{"sf1_id":369670,"sf2_id":"deP9xRAm","title":"Six Paths - Andun Part 1","author":"Rtlstien","words":7881,"posted_at":"2012-04-25T08:28:00.000Z","tags":["Bat","Canine","Clean","Cub","Golden Retriever","Human","Multiple Species","School","Story Progression","Story Series"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/369670-six-paths-andun-part-1","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/deP9xRAm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/48/35/4835f59f-0ccb-4507-b55c-7b6239cc0e87","description":"#3 of Six Paths\n\nThe first chapter in Andun's Path","content":"Six Paths\n\nAndun Part 1\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nNevase took me to the far edge of town on the other side of the valley.\u0026nbsp; The area was mainly made up of large grass plains, marked only by a few houses.\u0026nbsp; The plains bordered the huge lake of the valley.\u0026nbsp; And as far as I could tell these sparse houses were the only ones so close the lake.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt kind of reminded me of home.\u0026nbsp; I didn't live this close to the water, but I could always see it when I looked out the window.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBefore he leaves Nevase tells me that the council wished to see me as soon as I could manage.\u0026nbsp; Koja government is built on many layers of councils, each composed of three members. \u0026nbsp;The Councilors represent the three factions of Koja.\u0026nbsp; I'm curious as to why they wish to see me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI wave goodbye to him as he drives towards the town.\u0026nbsp; I grab my bags and turn towards the house.\u0026nbsp; I don't move though.\u0026nbsp; A few feet away from me stood a young Koja.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't Andun; too small and too young.\u0026nbsp; It must be his younger sister.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nKoja refer to younger sisters as Fukanu, but **Fuka** can refer to any type of sister.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFuka and I just stared at each other for a few moments.\u0026nbsp; She couldn't be any older than five years old.\u0026nbsp; What must be going through her mind right now?\u0026nbsp; This is the first time she's ever seen a human... how will she react?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWell, hello there.\\\u003e I say. Her eyes widen slightly.\u0026nbsp; Not a bad reaction... but then her eyes start to tear up.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThere's no need to be scared.\\\u003e I say trying to calm her down, but she lets out a shriek and starts to cry.\u0026nbsp; Sigh.\u0026nbsp; This is not the best start.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cLeave her alone!\\\u003e I heard someone shout.\u0026nbsp; The voice came from the side of the house.\u0026nbsp; As I turn to look I suddenly felt a hard impact on my face.\u0026nbsp; I stumble a few steps back and bring my hand to my face.\u0026nbsp; The left side was sensitive to touch and felt like it was burning.\u0026nbsp; What just happened?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI look ahead a few feet ahead of me.\u0026nbsp; Rolling slowly on the ground was an everyday soccer ball... you can't be serious.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cAndun!\\\u003e cries Fuka as she runs off.\u0026nbsp; I watch her run towards another golden-haired Koja.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs Fuka retreats behind Andun I look at his face.\u0026nbsp; His face seemed like it was trying to decide to either be surprised or upset.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThe human?\\\u003e he says.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhat are you doing here?\u0026nbsp; And why are you harassing my sister!?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI sigh.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cSorry.\u0026nbsp; I didn't mean to make her cry.\\\u003e All the anger on his face was instantly replaced with shock.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou can speak our language?\\\u003e asked Andun.\u0026nbsp; I nod my head.\u0026nbsp; He seemed less pensive now.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhy are you here?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI'm here for the program.\\\u003e I say.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cProgram?\\\u003e Andun's eyes look up.\u0026nbsp; He seems to be thinking of something.\u0026nbsp; His eyes widen.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou mean... you'll be staying with us for a year?\\\u003e I only smile in confirmation.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWe thought you'd be a Koja...\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDidn't anyone tell you a human was coming?\\\u003e I asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYes, but we didn't know that you would be here for the program.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nCurious... the whole town was told that I would be coming, but they weren't told why?\u0026nbsp; Did they figure that the people would put two and two together?\u0026nbsp; Or perhaps the council wanted to surprise everyone?\u0026nbsp; Why?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cUmm... about what happened...\\\u003e I heard Andun mutter.\u0026nbsp; He had a look of guilt on his face..\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'm really sorry I hit with my ball.\\\u003e I look back down at the soccer ball.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou have a good aim...\\\u003e I say, to my dismay.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cMy face is still stinging.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMy words seem to make him feel even more unpleasant.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'm sorry.\u0026nbsp; I'm sorry.\u0026nbsp; Please don't change your mind!\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cChange my mind about what?\\\u003e I ask.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cAbout staying with us!\u0026nbsp; I know you have other choices, but please don't let my mistake change your mind!\\\u003e\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; He's still a kid after all.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI approach him.\u0026nbsp; Fuka hides herself behind her brother.\u0026nbsp; I kneel to his Andun's level.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDo you want me to stay?\\\u003e I ask.\u0026nbsp; He nods his head slowly.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThen I'll stay.\\\u003e He begins to brighten up.\u0026nbsp; His tail starts to wag, but its movement is being restricted by the little girl standing behind him.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cAre you alright with me staying here?\\\u003e I ask Fuka.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cNo!\\\u003e Fuka shouts as she runs away into the house.\u0026nbsp; She was rather blunt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cPlease don't mind her.\\\u003e said Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cShe's really shy around people she doesn't know.\u0026nbsp; Give her time and she'll warm up to you.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI hope he's right.\u0026nbsp; Being shy is one thing but she seems terrified of me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSo...\\\u003e began Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI guess you're going to be my Jojona?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTime for a little lesson.\u0026nbsp; Jojo means teacher in Runga.\u0026nbsp; The 'na' at the end refers to having a relationship.\u0026nbsp; So while **Jojo** means 'teacher', Jojona means 'my teacher'.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYep.\u0026nbsp; And you'll be one of my Tenanu.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTena means student or disciple. The 'nu' at the end acts just like 'na' but there is one difference.\u0026nbsp; 'Na' refers to someone older, or superior, while 'nu' refers to someone younger or beneath you.\u0026nbsp; I don't mean that in an insulting way.\u0026nbsp; Think of it like ranks.\u0026nbsp; If someone is higher in rank you use 'na'.\u0026nbsp; Lower, 'nu'.\u0026nbsp; Or if you share a rank you use 'ni'.\u0026nbsp; Tenani means 'fellow student.'\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou can just call me Jojo.\\\u003e I say.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cAlright.\\\u003e smiled Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cBut you can just call me by my name.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI chuckle.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhat? You mean you don't want me to call you Tena?\\\u003e He shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cAlright.\\\u003e I hold out my hand.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cNice to meet you Andun.\\\u003e He looked at my hand.\u0026nbsp; Right... shaking hands isn't the way to greet others in Lukea.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI hold out my right hand again.\u0026nbsp; This time I faced the palm of my hand towards of him.\u0026nbsp; He instantly knew what I was doing and held out his right hand as well.\u0026nbsp; We hold our hands facing each other, but they don't touch.\u0026nbsp; I visualize that Andun is in my hand.\u0026nbsp; I clench my hand into a fist and then bring it to my heart.\u0026nbsp; Andun mirrors me.\u0026nbsp; We are now part of each other's lives.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThis greeting symbolizes that you're taking a piece of a person's soul and combining it with your own.\u0026nbsp; Koja are more spiritual than humans.\u0026nbsp; What do I think?\u0026nbsp; Well I definitely think it's more personal than a handshake in concept, but I can't fully understand it.\u0026nbsp; I'm not a Koja after all.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cAre your parents home?\\\u003e I ask as I drop my arm.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cThey're still at work.\\\u003e responded Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThey should be coming home soon though.\\\u003e Andun looked past me.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDo you want to bring those in?\\\u003e He points at my bags.\u0026nbsp; I'd forgotten about those.\u0026nbsp; He signals me to come inside with him.\u0026nbsp; I grab my things and follow him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was a nice house.\u0026nbsp; The floors were made of nice tile and hardwood.\u0026nbsp; Koja do not use carpet for various reasons.\u0026nbsp; Ask any Koja and they'll tell you it's because of the buildup of static.\u0026nbsp; Koja rarely wear shoes so their furry feet have to drag across the floor.\u0026nbsp; Besides the occasional shock on metal, if too much static builds up in a Koja all of their fur starts to stand on end.\u0026nbsp; I've seen it happen before.\u0026nbsp; It's quite hilarious.\u0026nbsp; Though for the Koja it isn't.\u0026nbsp; Their whole body starts to itch even after they painfully disperse the static.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSo where will I be staying?\\\u003e I ask.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cMy room\\\u003e Andun said.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'll show you.\\\u003e I walked up to the stairs.\u0026nbsp; I followed him and took a right at the top.\u0026nbsp; There were three doors down the hallway.\u0026nbsp; Andun pointed to the left door.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThat's my sister's room.\u0026nbsp; This is the bathroom.\u0026nbsp; And this is my room.\\\u003e He opened the door on the right.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was an average room.\u0026nbsp; It didn't have a television like my room did but it does have a dresser, a desk, and two beds.\u0026nbsp; Two beds?\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhy do you have two beds in here?\\\u003e I ask.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun points to the larger bed.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThat one will be mine when my sister outgrows her own bed.\u0026nbsp; Then she'll get my current one.\u0026nbsp; Since we had the extra bed my parents decided to sign up as hosts.\\\u003e That's good.\u0026nbsp; At least this family was prepared.\u0026nbsp; I'm not sure if having an extra bed is a prerequisite for signing up.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI set my bags down and got onto the bed.\u0026nbsp; I lied back.\u0026nbsp; After all the traveling it was nice to finally lie down.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't help but close my eyes for a moment.\u0026nbsp; I heard Andun walk out of the room.\u0026nbsp; I don't know how long it was, but eventually he came back in. I opened my eyes.\u0026nbsp; He was carrying the soccer ball.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI read that you like to play soccer.\\\u003e I was stating the obvious, but wanted to get a conversation going.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHis ears perked up.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYeah!\u0026nbsp; I've been playing since I was five.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cOh?\u0026nbsp; Why do you like it so much?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun thought about it for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cNo one has really asked... but I just really like kicking it around.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI rubbed the side of my face.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYeah.\u0026nbsp; You're really good at kicking\\\u003e I say with a chuckle.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSorry again...\\\u003e he said.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cBut what about you?\u0026nbsp; Do you play soccer?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cMe?\u0026nbsp; No.\u0026nbsp; I played it sometimes during school, but that's all.\\\u003e I wasn't really a physical person. I mainly kept in shape by walking everywhere on the island.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cOh...\\\u003e Andun seemed to be worried about something.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDo you watch soccer?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSometimes with my friends.\u0026nbsp; It's fun to watch every once in a while.\\\u003e I looked at Andun.\u0026nbsp; His ears were down and he had a disappointed look on his face.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhat's wrong?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSoccer is a human sport so I thought every human played it.\u0026nbsp; I was kind of looking forward to having someone to practice with.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDoesn't your school have a soccer team?\\\u003e I ask.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYeah, but I'm not on the team.\\\u003e responded Andun with a sigh.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWhat!?\\\u003e I prop myself up.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhy not?\u0026nbsp; You seem like you'd be perfect for the team.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun was silent.\u0026nbsp; He just stared at the soccer ball in his hands.\u0026nbsp; I was about to question him further, but suddenly his ears perked up.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cMy parents are home.\\\u003e He looked out his open window.\u0026nbsp; I got up and joined him.\u0026nbsp; A short distance away I could see two figures.\u0026nbsp; How did he know they were back?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cThere's something I need to warn you about...\\\u003e Andun said as he watched his parents approach the house.\u0026nbsp; He looked at me with worry.\u0026nbsp; How bad could it be?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nComplicated bad...\u0026nbsp; There was an immediate mixed reaction when they met me.\u0026nbsp; While Andun's mother was excited, his father was less than thrilled.\u0026nbsp; Andun said his mother is fascinated with humans and his father resents them.\u0026nbsp; It was a bit awkward with the mother always being so close while the father just stares at me with contempt.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLater that night we had dinner.\u0026nbsp; I sat next to Andun.\u0026nbsp; Fuka sat at the end of the table of their parents sat opposite of me.\u0026nbsp; Andun's father sat right across from me...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThere was some chatter, mostly things that had happened today.\u0026nbsp; I remained silent, hoping I would be ignored.\u0026nbsp; I was hoping for too much though... eventually I was pulled into the conversation by Andun's mother.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cSo what do you think of Serona so far?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWell I've only seen a bit of the town, but it is very beautiful.\\\u003e I looked at her and then her husband.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhat do the two of you do in town?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI'm a doctor\\\u003e Andun's mother said.\u0026nbsp; So she's a **Zuya**.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI look to Andun's father.\u0026nbsp; He seems reluctant to answer me.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'm a gym teacher at the high school.\\\u003e So he's a teacher too huh?\u0026nbsp; Well I can't call him Jojo.\u0026nbsp; I guess the next best thing would be to call him **Luto** which means 'exercise'.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cHow many high schools are there in this town?\\\u003e I ask.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cJust one.\\\u003e said Luto.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThere's only one middle school as well.\u0026nbsp; It's connected to the high school.\\\u003e Interesting... I've never heard of two schools being connected to one another.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDo the students of both schools interact with each other?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cOnly at lunch\\\u003e said Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWe have separate lunch rooms, but anyone can eat outside.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cInteresting.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't like that where I live.\\\u003e I say.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWhat was it like?\\\u003e Andun's mother asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cBoth schools were on different parts of the island.\u0026nbsp; And they weren't the only ones.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSounds inconvenient.\\\u003e said Luto.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhy not go to the same school for seven years instead of moving to another?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI never really thought about that...\\\u003e I say.\u0026nbsp; I didn't find anything wrong with it.\u0026nbsp; Perhaps it's a land issue or maybe a population issue or maybe even a culture issue.\u0026nbsp; It was too late for me to decide which was better.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDo you exercise?\\\u003e asked Luto.\u0026nbsp; I glanced at Andun.\u0026nbsp; He had one of those looks... one of those 'here we go' looks.\u0026nbsp; I told him no.\u0026nbsp; Andun's face became even more worried, but that's not what concerned me.\u0026nbsp; I looked at Luto and saw that he had a mischievous smile on his face.\u0026nbsp; Oh boy...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThings were quiet until it was time for bed.\u0026nbsp; By now I was very tired from jet lag.\u0026nbsp; Before bed though Zuya brought up that we hadn't done the greeting.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; I still find it weird that out of everyone here the mother is the most excited to see me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLuto was reluctant to do it, but he knew that it was required of him.\u0026nbsp; He sped through his very quickly while Zuya and I went at the normal pace.\u0026nbsp; She said goodnight to me and Andun as she went to tuck Fuka in.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nDespite being tired it took me a while to fall asleep.\u0026nbsp; I guess my mind was still processing everything that I've experienced today.\u0026nbsp; It replayed in mind from the moment I stepped off the plane to having dinner with Andun's family.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; I feel as though there's something I'm forgetting... something...\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWake up Jojo...\\\u003e I was roused from my sleep as I felt someone shaking me.\u0026nbsp; My eyes cracked just a bit.\u0026nbsp; It was Andun.\u0026nbsp; Only the lamp in the room was on, but it was enough to make my eyes sting.\u0026nbsp; My eyes clamped shut.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWhat time is it?\\\u003e I asked with a groan.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSix.\\\u003e he replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSix!?\u0026nbsp; But your class doesn't start for another two hours.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cThis isn't for school.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI opened my eyes a bit more.\u0026nbsp; But before I could ask what he meant the door flew open. A loud thud erupted from its impact against the wall.\u0026nbsp; I watched Andun jump from the noise.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSuddenly the ceiling lights turned on and the entire room lit up, much to my eyes' despair.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDad!\\\u003e Andun shouted with annoyance.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSorry about that son, but I had to make sure our new guest would wake up.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI can handle it!\\\u003e Andun's voice seemed to be very irritated.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nLuto was silent for a while.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cAlright.\u0026nbsp; Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cAlright dad.\\\u003e said Andun, his voice now calm.\u0026nbsp; My eyes were still shut, but I could hear Luto walking away.\u0026nbsp; To my relief Andun turned the ceiling lights off...\u0026nbsp; I was now able to open my eyes.\u0026nbsp; I would let them get used to the lamp first.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSorry about that.\\\u003e said Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI tried to prepare you before he came.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDoes he do that every morning?\\\u003e I asked as I rubbed my eyes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cIt's the first time he's barged into my room like that since I was seven.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSo he's giving me special treatment, huh?\\\u003e I ask, but Andun doesn't answer.\u0026nbsp; He just gave me a look of apology.\u0026nbsp; My mind started to clear up from the drowsiness.\u0026nbsp; I suddenly remembered what I had forgotten.\u0026nbsp; 'Daily exercise at dawn' was what the profile said.\u0026nbsp; I groan.\u0026nbsp; How could I forget?\u0026nbsp; I slowly stand up and stretch.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSo what do you do every morning?\\\u003e I asked Andun as I reached into my bags.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cOne lap around the lake.\u0026nbsp; Two on the weekends.\\\u003e said Andun so casually.\u0026nbsp; I freeze.\u0026nbsp; That lake is huge.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cHow long does that usually take?\\\u003e I ask, hoping my fear is misplaced.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cHalf an hour if you pace yourself really well.\\\u003e he responds.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI groan again.\u0026nbsp; Thirty minutes?\u0026nbsp; And that's only if I run the entire time.\u0026nbsp; I grab a change of clothes.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou should wear those.\\\u003e said Andun.\u0026nbsp; He's pointing at the shirt and pants I wore yesterday.\u0026nbsp; I panicked for a moment when I saw those clothes on the floor.\u0026nbsp; I must have still been a bit drowsy because I forgot I was wearing pajama pants.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou're going to sweat so you might as well wear what's already dirty instead of ruining clean clothes.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp; I didn't argue and reached for my discarded clothes.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou should also wear a jacket.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAfter a quick breakfast of toast and eggs we set out.\u0026nbsp; I asked Andun why his mother wasn't coming along.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cShe only runs on the weekends.\u0026nbsp; Every other day she gets my sister ready for daycare.\u0026nbsp; Her job also starts at seven.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSo the only way she could run with us on a weekday is if we started an hour earlier... No!\u0026nbsp; Get that thought out of my head!\u0026nbsp; Waking up at six is bad enough!\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nShe did leave the house with us though.\u0026nbsp; She kissed Luto and then Andun on the check.\u0026nbsp; She waved goodbye as she walked off with Fuka towards the town.\u0026nbsp; Luto turned around to face us. \u0026nbsp;\\\u003cAlright. The sooner we get this done the sooner we can get ready to head to the school.\\\u003e Luto said all this while doing some stretches.\u0026nbsp; Andun was doing them as well.\u0026nbsp; I tried my best to keep up with them.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAfter a few minutes of stretching Luto started kicking up his legs and started jogging past me and Andun.\u0026nbsp; Andun quickly followed pace.\u0026nbsp; I froze momentarily before I started following.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThere was a light fog hovering over the lake.\u0026nbsp; It was an odd but amusing sight to me.\u0026nbsp; At the very least it distracted my mind from the pain I was feeling.\u0026nbsp; The first five minutes weren't so bad, but then I started feeling a bit of fatigue.\u0026nbsp; Andun noticed and started slowing down to keep at my pace.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cAndun!\\\u003e Luto yelled in front of us.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDo not lower your performance for his sake.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cBut...\\\u003e Andun looked at me and then back at his father.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cNo buts!\u0026nbsp; He won't get lost as long as he follows the path.\u0026nbsp; It's up to him to decide how long it takes for him to get back.\u0026nbsp; We want him to make a good impression right?\\\u003e I swear I could feel him smirking.\u0026nbsp; Andun looked at me one last time before he started picking up the pace and catching up with his father.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFirst impression... whose?\u0026nbsp; My eyes widen and I come to stop.\u0026nbsp; If I don't finish this run within a certain time I'll end up being late for my first day.\u0026nbsp; I groan as I force myself back into a steady jog.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAt 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.\u0026nbsp; I told myself I couldn't think about how long I've been running.\u0026nbsp; As long as I kept at a constant jogging pace I would be fine... I hope.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs I came closer to the town I noticed the area around the lake started to change.\u0026nbsp; There was an area filled with gravel.\u0026nbsp; It appeared to be an artificial beach of sorts.\u0026nbsp; It was probably a popular place during the summer or on hot days.\u0026nbsp; Though... I can't imagine walking on gravel with my... I chuckle.\u0026nbsp; This beach wasn't meant for human feet, but for the padded feet of the Koja.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI didn't bother to look at the town as I passed it.\u0026nbsp; I would be coming back this way eventually so there would be plenty of time look then.\u0026nbsp; The fog had started to disperse as the sun rose higher.\u0026nbsp; I could see Andun's house in the distance.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't see Andun or his father.\u0026nbsp; They must have already made it.\u0026nbsp; At least I could see my goal now.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI was huffing.\u0026nbsp; The house was only a few hundred feet in front of me.\u0026nbsp; I could see someone leaving.\u0026nbsp; It was Luto.\u0026nbsp; He was carrying a bag over his shoulder.\u0026nbsp; He wasn't in any rush.\u0026nbsp; He glanced at me as I passed him.\u0026nbsp; I swear I could feel him smirking again.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI bent over as I reached the door, huffing.\u0026nbsp; If I ever saw my gym teacher again I would apologize for claiming him to be too rough on us.\u0026nbsp; The door opened as I reached for the knob.\u0026nbsp; It was Andun.\u0026nbsp; He was holding a cup in his hand.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI knew you were back so I got you a cup of cold water.\\\u003e He handed it to me and I eagerly drank it all down.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cThanks.\u0026nbsp; I saw your father on the way here.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYeah.\u0026nbsp; He left for the school without me.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWhy did he leave you behind?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003c I told him I was staying and wouldn't leave without you.\u0026nbsp; Told him that without me you wouldn't know how to find the school.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI couldn't help but laugh.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'd be dead without you.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cNah.\\\u003e replied Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou'd just go crazy.\\\u003e I started laughing.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou should go take a shower... you kind of reek...\\\u003e I didn't think it was that bad, but Koja do have a better sense of smell than humans.\u0026nbsp; If he thought I smelled then odds are the other Koja will think so too.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSweet relief.\u0026nbsp; My muscles started to relax as the warm water rolled down my body.\u0026nbsp; All the sweat and filth that accumulated since I got on the plane washed away.\u0026nbsp; I almost felt lighter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nKoja don't use towels.\u0026nbsp; Could you imagine how many towels they would need to use to get dry?\u0026nbsp; Koja instead use full body dryers.\u0026nbsp; It normally takes a Koja five minutes to dry off in the body dryer, but for me it took less than a minute.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nA fresh pair of clothes later I was ready.\u0026nbsp; I didn't mind that my legs were still a bit sore.\u0026nbsp; We had thirty minutes for a twenty minute walk.\u0026nbsp; There was no rush.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhen we reached the town I looked at Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cIs it normally this calm?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nHe thought about it for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWell the majority of the students should already be at the school.\u0026nbsp; Most stores don't open until nine.\u0026nbsp; As far as I can tell only my mother's clinic is open at this time.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAt least there wouldn't be any curious Koja to slow us down.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe school was huge, at least by my standard.\u0026nbsp; It was made up of a few two story buildings on a campus roughly the size of nine square city blocks.\u0026nbsp; It would have been hard to miss this... it was probably the largest thing in this town.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI could see some students walking around.\u0026nbsp; Some were dressed in casual clothes like Andun while others were dressed in uniforms.\u0026nbsp; I asked Andun about it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He pointed at two smaller buildings on the edge of the campus.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThose two buildings are private schools.\u0026nbsp; They're separate from the rest of the campus.\u0026nbsp; Only rich students go there.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cAre there that many rich families here in Serona?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cNo.\u0026nbsp; But some families pay the expense to get their children in there.\u0026nbsp; The only things they share with the rest of the campus are the athletic fields and the extracurricular clubs.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDo you know anyone who goes there?\\\u003eI asked, but Andun didn't answer.\u0026nbsp; Instead he pulled me towards the school.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou need to talk to the principal first.\\\u003e said Andun as he led me further into the building.\u0026nbsp; The small number of students outside caught notice of us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cDoes it have to be now?\\\u003e I asked as I looked around at the faces that were showing mixed emotions.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cTrust me.\u0026nbsp; You don't want to get on his bad side.\u0026nbsp; He wants to know everything that goes on here.\\\u003e By now I could tell a handful of students were following us.\u0026nbsp; I just kept on following where Andun led me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe stopped at a door.\u0026nbsp; I looked back and noticed the other kids stopped in their tracks; most even turned around and hurried off.\u0026nbsp; I know principals can be intimidating, but this is a little extreme.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun seemed hesitant as he held out his hand.\u0026nbsp; I opened the door instead.\u0026nbsp; I went in after Andun.\u0026nbsp; Inside there was a single Koja at a desk. \u0026nbsp;A squirrel Koja, a secretary most likely. \u0026nbsp;She was writing something down.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'll be with you in a moment.\\\u003e She didn't look at me.\u0026nbsp; Oh boy...\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThank you for waiting.\\\u003e She placed her pen down.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cHow may I help you...\\\u003e she ended her sentence with a shriek.\u0026nbsp; All the other staff in the office came out to see what was wrong, and their reactions weren't that different.\u0026nbsp; Ok, none of them shrieked like the secretary did but they all had their own degree of shock on their faces.\u0026nbsp; Andun let out a little snicker.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cWe're here to see the principal\\\u003e said Andun, who seemed to have eased up a little after their display.\u0026nbsp; I just looked around, trying to figure out which one was the person we were here for.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cLet them in my office\\\u003e a deep voice bellows out of an intercom on the desk.\u0026nbsp; The Koja part for me and Andun as we walk pass them.\u0026nbsp; There's a door with the word **Vekin** written on it.\u0026nbsp; It doesn't mean 'principal', but rather 'leader'.\u0026nbsp; It's reserved for the boss of an establishment, in this case the principal of the school.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI open the door.\u0026nbsp; The room was dark.\u0026nbsp; Very dark.\u0026nbsp; The windows were covered and the only light in the room came from a computer monitor on the desk.\u0026nbsp; I could barely make out a figure illuminated by the monitor.\u0026nbsp; It was my turn to be surprised.\u0026nbsp; The principal was a bat.\u0026nbsp; It was kind of comical to see him hanging upside down typing something on the computer while wearing shades.\u0026nbsp; I looked to Andun who had a whole different reaction.\u0026nbsp; His intimidation had returned.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI think about it.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cClose the door.\\\u003e says Vekin.\u0026nbsp; I do what he says.\u0026nbsp; After a moment he stops his typing and looks up at me and Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThis is certainly a surprise.\u0026nbsp; The council doesn't bother to tell me that they're sending a human to my school.\\\u003e He groans.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDon't they realize how much this will distract the students?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI don't say a word.\u0026nbsp; I've already seen how some of the students have reacted.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cMr. Shiloh...\\\u003e he glances at Andun.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun stiffens up.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYes?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI see you were selected to be this human's host.\\\u003e Andun nodded.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI want you to know that while he is at this school you will be responsible for him.\u0026nbsp; If he does anything out of line you will be held accountable.\\\u003e Andun didn't say a word.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWhat is this?\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDon't you think it's unfair for a child to be accountable for what I do?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cUnfair?\\\u003e Vekin glanced at me. I couldn't see it, but I felt as though he was glaring at me.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou think it's fair that I got you dropped into my lap without a warning?\u0026nbsp; You think it's fair that I was not able to warn the students or staff about your arrival?\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There's no way I can ease everyone into this now.\u0026nbsp; I am tasking Mr. Shiloh with the job to make sure you do not cause any more distractions.\u0026nbsp; I cannot reprimand you myself; you are the responsibility of the council. \u0026nbsp;But I can reprimand him.\\\u003e he points to Andun.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI still think you should back off on wanting to punish Andun.\\\u003e I said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nVekin pounds his desk.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThen I suggest you stay in line while you are here!\\\u003e His voice is booming now.\u0026nbsp; My eyes widen from momentary shock.\u0026nbsp; I see him huffing.\u0026nbsp; We all remained still.\u0026nbsp; Suddenly he reached towards his monitor.\u0026nbsp; A second later the entire room went dark.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou are new here...\\\u003e his voice echoed throughout the room.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003c...so I'll let this encounter slide just this once.\u0026nbsp; But you better remember this piece of advice...\\\u003e It was silent for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDon't get on my bad side.\\\u003e Shivers went down my spine.\u0026nbsp; He was whispering right into my ear, but I couldn't see him.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThe two of you may leave.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun was quick to find the door knob.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; I just looked at him, unable to take my eyes off the triumphant smile on his face.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was only when Andun started tugging on my shirt that I finally left the room.\u0026nbsp; He pulled me along until we passed the secretary and were out the door.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI can see why you were reluctant to go in...\\\u003e I laughed a little to ease the tension.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun let out a sigh.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI heard he can be a lot scarier.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cYou're kidding...\\\u003e I say in disbelief.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cImagine being locked in the room.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe decide not to discuss it any further.\u0026nbsp; Andun motions me to follow him.\u0026nbsp; The hallways are more barren than they were before we had entered the office.\u0026nbsp; None of the curious children were waiting for our emergence.\u0026nbsp; Classes must have started.\u0026nbsp; As I followed behind Andun I looked left and right.\u0026nbsp; Besides the scale of the building there wasn't much difference between the interiors of my old school and this one.\u0026nbsp; There were lockers lined up on sections of the walls, the wooden doors had a glass window embedded in them.\u0026nbsp; I wonder if those who could gaze through the window noticed me walking by.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe stopped by a door similar to all the others.\u0026nbsp; Only the name plates on each door discerned them from the rest.\u0026nbsp; Andun told me to wait outside the classroom.\u0026nbsp; He would go in and warn the teacher and students about me.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stayed close to the door.\u0026nbsp; I could hear what I assumed to be the teacher talking, probably asking why Andun was late for class.\u0026nbsp; I hear Andun's muffled voice speaking.\u0026nbsp; Then, suddenly, I hear the whole class burst out into laughter.\u0026nbsp; I reach over and \u0026nbsp;silently crack the door.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cI'm not lying!\\\u003e said Andun with frustration.\u0026nbsp; 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?_\u0026nbsp; I took that as my cue.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSorry Andun\\\u003e I say as I enter the classroom.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI didn't mean to take so long to catch up to you.\\\u003e I give him a wink as I heard a variety of responses echoing in the classroom.\u0026nbsp; The most prominent was the sound of shock.\u0026nbsp; Hidden within that, though, I could hear both shrieks of excitement and fear.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI ignore the students as I introduce myself to the teacher.\u0026nbsp; He resembled a crow so I'll refer to him as **Dakalu**.\u0026nbsp; His black feathers were a complete contrast to the white shirt we wore.\u0026nbsp; The light shining of the pair of glasses on his beak was quite a contrast as well.\u0026nbsp; We exchange a proper greeting.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt takes a while for the class to calm down.\u0026nbsp; Andun had taken his seat while I had been talking to Dakalu.\u0026nbsp; The rest of the class seemed to be struggling to stay in their seats.\u0026nbsp; Dakalu tried to calm them, trying to get them back on schedule, but that just didn't seem to be happening.\u0026nbsp; To calm them down I agreed to answer some questions.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nTheir questions varied from what I thought about Serona to describing my island to if I knew any of Lukea's celebrities.\u0026nbsp; Some entertainment from Lukea and Sobria make their way to the islands, but most don't manage to stick around for long.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe questions continued.\u0026nbsp; One asked me if I always felt cold without fur or furthers covering me.\u0026nbsp; Another asked me about the Koja on the islands.\u0026nbsp; They were all shocked to hear that the three Deities that are worshipped in Lukea are practically an afterthought on the islands.\u0026nbsp; It's more out of necessity.\u0026nbsp; The Deities are meant for an all-Koja society, not a blended one with humans.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI answered question after question until they started to become mundane as what my favorite color is.\u0026nbsp; Dakalu took this as a sign to get back on the learning track.\u0026nbsp; He offered me a seat near his desk. I sat and watched him start writing on the board.\u0026nbsp; I looked over at Andun.\u0026nbsp; He had remained silent while the others asked questions.\u0026nbsp; I guess if he had any questions of his own he would just ask later.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI wasn't presented with much to do that day.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; Apparently English is generally a high school subject since the number of teachers in Serona who know any English is limited.\u0026nbsp; I'm considered a special treat.\u0026nbsp; I'm giving these kids a jump start in learning the language.\u0026nbsp; They all seem interested in learning it.\u0026nbsp; Dakalu told me he'd have to change his teaching schedule to fit in my teaching.\u0026nbsp; I would also be in charge of homework assignments and tests.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nSigh.\u0026nbsp; I knew the real work would come sooner or later.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI stayed in the classroom as everyone else headed out for lunch.\u0026nbsp; Dakalu offered to bring me something back from the lounge, but I declined.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; From this day forward my days will be filled with laps around the lake, creating class assignments and... oh right.\u0026nbsp; There's still the matter of the council.\u0026nbsp; I wonder what they have in store for me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nBy the time school let out I didn't even care how many people saw me.\u0026nbsp; I figured everyone would react the same way the class did.\u0026nbsp; Shocked at first, but slowly become comfortable with it.\u0026nbsp; Of course I wouldn't have time to answer their questions.\u0026nbsp; Believe me... they started asking many questions.\u0026nbsp; From the students who saw us leave to the citizens of the town who we passed on our way to see the Councilors.\u0026nbsp; 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.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI peered down at Andun.\u0026nbsp; Whatever frustration I was suppressing seemed like nothing compared to the frustration showing on Andun's face.\u0026nbsp; His eyes were glaring at those in front of him and his teeth were bared slightly.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cAre you alright Andun?\\\u003e I ask, bringing my face closer to his ear so he could hear me over the crowd.\u0026nbsp; He twists head and his gaze meets mine.\u0026nbsp; He looks at me with those glaring eyes.\u0026nbsp; They widen slightly before Andun turns his head away from me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cSorry...\\\u003e he says, though I could barely hear it.\u0026nbsp; I try to say something back, but I stop myself when I see him cover up his ears.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe people disperse as we draw closer to the council building.\u0026nbsp; 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.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nOnly Andun and I were allowed into the building.\u0026nbsp; Andun let out a sigh of relief when the doors closed behind us.\u0026nbsp; The barrage of questions was gone and now there was silence.\u0026nbsp; I looked around.\u0026nbsp; This was a very beautiful building.\u0026nbsp; Glossy tiles of red, blue, and green were layered about.\u0026nbsp; The walls were made of marble.\u0026nbsp; Above me was a domed ceiling with three windows plated with stained glass.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cGreetings human\\\u003e a voice said.\u0026nbsp; I look down to see three figures walking down three separate staircases.\u0026nbsp; All three of them were dressed in special robes.\u0026nbsp; The sleeves were long enough to conceal their hands.\u0026nbsp; The bottom of the robes barely hung above the floor.\u0026nbsp; There seems to be a small hood on the back.\u0026nbsp; It didn't seem big enough to cover their heads; just there as part of the design.\u0026nbsp; Their robes were white with designs drawn in different colors.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThere was a lion wearing a white robe interlaced with red.\u0026nbsp; He was the only one among the three who had a smile on his face.\u0026nbsp; He seemed like he was always happy.\u0026nbsp; **Zaleo.**\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThere was a black wolf wearing a white robe interlaced with blue.\u0026nbsp; She appeared to be the youngest of the three, probably early-thirties.\u0026nbsp; She didn't show any expression.\u0026nbsp; She was calm.\u0026nbsp; **Lora.** \u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThere was a brown bear wearing a white robe interlaced with green.\u0026nbsp; He was definitely the eldest among them.\u0026nbsp; In his fifties, his fur was starting to lose some of its color.\u0026nbsp; He seemed to be very serious.\u0026nbsp; **Cobeo.**\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nThese three Koja were the representatives of the Sun, Moon, and Earth faction respectively.\u0026nbsp; They represent the three Deities and the people of Serona.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI introduced myself to the three of them.\u0026nbsp; Since I had chosen Andun, a canine and a member of the moon faction, Lora said she would be my guide.\u0026nbsp; Cobeo went back upstairs immediately while Zaleo looked at Andun.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cIt's been a long time since I've seen you Andun.\u0026nbsp; Feel free to come over any time.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun didn't say anything.\u0026nbsp; I looked to Lora.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDo they know each other?\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cHis son and Andun are friends.\\\u003e said Lora.\u0026nbsp; She turned around and started walking up the stairs.\u0026nbsp; The stair tiles were glossy like the ones below but only consisted of blue tiles now.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt wasn't much of a climb, but enough that one of the stained glass windows above came into better view.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cBehold the goddess of the moons, Vizami.\\\u003e Lora said with pride.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cAs the huntress she has passed down her strength and agility to all those under her watchful eyes.\u0026nbsp; Those of the moon faction excel in sports and physical activity.\\\u003e She turns to Andun and smiles.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI'm sure Andun can attest to that.\\\u003e\u0026nbsp; Andun looks away in embarrassment.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI listen to some more of her preaching of Vizami.\u0026nbsp; She's quite passionate about it.\u0026nbsp; Eventually we get around to why I had been summoned.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cI appreciate you coming to our town and helping Andun's class learn English, but there is more that's to be expected of you.\\\u003e I was dreading the details.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cDon't look so gloomy!\u0026nbsp; All I want you to do is integrate yourself into our society by participating in our holidays.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cJust the holidays of the moon faction or all of the holidays?\\\u003e I ask.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cJust our holidays.\\\u003e she responded.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cYou're free to attend the other holidays, but some overlap each other and some are celebrated differently amongst the people.\u0026nbsp; We just want you to attend the holidays Andun's family celebrates.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cJoining in on a few holidays doesn't seem so bad.\\\u003e I say.\u0026nbsp; Andun starts to snicker.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cWhat's so funny?\\\u003e Andun doesn't respond.\u0026nbsp; He just shakes his head and smiles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cIt's nothing you have to worry about right now.\\\u003e says Lora.\u0026nbsp; Our next holiday isn't for a few weeks...\\\u003e Lora seemed to be thinking hard about something.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cThough there is something you can do right now.\u0026nbsp; Every summer we hold a sports tournament of every age group.\u0026nbsp; I want you to decide which sport will be played.\\\u003e\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003cOh that's not difficult.\\\u003e I say.\u0026nbsp; \\\u003cSoccer.\\\u003e Lora smiles as if she was expecting that answer.\u0026nbsp; Andun looked at me with shook.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWe don't talk when we leave.\u0026nbsp; Thankfully the majority of the people who had been hounding us were gone now.\u0026nbsp; Only a few persistent Koja remained.\u0026nbsp; I was following Andun so I couldn't afford to stop for them.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nAndun seemed very solemn.\u0026nbsp; Before he was filled with so much frustration and now he's calm and just seemed to be staring off into space.\u0026nbsp; Maybe not completely, though, as he found the way to his sister's daycare.\u0026nbsp; I decided not to go in with him.\u0026nbsp; I didn't want to scare the kids like I did with Fuka.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI increased my distance between Andun and Fuka.\u0026nbsp; He was holding her hand as they walked.\u0026nbsp; Neither one looked back to acknowledge me.\u0026nbsp; Sigh.\u0026nbsp; I distract myself by looking at the scenery.\u0026nbsp; The buildings were gone and now there was only the long road to follow.\u0026nbsp; It was nice to slow down after how hectic today was.\u0026nbsp; Gazing at the lake makes me think I'm home staring out into the ocean.\u0026nbsp; At least until I see the other side.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt's late in the afternoon.\u0026nbsp; Fuka is taking a nap while Andun is outside with his soccer ball.\u0026nbsp; I'm in the room sitting at his desk jotting down notes of what I can use for class work.\u0026nbsp; It was Friday; I had the whole weekend to do this, but I wanted to start on it now.\u0026nbsp; My mind couldn't focus on anything else.\u0026nbsp; I wrote down ideas as they came to mind.\u0026nbsp; I soon found a few pages were filled with my ideas.\u0026nbsp; I read them over.\u0026nbsp; 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.\u0026nbsp; Maybe not in the same words but it was the same in concept.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIt was then I decided my brain wasn't fit for this right now.\u0026nbsp; I went downstairs to find Fuka still napping on the couch.\u0026nbsp; I went outside.\u0026nbsp; The cool afternoon breeze seemed to relax my body somewhat.\u0026nbsp; I looked around, but couldn't see Andun.\u0026nbsp; I walked around the house to the back.\u0026nbsp; There I saw him lying underneath the tree.\u0026nbsp; His left arm was extended over his head while his right arm was draped over his chest.\u0026nbsp; His ball was laying a few feet away from him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Today tired you out as well, huh?\" I asked in a hushed voice.\u0026nbsp; I watched as his ears twitched slightly.\u0026nbsp; I carefully make my way to the tree.\u0026nbsp; I sit down with my back against the trunk.\u0026nbsp; I sigh as I look down at Andun to my left.\u0026nbsp; At least I hadn't woken him up.\u0026nbsp; I gaze at the lake reflecting orange and yellow.\u0026nbsp; My eyes are starting to get heavy.\u0026nbsp; I guess taking a nap wouldn't hurt.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI don't remember how I got here or when, but when I came to I found myself in bed, still dressed in my clothes.\u0026nbsp; I looked at the clock.\u0026nbsp; Five-thirty... in the morning.\u0026nbsp; Groan.\u0026nbsp; I look over to see Andun still sleeping in his bed.\u0026nbsp; In thirty minutes we'll all be up getting ready for the lap around the lake again.\u0026nbsp; No.\u0026nbsp; Make that two laps.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nWell at least I'm well-rested this time.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\nAfter several months the first chapter is done.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI have put a lot of planning into this series.\u0026nbsp; Let's get some things down:\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n1. I know I introduced a lot of characters in this chapter (I will **bold** characters when first introduced in a path).\u0026nbsp; But don't feel as though you need to remember all of these names.\u0026nbsp; I only give names to characters that have a role in this path OR they appear in another child's path.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n2. The six children live in the same world.\u0026nbsp; I had initially planned on having the other children not having anything do with any path other than their own.\u0026nbsp; Now there is a chance they might appear in another path, or be referenced.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n3. I haven't settled on it, but I'm planning to end some chapters with a choice to the reader.\u0026nbsp; Basically I'm giving you the chance to vote on what happens in the next chapter.\u0026nbsp; If I decided to do this I will have votes sent as private messages so that nothing will be spoiled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nOther than that what did you think of this chapter?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI'm going to hold another vote right now.\u0026nbsp; You can post your decision in the comments.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI have introduced you to Andun, but do you want me to continue with his story?\u0026nbsp; Or would you rather see an introduction of one of the other five kids?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nIf you wish me to continue with Andun, write Andun in the comments.\u0026nbsp; Otherwise write the name of who you'd like to see introduced.\n\nEdward\n\nGen\n\nMalu\n\nNoah\n\nTeo\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n(Note that if I end up doing all the introductions I will still complete Andun's path first.\u0026nbsp; If Andun is chosen to be continued then I will not write about any of the other five until Andun's story is complete.)\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nFeel free to express your opinion along with your vote.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nI will end the voting between May 1st and May 3rd.\u0026nbsp;\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Six Paths","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/334128-six-paths-prelude-part-2.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/381574-six-paths-edward-part-1.json"}}