Myth Land (unedited)

IV

There wasn't much going on the next morning. Others were acting normal while I chose to watch them while pressing my tail against our box. Hyena was chit-chatting with Golden, Sophie was accompanying Philip whose face lost its colors since the other day, Fronisi was flying above us, and Decorus was nowhere to be seen.

I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard a small conversation that Golden had with Hyena.

'It's just that setting Myth Land as the ultimate goal is too irrational—don't make such a face! I'm not the only one who thinks that way. Others animals do, too, especially the fish.' Golden raised his voice when he saw Hyena's change of expression. But I could only see her back.

'This competition is unfair in so many ways. There's no chance for tiny animals like me, like... the ants or the worms would ever make it. The only possible thing is surviving 'til the end and chosen to be a part of the family.'

Golden sunk himself into the water to breathe and directly came up.

'Well, Myth Land is only for special creatures. The exceptional ones. But there's us.'

'What makes you think that you're not?' asked Hyena.

Golden swung his fins.

'Besides, everything's only about luck.'

Hyena remained silent.

'Although I know each animal has its own special abilities. Mice are smart. Wolves are excellent in working in groups. Cheetahs are fast. Owls are wise. But in the end, really, without luck, nothing will ever happen.'

I didn't pay much attention after that. The next thing I knew is that they were heading back to the cubicle, so I had to pretend that I heard nothing.

At the same time, Sophie, Philip, and Fronisi were also coming back. While walking, Fronisi suggested that we should go to the Christmas tree. 'It's about time,' he said.

We went to the Christmas tree together, with me riding on Hyena's back, and found that Decorus was already there, along with other animals whom we don't know. Everyone was busy talking to one another. I couldn't quite catch what it was about, but I had the feeling that they were just doing small talks. Nothing serious about the next quest. I was scanning the area when I saw Ieiunium. Suddenly I felt nauseous, and my heart was beating faster than usual. I excused myself and climbed down from Hyena's back. As soon as my feet touched the ground, and when I was to see Ieiunium, an abnormal loud high-pitched voice hurt my eardrums as a hand tapped my shoulder.

'Why, would you take a look at this clean, silky, white hair! And your healthy bright pink nose and tail! You are one bee-yew-th-ful creature! What's your name?'

I turned my head to see a queer aye-aye whose teeth seemed to cluster only at the front of her gum. Her ping pong eyes were blinding hazel contrasting her walnut wood colored hair. Her ears had the same size of tennis balls—dominating other parts of her body. She smiled at me, but I could sense no sincerity in her smile. My nose twitched. I was alarmed.

'Pearl—' I stopped for a moment to inhale some air. And with a single exhalation, I continued, 'My name is Pearl. And you are?'

'Insulsus!' she smiled wider her mouth was almost ripped.

'So how's your day so far? Good? Nothing happened? With whom are you staying? Has anyone died? Aaaa—hahahahaha!' her laugh sounded like an evil witch who just finished making poison to hurt a princess that you can see in movies.