A sense of unease settled over us as Juliette spoke quietly, her voice laden with regret. "I-I can't heal her. My powers would do more harm than good. It would only lead to her demise instead of healing her."
Juliette's remarkable healing abilities were a result of her being a Blessed One, gifted with powers that stood in stark contrast to Venidith's nature as an enemy of light. As Venidith lost consciousness, Hannah suggested that I lift her, taking hold of my M16 with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'm a reservist of the Philippine Army."
Nodding in acknowledgment, I carefully lifted Venidith, cradling her in my arms like a small child. Despite her imposing physique and generously endowed chest, her blonde hair reminded me of Sam. She wore tattered rags as her attire, barely providing any cover against the scorching sun or the chill of the night.
Letting out a sigh, I led the way toward the hill where Sam had positioned herself. Hannah gripped the M16 tightly, scanning the area for any approaching fleshlings, while Juliette stayed close behind, her presence offering a sense of reassurance.
Minutes later, we reached our destination, finding Sam already in the process of retrieving his equipment. Russ, the robotic companion, greeted us with a series of cheerful barks, providing a momentary sense of relief.
Sam's expression shifted to one of concern as she gasped, her voice laden with worry. "Oh no... We need to get her back to the base immediately."
Amidst the crackling of static from Russ' comms, Gustav's voice finally came through. "Okay, I've finally got this piece of shit working."
"So, are we heading back?" I inquired, Venidith still sound asleep in my arms, her injured legs a pressing concern.
"Yeah, the survivors at the fleshling base have everything under control," Gustav affirmed. "We've done our part in assisting them."
As I surveyed the fleshling base, I noticed pockets of ongoing conflict near the other gate. It appeared that the enslaved individuals had managed to free their fellow captives from the chambers.
"Alright... We have an injured primordial demon here," I explained, gesturing towards Venidith. "Her legs are twisted like pretzels."
Gustav responded dismissively, his tone nonchalant. "Hmm... She'll be fine. Given the sin she represents, her regeneration will kick in if she's provided with the appropriate sustenance."
"What do you mean by that?" Hannah interjected, catching up with us and clearly perplexed by Gustav's remark.
Gustav shrugged casually, his gaze shifting from Hannah to Venidith. "Well, anyone who shares a close connection with this particular demon... they could engage in activities related to the sins she represents."
Hannah's disbelief was evident as she exclaimed, "So you're suggesting that someone should take advantage of her while she's asleep?"
Gustav smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Bingo! Or we could simply let her be. At this rate, she might sleep for thousands of years."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, I intervened. "We should discuss this matter further at the base." With determination, I led the way towards the camper where we had left our belongings.
Sam, attentive as ever, followed closely behind me, her eyes darting between me and Hannah, seemingly evaluating the situation with cautious curiosity. Russ, the faithful robotic companion, remained by our side, ever watchful.
"I think we shouldn't trust them," Hannah whispered to Juliette, her voice laced with suspicion.
"I-I think they're right," Juliette responded in a hushed tone, her usual nervousness evident. "Primordial demons derive their power from the sins surrounding them."
"Damn, what's with all this demon stuff?" Hannah muttered, her exhaustion palpable. "We can't do much about it."
As we reached the treeline, the camper stood undisturbed, a reliable sanctuary. I glanced at the radar dish, now functioning properly with a slow, steady spin. Stepping forward, I positioned myself in front of the door, and Russ's tentacles deftly opened it for us.
"Thanks, Russ," I expressed my gratitude before entering the camper.
Sam followed behind, gently placing her gun case on the floor beside her. She sank into a seat, letting out a sigh of weariness. "Wow, big brother," she remarked, her voice tired. "That was exhausting."
I nodded, understanding her sentiment. "Yeah, it really was," I replied, making my way to the back of the camper. "Here you go, take a breather and rest."
I gently laid Venidith on the bed, sighing as I realized that Gustav and I had some explaining to do. Hannah and Juliette entered the camper, choosing seats facing Sam.
Now that I had a chance to observe Juliette more closely, I noticed some distinctive features: her pointy eyes, blue irises, and light blonde hair. Could she be an elf?
"Juliette, are you an elf?" I inquired, making my way towards the driver's seat.
"Ye-yes... We were was brought into this world," Juliette replied, her voice filled with uncertainty. "During what you humans call the Rapture."
Hannah furrowed her eyebrows. "What? They weren't just unique ear shapes?"
I wasn't sure if Hannah was genuinely unaware or if she simply hadn't grasped the concept of such creatures existing. Perhaps her concern for the two of them clouded her understanding of the reality they came from.
Suddenly, Russ's communications activated, and Sandra's voice came through, sounding worried. "Ate? Big sis? Are you there?" she asked anxiously.
Hannah jumped abruptly, "Sandra? Oh God... I'm so sorry I left you." Hannah began to sob. "I-I was trying to save those kids, and some living beef jerky took us."
"It's okay, ate. I really missed you!" Sandra's voice trembled with tears.
"I missed you too, bunso," Hannah managed to say, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall.
"You can trust them," Sandra reassured, her voice filled with conviction. "They're good people... Now I have to go... Bye."
Russ's communications shut off, and the robotic dog transformed into a ball to recharge near the power outlets.
"Okay, is everyone ready?" I asked, my fingers poised near the ignition.
"Yes, big bro!" Sam replied, a tear glistening in her brown eyes. Her hands still clutching the notebook, she had been emotionally moved by the conversation between the sisters.
"Yeah! Take us to where Sandra is!" Hannah exclaimed, her energy palpable.
"Ye-yes, please," Juliette added, her soft voice barely above a whisper.