Angeleva's eyes, though weary, glistened with warmth as tears fell freely down her pale cheeks. Her body still trembled from the aftermath of the brutal ritual, but for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she felt a spark of peace.
"I'm... glad," she whispered faintly, her voice trembling. "I'm glad... to see all of you here."
Safari's hands remained firm around her, supporting her delicate frame. He held her with an overwhelming sense of relief, his eyes locked on hers. "You're safe now," he said, his voice low but resolute. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Angeleva smiled weakly, leaning her head against Safari's chest. The sensation of his strong heartbeat reassured her. She could feel the genuine care in his every word - a warmth that contrasted the despair she had endured.
"Thank you, Safari," she murmured. "I... I feel better now."
Jen, unable to hide her concern, knelt beside them. "She's still too weak. Holding her like this won't work for long," she said, her brows furrowing. "Big bro, you need to carry her on your back. That way, she can rest and stay close to your energy."
Safari blinked, clearly conflicted. The idea of carrying Angeleva like that was something he hadn't expected. "On my back?"
"Unless you want her to keep losing energy, it's the best choice," Jen insisted. "She needs to stay connected to you."
Zack nodded in agreement. "Your energy is keeping her stable. If she's close to you, it'll at least make her better."
Safari remained silent for a moment. He glanced down at Angeleva, who was visibly struggling to even sit up on her own. Her body was light, trembling from exhaustion. His heart clenched at the sight.
"...Fine," he finally muttered, his voice low but determined. "It's the only way."
He carefully shifted, kneeling before Angeleva. "Hold on to me," he said, his tone soft.
Angeleva hesitated, her fingers trembling as she weakly reached around his neck. Safari gently guided her arms, helping her get a secure grip. Her body rested against his broad back, her pink hair cascading down. She was incredibly light, her weakened state making it feel like he was barely carrying anything at all.
"Wow," Safari murmured to himself. "She's... really light."
Angeleva's wings, though tattered, instinctively wrapped around his chest like a protective embrace. They shimmered faintly, their glow almost nonexistent. Yet the gesture was warm - a silent expression of gratitude.
"I won't let go," she whispered softly into his ear. "Thank you, Safari..."
Safari's heart swelled. The warmth of her presence, the gentle hold of her arms - it was a feeling he hadn't expected. It wasn't just relief. It was comfort. Even in her weakened state, Angeleva's touch soothed something deep within him.
"I've got you," Safari said, his voice steady. "I'm not letting you go."
From the side, Ian's camera flashed repeatedly. His excitement was impossible to contain as he zoomed in for close-ups of the emotional scene. His grin stretched from ear to ear.
"Oh man! This is golden!" Ian exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. "Safari, the mighty warrior carrying his angelic companion through the depths of hell - it's poetic! Legendary!"
"Seriously, Ian?" Olive shot him an exasperated look. "Could you at least hold off until we're out of here?"
Ian waved dismissively. "This is history in the making! I can't miss a single moment!"
"Unbelievable," Olive muttered.
Jen giggled, despite the situation. "Well, it is kinda sweet."
Safari grumbled, though a faint blush crept up his face. "Just keep up, Ian. Don't fall behind."
Ian gave a thumbs-up. "Wouldn't dream of it!"
Safari adjusted his grip, ensuring Angeleva was as comfortable as possible. With each step, he could feel the faint pulse of her energy against his back. It was weak but still there - and that was all that mattered.
Her breathing was soft, steady, her head resting gently against his shoulder. Despite her exhaustion, there was a sense of comfort in the way she held onto him. Safari, too, felt a surprising sense of peace. The worry that had plagued him ever since she was captured began to lift.
"She's safe," he thought to himself. "And I'll keep her that way."
Angeleva's wings tightened slightly, as if silently reinforcing her gratitude.
The family followed closely behind, their footsteps echoing through the desolate chamber. Jen kept a watchful eye on Angeleva, occasionally glancing at Zack to ensure he was ready if needed. Olive held her blaster at the ready, her sharp gaze scanning for any threats.
Yet for now, the path ahead seemed clear.
"I'm not gonna lie," Ian said, breaking the silence. "Safari big bro, you and Angeleva big sis make one heck of a team. And carrying her like that? Classic hero move!"
Safari shot him a glare, though his lips twitched slightly. "Just keep moving, Ian."
Ian grinned but said no more, already planning how he would frame the scene in his documentary.
After a few moments of walking...
The dim, oppressive atmosphere of the underworld lingered as the family marched, every step echoing. The negative energy still pulsed faintly from the walls, but its grip weakened with every stride.
Angeleva's frail arms remained wrapped loosely around Safari's neck, her breathing steady but weak. Despite her battered state, she felt an unexplainable warmth - a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in ages.
Safari's strong presence, the rhythmic beat of his heart, and the faint hum of his energy lulled her weary spirit.
"I'm... okay," she murmured softly, though her voice was barely audible.
Safari's grip tightened slightly. "Just hold on a little longer," he replied, his tone determined. "We're getting out of here."
Just as those words left his mouth, a low rumble echoed through the cavern. Cracks splintered across the walls as the hellish realm trembled in defiance.
"What the hell?" Ian cursed, struggling to keep his camera steady. "Is the whole place collapsing?"
"Not yet," Olive growled, adjusting her blaster. "But it's definitely trying to make sure we don't leave."
Zack clenched his fists. "This planet's soaked in negative energy. The ritual must've destabilized it!"
Jen's eyes flashed with worry. "Then we need to move faster!"
Safari gave a sharp nod. "Everyone, stay close. Let's go!"
The family sprinted through the twisted corridors, the glowing cracks beneath them threatening to swallow them whole. Safari led the charge, keeping Angeleva securely on his back. Her soft wings occasionally brushed against him, and despite the chaotic environment, that simple touch reminded him of what he was fighting for.
"Safari..." Angeleva whispered, her eyes half-open. "Why... do you keep going? Even though I'm so... weak?"
Safari didn't hesitate. "Because I won't lose you."
She blinked slowly, his words sinking into her heart. There was no doubt, no hesitation in his voice - only pure, unwavering resolve.
"You're not weak," he added firmly. "You're Angeleva. And you're part of this family."
A faint smile touched her lips. "Family..."
With Angeleva wrapped around his back, her frail wings gently clasped against his chest, her grip tightened. Every step resonated with determination as the family held onto him.
"Stay close!" Safari roared, his voice echoing through the darkened corridor. The hellish realm trembled with malice, but he wasn't about to stop. Not now.
Angeleva's weak breaths brushed against his neck, her fingers barely clasping his shoulders. Yet even in her fragile state, her presence grounded him.
"Safari..." she whispered faintly.
"I've got you," he responded firmly.
The shadows weren't done with them. As the family surged forward, the cracks in the walls widened, and blackened hands crawled from the depths. The remnants of Zozo's failed ritual twisted into monstrous forms.
"More demons!" Zack gasped.
"Ian! Keep the camera steady!" Olive barked, raising her blaster. "We're getting out of here!"
Ian grimaced, holding his camera while sprinting. "Not like I have a choice!"
Safari growled. "No wasting time. We push through!"
The demonic hands lashed out. Safari's sharp instincts kicked in, his body twisting as he dodged the clawing shadows.
But the family moved in unison.
BOOM!
Olive's blaster fired a energy blasts, severing a demon's arm. Jen tossed crackers to Zack, ensuring he maintained his energy. Zack's hands glowed faintly with healing light, preparing to counter any injuries.
"Almost there!" Safari shouted.
Angeleva's wings trembled, her faint golden light flickering against the darkness. She wanted to help - but her body refused to respond.
"Stay with me," Safari whispered, feeling her grip loosen. "You're not slipping away."
At last, the end of the corridor loomed ahead - a massive archway surrounded by ominous flames. Beyond it, a spiraling vortex of light pulsed faintly.
"The exit!" Ian exclaimed.
But the demons weren't giving up. The walls erupted with monstrous faces, screeching in agony. The floor quaked beneath their feet.
"It's closing!" Zack shouted, his eyes wide with panic.
Safari didn't hesitate. "Hold on!"
BOOM!
He slammed his foot into the ground, launching forward with everything he had. Angeleva clung to him, her wings tightening slightly, as if encouraging him. The rest of the family clung tighter, trusting him with their lives.
The archway cracked, crumbling faster. The flames roared - but Safari was faster.
With one final leap, they burst through.
CRACK!
The arch collapsed behind them, sealing the realm of hell. The distorted echoes of demons faded into silence.
The family tumbled onto a vast, empty plain bathed in a dim, gray light. The air was still - unnervingly so.
Zack groaned, pushing himself up. "We... we made it."
Olive coughed, brushing soot from her clothes. "That was insane."
Ian, still clutching his camera, panted heavily. "Got it... all on film."
But Safari's focus was solely on Angeleva.
He gently knelt, easing her from his back. She remained limp, her violet eyes barely open. Scratches marred her body, and her wings twitched feebly. Despite the exhaustion, she gazed at him, a hint of relief in her expression.
"We're... free," she whispered.
Safari nodded, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Yeah. We are."
Angeleva smiled weakly. "Thank you... Safari."
His jaw clenched. "Rest now. You're safe."
Zack hurried to her side, his hands glowing as he attempted to soothe her remaining injuries. "She still needs time. But... she'll live."
Safari released a shaky breath, his shoulders finally relaxing though he still held her hand. Angeleva's eyes fluttered closed as the gentle hum of Zack's healing aura surrounded her.
The nightmare was over.
But Safari knew - the fight wasn't.