“How…? Where am I?” I glance around, seeing only the after images of the bright light.

“Fukai? Fukai?!” I hear Ramsey’s voice, but it sounds like it’s coming from the other side of the jungle.

“Ramsey?!” I look around in a panic. “Is that you?!”

“Ummm… Ramsey, I believe he can’t hear you.” Maka’s concerned voice sounds just as far.

“Maka! What are you talking about?! I can hear you!” I shout, hoping for a response.

“You may have a point, Maka. It doesn’t look like I’m getting a response.” Ramsey states as I feel him put his hand on my shoulder.

I turn around quickly. “Ramsey?!” Nobody there.

“I’ll ask you once more, will you help me?” I hear the woman’s voice again.

“Who’s there?! And how come I can’t see?!” I look around in a panic, still unable to see.

“Right, I almost forgot.” I hear the sound of fingers snapping. In an instant I am transported to what appears to be another dimension, of sorts. Before me is nothing but a blank whiteness, stretching on for miles; almost like it could be never-ending. I’m standing on a perfectly flat, blank white floor that stretches beyond my vision, “I better not-” I say as I hear the echoing of many voices far, but also very near. Ferocious, but also calming at the same time.

“Speak your name, Champion of Apo,” she calmly says.

“Wow! What is this place?” I touch my whole body. “Alright! I’m back!” I say, smiling.

With a commanding voice she utters, “Speak your name, Champion of Apo!”

I’m startled by the sudden change in her voice. “I’m sorry!” I respond while looking around hoping to see someone. “Ummm… I’m Fukai. And who am I talking to?”

Camly, she says, “Fukai. Hmm,” she pauses, “that’s a good name.”

“Umm… thank you?” I reply, a little confused. “…So, who am I speaking to?”

“Ahem!” She says, clearing her throat.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” I say cautiously, hoping not to get smote. “Hello?!” I look around again, trying to make sense of things when, all of a sudden, a variety of different colors slide across the floor. “Wow! This is amazing!” I declare, and the colors continue spreading not only below me, but above me as well: all around me, eventually swirling together into a vortex of marvelous hues. “So pretty!”

“Why, thank you.” Emerging out of the marvelous vortex is a beauty of a woman. “It is nice to meet you, young Fukai.” Her eyes are a luscious green mixed with the most vibrant yellow; one that would make the sun jealous of its vibrance. “I’ve waited many ios for someone to step into my domain again.” Even as she is speaking, I can’t stop myself from taking in her beauty; Her hair is an enticing dark red. Her skin, flawless and golden; and she is adorned in a beautiful dress of endless colors. “Well, do you have something to say?” She asks as she stares at me.

“Umm… I was talking about the colors.” I whisper, hoping she doesn’t hear me.

“Really?” She continues to stare.

“Yea,” I smile, “…but more importantly, who are you?”

Her dress, spread out like wings, was shining down in a beautiful multi-colored hue. “I am the Guardian of the Land of Apo, and I’m in desperate need of your help, young Fukai.” The Guardian, sensing something behind her, looks back and then turns to face me again. “Hmmm… listen well, young Fukai, on what I’m about to tell you…”