The Last Day

It was a hot day. Well, a scorching one anyway. The sun had risen to its full height, a red ball of fire against an orange canvas of sky. Smoke muddled this brilliant color into a greyish mess. On the usual day, Life would gaze up at this sky. She often imagined what it once had been. The orange would melt into an ocean blue. The clouds would clear, and the yellow star would shine, and every block of cement before her would have a tree in its place.
       

       She had leaned back, resting against a piece of debris. Distant explosions sounded, leading her to clench tight on her robe. She could feel her power sapped away, as lives were lost, and opportunities were stolen. Life had no choice, but to watch.
       

       “It wouldn’t hurt to smile,” A voice sounded behind her.
       

       “The last day is not the day to smile.” Life sighed.
       

       She watched as the black cat purred something of a laugh as it came into view. She watched as the creature’s black fur became a coat, and its muzzle elongated into a face. What would be perceived as a man, grew to his full height, brushing off some dust from his shoulders. Unlike the ethereal gold that tumbled to Life’s shoulders, raven hair was slicked back atop his head.
 

       “Death.” She nodded.
       

       “Life,” He bowed, his amber eyes glinting with intrigue. “Have you come to witness the show?”
       

       “You mean the show you brought on?” Life folded her arms. “No, no it’s brilliant stuff. Armageddon.”
       

       “Oh don’t be so biblical. We both know that they got it all wrong anyway.”
     

        The two looked on to the mess before them. Death had taken a spot beside her, oddly quiet. It wasn’t what she usually witnessed.                    

       Oftentimes, he would be finding a great joy in all this, the sadistic bastard that he is. This time, however, he was quiet. His hands were folded neatly on his lap, one leg crossed, like a king on a rubble throne. 
They sat in silence for some time.
       

       “Why so quiet?” Life asked softly.
       

       “I’m only planning out my retirement. You ought to as well.”
       

       “There will always be life…”
       

       “Not according to upstairs,” He sighed, “No, no...this is it.”
       

       They watched a missile fly overhead, striking a skyscraper. A great plume of fire sent waves of heat against Life’s skin. She shuddered, averting her gaze.
       

       “This is your madness,” She growled, “Aren’t you proud?”
       

       “Not this time.”
     

        “What?”
       

       He looked to her directly then. “Not this time.”
       

       Death had risen from his seat, walking up to the edge of the precipice. He nodded to a figure made of metal and wires, a weapon in their hands. Life joined him, observing the creation. It did not move like hers did, nor did it kill as Death’s punishments. It was like a rabid hound, sent on a mission not planned by upstairs. A creation against its creator.
       

       “They sent these on themselves.” Death nodded. “Unnatural ends. This last day is their own doing.”
       

       “Can’t you...reverse it somehow?”
       

       “Not according to my contact.” He scoffed a bitter laugh. “This is their...their punishment. You should see the Karmic Balance branch, they’re running like chickens without heads. I only pick up the results, I have no say in the prosecution.”
       

       Life could only nod and accept. The two would most likely be erased as well, their time well served. She could only hope she would just be moved elsewhere. A different planet, a different universe, a different existence and name. Still, she had grown rather fond of Man. They were innovative creatures, striving only to evolve and advance. They formed their own feelings, and thoughts, and perceptions on the world.
But one can only push for so long before teetering off the edge. Like Rome, the Han, like Britain. All empires burn. All history is repeated.       They just ran out of space on their timeline.
       

       “How long?” Life asked.
       

       He checked a pocket watch. “Two minutes.”
       

       “I see…” She cleared her throat, “Death, we may have had our disagreements—” 
       

       “Don’t start.” Death groaned. “It isn’t the end of us it’s them!”
       

       “It was an honor working with you.”
       

       He stared, before his gaze fell to the ground. “And you.”
       

       They looked up at a distant whistling sound. It only grew louder, a metal comet falling from the sky. Life had taken Death’s hand then, gripping it tight. The last day would never be her favorite, but at least she could welcome Death with open arms.
       

       Her vision went white. Then black.