IMMORTAL QUEST
Chapter 65: Rebuilding and Uniting
With Scott safely back among them, the group took a moment to breathe, the weight of the battle lifting from their shoulders. The air around them felt lighter, less oppressive, as the remnants of the darkness began to dissipate. Mia, who had been so consumed by worry and fear, now found herself looking at Scott with overwhelming relief and joy.
Scott sat up slowly, his body sore from the brutal force that had consumed him, but his eyes—those familiar, warm eyes—met hers, and she felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over her.
"You really came for me," Scott said, his voice weak but filled with warmth.
"Of course," Mia replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder, relieved to have him back. "We would never leave you behind."
The others gathered around them, their faces a mix of exhaustion and relief. Derek, Theo, Malia, and Allison, each of them had fought with everything they had to reach this moment, and now, with Scott safe, they felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Derek gave a small laugh, wiping sweat from his brow. "You had us all worried there for a second, man," he said, clapping Scott on the back. "But it's good to have you back."
"I'm sorry," Scott said, his tone sincere but regretful. "I never meant for any of you to get caught up in this. I just… I couldn't let them take me."
"We'll always have your back, no matter what," Theo replied, his voice steady, but his eyes soft. "We're a team."
Malia nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. "We'll fight through anything. We've done it before, and we'll do it again."
Allison added, her usual bright smile returning to her face. "We got your back, Scott. Always."
Scott felt a deep gratitude for his friends—his family—and the strength they had shown, not just in fighting off the darkness, but in the way they had held on to each other through the toughest of times. They were more than just allies. They were everything.
As the group gathered to plan their next steps, Scott's mind lingered on the dark force that had taken him. It wasn't over yet. He knew they had only won a temporary victory. There was still much to do, and the danger wasn't gone. Not yet.
"We need to prepare," Scott said, his voice firm. "There will be more battles ahead. And we'll need to be ready."
Theo stepped forward, placing a hand on Scott's shoulder. "We'll be ready. We always are."
Mia smiled up at Scott, her hand gently holding his. "And we'll fight together. Always."
Scott looked around at his friends, his heart swelling with gratitude and love. He knew that, together, they could face anything.