The idea of hurling himself over the edge over the cliff is not all that frightening.
At least, to Judal, it's significantly less so than enduring any more of this. Of his existence, so painful and pathetic that it isn't quite worthy of being a life. The thought of killing himself, of being in control for once, and bring himself out of this shithole, is comforting.
He doesn't know what awaits the Depraved in death, but he knows he's lost any and all chances he might've had of returning to the Great Flow. It makes the idea of dying slightly more intriguing, and the idea of Al Sarmen killing him without second thought or mercy, is a very sobering thought indeed. But the idea of suicide, of ending him own existence and damning Al Sarmen feels good, and empowering.
And it was with that thought that Judal made the decision to fling himself over the cliffside edge, into the hungry, awaiting jaws of Death itself.
The black Rukh are aware of his thoughts, and desperately try to do something, to change their host's mind so they can be for just a bit longer, and destroy, and kill, and devour Judal before he makes such rash decisions.
But even parasitic Rukh can't stop him. Death has taken a physical form, in the dark, murky waves that crash with anger against the cliffside, and it is so intoxicating, enveloping him and his mind completely. Death wraps its cold, clammy fingers around him, and offers comfort. It's warm, and it's home, and it's the only smudge of hope that's ever been offered to the black Magi.
Death's husky voice quiets the screeching of the Rukh, and whispers into the very fiber of Judal's bones. I'll take you, it says. I'll give you a home, much nicer than Life ever could...
It takes unreasonable strength and insane power so simply move against the pushing Rukh, but with Death's aid, he heaves himself over the cliff edge and jumps.
It's a long way down.
...
Judal doesn't expect his suicide to be interrupted, however. Not by a long, leafy vine wrapping around his waist and pulling him away from Death, back to the top of the cliff. Back to Life.
Judal is far, far too tired to try and resist, so with an aching mind and body, he allows himself some rest, for a little while.
...
When he comes to, what Judal most certainly doesn't expect to see is Hakuryuu, starring at him with teary eyes and a tight frown. In fact, Judal is slightly surprised by the fact the he woke up at all. He should've been swallowed by Death by now, being wholly digested in its hungry belly.
Judal's eyes must be swimming in their own tears, for some reason, as well. That explains why this Hakuryuu seems to be liquefied and watery, swimming in midair.
"Judal..." Hakuryuu's voice is a little shaken as he stares at the Magi, and for reasons he can't explain, Judal doesn't answer. His throat is dead and dry, and it takes too much effort to try and come up with a response. Instead he simply blinks at Hakuryuu, and that is enough to set the boy off.
The prince launches himself at the Magi, wrapping his arms firmly around Judal's neck. Judal's cheeks flush prink, but he doesn't push Hakuryuu away.
Why did you save me? Is the first thing that he wants to say, and it's in the back of his mind, but when Judal finally works up the will to speak again, it isn't what comes out.
"Arigatou, my prince." Is spoken softly, and gratefully, instead.