When the door hidden in the roots of the Kapok Tree opened, the blazing light that spilled out made Ash’s sensitive yellow eyes burn and he leaped back into a crouch, letting out a hiss as he moved. Through the cloth of his cloak sleeve, the light was still bright enough for him to make out a tall slender figure with faceted eyes and glimmering antlers.

“Ash?! What are you doing?” Garren whispered harshly, arms out and shoulders up in a shrug.

“It’s okay….Welcome, Garren and Ash. Please follow me…” The feminine voice that came from the shadowed figure was oddly raspy and deep, but calming at the same time. Without waiting, the Virgo turned her back to her visitors and started walking back down the long hallway, her blazing orb shifting behind her and following.

“C’mon…,” Garren said, lightly slapping Ash on the back and pushing him in the doorway ahead of them. As soon as they had both crossed the threshold the door slammed behind them and Ash watched in amazement as first roots then dirt spread over the door, completely hiding where it had once been.

“What is this...we’re locked in!” Ash’s heart beat faster in the chest. He didn’t like watching the exit disappear like that. He looked around the hallway, trying to find some distinguishing feature to mark where this spot was.

“It’s okay, kid.” Garren put one of his large, warm hands on either of Ash’s shoulders and made the young Leo look at him. Garren's maroon eyes caught Ash’s wide yellow eyes, and he lightly squeezed Ash’s shoulders. Garren didn’t need to say he wouldn’t let anything happen to him, that he’s safe- Ash understood. Ash slowed his breathing and nodded his head.

By this time the quick moving Virgo and the only light source had descended a ways down the hall, but the blazing light was easy to spot in the dark. Garren patted Ash on the shoulder and turned his giant back to him.

“Let’s get this going…”