The heavy air thickened as the family stepped into the darkened chamber.
The walls were cracked and stained with the lingering essence of suffering. Echoes of agony hung in the atmosphere like a cursed lullaby. But none of that compared to what lay at the center of the room.
Safari.
Chained.
Stretched apart.
His body was suspended mid-air, held captive by thick, cursed chains glowing with crimson energy.
His once mighty horns were shackled, yanked in opposite directions as if the demons were trying to rip them from his head. Each of his limbs was pulled to their absolute limits - his muscles trembling under the unbearable strain, bones dangerously close to snapping. Blood seeped from countless wounds, staining his skin.
A massive, rusted metal pin, nearly the size of his chest, hovered just above his stomach. The chains connected to the pin trembled with malicious intent, ready to drive it straight through his body at any moment.
Safari wasn't even conscious. His eyes were closed, his breathing shallow. But even in this state, the unbearable pain was written across his face.
The family froze speechless just looking at his state.
"SAFARI!"
Angeleva's desperate cry shattered the eerie silence. She surged forward, only for a deafening growl to stop her.
The chamber darkened further as the final guardian emerged.
A towering demon, nearly twice the size of any they had faced before, stepped into the light. Its body was a fortress of blackened, jagged armor, with twisted spikes protruding from its limbs.
Twin crimson flames burned in its eye sockets, reflecting nothing but hatred. Dark smoke billowed from its mouth, and each step it took caused the ground to crack beneath its enormous weight.
"You will not take him," the demon growled, its voice like a thunderous quake. "The cursed one belongs here. His suffering feeds this land."
Angeleva's wings flared, her aura illuminating the chamber. But unlike before, this wasn't merely the light of a fairy warrior - it was the radiance of her unbreakable resolve. Her hands trembled, but not with fear. Fury coursed through her veins.
"Watch me," she whispered, her voice laced with wrath.
The demon roared, the entire chamber trembling as chains erupted from the ground, aiming to ensnare Angeleva. She shot upward, narrowly dodging the attack. Her wand glowed brightly as she summoned:-
"Fairy Lance!"
A golden spear of light materialized in her hands, crackling with divine energy. With a swift motion, she hurled it toward the demon. The lance pierced through its thick armor, forcing the creature to stumble back. Yet, instead of showing pain, it grinned.
"Futile," it growled.
The demon slammed its fists into the ground, sending shockwaves that cracked the earth. Chains lashed out from the shadows, chasing Angeleva mid-air. She spun gracefully, avoiding the assault with swift, precise movements. But the chains moved faster, twisting and turning unnaturally.
"Fairy Barrier!"
A translucent golden shield formed around her just as the chains struck. Sparks of corrupted energy clashed against the barrier, sending ripples of force across the chamber. The pressure was overwhelming, but Angeleva gritted her teeth.
From below, Ian captured every moment through his camera. His hands shook, not from the camera's weight, but from the sight of Safari's suffering. Zack, trembling, placed his hands together. Though his healing powers couldn't reach Safari just yet, he silently prayed for the strength to help.
Jen clenched her fists, tears brimming in her eyes. "Come on, big sis. You have to win."
Olive, standing at the ready, scanned the room for an opportunity. Every muscle in her body was tense.
"You think I'll back down?" Angeleva's voice echoed. "Not when Safari's life is at stake!"
She twirled her wand, streams of light spiraling around her.
"Fairy Radiant Beam!"
A massive beam of radiant light shot from her wand, colliding with the demon's chest. The impact sent cracks through its armor, and for the first time, the monster let out a pained growl. But even then, it did not fall.
"You are strong," the demon snarled. "But strength is meaningless here. This is the Abyss. Despair rules. And despair will consume you!"
Dark chains surged once more, wrapping around Angeleva. The demon's eyes flared with malice as it squeezed, the chains tightening like vipers. The light from her wings flickered.
"Angeleva!" Zack screamed.
She gritted her teeth, struggling against the crushing force. Every moment felt like her bones would snap, but she refused to give in.
"You're wrong!" she clenched her fists, her eyes glowing fiercely. "Despair doesn't rule here. Not while I still stand!"
With a sudden surge of power, golden light exploded from her body. The chains shattered into fragments, the divine radiance forcing the demon to stagger back.
Angeleva's breathing was ragged, but her spirit remained unbroken. She raised her wand high, gathering every ounce of her powers. Her radiant glow intensified, illuminating the entire chamber like a star.
"For Safari," she whispered. "For my family."
"Fairy Justice Beam!"
A colossal beam of divine energy burst forth, engulfing the demon. It roared in agony, the flames in its eyes dimming as the light consumed it. The sheer force of the attack shook the entire abyss. The spiked armor shattered, and the twisted body of the guardian crumbled into ash.
Silence fell.
Angeleva hovered in the air, her wings slowly dimming as she de-transformed. She descended to the ground, barely able to stand. The family rushed to her side, supporting her trembling form.
"You did it," Zack said, his voice cracking. "You beat him."
But Angeleva wasn't looking at the fallen guardian. Her eyes were locked on Safari.
"We're not done yet," she whispered.
The chains binding Safari still pulsed with dark energy. His body remained limp, the pin hovering dangerously above him. Time was running out.
"Olive," Angeleva called, her voice weak. "The chains. We have to break them."
Olive nodded, raising her gun. "I'm on it."
The family sprang into action. Jen hurled the last of her puddings, splattering the cursed chains and temporarily dulling their energy. Ian adjusted his camera, his determination unwavering. Zack placed his hands on Safari's chest, summoning a faint healing glow.
"Come on," Zack pleaded. "Just hold on."
Olive fired a precise shot, striking the first chain. It shattered instantly. She reloaded and fired again, each bullet breaking another link. The cursed energy began to dissipate.
Finally, the massive pin retracted, the looming threat vanishing. The last of the chains crumbled to dust.
Safari's body collapsed, his form freed. But he didn't move.
"Safari!" Angeleva rushed to his side, cradling his head. His face was pale, his breathing shallow.
"Zack!" she cried. "Please!"
Zack's hands glowed brighter as he channeled every bit of his power. The healing energy flowed into Safari's body, but the toll of the tortures and the oppressive positive energy had left him dangerously weak.
"Come on, big bro," Zack whispered. "Stay with us."
The family surrounded him, their hearts heavy. Angeleva held him tightly, tears welling in her eyes.
"We got you," she whispered. "You're safe now."