text: [Themes: fantasy]
  
  In the dragons moment of weakness, I plunged my sword straight into its heart, and pulled it back, leaving serrated shards of crystal stuck inside of the gaping hole in the dragons chest.
  
  The dragon let out a groan, and with its dying breath, released a flame so huge, so inescapable and powerful, there was only only one option...
  
  > Defend!
  I defend against the blast, shattering the crystal sword and blasting me back.
  
  I crept up to the dragon, and after an explorative nudge, I ascertained that the dragon was, in fact, dead.
  
  In its clasping hand, the dragon held a key, which I took, and deciding that Harpy was safe now, took to the stone door at the back of the cave.
  
  > place the key in the lock
  The sphinx slams into the cave, blocking your path.
  
  Seeing what you have done to the dragon, the sphinx shrieks with rage, clawing at your face.
  
  > RUN!
  I ran, but tripped and fell, covering my face, I braced myself for the attack.
  
  I looked up, to see Valkyrie, now in full Viking armour, flying on crystal wings, attacking the sphinx.
  
  Swooping in behind her, an angry looking woman with talons like a birds for feet, and purple, feathered wings swept into the cave, kicking the sphinx onto it's back.
  
  Valkyrie raised her golden spear and drove it into the heart of the sphinx, who died, releasing a powerful shriek that echoed around the cave.
  
  You watch as Valkyrie's wings fold neatly into her back, and her armour is replaced by jeans and a white/gold top.
  
  The other entity begins to shrink, her wings dissolving as she reassumed her true form. Harpy.
  
  You; "Harpy! Val! You saved me!"
  
  Val; "We couldn't just let you die now, could we?"
  
  Harpy; "Tell no-one of this."
  
  I nodded.
  
  Val; "Are you ready?"
  
  You; "Huh?"
  
  Harpy; "It's time to go home now."
  
  You; "Can't you come with me?"
  
  They shook their heads.
  
  Harpy; "Even if we could..."
  
  Val; "Harpies and Valkyries don't get on at the best of times. This was...neccessary."
  
  After thanking them again, we walked through the door.
  
  > exit ErenForth
  Me, Harpy and Val wandered through the field, reminiscing like old friends. When the time came for us to part, Harpy turned to me.
  
  Harpy; "Look after yourself" she smiled, handing me a purple feather suspended from a gold chain.
  
  Harpy; "To remember me by"
  
  I watched as the little girl grew, sprouted purple wings, and flew away.
  
  Val; "I'll miss you"
  
  She handed me her necklace. Two white gold wings embracing a drop of nectar coloured crystal.
  
  Val; "So you'll never forget me"
  
  You; "I never could Val. Never"
  
  Val nodded.
  
  You; "Will I ever see you again?"
  
  Val; "That depends...How tightly can you shut your eyes?"
  
  > wake up
  Rustilly, my tired eyes open, to find my mother.
  
  Mum; "Hey sweetie! The operation worked!"
  
  You; "How long was I out?"
  
  Mum;"Six hours, but you're awake now."
  
  I clutched at my neck, not finding the necklace.
  
  You; "Mum, wheres my necklace?"
  
  Mum; "Right there."
  
  You; "oh"
  
  I looked down, to see the purple feather that hung around my neck, but Valkerie's necklace was nowhere to be seen.
  
  After I recovered, I searched for "Valkyrie" on the internet.
  
  "Valkyrie.
  
  Angel-like female figure (Goddess) who Vikings believed to have chosen the souls brave enough to enter Valhalla, and to entertain those who did by serving mead etc. Often believed to have taken the form of a raven in order to report to Odin"
  
  Angel-like? Though from what I found, Valkyries are more commonly know as "angels of death", my Valkyrie was different. Rather than moving my soul on to heaven or Valhalla, she brought me back. My friend. Valkyrie.
  
  I was distracted by the flutter of wings, I couldn't be sure, but a black figure, which to this day I swear was a raven, flew past my window, dropping the necklace on the windowsill.
  
  I ran to the window, to see Val, walking away. She turned and smiled back at me, then, waving as she went, disappeared into the bustle of people.
  
  I never saw her again.
  
  But one day, I swore I would tell people of Val, and all we did, and when I did, I would write our story for all to see.
  
  And that, my friend, is what you have just finished reading.
  
  Valhalla...
  
  > Truth Mode
  I shuddered, feeling the world changing around me. I get my bearings, only to find myself in a beautiful meadow.
  
  A small blonde girl plays in the grass before me.
  
  I being to speak, when I am interrupted.
  
  ???; "Valerie? Valerie sweetheart? There you are!"
  
  The man, who seems to be her father waits with out stretched arms.
  
  Valerie; "Daddy!"
  
  The little girl jumps into his arms.
  
  You; "Hey there"
  
  They didn't seem to hear me.
  
  Then they walked away, and as they did, the little girl's familiar blue eyes looked straight at me.
  
  > Next
  The meadow spun, the leaves grew dry and fell off, and snow filled the meadow, the snow melted and the sun shone brightly.
  
  Though it had only been a few seconds for me, the little girl, who was now once again happily playing in the field seemed older somehow.
  
  Valerie; "It's you"
  
  You; "Huh?"
  
  Valerie; "The person in the meadow. I saw you, a year ago. Daddy didn't believe me, he said he couldn't see you"
  
  You; "Really? Well, um, where am I?"
  
  Valerie; "The meadow. Valhalla city, Scandinavia, 1984. Duh!"
  
  She stuck out her tongue.
  
  1984!? I had traveled back in time! But why here? Why now? And why did I appear to be following the story of this little girl?
  
  We talked for a while before she had to go.
  
  You; "Ok, so you like ice cream and ponies... and ravens?"
  
  Valerie; "What's wrong with ravens?"
  
  You; "Nothing, it's just... They're a little dark"
  
  She slapped my arm. "You're a little dark!" she laughed, but I began to wonder if her words held another meaning.
  
  You; "Do you have a boyfriend?"
  
  She blushed.
  
  Valerie; "No..."
  
  I looked at her.
  
  Valerie; "Ok, I like him, but he doesn't know! And you can't tell anyone! Promise!"
  
  You; "Ok, ok!"
  
  She held out her pinkie. I took it.
  
  Valerie; "And remember; if you break a pinkie promise that means you're a pig!"
  
  We laughed.
  
  You; "So who is he?"
  
  Valerie; "Just a boy in my class"
  
  You; "What's his name?"
  
  Valerie; "You wouldn't know him"
  
  You; "I'll have to tickle it out of you!"
  
  Valerie; "No!"
  
  She screamed, running away.
  
  Valerie; "I'll tell you." She looked around suspiciously, "His name's Arthur, and he's the sweetest, most funniest, gorgeous-est guy in the school! And that's why he'd never like someone as dumb as me."
  
  You; "Don't say that, you're the coolest kid I know!"
  
  Valerie; "Really?"
  
  I nodded, already imagining what my little sister would think if she heard me say that.
  
  Valerie; "Thanks!"
  
  Then the world spun again.
  
  > Continue
  This time, I was in a school.
  
  Valerie was there, talking to her friend.
  
  Valerie; "I really like him Christie!"
  
  Christie; "Then ask him already!"
  
  Valerie; "I'm too scared!"
  
  Christie playfully shoved her. "Go!"
  
  Valerie; "I'm going, I'm going!"
  
  She turned around, only to bump into a boy her age with long, shaggy hair.
  
  Valerie; "Umm, hi, Arthur, I umm.... Wanted to, um, well-"
  
  Arthur put his finger on her lips.
  
  Arthur; "Christie told me." At this, Valerie looked angrily back at Christie. "Look, I really like you. Wanna go see a movie or something?"
  
  They exchanged numbers, and Valerie walked back to Christie, a massive smile plastered onto her face.
  
  Valerie; "YAY!"
  
  The room span again.
  
  > Next
  Valerie and I were back in the meadow, but this time we weren't alone. She was a lot older now, almost 14, I'd say, and her and Arthur still seemed to be going strong.
  
  I only wondered, why was I seeing her life?
  
  Arthur; "You look so pretty in the moonlight, Val"
  
  Valerie giggled. I felt like an intruder.
  
  Then she looked over at me.
  
  Valerie; "Do you see her?"~
  
  Arthur; "Where?"
  
  They both looked straight at me.
  
  Arthur walked closer.
  
  Arthur; "Is it really you? She says you are always there, never a day older."
  
  Valerie; "If it weren't for you, I would never have admitted I loved Arthur. Thank you."
  
  You; "You're welcome."
  
  The room started spinning.
  
  Valerie; "Do you have to go again?"
  
  You; "I guess I'll see you around."
  
  The next time I stand in the meadow, Valerie's alone.
  
  She spots me straight away.
  
  Valerie; "You're back!"
  
  You; "Yeah, I guess I am. How's life?"
  
  Valerie; "It's great! Really! Me and Arthur...well"
  
  She holds out her left hand, upon which is a diamond engagement ring.
  
  You; "I'm so happy for you Valerie!"
  
  Valerie; "Please, call me Val."
  
  You; "Funny. I once knew someone nicknamed Val."
  
  Valerie; "What was her real name?"
  
  You; "Valkerie"
  
  Valerie; "It's kinda like my name, but with a 'K'"
  
  The world began to spin.
  
  Valerie; "Wait! Me and Arthur's wedding, you'll be there right?"
  
  You; "Wouldn't miss it"
  
  > The wedding.
  Everyone was there.
  
  The wedding went on without a hitch, and though I never felt I did anything, Valerie insisted on mentioning me in her speech, and on me meeting everyone.
  
  I'd never seen her so happy.
  
  Her friend Christie put up a slideshow.
  
  "My friend Val."
  
  Val and Arthur were always so in-sync.
  
  They met at our primary school and were inseparable ever since!
  
  They were destined to be together.
  
  Right from when they were kids.
  
  "So let's celebrate what they have!
  
  Congrats guys, here's to 11 years!"
  
  They all cheered as they kissed.
  
  Then the room began to spin again. My head was filled with her memories, some old some new.
  
  Spinning
  
  And spinning...
  
  Until finally, I was on a dark street.
  
  I could hear screaming, so I followed it, only to find Valerie, fighting with a man I didn't know.
  
  Valerie; "Get off me!"
  
  ???; "Just give me your bag!"
  
  Valerie; "No!"
  
  I tried shouting, I tried punching him, but they couldn't hear me, my hand went straight through him, like I wasn't even there at all, and then, with a BANG, Valerie died.
  
  The man ran away.
  
  I cradled her in my arms, hot tears stinging my face.
  
  You; "Val?!"
  
  Valerie smiled weakly.
  
  Valerie; "You...came..."
  
  You; "I'm so sorry Val, I tried to stop him, I swear, I-"
  
  Valerie; "Shh... What are you sorry for? I'm happy. I got to marry...(she winced) Arthur, I got to (She winced again) live my life! Thanks to you!"
  
  You; "I didn't do anything Val!"
  
  Valerie; "You talked to the girl that no-one would talk to. The girl who was bullied at school, you gave her hope. That girl was me. Thank you..."
  
  And then her eyes closed.
  
  The world span again, and I only wondered what I would possibly be subjected to next.
  
  I looked around. I was in a graveyard. Beside me, Arthur placed a single red rose onto Valerie's grave.
  
  He was much older, around 40 or 50.
  
  Arthur; "You came for her, didn't you? You were there, in the end?"
  
  He wiped a tear from his eye as he turned to face me.
  
  I nodded, a lump in my throat. "I'm sorry"
  
  Arthur smiled sadly. "Why? You saved her."
  
  You; "I didn't! I can't save anyone! Not even myself! I'M USELESS!"
  
  Arthur shook his head.
  
  Arthur; "She had cancer. She didn't tell you."
  
  He said it so bluntly, so openly, it took me a moment to take it in.
  
  You; "What?"
  
  Arthur; "When you first met, she had just been diagnosed. She was so scared at that time, she was to afraid to have her operation, and she needed it. Fast. The only reason she went through with it was because she knew she'd be ok, because her guardian angel would be there."
  
  You; "She thought I was her guardian angel?"
  
  Arthur; "Aren't you?"
  
  The world span again.
  
  Valerie was ill. She'd never told me... If I'd have known, maybe things would be different.
  
  The world stopped spinning. I opened my eyes, to see Valerie, in full armour, training with a sword.
  
  Had I gone back in time again?
  
  Looking around, I saw ancient castles, lords, ladies and a feast.
  
  Was I in a past life of hers?
  
  She turned to face me.
  
  Valerie; "You're here!"
  
  You;"Where is here?"
  
  Valerie; "Welcome to Valhalla!"
  
  You; "What?"
  
  Valerie; "Do you know nothing about history? Valhalla! Viking heaven!"
  
  You; "But, you're not a..."
  
  Valerie; "I guess they were right all along."
  
  You; "Valerie, I'm so sorry about that night-"
  
  Valerie; "It's Valkerie now. I like that better. Look, you don't have to be sorry, I know. Arthur told you everything. I'm happy here, friend. Now I get to be a guardian too, just like you! Guess I'm just special, huh?"
  
  The world span, until I was back home.
  
  So that was the truth about Valkerie.
  
  Val ran, her heart pounding as she grew close, banging on the door and barging into Arthur's house.
  
  There was a silence.
  
  He stood and just looked for a while.
  
  Arthur; "Am I... Dead?"
  
  Val; "No"
  
  Arthur; "Then how?"
  
  Val; " It's a long story"
  
  Arthur; "You're really back?"
  
  He had tears in his eyes as he looked at her.
  
  Val; "I'm not leaving. Never again"
  
  And as she stared into Arthur's eyes, the world vanished around her, and Val knew she was finally... home.