Six Paths - Edward Part 1 by Rtlstien

Six Paths - Edward Part 1

Rtlstien, Bat, Cat, Character Development, Clean, Human, Mouse, Primate, Story Series

#4 of Six Paths

First Chapter of Edward's story

Six Paths - Edward Part 1

I was dropped off at a large house. It was built into the hills and just a short distance away from the edge of the town. The house definitely showed off the wealth this family had. It was no mansion, but it was magnificent.

Nevase told me I should visit the council whenever I could. It wasn't a practicality issue; the council wanted to see me, and I was interested to find out why.

As I watched Nevase drive off I got the chance to admire the view. Because of the higher elevation I was able to look down over the town. I could see the two rivers, one that flows into the lake and the other that passes through the town and out the other end of the valley.

I turned to face the large wooden doors. I felt a little intimidated at the thought of entering this place. There wasn't a doorbell, just a large knocker. I grabbed hold and slammed it against the door. The sound it made sounded like thunder. I guess anyone inside would be able to hear a knock like that.

Moments later I was greeted by an elderly Koja. His graying fur was covered in a black suit. I could see the pale pink tail lifted slightly above the ground behind him. His round ears were flattened. This mouse Koja, Niba , was no doubt the butler I had read about.

He looked at me, but showed no immediate reaction. He just looked at me from head to toe, making sure it wasn't his old age playing tricks on him. <How may I help you?> he asked, his voice calm.

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

<Oh dear...> he said in the same voice. <Please come in. I'll grab your bags.>

I slowly stepped inside and was speechless. To me everything inside looked priceless from the furniture to the paintings on the wall. Large red curtains adorned the windows and all the carpets were a deep red. This family was definitely part of the sun faction.

<Oh, no thank you.> I say as I continue to gaze around the house. <It must be hard keeping this place clean.>

<It's actually quite manageable if you separate it into sections.> said Niba with a smile. <I've been doing it for years, so I know all the tricks to clean more efficiently.>

<How long have you been doing this?> I ask.

<I'm done with my studies!> a voice called down. "English is a pain to learn..." I look at Niba who doesn't seem to understand what was just said. "Be better if all spoke Runga..."

I chuckled. "Runga isn't all that great..." I smile, waiting for a reaction. The footsteps got louder and quicker. Soon a black cat in a white shirt appeared on the staircase. Edward. He looked at me with surprise. <If everyone spoke one language I wouldn't have very much use.> I smile.

<What is this?> Edward asked, not really directed at anyone.

<Sir> said Niba as he stepped in front of me. <He is here for that program your parents signed up for.>

<Well I'm pretty sure they weren't expecting a human to be the one that shows up.> Edward said as he looked at me.

said Niba. <If you'd like I will take him to the Council to be reassigned.>

What? I just got here and they were already talking about getting rid of me?

<Don't be hasty...> said Edward as he approached me. He looked at me with curiosity. <My parents signed me up for the program so I could have my own tutor correct?>

<Correct sir> said Niba.

<So I don't think they'll mind... they might even consider it good experience to actually interact with a human.> Edward said with a smirk.

Edward's ears flattened. He sighed. <Then I guess we won't tell them.> he smirked at Niba.

<Sir... please think about what will happen if your parents discover...>

<I'll handle it if it comes to that.> said Edward, with a slight annoyance in his voice.

<Understood sir.> Niba bowed. <Is there anything you need of me right now?>

Niba bowed again as Edward walked off. He led me upstairs carrying my bags. He showed me spare bedroom after spare bedroom. Each was furnished slightly different. There was a large bed, an elegant dresser with a mirror, a walk-in closet, and each even had its own separate bathroom. In the end it was the view that decided it for me. The room I chose had a view of the entire town below.

<Feel free to ask me for anything.> said Niba as he bowed. He walked off. I looked around the room again. I never thought I would ever be sleeping someplace like this.

I decided to take a quick shower. The bathroom wasn't skimping on the high class either. The bathroom had its own shower and a separate tub. The sink had a marble countertop. In the center of the bathroom was a large circular tile. I stepped on it and a blast of warm air emerged from the floor.

I decided to search for the library. I had no idea where Niba was or how I was supposed to call for him. Was I supposed to have a bell or something? I decided to search for the library myself.

I passed through a living room filled with a sofa and some lounge chairs. Some faced a large television in the corner of the room; others faced a stone fireplace, while others just seemed to face the middle of the room for whatever reason.

Next was an office. It was the closest thing to a library I'd seen so far. There were a few shelves filled with books. A wooden desk with a black leather chair facing a computer monitor. If I were to guess I'd say is was maybe a thirty-two inch screen. My eyes burn just looking at it.

Next was the dining room. A long wooden table with a few ornaments centered on it with twelve chairs. Five on both sides and a single chair at each end. I thought about how much of a waste it was for a family of three, four if Niba is included, to have a table that could fit a dozen people.

I found Niba in the kitchen next to the dining room. He was placing various things on the counter. He must be in the middle of making dinner. I could smell that something was cooking. He turned around. <Ah, is there something you need?> he asked.

<I'm looking for the library.> I reply.

<Follow me please.> Niba led me down a hallway made of glass window. I peered out the glass. Outside was a garden of various flowers, shrubs, and a few trees. In the center was a small pool.

Niba bowed after he brought me to an open door. I walked inside and saw Edward sitting a red lounge chair, book in hand. I could see no other entrance into this room. One side was filled with shelves of assorted books while the other was made of glass that offered a view of the outside garden.

I approached Edward. He glanced up at me for a brief moment before he returned to his book. I recognized the book he was reading; it was one that my class had to read when I was a junior in high school.

Edward closed the book and set it down on a table nearby. He stood up and stretched. <So, feeling overwhelmed by the house?> Edward asked with a slight groan.

I respond.

<Oh this house is nothing> Edward said with a smirk. <My parents own larger houses in other cities. What you're standing in is literally their summer home.>

<Summer home?> I ask. This house was nothing more than a place they visit during the summer time? <If this is just a summer home then why do you stay here?>

<My parents are always on the move> Edward said as he scratched his left ear. <They felt that traveling would come between me and my studies, so they have me live here.> Edward finished the sentence with a groan.

I ask.

<There's nothing wrong with Serona; there just isn't anyone else like me here.> Edward said with a sigh.

<Must be hard being the only rich kid in town, huh?> I ask.

Edward raised an eyebrow. Edward said with pride. I suppress a groan. <No, what I'm talking about is that there is no one else here at my intellectual level.> Suppressing another one... this kid definitely doesn't lack confidence.

<So...> I try to find the words. <You're basically calling the others...>

<Intellectually inferior... dumb if you'd prefer.> Edward said plainly.

I chuckled. <And I suppose I've 'piqued' your interest?>

<Well... besides being a human I have to admit you are superior to me when it comes to English. I respect people who can outdo me in something I care about.>

<And when you finally become fluent in English?> I ask.

Edward was silent for a moment. <You'll still be a human.> I didn't know whether to feel complimented by his admittance of respect, or insulted that being a human was the only thing keeping him from treating me like everyone else.

I didn't get a chance to delve deeper into the subject. Niba had come to announce that dinner was ready. Edward left the room before I even started moving my feet. I thought about it; perhaps it would be better to not bring this subject up again.

Dinner included chicken served in some kind of cream sauce and sprinkled with a variety of diced peppers. I was reluctant at first to try it, but after one bite I couldn't resist. The chicken was tender, the peppers were crisp, and the sauce was smooth. It was like each was trying to fight for my taste buds' attention.

It had been a long time since I've eaten something so filling, maybe since the last time I had been to a restaurant... before the bill. Niba grabbed our dishes and carried them off to the kitchen. I started to pat my stomach. Edward looked over at me and gave me a look of amusement. When Niba came back he asked Edward <Shall there be dessert tonight?>

Edward looked at me and then back to Niba. <Not tonight.> Niba bowed and returned to the kitchen. Edward turned to me. <So... do you still want to stay?>

<What?> I ask being caught off guard.

<Well... for better or for worse I chose you. You're a conceited spoiled brat who thinks too highly of himself.>

Edward's ears were twitching. <That's what conceited means...>

<Then think of it as emphasis> I say with a smirk. <Regardless of that, though, I have no intention of changing my mind. Something made me choose you out of six, and I intend to see it through.>

Edward was laughing, amused. <Well if you're going to be spending the next year here, we might as well do the proper greeting.> Edward held out his right palm at me. I did the same placed my palm so it was between me and Edward. We stayed like that for a moment before clutching our hands into a fist and bringing it to our hearts.

Later that night I did the same thing with Niba. Edward had gone to his room to do some more studying. I spent the rest of the night in my room. After unpacking my bags I just lied on my bed and gazed out the window. Down below the town gave off a soft glow. The town seemed so much smaller when gazed at from above. <So insignificant...> I say imitating Edward. I chuckled. Is this how he views the town?

I go to bed without seeing Edward for the rest of the night.

I had set an alarm, but instead of an annoying buzz I was awakened by a sudden illumination. I opened my eyes to see my room lit up. I turn to see Niba adjusting the curtains on the window. <Good morning, I hope you slept well.> said Niba.

I rubbed my eyes. I look at the clock. It was thirty minutes before I had planned to wake up.

<Breakfast is currently in the oven> said Niba as he walked towards the door. <By the time you're showered and dressed they will be ready to serve.>

Two words popped into my mind; hot breakfast. The idea was enough for me to jump out of bed and head towards the bathroom.

Downstairs awaited a variety of muffins. There were blueberry, strawberry, banana nut, and even chocolate muffins. Edward was snacking on a strawberry muffin. He looked surprised when I took one of each. Maybe I looked like a glutton, but I wasn't about to pass up four delicious-looking muffins.

By the time I was done with my four muffins Edward was already ready to go. Niba had packed the remaining muffins into a few containers. Leftovers were apparently a no-no in this house, so Niba would deliver leftovers to the town shelter. <There's a shelter in this town?> I ask.

<A small one compared to those in the cities, but there's a few dozen living there.> Niba said as he carried off the containers. Great; now I feel guilty about eating those extra muffins.

It wasn't surprising they had a car, a true luxury in Lukea. I sat in the back with Edward and watched the buildings pass by as we drove through the streets. We stopped at a large set of two story buildings. This was the school? It's huge.

<Pick you up at the same time, Master Edward?> Niba asked as he opened Edwards door.

<Yes, please.> Edward said as he stepped out of the car. I opened my own door and stepped out. While most of the students had given the car a brief glance, their gazes were transfixed when they noticed me.

<And here comes the masses...> said Edward with a sigh. <Follow me.> Edward said as he walked off. I followed. The students kept a small gap between us. It's like they wanted to get closer, but were repelled for some reason. I look down at Edward.

I followed him the principal's office. After a brief encounter with the secretary I walked into a pitch black room illuminated only by a computer monitor. Vekin, a bat, hung overhead wearing shades.

<Well, well, well...> said Vekin as he continued to type. <The prestigious Edward Nilu has decided to grace me with his presence...? He turned his attention to me. <And I see you've brought trouble.>

<I'm doing this out of courtesy...> said Edward.

<Oh thank you Mr. Nilu> Vekin said with a mocking tone. <Now if only the council could be as courteous as you then I would be one happy bat.> Vekin looked at me and then back to Edward. <I'm sure you're aware that you must take full responsibility for him right?>

Full responsibility for me?

<Don't worry; I'm fully capable of making sure he behaves.> Edward smirked.

Vekin looked at me. he looked back at Edward whose ears were now twitching.

Before I could ask what was going on Edward grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out of the office. Outside, the hallway was empty. What happened to all of the kids?

<The nerve of him!> Edward mumbled. <Principal or not, what gives him the right to say that!?> Now while I did agree with Edward, I must admit he wasn't exactly being courteous like he said he was.

I decided to change the subject. <So are you going to show me to your classroom, or am I going to have to search through this school like your house?>

Edward's ears perked. <You'd turn a corner and you wouldn't know how to get back.> he said with a smirk. <This way.>

We crossed the campus to the smaller two story building. In here all of the kids were dressed in uniforms. Each wore white pants and one of three shirts, varied only by color. The felines like Edward wore a red shirt, the canines wore a blue shirt, and the rest wore green shirts.

The teacher was a monkey, Mandu ; he wore a white shirt, black pants, and a green tie. His brown tail was wrapped around his waist like a belt. He seemed shocked at first but he showed me a huge toothy grin. The other students were chatting amongst themselves. <Well isn't this interesting!?> Mandu said with excitement as his tail unwrapped itself from his waist. Next thing I knew he jumped across the classroom and landed in front of me.

He grabbed my face. He turned and tilted my head in every direction. <What do you think class?> He asks while still looking at me. He then turns around and wraps his left arm around my shoulders. <Do you see any resemblance?>

The class bursts into laughter. I didn't realize Koja got a kick out of comparing humans to monkeys. Mandu looks at me again. <Now that I think about it... we don't look that much alike; I'm much better looking.> The class continued to laugh. I even spotted Edward chuckling while shaking his head. I just smiled, wanting to laugh but unable to bring myself to do so.

When everything calmed down I exchanged greetings with Mandu. He told me he was excited to have me here since now he would have someone to demonstrate with during English class. It was nothing difficult, I would just pronounce words he wasn't sure on and sometimes engage in improvised scenarios where the students would try to translate as much as they could into Runga.

To challenge the students Mandu allowed them to ask me questions, but told them I would only answer in English. This limited the questions immensely. All of the students asked me questions that required only one word as a response.

When lunch time came around only Edward, Mandu, and myself remained in the classroom. Mandu had brought his own lunch, but Edward just sat at his desk and took out a book. I sit next to him. <Don't you want to go eat lunch?> I ask.

<I'm not really hungry> responded Edward as he turned a page.

<You're free to go get something from the lounge across the hall.> said Mandu as he reached into his bag.

<Why do you bring your own food when there's some available here?> I ask.

<That stuff is too rich for me.> said Mandu. I keep quiet as he pulls a banana out of his bag.

The lounge was filled with small tables. There was a variety of food on the table in the center. The teachers inside just watched me as I circled the table, trying to find something that interested me. I chose a Koja dish; a stew filled with fish, potatoes, and carrots.

Because the food was in a ceramic bowl, and I was using a metal spoon, I wasn't allowed to leave the lounge with it. I sat at an empty table next to a window. As I ate I could see some students eating their lunch outside.

I left my dishes at the table when I was done. As I was leaving the lounge I looked back at the food table and noticed something. I went back and grabbed two napkins.

When I returned to the classroom Edward was still reading his book. I said as I sat at the desk next to his.

Edward said as he continued to keep his focus on the words in front of him.

I set place down one of the napkins. Sitting on top was a slice of yellow cake covered in white frosting. I placed another piece in front of me.

Edward peeked around the corner of his book to take a glance. He gently closed the book and placed it down. He picked it up by the napkin and brought it to his face. I was expecting him to take a bite, but instead he just stared at it. <Are you going to eat it?> I ask, breaking his concentration.

he asked, looking at me expectantly.

<Couldn't get one.> I respond.

<Then how are we supposed to eat it?> he asks me.

I must have looked a bit dumbfounded to him. <Well...> I say as I pick up my own slice of cake. <You just... take a bite.> I demonstrate by bringing the cake closer to my mouth and take a bite out of it.

<You're spilling crumbs...> Edward said as he looked at the desk.

I look down. <It's to be expected. It's not the cleanest method, but at least it's better than picking it apart with your fingers.>

Edward stared at the slice of cake again before shrugging his shoulders. He takes a small cautious bite. Seconds later he shrugs his shoulders again. <It's alright, but I've tasted better.> He lifts the cake above his head. <Hey teacher, would you like the rest of this cake?>

Suddenly a long arm appears overhead and grabs Edward's cake. I look up and see Mandu hanging from the ceiling. He says as he swings back to his desk. I look at him and then back up at the ceiling. I hadn't noticed there were metal bars spreading across the room above us.

<Was he up there the entire time?> I ask Edward as he picks up his book.

<Ever since he saw you bring that cake in.> said Edward.

I said to Mandu, teasingly.

<Cake is simple!> he retorts back.

Later when school was over I followed Edward back to where we had been dropped off. Niba was there waiting for us with the car. We managed to leave before the kids started to surround us. <You'd think they'd be content seeing you from a distance> Edward sighed as he looked back at the large gathering of kids vanishing behind us.

<Shall we head home sir?> asked Niba.

<Not yet. We need to go see the council.> said Edward.

We arrived at a building that seemed to give Edward's house a run for its money. Marble walls, glossy tile floors, and a dome covered in stained-glass.

Three Koja wearing long robes greeted us. They each represented one of three factions of Koja. Because Edward was feline the lion Koja, Zaleo, stayed while the other two left.

<Hello there Edward.> said Zaleo. <Doing well in school?>

<Of course!> said Edward with a smirk.

<What about my son?> asked Zaleo.

Edward shrugged his shoulders. <He's still trying to prove he's better than me, but he doesn't come close.>

Zaleo laughed. <Perhaps if my son were to focus more of his time on studying rather than playing soccer he might become a challenge for you.>

<Doubt it...> said Edward as he crosses his arms. <You know he actually didn't boast to me during class today. He was probably too distracted by him.> Edward points to me.

<Well it's nice to meet you.> said Zaleo as he faces me. <Please follow me and I'll explain why you were called here.> We followed Zaleo up the white and red tiled stairway. At the top I got a better look at the dome above.

<That is the God of the sun, Penak.> said Zaleo as he looked up. <A brilliant scholar, he enlightens all of his children. Those of the sun faction possess an intellect surpassing those from the moon and earth faction. We think faster and have better memories than anyone else.>

<Though that doesn't help when learning English> said Edward, sighing.

<Some things like learning another language require more than just memorizing, Edward.> said Zaleo. <Sometimes you've got to be a bit creative in order to truly understand it.>

<Do you not see the problem with what you just said?> asked Edward, raising his brow.

Zaleo laughed. <Yes, well, it doesn't hurt to have some kind of challenge in our lives.> Edward remained silent. <I'm sure if you practice with the human you'll learn much more than you could ever from a book.>

Zaleo ruffled the fur on Edward's head. <Well now on to you!> he said with a smile as he walked towards me, not noticing the slightly annoyed look Edward had as he ran his fingers over his head, his ears twitching.

<What do you recommend?> I ask.

<Because I chose Edward?> I ask.

<Precisely! Had you chosen a child of another faction you would have been inclined to attend their festivities instead. Edward can give you the details on the holidays when they approach.> Zaleo placed his hand on my shoulder.

<Don't you think that'll be considered cheating or something?> Edward asked, obviously knowing what Zaleo was talking about.

Zaleo laughed. <We'll see what happens.>

Later that night I was lying down on the sofa. I think I ate too much of Niba's stuffed fish, but it was just so good. Edward didn't have a problem. In fact, I can't believe that he had approved on there being dessert tonight. I hadn't seen him since then; figured he must be in the library again.

After a while my stomach settled down and I was able to walk about. My destination was the library. When I arrived I found the room to be empty. Did Edward go upstairs? I don't recall hearing him heading up.

The halls were soon filled with an aroma. Well, it had been filled with the smell of fish before, but now there was something new. Something sweet. Something delectable. Something... something that apparently makes my stomach seem empty. Oh no, I won't be fooled. Eating something now would make my stomach ache even more. Curiosity was getting the better of me though.

The smell got stronger as I got closer to the kitchen. When I entered I saw Niba standing in front of the source, the oven. <What's being baked?> I asked as I stood next to him, trying to peer through the glass window of the oven.

said Niba, keeping his gaze on the oven. Was he being sarcastic with me?

<What? You mean you don't know?> I asked sarcastically.

said Niba, shifting his head slightly. I turn to see Edward. He was wearing an apron covered with various stains. He was staring down at one of his books.

I say as I approach him.

<Bake.> muttered Edward.

<What?> I ask.

he wouldn't advert his gaze from the book. I look down and notice that it isn't one of his normal reading books; it was a cook book.

<Still, I didn't know you had other hobbies. Your file mentioned that you only liked to read.> I say.

Edward finally looked at me. <That was filled out by my parents.>

<Why didn't they put baking as one of your hobbies?> I ask.

Edward smirked. <They don't know about it. Would drive them crazy if they did.> Edward chuckled. <They want me to focus only on my studies; to become the smartest kid in Serona, but I already am so...>

Edward seemed unsure on how to finish his sentence. <You looked for a different challenge?> I ask.

Edward's eyes widen. <That's a great way to put it! But... like learning English, all I can really do is memorize what to do and when.>

<Well it's just like the councilor said,> I say as I ruffle Edward's head. <You need to be a bit creative.>

<Don't remind me...> said Edward. <And quit that...>

I yank my hand from his head. <Sorry.> I say a slight laugh. Edward gives me the same look he had given Zaleo as his ears twitch again. I hold back the laughter as he runs his flour-covered hands over his head.

I say nothing.

Day two of my stay here was coming to an end. I wonder what kind of things this town has in store for me. Good or bad, I didn't know, but one thing I'm looking forward to is having some of that cake.

My stomach growls.

And there's Edward's introduction.

I noticed a few differences between this chapter and Andun's. Because there was less exposition, I guess, than Andun's chapter I was able to focus more on the characters of the story.

Other than that what did you think of this chapter?

Again, I can either do another character's intro chapter, or can continue with Andun's story.

So go ahead and vote if you'd like to switch back to Andun, or have an introduction with Gen, Malu, Noah, or Teo.

I'll close the vote on June 1st.

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