The Revelation

IV

"I am he that lives and was dead; behold, for I am alive and I hold the keys of hell and death." Revelation 1:18

                                                                She, Who Unified The Cause

Kat

"I never meant to hurt any of you, but I'd do it again if it meant we could be here- with all of these people." I paused and gestured my hand around. "Helping the cause." I smiled and reached for Sky's hand. I saw my father wince.

"I cannot support the two of you. Not right now." Daddy reached to hold mom's hand, but the storm raging within her heart erupted too quickly.

"Not right now? Not ever. Never will I give this blessing. You're a child, Kat. MY child and I'll be damned if I trust some monster to take care of you." My hand reached up in a motion to pause.

"I didn't ask for your blessing, I'm asking for your help. These people have created an incredibly intricate plan and they need people, good people. If you're mad at me, fine, be mad at me. Don't direct your anger to them."

"They can direct their anger to whoever they damn well please. Anger is a good thing, sometimes, let us channel it how we see fit." Macey interjected. I liked her. She seemed spunky.

"If this massacre is gonna end any time soon, we need to get our shit together and quit bitching about who wronged who. We get it, this situation sucks, but I don't want to keep losing my family over and over because of this asshole." Daddy pointed to Sky.

"I deserved that." Sky's face was sullen and curt.

"You're damn right you did." Will scoffed. "But you've said your piece. We just need time."

"I'm afraid I'm 'bout fresh out of that. New intel came in. Margot is moving all operations to New York in three weeks. We gotta get scootin' if we're going to end this for good." Thomas' voice interjected.

We all nodded in solemn agreement, pausing for a moment of silence before Elda spoke.

"I don't wanna die." She sobbed, her voice cracking behind the tears.

"Neither do we." Macey's arm reached around Elda, stroking her fiery hair and holding her tightly.

"Unfortunately, that's a risk I'm willing to take." Thomas turned on his heel and left us as quickly as he came.

                                                                  They, Who Couldn't Hold Back

Macey

In life, there are these moments that steal your breath away. Sometimes, these moments are so devastating, the pain that ruptures with them is sickening. Like bones cracking, nails on a chalkboard, chattering teeth, or the gut wrenching ache from a hard hit, these moments suck you dry. The sharp edges of this double edged sword were fully open to me, available upon request to cut me open inch by inch. The conundrum of missing her and wanting him. The pendulum swing of wanting this all to end, but wanting no more bloodshed.

This is the ill fate of the few of us left still willing to fight.

This is the new reality for anyone who still claims loyalty to the once living dream of freedom.

Then, however, there are these moments that ignite a raging fire that once burned so brightly. Moments that remind you who you are, were, or are yet to become. Those moments simmer between Will and I on occasion and, for a moment, it feels like the world is okay again.

Moments like right now.

The stars are twinkling so brightly through the cover of the tree canopy that the moon shines dimly in comparison. Will's arm is secured tightly around my waist as he curls me into him, his breathing deep and even. He's asleep. Just as I should be. I relish in these moments where he shows me that he's back, but, they seem to slip away. A sigh escapes my lips as he tucks me even closer, resting his cheek over my hair.

"Macey, I can practically feel your worry." His whisper cut through my thoughts.

"I thought you were sleeping." I smiled, rolling toward him. My face was inches from his. Since leaving the cabin, he's slowly shown more affection. It's nice.

"I should be exhausted, but, I'm not. Frankly, if this wasn't such a fucked up situation, I'd probably be happy right now." He leaned down to kiss my forehead.

"I can't help but feel like the world's okay when I'm with you. You make me feel safe." I nuzzled into him and his hand traced up my spine, sending chills through me. A slight sigh escaped my lips and I couldn't help but smile.

"I have always loved you, Macey. You are incredible." His hand continued to trail down my spine and traced my outer thigh before cupping the back of my knee. "I can't not love you. So, I won't." He sighed, his lips pressing against mine as he lifted my knee over his waist. My arms wrapped around his neck as I pulled him closer, dangerously walking a line of no return.

"I love you, too." I sighed, exasperated. I rolled my weight to one side, pulling him with me as we became a tangled mess of limbs and pure heat. The passion coursing through me was palpable, almost painful. His lips left mine and traced my jaw, peppering my neck before coming to my collarbone, his hands roaming freely, eagerly tugging at my clothing.

This moment is one of those breath-stealing, life altering moments, one that makes the world feel okay, if even for a fraction of a second.

This moment is release, relief, an escape from all that's wrong and an opportunity to focus on all that's right. And, this time, I'm not holding back.

                                                                                     Us, Left to Mourn

Thomas

The morning sun welcomed us as we all rose and began our plan to execute the remaining political ties Sky had in the office. We had to be swift, merciless, and relentless in our pursuit of justice, but, I knew this may be a losing battle. Several miles south of our compound, a second group of rebel forces have been waiting for us to move forward.

"The second group will rendevouz right about-" I traced my finger along our map, "Here." I pointed. "Then we'll all wait for nightfall before moving in any further. They have a bunker to hide infant mothers, pregnant women, and children under 15." I could see Abraham and Will twitch.

"15?" Will cut in, curtly. "Isn't that a bit young to expose them to war?" He scoffed.

"Frankly, I can't afford to spare able bodied youngins." I replied.

"They'll be the first to die and you damn well know it." Macey's voice was calm and calculated, almost emotionless.

"Aye, I do understand your concerns, but, these folks here raised their kids right. They'll hold their own. Just you watch." I nodded confidently. I knew damn good and well it was a risk. One i needed to take.

"Then leave them with the little ones and the women." She cut. "Elda is pretty damn feisty but you don't see me putting a pistol in her hand." She patted Elda's fiery locks before turning to Abraham.

"A little back up?" She pleaded.

"I'm afraid Thomas is right. Though I do think a few young folks would do some good keeping watch over the weaker ones." He nodded. Macey pursed her lips in annoyance.

"That's fucked up. We're sending children to die." She slammed her hand on the table. I enjoyed watching her fire and tenacity. Reminded me of my wife.

"And how many more will die if we don't do this?" Sky's voice was smoother than molasses as his words rolled.

"You heard his majesty. To hell with ethics, am I right?" She crossed her hands over one another, huffing in frustration.

"All of you suck."

"Macey, this war is much bigger than lives, it's about the future and, trust me, in the end, we will mourn our dead as we revel in our victory." I rose to walk away before a hand stopped on my shoulder.

"Who will be left to mourn if we see everyone as a noble sacrifice?" The burning fuel in her eyes echoed my greatest fear: Loss.