A/N

This chapter has re-written twice. First because I didn't like how the first versions of chapters 3-4 turned out, so I combined them. Then I fixed it to match up better with the new Chapter 2.

During the day, and sometimes at night, this realm possessed jobs for those who dwelled there, giving them something to do while they made up for their sins. It was a different job every day, and this day, Aya was tasked with working in the "Beauty and Love" department. The job did not have many tasks: just making sure the general areas were well-kept, and watching over and guiding your loved ones, if you wished…which was just what Aya was doing at the moment.

Not too far behind her, Drusa stood behind a nearby pillar, watching her. Worrying that the gynoid could sense her presence, she stood so her back was completely against the ancient stone, and (hopefully) out of Aya's sight.

Drusa had learned of Aya's presence here in the same afterlife via some records she was asked to sort, and needless to say…she was terrified. One would think it unusual that she would be so hesitant to approach her. After all, the first time they had met in life, immediately she had offered to go with her to "help" her search for a Green Lantern ring that had crashed on Mogo's surface. Seven weeks later, Drusa had even programmed sexual functioning while Aya was her prisoner, becoming the AI's first sexual experience.

So why was it that she couldn't just walk up to her and apologize for all that had happened between them? Certainly her social skills had suffered from lack of adequate interaction with others the years she was trapped on Mogo's surface but with Aya…this was something different. Even the mere thought of her made her heart race with anxiety and her normally clear mind a blur.

Just do it, she thought to herself. Let's just get it over-with.

Taking some deep breaths as she prepared herself, turned to approach her before she could change her mind…but to her alarm, Aya was already right in front of her, glaring at her suspiciously.

"Oh, Aya! Hiii…you're here. Well, this is strange. You and me….in the same afterlife…I mean, I didn't know robots had souls but I wouldn't have thought-"

Aya was not amused. "What do you want from me, Drusa?"

"What? I-nothing." While Drusa's face on the outside remained calm and somewhat downcast, she internally face-palmed. She did want something: to apologize. The whole point of watching her from a distance was to try and prepare herself for any fear or apprehension she would experience approaching. While it seemed like the logical thing to do, Drusa was beginning to think talking to her was a bad idea...they had ended on bad terms...terms that a mere 'sorry' probably wouldn't fix.

A long, awkward silence hung in the air, until Aya finally spoke. "I see. Regardless of whether or not you have some ulterior motive at the moment, perhaps it is fortunate that I have encountered you."

"It is?"

"I believe I may require your services. You are an escape artist, are you not?"

"I…guess so," Drusa responded.

A failed one at that, she thought separately.

"Watching through the Vision Spheres for my loved ones, I have learned that Razer does not think I am dead."

"Who?"

"The Red Lantern who shot you." Aya began to blush. "And…I suppose something of my...boyfriend."

"Oh, him." Drusa pursing her lips slightly, Aya could hear the hint of disapproval in her voice, but needless to say, the robot did not care what someone who was little more than a one-night-stand to her would.

"I cannot stay here. He is looking for me; I must return to him," Aya continued. "My reasoning is if there is a way in, then certainly there is a way to out. And if anyone would have figured a way out, it would be you."

Thinking, Drusa began to pace. "...Well, theoretically, I suppose your best bet would to be to steal one of the ferries, and paddle through the openings back to the real world..."

"Then that is what I will do to leave here."

"I said 'theoretically'," she reminded her quickly. "There are still several risks that accompany that method: getting caught by Reapers, falling into the River of the Dead..."

"I did not think you cared about me."

"What?! No! No…I don't."

A small, amused smile pulled at the corner of Aya's lips.

Drusa glared at her. "All right, fine. Maybe I do care. A little. But only because some horrible accident happening on the ferry river is something I would only wish on my worst enemies. Believe it or not, you don't make the list."

"Your help would not cease at merely showing me the way out…I would prefer it if you helped me through every step of escaping."

"What?"

"You are more experienced in the field of 'escape' than I. If you are truly so concerned about some sort of accident falling upon me, you can lower the chances of that happening by instructing me in what to do."

Drusa stood in silence, her dark gaze in thought as she studied the robot. She could see it in her face she was dead-set on her decision, and there was no changing her mind.

"…All right. It's not like I have anything better to do today."