War (1)

Jacob, Angela, Grace, John, Ryan, and Ellie gathered in a makeshift tent to study the map of the region. Each of them brought their ideas and solutions to the drawing, exchanging views and discussing the best routes to take to reach the final destination. Looking at the map, they wove a clever and creative plan, ready for a new challenge, the war.

Three months ago, Jacob arrived in the village to assume the post of leader. Unfortunately, this meant having to defeat the old leader. However, this leader did not accept defeat quietly, returning to the village with an army of vengeful soldiers. Jacob and the others are now looking for a way to deal with that army.

Jacob had no intention of attacking the army that was surrounding the village. He was looking for another way to get the army for himself. Instead of fighting and hunting the enemy, he preferred to make the enemy his ally.

"I was having fun at the party... We're going to kill them, aren't we?" Ellie asked curiously. Inside, she was dying to kill them.

"No, We'll find a peaceful way to make this army an ally." Jacob answered her and then said, "They are an army of 300 men. Their leader is our target, the rest of the men I want to stay alive, understand?"

"Yes!" Everyone answered at the same time and quickly began to prepare for battle.

Angela looked at John who was wearing his armor and quickly tried to get ready for the battle, but just as it was about to begin, Jacob intervened saying, "You're not going to participate, I want you to find a place for the 300 men to stay."

"What? I'm going to go to the front line, and someone else can take care of it."

Angela didn't want John to go alone. She considered that her presence could protect him and provide the necessary attention and security. Although she was also concerned for her well-being, she felt that the duty to go along was unavoidable. So she wants to accompany him.

"No, you will take care of it. John is already too big, he can protect himself by himself and make his own decisions, understand?" Jacob spoke coldly to her, but he understood her side and respected it.

The tent was silent after Jacob and Angela's little disagreement drew everyone's attention. The atmosphere was charged as Angela growled in anger and walked out. Everyone in the tent was surprised by the quick intensity of the small disagreement that was happening between Jacob and Angela, who were normally considered the 'Smartest'.

Suddenly, Grace approached Jacob and said, "You should let her go. I would want to accompany you too if I were in her place."

"If it were the other way around, I wouldn't let you come," Jacob replied casually as he rolled up his maps.

"Why?" Grace asked curious, after all, she couldn't see the reasons why Jacob wouldn't let her go.

Jacob put the maps away and answered Grace, "Because I am in the war to win it and you are there to help me." He said this in a professional voice, showing that he understood the meaning of this. Just then he completed his sentence, "That's what differentiates a soldier from a civilian."

Grace nodded, understanding exactly what Jacob meant. She knew that he was going to war to win and that she was there to fight by his side. She replied in a firm, professional voice, "You are right, still, our goal is victory." Jacob smiled and nodded, knowing that Grace was ready to face any challenge that came her way. They stood up together, remembering that even in war, they stood side by side.

.

.

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In a great city. Ominous shadows hung over this devastated city. The place was destroyed, and fragments of the buildings were scattered all over the area. The dust-laden air was cut off by the screams and sobs of the children, who were crying because of the horrible scenes in which the destroyed city was burdening: The sight of dead bodies, ruined buildings, and broken and destroyed families. All that was left was the sound of uncontrolled footsteps, their voices in a continuous sobbing echoing through the desolate streets.

In the middle of that city ravaged by chaos, amidst the disfigured bodies and stony wreckage, there was a single figure standing. A woman stood out amidst the darkness, her red hair stiffly pulled back, a strong posture, and her hands clasped together. She was praying for the departed souls. Her stillness was unsettling, contrasting with the chaos that surrounded her.

"I missed that feeling, the feeling of death..." She murmured as she opened her eyes and admired that macabre sight.

"While death may seem frightening, it also represents a chance for redemption. Deep down, I think our conscience tells us that the reason death is perfect is that it saves us from our imperfections and mistakes. Death frees us from our demons, blessing us with a new chance and offering the hope of a new beginning. To conclude, death is the perfect answer to our existence, for it is where we find the true meaning of life and real salvation."

She whispered as she shook her head. It seemed that she was alone, but the truth was that she was talking to everyone who died.

Suddenly, Abaddon appeared behind her and said, "I killed the entire Holmes family. Are you praying, sir?". His voice was calm and professional as if he were in a work environment.

"Since my family left, I pray whenever other people leave, because I'm alive and they're dead, you see? What time is it?" Lucifer asked Abaddon.

Abaddon did not own a watch, so she looked up at the heavens to determine the current time and said, "I believe it is midnight now."

"On the clock..."

Lucifer raised her head to the sky and was immediately enchanted by the beautiful starry landscape that the night offered her. She watched the firmament with fascination, appreciating the mystery and majesty of that sublime vision while enjoying serene company: her own.

"Jacob Voss, I am coming to you."

[...]

Author's note:

Life is fleeting, but death is eternal. This is a universal truth that we cannot escape. Death is part of the mystery of life, but we must embrace it and understand that it is only a part of the cycle of life.