Starlight

Ethan and Gabe stood slowly, the apartment returning to calm. Ethan checked his TapWatch again, smiling broadly. "The TapWatch network has rebooted," the digital voice announced. "Welcome, Ethan Blade. You now have 10,341 TapCoins available. Welcome, Gabriel Starlight. You now have 10,000 TapCoins available."

The friends exchanged relieved smiles. Ethan chuckled softly, "Let's finish ordering our clothes. We can afford NanoFab now."

Gabe looked intrigued. "NanoFab?"

Ethan activated the NanoFab site, explaining enthusiastically, "It's fabric infused with nanotechnology. Clothes can change style, color, and even repair themselves. It's high-quality and incredibly practical."

Ethan swiftly placed an order. "Place your TapWatch here," Ethan instructed. Gabe complied, intrigued.

"A purchase of 4,137 TapCoins authorized from NanoFab Technologies. Delivery drone dispatched. Gabriel Starlight, your new balance is 5,863 TapCoins. Arrival expected within one hour," the device cheerfully announced. Gabe's eyes widened at the sum.

Ethan shrugged, repeating the action himself. "Trust me, it's worth it. The nanites allow the fabric to heal itself. No more wing tares!" He eagerly repeated to justify the purchase.

"A purchase of 4,137 TapCoins authorized from NanoFab Technologies, Delivery drone dispatched. Ethan Blade, your new balance is 6,204 TapCoins."

They settled comfortably, chatting as they awaited their NanoFab delivery. Ethan took advantage of the downtime to introduce Gabe to navigating Earth's extensive computer systems, aware of Gabe's unfamiliarity.

"You'll need to know how this all works, or you'll stand out like a sore thumb," Ethan explained, fingers swiftly traversing monitors and holographic projectors. He activated an interactive training program designed to familiarize Gabe with basic EarthCorp technologies and customs.

Gabe leaned closer, genuinely curious about Ethan's swift interactions. "So, Ethan," Gabe began casually, watching the digital interfaces flicker across the screens. "I've been wondering—where exactly did you come up with my last name?"

Ethan paused, cheeks flushing slightly as he cleared his throat. "Oh, well...I had to put something into the system. It was a high-pressure moment, you know? And I had no idea what else to use."

Gabe smiled gently, eyebrows lifting in amused suspicion. "I get that. Archangels don't have surnames, of course. But 'Starlight'? Why that particular choice?"

Ethan felt warmth spread across his face, his voice coming out softer than he intended. "Because...well, you glow like starlight. It was the first thing that came to mind."

Gabe chuckled softly, shaking his head affectionately. "Very poetic," he teased lightly. "Thanks, Ethan. I'll try to live up to it." Ethan quickly looked away, focusing overly intently on the monitors to mask his embarrassment when a distant humming interrupted their playful banter.

"Drones," Ethan announced eagerly, grateful for the distraction. Both sprang up and approached the balcony doors, their anticipation palpable. Ethan's wardrobe had always been limited—basic technology was provided by EarthCorp, but clothing was an expensive luxury due to the continued necessity of human textile labor. Ethan's advanced gadgets were the result of meticulous bartering, his hacking and coding skills exchanged for cutting-edge tech.

Two drones approached the balcony, emitting beams of red and green lights. A spotlight activated, scanning the area before a digital voice spoke clearly. "Delivery for Gabriel Starlight. Please confirm receipt on your TapWatch to release the package."

Gabe complied immediately, tapping his watch. "Gabriel Starlight, delivery confirmed," the voice confirmed.

A small box gently dropped onto the balcony. Gabe eagerly moved forward, causing the second drone to sound a sudden alert. "Please stand clear of the delivery area," it warned.

Gabe hastily stepped back, eyebrows raised in surprise. Ethan suppressed a chuckle as the second drone hovered closer. "Delivery for Ethan Blade. Please confirm receipt on your TapWatch to release the package." Ethan quickly tapped confirmation, prompting another announcement. "Ethan Blade, delivery confirmed." The drone buzzed away, leaving the two alone with their deliveries.

They eagerly unboxed the NanoFab clothing, marveling at the fabric's luxurious softness. Ethan guided Gabe through downloading the NanoFab customization app onto their Pads. "Try it on," Ethan urged enthusiastically, curiosity glinting in his eyes.

Ethan blushed at Gabe's clear lack of shame as he undressed right there and slipped effortlessly into his new outfit, the fabric seamlessly conforming to his celestial figure, accentuating his natural elegance. Ethan couldn't help but glance appreciatively, quickly averting his gaze to avoid drawing attention.

Ethan, bashful and shy, walked into the bathroom and followed suit, equally impressed by how the material adapted perfectly to his form. As he stepped out, Gabe stretched comfortably, arms raised overhead. "It feels like wearing nothing at all," he observed, astonished.

"That's the beauty of NanoFab," Ethan explained, smiling warmly.

They experimented happily with the outfit's versatile color options, laughing as their clothes shifted effortlessly from subtle earth tones to vivid jewel colors with just a tap on their pads. After an enjoyable time experimenting, Ethan finally noticed the late hour.

"I should probably get some sleep," Ethan yawned, stretching comfortably.

Gabe grinned, clearly unfazed by fatigue. "You go ahead. I probably won't need rest for another day or two. I've got plenty to learn, and tomorrow you'll have more training to give me."

Ethan nodded sleepily, climbing into his bunk and settling beneath the covers. From his vantage point, he quietly observed Gabe interact effortlessly with the digital training interface, impressed by his ability to absorb information rapidly.

Curiosity stirred faintly within Ethan despite his exhaustion, prompting him to softly whisper, "Halo, show my current stats."

Immediately, a holographic projection appeared gently in his vision, softly illuminating his bunk:

User: Ethan Blade Current Status: Human-Angel Hybrid System Status: Training Mode Current Mission: Shed Your Humanity Total XP Earned: 50 of 100 Assignments Completed: 3

Learn to Fly (10 XP) Assist Gabriel in Defeating the Demon (25 XP) Create Earth Identity for Gabriel (15 XP)

Abilities Unlocked:

Wing Retraction Halo Cloak

"Still a long way to go," Ethan murmured softly, feeling a mix of pride and apprehension at his progress. His gaze drifted back to Gabe, whose calm diligence reassured him. "Wow, he's such a fast learner," Ethan thought drowsily, eyelids growing heavier until sleep finally claimed him.