Clouds billow from the sky as rain screams down from the heavens. Lightning, thunder, and wind deafen the sounds of the cityscape below. Above it all is an ominous tower, where two men argue. Nicholas bursts into the quiet office to see his old friend standing at the wide window. “James, what are you doing? We need to get out of here!” James looks back at Nick. “I’m sorry Nicholas. There’s nothing more we can do.” James looks out the window to a storm only conceivable in one’s worst nightmares. Nick calls to his companion. “We can survive this, I know we can!” James swings around to face Nick. “Oh yeah? Tell me then! Tell me exactly how we can survive that!” He gestures to the beast just outside the window. “This has been a long time coming, this is the punishment for our hubris!” Nick steps closer. “You’re being ridiculous, James!” James slams his hands down on the desk between them. “I’m being ridiculous? What about you? What about how, as soon as I come into power, you suddenly realize the truth? That storm out there is our fault, Nicholas. Haven’t you noticed? Every summer is hotter and every winter colder than the last. We’ve done this. We created this storm.” The room grows silent, the sounds of the storm the only noise around. Nick sighs dejectedly. “I know. I just want you safe.” Nick walks around the desk and towards James as they face each other. “I thought that if we left together, we could start anew. Live away from this world and survive together.” James looks deep into Nick’s eyes. “And if we don’t?” James asks. They both turn towards the window, staring out at the dying world. Nick grabs James’ hand, holding it tightly. “Then we will die together too.”