When the light faded, his eyes could see with perfection. His mind knew to instinctively reel back in fear of such a great height. Yet, it did not. He beheld a view of the Earth. It was a blue marble in the middle of an endless black ocean. The passing of clouds, the tides of the oceans, the grey splotches where humanity had carved out its dominion.
Surrounding him on all side, a heavenly voice called to him, The intensity faded away. His eyesight was poor, yet he could recognize the distant formations. It was the sky. It was heavy with thunder and lightning crisscrossing overhead. The clarity of the storm was beyond anything he had experienced. He could feel the air vibrating with each crash. The jagged arcs of energy were wondrous to behold.
I should get inside.
He stood up. Rather, his mind issued the command to do so. His body did not. The storm’s fury seemingly grew more intense.
Why can’t I move?
It was such a bizarre experience. The buildings on campus were slowly sinking before his eyes.
He tried again. His muscles refused to cooperate. No matter how much effort his mind force upon him, his body did not respond.
Ahead of him awaited the tempest. Lightning streaked across the horizons. Cacophonous booms surrounded him. Nature’s divine presence surrounded him – equal parts majestic and terrifying.
I’m dead?
His thought was as disturbingly calm as it was curious.
A lance of white luminescence pierced the black clouds like the sun’s rays.
I am dead.
Serenity settled upon him. The beam widened in scope, fully encompassing the entirety of his sight. A peaceful serenity washed over him. Without regret, without tears, without second thoughts, the young man accepted his fate as sweet release.
It's all over...finally...
When the light faded, his eyes could see with perfection. His mind knew to instinctively reel back in fear of such a great height. Yet, it did not. He beheld a view of the Earth. It was a blue marble in the middle of an endless black ocean. The passing of clouds, the tides of the oceans, the grey splotches where humanity had carved out its dominion.
Surrounding him on all sides, a heavenly voice called to him, “All that is good in life is worth working toward.”
The blue marble shattered like glass before his eyes. Before him was a single stone tower illuminated by the sporadic bursts of light within the billowing thunder cloud.
The blue marble shattered like glass before his eyes. Before him was a single stone tower illuminated by the sporadic bursts of light within the billowing thunder cloud.
“Only those who Walk the Path of Mighty may pass beyond this threshold. Will you be counted among them?”
As much as he wished for death, he couldn't do it. To bring an end to the long hidden depression he concealed from everyone he knew, he couldn't force himself to follow through. Yet, as readily as he embraced the oncoming afterlife, it was in that moment he realized. He was not ready to move on.
Yes.
“Cast your name upon the winds of the Aether and you shall Awaken."
He gave his Name to the Watchtower.
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No Paradox
