hidden smile. Walking up to her, he reached a hand for her to grasp.

Suddenly a small troop of black guards appeared behind him, making her pull back from him and draw her disc. Rinzler tensed, drawing his own disc in defense. Soren scoffed, indicating the black guards with her head. “Not you!” 

Rinzler turned to the guards, confusion filling his mind as he watched them get off the helicopter. Walking up to them with light staffs. 

“What are you doing here? I didn’t order for backup.”—“CLU did, sir.” A guard hummed, walking over to them he glanced at Soren then over to Rinzler, suspicion in his eyes. “We’ll, escort the target to CLU.” The guard pointed out with their spear to the awaiting helicopter in the back. Rinzler began to juggle with his thoughts. Thinking about Sorens safety and how CLU caught up so quickly. The cameras at the bridge gave it away…plus the explosion…

Soren shuffled a foot back, glancing at Rinzler then at the guards. Rinzler looked at Soren, subtly shaking his head as he reached for her. She scoffed glaring at him in disbelief.“I should’ve known.” She spat slapping his hand away. “Don’t touch me!”—“Sova, I didn’t know…” Soren took another step back.

“Don’t.” 

Her heel touched the edge of the cliff, Rinzler noticed and unconsciously grabbed her wrist to hold her still. “Careful.” He sternly huffed, making Soren shake her head looking over to the guards. “I can’t let you go, CLU ordered.”—

“I don’t give a shit.” She growled, shoving his shoulders. “There’s nowhere to go.” A guard called out from the back. Soren scoffed, secretly reaching at the light jet in her pocket. She looked back up at Rinzler and nodded in defeat. Her mind plotting an escape route, a dumb one but an easy escape. “Fine, ill go…” She muttered looking up at him. 

“Let’s go then.” Rinzler nodded and walked to the guards, giving his back to Soren, she followed for a few steps glancing at Rinzler then up at the helicopter. Rinzler’s mind was distracted filled with concern for Soren as he followed the guards. He heard a soft step, turning his head towards her. She suddenly ran towards the cliff and jumped off the edge. 

“No!” Rinzler yelled in shock, quickly running up to the edge, watching her form fade. “Fuck.” He grabbed a chute and a light jet baton from one of the soldiers beside him, before jumping after her.

The wind roared as they fell, Soren was just at reach. He dove down, his hand grabbing her arm to tug her close, but suddenly, she grabbed his arm and twisted it. He groaned in pain, his free hand holding the back of her knee, pulling her close, trying to balance their position as they fell. Soren gained more elevation, ready to summon her light jet. But he quickly grabbed her ankle and pulled her towards him, making her let go of his arm. 

She scoffed, wrapping her thighs around his head trying to lock him in place to grab the light jet baton. His fingers dug into her things as he looked up at her in anger, frustrated that she had the upper hand in the fight. She let go of him as she summoned the light jet but he quickly slammed his forehead with hers making her disoriented. He placed the baton back in place, securing his hold on her. He watched as the rushing river came in sight. He hugged her unconscious body close to him, securing his hold. He sighed waiting for the rough landing. 

His back hit the cold rushing water with a loud slap. He gasped in pain, blocking Soren from the impact. He checked on her as she bled out blue liquid from her nose. Her energy. He worriedly sighed, cupping her cheek as he tried to keep her from drowning.  

“Soren…” He called out hoping to keep her safe. His code bloomed with warmth and worry as he held her up. He looked around for shore but only saw sharp rocks. Soren coughed, eyes wide as she looked around. “Can’t you summon the light jet?” She called out wiping her hair back. She pulled away but he refused. Holding her tightly against him.
“No, stay close.” He sighed looking around for safety. “Stay with me.” He pleaded, trying to fight the current but it pushed them further in. “Careful!” She yelled kicking him away from a colliding rock. 

They both swam, dodging any rock forms, eventually coming together from the obstacles. The water pushed Rinzler onto Soren making them flinch in shock. He gently grabbed her shoulder, making her look up into his eyes. “You alright?” 

He nodded, looking over to the shore that awaited them. He began to swim over but another river opening appeared making them plunge down into the cold water. Soren tried to hold onto the rocks but the currents were too strong. Rinzler threw his disc onto a rock, penetrating it before using the disc as a handle to hold onto. He looked over to Soren and called out to her, reaching to grab her.

She quickly grabbed his hand and pulled herself closer to him, exhaling softly, her head collapsed onto his chest. “Smart thinking.” She hummed looking up at him.

He looked down surprised, gently holding her back so she wouldn’t be swept away. He froze as he felt a smile form on his lips, he shook the though away as he focused. “There’s a large rock formation passing the river…” She followed his gaze, seeing the rocks forming something similar to a path. “Well go to it then. As quick as possible.” She reassured and looked up at him, he looked back down to her and hummed, discreetly glancing at her lips. “Ready?”—“Ready.”

He threw his other disc to a nearby rock, successfully making another handle he retracted the other and swam to the newly made handle. She grabbed onto the disc giving her hand to Rinzler for him to securely hold onto.

He grunted as his chest pressed onto Soren’s back, their hands hanging onto his disc as he placed a hand on her stomach. They looked over to the shore. “Go.” He whispered into her ear as he grabbed his other disc and threw it, repeating the same action, they finally crawled out of the water and collapsed onto the black sand.

She grinned in relief, looking up from the ground to be met by the dark sky of the Grid. Rinzler watched from beside, relief flowed down his spine, happy seeing her safe. She looked over to him and sat up. “Are you alright?” He subtly nodded, continuing to admire her but a bit tense. “Yes..” He muttered, sitting up with his knees bent, he sighed in pain as the adrenaline faded away, revealing a burning sensation on his back. He stretched and groaned trying to soothe it away but Soren stopped him. “Burned?”

He smirked under the helmet and shook his head amused. “No…” He hummed looking up to her. She smiled and began to soothe his back, checking for any knots or damage. “Seems all fine.”—“No, no, my shoulders feel uncomfortable. There must be something wrong there.” He teased with a smirk, she scoffed and nudged his side making him chuckle.

“It feels like a crime to be with you…I thought CLU took you away from me. Again…” She mustered holding back tears as she tightly held his shoulders. 

Rinzler paused gently holding her resting hand. He turned around and hugged her tightly, fearing that she would disappear. “I remember now…I’m here. I’m here…” He muttered softly, nuzzling his visor into her neck, wishing that he could take it off, to reveal his face, to kiss her lips. He was a damn lovesick puppy all over again. And only for her. 

“Here…” he muttered softly, putting her bracelet on her wrist and securing it with a soft tender smile. She smiled back thanking him. He froze, short circuiting for a bit as he watched her. His orange circuits flicking to a blue hue but then turned back to orange. “Let’s go. Before the river rises.” He hummed walking over to a cave. She followed, their circuits lighting up the path. “Where were you, all this time?” He hummed, climbing onto a boulder watching as the path continued. “After the confrontation? After Tron died.” He sternly muttered, but she cut him off, correcting him. 

“After you supposedly died. I stayed in Purgos. Hiding away, helping the System a bit. And looking for you. Especially you.” She climbed the boulder and continued to follow him. He shook his head and rested onto a wall. “CLU made me perfect, better than before.” Soren slapped his cheek, making his visor move. 

“What the fuck was that for?” He scoffed glaring up at her, quickly getting up. His helmet buzzed blurring his vision as his circuit flickered blue. “You’re Tron. The Grid’s protector! A security program. Not, not this!” She shoved his shoulder taking a step back as she glared at him. “You’re not the man I fell in-love with. Nor the one I last saw in Argon.” She mumbled, glaring at him with disappointment. “I…He repurposed me.”—“Clearly.” She sighed, continuing to walk deeper into the cave. 

Rinzler’s code growled, glaring at her form fade into the darkness of the cave, the only source of light being her circuits.

He fixed his helmet and snuck up on her, grabbing a fistful of hair to pull her back. She quickly punched his shoulder making him let go, continuing to punch him numerous times, but he blocked her.

Grabbing her wrists to pin her down to the ground. She grunted and fought back but froze as she saw a grid bug biting onto Rinzler’s shoulder. He hissed and slapped the bug, killing it. She quickly kicked his stomach and pushed him away, getting up to flee but he stopped her by the ankle. 

His hands fumbled with grabbing her, but he dragged himself close and slammed her down against the ground. Soren grunted, her body jerking surprised under the sudden weight on her body. She twisted, reeling back to elbow his helmet. But his reflexes were too quick, he blocked it. She was already predictable to him…and he knew it.

“Shit—Tron!” The name slipped out before Soren could stop it. 

“Rinzler!” He snarled, his corrupted code merging with the word. Layered with a low voice that almost sounded like his own self. Soren tensed, her eyes landing on his visor, making him pause. His grip on her thighs tightened, trying to anchor himself. He exhaled, his visor tilting down to her face. Her reflection staring back at her. She sat atop him, both bodies tense. But just for a moment. She saw the eyes she hates, the ones she begs to erase. Her lashes flickered but her eyes never leaved his.  

“This doesn’t change anything.” Soren spat, tossing her arm bracers aside and tying her hair up into a tight bun. “No.” He muttered, sitting her up with him their legs almost looking tangled. “It makes things worse.” His hand lingered on her hip, yearning to pull her closer. But, he waited. 

“This is a mistake.”—“I thought you said you were ‘perfect.’” Soren‘s voice was low, sharp, her hands snaking along his thighs, stopping at his sides. Trying to hold back her arousal. 

“You’re stubborn.” He leaned closer, his visor lingering near her lips like a shadow of a kiss. He grabbed his belt, feeling his pants tighten with tension. “You’ll regret this…” He exhaled his helmet making his breath ragged, looking up at her with begging eyes he slowly and deliberately began to undo his chest plate. Letting it fall to the ground with a soft thud. 

She let out a long sigh, peeling off her black long-sleeve shirt. Revealing herself inch by inch, testing him, daring him. She finally tossed it away looking up at him with sharp eyes, but behind them. A hurricane of emotions she tried to hold back. 

He continued to watch her in silence seeing her now fully exposed body, he tossed the belt away, letting the tension subside. “You’re a tease. Soren…” He sighed out, his voice now ragged through the visor. “You always were.” He hummed, glaring at her through the foggy visor. 

“Getting all needy now.” Soren smiled cupping his chin and guiding him to look up at her. “I love it when you get like this.”—“Fuck you.” He hummed grabbing her arms and pushing her gently to the ground. Soren could feel his cocky smirk as he pinned her. 

Knowing his ego, she wrapped her legs around his torso. Making him hold her hips tightly as he slid into her. She huffed out, surprised at the longing feeling of his length. She sighed, looking up at him with a shocked expression. “Rin…” 

“Yeah?” He huffed out, laying his chin onto her neck. He began low paced then became frequent as his code hummed. “Fuck baby.” He muttered, sliding deeper as she moaned softly. “I hate you.” Her moan was mixed with a whine, her body basically wanting more of him. 

 

Rinzler couldn’t lie, he was admiring her from his visor, wanting to kiss her but held back. “Soren…”

 

 

 

Notes:

Hello! This is my first story I have published in Ao3, I have more chapters in waiting but, Im waiting to see if this one gets any attention. If not I’ll still be making other stories and continue here.
Thank you for reading!