A loud noise suddenly interrupts our trance. Quickly, I snap out of it, directing my attention towards the noise that sounds like thunder trapped in a closed space, unable to leave. What could be causing the Deep Jungle to make such a sound, and what happened to that music?

I lay my hand on my chest. “What is this feeling?” I sense a menacing aura coming from deep within the jungle. “There is something even bigger going on here,” I whisper to myself. “I…!” I begin to shout and quickly turn to Ramsey.

“You don’t have to say it…” Ramsey’s eyes are closed with his arm extended out, interrupting me. “…And I hate to admit this, but I agree. There is something going on here.”

“You d--d-d-don’t say…!” Maka gets down on all-fours, “Then m-maybe we should go ch-check it out?" Maka says, hesitating out of fear that I’ll take him up on his offer.

“You’re right, Maka! We should check it out!” I proclaim with a smile as I begin to walk in the direction of the loud noise.

“I think you’re both right. Maybe we should go have a look.” Ramsey confirms as he begins to follow.

“Alright! Let’s go towards that sound, and maybe we’ll find that mysterious woman who was singing!” I stop for a second as a thought runs through my mind. “Hmmm… maybe we should help out the Guardian first? Or maybe they are one and the same? Or…!” I begin to scratch my head out of frustration. “Dammit! I don’t know anymore! Why is thinking so hard?!”

“One thing at a time, Fukai,” Ramsey says with a serious look as he puts his hand on my shoulder. “That is the most an idiot can handle,” Ramsey takes a deep breath and looks at me, “one thought at a time.” Ramsey begins to gaze at me like I’m a helpless puppy. “Poor Fukai, to be born with an incurable disease.” Ramsey walks past me, “Don’t worry, I’ll be your mind’s guide. Let’s go.”

“Alrig…” I pause for a second, not realizing what just happened. “Hey! Are you calling me an idiot?!”

“Umm… r--r-right. We should g--g-go!” Maka stutters as he slowly backsteps in the other direction, shaking with what looks to be excitement. “Yep! We better go check on that loud, disturbing sound and that creepy, disembodied music…”

I look over my shoulder towards Maka. “Umm… Maka, I know you’re excited and all, but you’re going the wrong way!”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Maka continues to back away.

I waltz over and crouch alongside Maka and put my arm around his shoulder. “Look! I know I’m not as excited as you are, but! I promise you this,” I clench my fist with excitement while tears of joy run down my face, “this surely won’t disappoint you!”

“Oooohhh. Thanks. How concerned of you…” Maka says as tears run down his face too.

“I mean, just think of the possibilities here!” I begin to lean forward with elation in my eyes, rubbing my hands together. “I can’t wait!” I say and begin skipping off, bubbling with excitement.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’re all trembling with excitement. Come on, Maka.” As Maka turns to flee, Ramsey grabs him by the collar and starts dragging him. “We might as well get this over with.”

“No! No! No! You guys don’t need me! Right?! I can just stay here and look after the orbs! Right?!” Maka pleads while he’s kicking and screaming.

“It’s a lot safer if we just stick together.” Ramsey calmly explains, staring down at Maka, still dragging him on.

“Yooo! What are you guys doing?! Hurry up, or I’m leaving you behind!” I exclaim with a smile as I begin to run.

“Hey! Didn’t I just say we need to stick together! Damn it, Fukai! Don’t go running off on your own!” Ramsey shouts at me.

“Yep. That’s it. That’s what I have to do.” Maka begins talking to himself.

“What?” Ramsey looks a little confused.

“You guys are great and all…” Maka says as he looks up at Ramsey.

“Huh? What are you trying to say?” Ramsey says, a little irritated.

“Well, umm… I was thinking it’s about time for me to look for new friends! Yep!” Maka says with the most sincere smile.

Ramsey looks straight towards me with an irritated expression, as I wave from a distance away. “Is that so?” Ramsey says as he lets go of Maka. “Then I guess I could just leave you here… all alone… with all the killer creatures…” Ramsey quips as he strolls away.

Maka grabs onto Ramsey’s leg, sobbing. “Please, don’t leave me here all alone! I’ll be good, just don’t leave me!”

Ramsey struggles to push Maka off of him. “Get off of me! I’m not leaving you, damn it!”

Maka’s entire countenance is one of relief as tears roll down his face and he whisper-shouts, “THANK YOU! *Sniff*”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ramsey admonishes as he lends Maka a helping hand.

“Yoo…! Guys! Come look at this!” I shout with concern. “You won’t believe it! This shit is crazy!”