Everyone slumped to the floor, their breaths ragged and bodies aching. Even Safari and Angeleva, as powerful as they were, could barely stand as they de-transformed.
The strain of the Unity Attacks had drained them.
Zack leaned against a wall. Jen sat beside him, offering him the last of her cookies. Olive wiped the sweat from her forehead, while Ian dramatically sprawled on the floor.
Ian (groaning):
"I swear, I captured every moment, but if I don't eat soon, this cameraman might become a ghost!"
He lazily scanned the area for anything useful when his eyes widened.
Ian:
"Wait... Is that—"
He scrambled to his feet, pointing toward a massive set of double doors. The polished steel handles gleamed, though the doors were slightly dented.
Ian:
"That's a kitchen! A big one! This must be where they prepared food for the whole building!"
Everyone turned their heads toward the doors. The mere thought of food was enough to make their stomachs growl in protest.
Safari (tiredly):
"Let's check it out. At this rate, I might pass out before facing that mayor."
Pushing open the heavy doors, the family entered the massive industrial kitchen. Rows of gleaming, yet dusty appliances lined the walls. Multiple ovens, sinks, and counters stretched across the room. But what caught their attention most was the large storage area.
Jen rushed to inspect the supplies. Stacked crates of grains, canned goods, dried vegetables, and preserved meat filled the shelves. At first, it seemed like a treasure trove — until she got a closer look.
She opened a crate, and the stench of spoiled food wafted through the air. The vegetables were shriveled and mold-covered. The meat had darkened with rot. Even the canned goods were rusted and leaking.
Jen (disheartened):
"This food... it's all at least two years old. Completely rotten."
The family's hope quickly faded.
Safari (grimacing):
"Figures. The virus probably shut everything down. No one's been able to maintain it since then."
Zack (exhausted):
"If only we had something fresh... I could heal better. And so could Big Bro and Big Sis."
Jen clenched her fists.
Jen:
"If I could've cooked this food, it would've restored our strength. It's not just about eating — a good meal can heal the soul too."
Her words weighed on the group. The thought of facing the mayor while still drained from the previous battles felt impossible.
Just then, Angeleva stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. Her hands softly glowed with a pale light.
Angeleva:
"There may be a way."
The family turned to her in curiosity.
Angeleva:
"I know a technique called the Purity Beam. It's not meant for combat, but it has the power to purify and restore objects tainted by corruption."
Olive:
"Wait... You're saying you can restore this food? Even after it's rotted for years?"
Angeleva nodded.
Angeleva:
"The virus twisted everything, even the supplies. But if I concentrate, I can reverse its effects. It will require a great deal of energy — perhaps as much as a powerful battle attack. But if it means restoring this food and helping us recover, I'm willing to do it."
The family exchanged hopeful glances.
Safari (smiling slightly):
"It's worth a shot. We can't face the mayor like this."
Zack (determined):
"Big Sis, we'll support you however we can!"
Jen:
"And once you're done, I'll cook up a feast like no other!"
Angeleva smiled warmly, drawing strength from their encouragement. She took a deep breath and stepped into the center of the kitchen, raising her wand high.
Angeleva:
"Let's bring back what was lost."
The room filled with anticipation as the radiant glow of her Purity Beam began to gather.
Angeleva closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath as a brilliant light began to radiate from her Fairy Wand.
The once dim kitchen was suddenly bathed in a soft, purifying glow. The air felt lighter, almost serene, as if a presence of warmth and comfort had filled the room.
Angeleva:
"Purity Beam!"
A concentrated stream of radiant energy shot forth, illuminating the storage crates and shelves. The foul stench of decay instantly dissipated, replaced by a refreshing aroma like a blooming forest. The light swirled and sparkled, wrapping around every rotten item.
Before their eyes, the mold vanished. The blackened meat turned back to a rich, fresh red. Wilted vegetables regained their vibrant colors. The dried grains and flour restored their golden hue. Even the rusted cans gleamed as if brand new.
Ian (in awe):
"No way... it's like time reversed itself!"
He snapped pictures furiously, unable to believe the sight.
Safari (smiling):
"You really are something else, fairy."
Angeleva staggered slightly, her legs trembling. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her glowing aura flickered.
Zack immediately rushed to her side, placing his glowing hands on her back.
Zack:
"Hang on, Big Sis! I've got you."
A gentle golden light spread from Zack's hands, restoring a fraction of her strength. Though exhausted, Angeleva gave him a grateful smile.
Angeleva:
"Thank you, Zack. I'm fine now."
With the food now restored, Jen clapped her hands in determination.
Jen:
"Time to cook! You all just relax. I'll handle the rest."
Safari:
"You sure you've got it, Jen? You're tired too."
Jen:
"Heh, if I let something like that stop me, I wouldn't be the cook I am!"
Without wasting time, Jen dashed around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and heating up the massive stoves. Pots clanged, knives sliced, and the tantalizing smell of cooking filled the air.
The family rested, watching her in admiration. Despite her exhaustion, Jen worked tirelessly, pouring all her heart into the meal.
Ian (grinning):
"She's like a miracle worker with food! This is totally going in the documentary!"
Olive rolled her eyes but smirked at his antics.
Soon, the table was lined with steaming plates of roasted meats, vegetable stews, golden bread, and fresh fruit. The vibrant colors and inviting aromas made everyone's mouths water.
Jen:
"Dig in, everyone!"
They didn't need to be told twice. Safari tore into the meal like a starving warrior, while Zack and Angeleva savored each bite. Olive quietly ate with contentment, and even Ian dropped his camera for a moment to enjoy the feast.
Warmth spread through their bodies. The fatigue eased, their energy replenished with every bite. It was more than just a meal — it was a reminder of their unity.
Safari (grinning):
"Alright, Mayor. We're coming for you next."
The massive doors of the mayor's chamber loomed before them, adorned with twisted symbols of corruption.
Every step the family took echoed through the eerie silence. Despite the warmth of their shared meal, an unsettling chill filled the air.
Safari's devil aura flared as he transformed. He stood at the front, gripping his Devil Hammer tightly.
Behind him, a radiant glow passed through Angeleva as she transformed, floating with a determined expression, her Fairy Wand shimmering faintly.
The family — Zack, Jen, Ian, and Olive — followed close, their hands clenched into fists, each prepared for whatever awaited them.