The room that I was from was like a small cave. Yet when we came out, it was actually part of a huge cavern. There were sharp stalactites scattered, as well as some kind of shiny rocks that gave a faint source of light.

I was riding Harus’ cart while he pulled it along. I was expecting for us to go at a sluggish pace. I was wrong. 

“Harus, how come you can travel quickly when you are pulling the cart?” I asked.

“You could say that being always with this thing built my strength up!” He answered as he kept going on.”You could say that I won’t be this fast without it!”

“But now that you are already fast, would you not be even faster once you let go of it?” I inquired further.

“That may be true but if I did, I won’t go any better in the future! Would it not be such a waste then?”

“That is true. But would it also be in vain if the future does not come, is it not?”

“Hey kiddo! Don’t talk like that! Kids your age should be looking more into the future!” Harus stopped on his tracks. “We’re here.”

“I don’t know what you mean, but I will keep it in mind.” I replied as I get off.

“I’ll leave you for now. Go play with the others, kiddo.” Harus turned around and left.

When I looked in front of me, there were two kids who were walking towards me. When they reached me, the boy licked me on the face.

“Bartz… You shouldn’t be licking anyone you meet… It is rude…” The girl whispered as she pulled the boy away from me.

“It is just a greeting, jeez! Besides, it must be the new kid! I wanted to know what he tastes like!” The boy cheerfully explained.

“Just like I said… It is rude…” The girl mumbled.

“Hello, my name is Sven. Nice to meet you.” I bowed.

“Hello Sven! I am Bartz, with me is Jella! Let’s be friends!”

“Hello…”

“You were saying something about knowing what I taste like. Does everyone taste different?” I inquired.

“Some do! For instance, Jella tastes sweet! On the other hand, you are kind of salty.” Bartz explained.

“I see, that is new to me.”

“You… should not humor him that much…” Jella leaned in to me and whispered.

“By the way, how do I look? I mean, how do I seem like to you?” Bartz asked.

“Everyone is asking me the same question. May I know why?”

The two children looked at each other. It was as if they were coming up with an answer that they did not possess.

“Ah, it’s a game! We take turns describing one another!” said Bartz.

“Yes…”

“So that’s it! It is your turn first!” Bartz pointed at me.

“You are a boy with reddish and spiky hair. You have a cloth tied to your waist and follows you like a tail. Jella have a long flowy blue hair. She is wearing a long dress that covers her feet.” I described.

The two looked at one another again. Their eyes were opened wide, as well as their mouths. I was afraid that I was not able to comprehend what was happening.

While they were still on each other’s eyes, two tall men approached us.

“Jella, Bartz, it is time to go,” said one of the men.