Shua Dawn

“Awaken.” I hear the Guardian call out to me. “Awaken,” the Guardian says in a gentle voice. I turn over in my bed. “Five more min-” “Awaken!” the Guardian shouts angrily. “I’m awake! I’m awake!” I say while falling out of bed. “Huh?” I look around hoping to find someone. “Huh? Nobody? Weird, I could’ve sworn I heard her voice.” I gaze out my window. “Wow! It’s a full moon today! …I wonder if that was a dream?” I say as I look up at the night sky. “Please help me, young Fukai,” the Guardian speaks once more through my mind. “Is that you?” I question while I look behind me. Nobody there. “I’m here. What do you need help with?” I say quietly. “…Of course no reply. Aww! What am I even doing?! Dammit!” As I close my eyes, a vision seems to be burned into the back of my eyelids and I can clearly see the Ashen continuously spreading throughout the Deep Jungle. I inhale, then exhale. “Just breathe.” I open my eyes. “Let’s see. Think, Fukai, prove to everyone that you’re not an idiot. Aw… this is hard!” I shout out in frustration while looking towards the palace. “Wait. That’s it! I’m a genius!” I sit back down on my bed. “This could work. I’m sure the king will believe his son.” I conclude with a smirk. “Alright! Let’s grab a couple of things and go.” As I open my window, I peak out to make sure the Red Wolf isn’t on guard duty. “Safe,” I whisper to myself while slowly fist pumping in front of my face. I quietly jump out of my window and land safely on the ground. “Kekekeke. I can’t wait to tell Maka my plan.” I look up towards the moon and smile. “Operation: Escape the Fearsome Beast, completed.” I voice as I quickly dash towards Maka’s home. “Alright… now it’s time to begin Operation: Con Maka in to Sneaking into the Palace.” I crow as I quickly turn a corner, almost crashing into a man walking his dog. “Sorry about that… I’m in a little hurry!” I set my eyes upon the palace with a smirk. “Alright!” I turn my gaze forward, great conviction burning in my eyes. “Just you wait! I’m coming for you, Maka!”   ***   “It really was a long day…” Maka says, his eyes unfocused as he lies in bed, gazing up at a single star, deep in thought. “I can’t believe that this is happening,” he closes his eyes and sighs, stroking his ears to calm himself from overreacting. “It’s almost unbelievable, the things happening in the Deep Jungle.” He pauses for a second, a thought niggling him about what he just said and then his eyes pop open. “Unbelievable? If I hadn’t just seen it for myself, I wouldn’t believe it.” His eyes focus as he realizes the horrific truth. “Holy cow! There’s no way in hell people are going to believe us!” Maka flips over onto all-fours and begins to panic. “Not good! This is not g-good! I-I-I have to tell Fukai!” Maka quickly turns to open his window, only to notice me pressed up against it, mouth agape and waving my hand at him. “Holy…!” Maka faints, falling back off his bed and onto the floor. “Maka… Maka… are you okay?” I say as I reach up to tap Maka on the forehead. My other arm behind my back, holding him up. “Huh? Mie thet srid.” Maka says. “What? I’m sorry, Maka, I don’t speak… whatever it is you’re speaking.” I remark, a little confused. Keeping my pace while trying to talk him into consciousness. “Unbeatable prices…” Maka says. “I’m pretty sure all the stores are closed, Maka… and besides, we have more important things to worry about than incredible deals.” I assert while shaking Maka. “Huh?” Maka, his head on my shoulder, opens his eyes and looks at me, his eyes glossed over and confused. “Where am I? Why am I cold?” Maka takes a second to allow his gaze to dart around. “Wait! How did I get here?!” “That’s easy, silly, I carried you!” I quip with a smile as I slide down one of the circular hills of the kingdom with Maka on my back. “I had a great idea, so I came to pick you up.” I peer at Maka. “…Well, then you decided to fall asleep on me, so I figured I’d just carry you and eventually you’d wake up!” “Wake up? Fell asleep?” Maka’s ears twitch as he tries to recall what happened. “Wait a minute… I didn’t fall asleep! You scared the living hell out of me… and I… I fainted, you jerk!” “Really?” I ask as we make it safely to the bottom of the hill. “Yes, really!” Maka tries to get off of my back. “Put me down… I’m fine now!” I set Maka down. “Thanks.” Maka stares up at me. “Look, Fukai, there’s something I need to tell you.” “Hey… guys! I’ve been waiting for you!” I glance up to see Anaea standing in a tree that we often meet or hang out at, waving at us with a grin. “It took you long enough.” “Hey! What are you doing here?” I question, wondering if Anaea is psychic. “Hey, Anaea, I have a serious question… Are you psy…” “No, idiot! She’s just smarter than you!” Maka hits me upside the head. “Ouch!” “Maka is right, Fukai. I could tell there was something you guys weren’t telling me.” Anaea drops gently out of the tree, rolling when she lands and strolls up to us. “So, I figured I would wait here for you.” Anaea grabs my hand and smiles. “Because I had faith you would come… that’s just your character.” “Really? Huh. I haven’t thought about it.” I pause to reflect on Anaea’s statement. “Hmmm…” “That’s all fine, but Fukai, there’s something I need to tell you.” Maka grips my arm tightly.

“Who’s hungry?!” I ask, looking around for a decent restaurant in the gourmet district that could satisfy my hunger. “I’m starving! I could go for anything,” I declare as I turn to Maka before asking, “How about you?!” “Ummm… I could go for some… curry?” Maka proffers, hesitantly. “That sounds delicious! Let’s go!” I begin to dash straight for the first restaurant I can see. “If you guys want something to eat you better hurry,” Gwyn peers behind us with concern, “I fear your dinner plans may be cut short.” “Onward! To some delicious curry!” I announce as I stride into the restaurant with Maka and Anaea by my side. “Four curry dishes, please.” Seeing Gwyn enter the restaurant behind us, I decide to confirm something. “You paying, right?” “Of course.” Gwyn answers simply while looking around. ”Let’s find a place to sit.” “Fuuukaaaiiiiiiiii!” I hear someone yelling at me. The four of us take a seat. “Alright! Some curry, please!” I say with a smile, actively choosing to ignore whoever is addressing me, instead focusing on the all-important task of filling my belly. “Fukai!” The yell comes again; I continue to ignore it. “Oh dear.” Gwyn looks over his shoulder. “Ummm… Fukai, I think someone’s calling for you,” Maka comments. “I’m sorry, Maka, but I’m sure you’re just hearing things,” I rationalize. Realizing my time is limited, I desperately search for some food as quickly as I can. “Hmmm… that looks good!” I approach someone from behind without him noticing. A waiter sets a plate of curry on the table in front of the oblivious man. “Is that chicken curry?” I abscond scot-free with the plate of chicken curry, quickly making my way to the back doors as quietly as possible. “Thanks for the food! Money’s on the counter!” As I make my way towards the back doors, a female Koa Warrior comes bursting in through the front doors. Anger radiating off of her in waves. “Dammit Fukai!” She looks around while trying to sniff me out. “Oh dear.” Gwyn looks at the woman and smiles. “Nice meeting you here, Lukai.” “Cut the crap, Gwyn! Where is he?!” Lukai shouts as her enraged glare scours the room. “I can smell him.” “Shit.” I exclaim under my breath. My mother, Lukai, is the well-known, fierce Koa Warrior, the Red Wolf. Even though she no longer goes out on missions, her reputation remains. From what I’ve been told, once Lukai catches the scent of her prey, there’s no escaping her. Young warriors aspire to be her, everyone else fears her. A customer who is rather husky shouts, “It’s the Red Wolf!” An elf woman, who is on a date with her human boyfriend, screams, “Oh god! She’s going on a rampage again!” A terrified young warrior who has heard the rumors shouts, “Run! Oh God, Help Me!” The teacher, who was grading her students’ papers, pleads as she scatters them everywhere, “Please don’t kill me!” “Shut the hell up, you worms! Fuuu…” Lukai inhales, then exhales, “kaaaiii! You have some nerve ignoring me!” she roars. “Well. Look at the time.” I say quietly and quickly turn around, continuing to make my way towards the door while taking a bite of the delicious curry. “It’s always good to know when to leave,” I mutter to myself before accelerating into a dash and slide under a table towards the back doors as quietly as possible. “Sorry, I am not getting caught. Not today!” “Lady! Please, stop this!” The owner begs while walking up to Lukai. Without hesitation, Lukai flicks him on the forehead, sending him flying into a nearby wall. “Don’t get in my way.” Lukai’s demeanor changes as she coolly looks around and is able to spot me in the midst of the chaos. “You’re not getting away, you little brat!” Lukai calmly presses her palms together, then separates her hands and connects the thumb and ring finger of her right hand together. “Gen. Grab and crush! StormGuard! Warfist!” Upon saying those words, Lukai summons both Storm Guard and Warfist from the soil under the floor. “Wow! What is that?” I ask of noone with excitement, seeing this for the first time. “Oh, this doesn’t look good,” Gwyn comments with a grimace. Maka looks over his shoulder, “Isn’t that Fukai’s mother?” Anaea tries to avoid eye contact, “This is what I was trying to warn you about.” Lukai plunges her hands into both gauntlets, donning them. “You dare try to escape the Red Wolf?!” Lukai leaps at me, preparing for an attack brandishing her signature weapons. Her fists close as the spiked gauntlets come careening towards me. “Take this!” Lukai’s strike breaks the table above me in half with a single blow, the two halves and the fist crashing to the floor in the space where my head just was. At which point, everyone else in the restaurant switches from freeze to flight, scrambling to escape the building. “Get back here, you little brat!” she commands as she grabs one of the half-tables and hurls it in my direction. Instinctively, I catch my feet on a crack between the stones of the floor, let go of the plate and place my hands on the floor next to my feet and launch myself upwards, my arms and legs splayed out as table half flies under me. As my plate crashes into the door, I bemoan, “Aww, man!” The memorial to my dinner is short-lived though, obliterated by the flying furniture. That’s when I notice a dish lying on another table below me. “What is this wonderful scent I’m smelling?” It is a simple scent and yet, smells so delicious that it has my mouth watering with just a simple inhale. “Mmmm…!” I quickly tuck into a backflip and land on the table gently grabbing the plate. “Don’t get cocky with me, boi!” Lukai shouts and lashes out, front-kicking the table out from under me. The aroma welcomes me with open arms. “This

Apo is Tiesa’s second largest continent, and is mostly covered by a single sprawling jungle. Known for its healing properties, Apo protects every living thing that dwells within its borders. The Kingdom of Coatlicue is located in the crater caused by one of Eros’ shards, surrounded by the Deep Jungle. The shard dominates the landscape, towering high above even the tall castle seated next to it. Integrated with the jungle, the people of Coatlicue live in harmony with nature, and thus, they thrive. The kingdom itself is beaming with personality, from its tree-top skyscrapers to its cloud-like rivers; it’s truly a wonder. The kingdom thrives on nature tech: the culmination of science and the natural world. Known for making day-to-day life simple. This is the place we call home. “I…” I look up at the sun. “Swear…” I wipe the sweat off my forehead. “To…” I look back over my shoulder at Ramsey, “God…” his left eye twitching for some reason. “Why is it so hot?!” “Quit your damn complaining!” Ramsey swears as he kicks me in the back. “We’re almost home!” “I’m so hungry!” Maka complains. “Okay, the first thing is food! Second thing: save the Deep Jungle!” I respond, smiling. Looking up while wiping the sweat off his forehead, Ramsey agrees with me. “I guess you have a point.” Then, lowering his eyes to look at me, Ramsey continues. “How’s that saying go… hmmm… you can’t fight on an empty stomach?” “Ummm… can we stop talking about food?” Maka begs as he begins to rub his stomach, hunger evident on his pallid face. “I think I’m dying from starvation.” Swiftly turning to him, I grab Maka by his shoulders and shake him frantically as I shout, “You can’t die! You can’t die, Maka! There’s a lot of Adventures we haven’t gone on yet!” “Shut up! Ain’t nobody dying!” Ramsey groans in annoyance while hitting me upside the head. “Why do you say that?” I glare at Ramsey. “Have you been holding out on us?” I start to rifle through Ramsey’s pockets without his permission. “Hey! Hey! Hey! Get the hell off of me!” Ramsey shouts as he thrusts me off of him. “That’s not what I meant!” Ramsey explains, looking ahead and smiling. “Look! We’re almost at the top of the hill!” I look ahead with an enormous grin plastered on my face. “Oh, right!” I start to run towards the top of the hill. “Last one to the top of the hill has to pay for lunch!” I say as I continue my mad dash towards the top of the hill. “Hey! That’s not fair!” Maka starts to run. “I’m not playing your childish game.” Ramsey remarks as continues to walk up the hill. “Sounds like a sore loser to me.” I yell back at him with a smirk on my face. Ramsey looks down towards the ground while unconsciously clenching his fists from the irritation. “Sore loser, am I?” Ramsey starts to sprint up the hill. “I’ll show you! Jackass!” I begin to slow down so they can catch up. “It took you long enough!” I say smiling. “Shut up!” Ramsey says, looking irritated. “Are we almost there?!” Maka asks, looking like he’s about to collapse. “We-ee,” I jump in the air with excitement, “made it!” I declare, landing down on the top of the hill. Ramsey and Maka simultaneously fall to the ground, succumbing to their shared exhaustion. “How is it possible that he has this much energy?!” Maka rolls over onto his back, gasping for air. “I’m pretty sure he’s not human.” Ramsey says while trying to stand. “Hey, guys! Don’t faint on me just yet!” I point towards the valley below. “Look!” Ramsey and Maka look up as I say. “We’re home!” As we stare down into the valley below at the landmark Eros Shard, the rest of the kingdom of Coatlicue nestled in its cradle, it is a breathtaking sight to behold. The kingdom stretches from one side of Eros’s Cradle to the other. Coatlicue is known as the kingdom of healing, a title that stems from its borders being made entirely of the Deep Jungle. Coatlicue also harbors the Shard of Eros, and when the sunlight hits the Shard of Eros just right, a slight glimmer of yellowish-green will dance across the kingdom, causing Coatlicue to feel angelic. I inhale, then exhale. “Ok, guys, let’s go…” *Ggrglh* my stomach chimes in. “Nah, scratch that, let’s get some food!” I declare as we begin our descent down towards Coatlicue.   The gate to Coatlicue is between the inner and outer marketplaces, with dedicated civilians working hard at the things they love. “Fresh-cut meats! Get your fresh-cut meats!” Don the meat seller cries out over the crowd, which is busy as always. “Trust me, sir. This remedy will clear that right up. It’s a tree sap that comes from the oldest trees in the forest.” Cau, with fox features, hails from the Onin clan and is always eager to help, if the price is right. This is the Coatlicue’s outer marketplace. From the half-elf Sek selling fruits, to Gern the dwarf selling the finest bread in all of Apo, to aspiring scientists looking to make a name for themselves by selling their nature tech at a reasonable price; the outer marketplace has quite the varied populace. “Ahhh crap!” I look over at Maka and whisper to him, “We got to be careful around these people… always bleedin’ you dry.” Maka quietly nods his head. “Fresh fish for sale! Fresh fish for sale! Caught today in the Lake of Rejuvenation!” a young nymph shouts. “Hoping to lure some poor sucker in, I bet.” Ramsey quips in my direction, then realizes I’m already gone and probably didn’t hear him. “Wow! You don’t say? So, did you really catch them in the Lake of Rejuvenation?” I say with excitement. “Annnnnd cue the poor sucker.” Ramsey looks at me with a defeated look as he sighs,

The land of Apo: home to millions of species, all unique in their own right. It’s truly a sight to behold when witnessing the creatures living in harmony. With the Deep Jungle spreading over ten million square kilometers, it’s considered majestic and is one of the seven wonders of Tiesa. My father once told me that this land is a land of healing, a place of recovery. That the Deep Jungle is a home for all creatures across the universe searching for sanctuary from the cruelty that this universe has to offer. This is the land of Apo; our home. “What has happened here?” I question as I begin to get up off the ground. “Umm… this is a lot worse,” Maka rolls over to get a better look at the area, “than I originally thought.” As I brush the ash off of my clothes, I ask, “How can this be happening?” I look up as Ramsey walks past me, concern plastered across his face. “Ramsey?” “This isn’t some natural disaster. Someone is messing around with the natural order of things. Whoever did this, I’ll never forgive them!” Ramsey declares, his voice rising as he punches the ashen soil. I walk up to Ramsey and put my hand on his shoulder. “Then we better get down to the bottom of this. Right?” I ask with a smile. “You’re right, Fukai.” “Then let’s get going, guys.” Maka says as he walks up right beside us. “Oh! By the way, what was up with the ground being all soft back there?” I ask flippantly while walking away. Ramsey looks over his shoulder at the ground behind us. “Yes, that was strange indeed.” “Maybe the ash is really soft…” I say, pensive. “Or maybe…” Maka touches the ashen ground with the tip of his finger. “It feels pretty solid to me.” “Really? Huh. That’s weird.” I continue to think for a second, then decide to ignore the question niggling at the back of my mind “Oh well! Let’s get going then!” I start walking with my hands behind my head, whistling along the way. “Leave it to Fukai to lose interest so fast,” Ramsey quips as he walks past Maka. “Let’s go, Maka.” “I’m right behind you, Ramsey.” Maka says and smiles. Continuing our investigation, I am aware of a feeling like we’re being watched from the shadows. Almost as though this new ashen jungle is still somehow alive and aware of our unwanted presence. As we progress further into it, I can see how it must have slowly spread its reach into the untouched jungle, like a parasite, devouring everything it touches. The trees are all tainted by a grayish yellow color. When I reach out to touch one of them, it crumbles in front of me, leaving nothing but a pile of flaked ash. Looking up, I am distracted from what was once a tree by the ashen bodies of the living creatures that were unfortunate enough not to have made it out. Turning again to survey the edge of the surrounding areas, I can see the Ashen is still spreading. “What could have done this?” I mumble to myself. I can’t help but feel a little disbelief begin to crawl up my spine as we watch our beautiful jungle turn to ash. “Dammit,” I growl to myself as I try to hold in my anger; frozen in place by the sight that surrounds me. “Let’s keep moving, Fukai,” Ramsey states, trying to keep positive for Maka’s sake as he strides past me. I nod my head in silence. “Umm… I’m sorry I didn’t believe you before, Fukai,” Maka says quietly. I continue to look ahead, focusing on what’s in front of me. “It’s okay, something like this is unbelievable…” I pause and allow myself a small, bitter smile. “Hell, I’m still in disbelief.” After a short while, Ramsey finally gives in to his curiosity and begins examining one of the ashen trees closer. Maka looks around, worry written plainly on his face. “I don’t like this place at all.” Maka gets down on all-fours and turns towards Ramsey. “Let’s hurry this up so we can get out of here,” he implores as he continues to glance around nervously. “This place is giving me the creeps.” “Calm yourself, Maka. This place is giving all of us the creeps.” Ramsey orders, his hand hovering next to one of the ashen trees, though Maka stays crouched. “Hmm… this is strange. It’s not hot.” “Ramsey, I’m leaving you behind!” I shout while making good on my word, leaving him behind without hesitation. “Damn it! I’m coming. I’m coming!” Ramsey shouts. A short time later, Ramsey, close behind me, asks me a question. “Hey, Fukai, do you remember a few weeks ago when a group of Koa Warriors left on an expedition?” “Hmm… yeah. If I remember correctly, weren’t they assigned to protect a group of scientists who were investigating some activity in the Deep Jungle?” I answer. “Exactly.” Ramsey pauses as he speaks, looking up at the ashen trees. “And now they’re missing without a trace, leaving nothing behind.” Ramsey finishes, his tone darkening. Maka catches up to Ramsey and stands up, asking, “Umm… are you thinking maybe this has something to do with them disappearing, Ramsey?” “Yeah, just maybe,” Ramsey responds to Maka, still lost in thought, a shroud of worry settling down onto his shoulders. Maka, seeing this, settles back down onto all-fours and shivers. As we continue to walk through the ashen jungle, I stop at the sudden speaking of the Guardian of the Deep Jungle; her voice loud and echoing through my bones, clear as day. “Young Fukai! Make your way to the Temple… of… Em– em–b– er…” her voice fading towards the end. I twist around to look over my shoulder, expecting to see her behind me only to be greeted with empty space. “Nothing?” I question, then quickly turn towards Ramsey in a panic. “Ramsey! I…” “Yeah,

I feel like something is off as I look at my surroundings. From all the living creatures, even from the plants and the soil, they are all there, but I sense something is off. A luma runs past me, it almost feels like it’s fleeing. “Huh? What is going on here?” I say, a little weirded out, both because it’s fleeing and also because it is silent. The luma are known for their beautiful sounds of resonation. When a luma calls, their voice resonates with their flaming spiral antlers, their fur so white it glimmers with the sound. Ramsey looks back at me, “Hey! What’s the holdup, Fukai?!” I turn and look at Ramsey with a little concern. “Something feels off, Ramsey! Don’t you think it’s weird that there’s no sound?” Ramsey looks at me, trying to comprehend what I’m implying. “What do you mean, Fukai?” Ramsey begins to look around, realizing what I mean. “What the hell?” “Huh? What’s going on, guys?” Maka looks at both of us, confused. I march up to Ramsey, unable to hold back my feelings. “You get it now, Ramsey?! While we were standing here, arguing, we didn’t realize it!” “Realize what?” Maka looks at me, still confused. I point at the mechanical orb that has lost its light. “Ever since I touched that thing, there has been no sound!” “No sound?” Maka says, even more confused. Ramsey hesitates for a second, and then begins to listen for the sound that all of us are familiar with. A sound that our land makes; something that is ingrained into the people who dwell here. The sound of the Deep Jungle. “Don’t you think it’s weird! We’re here in the depths of the Deep Jungle! Where millions of living creatures make all different kinds of sounds! And yet, no sound at all! No crickets chirping! No monkeys yelling! No mocker bird making fun of us! Nothing!” I shout with worry in my voice. Ramsey closes his eyes and inhales, then exhales. “Yeah, you’re right. This is weird.” Ramsey opens his eyes and looks around. “What the hell is going on here?” “Umm… maybe we should get out of here? This may be too much for us to handle.” Maka looks at me and smiles. “You may be right, Maka,” I look over my shoulder back at the mechanical orb, “but can we at least check out the situation?” I look towards Ramsey and Maka as I extend my hand towards them. “Maybe we shouldn’t leave just yet.” All of a sudden, the three of us hear an instrument being played, almost as if the person is right next to us, and a woman’s voice begins to sing.   “This fair land turns dark and gray, as the ashes rise from night ‘til day.”   “Music?” I say as I close my belt pouch and look around, wondering where it’s coming from. “I may be going crazy, but I’m pretty sure I just heard somebody singing…” “No, Fukai, it’s not just you. I heard it too.” Ramsey begins to think as he rubs his head. “Umm… me too.” Maka turns and looks at me, he seems a little bit concerned. “Umm… Fukai, is that the voice you heard?” Maka grabs my arm tightly, his hands shaking. “If s-s-so, it doesn’t sound like she needs help, right?” As I look for the direction of where the music is coming from, a sense of calmness washes over me. “I’m sorry, but this is not the voice I heard. This is something entirely different.” As the music continues to play, I can’t help myself but be drawn towards its enticing melody.   “Ye warriors rise up from this land. Protect this jungle with thy hands. As the ashes spread throughout this land, ye warriors forgot thy path, oh, ye warriors forgot thy path.”   Within that moment, those words became etched in their hearts.   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 the Guardian out 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

“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 the Jungle.” 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 the Jungle!” 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 Deep Jungle, 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…”   *** “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,

“Huh?” I say, a little surprised. As the Raybird flies away with Oki and the ophidia in its grasp, Maka, Ramsey, and I are still entrapped in the massive creature’s wind vortex, which allows no room to escape. It’s causing tremendous shock waves to shoot out around the surrounding areas, cutting down trees as they spread before beginning to dissipate. I have no idea how much longer I can hold my breath, as my lungs ache for a single breath that isn’t filled with debris. As fast as it came, it suddenly vanishes. I gasp in a breath of fresh air. “Huh?! Wait! Wait! Wait!” Maka cries, panicking. “…Airborne?! Are we airborne?! This can’t be happening! This can’t be happening! This isn’t looking good!” “Alright! We’re so high it’s almost like I can touch the sky!” I stretch my hand out, hoping to grab something. “Shut up, Fukai! This isn’t alright! Maka is right, this isn’t looking good! What the hell are we supposed to do?! Damn it!” Ramsey begins to survey the landscape, frustration furrowing his brow. Being the brains of the operation, Ramsey starts to weigh his options. As he looks down, the surrounding trees begin to fall, one by one. “Damn it! This isn’t good! This is not going to work! Maka! Do you have any id-?!” Ramsey, frustrated, looks to Maka for help. “Oh god! Oh god! Oh god! Somebody please help uuusss!” Maka shrieks out in fear. Ramsey looks forward, worry plastered on his face as he bites down on his lip. “I can’t believe this is happening! Maka is no use to me in that state! If only I had something to-” “Yahoo! This is so much fun!” I say as I start to do backflips midair while smiling. “And what part of this is fun?!” Ramsey slaps me upside the head. “Damn it, Fukai, this isn’t a laughing matter!” Ramsey begins to think hard. “We’re about to die here and if I don’t figure out a plan-” “Ramsey, Ramsey. Why are you sweating the small stuff? Minor details. Minor details, my friend.” I say with smugness as I pat Ramsey on the shoulder while giving him the thumbs up. “But! If that’s all you’re worried about we could always just use that giant spider web over there left by Oki!” I say smiling as I point behind me. “Huh?!” Ramsey looks behind and notices Oki’s web floating down. “You’re just now telling me this!” Ramsey grabs me by the collar and begins to shake me. “What the hell, Fukai!” “Somebody help me! I’m too Young To DIE!!” Maka begs as he’s flipping, out of control. I look over at Maka confused, then turn and look at Ramsey, somewhat puzzled by his reaction. “Hmmm…” I decide to act quickly before he keeps nagging me. “Maka grab on!” Maka quickly nods his head and jumps on my back. “Take my hand, Ramsey!” Ramsey grabs my hand. “Alright guys! This could get a little rough, so hold on tight!” “Don’t tell me…?!” Ramsey looks at me anxiously. “You can’t be serious?!” “Too late!” I quickly grab the spider web left by Oki. “Huh! It’s a lot lighter than I thought it would be!” I smile as I grab the web tightly, “But sturdy enough and the stickiness is gone too!” I look at my surroundings, “This might work! Alright!” Shifting Ramsey to my back with Maka, I proceed to grab the web with both of my hands and swing around it with all my might. As Oki’s web is hitting the ground, it buckles, creating a shockwave that fires out in all directions, causing nearby creatures to flee. “Alright, guys! Looks like this is going to be a one-way trip!” “One way trip…?!” Ramsey looks down in a panic. “Huh?! Wait, you’re not talking about what I think you’re talking about?! Fukai?!” “I’m not ready for thiiis!” Maka begins to struggle with me as I grab him. I toss Maka onto the web. “Be careful not to hurt yourself on the way down, Maka!” I shout out to him. “Kekekeke!” I turn and look at Ramsey with a smile on my face. “Kekekeke…!” “Why the hell are you laughing, Fukai?” Ramsey demands as he shakes his head in fear. “Enjoy yourself, Ramsey!” I quickly toss Ramsey onto the web and then soon hop on myself. “Yahoooooo!” I shout as I slide down the web with a smile. “Damn it! Fukai! Are you trying to kill us?!” Ramsey shouts in frustration as he slides down. “I’m never hanging out with you guys again!” Maka declares as he continues to slide down on his stomach. “Hmmm… is it just me or is Ramsey upset for some reason?” I look down at Ramsey with a little hint of concern. “Hey, Ramsey! Are you upset with me? Or am I crazy?” I shout at him. “Are you serious?! …Really?! Seriously?!” Ramsey closes his eyes and shouts at the top of his lungs. “Both, you idiot!” “You both are idiots! I can’t believe you talked me into coming here!” Maka screams in frustration. “Come on, guys, don’t be like this!” I say with a little smile on my face.   “Huh…” I utter, coming to a realization upon nearing the end of our exciting ride. “How are we going to land safely? …Oh well!” I shrug, my worries disappearing as quickly as they came. Maka, Ramsey, and I quickly go shooting off an arch of the web and into the jungle. “Alright! That’s what I’m talking about!” I shout as we get a little airborne. Suddenly, as we fly past two whisper trees, Oki and the ophidia come crashing down a little ways behind us, causing the surrounding area to quake. *Boom!* *Crack!* “Holy crap!” I shout with excitement. “I’m not ready for this!” Maka cries out with fear in his voice. “This is not good, Fukai!” Ramsey looks at me with concern. “What, are you scared of going downhill?”

“This feels amazing!” I shout as I cast my gaze over the Deep Jungle with excitement in my eyes. A warm breeze hits my face as I stand on top of the behemoth known as the Great Fur Bark Tree. My father had told me that this was a special kind of tree that could only be found here in the Deep Jungle. The tree is covered with a furry bark that feels so soft you could take a nap on it, and has branches so massive that a herd of baby Mammoth Spiders could crawl upon one and not fall off. Casting my gaze upwards, away from the expanse of jungle below, I look up towards the once twin moons that orbit Tiesa. “You must feel lonely up there all by yourself, Luna, without Eros to keep you company,” I say with a smile. My father once told me that a long, long time ago both Luna and Eros had shone so brightly together that, on a clear night sky, you could see a beautiful orchestra of colors that lit up the night. “It truly would be incredible to be able to see that!” I shout, then calmly look towards the horizon with a blank, deflated look upon my face; remembering. “…But that’s just an impossible dream with Eros shattered into a million pieces.” I begin to once again survey the surrounding areas of the Deep Jungle to see what catches my eye. “I can’t wait to see what amazing adventure the jungle has to offer today!” Continuing to scrutinize the jungle below me, I search the great expanse to find my friends Maka and Ramsey, because being them, they seem to have wandered off all on their own, leaving me behind. “Now, where did you guys run off to?” Out of the corner of my eye I catch an explosion going off in the distance. “Huh?!” My eyes light up with excitement. “Alright! Now that sounds like what I’ve been looking for!” I shout as I leap off of the Great Fur Bark Tree, diving towards my next big adventure. “I better hurry up before Maka and Ramsey beat me to it!” I say as I grab one of the smaller tree branches, slowing my momentum down. I flip off of the branch and land on the ground in-step, continuing to make my way towards the explosion. “Huh? What’s that noise behind me?!” I question as I look over my shoulder. I see a slight rumbling movement behind me that soon vanishes. “Mmmm… oh well. I guess it doesn’t matter!” I decide. “Gotta hurry! Wouldn’t want them hogging all the glory!” I say with a smile. I jump over a raglan with some scrapes on it; a large one at that. “That’s weird…” I pause mentally for a moment as I continue to run towards the explosion. “I vaguely remember Ramsey telling me something about the raglan rock… Mmmm… What was it? Dammit! I can’t remember!” I shout as I scratch my head out of frustration. “Screw it! Who sweats the small stuff anyways?!” Upon saying that, I fall, tripping over a root that has gotten too large for its own good. “Oh shit!” I begin to roll down the hill. Desperately, I grab onto something to stop me. “Argh!” *Thump!* “What the damn hell?!” I gently rub my head. “Who the hell put this rock here?!” I say with anger in reference to the object that painfully stopped my rolling fall. Looking up, I begin to ponder the object. “Huh? Rock? Hmmm… Egg? Hmmm… Gold? Something doesn’t seem right.” I take another glance at the thing and realize what I’m truly gazing upon. “Oh my god! This is amazing! A real life giant golden egg! It’s huuuge! Awesome! I can’t wait to show Maka and Ramsey this!” I say as I jump in the air, spinning with excitement. “See, Ramsey, I told you skipping class today would be worth it!” I say conspiratorially to myself. Looking up at the egg again, I begin to recall what Ramsey was telling me about a certain area within the Deep Jungle, one that could spell danger to any poor fool stupid enough to wander into it. “Hmmm… does it have to do with eggs?” I begin to think hard. Within that moment I feel something’s evil, piercing gaze directed at me from behind. I hear the sound of something massive slowly crawling on its belly towards me. Just like that my memory triggers; recalling what Ramsey told me. “That’s right! The raglan rock symbolizes the territories of three-headed ophidia serpents!” I hear the sounds of the giant serpent hissing at me from behind. “And… and that the mothers are very protective of their unborn children, which usually hatch from golden eggs,” I say, reciting proudly the last piece of what he told me as I force myself not to turn around. “Shit! I should start listening to what Ramsey has to say more often!” I shout as I look over my shoulder at the giant three-headed ophidia staring down at me; a vicious look on each of its faces as one of them moves to sink its fangs into me. “Nope! Not today!” I quickly jump into the center of the ophidia’s lower jaw, and kicking off of the upper jaw, I leap on top of the giant, golden egg. “This is one boy who’s not on the menu today!” I look down at the serpent that almost bit me with a shocked look upon my face. The serpent head on the right side has warped the ground around the area into a river of blue poison, causing anyone who touches it to shrivel up and die instantly. The Milky Poison River it’s called. “Oh! Crap! This is all just a big misunderstanding! Can we just talk about thi-!”  As soon as I turn around the ophidia’s massive tail hits me so hard that it sends me flying away

A wise one once told me that not every story is set in stone; that this is a massive universe and it has a story to tell. One only needs to listen, and it will answer with: Once Upon a Time… An impending darkness loomed over the planet of Tiesa as the Arrival was fast approaching. What does it mean to be a hero? Fukai begins to struggle with a decision that he will soon have to make… 15 hours until the Arrival.    “Huh, it’s starting to rain,” I state as a raindrop falls on my head. *drip* ——*drip* *drip*——*drip* ——*drip**drip*——*drip* The rain that drips off of me leaves trails of red that run and connect to others, making them turn a similar shade. It has been ages since the last time I decided to step foot inside The Temple of Ember, and I can’t shake the feeling that I am being drawn to this place. It’s almost like destiny has called me, and never being the type to defy destiny, I decide to enter, my damaged body protesting every movement. “Shit! This seems to be playing out just like Yasha said!” I decry the plan that started when Yasha approached me a couple of months ago.   2 Months Before.   “Thanks for meeting me here, Fukai, Maka.” Yasha addresses each of us as he leans up against a tree, looking at us with an eagerness in his eyes. “There’s no need to be thanking us just yet.” I gesture towards Maka with no motivation. “This was Maka’s idea to come here and listen to what you have to say.” “Now, Fukai, don’t be like that. Let’s hear him out,” Maka interposes. I sit down on the ground, a little upset. “Fine!” Looking up at Yasha I roll my eyes, but I give him a gentle smile not wanting him to think I don’t take him seriously. “Start talking.” Yasha closes his eyes and inhales, then exhales. As soon as he opens his eyes, the atmosphere begins to change, and he starts speaking. “Listen closely to what I’m about to tell you, because depending on the outcome of this meeting, it could change the course of the universe forever.” That was a night I’ll never forget. I couldn’t imagine just how far he could see into the future. Just before we went our separate ways, I asked him a question. “Why?” Yasha paused for a second, “Why what?” “Why do you have so much faith in this plan?” I said, hoping for a more detailed answer. Yasha looked up at the sky and smiled. “It’s not that I have faith in the plan, it’s because I know you will make the right decisions when the time comes.” This was the last time I saw Yasha before the impending darkness.   15 hours until the Arrival.   Even so, I never once in my wildest dreams thought my journey would end in the place where it all began. As the rain continues to pour, my heart begins to waver and I enter the temple. “Ugh! …Dammit!!! WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?!” I look up at the ceiling as the red tinted rain drops fall from my face. “I’m running out of time! If I don’t do something, Ma—Ma—Maka will…!” I hit the side of the wall so hard that blood drips down from my hand. “It’s time to finish this!” I declare to myself as I proceed deeper into the Temple of Ember. As I run down these dark gloomy hallways, my mind quickly rushes to the past adventures of my childhood. Back then, it was just the four of us, always running headlong into whatever danger was thrown our way. Those, for us, were simpler times. Unfortunately, life is not that simple; it’s never that simple. If I had my way, things would go back to those good old days, with a new adventure always around the next corner. That’s when reality yanks me back to the present. My heart begins to waver again as I’m left with a heavy decision. I can’t help but wonder, what will I say once I reach him? Could the bridge that was broken be mended? Or is this just some pipe dream I hope to accomplish?   What does it mean to be a friend?   As I rush past a corner, I feel a sense of familiarity come over me. It’s almost as if my mind is playing tricks on me. I know that the temple has a way of messing with one’s mind, but I can’t help but be lost in the memories. I recall this one time in particular, the four of us sitting around a campfire in the Deep Jungle talking about our dreams and goals in life. Maka dreamed of being a great Koa warrior, who traveled the world helping people in need. He was always the one willing to help, even if he lacked the strength. Ramsey dreamed of becoming a great scholar. One who would unravel the mysteries of the universe. It was knowledge that drove Ramsey to seek out the Truth, and the Truth he would find. Anaea dreamed of becoming strong enough to protect the things that she held close to her heart. And as for me… “Dammit, Ramsey! Why did it have to turn out this way?! Why was the Truth so damn important to you?!” I shout in frustration, quickly jumping over a fallen pillar. “Ugh…! Shit…! I’m sorry, Maka! I didn’t listen to you!” This feeling of regret would not go away. I still feel that maybe if I had done that, if I had just listened, I could have helped out then. “I… I’m just a failure!” I become so drowned in memories and regret that I almost forget that the underground temple is like a maze. The closer I get to my goal the further away it seems. Even so, the place that had imbued