Chapter XXIII:The Night

Dinner was eaten, everyone was happy, and soon went to their roomsfor sleep. As for Valerie and I, we decided to stay in the Grand Hall for a little longer. We looked at each other for only a few seconds and blushed, quickly turning away. I decided to break the awkwardness by speaking the first few words.

"Valerie--"

"Mark--"

This just made things a bit more awkward towards each other. Valerie decided to stop and let me speak for the moment.

"Valerie......I really don't know what to say right now, so I'll just say it: You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Whenever I think of you, I get a sudden rush of love only meant for you. I love you."

Valerie blushed a deep red and felt msuhy about the very thought of it. Never had she ever hear the words from anyone whenever she dated, not ever once...but this was the very first time any guy had ever told her.

"I know you've probably heard this many times from the guys that have dated you, but you're my first love crush for anyone. I--"

Valerie put a finger on my lips, stopping me from speaking. I looked at her, surprised in the most interesting way.

"Mark," began Valerie, "You have been the only one I've ever been interested in. The jocks that have dated me only wanted my body, not my love. You've expressed that in only a mature man can only do. I love you too, Mark...let's head to my room."



In the middle of the night, I slept soundly but felt cold shivers running down my spine. I woke up, seeing only the night stand close to the bed. I could not, for the life of me, remember what happened after dinner. At my side, I saw a note, with a detailed stamp, on the open covers. I read it closely and carefully...suddenly, my eyes grew wide and came out of bed.

'We have your precious girl. If you want her back, you will meet my demands.
1: Surrender yourself and be executed in front of Jountid City.
2: Come alone and we won't kill your girlfriend.
3: Give us your stone and weapon.
You will meet us on the summit of Mt. Ekal.

                            Signed, The Souless King'

I grabbed my armor and went the super-computer, givng it the coordinates needed for Mt. Ekal. As quick as possible, I went through the portal, returning to Jountid City. The portal travelled to the gates of the city. The portal closed behind me as soon as I jumped out and I saw the terror of their king. The city was destroyed in mere days; I went inside the city and saw bodies strewn across the city ground.

"Mark...is that you?"

I turned around to see Orusan, barely breathing, limping his way towards me.

"Orusan..." I began, surprised to see him, "Where's the king?"

"He went to Mt. Ekal, north of the city."

"And Valerie?"

"What?! She was with you? Go! Rescue her..."

"Why?! What's wrong?!"

Orusan limped his way toward me, whispered in my ear and awaited my reaction. I stood there, wide eyes and everything.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive."

"Thank you Orusan. I'll send for help once I finish off their king."

I sprinted to Mt. Ekal, ready to face off against The Souless King and save Valerie, return home and live a happy life.