Raising Hell

Lungs

JAKE'S POV

I never knew how to love someone more than yourself. I never understood the concept of sacrificing your entire existence for the greater good or simply what you believe in. I never knew that something could be so powerful that you dedicated your life to it. You wake up every morning willing to put yourself in harms way without fear of anything. I know now what sacrifice entails and all the pain and grief that inevitably comes along with it. I know the suffering and I know the sadness. What I have trouble understanding is why must we suffer for what we most desire? Why is there a price on the things that are worth obtaining? I pray to one day live in a world without this tax on happiness, but for now I continue to pay. The real question is; why do humans continue to subject themselves to this torture? That I do not know the answer to and I feel the wisest man on earth doesn't have it either. So we continue the suffering because we have no other choice. The payment is not optional. And if you happen to get away scotch free, well then prepare for some nasty late fees.

I know now that with great risk comes great reward but watching Alex risk her life is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I was stupid to suggest this plan but I am convinced myself this is the only way to win the war and maybe it is. Maybe this is our only choice but I can't help but think I am setting her up for a failure and I won't be able to live again if she goes through any pain. 

"What's on your mind?" She asks as she plops on my bed and hands me a glass of water. I take a sip and rub the glass with my thumb.

"You." I say and she smiles.

"Good answer." 

"I don't want you to get hurt." I say looking at the condensation on the glass. 

"I've been hurt before, Jake." She says rubbing my arm. I grab her hand and she looks up at me.

"I'm beginning to think you should just stay here. In a locked room." I joke and she smiles sadly. She cuddles up to my side and leans her head on my shoulder. 

"As long as your with me."

"I would never leave." I assure her and I can feel her smile on my skin.

*****

"So Alex will be transported to the opposing city and dropped by the entrance. She'll walk in and ask to speak with Malak. She will make a deal with him. She'll marry him if he agrees not to kill her family. He'll most likely agree to the plan and you'll marry soon after. That's when we come in. While your saying your vows we will step in and capture him." I explain pointing at a diagram. 

"It's to obvious. You won't make it two feet into headquarters." Alex says.

"Do you have a better idea?"

"The ring. I poison his ring before I put it on his finger." 

"They won't let you get away with that."

"And you think you will be able to sneak twenty soldiers into a high security zone with the most influential man inhabiting it?" 

"We'll tiptoe if we have to. I am not letting you risk yourself like that." I tell her and she rolls her eyes dramatically.

"It's not your choice, Jake." She says.

"So your really willing to risk your life for this city?" I ask. 

"Aren't you?" She asks. The president clears his throat to prevent further discussion.

"Alex is right. You won't be able sneak past the guards. Alex will have to kill him herself."

"I'm not alright with that." I protest and Alex snorts.

"No one gives a shit. I'm in charge of myself Jake, not you." She says and someone calls out a hallelujah. I shoot a glare in the direction of the voice and someone snickers. I turn and see Will leaning on the wall.