Part II: Last Stand
There was a floating sensation, first, like he was submerged in a pool of warm water. Flashes of light registered behind his closed lids. He hovered on the edge of awareness, understanding something was happening, but not yet curious enough to find out what.
Please, he thought, now that I am dead, when I open my eyes, let me be in the City.
He floated a while longer, hearing voices occasionally, but unable to focus enough to make out what they were saying. A heavy apathy smothered his will, keeping him in a calm he only experienced in the City. His heart warmed, knowing he was right. He allowed himself to rest for the first time since his ordeal began, safe in the arms of home.
Fresco woke and opened his eyes, a smile of joy already coming unbidden to his lips, his
