i exist [as the definition of nonexistence]

for the stars.

When they say history repeats itself, they don't mean fate. They mean deja vu. They mean second chances, second glances, repeated phrases.

Honor among thieves, she says, raising her glass in a toast to her crew. They've done it, they've bested the greatest of men and the worthiest of enemies. They are akin to gods in this moment, briefly, eyes twinkling with mirth. There is a curl to her mouth, a poisonous one. She wants more.

Honor among thieves, he laughs as he kisses the boy who tried to steal his watch. They are soft, simple, happy in their private alcove of time and space, breath mingling warmly, fingers wandering with no actual intent. Neither boy sees the disaster hurtling toward them.

Honor among thieves, the black hole cries, desperately searching for someone who will understand. This is the legacy her life has lead up to, a battle she was destined to fight, and she wants to know that there is someone out there that will remember her battle cry

The words feel familiar, remembered, remnants of something, something, what is this thing? You begin grasping for answers, and the world screams, "It's fate! It's destiny! It's meant to be!"

It's written in the stars.

The world tells you that history is repeating itself, but all the legends are dead and buried, and no one wants them back. You don't want to be a rerun of the past. You don't want to make the same mistakes.

But do you even have a choice?

Until death, she screams from the rooftop, because she has nothing left to live for. Greed and Envy ripped happiness from her cold fingers as she fell, hurdling through the neverending abyss of sky.

Until death, he whispers, voice breaking as he bleeds. Somewhere he can hear a voice crying out his name, but any attempt to respond only produces a gurgle of blood. They have failed. For all of the promises they made, they have failed.

Until death, the star promises before it explodes.