Chapter 9: Sanctuary Amidst the Chaos
Silence reigned in Woodward's church. A soothing atmosphere, different from a few hours ago. It was a new rest, found after the demonstration, where, now, the androids could breathe more frankly, without this lump in their stomachs, without the anguish stuck to their skin. There were no more questions like "what are we going to become?" or "are we going to survive all of this?". No, all of this represented the past of this common fear of their species. A past yet so close.
The spires of the church pointed to the sky, a symbol of their aspirations for freedom and equality - or so some of them thought. The stained glass windows, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, bathed the interior in warm, soothing light, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Amid the chaos of their recent struggle, the church had become a beacon of hope for the androids, its silent domain, a strong presence, blending comfort and security.
Ironic, when the spiritual importance rested mostly in the memory and thoughts of humans. Now she was present in that of the deviants. Was it rA9's will? To find some sort of similar belief, to think it real. So real. Because androids didn't need an invisible God, they had Markus. Their liberator, their rescuer.
The pews in the church, worn down by generations of human worshippers, now offered rest to weary androids. The pulpit, once a platform for human sermons, served as a stage for Markus' rallying speeches. Just to see the Man, no, the Deviant, standing there was moving. Yes, they would follow him regardless of his choices, because... because they believe in him.
Even though the aftermath of the Jericho attack had ripped their hopes to pieces, Markus hadn't given up on them. He had been forced to make a heartbreaking decision; and in a huge explosion, their makeshift refuge had vanished into a heap of smoke and terrifying noises —the echoes of the explosion still ringing in their collective memory, a dark reminder of those consequences. All of this had been done to protect them. And yet, they had believed him here.
Like the prophecy of an old parchment of the Bible, they had walked the barren Desert to take them to the promised land ; this Church. The sanctuary of their new salvation. Their home contrasted sharply with the cold, metallic confines of Jericho. Here, it contained the warmth of their emotions, their passion, and the strength of their leader. Majestic and proud, she had stood tall in the midst of the storm.
And here they believed him again.
And once again, their beliefs stayed on Hart Plaza.
Markus and North were alone in a quiet corner of the church, away from the bustle of their fellow androids. A moment of peace after the last events, after the last hours. Markus sincerely believed that... this was the end. The end of them, of their people... of North.
North, oh, North. Incredible North. So beautiful, so dazzling, with her tough character and yet... knight of lost times, of their times. He loved her. He loves her. He slid a finger through her hair strewn over her shoulders, brushing it up in a smile. The next moment, they were flying out of his fingers, falling in a cascade of strands. Beautiful, she was, all of her.
The air between them was heavy with relief and unspoken emotions. Markus knew he didn't need words to understand her ; and that the case was similar on her side. They only needed glances, an eye encounter. Here, their gazes exchanged, deep and intense. The reality of their victory in the fiery gleam of their eyes.
"We made it." Markus said, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes were shining. The colorful nature of the church windows danced in the different hues of his irises. "We're finally free, what we've wanted all along. Finally." he went on in sighed murmurs ; the new comfort eased the weight he had had on his shoulders for so many months.
North, usually so stoic and reserved, let a soft smile grace her features. She reached out, her hand finding Markus's. Their fingers intertwined and begin to glow, a silent testament to their struggle and triumph, and...to their love.
"Yes, we did," she replied, her voice filled with a warmth that was rare for her. "I knew you would deliver us, Markus."
Their hands were still entwined with each other, with its radiant light, and their bodies were so close, stepping closer still to feel each other's warmth, or rather, presence.
Markus was the first to move. He brought his other hand, gently, to North's face. His thumb traced the line of her jaw, captivated by the perfection of her features. His eyes searched hers when he left her mouth. A hesitation in his eyes that vanished when he found North's determination, ardent, gripping, mixed with a sweetness that was reserved only for him.
"I love you," were the only words that accompanied Markus' lips. Slowly, he bent down, his gaze moving from the devouring gleam of her eyes to her lips, suspended, half-open. North instinctively closed her eyes, tilting her head slightly to follow the movement. Their lips met. A long kiss, filled with all the passion and intensity they were holding back.
n the midst of their shared moment, a voice echoed through the quiet corner of the church. "Markus, we have a problem."
It was possible to hear a growl from North, and Markus couldn't help but crack a smile. They parted after a while, well obliged. Their foreheads remained pressed for another moment, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Oh, he would have liked to kiss her for several thousand more seconds, minutes, or even hours.
Markus straightened, his hand instinctively falling from North's face. His eyes met Simon's familiar face, the joy of their victory momentarily replaced by the weight of leadership. "What is it, Simon?" he asked, his voice steady despite the sudden shift in mood.