Forgotten

-Chapter 19-

Sofia had just left my room and I was making my way down to where Aries worked. My mind was still stuck on "it" and what that was. Was I that naive that I had no idea what that feeling she was talking about was? She acted as if it was the simplest science known to man.

I shook the annoying thought off, a mission on my mind. Today I was going to ask Aries to help me get Ina back. I even think Ina can then stay with Aries and hidden from Leo's lingering eyes. I think they will get along really well. 

The hackers quarters were in the East Wing of the castle, in an underground basement. They were built really nicely, with small cubicle offices for each employee to work at and a connected bedroom for each individual. They weren't as luxurious as my room per say but they were really comfortable. I made my eye down the sleek white hallway until I made it to room 14, Aries room. I opened the door and found her typing away on a holopad on her twin bed. The room was about half the size of mine, with nice fluorescent lighting and white walls with dark wooden flooring. Leo allows his employees to decorate however they like as long as they don't damage the structure.

A few days ago, I had brought Aries some posters and fairy lights and I was glad to see she has hung them up. I also noticed the plush round pink rug and fluffy light blue comforter I had brought to her on her first day matched nicely. I smiled brightly when the young girl popped her scarlet head up at me and grinned.

"Hey A, I've just been working on some new art." She faced her holopad towards me and showed me a beautiful drawing of a lotus she had done on the art app. "Wow, Aries. It's beautiful." I looked at the girl in awe as she continued to scribble away. I sat down next to her and just watched her happily scribble away for a moment. Kinda creepy I know.

I reached into the pocket of my black cargo pants and squeezed Ina's personality chip tightly. "Aries, I have a request." I said slowly and she looked up at me concerned. "I had this super great friend. She was a helper-bot. Leo... tore her apart but I managed to save her chip. Do you think there's any way you could reinsert it into another bot's body?"

Aries stared at me for a moment. Then put her hand to her chin and looked deep in thought. A low hum vibrated from her a throat and I prayed to the Gods she didn't say no. "Sure." She finally answered and I cheered as I encircled her into a tight hug. "Athena," she gasped, "I can't do it if you kill me." I quickly released the girl and she laughed.

...

"I've studied the layout of the palace many times," Aries stated as she led me down a long hallway, "I know where they keep all the bots to charge overnight. I just don't know how heavily guarded it is. I'm thinking it's just going to be a thumbprint scan lock, though." I nodded along as she further explained the plan. Basically, she could easily hack into the scanner and get us in in under two minutes. I just adored this girl.

We reached a big metal door with a small green thumbprint scanner on the wall beside it. Pulling a screwdriver from I don't even know where, Aries pried the top plastic part off, revealing a fuck load of different colored wires. I watched as she messed around with them, her tongue sticking out slightly in concentration.

The small machine made a crackle sound before the door hissed open. "Viola!" Aries proudly stated as she led me into the dark room. I made sure to close the door behind us as the lights automatically switched on. The room was kind of creepy as android after android lined the wall. Each one's head was bent low, a charger coming from somewhere in their back. Arrays of different skin tones and hair colors met my eyes as I scanned the room.

Now the question was: Who would Ina want to be? I made my way around the room, looking at every single bot there was. I instantly ruled out the ones with natural hair color as Ina loved bright colors. One will olive skin and long jet-black hair had her head still propped upright, her purple eyes staring into my soul. It was terrifying.

I continued my way down the line and stopped in my tracks when I saw the perfect one. "Perfect." I whispered and Aries rushed to my side, "Wow. She's so pretty." The bot had dark skin and full dark red lips. Her large round eyes were closed but encased by the most long beautiful lashes. Her electric blue wavy hair cascaded down her curvy body in a half up half down style. It was nearly floor length. Her nails were painted hot pink, and she was wearing the typical help-bot uniform of black dress pants and a white blouse. 

Aries immediately got to work, and I silently apologized to the previous bot for taking over her body. I watched Aries work, and it was truly amazing how she never even hesitated and knew exactly what to do. My moment of awe was cut short by a banging on the door. "Trouble, I know you're in there." 

Even from the other side of the door his voice boomed powerfully. A part of me of instantly drawn to his velvety voice as I hadn't heard it in over a week. But mainly I was on edge, scared of what he would do if he saw what Aries was doing. "Keep working," I whispered to her, "Then take Ina to your room and lock the door. I'll be back later."

I shuffled over to the door and opened it slightly. There he was, handsome as ever. "Hi." I squeaked. I cursed myself for sounding so guilty. "Hm, tesoro, what are you hiding?" He said lowly, menacingly.

"Nothing." I answered as I slipped out of the android room, closing the door firmly behind me. He wasted no time pinning me to the door and eyeing me down. His strong fingers traced my jaw and I know he could feel my heart thudding. "Well," I held my breath, waiting for his reaction, "I'll walk away from this right now, if you come with me. And go on a date tonight."

He gave me an escape and I was going to take it to protect Aries, no matter the condition. "Fine."