CHAPTER 17: The Portal is Found

As they sat together by the fire, Lila couldn't help but feel curious about the change in Ron's demeanor. "I can't help but notice that you seem different today," she said tentatively. Ron paused, taking a moment to think before responding. "I realized that I've been holding back, keeping my guard up. But today, something just felt different. I realized that I can trust you, and I decided to let go of some of that fear and worry." Lila was touched by his honesty, and she felt her heart swell with gratitude.

"It won't be too late to start as friends right?" He asked.

"It's a great idea" she says

"Lila, you were so kind to me last night, taking care of me when I was sick. I wanted to do something for you to show my gratitude," Ron said, a shy smile playing on his lips. Lila was touched by his words, and she felt a wave of affection for him.

"I don't need anything in return, Ron. Your friendship is more than enough," she said, her voice full of sincerity. But Ron insisted, and he handed her the fruits, a gesture of friendship and appreciation.

Lila sat down on the logs, and she started peeling the fruit, taking a bite of the sweet, juicy flesh. She offered some to Ron, and he gladly took it, savoring the taste. They sat together in silence, enjoying the simple pleasure of eating and being together. When they were done, Lila broke the silence. "I think it's time we start planning our journey back to the hotel," she said. Ron nodded in agreement, and they began to discuss their next steps.

After packing up their belongings, Lila and Ron set out on the open road, the sun shining brightly above them. They had been walking for a while, and the landscape had begun to change, the forest giving way to rolling hills and meadows. The air was crisp and clear, and they both felt a sense of freedom as they walked, the stress of the past few days melting away. They were silent for a while, enjoying the peace of the moment.

Lila couldn't help but notice how much better Ron seemed to be feeling. His color had returned, and he seemed to have more energy than he had before. She was a little surprised by how quickly he had recovered.

"Last night felt like I was nursing a new baby" she said giggling.

"Ha! So I'm your new baby, huh?" Ron replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I promise I won't be keeping you up all night crying or demanding to be fed!" he joked, earning a chuckle from Lila. "I'm glad to hear it," she said, a smile on her lips. "I think I've had enough baby-sitting for one lifetime." They laughed together, their shared humor strengthening their bond.

As they neared the hotel, Lila could feel a sense of relief. They had made it back safely, and their journey had come to an end. She glanced at Ron, and was struck by how much he had changed in the short time they were together other. He had grown more confident, and he seemed to have found a sense of purpose. She felt a sense of pride in the role she had played in his transformation.

Finally, they reached the hotel and their teammates. Shane was the first person in sight. Shane and Christine rushed to meet them.

"Where were you guys?" Shane asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "We were worried when you didn't come back." Lila and Ron exchanged a glance, unsure of how much to tell their teammates.

"We encountered a demon, and we got lost in the forest," Lila explained.

"It's a good thing we found our way back, though."

Shane and Christine looked at each other, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity.

"We already sent Mark and Isabel to go look for you" Christine spoke.

"I'll just call Mark and tell him there's no need" Christine said.

"Girl, I was really worried about you" Christine said hugging her friend.

"I tried to call you multiple times," Christine said, sounding a bit frustrated. "I'm sorry you didn't get my calls. Were you in a dead zone or something?" Lila's stomach sank as she realized she had been unreachable the entire time.

"I think so," she replied, trying to sound casual. "My phone's battery died. Ron's battery died too."

Lila and Ron watched as Mark and Isabel walked towards them, their faces a mix of concern.

"We were worried sick! We thought something had happened to you." Lila and Ron exchanged a glance, unsure of how to respond. "We're sorry," Lila said, her voice soft. "We didn't mean to worry you. We just got lost in the forest."

Mark and Isabel's expressions softened, and they rushed forward to give Lila and Ron a hug. "Thank goodness you're both okay!" Mark said, his voice full of relief. "We were so scared something had happened to you." Lila felt touched by their concern. "Thank you for looking for us," she said, feeling grateful for their friendship. "We're glad to be back with you guys."

"By the way, we have great news" Mark spoke excitedly. "We were gong to pass this information last night but we wanted the team to be complete first".

"Isabel and I know where the portal is, we found it". Mark added.

Immediately everyone's face was lit with happiness.

"Finally, how did you find it and where is it?". Christine asked curiously.

"It's just at the heart of Crestville City" Isabel spoke.

"Heart of Crestville City" Ron mumbled.

"All I have to do is pass a message through to the director so he can send some experts to look into closing it" Mark spoke again. "The bad news is, closing the portal won't be easy. Some ancient tools are needed for the job. We don't know what is needed yet".

"We can finally go back to Skyline City" Christine screamed.

"Finding the portal alone is a cause for celebration. We will celebrate later tonight" Mark tells them.