A/N: This a monologe from Jake's POV. It also tells a story, which I guess is diffrent. Please review, and tell me what you honestly think. If ppl like I might try a couple others in the same universe.


Open Wounds
by Jessica DragonTamer

My name is Jake.

Just Jake.

But you know that, don't you? You know I can't tell my name or location.

Not that it really matters.

I mean, I remember when I was a kid. Everyone used their real names. Everyone. All the time.

Really, we were pretty naive, weren't we?

So I guess I can tell you my name.

Jake Paterson.

I'll just forge more papers.

I remember how it started. Ended. Ended, I guess. What we were fighting for, I mean. Society. Free will.

Anyway, who cares? It's just us.

Us. Me, Cassie, Marco, Rachel, Tobias and little Tom.

Cassie, I told you not to name him that. Why didn't you listen?

It's like a wound, Cassie. A gaping, open wound.

No, Tom, don't cry. It's not your fault, sweetie. No, it's not your fault, honey.

Not at all.

Gosh, I'm sorry, Cassie. I understand. You thought it would help heal it.

Well, it didn't.

I'd say it's more like being hit by a bullet everytime I hear his name.

Everytime, Cassie. Can you guess what it feels like?

You probably can.

I know, Cassie. And I forgive you.

Remember when we were eating out, and talking about what to do once we got married? You said you wanted a house like your parent's. With a barn, remember? You wanted a barn.

And I promised you one.

This cave doesn't look like our dream house, does it?

I said I'm sorry. You agreed with me, Cassie.

Free or Dead.

Remember? You agreed, Cassie, you agreed.

I guess a house isn't much to worry about, is it?

Not when Rachel might walk in any moment from her foraging mission, and tell us we have to move on.

But Cassie, you wanted a house with a barn. You needed a barn.

I know. This is more important.

I should have been able to get you that barn. If I had won the war you could have that barn.

If I had won the war.

I should have, you know. You were all depending on me. Prince Jake, Fearless Leader.

Well, I'm not. I have my fears.

The dark fears that I can forget. Forget until it gets dark, and they parade themselves before me.

I'm not Fearless Leader.

I should have been, though.

I could have been.

But, Cassie, you didn't want me too. You said so.

You wanted me to stay human.

Right.

Cassie, if I had stopped being human, if I had won this war, you would have your barn.

We wouldn't be married. And we wouldn't have Tom.

But, Cassie, you'd be happy.

And that's what matters.