— It is decided then, tomorrow we go to the city. — With determination he spoke,
even though his words showed doubt.
Marcus turned off the TV assuming that it was too much for today, once done, he
went to the dining room together with Isabella and Auralys not with the purpose of eating,
but to draw a plan of action.
Auralys on the other hand was now the one who refused to let them leave, arguing
that it is a bad idea, and his duty is to protect them, and to give more weight to his words,
he blocked all possible exits of the mansion.
"Mr. Marcus understand, going out there would be very dangerous for you, my
protocols prevent me from doing so. The Node assured that there are no pinks left but
you are still alive, what if you were wrong and there are one or more alive, don't you
remember the transmission of your fight?! Many of them were experts in combat while
you, with all due respect, don't know how to fight.
What if you meet one? As much as my programming urges me to make you feel
the best, I also have my realistic side."
— In that you she has a good point Marcus, we should go in better prepared.—
— I could take a weapon from the armory, almost everything from there is intact.
You have maintained it, haven't you Auralys? —
"Of course, sir, my duty is to keep everything in the mansion in condition."
— Ready, one problem less, I can take care of myself and Isabella. —
" Sir, you still don't see the big picture, even without more pinks, you are not sure
what you can find out there, even I am not able to explain to you how the world works,
much of my data has been corrupted. We are ignorant of the world around us."
— Doesn't that turn all this into a golden cage? What's the point of staying here in
ignorance? Besides, we will always be left to wonder what lies beyond, we have been
here too long, while it has been great and fabulous, we can't stay here forever. —
— But comfort is soooo good Marcus. — She protested as was typical of her
though half joking, she couldn't refuse.
"But sir..."
— Auralys, I appreciate very much what you have done for us, but it is time to
move on, we have to find out what is going on and if it is something bad, prevent it from
happening or getting worse. —
"Marcus..."
— Auralys... —
The AI was silent for several seconds, analyzing what to do, a clash of its most
fundamental directives was occurring in its circuits. Marcus and Isabella just turned to
look at each other waiting for their caretaker's response, and sooner rather than later, it
came in the form of the opening of all doors and windows, they could leave if they wanted,
she would no longer stop them. The couple sighed in relief, they now had free passage.
"Mr. Marcus, Miss Isabella, please be as careful as possible, trust no one and stay
safe, promise me my children."
— We promise Auralys. —
— We will be back safe and sound, it won't take long. —
"I hope with all my circuits that it will be so, now go and rest, tomorrow will be a
heavy day, I will prepare everything for your departure."
— Thank you Auralys, thank you indeed. —
With nothing more to say, Marcus and Isabella left the room and headed to their
bedroom in total silence. Already in bed the two could not fall asleep completely, sleeping
and waking up every now and then, worried to the core, staying like that until the night
turned into day.
That moment that neither wanted to come finally arrived, they were still tempted to
just give up and stay there, but their curiosity and determination prevented them from
doing so.
So, they began their morning like any other, a long shower, dressing and finally
the breakfast that Auralys had prepared for them, all in total silence, a strange calm.
When they finished their dishes, Auralys' subdued and uneasy voice broke the
silence.
"Marcus, Isabella, your backpacks are ready at the entrance."
Was all she said before turning off again, the couple looked at each other knowing
what they had to do, with much regret they got up from the table and made their way to
the front door of the mansion, the backpacks lay leaning against the wall, presumably
filled with food, some clothes and any other items the AI considered essential.
As they checked their backpacks in addition to the items they assumed would be
there, they also came across some surprises like candy, some sort of multi-tool, some
jewelry and most surprisingly, a pink pistol taken straight from the armory, for Marcus'
exclusive use.
Before he could say anything, Auralys returned.
"Pink exclusive firearms, superior to any other gun or conventional weaponry, use
it in extreme situations or when you see it necessary, it's better to be safe master Marcus."
— It seems too extreme to me... —
— Take it away love, just in case. —
Still not entirely convinced, he put the gun away with the safety on, took his
backpack and Isabella's backpack as he was the strongest. It took him several seconds
to extend his hand to the door handle, turning slowly wanting to prolong that moment as
long as he could, a click was heard and with it, the door opened revealing the outside of
the mansion covered by the rays of the sun in a beautiful sunrise, the last image they
would have of this landscape for a long time.
Both took a step forward leaving their home, they turned around looking at the
facade for the last time, knowing it was a farewell, they gave a last message to Auralys.
—Take care of the mansion in our absence, I promise we will be back when you
least expect it. — he said melancholic, passing his hand through the door frame.
— I will miss this place, keep it as beautiful as we loved it. —
"I promise my children, I will wait for your return with enthusiasm, I would not like
it to be the last time I see you. Stay safe, I wish you luck, go and save your world."
After that and with much regret, Marcus and Isabella started their journey following
that stone road in the direction of the nearest town.
Neither had the remotest idea of what they would find there, or of all that they were
about to experience, however that did not matter. For being together, there would be
nothing that their love and the two of them could not face.