Jimin looked up, his eyes filled with a glimmer of hope. "So I can still see them? Even if I won't be the same Jimin they knew?" Aurora nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Yes, Jimin. We'll make sure you can still maintain a connection with your loved ones, even if it's not the same as before. Your safety and the safety of Aethoria are our top priorities, but we don't want to take everything away from you."

Jimin took a deep breath, his fingers tracing the frame of the photograph. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll become the Light Guardian and come with you." He looked up, his expression resolute. "But I want to say goodbye to my parents one last time."

Aurora and Hoseok exchanged a glance, and Scutum's voice echoed in Aurora's mind. "Very well, Jimin. You may have one final farewell with your family, but we must depart soon. Malakai grows stronger with each passing moment."

Jimin nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. He picked up the photograph, his fingers trembling slightly, and made his way to the living room. Aurora, Hoseok, and the invisible Scutum followed closely behind.

Jimin dialed his parents' number, his heart racing. As the call connected, his mother's warm voice filled the room. "Jimin, darling! How are you?"

Jimin's eyes glistened with tears, and he struggled to keep his voice steady. "Mom, Dad, I... I need to talk to you." His parents' expressions shifted, and they could sense the gravity in his voice.

"What's wrong, Jimin?" his father asked, his brow furrowed with concern. Jimin took a deep breath, his gaze shifting between Aurora, Hoseok, and the empty space where Scutum stood.

"I... I'm leaving, Mom, Dad. I've been chosen for something important, and I won't be able to come back for a while." His parents' eyes widened, and his mother's voice trembled.

"Leaving? What do you mean, Jimin? Where are you going?" Jimin felt a lump in his throat, and he clutched the photograph tightly.

"I can't explain everything, but I need you to know that I love you both, so much. You've been the best parents anyone could ask for, and I'll never forget that." Tears streamed down his cheeks, and his parents' faces mirrored his grief.

"Jimin, please, you're scaring us. What's happening?" his father asked, his voice filled with worry. Jimin shook his head, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips.

"I'm sorry, but this is something I have to do. I just wanted to tell you both that I love you, and that I'll always be with you, even if I can't be here physically." He paused, his gaze filled with a profound sadness. "Goodbye, Mom, Dad. I love you."

Before his parents could respond, Jimin ended the call, the photograph clutched tightly in his hands. Aurora approached him, her expression saddened by the weight of his sacrifice.

"Jimin, I'm so sorry you had to do that. But you should know that your memories won't be completely erased. You'll still have a connection to your family, even if they don't recognize you."

Jimin nodded, a single tear rolling down his cheek. "I know, but it's still so hard. I've always been close to my family, and now I have to leave them behind."

Hoseok placed a comforting hand on Jimin's shoulder. "We understand, Jimin. But you're doing this to protect them, and to protect the balance of the elements. You're a true hero."

Scutum's voice echoed in Aurora's mind. "We must depart soon, Aurora. The next Guardian awaits."

Aurora turned to Jimin, her expression resolute. "Jimin, are you ready to begin your journey as the Light Guardian?"

Jimin took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a newfound determination. "Yes, I'm ready. Let's do this." He tucked the photograph into his pocket, a silent reminder of the life he was leaving behind.

Aurora nodded, and with a wave of her hand, the apartment disappeared, replaced by a vast, shimmering landscape. Jimin's eyes widened in awe, and he took in the breathtaking view.

Scutum's voice resonated in Aurora's mind. "The Water Guardian is next."

Aurora turned to Jimin, her expression serious. "Jimin, we need to find the Water Guardian as soon as possible. My necklace will guide us, just as it did here."

Jimin nodded, his fingers instinctively reaching for the glowing necklace around his neck. "Alright, let's do this. I'm ready to embrace my role as the Light Guardian."

Hoseok grinned, his eyes filled with a newfound energy. "That's the spirit, Jimin! With you by our side, I have a feeling we're going to make an unstoppable team against Malakai."

The four of them – Aurora, Hoseok, Jimin, and the invisible Scutum – set off, the necklace guiding them towards their next destination. As they walked, Jimin couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

"So, where are we going to find this Water Guardian?" he asked, his brow furrowed with curiosity.

Aurora glanced at the necklace, her expression thoughtful. "Scutum says the Guardians' abilities are often connected to their professions. The Water Guardian is likely someone who works with water in some capacity."

Hoseok's eyes lit up with understanding. "That makes sense. Maybe we should start searching near the coast or any major bodies of water?"

Scutum's voice echoed in Aurora's mind. "Precisely, Hoseok. The Water Guardian's abilities will be closely tied to their work and surroundings. We should begin our search in coastal areas."

Jimin nodded, his confidence growing with each step. "Alright, let's do this. The sooner we find the Water Guardian, the sooner we can start preparing to face Malakai and his forces."

As they approached the coastal region, the necklace's pull grew stronger, and Aurora felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. "We're getting close," she said, his voice filled with determination.

Hoseok's eyes narrowed as he scanned the bustling coastal town. "Hmm, that narrows it down a bit. Let's start by looking for any marine research facilities, aquariums, or other places that focus on water-based activities."