Angel and I- Chapter 3 (10/2/2015) RukaKuro collab

[kuro808]

A/N: This is a rather interesting thing for me.  I'm not a big fan of SciFi (whoever does read my writings will see that).  However, I had left it out there that I would be taking collab ideas   Yes, how intriguing for me to do that   Anyways, this was something that was placed together when Ruka had took the call and I made this prologue.

Kinda underwhelming and yes I don't like placing pairings into the title.  Although some people may guess endlessly for it but it'll be the same thing as always when it comes to me being mysterious
 
Prologue

All I remembered were the eyes.

Since the fall of the modern civilization, we had turned to cyborgs.  As a company, Akiba Holdings, had acquired the rights into making the creatures.  The scientists were there to make prototypes.  I was the one overlooking the project in itself.  I was generally happy with the designs but the bosses were less than pleased with them.  My team toyed with them.  Making them useful to adapt to human culture while humans could stay in the safety of their homes.

The management saw it differently.  After the fourth rejection, I remembered the group, dejected but smiling, came with an idea to go rogue.  The blueprints were in our possession and downloaded with the codes to hide them through security.  Under the watchful eyes, we managed to pick off each of them.  The workers were laid off bit by bit until we were the only ones left of the dilapidated company.

The rogues, as we were called, developed guards for our new found company.  We believed in the peaceful manners as we decided on less than violent beings.  Many were 180 centimeters or taller as rigid men to patrol with us.  We protected our goods until another company had infiltrated our system running everything amuck.

I remembered having one of them with a non-sourced software installed, separate from the rest.  I toyed with it as it battled the fellow beings.  My colleagues were destroyed by them only leaving me to fend off them as we battled until the cyborg ran out of juice.  Without a power source, I was doomed to battle for myself and nullifying them with elements of the street.

Then, the one day I remembered the eyes turning red.  My heart stopped instantly as a smile came onto my face.  I created the monsters but the only one left was in a room.  My niece had stopped by yesterday, admiring such things.  I told her, “Beware of the red eyes.”

She pursed her lips, “I know uncle.  I know.  You told me.  My parents died because of them.”

I knew she would understand.  The pain had been brief as I felt my body slam onto the pavement.  It was quick when they strike people for the kill.  Now, I can feel the rain come to wash me away to the river that created me.  I hoped that a book can now carry on the effects of my work.  I closed my eyes to enjoy my last swim with my colleagues.  It’ll be fun…

[Cometerz48]

YOU TWO BETTER GET THIS FIC ROLLIN CAUSE I'M SCREAMIN AND SUBSCRIBIN'!!!!!!!!!!


*fanfic fangirl screams*

[kuro808]

YOU TWO BETTER GET THIS FIC ROLLIN CAUSE I'M SCREAMIN AND SUBSCRIBIN'!!!!!!!!!!


*fanfic fangirl screams*

Yeah we should get around to it soon enough

Chapter 1

“God!”

My chest burned as I saw the change in the eyes.  Uncle had been right about them.  I should have stayed in school today.  Looking inside the room, the usual suspect had glanced out the window with her knees crunched into her chest.  My steps heave upon the wooden floors, creaked as her head popped up.

“Hilary did it again!”  The female called out.  “I can’t believe she did it again.”

Hearing the whining in her voice had been normal.  I walked back to the kitchen as I pressed up to my stomach, feeling the noise as usual.  It was the battle for food that had me worried other than hearing the frustrations of a minor incident.

"Jeez… Calm down Yuka.”  I said in silence, letting my eyes key around the room.  “Hilary is meant to keep you on your toes.  You can overcome her pranks.  She only wants your expressions to come out.”

Watching her relax her legs, Yuka pulled her body to the corner.  I took her in because of the chaotic world outside.  Since the invention of the cyborg culture, they had been taking over the town slowly.  Many were still welcoming but they were also controlled by whoever could possess their power.  I quickly learned that the slow progression had taken over the city.

The knocking brought me out of my state and held up my hand up to Yuka as I saw the envelope.  My name was written on the front as the area was abandoned before closing the door and locking it behind me.  Finding the crease in the envelope, I slid the finger across of it as Yuka peered over.  A white paper with a brown water mark etched into the right corner appeared in front of me as I scanned it.

"My dear niece, Mako. If you are reading this now, it means I have left this world."

The first sentence crushed my heart.  It was uncle.  He had lent this house when I needed shelter after the cyborgs overran the town I had been living in.  The city was harder to conquer based on size and bringing me into the city was a better choice than to survive in the outskirts.  It was only a letter at first that guided me here with a bag of clothes before the house was destroyed by them.

"I remember the last time I saw you. You were still young, you didn't have a care in the world, no need to worry about this twisted reality. Now, I'm afraid there's no escape. Once you finish reading this, there's no turning back. You'll have to fight, now, or you'll die."

I felt my heart stop briefly as Yuka peered over my shoulder as I extended my elbow out as my brain consumed the words.  It had been a while and my first thought was to run until I couldn’t.  It was natural to do so in case of whatever would come my way.  My uncle now has told me to fight but with no weapons, there was no way to do so without sacrifice.

"I made something for you, it will protect you in my place. It's kept in the basement of the house you're living in. Please, live on for me."

My eyes turned to the place I was told to not go to when I visited him here.  I heard it was his room with the studies.  My brain ached to understand why he would want me to fight but I had to trust him regardless.  Closing the letter, my feet brought me to the darkened area away from the window.  Yuka’s heavy footsteps behind me brought the curiosity to follow me.

“I have to go alone.”  I said as she stood at the top watching me head down the wooden steps.

“I’ll be here if you need me…”

I didn’t nod to it but the rancid smell had perfumed into my nose and pulled me closer as the door warped into the unusual shape as it opened slowly, hearing the hinges pop.  My hand reached out to feel for a switch but the bare walls gave off an unusual sensation like a vibration echoing from the walls.  My fingers were feeling the warm walls before the cold area, made me step back as the dust flew up as the hands braced my fall.

I felt the string above me, laying over my head, tugging on it hard as the light illuminated the area.  The white sheet was over something as I saw the note for me.  My hand reached out and pulled it off seeing the youthful appearance of the item.  The cold surface of the human-like item made me ponder over the situation when the eyes flew open.

I saw it blink before coming to its feet.  I watched it tilt its head as the female-like features caught my eyes.  It blinked a few times before its lips thinned out and curled the corners upwards.

“Master?”  The shrill in its voice called out to me.

“I’m not…”  I hesitated.

“Master!”  She squealed.

She hugged me tightly with a smile and glared at me. I saw the red eyes.  She wasn't human. She was one of them, a cyborg. But, they turned deep blue with a silver ring around the pupils like a moon in the morning sky.  She fixed her lips intently peering into my eyes

"Master, I've waited so long to meet you! I'm so happy!" She said with a giggle.

"I-I..." I looked at the note that was still in my hands and unfolded it.

"This cyborg girl is named, Naanya. I've been experimenting with her in private so she can protect you from the evil cyborgs. I programmed her with emotions and knowledge about human culture so she can blend into the environment. Please take care of her."

"I... don't know what to say."  My voice grew hoarse as I glanced upstairs.

"Kojimako, is everything okay down there?!" Yuka yelled from above.

"Yeah, I'm coming!" I said, moving towards the stairs. I looked back at the cyborg girl who simply tilted her head. "Come on."

She grinned towards me as I extended my hand and felt the instant pain.

"Not so tight!" I growled as I noticed the childlike snickering towards me.

She loosened the grip as we proceeded towards the stairs, guiding through a brief darkness between the sunlight from above and the lamp from the basement as I opened the door.

Seeing Yuka’s face was somewhat intriguing as the cyborg stood to my side with an uneven smile.  I had to assume fear was in Yuka’s mind as she stepped back when we simultaneously took a step forward.

"Uhh... who is that?" Yuka stuttered.

"Her name is Naanya. My uncle made her for me. So… basically, she's my protector… or something, and… I guess I'm her master..."  I explained, watching Yuka’s expression change to comforting position.

Her eyebrow twitched, "Well, that's... new.  We have a cyborg?"

I looked and saw Naanya was eyeing Yuka, bringing the suspicion upon meeting the new being.  Naanya reached out and pressed up to her arm before moving to her face and pushing her cheeks together.

I quickly reassured her, “Don't worry, Yuka's my friend."

Naanya released her grip, showing a change in her expression as Yuka quickly nodded.

"Then, any friend of Mako's is a friend of mine. Yuka, was it? Nice to meet you," she held out her hand for Yuka to shake it.

"Nice to meet you," she said. "Ah, actually, since you're here, there's something I've always wanted to know."

"What?"  Naanya questioned, tilting her head forcefully.

"I was curious... since cyborgs used to be human, what was your life like before you… y'know, became a cyborg?"

Naanya's smile disappeared.  I watched the cyborg closely as she turned to me letting out a sigh.

"Ah, I-I hope I didn't strike a nerve or anything! I don't want it to be anything personal…" Yuka chuckled, holding her hands up

"No, it's just... I don't remember my past life. When I was programmed, I lost all my memories."  Naanya explained, hanging her head.

Yuka's expression changed, observing the frustration running from Naanya’s face. "Oh... I see. I'm… sorry for that."

She shook her head. "It's okay."

After an awkward silence, Yuka walked to the door and gripped the handle.  Moving her hand side to side, she bowed her head swiftly and left the house.  I thought about her often when she did leave as I saw someone pop out from the across the street as Yuka ran across.

“Shall we go shopping?” I asked the cyborg girl.

“Food?  I’m hungry for sweets.”  Naanya widened her eyes, leading the way out from the house.

Food was what I had wanted for a while and knowing now I have protection, it had brought a sense of ease from getting chased by rogue cyborgs in the streets.

We arrived at the grocery store and I looked through the list of food I prepared. Because I was afraid to leave the house, I usually got my food delivered, so this place is like a huge maze.

I saw that Naanya was still looking around suspiciously at everyone, searching for rogue cyborgs. I told her to calm down and continue to help me.  We did everything quickly before walking up to the cashier.  The eyes turned from a chestnut to red before glancing at Naanya.  It turned back as it got scanned and bagged without a word exchanged.

The streets were bare of people as we headed out as I saw her blue eyes scan around the area.  I grew curious and took a few steps forward, having a heavy arm whack me into the chest bringing my momentum back to the steps.  Naanya took a few steps forward and kicked the rock in front of us into a manhole before seeing the cloud of red smoke.

“They’re near.”  Naanya warned.

“Where?”  I asked, looking around, gripping the bag in hand as Naanya stood beside me as our eyes slowly searched every spot around us.

The breeze was brief as I leapt to the side as Naanya placed her hand up to her face.  She threw her other hand over and gripped the person, throwing it to the ground.  She left the arm extended before a pop had echoed in the air.  The red eyes went to a dull gray as I looked over the lifeless being.

“We must take the life source.”  Naanya muttered, launching her fist into the windpipe before seeing the eyes glow red before turning to a coal color.

“What is it used for?”  I questioned, scratching my head.

“These cyborgs are rouge warriors that want to obtain a new master so they’ll take other cyborgs and plant their chips into their masters.  Since, I was your uncle’s creation, the chip didn’t have to be planted but just recognized through the memory sensor in my drive.  All I know was it was coded and supplemented by him.”  Naanya calmly explained before gripping my hand.

“We must head home before another one comes out to attack.  They sense humans quicker when they are clueless.”

Hearing Naanya’s explanation, I knew I had to be on my toes at all times as we pace back to the house and opened it to someone sitting on the front porch.  The long, black hair and wide eyes gave away its gender before it spoke.  Naanya stood in front as she let out a signal before the being twitched.

“Oww!”  It yelped.

“Come inside.  We are going to help you.”  Naanya smiled as we all entered, closing the door behind us as I turned to the kitchen.

“Kojimako-chan, meet me downstairs.”  Naanya said, hearing the footsteps as I began to ponder over what that cyborg was doing in front of the door.

[kuro808]

A/N: I have to apologize from this point on as this fic will not be updated until a bit later as I (Kuro) is going on a trip... (Gomen ne)  I'll maybe throw a chapter if I can get access somehow but most likely it will not be updated

Anyways Chapter 2

Chapter 2

My eyes scanned around the kitchen, placing each of the items into the open cupboards.  It had been some time that the cupboards were filled with something other than the wood backings.  Hearing the yelps from below, I ran downstairs with Naanya staring down upon the female’s body.  The shirt was torn open exposing her chest to us but Naanya placed her hand over it.

“The life source is still within her and the chip of her master is still present.”  Naanya reported.

“Where would you think the master would be?”  I asked.

“She abandoned me.”  The cyborg growled.  “She didn’t want to take care of me because I continued to correct her every mistake.”

The words came with the intense passion.  I wondered if cyborgs could kill off their masters.  The thought had brought my mind into a standstill as Naanya threw a glance in my direction, “Eh?”

“I think there is someone at the door…”  She said softly as the other cyborg let off a lengthy explanation as the knocks grew louder as I proceeded up the stairs.

My concern grew as I tended to be cautious but Naanya probably would have sensed the danger earlier and wouldn’t leave me to attend to such trivial matters.  My hand gripped the knob and turned it to a female with twin tails in a pink, puffy dress.  My mouth instantly saw the hand curl up to a fist as she proceeded inside.

“Where’s my cyborg?”  She asked.

The twitching of her eyes gave away the obvious but I pursed my lips and closed the door behind us as I turned to the kitchen.

“Where is she?”  She asked again, elevating her voice towards me as I poured out the room temperature water from the clear bottle.

“I’m wondering who you are first before allowing you to know the answer.”  I said as she pounded the table.  Her face turned into molten color as I placed the glass aside.

“I just want!  My cyborg!”  She growled when Naanya tilted her head with the other being standing beside her with her eyes coal black staring at us.

“I’m sorry master for running away.”  She bowed.

“Nana-chan!”

Hearing the girl squeal as she squeezed the other being, bringing the color back to the cyborg.  I placed the glass onto the table with Naanya approaching me as she proceeded to take a seat upon the counter.  My eyes suddenly turned when she snapped her head.

“She had a backdoor virus installed onto her.”  Naanya sighed.  “Nana had no idea who she was and kept doubting herself until she finally ran away when her master wasn’t paying attention to her.  I solved it when I ran a diagnostic with your uncle’s machine.  I think it came from the outlet…”

“How do you do that?”  I pondered.  “Also, outlet?”

“It is actually quite simple…”  She smiled as the two walked over.

“Thanks for finding her…  Something must have made her sick and came to you guys.”  The female grinned.  “I’m Miki.  Nishino Miki.”

“I’m Kojima Mako.  You can call me Kojimako and this is Naanya, the one who found her.”  I introduced the cyborg and me when Nana bowed to us.

“Nana at your service.  Thanks for doing that.”  The cyborg tilted her body forward.  “I heard virus and it must have come from Miki’s computer since she plugs it into the surge which leads to the whole house rather to an independent outlet.  The electrical signals can pulse differently and reason for an independent outlet is to…”

“Avoid electrical interference unless you develop a field of protection like what we have downstairs.”  Naanya added.

Our sight turned to the door when the loud bang caught our attention.  Naanya pointed toward the common room as the two proceeded there as I took the other window when my eyes caught the last moments of the person in front of the house.  Its eyes were red as it shot a glance towards the house before running off into the main artery back into the town.

“Contract killing.”  Naanya analyzed.  “The mark on its forearm…”

“What about it?”  I asked with my curiosity at a high.

Naanya inhaled the air around us when Nana ran out to meet us by the window, “The contract killings are from the yakuza or the government.  I figure they would try to take control by scaring off the folks within the town.  The wealthy individuals were given cyborgs as protection so I’m bound to Miki until I lose my life force.  Naanya was kind not to destroy it but fix it.  Anyways… it is what I gathered from the last download years ago.”

“Years?”  My head tilted.

“It would make sense.”  Naanya added.  “The cyborgs were programmed to be updated to a system of news outlets but they must have been destroyed by one or both factions.”

Nana nodded, “Cyborgs are easily programmed with the right people and could kill upon contact.  Many are just dysfunctional with the modern program so they only go by what they know and just survive based on their life source.  The intelligence mechanism or our brains were programmed to be like humans before the revolution had happened.  In conclusion, the rogues can plug and play at any time.”

“That’s the mumbo jumbo I have to go through…”  Miki grunted.

The words were making me dizzy.  I wasn’t assured of anything when my parents had died on the spot.  My uncle probably had the same fate when they finally met the creator.  My head drew a blank when I felt something hold me in an inclined position.  My eyes turned to see Naanya’s smile.  I felt my chest puff up as I managed to get my legs back.

“What are we going to do?”  I asked calmly as the two glanced at each other.

The question was heavy to them.  It weighed upon my head, realizing how much weight had been placed on their shoulders.  I patted them to comfort the concern as they flashed smiles towards me.  I wasn’t the type to catch on easily but the emotions of people had made me want to react quickly.  I saw Miki turn towards the window as her eyes narrowed towards the lifeless being.

“Do you know…?”  I began.

“That was a bodyguard of mines… they usually don’t get protection.  He was probably trying to find me and got caught up with a rogue cyborg, I assume.”  Miki answered, shrugging her shoulders.

My throat dried up hearing about that.  It felt like that we had to rid of the rogues but the opportunities were vast that they could attack and even with one, we couldn’t face them all.  I thought about if Naanya was meant to be a mission for us to take on such things but the one concern was our numbers.  My boy twitched feeling a tap upon my shoulder as Naanya stood in front of me.

“Do you think we should escort the two home?”  She asked as I saw the waning sun from the buildings.

“It’s a good idea.”  I answered as they followed us out of the house.
My heart wrestled in my chest as I scanned around the barren streets.  The last time I remembered being out during a sunset was when the incident happen.  It sparked the rule to stay indoors when it reached a certain time and the alarm had blared across town.  I stared out wondering what had happened as the noise echoed in my ears.

“Is something wrong?”  Naanya asked.

“Nothing just something in my ears.”  I replied quickly as the silence between us had grown.

Miki ran towards the gate and grabbed Nana with her as she ran off.  The sun was heading for its hiding spot as we paced back the path to the house.  Yuka had given us a wave from across the street as the smoky-eyed creature nodded towards us.  Naanya narrowed her eyes as I saw flash of red briefing the moment.  I turned back to see the empty porch.

“Your friend isn’t in trouble now but we shall wait.”  Naanya reported.  “Don’t fret yet.”

Seeing her smile had brought a concern into my mind.  What trouble would she be in with the creature?  Was it a cyborg?  Naanya opened the door and headed to the kitchen as she gripped the plug by her hip.  I hadn’t seen the plug before but I wondered how fully charged she would be at any point in time as she turned back to the window.

“I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”  Naanya nodded as I made a sandwich with the cheap soy spread and ate it as she continued down.

I grabbed a plate and followed her to the basement as she closed her eyes.  The outlet was slightly bigger than the usual with black and yellow stripes.  I turned toward the bed and slipped under the blanket as my head gently fitted into the pillow before my eyes gave into rest.

[kuro808]

A/N So we're back after a Japan trip and a brief sickness we're back   So we can get chapter 3 rolling with no title

Chapter 3

My eyes shot open, feeling something press against my cheek.  I wasn’t sure to yell but she smiled back instantly.

“Ohayou!”  She greeted.

“Ah Ohayou!  What are you doing up?”  I asked.

“Um… I never had made breakfast before and I had a thought about it.”  Naanya replied, snickering at the thought.  “It is weird isn’t it to eat to break a fast…”

My head tilted to her words.  My mind drew a blank thinking about it but it had been the usual concept of my mind not being ahead of the timing as I glanced around.  The clock ticked past 9ish as I jumped out and saw the outside was still clear of people.  I hadn’t considered that I had continually remembered a day when people were walking freely.  It seemed distant in my mind as I lowered myself to the floor.

“Are you okay?”  Naanya asked.

“I’m good.  I’m not hungry either so I can pass for breakfast.”  I smiled.  “Don’t worry for me.”

“I’m your cyborg though.”  Naanya spoke.

She had picked it up quickly.  I smiled and nodded as I headed to the bathroom to clear my head.  My eyes turned around hoping she wouldn’t follow me in and locked the door.  Letting the pressure go, I came to the thoughts of people when the cyborgs were shown.  The flaws were not known but once they had been discovered, the usage grew as I shook it off to finish up my business.

“You okay, Mako-chan?”  Naanya knock on the door.

“I’m fine.”  I yelled, flushing the toilet and rubbing my hands under the water before wiping it on the worn cloth.

Walking out, I pondered over the situation, standing outside as I turned to Naanya.  “What shall we do?”

“I’m thinking of the park.”  Naanya curled the corner of her lips.

I slanted my eyes towards her.  Park in these conditions, I thought she had lost a few screws on the sleep but had another thought that she had something to consider at the park.  My mind ventured to the idea as my head nodded to her as she clapped her hands together.  The questions that seem to run through my mind was the consideration of getting others but Naanya went ahead and scanned the porch.

“It’s clear.”  She announced as I followed her out to the street.

“Why the park?”  I asked, tilting my head.

“I wanted to play outside for a bit.”  She giggled.  “You seemed concerned.”

My lips pressed together tightly.  It was a bit loose on her part but she guided me to the park behind the building with a jungle gym and a swing set, two side by side.  She ran to one and sat as I paced behind her and gripped the cold metal.  My body experienced a chill up my spine as my eyes swayed, watching behind me.

“Push me, Mako-chan.”

Hearing Naanya, I gave a firm push as it started to sway.  My strength seemed to be at full as I saw her go up and the sound the squeaking strained my ears.  My hand went up and felt her back, pushing her again.  I still felt a fear running through my body.  The voice beyond the laughter caught me as Naanya finally caught my concern and dragged her feet.

“It is of no harm.”  Naanya stated in a firm voice.

“Article 46. The term of office of members of the House of Councilors shall be six years, and election for half the members shall take place every three years.”  The voice shouted.

“What is it saying?”  I asked.

“I’m not sure.”  Naanya turned and shrugged.

“Article 47. Electoral districts, method of voting and other matters pertaining to the method of election of members of both Houses shall be fixed by law.”  The voice shouted again as it came from the bush.

“You sure it isn’t going to harm us?”  I questioned when it shook its head.

“Ah hello.  I’m Natsuki.  You can call me Nakki.  I’m an information bot that went into hiding here.  I was used as a resource for university before the cyborgs came.  That one is a cyborg though.”  The high-pitched squeal caught both of us off-guard.

“I heard of them… They were of usage hundreds of years ago.  How did you manage to survive?”  Naanya recalled as the bot jolted its head to the side.

“I was made with titanium and a battery that wouldn’t rust.  One of a kind.  Although the only thing I know is the Japanese constitution.”  Nakki smiled forcefully.

My throat felt dry hearing about the situation.  Naanya further explained that the bots were destroyed when the cyborgs took over the land.  Nakki had been lucky for the time being and probably was the last of its kind running around and hiding in the park’s bush.  I pondered how it could have survived the long period between then and Naanya reached out for its hand.

“You feel rather cold.  I think you could use some warmth.”  Naanya nodded as Nakki followed us back to the house.

Naanya took Nakki down to the basement as I waited above.  The gentle breeze blew by as my mind ventured off to the greenery of the field.  It was when I had a bunch of flowers in my hand for mother and I wrapped them when a sharp pain forced me to release the bunch and seeing the red stream from my thumb, I threw into my mouth when the helper came with a bandage and wrapped my finger.  Often I felt the ache of it before seeing the smile had soothe my concerns.

“Okay… she should be able to recharge.”  Naanya smiled.  “Anyways.  Nakki is truly one of a kind that she had survived this long.  The parts are old and outdated but whoever had built her had updated her up until recently.  I may fear the worse though.”

I nodded to the idea as my stomach urged my attention when I grabbed the usual items and made it in front of Naanya and smiled before munching into it.  The food brought instant happiness as Naanya would grin towards me.  I couldn’t show my true intentions but I felt calm that Naanya probably would see it eventually.  Taking the last bit, I swirled it in my mouth as the flavor began to savor within the cavity before swallowing it whole.

“Any place else?”  I smiled.

“I think grocery shopping would do.”  Naanya thought as I pointed to the cupboard.  “I feel like soup should be in your diet.”

She ran out through the door as I pondered over the situation.  She was becoming active or something had been in her system that is programming her to go further and the last time, she had managed to win over the clerk but she turned to the other street where the thick crud had been layered over the concrete.  I watched her turn to the wall and saw a laser come out and scanned her eyes before the brick wall opened a tunnel.

“Come in.”  Naanya greeted as we both came in and entered into a market atmosphere.

“What is this place?”  I gasped.

“It is an underground market for the people in the know.  It only allows certain cyborgs inside on certain occasions.  It is limited to who is in the know.  The cyborgs that were made had access while the government ones were not meant to be allowed.  All is safe and we can gather up goods and there is a way back to the alleyway by the house.”  She explained as I nodded with the smell of curry entering my nose.

Naanya kept the visit brief and gathered goods with a cup of curry in my possession as she grabbed the woven bag from the vendor before weaving through the crowd.  I pursed my lips as we made the exit as quick as the entrance to the alleyway and pushed through the moldy pathway back to the house.

“When can we go back?”  I asked.

“It may be a while but this can last us for a month and the best part is the filter that comes with it.  It can stop many of the microbes from infecting humans so you can eat in peace.”  Naanya explained as I held the curry in hand and sipped it, seeing the spoon in front of me.  “I forgot about it.”

My mouth had been filled with the spices that have evaded me for months, maybe even a year.  I let out a tear as I nodded my head.

“Is something wrong?”  She asked.

“No.  I’m fine.”  I said as she walked downstairs.  “This is good.”