King of Hearts

28.

Val feels like she's walking in circles. It surprises her, that the game is not over yet. Somehow it comforts her to know that everyone else is also having a hard time, even with a protector.

 All of a sudden, something bright catches her attention. It's a single white rose peeking out of a hedge. It's the first and only flower she has come across. Is this a sign? Val analyzes it, hoping to find a note or something. At this moment, a bright light shines from behind her. Val turns around abruptly and is blinded by the strong glow. What's happening? Has she died without noticing? Is she in heaven? No, she's not, she can still make out the green tall bushes of the maze. She's still alive, sadly.

Val's eyes are gradually adjusting to the light and she's starting to identify a figure. If she was in her normal world, she would assume she's hallucinating, but apparently, here in Senfira, everything is possible. Long dark brown locks frame an oval face. Dazzling green eyes meet Val's. It's a young woman, wearing a long pearl-white gown, looking like a Greek Goddess. It's obvious that she's not human, but at this point, nothing shocks her anymore.

The woman is holding a brown book in her hand and slightly smiling at Val.

"Hello, Valencya," the glowing woman greets her as if they already met before.

Firstly, how does she know her name? Secondly, is everyone else seeing this too? Perhaps it's just Val's imagination. Perhaps she has already lost her mind, what a sad ending.

Realizing that Val isn't going to respond, the woman continues, "My name is Cassandra, Medéi of Mercury thus Queen of Sighting", she announces firmly yet elegantly. Val can't believe her eyes and ears. Is it part of the game? No, the light is visibly coming out of her, no simple trick in the world could do such a thing. That's magic what Val is witnessing. Is the crowd seeing it too?

"It's a relief to see that you have finally come home, Mars," the Medéi continues. "I think you know, why you're here. You and the King of Hearts will need to find the Sacred Gemstones. Only that way, Medéi Saturn's spell can be undone. I'm counting on you, Medéi Mars." Cassandra opens the book, and a fair green light shines out of it. Val takes a step back. What the Queen of Sighting is holding appears to be one of the Sacred Gemstones, Mercury's Gemstone Jade, and she is now giving it to her.

 Val automatically forms her hand into a cup to hold the Gemstone. Once it touches her skin, Val's blood heats up. Her body feels like it's about to explode, but it doesn't hurt at all. It makes her feel powerful and energetic, yet secure. It gives her strength somehow. Soon the light becomes a faint waft and Val is securely cupping the Gemstone. Feelings of all colors are rushing through her. Val feels enticed, joyful, and strong, yet alerted and focused.

"I know you'll take good care of it. You can do it." Medéi Mercury smiles down at Val intending to turn away and leave already.

"Wait!" Val stops her. "Please, tell me what to do, where can I find the Sacred Gemstones?" Val asks desperately. The Medéi chuckles. "First, you need to find a way out of here."

"But how?"

"You're a Medéi. You have powers. Use them."

Val is beginning to feel frustrated. "But I don't know how to use them. I need your help, please." She can't just give her such an important Gemstone and leave her like that.

"Just do what you're best at: Do what you're not supposed to do," and she leaves the same way she has appeared. Only the white rose remains.