“W- What do we do, Ramsey?!” I point at Fukai, who is suspended 30ft in the air above us, the orb glowing and floating next to him. “Th-Th-This is crazy! Right? Ramsey? Please say something?!” I beg as I begin to go into panic mode. “Breathe, Maka. Breathe.” I remind myself while slowly turning to Ramsey, a look of desperate fear in my eyes. “Ummm… Ramsey? How are we going to get him down from there?”

Ramsey, completely ignoring me, says “Hell if I know.” as he starts to walk away.

I grab onto Ramsey’s shirt. “Please don’t leave me all alone!”

“Calm down! I wasn’t going to leave you.” Ramsey stares at Fukai with a concerned look. “Hmmm…”

“What do you think he’s doing up there?” I look up at Fukai, worry worming its way into my belly.

Ramsey rubs the side of his head. “How should I know, but I can tell you what he’s not doing.”

I look up at Ramsey, looking for a hopeful answer. “What’s that?”

Ramsey points at Fukai. “He’s definitely not taking in the sights.”

I peer at Ramsey, confused. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, just look at him! He looks like he’s possessed or something.” Ramsey rubs his head in frustration. “I mean, his eyes! Look at his eyes!”

“His eyes?” I look up at Fukai’s suspended body. “What is going on?” I question, realizing that Fukai’s eyes are now a brilliant blue color. “Fukai. Just wait a little longer. We’ll find a way to save you.”

***

The Guardian looks at her hand as it begins to fade. “It would seem I’m almost out of time.”

“Is something the matter?” I look at her with curiosity.

“Young Fukai, our time is limited, so pay attention and I’ll make this quick,” she says as she fades in and out. “The Deep Jungle is in danger, and we need your help.”

Mesmerized by the wonder of it all, I begin to explore. “Wow! Is this all for real?! This place is amazing!” I say with excitement. “Wait! That’s right, where’s Maka and Ramsey?” I sit down. “Hmmm… oh! No!” I look over my shoulder and squint my eyes at the Guardian with a conspiratorial look on my face, “Am I dead?”

The Guardian gives me a look that says she’s more than a little ticked off. “Are you even listening to me?!” the Guardian demands, as flames circle around us.

I turn around, realizing my situation. “Holy shit! I’m dead! I’m dead!” I wail in a panic. “And this is definitely hell!” I look over my shoulder again. “I… I wonder if she’s a real demon?”

“Foolish boy, I already told you, I’m the Guardian of Apo!” She takes a step closer.

I drop to my hands and knees. “I’m sorry! O great demon lord, please spare me from eternal damnation! I swear I lived an honest and good-”

“Wow! Really?! Of course, just my luck, the first person I’m actually able to make contact with is an idiot!” The Guardian shakes her head in frustration, “Look! I’m no demon, and you’re not dead! So, shut up and listen!”

“Oh… Sure,” I say, a little confused.

The Guardian emits a sound of frustration as she closes her eyes. “Good, it’s about time you settle down.” The moment the Guardian’s eyes open I am only able to focus on her words. “I am the Guardian of Apo and have protected the jungle for many ios, but now an outside source is threatening the very balance of nature,” the Guardian begins to blink as tears form in the corners of her eyes, “and I dare not speak his name. It pains me, knowing I let it get this far! It’s my duty to take care of all life dwelling in Apo.” The Guardian looks at me and smiles. “All life has value.”

Without a thought, I respond, “Please, let me help you.” I say, surprising myself. “Huh? Why did I say that?”

The Guardian gives a small chuckle and opens her smile, “None can tell a lie in front of me.” The Guardian points at my heart, “You can only speak what’s in your heart, young Fukai.” The Guardian begins to fade in and out again. “I’m running out of time! Young Fukai, you must listen. Travel to the Temple of Em-” Suddenly, the Guardian disappears entirely.

“Wait! The Temple of what?”

The echo of the Guardian’s voice speaks in a gentle tone as I look around. “Don’t worry, young Fukai, we will meet again. It is now time for you to wake up!”