A dark cloaked figure stood on the low cliff overlooking the ruins below him. They stretched as far as he could see into the horizon where the sun hung coldly, ash nearly covering it, making the sky a constant gray. He was no more than a shadow suspended in the cold air.
Wind carved through empty windows and doorways below him, sounding to him like the distant screaming so constant in his memories. He closed his eyes, not trying to stop the tears from streaming down his face, because still in his mind he couldn't see the ruins, he saw the towering spires and majestic buildings built of rocks that shone in every color. He saw the sunlight beaming down from vibrant sapphire skies, turning the city an iridescent kingdom of beauty. The lush green plants winding around every structure, framing every window and doorway with vines and thriving life, and the giant mountains cloaked thickly with the remnants of the old forest. He could still hear the music and laughter floating down the streets… so peaceful, so much like home…
He didn't want to open his eyes, didn't want to see the total and horrific destruction or hear the deathly silence that killed him, didn't want to exist in this world, this reality.
He just couldn't take it anymore, there was nothing left. Nothing left. Only emptiness, emptiness and pain. He could never escape the pain. Unless…
He stepped forward, and then he was right on the edge, taunting death to come closer. He closed his eyes, leaning forward into the emptiness, feeling like the icy stinging wind was the only thing holding him up. And he let himself fall.