Chapter 15: Love is a Serious Thing
Terrchel and Leghorn walked into Cybro's Pizza Den in The Undergrid, the aroma of fresh dough and sizzling ingredients immediately wrapping around them. They chose a booth in a quieter corner, the worn cushions offering a surprising comfort after the day's events. As they settled in, Leghorn broke the silence. "What is the situation between you and Meriella? The tension seems to be palpable."
Before Terrchel could respond, a waiter approached, placing menus on the table with a soft clatter. The menu itself was a stark contrast to the gleaming holographic displays and sleek digital offerings of New Arcadia City. This one was a physical, laminated sheet, filled with items like "Gridlock Special" and "Cybro's Carnivore."
Terrchel let out a sigh, his eyebrows rising as he put his head in his hands. "It's complicated, and we didn't come here to talk about Meriella and I," he mumbled, the words muffled by his palms.
Leghorn reached over, picking up the menu. "It appears that there is indeed a topic for discussion," he countered, a knowing glint in his eye. "Conversely, I am convinced that we actually arrived here with that intention...."
Terrchel's head snapped up, irritation flaring in his eyes. "Excuse me?"
"You were digging into my past, and guess what? It's a Meriella story," Leghorn stated, his voice even.
Terrchel's expression immediately became grave. He fixated his eyes upon Leghorn's, his mind contemplating the worst possible outcomes. "Please do elaborate," he urged, his voice low and serious.
The waiter returned, poised to take their order. "We are uncertain about what to order; please bring us one of each," Terrchel said, cutting him off. The waiter appeared shocked by the unusual request but performed a slight bow and departed to fulfill it.
Leghorn took a deep breath, his gaze softening slightly as he began. "Years ago, when I was sent to Arcadia, it was to retrieve a fallen star known as the Celestial Energy Orb. Upon coming here, I was certain I'd carry out my duty and return to The Light Realm. However, when I came across Arnold, he was in urgent need of assistance to rescue Meriella from a profound coma. She had been put into this coma by her own father for standing up for justice. I felt sorry for her situation, knowing she would never awaken, as it was written. But instead, I saw the ordeal as an opportunity to bargain with Arnold. So I told him, 'I'll make you a deal: I'll let you merge the celestial orb energy with Meriella's body using the robotic body suit and the orb as the center power source, but in return, you must remove my past memories.'"
Leghorn paused, his eyes distant. "I did something selfish and horrible, and I used Meriella as an excuse to get what I desired. That's how I wiped my past memories. I knew that this was my only opportunity to have such raw power in my grasp, and instead of going about it the right way, I took matters into my own hands, making decisions that put everyone and everything at risk. If I had just retrieved the source, this would have ended before it started."
Terrchel stared at Leghorn, the revelation hitting him like a physical blow. "So you're telling me that your MISTAKE was saving the person I'm in love with life?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
A notable silence fell over the table as the waiter arrived, carefully setting down several plates piled high with assorted foods and pizzas. Leghorn and Terrchel exchanged tense glances across the stacked dishes.
"Did you just say you love Meriella?" Leghorn asked, his eyes wide.
"Did you just say you'd rather her be dead or in a coma?" Terrchel retorted, his own gaze burning.
"I just think if I did the right thing, then we wouldn't be in this situation," Leghorn explained, trying to regain his composure. "As we speak, her brother, Lawrence Abstainace, is so close to achieving what their father wanted: complete control over humans' free will with the switch of a button. You have spent too much time in The Undergrid. You need to see what's happening in the City headquarters space. Within one week, there has been a rapid shift in the name of progression, and soon that advancement will spread throughout The New Arcadia City and impact The Undergrid."
"I see, but I honestly don't think you made a mistake wanting your memories wiped," Terrchel said, his anger momentarily subsiding into thoughtful consideration. "Personally, I know how it feels. Although now that you mention it, I think my adapting abilities removed most of my memories of past lives. My mind has been focused on the present. However, this isn't about me, and you saving Meriella wasn't a bad thing. Plus, I wouldn't be here if you did what you were supposedly meant to do."
"Yes, but everything would be easier for everyone else," Leghorn insisted, running a hand through his head feathers.
"I highly doubt it," Terrchel countered, shaking his head. "Humanity destroys itself over and over. They would have found another way to self-destruct, and your sacrifice would have been in vain. You'd be blaming yourself for being able to help save Meriella but not doing it. I don't know much about The Light that spoke to me, but I believe He is God. If He has the power to reincarnate me, then surely if you messed up years ago, He wouldn't have allowed you back into The Light Realm without consequences? Maybe He wanted you to do what you did, but it had to come from your free will. Like you always say, everything happens for a reason."
"Terre, you are an unusual individual," Leghorn said, a wry smile touching his beak. "Initially, you were upset with me, and now you are attempting to encourage me to be kinder to myself regarding the decisions I have made. How do I look at myself, knowing I initially made the decision with my own benefits in mind? I wasn't exactly being a hero, and Meriella doesn't know that. She thinks I saved her. I just haven't had the heart to tell her otherwise."
"If there's one thing I learned, it's life is short," Terrchel said, pushing a plate of chicken wings closer to Leghorn. "Don't beat yourself up about it. It's been years; it's time to let go. All that matters is what you do now."
A subtle shift in the conversation, from serious and heavy to light and casual, settled between them. They both began eating, occasionally talking around mouthfuls of pizza.
"So, Meriella?" Leghorn prompted, a playful glint in his eye.
"Haha, come on, don't go there!" Terrchel chuckled, a faint blush creeping up his neck.
"Love is a profound matter, Terrchel; such statements should not be made lightly," Leghorn said, his tone turning surprisingly serious.
"Well, I'd hope it's serious because I don't like wasting my time and efforts," Terrchel responded, a hint of his usual sharp wit returning.
"Why are you being so cold towards her then?" Leghorn pressed, observing Terrchel's previous behavior.
Terrchel sighed, pushing a piece of crust around his plate. "We shared a magical kiss; however, her overly friendly behavior with Emerson has led me to fear that they might be involved, causing me to question whether I misinterpreted her initial feelings for me."
"Well, it sounds like you are overthinking and making assumptions. You should speak to her instead," Leghorn advised, his voice pragmatic.
"I guess I should just stick to the mission for now, like you mentioned, and focusing on myself as well," Terrchel mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
Leghorn narrowed his eyes at Terrchel but stayed silent, grabbing a pizza slice with an extra cheese pull.
"So obviously I need to get stronger. What do I still need to unlock?" Terrchel asked, shifting the topic back to their purpose.
Leghorn ticked off abilities on his fingers. "Ability to dodge attacks with near-perfect accuracy. Ability to see in multiple spectrums (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet). Ability to predict and prepare for long-term threats. Increased resistance to physical damage. Ability to regenerate lost limbs or damaged organs. Ability to survive in vacuum or extreme pressure environments. You basically unlocked everything; the rest can be obtained through rapid training."
"Okay, so when do we start?" Terrchel asked, a renewed sense of purpose in his voice.
"We start tomorrow," Leghorn confirmed. "I want you to go into the New Arcadia City for the rest of the day and scope out what's really going on. Meriella is our best Scout, so I'd advise you take her with you."
"I'd rather not," Terrchel said flatly, the thought of facing Meriella after his jealousy still fresh.
"Okaaay," Leghorn conceded, a slight shrug in his shoulders. "Well, find out as much as you can. As long as you're back here by tomorrow sundown."
"Sure. Let me walk you back to the hideout before I leave," Terrchel offered.
They called the waiter over, and he announced the total was ARC132.87, but since it was Tuesday, Undergrid residents received 10% off, making it ARC119.58. Leghorn paid for the meal. Just as they were about to leave, the restaurant owner came running out from behind the counter, a wide smile on his face.
"Hey, kid! How'd you pull that off?" he exclaimed, his eyes bright. "Last time I saw you, you were eating out the garbage bin. Now you've helped me make my monthly salary in one day! You must know some important or dangerous people..."
"Let's call it dangerously important and call it a day, bye, see ya," Terrchel said with a wave, already walking away. The restaurant owner chuckled, waving back, his face filled with gratitude and joy.
As Terrchel and Leghorn approached the hideout, they overheard Emerson briefing a female scout. She had striking features: porcelain skin, raven-black hair, and piercing emerald eyes that seemed to gleam with an inner light. Her name was Meraki, and her lithe, athletic build spoke to her skill and agility. Terrchel, ever the opportunist, inserted himself into the conversation, inviting himself along on Meraki's mission into New Arcadia City. He thought to himself that's where he would be heading soon anyway, with no hidden agendas.
Emerson agreed it would be a great idea and introduced the two of them, roping Terrchel into the mission they needed to execute. Terrchel joked, "Don't worry, Em; I'll have her home before sundown tomorrow." Emerson laughed and said, "Usually, these missions only take a few hours, but be safe and don't have too much fun." He winked and walked off, leaving them.
Meraki's gaze met Terrchel's, and her eyes sparkled with instant attraction. Meanwhile, Meriella watched from the shadows, her eyes narrowing as she felt a pang of jealousy. Why was Terrchel leaving with this... this... girl, and not her?
As Terrchel and Meraki soared through the skies, their jetpacks leaving trails of condensed water vapor in their wake, the atmosphere was electric. The wind whipped through their hair, and the sun cast a golden glow over the landscape. Meraki couldn't help but steal glances at Terrchel, her heart racing with excitement. "You're quite the thrill-seeker, aren't you?" she called out over the din of the jetpacks.
Terrchel grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just trying to keep up with you, Meraki!" he replied, his voice carrying on the wind. Meraki's laughter filled his ears, and it was contagious, causing him to laugh as well. As they flew, the city sprawled out before them like a canvas of steel and stone, the towering skyscrapers glinting like shards of glass in the sunlight. Terrchel couldn't help but wonder when he had last shared such joyful laughter with someone. It felt warm and genuine. It came naturally.