Androids: Memory Deleted

CHAPTER 7

It's the same thing everyday.
How many times did I delete his memory?
I've already lost count.

"...The data will start processing any moment now. The sudden influx of data may be a shock to your system."

"...Thank you, Fae."

"......"

"....An error." I stepped back in surprise

"An error? Maybe my database is corrupted? That would explain why I can't access certain data."

"...Zai. Are you certain you wish to do this?"

"... I'm scared."

"...Ah?"
I looked at him, waiting to press the button.

"...I don't know. I don't know why I'm scared. It must be ridiculous, huh? We've spent all this time doing things to get my memories back."

He laughed as he held his arm uncomfortably.

"But whenever I try to remember... it's like I don't want to. I want to know what happened, but I..."

"....." I dropped my hand to my side

"... I want to look around some more. Maybe we can fix the computers and figure out what's going on outside. It doesn't feel... safe to go out either."

"...Shall I cancel the data transfer then?"

"...Yes."

I followed Zai around some more towards the room of computers in another room of the lab.

"Would you like me to help you?"

"...No, Fae. I want to do this myself. Come on, I can at least do this much."

"..Of course, do as you wish. Though, would it not be more... logical to fix the Main Frame system rather than working on your own personal computer?"

"Probably, but the Main Frame would be way too complex for me..."

"....That's true."

"Y-You're not supposed to agree with me! Sheesh... is there something wrong though? You seem a bit nervous."

"Ah, not at all. Just concerned that you'll blow yourself up."

"I'm not that bad! But yeah, we probably could check the Main Frame out... maybe if we can resolve that error, I'll be able to get my memories! Then..."

I gripped my arm tightly.

"... It looks like I failed again."

Again and again.
How many times do I have to endure this?

"An error? Maybe my database is corrupted? That would explain why I can't access certain data."

"...Are you certain you wish to do this?"

"Of course. I wish to know what happened. Please, Fae."

"....."

DATA TRANSFER: CONFIRMED
AUTHORISATION ERROR.
AUTHORISATION ERROR.

"H-huh?! Wh-what does that-"

CORRUPTION DATA BASE FOUND.
DELETING FILES...

"Wait, no! Fae, please stop it before-"

I looked down.

DELETION COMPLETE.

"How many more times will it take?"

I put Zai to sleep as I delete his memory again.

"....."

"...Fae really is a nice name... Thank you, Zai."

I covered him with a blanket.

"....I'm sorry, Zai."

"But I promised to protect you."

Once again, he woke up.
He didn't remember anything.
It was starting once again.

"Ah, this must be the main data storage!"

"Fae, could you please connect me to the servers? I should be able to gain access to the data that's missing from my database."

I was lost in thought.

"Fae?"

"...Ah, yes."

I took control of the computer as a message flashed on the screen.

"....An error."

"An error? Maybe my database is corrupted? That would explain why I can't access certain data."

"Do you really want to do this, Zai?"

"Of course! I want to know what happened... Please, Fae."

".....What's that?"

I pointed to something that was in his hand.

"Hm? Ah! The USB Drive I found plugged into Mother's laptop."

"...Perhaps it is a part of the authorisation process. Could I have it?"

"Authorisation...? Ah, sure!"

"...That should resolve the error. The data should be coming in any-"

"...Zai?"

ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR. ERROR.

AUTHORISATION PROCESS INCOMPLETE.
SECURITY PROCEDURE ACTIVATED.

INITATING CORRUPTION OF SOURCE FILES...

My eyes hardened at the red screen.

"...Wh-what? Wasn't that it...?"

"...I forgot. How... How did I forget?!"

PROCEDURE COMPLETED.
SECURITY THREAT NEUTRALISED.

"...Don't worry Zai. You'll be okay. You'll be fine."

"...I just need to redirect the corruption to... me."

"It's okay. It's okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry...."

"...I'm sure you'll be fine... without me."

Zai woke up in his room once again.
He explored the lab and saw an android lying on the ground.

He turned on the lights and saw her.

"...Fae? Who's... that?"

Tears started streaming down his face.

"Why... am I crying...?"

END: Memory Deleted