🏠 Home

Chapter 27: Finally, Freedom From Babysitting Nightmare!

Zack and Jen stood in awe, their eyes wide as Angeleva lowered her wand, panting slightly. The golden glow surrounding her faded as she de-transformed and turned to face them.

Zack: (grinning)
"That... was incredible."

Jen: (smiling)
"She really did it."

Angeleva: (smirking playfully)
"Of course I did. Did you expect anything less?"

They ran to her side, and for a moment, relief washed over all of them. But even as the victory settled in, Angeleva couldn't shake the feeling that more challenges awaited.

Angeleva: (thinking to herself)
"This planet may be safe for now, but there are more generals out there. And I won't stop until every single one of them is defeated."

Far away, Safari was still struggling in his own personal battle - one of patience and endurance. But little did he know, his own challenge was just beginning.

After the fall of Brainela, the once-infested people across the planet began to regain consciousness.

The twisted insects that infested them crumbled into ash, leaving the victims confused and weakened.

Angeleva watched as the people slowly realized they were free, some falling to their knees in relief. Though the fight was over, the emotional scars remained.

Angeleva: (sighing)
"What a nightmare... They didn't even know they were being controlled."

She looked away, unable to shake the lingering memories of her own helplessness during the weirdo incident.

The thought of being used and humiliated was something she never wanted to experience again. But unlike before, she had faced her fears head-on and emerged victorious.

Just as she was lost in thought, Zack and Jen approached her.

Jen: (smiling softly)
"That was amazing, Angeleva. You really saved us back there."

Zack: (nodding)
"Yeah. Thanks to you, this planet is free."

Angeleva's wings fluttered as she crossed her arms, trying to maintain her usual cheerful demeanor.

Angeleva: (smirking)
"Well, of course! You two would have been bug food without me."

Jen giggled, but then her expression turned slightly serious.

Jen:
"Actually... we were wondering if you could help us with something else."

Zack: (startled)
"Jen! Don't-"

Jen: (cutting him off)
"No, Zack. I'm sure of it. Safari big bro is probably struggling right now."

Angeleva blinked in confusion.

Angeleva:
"The mighty devil? Struggling? What do you mean?"

Jen shrugged, an amused yet knowing smile spreading across her face.

Jen:
"Call it a gut feeling. Safari might act all tough, but I bet he's facing his own kind of battle right now. And let's be honest, he probably won't admit he needs help."

Zack scratched his head awkwardly.

Zack:
"She's not wrong. He'd rather jump into a volcano than ask for help."

Angeleva: (grinning slyly)
"Typical devil's pride. Fine, I guess I can check on him. Someone has to keep that stubborn idiot in line."

The three shared a small laugh before making their way back toward the orphanage where Safari had crash-landed.

Meanwhile -
Back at the orphanage, Safari was locked in a relentless battle. But unlike the fierce combat he was used to, this one was purely mental.

The children showed no mercy. They climbed over him like he was a jungle gym, tugged at his horns, poked his cheeks, and rode on his back like he was a noble steed. Safari, the proud ruler of Planet Sappy, was now reduced to a living plaything.

Child 1: (giggling)
"I caught the scary devil!"

Child 2: (cheerfully)
"No! I caught him first!"

Safari groaned, his patience running thin.

Safari: (exasperated)
"Get off me, you little brats! I'm a devil, not a playground!"

But the children only laughed, clearly not taking his threats seriously. Safari's horns, which usually symbolized his fearsome presence, were now just amusing accessories for the kids.

The caretaker woman, watched with amusement from the side.

Caretaker: (mocking)
"Oh my, Devil King. You seem so fearsome today."

Safari scowled.

Safari: (grumbling)
"This isn't a battle, it's a punishment."

Just as he thought his suffering couldn't get any worse, 3 figures arrived. Zack and Jen immediately took in the ridiculous sight. Safari was sprawled on the ground, with three kids clinging to his arms and another one perched triumphantly on his head.

Zack: (barely holding back laughter)
"Oh. My. Stars."

Jen: (giggling)
"He's losing to a bunch of toddlers!"

Safari's face burned with embarrassment as he threw the kids off - gently, of course - and scrambled to his feet.

Safari: (defensive)
"I'm not losing! I'm just... giving them a chance to win!"

But before he could defend himself further, Angeleva strutted in behind Zack and Jen. She scanned the chaotic scene with a grin.

Angeleva: (mocking)
"Wow, Lord Safari. What a fearsome ruler you are. Truly intimidating."

Safari crossed his arms and growled.

Safari: (gritting his teeth)
"Shut up, fairy."

Jen: (playfully)
"We thought we might find you in trouble. Turns out, you were in worse trouble than we imagined."

The children, who were initially wary of Safari's fearsome presence, now clung to him without fear. One little girl even held his neck like plush toy. Despite all his protests, there was no denying the warmth in Safari's heart.

But that didn't mean he'd admit it.

Safari: (grumbling)
"Whatever. Just get me out of here."

Angeleva: (smirking)
"Not a chance. You still have some 'important responsibilities' to take care of, don't you?"

Safari's eye twitched, realizing she was absolutely enjoying this moment. Zack and Jen, unable to hold back any longer, burst into laughter.

As the caretaker watched with a satisfied smile, Safari begrudgingly returned to the children, resigning himself to his fate.

Safari: (under his breath)
"This has got to be the worst battle I've ever fought."

As the chaotic scene continued to unfold, laughter echoed through the orphanage. Safari, with kids still clinging to him, was desperately trying to shake them off.

Meanwhile, Zack and Jen leaned against a wall, enjoying every bit of his misery.

Zack: (grinning)
"Oh man, I should've brought a camera. Safari big bro, the mighty ruler, defeated by toddlers!"

Jen: (smiling but slightly sympathetic)
"Alright, that's enough teasing. He did go through a lot today."

Before Safari could snap back, the repair crew entered with wide smiles. The chief of the crew, a burly elf with grease-streaked arms, waved them over.

Repairman: (cheerfully)
"Good news! The spaceship's all fixed up, and the orphanage's building is as good as new. You're free to leave whenever you like."

Safari's eyes lit up. The words "free to leave" had never sounded sweeter. He immediately stood up, brushing the kids off him as best as he could.

Safari: (relieved)
"Finally! I'm out of this nightmare!"

But just as he turned, the children rushed at him once more, clinging to his legs like vines.

Child 1: (tearfully)
"Nooo! Big scary man, don't go!"

Child 2: (sniffling)
"Stay and play with us! You're fun!"

Child 3: (hugging Safari's arms)
"We like you!"

Safari stiffened, a comical mix of panic and frustration washing over him. Even the caretaker, despite her stern nature, seemed amused. She crossed her arms, observing the heartwarming scene.

Caretaker: (smiling softly)
"It seems they've grown fond of you. I suppose even devils have their charm."

Safari tried prying the kids off, but their grip was unrelenting. Even the caretaker's attempts to pull them away failed.

Safari: (groaning)
"For the love of Sappy, someone get these leeches off me!"

Zack and Jen burst into laughter, while Angeleva sauntered forward, her wings fluttering mischievously.

Angeleva: (mocking)
"What's the matter, mighty ruler? Can't handle a few little admirers?"

Safari glared at her, but his words were drowned out by the children's giggles. He finally slumped in defeat, realizing he wasn't getting out of this without help. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and mumbled under his breath.

Safari: (reluctantly)
"Fine. I... I need help."

Angeleva cupped her ear dramatically.

Angeleva: (teasing)
"What was that? I didn't quite hear you."

Safari: (growling)
"Help. Me."

Angeleva: (smirking)
"Hmm... Not convincing enough. Maybe add a 'pretty please'?"

Zack nearly fell over laughing, while Jen, though amused, tried to maintain a bit of fairness.

Jen: (giggling)
"Come on, Angeleva. Don't push it too much."

Safari: (grumbling)
"Ugh. Pretty. Please."

Angeleva: (satisfied)
"There we go. Was that so hard?"

With a flick of her hand, Angeleva used her fairy charms. A gentle golden glow enveloped her as she crouched to the children's level.

Angeleva: (softly)
"Alright, little ones. I know you like him, but he's got an important journey ahead. But don't worry, I'm sure he'll come visit sometime."

The children blinked, captivated by her presence. Her warm and gentle voice worked like magic. Slowly, they released their hold on Safari, now completely enamored with Angeleva. Some even shyly hid behind each other, blushing.

Child 1: (whispering)
"Wow... she's so pretty."

Child 2: (nodding)
"Like a princess."

Angeleva: (smiling kindly)
"And brave knights like Safari have to go on grand adventures. But he'll always remember you."

Safari, still catching his breath, gave a cold but begrudging nod.

Safari: (muttering)
"Yeah, sure. Whatever."

Caretaker: (smiling gently)
"Well then, Lord Safari. You may leave. And don't forget what I told you - take care of those two as a big brother should."

Safari shot a glare at Zack and Jen, who were still trying to suppress their laughter.

Safari: (grumbling)
"Don't push your luck."