BBT:NH4H --- Chapter 3

Chapter 3

It was dark when they entered the theatre…

No light to guide them as they walked, only NightVis and her goggles were leading them through the darkness. Only when the lights dimly flashed on, were they able to see their surroundings. The walls around them were peeling, ripped from the foundation and hanging, being picked up by the faint breeze. The stench of pee and feet emanated from their surroundings. The glass scattered on the floor creating a sparkling path came from the door that swung open as they entered another connecting hallway.

They walked for a while, without speaking to each other… only when Hatty violently coughed did the mood change.

NightVis adjusted her friend, “See if you can find a kitchen.” She spoke softly in Cylinja’s general direction.

Cylinja glanced over his shoulder to stare at her, nodding his head in response, before turning back and picking up his pace through the realm. They checked each door and room to see what they held or if they would allow entry. They were able to find the infirmary in one area, a dilapidated garden, and a sleeping area in another… but no kitchen. When they stumbled upon a room filled with tables, chairs, and serving stations with the scent of rotting food. NightVis knew they were near their destination.

She shifted Hatty over to Trisassin and walked into the hall connecting the two rooms, finding the kitchen. She was looking around when the others joined her, standing by one of the many counters. She was searching through the cabinets, fridges, and freezers… trying to find something, anything to try and help Hatty’s condition. NightVis eventually located a pot and some items that managed to survive. Turning on the neighboring stove and filling the pot with water and placing it over the heat source, she waited for it to boil.

“You cook?”

NightVis smiled faintly, crimson creeping onto her cheeks. “Yeah,” she began, rubbing the back of her head. “I’ve been wanting to tell you guys, but I never got the chance to.”

“Why is that?”

She sighed, “You guys never gave me a chance to speak up.”

The atmosphere of the room changed, the boys exchanged glances with each other, before looking back at NightVis.

“Sorry about that,”

“Its fine,” She said, as the water gave off steam, allowing the bubbles to pop on the surface. She poured the items into the bath and began to stir it, placing several spices and flavors into it as it cooked.

“Can one of you find a strainer for me and set it over a bowl in the sink?”

Trisassin nodded his head in response, before setting Hatty down on one of the tables and going off to search for what she needed.

Hatty brought his knees up to his chest, holding them in place, shaking and struggling to keep positive.

NightVis’ eyes softened under her goggles, the sight of seeing Hatty like that pulled at her heart. He is trying so hard, but how long will he be able to keep his sunny disposition? She placed the lid over the pot to let it simmer and strolled over to Hatty, placing her hand on his shoulder. She watched as his eyes met with hers, she could see the light in his eyes, fading slightly. She gently rubbed his shoulder to reassure him.

“You’re going to be alright Hatty, don’t worry.” She whispered softly, before going back to the stove and lifting the lid, several aromas filled the room. Eliciting sounds from those in the cloud of scents that enveloped the kitchen.

NightVis smiled, grabbing the pot with a cloth and poured the contents over the strainer and bowl, separating the noodles from the broth and setting the pot in an unused sink. She grabbed the necessary utensils and bowls, placing them on the counter beside her, and soon adding the bowl of broth and noodles to the arrangement. She divided the food equally between the four bowls, before letting Trisassin hand them out to the others.

NightVis took one of the bowls over to Hatty, gently placing it before him, as he adjusted his position.

“This should help,”

They ate together in silence, enjoying the peace around them as they regained their strength.

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A small group of tangerine felines wandered the halls of the theatre. One of them held onto a top-hat shaded in crimson light. They continued to walk, minding their own business, before one of them smelled something, something amazing and immediately followed the scent… causing the others to follow.