The Incubator (Astro Boy X Reader)

Chapter 10: Shock, Fear and Guilt

Sheela's hand was practically frozen to her mouth as she stared at the ground with a fixed look on her face. A lump had form in her throat and she was utterly speechless. Astro and Rae both stood unmoving from their spots and they looked almost nervous with each other.

"So let me get this straight, you found this robot," she began and pointed to Astro, "with a girl who is practically DEAD at this point, in the snow?"

"Actually I found them in Rose's house,"

"That isn't the point! Rae, this girl was found in HIS arms. What if he is with the Ministry? We'll BOTH be at risk." Sheela seethed through gritted teeth. Astro eyed her with a frown while Rae let out a heavy sigh.

"I can confirm he's not with them." Sheela wanted to roll her eyes.

"And how? How can you say for sure?"

"He has Kokoro." Sheela fell silent at his words. Her eyes then flickered over to Astro for a split second before they refocused on Rae. Rae refused for look her in the eye and his hazel eyes were glued to the ground.

"A robot with Kokoro... That shouldn't be possible in this day and age." She stated in a breathless whisper. Rae could only nod his head. The moment Sheela's questioning gaze fell on Astro's figure, he clamped his mouth shut and would not utter a single word. Sheela pressed her lips together into a tight thin line and she grimaced. "There's something that you're not telling me. Would it have something to do with the girl and the robot?"

"I don't have time for questions. I have to get the equipment I need so that I can save this girl!" Rae snapped and immediately moved passed her. Astro pressed his back against the wall and shuffled passed her without tearing his gaze from her. Sheela gave him a cautious eye herself before she followed after the pair.

"You really think I'm just going to let you waltz in here and take whatever you want?" She accused, prompting Rae to stop. He looked back at her from over his shoulder and frowned whilst Astro joined his side. Astro looked between the two before he leaned up to Rae and whispered into his ear.

"Rae, who is she to you exactly?" He questioned. Rae was silent for a moment. He then closed his eyes and scratched his head.

"We, uh, used to work together." He mentioned. This made Sheela laugh.

"You're full of it. Yeah, we DID used to work together, before you became a crook. You just disappeared on me and now look where you are. A quack giving surgery to kids you know almost nothing about." Rae shook his head and he dragged himself across the hallway.

"Would you just be quiet? I don't want to hear anything from you." He grumbled and turned into the surgery room. Astro shrunk back and bit his tongue. Maybe he shouldn't have asked. Sheela marched after him and she dragged him back.

"I am a doctor, I can't just let this go by. Tell me, what's wrong with her?" Rae stopped in his tracks and stayed silent. He then let out a dreary sigh.

"She's a victim of Cryostasis." He revealed. A sharp gasp came from Sheela and she staggered back.

"Cryostasis? What disease did she have to be cryonically frozen? Was it Creutzfeldt? Polio?"

"It's," with a shake of Astro's head, Rae fell silent. Sheela looked between the two and frowned. With a heavy sigh, she decidedly did the pair a favour and dropped it. "Fine, I won't ask anymore. However, at least let me assist you. You will need help getting the instruments you'll need for the operation." Rae gave her a mocking laugh and looked off to the side.

"We don't need your help." Sheela rolled her eyes and rolled her sleeves up.

"Oh yes you will. The two of you weren't exactly quiet when you came down here." She mentioned and walked ahead of the two. Rae grimaced and shuffled after her reluctantly.