The ruined fortress now stood silent. Smoke still lingered in the air, but no traces of the demon army remained. The defeated generals had vanished, their twisted presence gone. The liberated prisoners, weak but relieved, gathered under the clear sky, savoring their first moments of freedom.
A campfire flickered in the center of the clearing, its warm glow casting away the lingering shadows.
Jen bustled around, using what little supplies Ian had scavenged from the fortress storage. With help from Olive, Zack, and Ian, she managed to whip up a surprisingly hearty stew, its aroma wafting through the air.
Jen (smiling):
"It's not a feast, but it'll do. After everything we've been through, a good meal can heal more than just the body."
The prisoners sat in small circles, holding their bowls with trembling hands. Each bite brought tears to their eyes - not from pain, but from the overwhelming comfort of warm food.
Safari watched over them, leaning against his hammer, his fierce gaze softened. Angeleva, ever graceful, moved from one group to another, offering words of comfort and reassurance.
Angeleva:
"You're safe now. The demons are gone."
But amidst the calm, Ian had not forgotten the need for further help. He fumbled with the controls of Safari's spaceship, the sleek interface glowing faintly. After a few attempts, a successful SOS signal was transmitted, its message echoing through the galaxy.
Ian:
"And sent! Reporting live - Ian, the bravest cameraman of the Safari Family, requesting assistance for the miraculous survivors! Celestic Police, you're going to want to see this one!"
Olive, however, tensed at the mention of the Celestic Police. Even though she had been one of them, her trust in them had long eroded since they never came to look for her when she was a captive of Lack.
She was rather assumed dead with her entire squad.
She instinctively stepped back, her fingers brushing against her holstered plasma gun. Safari noticed her shift in demeanor and approached calmly.
Safari:
"You alright?"
Olive (whispering):
"I don't know. They won't believe this. No one had ever managed to even raid Krollos."
Safari:
"Then they don't need to know who did it. Let them believe it was just... a miracle."
She blinked, taken aback by his words.
Olive:
"But they'll ask questions. The demons didn't just disappear."
Safari (grinning):
"Let them wonder. No need to prove anything."
Angeleva joined them, overhearing the conversation.
Angeleva:
"The victory belongs to the people we saved. They're the only proof that matters."
Olive felt an unexpected warmth. Despite the darkness they had endured, there was truth in their words.
Hours passed, and soon the distant hum of engines echoed from the sky.
Celestic Police warships descended, their sleek white exteriors gleaming against the darkened sky.
Elite officers in formal uniforms stepped out, scanning the ruins with disbelief. The once-feared fortress of the demon generals was now nothing more than rubble.
Officer Kryn, a stern-looking woman with short black hair, approached cautiously. Her eyes swept across the weakened survivors and the ashes of the battlefield.
Kryn:
"Who... who did this?"
The prisoners said nothing. Some avoided her gaze, fearful of the authority she represented. Others merely shook their heads, unwilling to explain the unexplainable.
Ian stepped forward dramatically, waving his camera.
Ian (with a grin):
"You're looking at it, officer! The people stood against their oppressors, and what happened? The impossible!"
Kryn narrowed her eyes, unconvinced.
Kryn:
"And the generals? Their bodies?"
Ian (laughing nervously):
"Ah, well, you know how it is! Poof! Gone with the wind. Quite the show, really. Too bad you missed it!"
The officers exchanged skeptical glances, but with no evidence and no leads, they had little choice but to accept the unlikely story.
Kryn:
"We'll take the survivors to the nearest medical station. If they remember anything useful, we'll document it. But this... this defies reason."
As the Celestic Police began tending to the freed prisoners, Safari quietly watched from the shadows with Olive, Zack, Jen, and Angeleva. None of them made any attempt to explain. No medals were needed. No applause necessary.
For Safari, the liberation of the planet was all the reward he sought.
Olive (smiling softly):
"A miracle, huh? Guess I can live with that."
Safari:
"Good. Because we've got more demons to hunt."
The family shared a knowing look.
The skies cleared, and for the first time in years, the people of the planet saw the stars without fear. A new dawn had come.
The once-devastated planet now stood free under the morning light. With the survivors receiving aid from the Celestic Police, it was time for Safari and his family to move on.
Safari's spaceship stood ready, a testament to the journeys they had endured and the countless battles still ahead.
Jen tugged at Angeleva's hand with an earnest look.
Jen:
"Why don't you come with us? It's safer when we're all together, and besides, I'm sure you'll love my cooking!"
Zack nodded enthusiastically.
Zack:
"Yeah! And I can heal you if you ever get tired. We're a family now, remember?"
Ian dramatically clutched his chest.
Ian:
"Imagine the footage I'd get! The legendary fairy warrior traveling with the Safari Family! What a blockbuster!"
Angeleva smiled warmly, but there was a glint of stubborn pride in her violet eyes.
Angeleva:
"I'm flattered, but I still have my own mission. Safari and I may be fighting the same war, but we're competitors. The next time we meet, I'll have defeated more generals than him."
Safari crossed his arms, a grin curling at the corner of his lips.
Safari:
"Heh, as if. Keep up, fairy. And if you get stuck with another bunch of weirdos, you can always rely on me."
She scoffed playfully.
Angeleva:
"And if you get stuck babysitting an entire orphanage again, you can rely on me."
Safari visibly flinched, memories of that particular nightmare flashing in his mind - dozens of chaotic, hyperactive children jumping, crying, and wreaking havoc around him. Despite his strength, no amount of physical training had prepared him for that ordeal.
Safari (grumbling):
"Tch. I don't need reminding of that."
Olive chuckled softly, enjoying Safari's rare discomfort.
Olive:
"Sounds like you've got plenty of battle scars, big guy."
With their teasing exchange easing the tension, Angeleva prepared to depart.
Angeleva:
"If you need me, call. But next time we meet, let's see who's ahead on the scoreboard."
The two warriors exchanged a nod - a mutual acknowledgment of respect. Safari knew that, despite their rivalry, Angeleva would always remain an ally in this war.
As she soared into the sky, her radiant wings shimmering in the sunlight, Safari turned back to his crew. Ian was already narrating her departure as if he were broadcasting a grand finale.
Ian:
"And there she goes! The mysterious fairy warrior, off to claim more victories. But will she stand a chance against the mighty Safari? Stay tuned!"
Olive (sarcastically):
"You really never stop, do you?"
Ian:
"Of course not! The people need their stories!"
With a shake of his head, Safari stomped onto the ship, followed closely by the others.
Jen took her place at the kitchen, already dreaming up new recipes. Zack settled comfortably, his healing powers thankfully replenished. Ian immediately set up his camera, ready for the next adventure. And Olive, though still cautious, now felt a growing sense of belonging.
Safari (grinning):
"Next stop, wherever the tracker takes us. Let's see which unlucky demon general is next."
With a powerful hum, the spaceship lifted off into the skies. Their journey continued - the Safari Family, stronger and closer than ever.