719 Desperate Measures

Rodney felt his mind slip away, suddenly free-floating in a comfortable darkness.

'Is this what death feels like?' his mind mused.

'It's a lot more peaceful than I thought. No hell. No heaven. Just serenity.'

His mind drifted to the scene of Phoenix crying, and Astaroth looking angry.

'I hope you two don't do anything rash. This wasn't your fault. Had I not insisted on coming, the situation would not have gone this way. I hope I didn't start a war…'

The comfort of the silent darkness around him made him feel like he could just close his eyes forever and let time slip by.

But a heat rose in his chest.

Opening his eyes, he looked down and could see his chest glowing in bright white light.

'What is going on?' he wondered.

"…in th…"

'Huh? Was that a voice?'

"…ng in the…"

'That sounds so familiar…'

His chest pulsed with heat again, and a soft voice rang in his ear.