Mr. X

Preface

The ballroom had a nice smell in it, though it did mix a little with the stench of sweating people. People were talking and laughing, and the music was loud but nice. Somewhere in the back, a man and a woman were standing at a table.

"Watson, why the hell did you drag me out here?" the man asked. "Parties suck. You know that." He took a sip of his wine. "X, stop being a party pooper and start enjoying things," the woman replied. "You said we needed to blend in, this is us blending in." The man sighed. "I know, it's just... The music. The people. Ugh." The woman slapped him on the arm. "Stop it. I'm going to dance now, do whatever the hell you wanna do." She walked off to the dance floor as a new, groovy song started. The man sighed again, and looked around. Suddenly, he saw something, or rather someone. He took a last sip from his glass, put it down, and walked over to her. On the way, he grabbed another glass.

"Enjoying the party?" The sudden voice of a man made her jump. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," he apologized. "It's alright, I was just kind of focused on the music," she replied. He quickly checked her out. Blonde hair, blue eyes, slim but curvy figure. It all really shined in her red prom dress. "But to answer your question," she continued, "no, I'm not enjoying the party. I hate parties." Jackpot, he thought. "You're not alone in that, trust me," he replied, as he took his place at the table next to her. "Parties suck." She laughed. "Let me guess, girlfriend dragged you along?" He shook his head. "Just a friend. She's over there, actually." He pointed at his friend on the dance floor. "So who brought you here? Your boyfriend?" She, too, shook her head. "Also just a friend. That dingus over there." She pointed at the dance floor, to a man dancing. Suddenly, she extended her hand to her speaking partner. "I'm Amy, by the way," she said. The man took her hand, and shook it. "Mr. X," he said. She laughed. "And your real name, 'Mr. X'?" she asked. "No really, it's Mr. X. Here, take a look at my driver's license." He handed her his driver's license. She took a look, raised an eyebrow, then gave it back. "Interesting name," she said. "It's not really my real name, but I don't know my real name, and I don't have a birth certificate either," he replied. "This is the name my guardian decided to give me instead, for some reason."

The night progressed, and Mr. X and Amy talked and talked throughout the night, and it became apparent how much they had in common. Most notably, both were bored with their lives. "I used to lead a really adventurous life," Mr. X said. "My life was in danger pretty much every day of the week. I loved it. We've now settled down a bit to give Watson some rest, but I miss the adventure." She tilted her head. "What's it like, leading an adventurous life and being in danger?" she asked. "One word: adrenaline," he replied. "You're constantly on edge, but you feel so good while doing it. It's amazing." She sighed. "I've always wanted some adventure in my life." Suddenly, Mr. X's friend came to the table. "Trust me, you don't," she said. "It's not fun." Mr. X coughed. "Watson, great to see you. This here is Amy. Amy, Watson. Watson, Amy." Amy and Watson shook hands, and the conversation continued.

"So there I was, standing above the Grand Canyon, when suddenl--" Mr. X stopped mid-sentence, and looked up. "When suddenly...?" Amy tried to get him to talk again. "Grab the table, and don't let go," Mr. X said. "What?" Amy replied. "Do as he says. Trust me," Watson replied. "X, please tell me you're joking." Mr. X looked at Watson, worried. "I wish I was. I really, really wish I was," he said, before whispering: "It's back." Amy looked at him, frightened, as he took a nail gun from his tuxedo and fastened the table to the floor. He started counting down. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1..." He and Watson looked up. Suddenly, the roof was torn off the building, breaking into pieces, flying straight into what seemed to be a black hole. People started screaming and running around, before being sucked up into the air, heading straight for the hole. A massive claw clung around the wall, and a grotesque monster appeared above the room. It roared at the ground, where Mr. X, Watson, and Amy were holding onto the table for their dear lives. "What the hell is that?!" Amy screamed. "You said you wanted adventure in your life, Amy?" Mr. X shouted, barely audible. "Well, here it is. Hope you enjoy it."