C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)

Chapter 35

Arista

Sunday

The bed was coarse, rough, nothing like the smooth linen sheets the Republic provided. Tea stained tarps surrounded the room, the light filtering in through the fabric slits.

My legs brushed the bed frame before stepping onto the grainy floor. I had to grip the side of the bed to prevent my knees from buckling under.

When my wobbling knees steadied, I gripped the coarse fabric and stepped out of the room. Grass, actual grass, crunched under my toes. A canopy of trees surrounded the huts, each one held up by bamboo sticks and long sheets of fabric.

There were some people I recognized. Deformed, ones that survived the genocide, were running along the grasslands, laughing and smiling amongst the green canopy. Here, they weren't held back by the Republic. They were free.

"Glad to see that you're awake," Oliver smirked, patting me on the shoulder. "And about time too."

"Ollie bear!" Evie squealed, smacking her fist on Oliver's shoulder. "I want a ride!"

"In a minute," Oliver smiled, bringing Evie towards me. "This is Arista. She's changed a lot, but deep down, she's still the same."

Evie cocked her head in confusion, but a few seconds later, a childish grin appeared on her face. "Hi, Arista!" She said, her pink palms reaching towards me.

I gently interlaced our fingers together before meeting Oliver's gaze. "How did we get here?" I asked.

"I knew something was up about the lack of Security. Then, I saw your dad, who's the Democratic Socialist Party leader-"

"He's what?!" I shrieked, slapping Oliver's shoulder. "But I thought the DSP was dead!"

"The Republic said the Revolution was dead too, and look where that got us," He shrugged. "You know how they like to omit everything. I was as surprised as you were, but I had more time to consider my options."

"How long was I out?" Surely I was only out for a day or two...

"Three days. Now stop interrupting me-"

"Three days?!" I gasped, then covered my mouth. "How am I still alive?"

"They had to mix a bunch of serums together. Something about the memory serum giving you unique side-effects. Anyways, I saw your dad, and he was like, get on the Warp like thing with me, and you will be safe. He also mentioned that you were his daughter, so I believed him. And here we are." Oliver spun around in a full circle, taking in the scenery. "It's infinitely better than the buildings you see all day in the Republic."

"Where are we?" This place was so different from the Republic. There was more greenery, no towering skyscrapers or locomotives. I could no longer hear the constant whirr of locomotives and people chattering. There were only birds chirping, leaves rustling and water gushing.

"The Outer Ring." Oliver helped Evie onto his back. "We took the Deformed here after the genocide. It's also where me, Karen and Lydia hid for a while. The Republic's technology doesn't work here, so they can't track us."

"The Outer Ring." I liked the name. "Are there other 'unknown' things you should tell me before I go find my dad, who happens to be the leader of the supposedly extinct DSP?"

"Ollie, where's the Warp?" Evie asked, tugging on Oliver's arm. "I want to drive it."

"You're too young to drive, Evie," Oliver smiled, briefly tossing Evie into the air. She squealed before landing in Oliver's arms. "You are a decent driver though. Anyways, why don't you go find Karen and ask her to drive it?"

"Okay," Evie climbed off Oliver's arms. "Karen!" She called, bounding towards one of the huts.

Oliver turned around and stiffened. "Just in time, sir."

I turned around and surprise, it was my dad. "Sir? Really?"

"It's an endearment I've gotten used to," he shrugged. "So, Arista, how much has Oliver told you?"

"That the DSP is alive and you're their leader. And that I've been out for three days." I stretched my limbs. "Also, that we're in the Outer Ring and the Republic can't track us."

My dad glared at Oliver. "You were supposed to tell her about the memory serum!"

Oliver visibly flinched. "Sorry, sir."

"It's alright." My dad patted Oliver on the shoulder. My dad was known to give an intimidating first impression. No matter how many times I told him to '"loosen up", he didn't really listen. Apparently, he liked to have authority and power. "I'll tell her. You can go."

Oliver gave us a final nervous wave before jogging off. My dad crouched down to meet my gaze."Arista, do you want the good news or bad news first?"

"Bad news," I murmured. His eyes were a little wild, his eyebrows misshapen. Still, he seemed alright.

"The memory serum has successfully wiped out the memories of every person who was in the Republic when the serum was released. People now believe that the Republic is their saviour and that the evil Revolution has been defeated." He let out a sigh. "I haven't heard any news from your mother, so we will arrange a memorial in her honour."

I bit my lip. No crying. "And the good news?"

"We've managed to save most of the Revolution. You were exposed to the serum for the longest time. I almost thought that you didn't make it." There was a glaze in his eyes as he observed me from head to toe. "I'm surprised that you're still sane, considering how much you've changed."

"Where's Kyle?" I interrupted. "I mean, Magnus. Is he okay?"

"He's healing. His immune system is weaker than yours. He'll probably wake up a few days later." He managed a smirk. "Boy trouble?"

"We'll talk about that later," I sighed. "What about the good news?"

"Our researchers have been developing a new serum that can bring back lost memories. Well, they're not lost, they're just submerged." He shifted his feet to a more comfortable position. "We're almost done, and your group will be the first to test it."

Kyle. He would remember me. No more awkward tensions and memory gaps. No more lies. "Thank you." I smiled, circling my arms around his waist.

"I'm just glad you're here." He replied gruffly, returning my hug.

Yes, my mother wasn't here anymore. Yes, the Revolution was defeated. But we were still here, alive and well. There were many possibilities for us, plenty of choices for us to make. Warmth encapsulated me, and a slow smile spread across my face. Hope. That was what we needed to win this battle.

"Welcome home." My father whispered.

A/N: Epilogue's coming~

Next update: 13th September