Tyler’s frantic waving and shouts had not gone unnoticed. Kai’s colossal form paused, his keen eyes scanning the ground. He moved closer, crouching down to examine the area more closely. From Tyler’s minuscule perspective, the giant's face loomed above like a celestial body, his dark eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern.
As Kai’s massive fingers approached, Tyler’s heart raced. The shadow of Kai’s hand fell over him, and he was gently lifted from the sand. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying as Tyler felt the air rush past him. Kai’s fingers, warm and slightly calloused, carefully encased him in a cupped hand, giving him a sense of security amidst the overwhelming size of everything around him.
Kai’s enormous eyes peered down at Tyler with a mix of awe and confusion. “What on earth…?” Kai muttered, his voice booming around Tyler. The vibrations from his voice felt like distant tremors.
Tyler took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he faced the giant. “Kai! It’s me, Tyler Johnson!” he shouted, though his voice was barely a whisper to Kai.
Kai’s eyes widened in surprise. “Tyler? How did you—” He trailed off, shaking his head slightly as if trying to clear his thoughts. “This is incredible. I didn’t think… I didn’t expect this.”
Kai carefully examined Tyler, turning his hand to get a better view. To Kai, Tyler appeared like a tiny speck, and the details of his appearance were almost imperceptible. The giant’s concern grew as he realized the gravity of the situation.
“I need to figure out how this happened,” Kai said, his voice softer now but still resonant. “The kiva is a place of great power. It’s possible that you’ve been affected by ancient magic or a protective spell. The kiva was used for spiritual and ritualistic purposes by my ancestors, and it’s rumored that certain actions could invoke powerful forces.”
Tyler nodded, though the gesture was barely noticeable. “So you think it’s some kind of magic or curse?”
Kai’s face grew serious. “Yes, it’s possible. The kiva is said to be a gateway to other realms and the spirit world. It’s designed to test the worthiness of those who enter. If you touched a sacred object or performed a forbidden action, it could have triggered this transformation. The ancient texts speak of such phenomena but don’t provide clear solutions.”
Kai carefully set Tyler down on a makeshift table at the camp, surrounded by a collection of maps and ancient artifacts. The camp, once a familiar place to Tyler, now seemed like a vast expanse of towering structures and colossal items.
“I’m really glad I found you when I did,” Kai said, his tone reflecting genuine concern. “If I hadn’t, you could have been in serious trouble. At your size, you would be vulnerable to predators and the elements. The desert’s harsh environment could have easily overwhelmed you—extreme temperatures, dehydration, and the risk of being crushed by something as small as a pebble. And without anyone to help you, survival would have been almost impossible.”
Tyler felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. “I appreciate that you found me. What do you think we should do next?”
Kai thought for a moment. “I have an idea. We should take you to the local elders. They have extensive knowledge of these rituals and might be able to diagnose what happened and suggest a way to reverse it.”
Tyler considered his options. “What should I do in the meantime?”
Kai replied, “While I seek out the elders, you could explore the camp area to see if you can find anything useful. Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be best to rest and conserve your energy. Alternatively, I could take you to my place. It’s a bit more secure, and you’d be safer from any potential dangers in the camp.”
**What should Tyler do next?**
1. Kai Takes Tyler to the Local Elders
2. Tyler Wants to Explore the Camp
3. Kai Takes Tyler to His Place