Leyland Adventures Chapter Thirteen: Part Nine

"Your Majesty, I think your daughter is a very capable woman. She never flinches in the face of danger and treats herself like a normal person, despite her status and power. Aradressa shows that women can be both incredibly sweet and deadly, which makes for an amazing combination. There are just so many things about her that I admire. As I've said before, you're very lucky to have raised such an extraordinary girl."

Marissa paused to consider the thoughtful words that sprouted from his mouth.

"I see, I'm sure she has a parallel feeling for you as well. After all, I certainly do."

A flash of red appeared on his face before he shifted the subject. "Anyhow, I'll be going to Kiyoshi Woods in search of Malodan. Do you mind telling Aradressa?"

"While I don't mind, are you sure you want to go alone? Kiyoshi Woods may not be as dangerous as Jisastu Forest, but the creatures there are lethal. Not to mention since Malodan only travels during the night, you'll have to equip yourself with a light source to combat the darkness. I know Aquiline requested that you collect the shards alone, but still."

"Yeah, I'm sure about it. Aradressa is already doing a lot today, so I figured I'd tackle this myself. And I'll be sure to get a flashlight."

"Well then, enjoy your time here until you depart." She grinned.

He nodded, taking himself to Aradressa's room. Before he took a quick nap, he had returned to the Valrock creature to finish reading the bio.

"They don't food to survive, nor water. When Valrocks group together, they can take the form of a stone golem titled Dalstone. If their combined energy is strong enough, they can sustain that form. Thankfully, they're incredibly amiable. Valrocks communicate through telepathy using a unique language only they and Psychic-Type fairies can understand. They're nearly indestructible, even if a Valrock is broken into pieces, it can reform itself. Valrocks reproduce asexually though the process is lengthy. Despite their impressive durability, Valrocks can have their psychic energy stolen from them, which causes them to perish. They are heavily vulnerable to Water-Type creatures."

"Wow, I actually wouldn't mind meeting these guys. Maybe I'll meet one tonight."

Putting the book on the nightstand, he wrapped himself within the blankets. Just as he did, a flurry of memories of Nya rubbing his chest whilst the two were in bed emerged. He could hear her voice whisper, "I love you, Tysashi. Please never leave Lenovo. We all need you here."

His heart ached at the thought of his loved ones being so far away. Perhaps the distance was finally catching up, gradually tearing him apart.

"I don't know how much longer I'll be here. Each day just feels like a reminder that I'm far from home. Only the friends I've made are the ones who keep me from losing it. Not to mention the remarkable beauty of Leyland. I clearly can't stay here because everyone needs me...I hope Lennon is able to take care of Nya and the others. If I'm not around, who knows how she'll react. I don't even know how long I've been here...maybe a month or nearly a month? I pray everyone hasn't torn Lenovo apart looking for me, especially Nya."

Tears begged to fall from his eyes but he told them no. Instead, he went to sleep with the thought of someday returning home looming over him.