The family rushed through the broken gate, their footsteps echoing through the shattered remnants of the abyss. The swirling darkness around them recoiled, weakened by the destruction of the gate. Angeleva led the way, her glowing wings illuminating the twisted, narrow corridor.
Safari's fists clenched tightly, his fury unwavering. Ian and Olive followed closely, Ian's camera forgotten, and Olive's grip steady as her eyes darted through the shadows, ensuring no remnants of the nightmare lingered.
"Zack! Jen!" Safari's voice roared through the corridor, though no response came.
Angeleva's heart pounded. Through her telepathic link, she could still sense their presence, but it was faint — as if the last remnants of the nightmare still held them captive.
"They're close," she said firmly, her wings glowing brighter. "We're almost there."
Inside the Chamber
Zack and Jen remained clinging to each other, their bodies trembling. Though they couldn't see the world around them, their senses were consumed by the lingering echoes of the nightmare. Blood still stained their skin from the scratches inflicted by the tormenting visions, yet the pain no longer overwhelmed them.
Their only anchor was each other.
"We're not alone," Zack whispered, his voice fragile. "They're coming, Jen."
Jen's grip on him tightened. "I know," she whispered back. "But it still hurts."
The whispers of the nightmare hissed and clawed, desperate to reclaim their hold. Yet, even as the shadows attempted to twist their thoughts, neither Zack nor Jen let go. They held on, not to the pain, but to the warmth of each other's presence.
Suddenly, the air shifted. A soft golden glow pierced through the oppressive darkness. Angeleva's voice echoed in their minds, clear and strong.
"We're here."
Back with the Family
The chamber came into view, its once monstrous appearance now trembling under the remnants of Angeleva's light. The walls were cracked, and the sinister carvings had begun to fade. At the center, Zack and Jen lay on the cold floor, still holding each other tightly.
Safari was the first to reach them. His massive frame dropped to his knees as he carefully placed his hands on Zack's trembling shoulders.
"Zack, Jen," Safari's voice softened, the fury in his eyes replaced with concern. "It's over. You're safe now."
Angeleva knelt beside him, her hands glowing as she began to channel gentle healing energy over their wounds. Ian and Olive remained a step back, their eyes wide as the painful sight of their wounded family members weighed heavily on them.
"Come on, guys," Ian said softly, his usual bravado absent. "We got you now."
Zack stirred slightly, his breathing ragged. He struggled to open his eyes, but the pain still lingered. Jen's weak sobs echoed through the chamber as she gripped Zack's torn clothing tightly.
"You found us," she whispered.
"Of course we did," Safari said firmly, his voice filled with certainty. "We're family. Nothing was going to stop us."
Angeleva continued her healing, her light steadily mending their wounds. The scratches across their bodies began to fade, though the exhaustion remained. Safari gently helped Zack sit up while Angeleva did the same for Jen.
Olive, still trembling, finally approached. Her stoic exterior cracked as she knelt beside them, tears welling in her eyes.
"You're both so stupid," she whispered, her voice shaky. "But I'm glad you're okay."
Zack gave a faint smile, his hand reaching up to squeeze Olive's trembling one.
"We're okay because of all of you," he said weakly.
_ _ _
The air in the chamber grew lighter as the remnants of the nightmare fully dispersed. Safari, holding Zack for support, finally allowed himself to breathe. Angeleva's wings lowered, the glow around her dimming as the toll of the rescue settled in.
Ian, still trying to process everything, adjusted his camera before lowering it. "Okay, maybe no pictures this time."
Everyone let out a small, weary laugh — a bittersweet sound, but one that signaled their relief.
"We're not done yet," Safari finally said, though his voice was calmer. "The demon general is still out there."
Angeleva nodded. "But we'll face him together."
Zack and Jen, though blinded, clung to those words.
Angeleva and the family were looking concerned at their states.
Angeleva: "Zack, Jen, your blindness needs to be cured, before we fight."
Jen(shaking): "But how?"
Angeleva gave a faint smile. "You will find out soon."
Within a few seconds—
Angeleva's glowing wings embraced Zack and Jen, enveloping them in a comforting warmth. The light she emitted was not only healing but also restorative, cleansing the lingering darkness from their minds. Slowly, their trembling bodies stilled.
"Open your eyes," she whispered gently, her voice soothing like a lullaby.
Zack and Jen hesitated, the fear of the nightmare still fresh. But as they clung to her warmth, the courage to face the world returned. One by one, their eyes fluttered open.
"I... I can see," Zack murmured, his voice cracking.
Jen blinked, tears still brimming. "The nightmares are gone."
Safari, Ian, and Olive watched in relief. Safari's stoic face softened as he knelt, his large hand ruffling Zack's hair. "Told you we'd get you out."
Olive folded her arms but couldn't hide the relief in her eyes. "Don't do anything that reckless again."
Ian gave his usual grin, though this time it was tinged with genuine concern. "Yeah, and don't make me worried next time."
Zack and Jen exchanged faint smiles, overwhelmed but grateful. Angeleva's wings retracted, her expression filled with quiet pride.
"Come on," Safari said, standing tall. "This place isn't collapsing, which means we're not done yet."
With a newfound resolve, they helped Zack and Jen to their feet. Though still exhausted, the siblings stood together — their hands never letting go.