Learning the Ways of Earth
Chapter 37: Learning the Ways of Earth
The morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting golden streaks across the apartment floor. Kael-X opened his eyes, not out of necessity—his body rarely needed sleep—but out of habit, an attempt to blend into this world.
The sound of movement came from the kitchen. He could hear Maya and Elijah talking, their voices casual, relaxed. It was a strange environment for him—no urgent missions, no enemies lurking in the shadows. Just… life.
He sat up and stretched, something he had observed humans doing. It seemed unnecessary, yet oddly satisfying.
---
A Lesson in Normalcy
Maya glanced up as he stepped into the kitchen. "Look who's awake," she teased. "I was beginning to think you just sit in your room all night like a robot."
Kael-X tilted his head. "Robots do not require rest."
Elijah chuckled. "Exactly our point." He slid a plate toward Kael-X. "Try this."
Kael-X studied the food—scrambled eggs, toast, and something he recognized as coffee. He took a cautious bite. It wasn't unpleasant.
Maya grinned. "You're getting better at this 'acting human' thing."
"I do not act," Kael-X replied simply. "I adapt."
Elijah nodded. "Speaking of adapting, you need clothes."
Kael-X glanced down at himself. His attire, though functional, stood out. He had noticed humans staring at him in the arcade yesterday, murmuring about his outfit.
Maya clapped her hands. "Oh, this is gonna be fun. Shopping trip!"
Kael-X frowned. "Is that necessary?"
"Yes," Elijah and Maya said in unison.
---
A Shopping Experience
The mall was overwhelming. The sheer number of people, the endless lights, the variety of scents—it was sensory overload.
Maya dragged him from store to store, holding up different outfits. "Try this. No, this. Actually, this one."
Kael-X stood stiffly as Elijah handed him a plain black hoodie and jeans. "This should work."
Maya pouted. "Boring. Let's add some color."
Kael-X tried on the clothes. He didn't care about fashion, but he understood the need to blend in. The hoodie was comfortable, the jeans functional.
Maya gave him a once-over. "Okay, I approve."
Elijah smirked. "You almost look normal."
Kael-X didn't respond. He wasn't sure normal was something he could ever truly be.
---
A Moment of Peace
After returning to the apartment, Kael-X found himself alone on the balcony again. The city stretched out before him, endless and alive.
He was learning. Adapting.
For the first time, he was living without a mission. Without a war.
And though he didn't fully understand it yet…
It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be.
Chapter 37 (Continued): Blending In
Kael-X leaned against the railing of the balcony, watching the world below. The city was loud, bustling with life—cars honking, people chatting, laughter echoing through the streets. It was chaotic, yet strangely structured.
He was used to order. Missions. Objectives. Every action serving a purpose. But here, people moved aimlessly, driven by things he didn't fully comprehend—desires, emotions, simple enjoyment.
Maya stepped onto the balcony, carrying two mugs of steaming coffee. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Kael-X glanced at her. "Why would you give me a small metallic currency for my thoughts?"
Maya laughed. "It's just an expression. It means I want to know what's on your mind."
He hesitated. "Humans… live without clear objectives. They do things without logic."
Maya leaned on the railing beside him, sipping her coffee. "We do have objectives. Just not the way you're used to. Sometimes, our goal is just to be happy, to experience things, to connect with people."
Kael-X considered that. "Happiness is an objective?"
"For most people, yeah."
He looked down at the street again. A group of kids were playing with a soccer ball, their laughter ringing through the air. No strategy. No survival instinct. Just joy.
It was… foreign.
---
An Unexpected Interaction
Later that evening, Kael-X decided to explore the city alone. He walked aimlessly, observing. Humans gathered in parks, in restaurants, in small groups on street corners, talking and laughing.
A child bumped into him while chasing a stray balloon. The boy looked up, wide-eyed. "Sorry, mister."
Kael-X stared at him. "You are small."
The boy blinked. "Uh… yeah?"
Kael-X realized this was not an appropriate response. "I mean… it is fine."
The child grinned. "Okay!" He ran off, leaving Kael-X staring after him.
It was a brief interaction, but something about it felt… different.
A small piece of what Maya had said earlier made sense.
---
A Name That Stuck
When he returned to the apartment, Maya was watching TV while Elijah was scrolling through his phone.
"How was your walk?" Maya asked.
"I encountered a small human."
Maya chuckled. "A kid?"
"Yes."
"What did you say?"
"That he was small."
Elijah snorted. "Dude, you need to work on your social skills."
Kael-X sat down. "I am adapting."
Elijah smiled. "That's the spirit. Oh, by the way, we need to come up with a normal name for you."
Kael-X frowned. "I have a name."
"Yeah, but 'Kael-X' sounds like a sci-fi villain."
Maya smirked "I have already given him Kael, without the"X","
Elijah grinned. "Alright then. Welcome to normal life, Kael."
For the first time, Kael—formerly Kael-X—felt something unfamiliar.
Maybe this life wouldn't be so bad after all.