Chapter 6: A Pampered Prince and a Celestial Secret
I stepped under the bamboo outdoor shower, and the cool water hit me like a slap in the face. I blinked, momentarily stunned, but then a slow grin spread across my face. This is… actually kind of amazing. I tilted my head back, letting the water soak my hair, and felt a sense of relief wash over me. I've been through hell, but this simple pleasure is a reminder that there's still beauty in this crazy world. I chuckled to myself, feeling a little ridiculous for getting so excited about a shower, but I don't care. It's the little things, right?
I recalled a past horror, the day I found myself in a desperate struggle for survival when I was just a humble fly. I was minding my own business, flitting from flower to flower in search of sweet nectar. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming lavender. Life was good. That's when disaster struck. I landed on a tiny droplet of water on the edge of a leaf. I didn't even notice it was there until it was too late. The droplet engulfed my tiny body, and I felt myself being pulled down into its depths. I remembered the panic that set in as I realized I was drowning. My wings flailed wildly, but they were no match for the water's surface tension. I was trapped, unable to escape. Come to think about it, if I had the in-depth emotions I have now, back then, as a fly, I probably would have thought it was over for me. I'd never experience the joy of flying again, never taste the sweetness of fresh fruit, never feel the warmth of the sun on my wings, and look at me now. Taking an outdoor bamboo shower! In a cybercity! The possibilities of living had become endless, and now I certainly refused to give up. I guess temporary wet wings doesn't mean there aren't other ways to fly.
As I was drying off from my shower, I noticed a bunch of tiny bottles and tubes next to my toothbrush. I picked one up, and it said "Facial Cleanser" on it. I chuckled to myself—I was half asleep this morning, and I totally missed these. I decided to give it a try. I read the instructions, and it told me to massage it onto my face, then rinse with warm water. I followed the routine, and it felt... weirdly nice? I mean, I've never really taken care of my skin before, but this is kind of enjoyable. Next, I picked up a tube that said "Moisturizer". I squeezed some out, and it had this cool, creamy texture. I rubbed it onto my face, feeling like a total pampered prince. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I had to say I was looking pretty handsome. I gave myself a cocky grin. "You're a real catch, Terrchel. Who needs saving the world when you can save your skin?" I chuckled at my own joke.
Now that I was feeling like a million bucks, I headed out to the dining room to check out the box that was delivered earlier. I opened it up, and it was full of retro tech clothing and accessories. There was a sleek black jacket with metallic accents, a pair of distressed denim jeans, and a silver chain necklace with a tiny circuit board pendant. I began to dress myself, exuding confidence and authority. I put on the jacket, and it fit perfectly. I adjusted the chain necklace, and it added just the right touch of edginess. As I was finishing up, I noticed a small bottle of cologne on the table. It had a sleek, futuristic design, and it said "Arcadia's Eclipse" on the label. I picked it up, curious, and sprayed some on my wrist.
Whoa. This substance had a delightful aroma, characterized by a rich and smoky scent that was truly impressive. I've never used cologne before, but I'm definitely a fan now. I applied some on my neck, feeling quite confident and stylish. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I had to say—I was looking pretty sharp. The cologne was just the finishing touch I needed. Being human was actually fun to some extent, I guess. I gave myself a nod of approval. "You're ready to take on Arcadia, Terrchel. Bring it on".
I strolled into the hotel lobby, scanning the area for Leghorn's familiar figure. We were supposed to meet up and discuss our next move, but he was nowhere to be found. I let out a low sigh and plopped myself down on a comfy couch, running a hand through my damp hair. I glanced up at the digi-clock on the wall, watching as the minutes ticked by. 9:47. 9:48. 9:49. My patience started to wear thin, and I found myself tapping my foot impatiently on the floor. Where is he? As the clock hit 9:59, I let out a frustrated growl. "Seriously, Leghorn? You're late. Again". Just like when he showed up to the Undergrid amusement park after I already spent the night in agony sleeping on a bench. I stood up, pacing back and forth in front of the couch. My mind started to wander, and I began to overthink things.
Maybe Leghorn ditched me. Maybe he's got better things to do than hang out with me. A familiar knot of insecurity formed in my stomach. Maybe it's because I suggested we be friends. Maybe I scared him off. I let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, that's probably it. I'm just too much for him to handle". I shook my head, feeling a surge of determination. "Screw it. I don't need him anyway". I spun around, heading for the hotel entrance. "I'll just continue my mission alone. I'm Terrchel, after all. I can handle it". As I pushed through the revolving doors, I gave the hotel lobby one last glance. "Later, Leghorn. Maybe I'll catch you around".
Leghorn's POV:
8:25 am. After agreeing to meet with Terrchel in the hotel lobby in 30 minutes, I watched Terrchel head off to the outside shower area, and I took the opportunity to check in with The Light Realm. I dialed into the celestial frequency and connected it to my high-tech gear. This allowed me to send and receive audio in holographic form, combining the swatch abilities with my celestial core energy vibrations. This wasn't something we should do often because if the Arcadians found out how to do this, there would be trouble. Years ago, there was an incident where a war nearly broke out due to the previous president Pedro Abstainace's greed for power, using forbidden celestial energy to build this very city and everything in it. I glanced at my watch, feeling a twinge of guilt for being late with my report. But I had to make sure I had a secure connection—and a bit of alone time. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the inevitable tongue-lashing from General Leghorn. I dialed into the celestial frequency, and my high-tech gear sprang to life. A holographic display flickered on, and I was face-to-face with the formidable General Leghorn. Her piercing gaze made me sit up straight, and I could feel my nerves tingling.
"Leghorn, Commander of the Light Realm, checking in. Do you copy?" I said, trying to sound confident.
General Leghorn's hologram popped up, her expression stern. "You're late for your check-in, Commander Leghorn. Did I not order a report to be sent days ago?" Her voice was firm, with just a hint of annoyance. I swallowed hard, choosing my words carefully but stuttering halfway. "M-m-most c-c-certainly, my lady B-b-but, you see I couldn't get the-the alone time and space to do so discreetly. But I-I assume, seeing that you are the one answering, y-y-you have an important message for me instead?" I said, trying to deflect attention from my tardiness. I had no idea why whenever I was alone with General Leghorn my tongue became wobbly, and this was only a hologram. If she were here, I'd be sweating bullets.
General Leghorn's expression didn't change, but I sensed a hint of curiosity behind her eyes. "Indeed, I do, Leghorn. We've received intel that suggests the Arcadia President Lawrence Abstainace and his patrol are planning something big. I need you to investigate and report back to me ASAP".
"But the kid," I began, "he's expecting me to be by his side today; we made plans."
General Leghorn responded, "That's not her problem. Commander's duties are the mission, not the kid's feelings. And the Arcadians' threat is bigger and takes priority. You can meet up with Terrchel once you're done doing what I requested. Leave at once and don't tell the kid. Knowing him, he would drop his plans for the day and want to accompany you, but he's not ready and needs to do his part separately first. Remember, the balance of the two realms is at risk. Get this done fast, and don't you dare dial me in late again, Sir Leghorn".
I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for having to ditch Terrchel but also wondering why she lowered her tone and called me 'Sir.' She'd never done that before. "Understood, General. I'll leave at once and take care of the mission. I won't inform Terrchel about the change in plans". I paused, feeling a twinge of concern. "But, General, are you sure he's not ready? He's been handling himself pretty well so far".
General Leghorn's expression turned stern. "That's not for you to decide, Commander. Your mission is to gather intel on the Arcadians, not to babysit Terrchel. The balance of the two realms is at risk, and we can't afford to have him getting in the way. Just focus on completing your mission, and let me worry about Terrchel's progress".
I nodded, feeling a sense of duty wash over me. "Yes, General. I'll get it done". I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the task ahead. "I'll make sure to check in on time, too". General Leghorn's hologram flickered off, leaving me to my mission. I glanced at my swatch, feeling a sense of urgency. Time to get to work.