The three step off the train and into the station. Today, Teruko, Ginya, and Akira were taking a stop in the Limelight Cell to explore the exotic and rare electronic stores that the cell is known for. Already from just stepping out of the station, small pop up stores litter the streets and allies. Everywhere you look electronics are to be seen. This cell was special because it has it's own emp dome that causes outside interference to not cause harm to the delicate electronics. This emp field is constantly on and is distributed by these big towers scattered throughout the cell. These towers also have giant spotlights attached to them for the night time, hence why it is known as the Limelight Cell.

“So what are we looking for exactly Akira?” Teruko speaks up as the three start roaming the bustling streets of the cell on a clear afternoon.

“The name of the part is not important, but it's function is what we care about.” Akira leads the way while the group follows closely behind.

“It would be nice to know at least what we are trying to find.” Teruko continues to question Akira as their path shifts through multiple allies.

“Well I don't really know what it's called but my friend should be able to help me figure it out.”

Ginya steps into the conversation for the first time since they have left Mooncell Corp. “This project is top secret Akira, you can't tell your friend about our research and what we are developing.”

“Don't worry, I’ll keep quiet about it.”

The three continue down the backstreets of the Limelight Cell. It's surprisingly busy on a Monday afternoon. They try their best to not bump into the people passing by doing their own shopping

“So who’s your friend Akira?”

“And we are here.”

Completely ignoring Teruko’s question, Akira stops in front of a building. From the outside it looks pretty normal with only a big sign above the door with the words “Alfy’s Trinkets and Baubles”. Ginya steps forward in front of Teruko and Akira and wraps his large hands around the door handle and pulls it open, holding it wide open for the two. The two walk into the store with Akira taking the lead.

“Yo Alfy, you here?” Akira softly beckons for his friend in the store as Ginya closes the door behind himself. Sure enough someone pops up from behind the main counter, along with a few springs flying with the person.

“Is that Aki!? It's been a while since you've stopped by!” The woman starts to sprint towards Akira before ruffling his hair. “So what brings you here today? I’m guessing it wasn't just to see me now was it?”

“You've guessed right, I actually need help with something.” The woman stops messing with Akira and looks behind him towards Ginya and Teruko. “What's wrong with you, introduce me to your friends silly.”

“Ah right, these two are Ginya and Teruko, they are tagging along with me today.”

“Well it's nice to meet you both! My name is Lorena Alfonsis, but you can call me whatever you want, even Alfy!” She first shakes Ginya’s hand and then moves towards Teruko. In this brief moment Teruko scans Lorena and makes a few quick notes. Lorena has long green hair with a few streaks of orange in it. It's pinned up in a high ponytail with some random tech. Her face is covered with some light grease from machinery which makes her orange eyes pop. She has some cybernetics running underneath her skin and it's pretty obvious with her mechanical arm. This arm is extended to Teruko. She soon grasps the hand and shakes it firmly. 

“I’m surprised to see a woman with you Aki! So what brings you in today!” Lorena pulls her hand back from the handshake, placing them on her hips in a pose.

“I'm looking for some old tech. Old headwear that reads wavelengths of the mind and its neuron activities.”

As soon as Akira finished his sentence, the answer was clear to both Ginya and Teruko. Akira was getting some more information to perform a deep dive for the cryostasis. 

“Oh an interesting request. I might have something like that. Let me go look real quick.” Lorena runs off to the back, instantly loud thrashing can be heard as she shuffles through the storage. Soon enough Lorena comes back with a box in hand. She slams it down onto the counter in between her and everyone else.

“So what makes you want something this old? Since people can now directly connect to computers with some cybernetic mods, stuff like this is pretty outdated.”

“Well not everyone has those fancy mods, plus I'm not looking to just read info of the brain.” Akira starts to dig through the box with Lorena, playing with things as he goes.

“So I'm taking this as a personal project then?” Lorena pulls out what looks to be a spiderweb helmet with lots of pads on it.

“Yeah, this guy over here is very fascinated with the mind.” Akira points back to Ginya, which surprises Teruko but does not phase Ginya.

“Yes Miss Alfonsis, I have a rich interest in the human mind and its functions.” Ginya quickly and calmly reaffirms this lie Akira is telling.

“This is probably what you want. Definitely some older tech that I just randomly have. I can test it real quick to see if it still works if you want me to.” 

“That would actually be great.”

“Alright sounds good. Ginya, would you like to wear this for me?” Lorena hands the helmet towards Ginya which he accepts and places it on top of his head. 

“I am ready when you are Miss Alfonsis.” Lorena holds onto some of the cords from the headwear and pulls out her own cords from her mechanical arm, connecting the two sets into each other. Her eyes start to glow as soon as the connection is made and she sits there in silence for a moment. Alfonsis runs some diagnostics on the tech before disconnecting herself from it.

“Well, it looks like it's all in working order, and wow Ginya, your mind is pretty clutter free!” Ginya takes the helmet off and hands it over to Akira.

“Thank you Miss Alfonsis.” Akira packs away the helmet in some bag he brought with him.

“I knew you would have just what I needed Alfy, you're a big help.” Alfonsis gives a big thumbs up to everyone with her mechanical arm.

“Anything for my Aki!” Teruko speaks up towards Alfonsis and asks a question that was burning on her mind.

“So how do you two know each other?” Akira speaks up for both himself and Alfonsis. “We grew up in the same cell. We hung out a lot as kids.”

“And we also went to school with each other.” Alfonsis comes up behind Akira and ruffles his hair once again. Akira’s medium length brown hair is an easy target for Alfonsis.

“Ah that makes sense, I have my own group of friends like that. We all went to university together and hung out all the time. Heck I still see them almost every week.” Teruko thinks about both Jun and Jay, two of her closest friends. “One of them runs her own cafe too. Might have to introduce you all to her.” “Sounds like it would be a great time” Akira chimes in.

“Is there anything else I can help ya with Aki?” Alfonsis jumps into the conversation. “No, that was pretty much it. Thanks for the help Alfy.” 

“Of course anytime! You should stop by more you know? I do miss seeing you Aki.”

“Well you know how work is and me with my personal projects, I just don't have time anymore.” Akira scratches the back of his head while he states his reasons.

“I hope whatever you're working on goes well and I hope this is what ya wanted. Oh and all of you can stop by whenever you want! I’d love to see you all again soon!”

“It was nice meeting you!” Teruko Gives a big wave before heading towards the door. Ginya walks in front of both Akira and Teruko and opens the door once more.

“I'll stop by soon okay?” Akira reaffirms Alfy on his next visit. 

“Bye-bye!” Alfy Places her hand on her hips with a smug smile, waving at everyone as they leave. “And I better see you soon Aki!” All three leave the store with Ginya closing the door behind them.

“Man I'm pretty hungry after all that. We should probably get something to eat.”  Akira pipes up as the three walk down the road once more. 

 “Yeah, I think it's lunch time. Let's find some place to sit down.” Teruko starts  to look around at the buildings nearby as she says this. The three continued to discuss where to eat as they continued on with their day.