the last city

Chapter 5: a warranted happy ending

In the dimly lit warehouse that served as their refuge, the rebels gathered around a table, sharing stories and laughter amidst the chatter of the newly rescued children. Orion, perched on his cushion, whined softly, his hazel eyes flickering anxiously as he clutched his baby bottle, the pacifier firmly clamped between his lips. Thorne, seated beside him, stroked his back soothingly, a gentle hum escaping his lips.

'Ooh, Orion, you're such a good boy,' Ember cooed, her voice like honey. 'You've been so brave.'

Orion let out a gurgle and reached out towards her with his tiny, chubby hand. Ember chuckled and took it in hers, stroking its soft, dimpled fingers.

'I think he wants some more,' Thorne said, motioning towards the bottle.

'Of course,' Ember replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She picked up the bottle and held it to Orion's lips, who eagerly sucked on it, his eyes closing with contentment.

Lyra, seated across from them, smiled at the sight. 'It's wonderful to see him so happy,' she said. 'He's been through so much.'

Thorne nodded, his eyes flickering with a mix of sadness and pride. 'He has been through hell, but he's still here. He's still our Orion.'

'And we're not going to let anyone hurt him again,' Ember vowed, her voice resolute.

'Amen to that,' Vega chimed in, his fingers drumming a tattoo on the table.

Orion finished his bottle and burped contentedly, his eyes now closed as he drifted into sleep. Thorne carefully laid him on his cushion, tucking him in gently.

'You know, I never would've thought I'd be feeding a grown man out of a baby bottle,' Lyra said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Thorne chuckled. 'Neither did I, but it's surprisingly... nice.'

'It's a testament to your care for him,' Ethan said, his voice warm. 'Even in all this chaos, you've still managed to create a sense of normalcy for him.'

Thorne's eyes softened as he looked at Orion, his face etched with love. 'He's my everything,' he whispered.

'And you're his,' Ember said, her voice tender. 'No matter what happens, you're never going to let him go again.'

Thorne shook his head, his eyes reflecting an unbreakable bond. 'Never,' he vowed.

'So, what now?' Vega asked, breaking the sentimental moment. 'We can't stay here forever.'

Ember nodded. 'We need to find a way out of this city.'

'But how?' Lyra said. 'The Inner City is sealed off.'

'Not entirely,' Ethan, one of the children rescued said timidly , his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. 'I know a way.'

The rebels exchanged excited glances, their spirits ignited by a renewed sense of hope. As they delved into Ethan's plan, Orion slept peacefully, oblivious to the adventures and challenges that lay ahead for them all.

...

Hours later, the rebels made their way to the outskirts of the city, where Ethan led them to a hidden tunnel. The tunnel was dark and narrow, but they pressed on, their bodies aching and their minds filled with trepidation.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they emerged from the tunnel and into a sprawling field. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills.

Orion, now awake, gazed at the breathtaking sight before him, his eyes wide with wonder. He reached out towards the grass, his chubby fingers twitching as if eager to explore.

'It's beautiful,' Lyra whispered, her voice filled with awe.

'It's freedom,' Thorne said, his voice trembling with emotion.

The rebels stood there for a moment, savoring the feeling of being outside the city walls, breathing the fresh air and taking in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Then, with Orion in tow, they set off into the unknown, their hearts filled with hope and determination. They had survived the horrors of the Inner City, and they were now on the path to a better future.

...

As they traveled, Thorne took out his journal and began to write, his words flowing effortlessly onto the page.

*Day 35: We escaped the city. We're free. Orion is safe. We're on our way to the Outer City. I'm not sure what the future holds, but for now, I'm just grateful to be alive.*

Thorne closed his journal and looked up at the night sky. The stars were twinkling above them, illuminating their path. He knew the journey ahead would be arduous, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

For Orion, for their love, and for the hope of a better tomorrow.

...

As the sun rose, the rebels reached the outskirts of the Outer City. The city was a sprawling metropolis, its buildings and streets teeming with life.

Ember scanned the horizon. 'We made it,' she said, her voice filled with triumph.

The rebels cheered, their hearts bursting with a mix of relief and excitement. They had come a long way, and they were finally on the brink of safety.

They entered the city, Orion clinging tightly to Thorne's hand as they navigated the bustling crowds. People glanced curiously at them, their eyes lingering on Orion's baby bottle and pacifier.

Thorne didn't care. All he cared about was protecting Orion and finding them a safe place to live.

Finally, they found a small, modest apartment in a quiet neighborhood. It wasn't much, but it was home.

Thorne and Orion settled into their new life, and as the days turned into weeks, Orion began to blossom. He still had his moments of anxiety and meltdowns, but Thorne was always there for him, providing him with the love and support he needed.

Thorne found work at a local community center, working with other autism spectrum individuals. He loved his job, and Orion loved going with him and spending time with the other kids.

In the evenings, Thorne and Orion would often go for walks in the park, Orion's small hand clasped tightly in Thorne's. Thorne would tell Orion stories, hum him songs, and watch as his beautiful eyes sparkled with joy.

And as they sat on a park bench, watching the children play and the sun set, Thorne knew that he had found his true purpose in life. He was Orion's protector, his advocate, and his best friend. And nothing in the world could tear them apart.

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