We Carry the Fire

"The Empire is dying. Everyone knows it; they just won't talk about it. Every time the red moon comes, the shades wipe out more towns and villages, and thousands of people die. It's only getting worse. The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if next time they breach the walls of one of the free cities, and maybe then we'll all finally be ready to admit the truth: it's over for us. But maybe not even then. I tell you, these people are in such denial. You know what they say? They say, 'Have faith. God will save us.' Will He? I'm not so sure. In fact, I think He's made it pretty clear He does not give a damn about us. He could've saved us centuries ago. Why the wait? To test us? C'mon, let's be serious now. The first red moon came, and what did He do? He gave us Fire. He said, 'Here, this'll protect you.' And then - poof! - He vanished. Hasn't been heard from since. He left us. Left us to fend for ourselves. That's what people don't realize. That is the thought they will not let themselves have. And, listen, it's not like I don't get it. It's hard to admit you've been abandoned. It's more comforting to believe there's someone out there who cares about you, who'll show up in your time of need. But there isn't. There's no one. It's just us. The sun is going down, and all we got here at the end of the day is each other. So, I guess that'll have to do."