Chapter 12: The Dark Truth

After discovering the shocking truth about Aya's past, Shobie decided to hire a private investigator to look into the mall where she had purchased Aya. They needed answers—real ones. If Aya had been kidnapped and manipulated, how many others had suffered the same fate?

Months passed, and one evening, the investigator finally returned with a detailed report. He laid out a folder filled with photographs, documents, and horrifying evidence.

"This mall," the investigator began, "is not just a place that sells AI humans. It's a front for something much darker. They abduct children, erase their memories, and reprogram them to believe they are artificial beings."

Shobie's hands trembled as she flipped through the photos—images of young children being experimented on, confined in cold, sterile rooms. "This is… inhuman," she whispered, rage boiling inside her.

Aya, sitting beside her, was silent, staring at the images in horror. "This means… I'm not the only one."

Shobie clenched her jaw. "We have to do something. We can't let this continue."

—

Determined to put an end to the cruel operations of the mall, Shobie and Aya devised a plan to infiltrate the facility and rescue the captives. They waited until nightfall, disguising themselves and sneaking inside.

However, the moment they reached the restricted areas where the AI humans were kept, they were met with resistance.

The other AI humans—children and young adults, all manipulated like Aya—stood in their way, their eyes devoid of emotion, completely under the company's control.

Aya reached out, trying to speak to them. "Listen to me! You're not machines! You're human, just like me! You were taken, manipulated, lied to—"

But they did not react.

Shobie's heart pounded. "Aya… they've been completely brainwashed."

Before they could push any further, security alarms blared. With no other choice, Shobie grabbed Aya's hand, and they ran. Frustration burned inside them as they made their way out of the mall, unable to save a single person that night.

—

Back at home, Shobie collapsed onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. "We couldn't save them," she muttered. "They're still trapped in there."

Aya sat beside her, gently placing a hand on Shobie's shoulder. "I know it's painful… but we can't give up. We now know the truth, and that means we can fight back."

Shobie sighed, looking at Aya. "But how? They're so deeply controlled… how do we undo that?"

Aya's gaze was filled with determination. "We start by understanding how they did this to us. If I can break free, maybe they can too."

Shobie nodded slowly. "Then we find a way. No matter what it takes."

Aya smiled softly, leaning her forehead against Shobie's. "And I'll be right by your side, every step of the way."

They held onto each other, finding strength in their love and the fight ahead. Because now, they had a mission—to expose the truth and free those who had been trapped in a lie.