Chp. 6: Meet Me In The Lobby

I step under the bamboo outdoor shower, and the cool water hits me like a slap in the face. I blink, momentarily stunned, but then a slow grin spreads across my face. This is... actually kind of amazing. I tilt my head back, letting the water soak my hair, and feel 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 chuckle 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 recall the horror! I'll never forget the day when I found myself in a desperate struggle for survival when I was a 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 remember 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 a outdoor bamboo shower! In a cybercity! The possibilities of living has become endless and now I certainly refuse to give up. I guess temporary wet wings doesn't mean there aren't other ways to fly.

As I'm drying off from my shower, I notice a bunch of tiny bottles and tubes next to my toothbrush. I pick one up, and it says "Facial Cleanser" on it. I chuckle to myself - I was half asleep this morning, and I totally missed these. I decide to give it a try.

I read the instructions, and it tells me to massage it onto my face, then rinse with warm water. I follow the routine, and it feels... weirdly nice? I mean, I've never really taken care of my skin before, but this is kind of enjoyable. Next, I pick up a tube that says "Moisturizer". I squeeze some out, and it's got this cool, creamy texture. I rub it onto my face, feeling like a total pampered prince. I look at myself in the mirror, and I've got to say - I'm looking pretty handsome. I give myself a cocky grin. "You're a real catch, Terrchel. Who needs saving the world when you can save your skin?" I chuckle at my own joke.

Now that I'm feeling like a million bucks, I head out to the dining room to check out the box that was delivered earlier. I open it up, and it's full of retro tech clothing and accessories. There's 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 begin to dress myself, exuding confidence and authority. I put on the jacket, and it fits perfectly. I adjust the chain necklace, and it adds just the right touch of edginess. As I'm finishing up, I notice a small bottle of cologne on the table. It's got a sleek, futuristic design, and it says "Arcadia's Eclipse" on the label. I pick it up, curious, and spray some on my wrist.

Whoa. This substance has a delightful aroma, characterized by a rich and smoky scent that is 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 look at myself in the mirror, and I've got to say - I'm looking pretty sharp. The cologne's just the finishing touch I needed. Being human is actually fun to some extent I guess. I give myself a nod of approval. "You're ready to take on Arcadia, Terrchel. Bring it on."

I stroll 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's nowhere to be found. I let out a low sigh and plop myself down on a comfy couch, running a hand through my damp hair. I glance up at the digi clock on the wall, watching as the minutes tick by. 9:47. 9:48. 9:49. My patience starts to wear thin, and I find myself tapping my foot impatiently on the floor. Where is he? As the clock hits 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 stand up, pacing back and forth in front of the couch. My mind starts to wander, and I begin 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 forms 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 shake my head, feeling a surge of determination. "Screw it. I don't need him anyway." I spin around, heading for the hotel entrance. "I'll just continue my mission alone. I'm Terrchel, after all. I can handle it."

As I push through the revolving doors, I give the hotel lobby one last glance. "Later, Leghorn. Maybe I'll catch you around."

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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 in to 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 isn't something we shouldn't 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 glance 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 take a deep breath, preparing myself for the inevitable tongue-lashing from General Leghorn. I dial in to the celestial frequency, and my high-tech gear springs to life. A holographic display flickers on, and I'm face to face with the formidable General Leghorn. Her piercing gaze makes me sit up straight, and I can feel my nerves tingling.

"Leghorn, Commander of the Light Realm, checking in. Do you copy?" I say, trying to sound confident.

General Leghorn's hologram pops 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 is firm, with just a hint of annoyance.

I swallow hard, choosing my words carefully but stuttering half way. ""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 say, trying to deflect attention from my tardiness. I have no idea why whenever I'm alone with General Leghorn my tongue becomes wobbly and this is only a hologram. If she were here I'd be sweating bullets.

General Leghorn's expression doesn't change, but I sense 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, he's expecting me to be by his side today we made plans. General responded that's not her problem commanders duties is the mission not the kids feelings and the Arcadians threat is bigger and takes priority. You can meet up with t'rrch'el once you 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 his not ready and needs to do his part separate first. Remember the balance of The two realm's is at risk. Get this done fast and dont you dare dial me in late again Sir Leghorn.

I nod, feeling a pang of guilt for having to ditch Terrchel but also wondering why she lowered her tone and called me Sir. She's 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 pause, 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 turns 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 nod, feeling a sense of duty wash over me. "Yes, General. I'll get it done." I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the task ahead. "I'll make sure to check in on time, too." General Leghorn's hologram flickers off, leaving me to my mission. I glance at my swatch, feeling a sense of urgency. Time to get to work.

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