Ep.51: School Field Trip, Part 4

As we continue deeper into the verdant Deep Jungle, we finally stumble upon the entrance to the Temple of Ember. “Wow! This place is crazy!” I announce as we all stop and gaze upon the amazing sight; with waterfalls on either side of two massive doors, the stonework covered with intricately carved, swirling lines and ancient text around 7 circles. There’s a pond just off to the right, but the crazy thing is that I feel that the atmosphere is similar to that of when I met the Guardian of Apo. “I wonder…”

“Wonder what?” Anaea looks me in the eyes. “You know, Fukai, it isn’t like you to think… like, at all.”

“Huh?” I intone, confused about whether or not to be offended.

“Ha!” Ramsey barks in laughter.

“This is it! This is the Temple of Ember!” Gwyn walks ahead of us while smiling.

“Yeah, now how do we open the gates?” Ramsey asks, scratching his head.

“Hmmm… let me see,” Gwyn opens the book again, flipping through the pages.

“Hey! Maka! Check this out!” I wave at Maka, having walked over to stand next to the surprisingly steep edge of the deep pond.

“Coming!” Maka runs over cheerfully, clearly more at ease since we crossed back out of the ashen jungle.

“Hmm… yes. Yes! That’s it!” Gwyn says rather excitedly.

“Did you figure something out, Professor?” Anaea asks while touching the doors. Then, turning with an expansive glance at the door, heads back to the others away from the door.

“Yes! You see,” Gwyn pulls out the orb, “this orb has a name… Kli!”

“Kli?” Ramsey repeats confused.

“Yes, Kli. It is the name given in this language… but we can also call it a key.”

“Wait, serious? This is a key?” Ramsey seems slightly taken-aback.

“Now all we need to do is figure out how to trigger it,” Gwyn beams, appearing proud of his discovery. “This may take awhile,” he says as examines the door beginning from the far left, tracing the lines with an outstretched hand. Anaea follows suit.

“What’s this… weird shaped hole?” I spout, confused.

Maka looks at my face and follows my gaze down into the water, “Yeaaaah, I’m pretty sure that’s what we’re looking for…”

“That was easy! Professor Gwyn, toss me the orb! I’m pretty sure I’ve found it!” I say while smiling.

“Of course he finds it,” Ramsey says, not at all surprised. “Luck sure does love him.”

Gwyn tosses me the orb.

“Alright, I got it!” I whoop while catching the orb. “Here we go.” I reach down into the water and place the orb inside the hole. Twisting the orb clockwise, I feel something catch. Click “Huh?”

Suddenly a flicker of light emits from between the stone gates as they begin to open. “Wow!! Alright! Let’s go!” I announce while running towards the entrance.

“Wow, this is so beautiful,” Maka starts to follow me.

“I can’t believe it,” Ramsey looks surprised as he follows Maka.

Anaea turns to Gwyn and Cinder and smiles, “Alright! One step closer to cleansing the Deep Jungle. Let’s go!” She starts forward, excited for what’s to come.

“I can’t believe it,” Gwyn wipes tears from his eyes. “At long last, my life’s work is finally paying off.” Stepping forward, Gwyn begins walking slowly towards the entrance. “What secrets do you have, I wonder? I can’t wait,” Gwyn smiles. “I can’t wait for-”

“*Cough!* Re. Radiant Light,” a soft voice says from behind, then a bright light blinds us.

“Huh?” I come to a halt hearing the distinctive sound of something sharp tearing through flesh, followed by the dripping splash of blood hitting the ground.