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Six Paths

Andun Part 1

Nevase took me to the far edge of town on the other side of the valley. The area was mainly made up of large grass plains, marked only by a few houses. The plains bordered the huge lake of the valley. And as far as I could tell these sparse houses were the only ones so close the lake.

It kind of reminded me of home. I didn't live this close to the water, but I could always see it when I looked out the window.

Before he leaves Nevase tells me that the council wished to see me as soon as I could manage. Koja government is built on many layers of councils, each composed of three members. The Councilors represent the three factions of Koja. I'm curious as to why they wish to see me.

I wave goodbye to him as he drives towards the town. I grab my bags and turn towards the house. I don't move though. A few feet away from me stood a young Koja. It wasn't Andun; too small and too young. It must be his younger sister.

Koja refer to younger sisters as Fukanu, but Fuka can refer to any type of sister.

Fuka and I just stared at each other for a few moments. She couldn't be any older than five years old. What must be going through her mind right now? This is the first time she's ever seen a human... how will she react?

<Well, hello there.> I say. Her eyes widen slightly. Not a bad reaction... but then her eyes start to tear up. <There's no need to be scared.> I say trying to calm her down, but she lets out a shriek and starts to cry. Sigh. This is not the best start.

<Leave her alone!> I heard someone shout. The voice came from the side of the house. As I turn to look I suddenly felt a hard impact on my face. I stumble a few steps back and bring my hand to my face. The left side was sensitive to touch and felt like it was burning. What just happened?

I look ahead a few feet ahead of me. Rolling slowly on the ground was an everyday soccer ball... you can't be serious. <Andun!> cries Fuka as she runs off. I watch her run towards another golden-haired Koja.

As Fuka retreats behind Andun I look at his face. His face seemed like it was trying to decide to either be surprised or upset. <The human?> he says. <What are you doing here? And why are you harassing my sister!?>

I sigh. <Sorry. I didn't mean to make her cry.> All the anger on his face was instantly replaced with shock.

<You can speak our language?> asked Andun. I nod my head. He seemed less pensive now. <Why are you here?>

<I'm here for the program.> I say.

<Program?> Andun's eyes look up. He seems to be thinking of something. His eyes widen. <You mean... you'll be staying with us for a year?> I only smile in confirmation. <We thought you'd be a Koja...>

<Didn't anyone tell you a human was coming?> I asked.

<Yes, but we didn't know that you would be here for the program.>

Curious... the whole town was told that I would be coming, but they weren't told why? Did they figure that the people would put two and two together? Or perhaps the council wanted to surprise everyone? Why?

<Umm... about what happened...> I heard Andun mutter. He had a look of guilt on his face.. <I'm really sorry I hit with my ball.> I look back down at the soccer ball.

<You have a good aim...> I say, to my dismay. <My face is still stinging.>

My words seem to make him feel even more unpleasant. <I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please don't change your mind!>

<Change my mind about what?> I ask.

<About staying with us! I know you have other choices, but please don't let my mistake change your mind!> What a sight... just a few minutes ago he was being assertive and now he looks like he's on the verge of crying as well. He's still a kid after all.

I approach him. Fuka hides herself behind her brother. I kneel to his Andun's level. <Do you want me to stay?> I ask. He nods his head slowly. <Then I'll stay.> He begins to brighten up. His tail starts to wag, but its movement is being restricted by the little girl standing behind him. <Are you alright with me staying here?> I ask Fuka.

<No!> Fuka shouts as she runs away into the house. She was rather blunt.

<Please don't mind her.> said Andun. <She's really shy around people she doesn't know. Give her time and she'll warm up to you.>

I hope he's right. Being shy is one thing but she seems terrified of me.

<So...> began Andun. <I guess you're going to be my Jojona?>

Time for a little lesson. Jojo means teacher in Runga. The 'na' at the end refers to having a relationship. So while Jojo means 'teacher', Jojona means 'my teacher'.

<Yep. And you'll be one of my Tenanu.>

Tena means student or disciple. The 'nu' at the end acts just like 'na' but there is one difference. 'Na' refers to someone older, or superior, while 'nu' refers to someone younger or beneath you. I don't mean that in an insulting way. Think of it like ranks. If someone is higher in rank you use 'na'. Lower, 'nu'. Or if you share a rank you use 'ni'. Tenani means 'fellow student.'

<You can just call me Jojo.> I say.

<Alright.> smiled Andun. <But you can just call me by my name.>

I chuckle. <What? You mean you don't want me to call you Tena?> He shook his head. <Alright.> I hold out my hand. <Nice to meet you Andun.> He looked at my hand. Right... shaking hands isn't the way to greet others in Lukea.

I hold out my right hand again. This time I faced the palm of my hand towards of him. He instantly knew what I was doing and held out his right hand as well. We hold our hands facing each other, but they don't touch. I visualize that Andun is in my hand. I clench my hand into a fist and then bring it to my heart. Andun mirrors me. We are now part of each other's lives.

This greeting symbolizes that you're taking a piece of a person's soul and combining it with your own. Koja are more spiritual than humans. What do I think? Well I definitely think it's more personal than a handshake in concept, but I can't fully understand it. I'm not a Koja after all.

<Are your parents home?> I ask as I drop my arm.

<They're still at work.> responded Andun. <They should be coming home soon though.> Andun looked past me. <Do you want to bring those in?> He points at my bags. I'd forgotten about those. He signals me to come inside with him. I grab my things and follow him.

It was a nice house. The floors were made of nice tile and hardwood. Koja do not use carpet for various reasons. Ask any Koja and they'll tell you it's because of the buildup of static. Koja rarely wear shoes so their furry feet have to drag across the floor. Besides the occasional shock on metal, if too much static builds up in a Koja all of their fur starts to stand on end. I've seen it happen before. It's quite hilarious. Though for the Koja it isn't. Their whole body starts to itch even after they painfully disperse the static.

<So where will I be staying?> I ask.

<My room> Andun said. <I'll show you.> I walked up to the stairs. I followed him and took a right at the top. There were three doors down the hallway. Andun pointed to the left door. <That's my sister's room. This is the bathroom. And this is my room.> He opened the door on the right.

It was an average room. It didn't have a television like my room did but it does have a dresser, a desk, and two beds. Two beds? <Why do you have two beds in here?> I ask.

Andun points to the larger bed. <That one will be mine when my sister outgrows her own bed. Then she'll get my current one. Since we had the extra bed my parents decided to sign up as hosts.> That's good. At least this family was prepared. I'm not sure if having an extra bed is a prerequisite for signing up.

I set my bags down and got onto the bed. I lied back. After all the traveling it was nice to finally lie down. I couldn't help but close my eyes for a moment. I heard Andun walk out of the room. I don't know how long it was, but eventually he came back in. I opened my eyes. He was carrying the soccer ball.

<I read that you like to play soccer.> I was stating the obvious, but wanted to get a conversation going.

His ears perked up. <Yeah! I've been playing since I was five.>

<Oh? Why do you like it so much?>

Andun thought about it for a moment. <No one has really asked... but I just really like kicking it around.>

I rubbed the side of my face. <Yeah. You're really good at kicking> I say with a chuckle.

<Sorry again...> he said. <But what about you? Do you play soccer?>

<Me? No. I played it sometimes during school, but that's all.> I wasn't really a physical person. I mainly kept in shape by walking everywhere on the island.

<Oh...> Andun seemed to be worried about something. <Do you watch soccer?>

<Sometimes with my friends. It's fun to watch every once in a while.> I looked at Andun. His ears were down and he had a disappointed look on his face. <What's wrong?>

<Soccer is a human sport so I thought every human played it. I was kind of looking forward to having someone to practice with.>

<Doesn't your school have a soccer team?> I ask.

<Yeah, but I'm not on the team.> responded Andun with a sigh.

<What!?> I prop myself up. <Why not? You seem like you'd be perfect for the team.>

Andun was silent. He just stared at the soccer ball in his hands. I was about to question him further, but suddenly his ears perked up. <My parents are home.> He looked out his open window. I got up and joined him. A short distance away I could see two figures. How did he know they were back?

<There's something I need to warn you about...> Andun said as he watched his parents approach the house. He looked at me with worry. How bad could it be?

Complicated bad... There was an immediate mixed reaction when they met me. While Andun's mother was excited, his father was less than thrilled. Andun said his mother is fascinated with humans and his father resents them. It was a bit awkward with the mother always being so close while the father just stares at me with contempt.

Later that night we had dinner. I sat next to Andun. Fuka sat at the end of the table of their parents sat opposite of me. Andun's father sat right across from me...

There was some chatter, mostly things that had happened today. I remained silent, hoping I would be ignored. I was hoping for too much though... eventually I was pulled into the conversation by Andun's mother. <So what do you think of Serona so far?>

<Well I've only seen a bit of the town, but it is very beautiful.> I looked at her and then her husband. <What do the two of you do in town?>

<I'm a doctor> Andun's mother said. So she's a Zuya.

I look to Andun's father. He seems reluctant to answer me. <I'm a gym teacher at the high school.> So he's a teacher too huh? Well I can't call him Jojo. I guess the next best thing would be to call him Luto which means 'exercise'.

<How many high schools are there in this town?> I ask.

<Just one.> said Luto. <There's only one middle school as well. It's connected to the high school.> Interesting... I've never heard of two schools being connected to one another. <Do the students of both schools interact with each other?>

<Only at lunch> said Andun. <We have separate lunch rooms, but anyone can eat outside.>

<Interesting. It wasn't like that where I live.> I say.

<What was it like?> Andun's mother asked.

<Both schools were on different parts of the island. And they weren't the only ones.>

<Sounds inconvenient.> said Luto. <Why not go to the same school for seven years instead of moving to another?>

<I never really thought about that...> I say. I didn't find anything wrong with it. Perhaps it's a land issue or maybe a population issue or maybe even a culture issue. It was too late for me to decide which was better.

<Do you exercise?> asked Luto. I glanced at Andun. He had one of those looks... one of those 'here we go' looks. I told him no. Andun's face became even more worried, but that's not what concerned me. I looked at Luto and saw that he had a mischievous smile on his face. Oh boy...

Things were quiet until it was time for bed. By now I was very tired from jet lag. Before bed though Zuya brought up that we hadn't done the greeting. It was kind of her fault though... as soon as she saw me her ears perked up and she began to jump around with excitement. I still find it weird that out of everyone here the mother is the most excited to see me.

Luto was reluctant to do it, but he knew that it was required of him. He sped through his very quickly while Zuya and I went at the normal pace. She said goodnight to me and Andun as she went to tuck Fuka in.

Despite being tired it took me a while to fall asleep. I guess my mind was still processing everything that I've experienced today. It replayed in mind from the moment I stepped off the plane to having dinner with Andun's family. As my mind finally started to slow down and I started to doze off the image of Luto's smile was stuck in my head. I feel as though there's something I'm forgetting... something...

<Wake up Jojo...> I was roused from my sleep as I felt someone shaking me. My eyes cracked just a bit. It was Andun. Only the lamp in the room was on, but it was enough to make my eyes sting. My eyes clamped shut.

<What time is it?> I asked with a groan.

<Six.> he replied.

<Six!? But your class doesn't start for another two hours.>

<This isn't for school.>

I opened my eyes a bit more. But before I could ask what he meant the door flew open. A loud thud erupted from its impact against the wall. I watched Andun jump from the noise.

Suddenly the ceiling lights turned on and the entire room lit up, much to my eyes' despair.

<Dad!> Andun shouted with annoyance.

<Sorry about that son, but I had to make sure our new guest would wake up.>

<I can handle it!> Andun's voice seemed to be very irritated.

Luto was silent for a while. <Alright. Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.>

<Alright dad.> said Andun, his voice now calm. My eyes were still shut, but I could hear Luto walking away. To my relief Andun turned the ceiling lights off... I was now able to open my eyes. I would let them get used to the lamp first.

<Sorry about that.> said Andun. <I tried to prepare you before he came.>

<Does he do that every morning?> I asked as I rubbed my eyes.

<It's the first time he's barged into my room like that since I was seven.>

<So he's giving me special treatment, huh?> I ask, but Andun doesn't answer. He just gave me a look of apology. My mind started to clear up from the drowsiness. I suddenly remembered what I had forgotten. 'Daily exercise at dawn' was what the profile said. I groan. How could I forget? I slowly stand up and stretch.

<So what do you do every morning?> I asked Andun as I reached into my bags.

<One lap around the lake. Two on the weekends.> said Andun so casually. I freeze. That lake is huge.

<How long does that usually take?> I ask, hoping my fear is misplaced.

<Half an hour if you pace yourself really well.> he responds.

I groan again. Thirty minutes? And that's only if I run the entire time. I grab a change of clothes.

<You should wear those.> said Andun. He's pointing at the shirt and pants I wore yesterday. I panicked for a moment when I saw those clothes on the floor. I must have still been a bit drowsy because I forgot I was wearing pajama pants. <You're going to sweat so you might as well wear what's already dirty instead of ruining clean clothes.> I didn't argue and reached for my discarded clothes. <You should also wear a jacket.>

After a quick breakfast of toast and eggs we set out. I asked Andun why his mother wasn't coming along. <She only runs on the weekends. Every other day she gets my sister ready for daycare. Her job also starts at seven.>

So the only way she could run with us on a weekday is if we started an hour earlier... No! Get that thought out of my head! Waking up at six is bad enough!

She did leave the house with us though. She kissed Luto and then Andun on the check. She waved goodbye as she walked off with Fuka towards the town. Luto turned around to face us. <Alright. The sooner we get this done the sooner we can get ready to head to the school.> Luto said all this while doing some stretches. Andun was doing them as well. I tried my best to keep up with them.

After a few minutes of stretching Luto started kicking up his legs and started jogging past me and Andun. Andun quickly followed pace. I froze momentarily before I started following.

There was a light fog hovering over the lake. It was an odd but amusing sight to me. At the very least it distracted my mind from the pain I was feeling. The first five minutes weren't so bad, but then I started feeling a bit of fatigue. Andun noticed and started slowing down to keep at my pace.

<Andun!> Luto yelled in front of us. <Do not lower your performance for his sake.>

<But...> Andun looked at me and then back at his father.

<No buts! He won't get lost as long as he follows the path. It's up to him to decide how long it takes for him to get back. We want him to make a good impression right?> I swear I could feel him smirking. Andun looked at me one last time before he started picking up the pace and catching up with his father.

First impression... whose? My eyes widen and I come to stop. If I don't finish this run within a certain time I'll end up being late for my first day. I groan as I force myself back into a steady jog.

At first I was able to keep track of Andun and Luto, but eventually they got so far ahead of me that the fog distorted the view. I told myself I couldn't think about how long I've been running. As long as I kept at a constant jogging pace I would be fine... I hope.

As I came closer to the town I noticed the area around the lake started to change. There was an area filled with gravel. It appeared to be an artificial beach of sorts. It was probably a popular place during the summer or on hot days. Though... I can't imagine walking on gravel with my... I chuckle. This beach wasn't meant for human feet, but for the padded feet of the Koja.

I didn't bother to look at the town as I passed it. I would be coming back this way eventually so there would be plenty of time look then. The fog had started to disperse as the sun rose higher. I could see Andun's house in the distance. I couldn't see Andun or his father. They must have already made it. At least I could see my goal now.

I was huffing. The house was only a few hundred feet in front of me. I could see someone leaving. It was Luto. He was carrying a bag over his shoulder. He wasn't in any rush. He glanced at me as I passed him. I swear I could feel him smirking again.

I bent over as I reached the door, huffing. If I ever saw my gym teacher again I would apologize for claiming him to be too rough on us. The door opened as I reached for the knob. It was Andun. He was holding a cup in his hand. <I knew you were back so I got you a cup of cold water.> He handed it to me and I eagerly drank it all down.

<Thanks. I saw your father on the way here.>

<Yeah. He left for the school without me.>

<Why did he leave you behind?>

< I told him I was staying and wouldn't leave without you. Told him that without me you wouldn't know how to find the school.>

I couldn't help but laugh. <I'd be dead without you.>

<Nah.> replied Andun. <You'd just go crazy.> I started laughing. <You should go take a shower... you kind of reek...> I didn't think it was that bad, but Koja do have a better sense of smell than humans. If he thought I smelled then odds are the other Koja will think so too.

Sweet relief. My muscles started to relax as the warm water rolled down my body. All the sweat and filth that accumulated since I got on the plane washed away. I almost felt lighter.

Koja don't use towels. Could you imagine how many towels they would need to use to get dry? Koja instead use full body dryers. It normally takes a Koja five minutes to dry off in the body dryer, but for me it took less than a minute.

A fresh pair of clothes later I was ready. I didn't mind that my legs were still a bit sore. We had thirty minutes for a twenty minute walk. There was no rush.

When we reached the town I looked at Andun. <Is it normally this calm?>

He thought about it for a moment. <Well the majority of the students should already be at the school. Most stores don't open until nine. As far as I can tell only my mother's clinic is open at this time.>

At least there wouldn't be any curious Koja to slow us down.

The school was huge, at least by my standard. It was made up of a few two story buildings on a campus roughly the size of nine square city blocks. It would have been hard to miss this... it was probably the largest thing in this town.

I could see some students walking around. Some were dressed in casual clothes like Andun while others were dressed in uniforms. I asked Andun about it. He pointed at two smaller buildings on the edge of the campus. <Those two buildings are private schools. They're separate from the rest of the campus. Only rich students go there.>

<Are there that many rich families here in Serona?>

<No. But some families pay the expense to get their children in there. The only things they share with the rest of the campus are the athletic fields and the extracurricular clubs.>

<Do you know anyone who goes there?>I asked, but Andun didn't answer. Instead he pulled me towards the school.

<You need to talk to the principal first.> said Andun as he led me further into the building. The small number of students outside caught notice of us.

<Does it have to be now?> I asked as I looked around at the faces that were showing mixed emotions.

<Trust me. You don't want to get on his bad side. He wants to know everything that goes on here.> By now I could tell a handful of students were following us. I just kept on following where Andun led me.

We stopped at a door. I looked back and noticed the other kids stopped in their tracks; most even turned around and hurried off. I know principals can be intimidating, but this is a little extreme.

Andun seemed hesitant as he held out his hand. I opened the door instead. I went in after Andun. Inside there was a single Koja at a desk. A squirrel Koja, a secretary most likely. She was writing something down. <I'll be with you in a moment.> She didn't look at me. Oh boy... <Thank you for waiting.> She placed her pen down. <How may I help you...> she ended her sentence with a shriek. All the other staff in the office came out to see what was wrong, and their reactions weren't that different. Ok, none of them shrieked like the secretary did but they all had their own degree of shock on their faces. Andun let out a little snicker.

<We're here to see the principal> said Andun, who seemed to have eased up a little after their display. I just looked around, trying to figure out which one was the person we were here for.

<Let them in my office> a deep voice bellows out of an intercom on the desk. The Koja part for me and Andun as we walk pass them. There's a door with the word Vekin written on it. It doesn't mean 'principal', but rather 'leader'. It's reserved for the boss of an establishment, in this case the principal of the school.

I open the door. The room was dark. Very dark. The windows were covered and the only light in the room came from a computer monitor on the desk. I could barely make out a figure illuminated by the monitor. It was my turn to be surprised. The principal was a bat. It was kind of comical to see him hanging upside down typing something on the computer while wearing shades. I looked to Andun who had a whole different reaction. His intimidation had returned.

I think about it. If any kid got in trouble he or she would have to sit in this dark room and interact with a figure who thrives in darkness.

<Close the door.> says Vekin. I do what he says. After a moment he stops his typing and looks up at me and Andun. <This is certainly a surprise. The council doesn't bother to tell me that they're sending a human to my school.> He groans. <Don't they realize how much this will distract the students?>

I don't say a word. I've already seen how some of the students have reacted.

<Mr. Shiloh...> he glances at Andun.

Andun stiffens up. <Yes?>

<I see you were selected to be this human's host.> Andun nodded. <I want you to know that while he is at this school you will be responsible for him. If he does anything out of line you will be held accountable.> Andun didn't say a word.

What is this? <Don't you think it's unfair for a child to be accountable for what I do?>

<Unfair?> Vekin glanced at me. I couldn't see it, but I felt as though he was glaring at me. <You think it's fair that I got you dropped into my lap without a warning? You think it's fair that I was not able to warn the students or staff about your arrival? There's no way I can ease everyone into this now. I am tasking Mr. Shiloh with the job to make sure you do not cause any more distractions. I cannot reprimand you myself; you are the responsibility of the council. But I can reprimand him.> he points to Andun.

<I still think you should back off on wanting to punish Andun.> I said.

Vekin pounds his desk. <Then I suggest you stay in line while you are here!> His voice is booming now. My eyes widen from momentary shock. I see him huffing. We all remained still. Suddenly he reached towards his monitor. A second later the entire room went dark.

<You are new here...> his voice echoed throughout the room. <...so I'll let this encounter slide just this once. But you better remember this piece of advice...> It was silent for a moment. <Don't get on my bad side.> Shivers went down my spine. He was whispering right into my ear, but I couldn't see him. <The two of you may leave.>

Andun was quick to find the door knob. The room became slightly illuminated and there I could see Vekin, not standing in front of me but hanging from the same position before the lights went out. I just looked at him, unable to take my eyes off the triumphant smile on his face.

It was only when Andun started tugging on my shirt that I finally left the room. He pulled me along until we passed the secretary and were out the door. <I can see why you were reluctant to go in...> I laughed a little to ease the tension.

Andun let out a sigh. <I heard he can be a lot scarier.>

<You're kidding...> I say in disbelief.

Andun shook his head. <Imagine being locked in the room.>

We decide not to discuss it any further. Andun motions me to follow him. The hallways are more barren than they were before we had entered the office. None of the curious children were waiting for our emergence. Classes must have started. As I followed behind Andun I looked left and right. Besides the scale of the building there wasn't much difference between the interiors of my old school and this one. There were lockers lined up on sections of the walls, the wooden doors had a glass window embedded in them. I wonder if those who could gaze through the window noticed me walking by.

We stopped by a door similar to all the others. Only the name plates on each door discerned them from the rest. Andun told me to wait outside the classroom. He would go in and warn the teacher and students about me.

I stayed close to the door. I could hear what I assumed to be the teacher talking, probably asking why Andun was late for class. I hear Andun's muffled voice speaking. Then, suddenly, I hear the whole class burst out into laughter. I reach over and silently crack the door.

<I'm not lying!> said Andun with frustration. The teacher tried to make the class calm down, but the kids were saying things such as Why would a human be here with you or Couldn't you come up with a better excuse than that? and even Why don't you prove it then? I took that as my cue.

<Sorry Andun> I say as I enter the classroom. <I didn't mean to take so long to catch up to you.> I give him a wink as I heard a variety of responses echoing in the classroom. The most prominent was the sound of shock. Hidden within that, though, I could hear both shrieks of excitement and fear.

I ignore the students as I introduce myself to the teacher. He resembled a crow so I'll refer to him as Dakalu. His black feathers were a complete contrast to the white shirt we wore. The light shining of the pair of glasses on his beak was quite a contrast as well. We exchange a proper greeting.

It takes a while for the class to calm down. Andun had taken his seat while I had been talking to Dakalu. The rest of the class seemed to be struggling to stay in their seats. Dakalu tried to calm them, trying to get them back on schedule, but that just didn't seem to be happening. To calm them down I agreed to answer some questions.

Their questions varied from what I thought about Serona to describing my island to if I knew any of Lukea's celebrities. Some entertainment from Lukea and Sobria make their way to the islands, but most don't manage to stick around for long.

The questions continued. One asked me if I always felt cold without fur or furthers covering me. Another asked me about the Koja on the islands. They were all shocked to hear that the three Deities that are worshipped in Lukea are practically an afterthought on the islands. It's more out of necessity. The Deities are meant for an all-Koja society, not a blended one with humans.

I answered question after question until they started to become mundane as what my favorite color is. Dakalu took this as a sign to get back on the learning track. He offered me a seat near his desk. I sat and watched him start writing on the board. I looked over at Andun. He had remained silent while the others asked questions. I guess if he had any questions of his own he would just ask later.

I wasn't presented with much to do that day. A few of the kids asked me how to say certain things in English, and I ended up writing all of their names in English. Apparently English is generally a high school subject since the number of teachers in Serona who know any English is limited. I'm considered a special treat. I'm giving these kids a jump start in learning the language. They all seem interested in learning it. Dakalu told me he'd have to change his teaching schedule to fit in my teaching. I would also be in charge of homework assignments and tests.

Sigh. I knew the real work would come sooner or later.

I stayed in the classroom as everyone else headed out for lunch. Dakalu offered to bring me something back from the lounge, but I declined. I didn't have much of an appetite right now. Yesterday, my first day, seemed like it would be the only day I would have had a chance to relax. From this day forward my days will be filled with laps around the lake, creating class assignments and... oh right. There's still the matter of the council. I wonder what they have in store for me.

By the time school let out I didn't even care how many people saw me. I figured everyone would react the same way the class did. Shocked at first, but slowly become comfortable with it. Of course I wouldn't have time to answer their questions. Believe me... they started asking many questions. From the students who saw us leave to the citizens of the town who we passed on our way to see the Councilors. I didn't answer any questions, just acknowledged the Koja politely as my mind became more and more frustrated with the continuous blockade of Koja.

I peered down at Andun. Whatever frustration I was suppressing seemed like nothing compared to the frustration showing on Andun's face. His eyes were glaring at those in front of him and his teeth were bared slightly. <Are you alright Andun?> I ask, bringing my face closer to his ear so he could hear me over the crowd. He twists head and his gaze meets mine. He looks at me with those glaring eyes. They widen slightly before Andun turns his head away from me.

<Sorry...> he says, though I could barely hear it. I try to say something back, but I stop myself when I see him cover up his ears.

The people disperse as we draw closer to the council building. It had been a twenty minute walk to the building, though I'm sure that's only because we had to push our way through curious citizens.

Only Andun and I were allowed into the building. Andun let out a sigh of relief when the doors closed behind us. The barrage of questions was gone and now there was silence. I looked around. This was a very beautiful building. Glossy tiles of red, blue, and green were layered about. The walls were made of marble. Above me was a domed ceiling with three windows plated with stained glass.

<Greetings human> a voice said. I look down to see three figures walking down three separate staircases. All three of them were dressed in special robes. The sleeves were long enough to conceal their hands. The bottom of the robes barely hung above the floor. There seems to be a small hood on the back. It didn't seem big enough to cover their heads; just there as part of the design. Their robes were white with designs drawn in different colors.

There was a lion wearing a white robe interlaced with red. He was the only one among the three who had a smile on his face. He seemed like he was always happy. Zaleo.

There was a black wolf wearing a white robe interlaced with blue. She appeared to be the youngest of the three, probably early-thirties. She didn't show any expression. She was calm. Lora.

There was a brown bear wearing a white robe interlaced with green. He was definitely the eldest among them. In his fifties, his fur was starting to lose some of its color. He seemed to be very serious. Cobeo.

These three Koja were the representatives of the Sun, Moon, and Earth faction respectively. They represent the three Deities and the people of Serona.

I introduced myself to the three of them. Since I had chosen Andun, a canine and a member of the moon faction, Lora said she would be my guide. Cobeo went back upstairs immediately while Zaleo looked at Andun. <It's been a long time since I've seen you Andun. Feel free to come over any time.>

Andun didn't say anything. I looked to Lora. <Do they know each other?>

<His son and Andun are friends.> said Lora. She turned around and started walking up the stairs. The stair tiles were glossy like the ones below but only consisted of blue tiles now.

It wasn't much of a climb, but enough that one of the stained glass windows above came into better view. <Behold the goddess of the moons, Vizami.> Lora said with pride. <As the huntress she has passed down her strength and agility to all those under her watchful eyes. Those of the moon faction excel in sports and physical activity.> She turns to Andun and smiles. <I'm sure Andun can attest to that.> Andun looks away in embarrassment.

I listen to some more of her preaching of Vizami. She's quite passionate about it. Eventually we get around to why I had been summoned. <I appreciate you coming to our town and helping Andun's class learn English, but there is more that's to be expected of you.> I was dreading the details. <Don't look so gloomy! All I want you to do is integrate yourself into our society by participating in our holidays.>

<Just the holidays of the moon faction or all of the holidays?> I ask.

<Just our holidays.> she responded. <You're free to attend the other holidays, but some overlap each other and some are celebrated differently amongst the people. We just want you to attend the holidays Andun's family celebrates.>

<Joining in on a few holidays doesn't seem so bad.> I say. Andun starts to snicker. <What's so funny?> Andun doesn't respond. He just shakes his head and smiles.

<It's nothing you have to worry about right now.> says Lora. Our next holiday isn't for a few weeks...> Lora seemed to be thinking hard about something. <Though there is something you can do right now. Every summer we hold a sports tournament of every age group. I want you to decide which sport will be played.>

<Oh that's not difficult.> I say. <Soccer.> Lora smiles as if she was expecting that answer. Andun looked at me with shook.

We don't talk when we leave. Thankfully the majority of the people who had been hounding us were gone now. Only a few persistent Koja remained. I was following Andun so I couldn't afford to stop for them.

Andun seemed very solemn. Before he was filled with so much frustration and now he's calm and just seemed to be staring off into space. Maybe not completely, though, as he found the way to his sister's daycare. I decided not to go in with him. I didn't want to scare the kids like I did with Fuka.

I increased my distance between Andun and Fuka. He was holding her hand as they walked. Neither one looked back to acknowledge me. Sigh. I distract myself by looking at the scenery. The buildings were gone and now there was only the long road to follow. It was nice to slow down after how hectic today was. Gazing at the lake makes me think I'm home staring out into the ocean. At least until I see the other side.

It's late in the afternoon. Fuka is taking a nap while Andun is outside with his soccer ball. I'm in the room sitting at his desk jotting down notes of what I can use for class work. It was Friday; I had the whole weekend to do this, but I wanted to start on it now. My mind couldn't focus on anything else. I wrote down ideas as they came to mind. I soon found a few pages were filled with my ideas. I read them over. At first I was excited to see how much I had written, but that turned into frustration as I realized I had written down some ideas more than once. Maybe not in the same words but it was the same in concept.

It was then I decided my brain wasn't fit for this right now. I went downstairs to find Fuka still napping on the couch. I went outside. The cool afternoon breeze seemed to relax my body somewhat. I looked around, but couldn't see Andun. I walked around the house to the back. There I saw him lying underneath the tree. His left arm was extended over his head while his right arm was draped over his chest. His ball was laying a few feet away from him.

"Today tired you out as well, huh?" I asked in a hushed voice. I watched as his ears twitched slightly. I carefully make my way to the tree. I sit down with my back against the trunk. I sigh as I look down at Andun to my left. At least I hadn't woken him up. I gaze at the lake reflecting orange and yellow. My eyes are starting to get heavy. I guess taking a nap wouldn't hurt.

I don't remember how I got here or when, but when I came to I found myself in bed, still dressed in my clothes. I looked at the clock. Five-thirty... in the morning. Groan. I look over to see Andun still sleeping in his bed. In thirty minutes we'll all be up getting ready for the lap around the lake again. No. Make that two laps.

Well at least I'm well-rested this time.

---

After several months the first chapter is done.

I have put a lot of planning into this series. Let's get some things down:

1. I know I introduced a lot of characters in this chapter (I will bold characters when first introduced in a path). But don't feel as though you need to remember all of these names. I only give names to characters that have a role in this path OR they appear in another child's path.

2. The six children live in the same world. I had initially planned on having the other children not having anything do with any path other than their own. Now there is a chance they might appear in another path, or be referenced.

3. I haven't settled on it, but I'm planning to end some chapters with a choice to the reader. Basically I'm giving you the chance to vote on what happens in the next chapter. If I decided to do this I will have votes sent as private messages so that nothing will be spoiled.

Other than that what did you think of this chapter?

I'm going to hold another vote right now. You can post your decision in the comments.

I have introduced you to Andun, but do you want me to continue with his story? Or would you rather see an introduction of one of the other five kids?

If you wish me to continue with Andun, write Andun in the comments. Otherwise write the name of who you'd like to see introduced.

Edward

Gen

Malu

Noah

Teo

(Note that if I end up doing all the introductions I will still complete Andun's path first. If Andun is chosen to be continued then I will not write about any of the other five until Andun's story is complete.)

Feel free to express your opinion along with your vote.

I will end the voting between May 1st and May 3rd.