Xiao Ai was already waiting for Aida and had been monitoring the cameras for Aida to arrive. She bounced around merrily in her bun form as she sifted through all the information. Hacking was one of her favorite activities, but she didn't get to do it too often before because they were supposed to stay "low key" and hide from the bad guys.
Seeing Aida approach, Xiao Ai quickly hopped onto Aida and transformed into a warm scarf that draped over Aida. Seeing this, the little girl, Rose, finally reacted and looked at Xiao Ai with her soulless eyes.
Aida noticed Rose's reaction and her lips lifted in a slight smile. It seems Rose truly hadn't been completely lost, she just needed a little bit of a push. Whispering to Xiao Ai, "This is your new sister, Rose. Why don't you help me keep her warm?"
"Eh~~~ new sister!! I love it!! Hi sister!!! I'm going to hug you and keep you warm heh~~"
Xiao Ai floated off Aida and landed onto Rose gently, wrapping her up into a burrito. When Xiao Ai made contact, Rose shuddered slightly before settling and patting Xiao Ai curiously, there was still no emotion on her face. Xiao Ai's only reaction was to snuggle closer.
Taking Rose and Xiao Ai who seemed to have merged into a mini ball of fluff, Aida carefully scanned the area and walked out from the building without anyone noticing, quickly blending in with the rest of the crowd. Little White, who had been waiting atop a building, found Aida immediately. Aida knew Little White had returned when she felt a tug on the back of her shirt.
She calmly made her way back to the small apartment room that they had been allotted.
When she returned, it was already evening. Light and the twins had returned earlier on with an assortment of random items. The twins were sorting through the items while Light prepared dinner. Ace had been sitting on the side, typing furiously on his laptop without paying attention to anything, until Aida returned. The moment he saw Aida, he snapped his laptop closed and stood straight up, calling, "Welcome home Master!"
Aida gave him a cold look before ignoring him and setting the emotionless Rose down on her feet. Xiao Ai floated off Rose at that time and returned to her bun form. When this happened, Rose finally showed a reaction and began shaking uncontrollably. Thankfully, Xiao Ai noticed and immediately snuggled up against Rose, attempting to comfort her, "Don't cry, don't cry, Xiao Ai is still here."
Light seemed to realize something and gave Aida a sharp look while the twins looked on curiously as they saw a new person standing there. Little White also reappeared as he removed his camouflage and stood there silently as well. When he saw Rose cry, he unconsciously went over and held the girl's hand.
Aida explained to everyone that Rose would be a part of their family from now on. They all nodded in understanding. Nobody noticed, but Rose's doll-like eyes seemed to glimmer with a bit of light that hadn't previously been there. Without needing her prompting, the twins brought her over to help sort out the items. Rose didn't refuse, but reacted by hugging Xiao Ai tightly. She sat there blankly as the others began looking through all the goods that they bought from the market.
Light had concealed their main objective of purchasing gems by buying many other miscellaneous items, which is why they accumulated so much junk. It seems the people on this base still hadn't recognized the true value of the gems yet.
Having ensured that the kids were all settled in, Light took a break from meal prep to sit down and share information with Aida. "We had a fair amount of success finding gems. It seems they don't know the usage yet, so people are giving them away for free. I also learned from some of the sellers that the leaders of the base have some connection with the government and are trying to form a channel of communication right now to open trade. It seems the government intends to keep Variants separated from humans."
Aida nodded in understanding, "Sounds right. People having abilities could completely overturn the government, of course they don't want to see that happen."
"What happened on your side?" Light asked as he glanced at Rose, knowingly. Being an empath, he was able to send an incredible amount of desolation and unwillingness within her the moment she entered the room. Even he had never been in such a bad state when his parents died.
"It's not great. We broke into the base's lab to check things out. They have begun experimenting on Reapers and Variants alike. Rose is an extreme case of this. Those cold hearted bastards are torturing a 9 year old child for the sake of so-called science. If they ever give me a chance, I will burn them all down." Aida's eyes had a murderous glint as she made this promise. Some humans deserved to die.
"They will get their just reward eventually."
"Where's Lucifer? Not back yet?" Aida asked, changing the subject.
"No, there's been no word from him. I wonder if something happened.." responded Light.
Aida's eyes knit with concern. They had all agreed to return to the apartment by dinner to regroup. She decided to just wait, Lucifer should be able to handle himself.