Title: I'll follow you down
Prompt: jump
Word Count: 400
"Have you ever wondered where we truly go when we die, Phai?"
Hephaistion was scared out of his mind as he watched Alexander sit on the edge of the cliff, legs dangling over, feet pushing frustratedly at some loose rocks. He was terrified, but that's not what Alexander needed to see now. "No, because I truly believe we are taken far better care of in our after-lives, than we are in life, Xander."
"So life doesn't matter then?"
"You misunderstand me. In order to be granted such eternal bliss, we must survive our lives first. We must carry-on through hardship and joy, love and hate, life and death. I do not believe there is any easy way to step into the realm of eternity until we have proven we deserve such an honor."
"And my father? Do you believe he now resides in that eternally pampering place?"
"I do. And I also believe he would be very disappointed if he were to miss reuniting with you because you deemed yourself unworthy of succeeding him, and chose not to continue with your life."
"How do you know that's what I am thinking?"
"Because I know and love you, and I have for all my life."
"I hold so much fear in my heart, Hephaistion, so much anguish and uncertainty."
"And did Aristotle not teach us that life is about all those things, Alexander? And that fear is as natural as breathing? Would you wish me to give up on my life because I am afraid of what is to come?"
"Don't be preposterous."
"And if I were to grab hold of you and force us both off the cliff, would your quest today be complete?"
"I do not wish to hear you speak of such a thing."
"Nor do I. I would prefer you allow me to wrap you in my arms until you feel safe enough to take on the responsibilities you have been given."
"I feel I am all alone."
"You will never be alone. I will always be with you."
"If I were to jump from this cliff ... if you were to witness my death, would you remember me as a coward or a hero?"
"Neither."
"What?"
"I would remember you as neither because I would not witness your death."
"I do not understand."
"Because I would be sure my body hit the ground first, to break your fall."
