The Savior and The Song

Chapter 13~ Night Of The Soul

Nov 10th, 2038 07:31:04 PM

Markus's POV

I walked slowly toward Carl's house, Melody walking a few feet behind me. I stopped in front of it for a minute before Melody put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a small smile. I started walking again, and the door opened.

"Alarm deactivated. Welcome home, Markus," The security system said and I couldn't help but smile. We entered the house, walking around the downstairs. I found a recorded message from Leo and decided to play it.

"Hi, Dad... I'm getting outta the hospital tomorrow... They told me that you stayed with me while I was asleep... I... um... I'm really sorry about everything that happened... I'm gonna stop all that shit... It messes me up, it turns me into somebody I hate... Hey, I'd like to come by and see you tomorrow... If that's all right with you... I... I just wanna let you know... I'm... I'm proud to be your son..." He said over the recording. I looked around for a while, before going into the studio.

"Is that... a painting of me..?" Melody asked.

"Yeah... I painted that...right after we met..."

"Awww, Markus... that's so sweet," She smiled. I looked down, embarrassed before making my way upstairs.

"Who are you? How did you get in?" An android asked.

"We need to see Carl," I answered.

"Carl isn't seeing anyone. You need to leave."

"Please. I need to see him," I said, putting a hand on his arm and converting him.

"He's very weak... I'm not sure he'll be able to talk to you..."

"We can still talk to him," Melody said softly. The door opened and we entered only to find Carl in a hospital bed with monitors everywhere.

"Carl... No..." I whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Markus!" He said, opening his eyes.

"Hey... Melody's here too..."

"I was hoping you'd come... You and the little Spitfire."

"It's been a while since anyone's called me that..." Melody said, a sad smile on her lips.

"I've missed you so much, Carl... You don't know how much I've missed you..." I told him, my heart aching for him.

"What's wrong, Markus?" He asked.

"I just wanted my people to be free, but... Instead, I've led all of them to disaster... Carl, I'm trying to find answers, but everything around me is falling apart..." I told him, hating how I had bombarded him with problems I had created.

"World is ruled by fear, Markus... Fear of others... Fear of the future... It's like me...too old... It's time for it to end," Carl told me. I stood up and turned my back to him, confused about what to do.

"Oh, what should I do? Carl, they're killing my people... I don't want to answer violence with violence, but tell me, what choice do they give?" I asked.

"Being alive is making choices... between love and hate, between holding out your hand or closing it as a fist... I don't have any easy answers, Markus... You have to accept the world as it is... or fight to change it," HE answered as I sat back down, "You're my son, Markus... Our blood isn't the same color... but I know a part of me is in you... When the world falls into darkness, some men have the courage to lead it out... You're one of those men... Face the abyss... but don't let it consume you. Lean on those who care for you," He finished, looking at Melody.