Maka takes a step closer, “Kai. You’re not-”

Ramsey steps in front of Maka, “It doesn’t matter what you think you saw, Fukai! I’ve known you all my life and I know how you are! You’re always trying to go on some grand adventure! Trying to be a hero! But we can die if we’re not careful!” Ramsey walks up to me. “Do you care about being a hero more than your friends’ lives?!”

Maka looks at Ramsey from a distance. “Ramsey…”

“That’s not it! If the jungle dies… then we’re just as good as dead!” I shout.

“Enough! As your prince, I order you to go back to Coatlicue!” Ramsey shouts as he pushes me.

I look towards the ground and inhale, then exhale. “I know it’s hard to believe me, but I saw the Guardian and she spoke to me about a danger that’s killing this jungle.” I put my hand on Ramsey’s shoulder, “Please, help me save our homeland!”

Ramsey bats my hand away and walks off. “I’m sorry, Fukai. I don’t believe you.” Then Ramsey pauses for a second to look up at the sky through the trees. “…And even if I did…” his face changes to one of forlorn defeatedness, “what can a bunch of kids do? We are helpless. We should go home and leave this matter to my father.”

Maka stands between us looking at the both of us as he talks to himself. “I think true strength comes when you first believe.”

“Believe?” Determined not to give up, I look towards Ramsey and continue to plead my case. “Ramsey! Please, just hear me out!” I beg, running up to Ramsey and grabbing his arm. “I know I’m to blame for getting us in this mess, but believe me when I say this! There’s something bigger than all of us going on here!” I know that if we leave things the way they are, I will regret this for the rest of my life. I squeeze Ramsey’s arm harder. “Why won’t you believe me! I heard a voice speak to me, asking for help!” Ramsey looks at me with disbelief in his eyes as he remains silent. “Ramsey?” I hesitate for a moment. “Oh.” I quickly look towards Maka. “Maka! You believe me, right?!” I say, desperately hoping for reassurance that I’m not crazy.

“Ummm… I’m sorry, Fukai, but I didn’t hear anything. I think we should go back home.” Maka apologizes as he starts to scratch his cheek with his finger and his eyes wander to the ground. “So please, stop this.”

“Maka? Please, I’m not lying to you!” I say as I reach out for Maka.

“That’s enough, Fukai!” Ramsey grabs me by the collar and yells into my face. “Enough of this bull crap! You’re always trying to look for the next adventure! But some of us just want to go home!”

“Ramsey! Fukai! Both of you, please, stop fighting!” Maka tries to step forward between us, but trips and falls between instead. “Ouch!” Maka starts wiping tears from his cheeks as he lies there on the ground. “Please stop this. We’re supposed to be friends, aren’t we?”

I look down towards Maka, something heavy weighing at my heart. “I…”

“Enough of this!” Ramsey pushes me to the ground. “Look here, Fukai! We are going back home, even if I have to drag you there myself!” Ramsey turns towards Maka, offering him a helping hand. “Come on, Maka, let’s go home.”

Maka looks up towards Ramsey and smiles. “Thanks, Ramsey. Let’s go home.”

“Sounds good to me, buddy.” Ramsey takes Maka’s hand.

As Ramsey helps Maka get up off the ground, I feel somewhat relieved. Whispering to myself, “Maybe it was all in my head,” only to hear a faint sound of someone playing an instrument as I stand up. “Huh? Music?” I look behind me. “Nothing?” I say as an eerie sensation comes over me.