Amidst the struggle against the relentless Simurg, Amelia and the others resorted to using bows and arrows tipped with a slow-acting poison. The poison was designed to corrode the creature's nerves until they became numb. Though they weren't certain if the same effect would befall the Simurg, they were determined to make the poison potent enough to kill it. Amelia's eyes gleamed with an unprecedented determination, her entire being radiating a sense of justice.
But why justice and not revenge? Revenge was beneath her. They had all suffered greatly, including Will, Oliver, Max, Luke, Jack, and Sam. Jack's words echoed in her mind, reminding her that this wasn't the future they had planned. What about them? Was this the situation they wanted to be caught up in? Did they not have family and friends back on Earth? Amelia's rage swelled within her. She yearned for justice. It wasn't fair to Ethan, who fought for his life. It wasn't fair to Lucy, who had finally found a family member only to lose them again. It wasn't fair to Rayana, who had been inadvertently drawn into their mess. And it wasn't fair to herself, Noah, Jake, and the others. Amelia gazed at the Simurg before her, realizing that it likely wasn't fair to the creature either. They had invaded its nest and now they were taking its life after it had fought valiantly against another powerful enemy. But they needed to survive, and someone had to be held accountable for all of this. If it wasn't the Simurg, then they would find whoever was responsible. They sought justice.
"Now!" Amelia shouted, as the last bottle of poison was successfully embedded in the Simurg's wounded chest. The fast-acting poison would inflict unimaginable pain on every muscle, serving as a distraction for their next plan.
As the Simurg writhed in pain, everyone sprang into action. Rayana, Jake, and Noah, who were still able to move, retrieved a bucket of wood containing a potent liquid poison. This poison would transform the earlier slow-acting one into a more potent and fast-acting version. Its effects would corrode every nerve in the Simurg's body, rendering it paralyzed while experiencing excruciating pain. The team knew that this was their chance to immobilize the creature and flee.
Max and Luke rushed towards Lucy and Ethan, intending to retrieve them and make their escape through the bolted exit prepared by Amelia. However, what they discovered left them in a state of shock that could last for two lifetimes. Lucy had just finished healing Ethan's wound when Luke and Max arrived. Despite the bewildering sight before them, they knew they had no time to seek explanations. Without hesitation, they carried Lucy and Ethan on their backs and hurriedly made their way back to their hideout in order to escape. Lucy, feeling inwardly grateful that there were two of them to carry Ethan and herself, realized that she had expended a significant amount of energy in healing him. The exhaustion took its toll on her, and she began to lose consciousness.
Rayana, Jake, and Noah swiftly followed suit, ensuring that the buckets of poison they had prepared were poured onto the writhing Simurg. Meanwhile, Jack, Will, Oliver, Amelia, and Sam followed behind, supporting one another as they made their way towards the exit. Some of them bore severe injuries that hindered their movement, but their determination to escape spurred them forward. In the midst of the ruined surroundings, they persevered and successfully navigated their way back to their camp, where the statue stood tall.
Behind the statue, where they discovered a small fountain that provided them with much-needed water. Amelia, in her resourcefulness, had previously followed the path of the water that escaped from the damaged part of the fountain. She had taken it upon herself to destroy a wall, creating an exit large enough for all of them to pass through.
Initially, their plan was to follow the path that Luke, Noah, and Ethan had discovered earlier. However, they realized that reaching that exit would require a significant amount of time, which they couldn't afford. As a result, they decided to come up with an alternative solution: creating their own exit.
As they pressed forward, the atmosphere grew increasingly surreal. The vast hallway seemed to stretch on endlessly, its walls adorned with vibrant plants bearing luminescent flowers that cast an ethereal glow upon their surroundings. The soft illumination provided a sense of comfort amidst the chaos that had unfolded behind them.
The sound of rushing water grew louder with each step, echoing through the corridor and filling the air with a soothing melody. The presence of water became more pronounced, gradually seeping into the floor and creating a shallow stream that flowed alongside their path. The cool, refreshing sensation failed to offered a brief respite from the tension that hung in the air.
Their footsteps echoed throughout the corridor, reverberating against the walls as they pushed forward with unwavering determination. The urgency to escape propelled them onward, leaving little room for distractions or admiration of the peculiar beauty that surrounded them.
Their focus remained fixed on the end of the hall, where a massive door stood as a beacon of hope. The door stood before them, casting a shadow of hope and anticipation. They yearned for what lay beyond, praying that it would offer the safety and sanctuary they desperately sought.
Time seemed to blur as they continued their journey, their hearts pounding in unison with the rhythm of their steps. The hallway became a metaphorical bridge between the chaos they left behind and the unknown that lay ahead. With each passing moment, their determination grew stronger, their resolve unwavering.
They were acutely aware that reaching the end of the corridor and crossing the threshold of the majestic door was not merely an escape, but also a leap into the unknown. There was a lingering fear that what awaited them on the other side could be another nightmare, perhaps even worse than the one they had just escaped. Despite these apprehensions, they clung to hope and fervently prayed, reaching out to anyone or anything that might be listening. Their collective plea was for the door to lead them to a safe haven, a sanctuary where they could find solace and protection.
Their deepest desire was for a chance at a fresh start, to leave behind the horrors they had endured and embrace the possibility of a new beginning. They yearned for the opportunity to rebuild their lives and discover peace in a world that had been shattered by chaos. With every ounce of hope within them, they longed for the door to open onto a future filled with healing, growth, and the chance to find tranquility amidst the turmoil they had endured.
And so, with every ounce of strength they possessed, they pressed forward, their eyes fixed on the prize that awaited them at the end of the hallway. The journey was arduous, but their spirits remained unyielding. They were united in their pursuit of freedom, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them beyond that door.