Meet Me at The Spot

Terrchel head to the dining table in Leghorns sunny hotel room to check out the box that was delivered earlier. Opening it up he sees a digital message on the box "Step back after 2mintues of extracting your parcel".

Retro digital hearts explode off the packaging in 3D floating holographic display, underneath he sees it's full of retro tech clothing and accessories. Which he carefully removes from the box weary of the message and a 2 Minute countdown starts immediately, followed by a "rate me" digital scorecard like seen before.

Under pressure he adjusts his speed to his fingers and swiftly rates the parcel 5 stars once confirmed he watches a holographic tiny animation of an adorable postman bear appears and fly away with the notion of delivering the rating and poof into thin air the entire parcel packaging evaporates into thin air.

For a few seconds he stands there wide eyed, in unbelief and confusion but also knowing that scientifically none of this makes sense but the hologram isn't real its advanced technology with use of the celestial energy and that was definitely not a real creature. His mind trails off to fluffycloud and how she was very much real.

Looking through the items, 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. 

He begins to dress himself, exuding confidence with every item he put on, Terrchel was starting to like dressing up. He put on the jacket, and it fits perfectly.

He adjusts the chain necklace, and it adds just the right touch of edginess. As he finishes up, he notices a small bottle of cologne on the table. It's got a sleek, futuristic design, and it says "Arcadia's Eclipse" on the label. Picking it up, curiously, he sprays some on his wrist and neck.

"Whoa" he's senses are ignited. The 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".

He applied some more on his neck, feeling quite confident and stylish. He looks at himself in the mirror, "I'm looking pretty sharp. The cologne's just the finishing touch I needed. Being human is actually fun to some extent I guess". He gives himself a nod of approval. "You're ready to take on Arcadia, Terrchel. Bring it on."

Strolling into the hotel lobby 27 Minutes later, scanning the area for Leghorn's familiar figure. Where they were supposed to meet up and discuss the next move, but he's nowhere to be found.

Terrchel checks his swatch and let out a low sigh and plops down on a comfy couch and waits enthusiastically. At 9:30 he perks up expecting to see Leghorn any minute but when he realizes he is still a no show he slumps back down running a hand through his messy hair.

He glances up at the Digi clock on the wall, watching as the minutes tick by. 9:47. 9:48. 9:49. His patience starts to wear thin, 10:05 and he starts tapping his foot impatiently on the floor. "Where is he?" As the clock hits 10:39, he let out a frustrated growl. "Seriously, Leghorn? You're late. Again."

His mind reeled in thoughts; 'Just like when he showed up to The Undergrid amusement park after I already spent the night in agony sleeping on a bench'.

Standing up, he paces himself back and forth in front of the couch. His mind starts to wander and 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 his stomach; 'Maybe it's because I suggested we be friends. Maybe I scared him off'.

Terrchel lets out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, that's probably it. I'm just too much for him to handle."

Shaking his head he is overcome by a feeling, a surge of determination.

"Screw it. I don't need him anyway." 

He spins around, heading for the hotel entrance.

"I'll just continue my mission alone. I'm Terrchel, after all. If I can handle death I can handle this."

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

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 Leghorn's POV:

[Rewind]

8:25 am. 

After agreeing to meet with Terrchel in the hotel lobby in 30 minutes, I watched Terrchel head off to get ready 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 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 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 Lucile 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 separately first. Remember the balance of the two realm's is at risk. Get this done fast and don't 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 going.