The Edge of Nothing

Sitting on the edge of nothing, I see it all now. I see it laid bare before my very eyes. These people, this place, this time… it isn’t meant for me. I always knew I was different. I always knew my path would end differently.

Didn’t expect it to end like this, though.

The force that struck me from behind took the wind out of me completely, and I was hurtled for what felt like an eternity across the floor. After a lifetime of defying fate, fighting for a slice of freedom, a breath of real air, it had finally led me here, sprawled on synth-chrome tiles, a dull ache throbbing through my battered body.

What was I thinking? Who am I but one small person? What could I honestly expect to do? To achieve? The realization was almost laughable as the rain now began to pour.

Pushing past the extreme agony, I managed to stand, my body screaming in protest. The once rich, shimmering surface of my jacket was lifeless, battered, and bloodied. Much like the soul within it, I suppose. Fumbling in an inner pocket, my trembling fingers managed to pull out a single ripped picture of a face I once knew.

“Sorry,” I said to it, struggling for breath. “My times up.”

The cybernetically enhanced enemy moved like a blur. No theatrical ambush, no dramatic confrontation – just another swift, merciless blow, taking my legs out from underneath me, knocking me to the floor again.

“End of the line, Tav,” my savior said, holding up their fanged blade, a glint of wicked amusement in their eyes.

I chuckled, a heart-wrenching sound of despair and acceptance. “End of the line, indeed,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

My hand reached out to grab their wrist in an attempt to stall the inevitable. “I think,” I rasped, my breath growing shallower, “We’ll both make a pretty good mess, wouldn’t you agree?”

“What are you talking abo-“

They had recognized the detonator in my other hand too late.

“Finally,” I said before pressing the button.

Everything faded to black.