Discoveries (Virals fanfiction)

Part 4

Chapter 4

Tory

"So, Chance," I said. "Have you been flaring lately?"

He nodded. "The day after you told us."

"Same here," Ella jumped in.

"So they really are back." Hi seemed amazed by the discovery. "The Virals are back, baby!" He started singing 'The Boys are Back' from High School Musical 3.

"There's... something else I need to tell you," Chance said slowly.

Ben growled, "What is it now?"

"When I was researching about the Parvovirus, I discovered that there are some ways to make certain traits stronger, and others weaker."

"Meaning what?"

Chance said, "You know how you each have one trait that is stronger than the other, and how it's different for all of you?"

We nodded.

"It's because your DNA reacts to the virus differently."

Huh. Now we know.

"I found a way to make a virus that only increases one trait, as well as making the transition painless."

What? "Are you serious?" I asked.

"Why would I not be?" Chance looked serious. "The thing is, I destroyed the files as soon as I learned that someone had hacked into my files, but..." He trailed off.

"What, Chance?" An icy tingle began creeping its way along my spine. "What?"

"Those files were some of the first to be viewed by an outsider."

As Chance's words set in, I began to shiver. "You mean...You mean they had access to files that could help mass produce the virus?"

He wouldn't meet my eyes. "Yes."

Ben exploded. "Are you serious? You've kept this from us for how long?"

"I haven't thought about it for a while," Chance said. "I swear that's why!"

"Yeah." Ben snorted. "And we know how many times you've lied to us."

"Ben!" I shouted. "I trust him."

He glared, but didn't respond.

I asked Chance, "Why did you just think of this now?"

"I've been a little distracted."

Ben sighed. "Whatever." He turned and left.