An Imitation of Love (A Detroit: Become Human Story)

Chapter 18

The tension could be cut with a knife as Markus walked past the group and stepped on a wooden crate in the middle of their safe zone to address everyone. Sebastien wasn't sure what he was going to say but he could tell how much of a toll this was all taking on Markus. All of the androids that he couldn't save was hurting him. The impeding battle didn't scare Markus; however, he was afraid for his people.

"The humans are about to launch an attack," Markus began looking into everyone's eyes. "And we will show them that we are not afraid. If we must die today, then we will die free." A cannister grenade landed inside their barricade and exploded. Markus was launched off his pedestal as the androids near the detonation plummeted away in different directions. The army had started their attack.

"Simon!" Markus shouted above the chaos. Another cannister grenade landed inside their safe zone and caused another explosion. Alexios had already planned their escape route but lost Sebastien in the fray. Sebastien was busy helping the androids escape.

"I got you!" Sebastien reassured an android as he helped them to their feet. "Run!"

"Sebastien!" Alexios called for him. Pushing his systems into overdrive, Alexios saw another canister grenade get tossed towards Sebastien. While sprinting towards Sebastien, Alexios caught the grenade mid-air before throwing it away from the barricade. The grenade landed at end of the street and immediately exploded.

"Alexios!" Sebastien yelled as the android swooped in and pulled them both down to the ground. Alexios covered Sebastien's body with his own as grenades exploded around them. "We have to-"

"No! I'm getting you out of here!" Alexios interrupted Sebastien. More grenades rained from the sky as gunfire began to echo through the streets. The remaining androids scattered in various directions as Markus dodged and weaved like a ninja, attempting to help them all. Some he wasn't able to get to in time.

"We can't just leave!" Sebastien pleaded. Another grenade was redirected by Alexios as the soldiers moved in towards the barricade.

"Markus and I agreed that we would keep you safe," Alexios shouted at him, grabbing his arm. "You cannot die here!"

"Wait!" Sebastien screamed. Calculating the right opportunity to escape, Alexios tossed Sebastien over his shoulder and ran. Sebastien could see the terrified androids frantically running for their lives. Where was Alexios taking him? Why wouldn't he let him stay and help? They were going to let all the androids die!

Alexios carried Sebastien far enough away to a safer location. The screams, gunfire, and explosions could be faintly heard. Tears drenched Sebastien's face. His heart beat fiercely in his chest. His hands were shaking, palms were sweaty, he could barely stand on his two feet. This couldn't be the end, right? Markus, Simon, Josh, even North were his friends. In the past few days, he'd grown to care deeply for all of them. What if he never saw them again?

"We have to go back!" Sebastien screamed at Alexios; fists pounding on Alexios's chest. 

"We are not going anywhere," Alexios responded. "You're staying here with me."

"You're just going to let your people die?!" Sebastien yelled at Alexios. He couldn't believe the man. His fists now gripped the front of Alexios's jacket.

"I have no obligation to save them, just you," Alexios simply answered, holding firmly onto Sebastien's hands. Sebastien looked at Alexios incredulously.

"Are you really that selfish, Alexios?" Sebastien asked, his voice below a whisper.

"You would really die for those androids?" Alexios asked. "You're human! Why do you even care so much?"