Zack and Jen followed the elf woman as she cheerfully guided them through the vibrant streets of Saffira. But as they moved, Zack couldn't help but notice the path had become strangely quiet.
Fewer people roamed the area, and the lively marketplace seemed far behind them now.
Zack: (whispering to Jen)
"Is it just me, or are we getting... too far from the town?"
Jen nodded, her guard rising.
Jen: (softly)
"Yeah, this doesn't feel right. And she hasn't explained where we're going."
They soon reached a tall, dome-shaped building made of darkened stone. Vines crawled up its sides, and the air around it felt unnaturally cold. The cheerful demeanor of the elf woman shifted slightly, her smile fading as she stopped before the large entrance.
Elf Woman: (calmly)
"We're here. This is the Sanctuary of Silence. A place of peace... and understanding."
They exchanged a glance, feeling an eerie presence within the building.
Zack: (pretending to be casual)
"Why bring us here? I thought we were exploring the town."
Elf Woman: (smiling thinly)
"The town is merely the surface of Saffira. There is much more to see... and learn."
Jen's instincts screamed danger, but she played along.
Jen: (nodding)
"Alright. Lead the way."
They cautiously followed the elf woman inside.
_ _ _
Back at the orphanage, Safari was officially at his limit. The children had formed a chaotic circle around him, demanding piggyback rides, magic tricks, and bedtime stories all at once. One kid had managed to braid his hair into a disastrous tangle, while another had drawn squiggly devil horns on his forehead with some paint.
Safari: (groaning in despair)
"WHY ME?!"
He slumped to the ground dramatically, face-first into the grass.
The Caretaker lady, however, seemed entirely unbothered. She stood on the porch, watching with crossed arms and a smug smile.
Caretaker: (mocking)
"A mighty arrogant guy, reduced to a babysitter. Poetic justice, I'd say."
Safari grumbled into the dirt, lifting his head with a glare.
Safari: (muttering)
"This... is beyond punishment. This is psychological warfare."
Just as another child leapt onto his back, Safari dramatically gave up, lying spread out like a defeated beast. The kids giggled, proclaiming victory over their "Devil Mount."
_ _ _
Meanwhile, Angeleva wandered through the crowded streets of Saffira, frustration growing with every step.
She'd spoken to numerous locals, subtly questioning them about the supposed demon general — but all she received were smiles and vague comments about the planet's peace.
Angeleva: (thinking)
"This makes no sense. There's no sign of fear or repression... But the red signal doesn't lie."
Her thoughts lingered on the weirdo incident. The memories clawed at her mind, making her feel exposed and powerless. Yet, determined to push through, she made one last attempt.
Spotting a group of well-dressed men gathered by a decorative fountain, she adjusted her posture, flipping her long pink hair over her shoulder. Forcing a charming smile, she approached them.
Angeleva: (softly, attempting to flirt)
"Good day, gentlemen. I couldn't help but notice how knowledgeable you all seem about this lovely planet. Perhaps you could tell me more?"
The men chuckled, exchanging glances.
Man 1: (smirking)
"Oh, we know plenty. But what's in it for us, beautiful fairy?"
Angeleva held back her discomfort, trying to stay composed.
Angeleva: (faking a giggle)
"Information... can be rewarding, don't you think?"
But before the conversation could progress, the memories flashed in her mind — the twisted cheers of the Weirdos, the humiliating feeling of helplessness. She immediately recoiled, her confidence shattered.
Angeleva: (thinking)
"I can't. Not like this."
Her voice faltered.
Angeleva: (barely speaking)
"Forget it. I'll find my own answers."
She stormed off, the lingering laughter from the men only fueling her frustration. Even her pride as a warrior couldn't mask the trauma and humiliation she still carried.
Back at the orphanage, Safari finally collapsed on the steps, completely drained. The children, now satisfied, sat around him munching on snacks. Zack and Jen's exploration had left him on his own for hours, and it felt like he had aged another decade.
Safari: (mumbling to himself)
"I'm a devil king, not a babysitter... Never again."
But despite the misery, a small smile tugged at his lips as one of the younger children handed him a tiny flower crown.
Child: (innocently)
"For you, Mr. Devil King!"
Safari: (softly)
"...Thanks, kid."
Meanwhile, Zack and Jen ventured deeper into the mysterious building, with the elf woman leading them. Angeleva, despite her frustration, remained determined to uncover the truth behind Saffira's facade.
_ _ _
The elf woman led Zack and Jen up a winding spiral staircase, each step echoing in the eerily silent building. The further they climbed, the more the air grew heavy, like an ominous presence lingered in the shadows.
Upon reaching the top floor, they entered a vast chamber. Ornate crimson curtains lined the walls, and an intricate throne sat at the far end.
Elf Woman: (smiling slyly)
"Isn't it beautiful? The finest view in all of Saffira."
Zack and Jen exchanged suspicious glances.
Zack: (narrowing his eyes)
"Alright, enough of the sightseeing. Why bring us here?"
At that moment, the elf woman's expression twisted.
A chilling laugh echoed as her body began to shift. Her slender form morphed grotesquely — her face elongating, and her skin turning a sickly shade of purple. Sharp, insect-like appendages emerged from her back, and her emerald eyes gleamed with malice.
Elf Woman: (grinning)
"Because, my dear guests, it's time to reveal who I truly am."
Jen: (gasping)
"A Demon General!"
Elf Woman: (mocking)
"Precisely. Brainela, at your service. And I've been dying to meet you two."
Brainela's twisted grin never faltered as she slowly paced toward them.
Brainela: (gleefully)
"You see, I've perfected a rather ingenious little art. My 'babies' — the insect demons — are my pride and joy. Unlike the brutish generals you may have faced before, I prefer... subtlety."
She waved her clawed hand, and the walls shimmered with strange, pulsating patterns. Horrific images of writhing insect demons burrowing into unsuspecting bodies filled the air.
Brainela: (smiling)
"Once my children enter a host, they become one with their mind and soul. The host retains their memories, desires, and emotions. They live, laugh, and cry just like before. But deep inside? They are mine."
Zack: (clenching his fists)
"So the people of this planet...?"
Brainela: (mocking amusement)
"Oh, they're already mine. Half of them, at least. Neighbors, friends, shopkeepers... even some of your guides. Every soul you smiled at could be one of my precious hosts. And the best part? They don't even know it."
Jen's face paled.
Jen: (whispering)
"That's sick. And the orphanage—"
Brainela chuckled darkly.
Brainela: (grinning)
"Ah, the orphanage. Now, that is a sacred place for me. The caretaker? No, I've done nothing to her or those little darlings. After all, I needed her trust to set up my base. Every day, I select new 'volunteers' from the town, all under the guise of assisting her. The children remain untouched... for now."
Zack's blood boiled.
Zack: (angrily)
"You won't get away with this."
Brainela's grin widened.
Brainela: (sinisterly)
"Oh, but I'm afraid that it may not happen."
Two massive, insectoid cocoons emerged from the shadows, pulsing with dark energy.
Brainela: (smirking)
"My children need suitable vessels. You two will do just fine. Once they're inside you, you'll still be yourselves... but your loyalty will be mine."
Jen grabbed Zack's hand, adrenaline surging through her.
Jen: (urgently)
"Zack, we need to move. Now!"
They dashed for the door, but Brainela's laughter echoed as the chamber twisted. The walls darkened, shifting like a living organism.
Brainela: (mocking)
"There's no escape. You're mine now."
Immediately, dark tendrils burst out binding Zack and Jen tightly.
_ _ _
Meanwhile, across the planet, Angeleva's frustration mounted. Her endless questioning had led nowhere. The people of Saffira spoke in pleasant tones, but their words lacked substance. It was as if they were all hiding something — or perhaps, being controlled.
Angeleva: (clenching her fists)
"Something isn't right. I can feel it."
Despite the lingering trauma from the Weirdos' incident, she forced herself forward. She had to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
She passed through the crowded marketplace once more, her sharp eyes scanning for any signs of suspicious behavior. But everyone wore the same unsettling smiles — empty, hollow.
Angeleva: (thinking)
"This place... it's like they're living in peace. But why?"
Suddenly, she felt a faint aura of demonic energy from a distant location — the same building where Zack and Jen were trapped. It was because Brainela was back to her demonic form.
Angeleva: (narrowing her eyes)
"Got you."
Determined, she shot into the sky, her wings gleaming in the sunlight as she soared toward the source.
Back at the orphanage, Safari was still buried in chaos. The children had now taken to riding him like a giant beast, laughing uncontrollably as he stumbled around.
Safari: (gasping for air)
"Enough! Enough, you little gremlins!"
But his pleas were ignored.
The Caretaker simply sipped her tea with a content smile.
Caretaker: (smirking)
"You seem to be doing just fine, Devil guy."
Safari: (panting)
"I am not 'fine!' This is child torture!"
Despite his dramatic complaints, part of him felt an unfamiliar warmth. The laughter of the children, the innocent joy — it was far from the horrors he often faced. Yet, something didn't feel right.
Safari: (thinking)
"Something's off about this planet. And when I find out what it is, the demon general's gonna pay."
_ _ _
Meanwhile, Angeleva soared high above the bustling town, narrowing her eyes as the aura guided her to a massive, ominous building near the outskirts.
Unlike the pristine homes and vibrant market squares, this structure seemed deliberately concealed — as if hiding something sinister.
Angeleva: (clenching her fists)
"That's it. No more games."
The memory of the previous "Weirdos" incident still haunted her. She gritted her teeth, brushing away the invasive thoughts. Despite the lingering embarrassment and trauma, she refused to falter.
With a powerful beat of her wings, she shot through the air, her determination unwavering.