I had a plethora of questions. The logistics of this world baffled me.
Leghorn: Your silence suggests that you might be deep in thought once more.
Terrchel: I hope you don't mind me asking, but when do you intend to buy me that chicken meal you promised?.
Leghorn: I do not recall doing such a thing. You seem insistent on promoting cannibalism. Let's grab someone thing where we will he staying tonight. The clock is in zero. It's been an exuasting day, I'd rather not deal with Patrols.
Terrchel: Is it really cannibalism if it's fake chicken though? I meaaannn you call yourself a man and the wings we both know what that's about (smug laugh) But what's the clock about?
Leghorn: You know what you can cook. We'll add it to your human experiences list. The clock... Is President Lawrence's way of keeping control of his precious Arcadians.
They booked into a prestigious one-night stay hotel and shared an immersive studio room with biophilic design, advanced biometrics for secure check-in, and virtual reality experiences.
Leghorn: Well you can start cooking now
Terrchel: but the hotel offers gastro-enhanced dining
Leghorn: Yes, and wellness services, and smart rooms that adapt to individual preferences. Payment is seamless upon checkout.
Terrchel: Exactly
Leghorn: and who will be paying that seamless bill?
He put his feet up on a table and folded his arms. Terrchel let out a sigh and laughed knowing he's still got no money of his own. He grabbed a nearby apron in the studio self-service kitchen and rubbed his hands together.
Terrchel: from what I remember Arnold never cooked a day in his life so this is all me.
Leghorn: great I look forward to it
He closed his eyes on the sofa in expectant wait. Terrchel lifted his hand in disbelief that he really needs to do this alone.
Walking over to the goodies they bought earlier today he pulls out his tech gear, a swatch and Artificial Intelligent glasses.
He takes a moment to ponder what would be best to search a recipe and opts to use the swatch. He activates it and asks for a easy recipe. The response is three options, pancakes, eggs and toast or chicken noodle soup.
Terrchel: Chicken noodle soup it is! I wonder if I can get the ingredients downstairs.
Putting his sneakers on he runs out the door with his apron on and activates his glasses to recognize the products needed on the foyer vending machine area.
He grabs what he needs and gets some ingredients from the kitchen staff adding it all to Leghorn's bill ofcause.
Getting back to the studio to make chicken noodle soup he sets his glasses to guide him every step of the way.
Terrchel switches to video tutorial mode and follows every movement but he spills everything and burns the onions and garlic. Which tasted horrible when he tried some. Sighing he starts again from scratch. He didn't want to serve this to Leghorn but most importantly he wanted to do something that wasn't tied to an old memory and actually succeed at it.
As he tries again he focuses on his scent; the chicken noodle soup simmers, the aromas wafting from the pot are a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.
Terrchel decides to use his senses to try and improve his abilities. Closing his eyes he smells the tender chicken releases a rich, meaty fragrance, while the sautéed onions and garlic contribute a deep, caramelized scent.
He calculates in his mind the perfect moment to add the carrots and celery based off scent which adds a fresh, earthy aroma, balanced by the warm, comforting smell of the chicken broth.
As the noodles cook, they release a subtle, starchy sweetness, rounding out the complex bouquet. The finished soup emits a mouthwatering, appetizing fragrance that's both soothing and invigorating, filling the air with a delicious, homely aroma.
Leghorn: It's about time! I'm starving. I see you practicing your scent by now you must have leveled up let me scan you later after dinner.
Terrchel smiled in excited both to eat and to check his progress. He gestures for Leghorn to join him in the kitchen and they enjoy a hot meal together.
Suddenly a memory was brought about Terrchel leaving hims with intense emotions. It was about Arnold and his family, a little green haired boy with green eyes he looked much like his father and a joyful wife with brown hair and a warm smile.
He felt frustrated and confused by all the emotions emerging inside his chest. He strongly sensed it wasn't because of Arnold but more because of himself. The memories wasn't his. All of this memories it's Arnold's and he couldn't 100% tell if the emotions were his or not.
Clenching his fork in his hand he sat in these thoughts.
Leghorn: Excuse me, Terrchel, are you feeling alright? It seems you have lost focus again, and your fork appears to be broken in half.
He blinked a few times and looked down at his hands, and saw the bent fork, tears started streaming down his face, he felt anger well up,grief and loss.
Leghorn: Why don't we get out the kitchen for a while? Scents holds memories perhaps you were triggered.
Leghorn walked over to Terrchel who blankly stared at the table still tensed up and removed the fork from him grasp setting it aside and pulling him out up his chair. Pushing him towards the windows for fresh air.
Leghorn: Are you okay?
Not knowing how to explain any of this to Leghorn and not wanting to either. He felt like burning the place down in search of this joy that he lost but wasn't his to begin with but the fresh air helped coolbhis thoughts in silence as it wavered through his messy dark green hair.
The violet night sky illuminated Terrchels glistened cherice eyes, and told a story of a longing heart.
All his days as a fly he never experienced anything like it.