[Thematic music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXq-14lV79s]

Life has a way of testing oneself to many challenges and struggles. It can sometimes feel like there is a weight upon us. Our own soul can, at times, act as that weight as we continue to climb upward. Imagine being on a ladder in the middle of a storm. All you can see is the ladder you're on, which in itself has no perceivable end or beginning at this point. For the rest that you can see are storm clouds in abundance. There is nothing more than the sound of your own breath and the rumble of thunder in the distance as you move along. Life has you climbing its ladder against this storm, an element of chaos and uncertainty. You hope that there is a way past all the clouds, finding your way to sunny skies, but as you continue to move up, your body grows fatigued and you find yourself growing tired trying to move your way upward.

This is where doubt takes over as you stop to take in the moment. You're alone and your grip is starting to give way. It feels like climbing any further could do nothing for you anymore as you have been doing just that for so long. You close your eyes and begin to cry, wondering why there is ever a point to keep going and if it really is worth letting yourself grow sore and tired from all the work you've done. Another rumble of thunder is heard in the distance as rain starts to sprinkle down, making the grip even harder to maintain.

You curse at the rain as you continue to hold still there, now raising your gaze and opening your eyes as the patter of water droplets hits your face. There is nothing but the gray gloom of clouds overhead just as they are anywhere else. You begin to look down at where you came from. There is a brief moment of pride as you remember your accomplishments and how far you've come. But, that's all in the past now and the present is wearing on you more than ever. You feel your grip slipping even more. A part of you wants to try to hold on still, hoping some light will come of this, but the other just wants to give up. There is a long debate with yourself on the matter and you begin to find odd comforts in the concept of failure. Your grip lets up, and there was a time when such a thing felt terrifying. But now, it almost feels like a bit of a relief. You watch as the ladder starts to float away from your view, your body tilting back as your feet lose their footing soon after. The feeling of wind rushing past your back as you begin to now descend into the uncertain depths below.

It feels almost like an eternity that you find yourself falling. That old ladder you once depended on for support is now just flying past your vision in a blur. Each and every step flashing before your eyes, old memories both fond and not-so flooding your mind. You wonder when it will end, when it will all stop. Did you do the right thing? Does not everyone eventually stop climbing as far as they can? Has anyone ever truly reached the top? You then manage to gaze down to see if anything comes to view. Before you, the clouds separate and show off a dark land that quickly greets you. Before you find yourself hitting the ground, it all goes black and not a sound can be heard anymore.

A moment later; something of great and uncertain length at this point; you open your eyes to a faint light about you. You find yourself on your back, struggling to turn to one side to see where you are. The land is dead and mostly barren with familiar gray clouds that loom above. You groan out as you can feel the rain just as before. You wonder why you're still alive. Should you not have met some end? Suddenly, the sound of footsteps can be heard in the distance. You move about to see who or what is coming. A shadowy figure approaches slowly and brings itself to a stop as it nears your body. As you gaze up at it, a pair of blue glowing eyes can be seen gazing down in return. Then, by some magical means, a source of light emits from one of the creature's hands that it brings near its face, illuminating it to show off its leonine features. A soft smile comes over the beast as he proceeds to bend down and slowly slides his hands underneath and picks you up. The lion creature then begins to carry you along down a murky path.

The rain was still present, but seemed to be letting up a bit. You find yourself a bit bewildered at all that is taking place and try to question your benefactor as to why he is doing this and where you're being taken. The creature smiles once more as he begins to explain in a deep, soft voice. "Sometimes, there are those who end up climbing the ladder of life on their own and don't realize they don't have to. Part of the wonders and beauty in life can come from sharing it with others, especially those you love and who are close to you. Some try to go alone, but if they're not careful, they can easily slip. But, just because one falls does not mean it's the end. As long as you have someone there to help you, they will help carry you the rest of the way. They will help you find the good in life and the wonders it holds."

The creature looks ahead as he smiles brighter still as a golden light hit his face. You peer over down the path, looking rather defeated and weak from your previous trials, but in this you now see the warm and inviting gaze of the sun gently greeting you. The path ahead begins to become clear and the land is lush and fertile with bluer skies and a warmer presence. You can't help but smile and are filled with such emotion from the sight of this beauty that a tear runs down your face.

"And with that", the creature continues, "You won't have to worry about being alone. I will keep you going, I promise you that. I love you."

You look up at the lion and smile brightly, feeling his words touch your heart. "I love you, too.", you reply. "And...thank you..."

You then gaze ahead and watch as you both move away from the dark and dreary lands of old and into the new lands beyond. The road ahead was no longer a lonely struggle, but one of adventure and intrigue. But most importantly of all, one that could be shared together. Whatever may come your way, whatever new challenges you had to endure, whatever experiences were waiting to be had, you knew someone would be there, helping you feel safe and protected.

Just like a guardian.

[Myself and Shiro as ourselves. Art is by the wonderful Chibi-Marrow . Thank you for your hard work and dedication.]