After another day, Angeleva was fully healed with constant energy support from everyone especially Safari who most regularly supplied her energy.
The moment Safari confirmed it, he was relieved.
He folded his arms and pointed at the exit.
Safari (coldly): "Alright, you're healed. Get the hell out of my spaceship."
Angeleva simply yawned and stretched, as if she had just woken up from a nap.
Angeleva: "Well, flying myself to the next planet would be a pain. Might as well take a ride."
Safari (annoyed): "I didn't invite you to stay."
Before the argument could escalate, Olive stepped in.
Olive: "At least let her stay until we reach the next planet. It's just basic etiquette."
Safari sighed in frustration and looked away.
Safari:(coldly)"Fine. Stay if you want. Just don't bother me."
Angeleva simply grinned.
Angeleva:(yawningly) "Oh, don't worry, Captain Grumpy. I'll just be enjoying the ride. Also... Jen's cooking is nice. It encouraged me to heal faster."
Zack (pouting): "And what about me?"
Angeleva smirked, then suddenly petted Zack's head and pulled him into a hug.
Angeleva (teasingly): "Oh, you did the most work, of course! Good boy."
Zack turned bright red, while the rest of the crew laughed.
Just then, Ian arrived-dragging Olive with him.
Ian (excitedly): "Big Sis! I have an important question!"
Angeleva raised an eyebrow.
Angeleva: "Oh? What is it?"
Ian gestured dramatically at Olive, who looked furious.
Ian: "What do you think about my and Olive's relationship?"
Angeleva glanced at Olive's angry scowl and Ian's overjoyed expression before chuckling.
Angeleva (teasingly): "That depends on whether she likes you or not."
Ian beamed with hope. Olive, however, glared at Angeleva for not shutting him down outright.
Angeleva (smirking): "You two are complete opposites. It'll be fun to see if your relationship blooms or explodes."
Olive groaned while Ian cheered.
Angeleva then looked at both of them, her expression softening slightly.
Angeleva: "Either way... thanks for looking after me."
Ian grinned.
Ian: "Big Sis, you can always rely on us!"
Angeleva laughed, genuinely.
As the ship cruised through space, Safari silently observed his crew.
Angeleva was laughing and playing with Zack, having a surprisingly cheerful conversation with Jen and Olive. Even Ian-despite his usual antics-was chatting excitedly.
For the first time in a while, the ship felt... alive.
Even though Safari found her annoying, he had to admit-Angeleva had a strange ability to make any situation brighter.
He turned his gaze back to the control panel finding his tracker blinking red.
Olive (announcing after observing the signal in Angeleva's tracker): "We're approaching the next planet!"
Safari stood up.
Safari: "Alright, everyone-get ready for landing."
Their spaceship slowly descended as it reached near the planet.
It landed safely.
The planet was bustling with life, filled with people, laughter, and festivals.
Safari and Angeleva both checked their trackers again. Nothing suspicious. No unusual energy signatures. Just people enjoying themselves. It was as if the trackers blinked for sometime and then stopped just as they landed.
Safari: "Strange!! I swear my tracker was giving a red signal."
Angeleva too had her own suspicions but was trying to keep the mood light hearted.
The crew, excited by the festival, immediately wanted to join in.
Safari (sternly): "No way. It's dangerous."
Their expressions dropped in disappointment. But Safari didn't flinch.
That's when Angeleva stepped in.
Angeleva (smirking): "Go on, enjoy yourselves! Your big sis will protect you if anything happens."
The crew immediately turned to Safari, grinning mischievously.
Safari sighed.
Safari: "Fine. Do whatever you want."
Internally, he was relieved. If Angeleva was keeping an eye on them, he could focus on investigating.
Safari:(coldly) "I'll check things out. You better take care of my family."
Angeleva (confidently): "Obviously."
With that, Safari headed off to investigate.
The streets of the festival gleamed with colorful banners and glowing lanterns. Stalls lined both sides, offering games, delicacies, and souvenirs. Laughter echoed through the air, accompanied by the aroma of sizzling street food.
As the crew explored the vibrant festival, Zack gleefully played a shooting game, knocking down targets one after another with impressive accuracy.
Zack (grinning):
"Take that! And that! I'm the best sharpshooter!"
The stall owner clapped in amusement as Zack celebrated his victory.
Nearby, Jen was fiercely competing in a cooking contest. With flour on her cheeks, she skillfully prepared a signature dish.
Jen (determined):
"You haven't seen cooking skills like mine!"
Her confidence drew a small crowd of curious spectators.
Meanwhile, on a small wooden stage, a live orchestra played a graceful waltz. Elegant couples swayed in perfect rhythm under the festival lights.
Ian, however, had other plans. With his usual flamboyance, he struck a dramatic pose.
Ian:
"Olive! Come! Let's captivate this festival with our unmatched elegance!"
He extended his hand toward Olive, who stared blankly at him, clearly unamused.
Olive (deadpan):
"No."
Ian dramatically clutched his chest as if struck by lightning.
Ian:
"W-Why?! We'd be the perfect pair!"
Before Olive could retort, a voice interrupted.
???:
"May I have this dance?"
Olive turned, and her eyes widened in shock. Standing before her was a tall, handsome man in a dark formal suit. His sharp jawline and confident smile were unforgettable.
Olive (stammering):
"Y-You're... Inspector Jayden!"
Jayden (smiling warmly):
"It's been a long time, Olive."
Olive's cheeks flushed red. Memories of her old crush on the inspector flooded her mind. Without hesitation, she took his hand.
Olive (blushing):
"I-I'd love to!"
Jayden led her onto the stage as the music swelled.
Ian stood frozen in disbelief. His hands trembled, and his face contorted in exaggerated despair.
Ian:
"W-Wait! What just happened?! That's not how this was supposed to go!"
But it was too late. The orchestra played on, and Olive danced gracefully in Jayden's arms.
The rules of the dance floor prohibited anyone without a partner from entering. Ian helplessly watched as his beloved Olive spun in the arms of another man.
Overcome with frustration, he sprinted away.
Ian soon found himself before Angeleva, who was casually sipping a fruity drink from a festival stand. She raised an eyebrow as he collapsed dramatically at her feet.
Ian (wailing):
"Angelevaaa! My Olive is dancing with another man!"
Angeleva tried to stifle a laugh.
Angeleva:
"Ian, she's just dancing. Relax."
But Ian shook his head, tears welling in his eyes.
Ian:
"What if he kisses her?! What if he steals her first kiss?! I swear I'll die!"
Angeleva chuckled, crouching down to ruffle his hair like an annoyed older sister.
Angeleva:
"Stop being so dramatic, Ian. Have some faith. She'll come back once she's done."
Ian sniffled, though her words brought him little comfort.
Ian:
"But what if she doesn't? What if she falls for him all over again?"
Angeleva sighed, but a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Angeleva:
"Then you'll have to fight for her. Or, you know, not act like a baby."
Ian sulked as Angeleva finished her drink, clearly enjoying his misery a little too much.
Ian:
"You're the worst big sis ever."
Angeleva:
"And proud of it."
The cheerful festival continued, but neither Ian nor Angeleva knew that something sinister was already in motion.
The festival was not as innocent as it seemed.