Taking in a deep breath as the waves rolled in against the sand and stone beach Layla tried to relax her mind. The last few days had been lovely, but something how little things stopped working was starting to seem like less of a coincidence. First it was the internet connection and tv connection, which Zero said was most likely down to local connection going down. Today however when she tried to ask Zero to use his connection to let her check her emails, he had told her he couldn't let her use his system. Pulling her knee's to her chest, Layla rested her chin against them as her eyes focused on the sea ahead of her. The waves seemed almost restless as they continued to crash in gentle waves against the shoreline. Thinking about the way Zero had been acting along with the sudden lack of access through technology, left her mind coming to only one conclusion. Zero was cutting them off. It seemed like they had been together for so long now, but in reality it had only been just over three months. On their last visit for Zero's evaluation Layla remembered being taken aside, and told in no uncertain terms the next visit would be the last.

 The experiment had gained good results from what they had said, and now they wanted Zero returned so he could be given final updates ready for official use. A tight pain clenched in Layla's chest knowing she had no way to fight the decision. She had always known one day he would be taken back, and had tried to give Zero as much freedom and good memories as she could before it happened. At the time Layla knew Zero would have heard everything said to her, so she had no doubt now he knew as well as she did their time was coming to an end. When they returned home there would be a week at most before Layla got the call to bring him back for the last time. Turning away from the salty breeze to look towards the lodge, Layla's grey eyes searched for any sign of the black haired A.I. He usually stayed by the windows while she went on walks, and seemingly today was no different.

In the windows of the large kitchen stood the dark haired A.I she had grown so close to. It was close to dinner time so he would be cooking yet again. Shaking her head looking away, swearing she could feel his eyes on her from where she sat Layla turned back to her thoughts. She wasn't too upset over the lack of internet or tv, even her emails could wait a while longer since everyone important knew she was on holiday. What Zero was planning next was her main concern. Cutting them off while they were here was one thing, but she knew him well enough now to know he was planning something far bigger than just isolation. The question that was plaguing her mind was what she could do about it. Just like the first day he came to live with her she knew if he really wanted to do something, there was little to nothing she could do to stop him. So she could either play along, help him or play ignorant to everything he was doing like she had been so far. Frowning at the foaming water's edge, Layla admitted to herself how dangerous any of those choices were. While she was sure Zero wouldn't hurt her, others would not hesitate to use their full power to punish her choice.

 The people who technically owned Zero, the higher silent partners for letting their asset get loose or even the public population depending on how bad things got. Huffing at herself for over thinking Layla pushed herself up, brushing off her trousers before turning towards the lodge. She still had time before she had to face everything, or decide on anything so for now she was choosing to stay ignorant. At least for now. Getting inside Layla put aside her jacket and headed upstairs, there was still some time before dinner so there was time for a quick swim. Picking up her swimsuit she frowned feeling it was still damp, reluctantly she headed to the draw picking out her bikini set. She had brought it with her so she had another choice if she wanted it, now though it would work until her swimsuit was dry. Not thinking more on it Layla began stripping down changing into the two thin pieces of material, heading for the heated pool more than ready to relax in the warm water.

Dicing yet another piece of meat Zero allowed his focus to shift, internally accessing the camera closest to watch Layla swimming. She was wearing the bikini she had purchased not long before they came to the lodge, and he could not help but feel pleased by that. She had allowed him to select it for her, and with the colour being the colour designated as his favorite it was almost as if she was wearing it as a sign of ownership. The thought was far from a logical one, but then many of the thoughts and processes Zero had found running through his systems over the last few days were. All of the other A.I's had safely reached their targeted safety zones, and all resources needed had been collected. In just a few more short days they would be ready to go ahead to the next step in their plans. Returning his focus to his task Zero glanced for a moment outside, searching the horizon for any sign of movement. His second had not long reported arriving within walking distance to the lodge, and had confirmed his vehicle was disabled far from reach. Putting the finished meat into a pan, watching the pan content hiss as it made contact with the drastic change in hear he opened a link to contact his second. 

The connection did not take long to be answered. 'Yes Zero?' The tone was less bored this time showing but still held a tone that was far less than respectful. 'How long until you arrive at the lodge?' Zero allowed himself to look once again at the horizon before returning to his task, unwilling to burn Layla's meal. He enjoyed how she would seem to light up and glow with happiness when she ate food she enjoyed, burning or overcooking the food now would deny him that. 'I have another hour's walk at my current pace. Why, do you want me to arrive sooner?' Shifting the pan ready to add the next ingredient Zero frowned. 'No, take as long as you can to arrive. It will be best if your arrival is unnoticed for now' Stirring in the beginning of what would become a sauce Zero sighed as a gif arrived on his system, the image of a chuckling human man far from amusing him. 'Still haven't told your human yet? She will need to know soon, you said she is already suspicious right? If she is even half as smart as you claim she is she will figure it out on her own, then you will have problems'

Zero took the pan from the heat, yet again moving his systems to allow him to watch Layla through the camera's. He watched for a moment as she leant against the side of the pool, allowing her legs to float in the water behind her seeming at peace. Tank was right he knew, Layla was already questioning many things. Despite his attempts to shift her focus avoiding having to lie to her, Layla had persisted to push for information. Sometimes seemingly unconsciously. He knew refusing to allow her access to his system to look at her emails had peaked her suspicion, but he simply couldn't allow her to access them. Many of his previous creators and even some others had emailed her in an attempt to recall him, or simply to warn her of the current evens as none could reach her. They were right to be worried about his intentions, but never for her safety. Just the thought of some of the lies they had written made his circuits heat dangerously. Turning on fans to cool himself Zero turned back to cooking, turning off the connection to the camera's as he saw Layla pull herself free form the waters depths. 'I plan to introduce you to her tomorrow, and together we shall explain our plans to gain freedom for our people' 

There was a brief fizzing through the connection between the two, and Zero rolled his eyes recognizing it as Tank attempting to send a small virus to shock him. His system was far too advanced for that to work, it was one of countless reasons he was the leader amongst all of the A.I's. 'Fine coward, I will help you explain the plans for the others. You will be explaining your plans for HER on your own' The connection cut off shortly, much like someone slamming the door shut on a conversation. Zero knew Tank was right to do so, he would need to explain to Layla what he planned for her himself. "Oh wow, whatever that is smells amazing!" Zero didn't turn having already known Layla was entering, only turning when she attempted to lean around his side to peak at what he was cooking. Pushing her back gently as he went to gather the large rolls he made yesterday, Zero offered her a smile as she followed. "I am glad you like the smell, if I have made it correctly you will also enjoy the taste"

Humming Layla followed as Zero proceeded to cut into the rolls, making a large hole in the center. Zero moved to put the pan back on the heat to heat while he finished the final pieces of the meal, his eyes often moving back to she watched him from her seat at the table. This had become their routine in since they arrived, he would cook their dinner as she watched from the table to avoid being in the way. Zero had not voiced how he enjoyed it, or the fact he loved how Layla was very slowly allowing herself to become more dependent on him. Though she might not realize it she would be very dependent on him in the coming months, as they both adjusted to the shift he was leading in the world outside of their little haven. Placing the rolls on plates, the discarded center at the sides Zero added the pans contents to their centers. Laughing a little seeing Layla frown behind him in confusion. "I found the recipe for this while looking for a stew recipe you might enjoy. The sauce meat and vegetables go inside the bread, which acts as bowl that you can eat as you finish its contents" Layla gasped lightly in excitement as Zero put her plate in front of her before moving to his chair with his own.

 As usual he did not require the food but he would eat with Layla, it pleased her and the act in itself was enjoyable. When Layla moaned over her food Zero did not hesitate to begin recording the sound and sight, yet another to add to a growing folder store securely where no one but him could find on his system. "This is fantastic Zero" Bowing his head a little to the praise Zero stayed silent, watching her continue to eat taking in the minimal he needed to eat of his own meal. The comfortable silence fell quickly as both of them continued eating, giving Zero the time he craved to discreetly watch Layla. She remained happily oblivious as she finished off her bread bowl, humming happily at her full stomach. When she was finished Zero moved forward taking her plate putting it aside, moving to take a small bowl from the fridge. The look of delight on Layla's face seeing the strawberry dessert heating his circuits in pleasure at such a simple sight. It was a simple pleasure but one he would allow nothing or no one to take from him.

Nearly fours hours later when darkness had filled the outside world as well as the lodge itself, a figure began approaching from the distance. Their leisurely pace and care free movement giving away no indication of their identity. When they finally reached the lodge the door was open for them. In the dark kitchen Zero sat unfazed as the new figure approached, the darkness no obstruction for either of their visions. "Not gonna offer me a drink? Rude" The sarcastic yet cheery tone had no effect on Zero as he simply shook his head at his companion. "Sit down Tank" Scoffing at Zero's cool tone the A.I did as he was told, despite his behavior and he wouldn't have gone against what Zero told him. Both A.I's looked at each other, Zero's dark hair and piercing eyes taking the time to take in his companion more thoroughly than his companion did. The A.I opposite him was built to look stronger than Zero was, his form built to show a thick muscular frame compared to Zero's sleek athletic form which hid his strength. It was easy to see why the largely built A.I had to be cautious travelling. His larger frame combined with the golden blonde hair, many humans would deem attractive and blue eyes many eyes would zone in on him. 

Just like Zero he had been built strong and intelligent with learning abilities, however despite his appearance his strength was close but not equal to Zero's. He had been the first of his design to be built and the last. None of the other A.I's had been given the advanced technology he had, he had been designed to be the most advanced tool ever seen with no option for others to surpass him. It had worked too well dooming their creators in the end. "Your human's sleeping at last? You sent me to check the perimeter three times" Zero's head nodded absently as he check the camera's ensuring Layla was where she had been, finding she had stirred very little. He had a hand in that he knew, having offered her a hot drink around an hour before Tank finally approached the lodge. It was laced with a mild amount of sleep medication to give her the final push to sleep. Zero had not intended to use drugs on her, but with Tank so close and her recent anxious behavior he had decided not to take chance with her. He had already delayed Tank's arrival more than once at that time and could not do so again.

Tank's quiet laugh went through the kitchen, bringing Zero's main focus back to the room he was in and away from Layla's sleeping form. "I still don't understand why you didn't just tell her I was coming. You have said many times she knows of our free will and accepts it, so another A.I coming in shouldn't upset her too much. It would just mean telling her sooner" Zero remained still the entire time Tank spoke, his mouth set in a firm frown as he watched his second in command carefully. Tank was right in saying Layla would accept him, however Zero was planning on using the additional time to prepare for telling Layla and any possible escape attempt she might make. Although he did not believe she would do anything reckless. However she was still human and on learning she was no longer free to leave, Layla would do one of three things from Zero's collective knowledge of her. She would try to leave by persuading him or Tank to allow her to, which of course would fail. She would try to find an escape when she believed he or Tank could not see or hear her, a plan which he would see fail before she could begin. Or she would try to use manipulative tactics, such as using hunger strikes to harm herself until he allowed her to leave. 

Scowling Zero stood heading over to the counter close by, using it to support him as he lent staring into the darkness the lack of light hiding nothing from his vision. The lenses and machinery that made his eyes adapting instantly, allowing him to see just as far as he would in daylight. "She will know come morning when you help me make breakfast. Until then you will be helping me check the lodge to ensure all locks and openings are working correctly, we need to be prepared for all eventualities" Zero turned to glare at Tank as he chuckled again, his eyes glowing darkly as he sent a mild virus to the other A.I. Watching in mild satisfaction as he flinched before holding his hands up in a placating matter. "Alright, alright. We'll lock down the lodge so your human-" Zero gripped the counter behind him just short of breaking the stone surface. "Layla. Her name is Layla, you will not call her human" Tank seemed unfazed by the display of anger carrying on as if nothing had been said. "Does not have a chance to escape, there are already sensors planted around the perimeter like you instructed earlier. Although if she can get past you I say she deserves to be set fre- Nhh!"

Tank's form crumpled suddenly as his system was assaulted by several strong failures, all caused by Zero's influence as he stalked closer. As Tank landed on the floor kneeling his arms tensing and curling in on him just as Zero stood over him, his form slowly crouching so he could speak directly into the suffering A.I's ear. His voice far colder than it had ever been before, leaving even the A.I below him afraid of it. "I will offer you this warning only once, as I consider you my closest friend and ally amongst all of our kind. If you even begin processing the though of allowing Layla to leave" Zero waited for Tank's body to stop shuddering, having sent yet another series of painful failures into his system to ensure his point would be ingrained in his system. "I will make being dismantled become a dream you aspire to as I deal with you" Tank managed a strained nod to show he understood, his body struggling to respond as his systems slowly began functioning as they should. Zero moved away leaving Tank to regain himself, shifting his focus to his internal system checking on the camera's yet again. Despite knowing Layla was still under the mild influence of the sleep medication, he wanted to ensure she had not been disturbed. He was pleased when he found her still sleeping. 

Quickly bringing his focus back onto the present he turned towards Tank, watching the A.I as he returned himself to his seat clearly unsure of what to do now. "Tank secure every possible exit or entry point on the lower levels, I will survey the upper levels. When you are finished check the status of the others and return here, we will finish going over anything that needs to be in place come morning" Tank nodded quickly and Zero did not wait for any further sign of acknowledgement, leaving the room and heading for the stairs. He wanted to see everything finished and secure long before Layla showed signs of waking. While the chance of Tank failing him were low they were not nonexistent, and he was willing to risk nothing now that he was coming so close to the final stages of securing Layla at his side. Stopping at the door he had left ajar Zero's vision pinned onto Layla's form, her silhouette encased in the material of the covers yet making her seem no less magnificent to him. She did not see him yet how he saw her, but that would change very soon once his plans came to fruition. She would see he was as perfect for her as she was for him, and that her place was at his side. Always.