Theron sprinted down the hallway, practically bouncing with excitement. The mate detection device was clutched tightly in his hand, and his grin was wide enough to split his face. He spotted Kael walking toward him and waved energetically.
"Kael!" Theron called, his voice echoing through the corridor. But as he got closer, the sight of a large duffel bag slung over Kael's shoulder slowed him to a jog. The grin on his face faltered, replaced by confusion.
Kael turned, raising an eyebrow. "What's got you so—"
Theron cut him off, pointing at the bag. "Wait. What's with the bag? Are you going somewhere?"
Kael sighed, adjusting the strap. "Theron, don't tell me you forgot."
"Forgot what?" Theron's brow furrowed, the earlier excitement fading.
Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. "The Rite of Awakening. I told you weeks ago I'd be leaving for Dravensreach today."
Realization hit Theron like a punch to the gut. "Oh. That's today?"
"Yes, fluff ball, that's today." Kael's tone was teasing, but his expression softened at Theron's crestfallen look. "I reminded you a dozen times."
Theron clutched the device tighter, his voice quieter. "Right, right. Totally didn't forget. So… you're leaving now?"
Kael nodded. "I have to. It's important. The royal court will be there, and I can't skip it."
Theron bit his lip, the weight of Kael's departure settling in his chest. "How long will you be gone?"
"A few days," Kael said gently. "It's just the ceremony, and then I'll be back. What's going on, Theron? You looked like you were going to explode with news earlier."
Theron hesitated, glancing at the device in his hands. "It's nothing. You've got bigger things to focus on."
Kael stepped closer, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Theron, don't pull that. What's in your hand?"
Reluctantly, Theron held up the device. "The mate detection device. It works. I was coming to show you."
Kael's expression lit up, a proud smile breaking through. "You did it? Finally?"
Theron nodded, his voice a mix of pride and sadness. "After months of failures and late nights, it finally works. Rex and I—"
"Hold that thought," Kael interrupted, his voice tinged with regret. "We'll celebrate properly when I get back, okay? This is huge, Theron, but I can't miss the plane."
Theron forced a smile, though his heart ached. "Yeah, of course. Go do your royal thing. I'll be here when you get back."
Kael clapped a hand on Theron's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "And don't overwork yourself while I'm gone, alright? I don't want to come back to find you passed out in a pile of wires."
Theron chuckled weakly. "I'll try."
Kael smirked, giving him a playful nudge. "Good. See you soon, fluff ball. Don't miss me too much and Don't blow up the academy."
As Kael walked away, Theron stood frozen, watching his friend disappear down the corridor. The device in his hands felt heavier than before.
Rex's voice broke the silence. "Analysis: Emotional distress detected. Suggestion: Engage in productive activity to distract from Kael's absence."
Theron trudged back to his room, the earlier buzz of excitement drained from him entirely. His steps were slow, the halls stretching endlessly as the reality of Kael's absence settled heavily on his shoulders. The mate detection device hung limply in his grip, its triumph now feeling hollow. When he finally reached his door, he shoved it open with a sigh and let it close behind him with a soft click.
Dropping onto his bed without bothering to change, he stared at the ceiling. The silence of his room, usually comforting, felt oppressive. Kael's teasing voice, his infectious laughter, the way he always managed to brighten Theron's day—it was all missing now. He hated it, hated how he missed that fool even though he just left.
Rex's voice broke the stillness. "Observation: Your body language indicates emotional distress. Suggestion: Engaging in a productive activity may alleviate this."
Theron let out a low groan, throwing an arm over his eyes. "Not now, Rex. I don't feel like doing anything."
"Reminder: Emotional inactivity can exacerbate negative feelings. Proposal: Begin testing the mate detection device or start a new project."
Theron sighed, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I said not now, Rex. I'm not in the mood. Kael's gone, and everything feels... empty."
"Statement: Kael's absence is temporary. Logic dictates he will return shortly."
Theron rolled onto his side, hugging a pillow to his chest. "I know he'll come back. It's just... I don't know. It feels weird without him here."
"Clarification: Emotional bonds often amplify the perception of absence. Suggestion: Reflect on positive memories to mitigate distress."
A faint smile flickered across Theron's face. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"
"Affirmation: Persistence is integral to my programming."
Theron chuckled weakly but didn't respond further. Instead, he let his gaze drift to the mate detection device lying on his desk. For months, it had been his obsession, something he and Rex had poured countless hours into. It was supposed to be a moment of celebration, something he and Kael would marvel over together. But now, it just felt like a reminder of how much he missed his best friend.
The hours stretched on as Theron lay there, lost in thought. He replayed their last conversation over and over in his mind—the teasing nickname, Kael's smirk, the way his hand had lingered on Theron's shoulder.
His eyes grew heavy, the emotional weight of the day finally pulling him into sleep. In his dreams, Kael was there, his laughter echoing as they worked on the device together. It was bittersweet—comforting yet tinged with the ache of longing.
The room remained quiet except for the soft hum of Rex, who dimmed the lights and kept watch over his creator, ensuring that, even in Kael's absence, Theron wasn't entirely alone.
Theron stirred in his sleep, caught in a vivid dream, It was comforting, the kind of dream he didn't want to wake from, but as consciousness crept back, so did the ache of reality.
Morning light seeped through the curtains, and Rex's voice chimed softly. "Observation: You have been asleep for seven hours. Recommendation: Begin your day with a task to maintain routine."
Theron groaned, sitting up slowly. His room felt colder without Kael's vibrant presence nearby. His gaze fell on the mate detection device still perched on his desk. A wave of determination surged through him. If Kael was out there facing his Rite of Awakening, then he needed to push forward too.
"All right, Rex," he muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Let's make today count."
Rex's tone brightened. "Acknowledgment: That is an excellent decision."
Theron approached his workstation, setting the mate detection device down with care. The morning light danced across its polished surface as he tinkered, muttering, "This'll be perfect by the time Kael gets back. He'll owe me a parade."
Minutes turned into hours as he fine-tuned the device, losing himself in the intricate process. His focus was broken by Rex's cheerful announcement. "Incoming call: A video call from Master Kael."
Theron nearly fell off his chair, startled. "Kael? Already?" He straightened, his heart pounding.
Rex added with a teasing lilt, "It seems you are not the only one experiencing emotional distress. Judging by the timing, he must have called the moment he arrived at the palace."
Theron couldn't hide his grin, though he tried to mask it with feigned nonchalance. "Tch, I knew it. He wouldn't last a week without me. Fine, answer it." He ran a hand through his hair, attempting to look presentable, as Rex connected the call.