"We're here." As she said this, they stepped out of the woods and entered into a small, grassy clearing. Touji was greeted with the sight of a tiny wooden cottage, or log house as best described, though again, of a very old and antique style. It was only one floor and had a low roof with few glassless windows.

  "I'm sorry, but do you perchance live in this tiny, secluded place?"

  "It's actually large for a house you know. Most people can't afford something like this, but my dad built it himself."

  "Heh. Nice. Looks like your dad is actually pretty handy."

  The girl nodded in agreement, then curving her hands in a circle around her mouth she began calling for her mother to step out.

  The front door opened and a respectable-looking woman, in traditional house wife attire appeared from within the cottage, whose hair was a surprisingly clean white, despite only looking to be late thirties to early forties.

  "Yes, Claria. I'm-!" She stopped mid sentence as she caught sight of Touji.

  "Claria, who is he?" She asked as she pointed at the boy standing beside her.

  "I don't know. But he said he wanted to speak to father."

  The mom's eyes quickly scanned Touji with a peculiar glance.

  "Oh, so he's the one, huh?!" She murmured, half grinning.

  "Mom, don't say that, please."

  "What?! The fact that you haven't turned him away already is proof of that."

  "Mom-"

  "What's going on out here?!" A deep voice call out from behind the cabin.

  A tall well-built man dressed like a hunter came walking out from behind the house. Touji was quite intrigued by the man's hair color, once again. Unlike his wife and daughter, his hair was a dark red, reminder Touji of an apple. He had very defined muscles, with many scratches and cuts along his exposed arms. He wore an apron while also carrying an axe over his brawd shoulder.

  -Why would an Amish person have his daughter and himself dye their hair? Like, come on. I feel like your kinda missing the point, but I guess not.

  "Father! Why are you here so early?"

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  "Why? Am I not allowed to be home earlier than expected?"

  "No. That's not what I meant-."

  "So, what's the deal?"

  Touji noticed that the girl suddenly became quiet as her mom dutifully spoke up for her.

  "She found a young man." She said with a smirk.

  "In the forest, Mother!" The girl answered persistently.

  "Oh, my apologies. In the forest."

  "Um, excuse me." Up until now, Touji had been keeping his mouth shut trying to feel out his situation, but he now decided that this was the place and time to make his point of entry.

  "Hi. My name is Naegi Touji. But y’all can call me Touji. I am currently seventeen. I enjoy running, playing piano, and staying out of trouble. I'm not Amish, but I don't judge those who choose to swing in ways I'm not familiar with. Nice to meet you."

  -That last part came out just a little bit weird. Just a bit. Touji thought to himself.

  "Is that all? You don't mention what family you’re from?"

  "I'm sorry. I thought I mentioned Naegi in there somewhere." He answered bowing.

  "You’re quite interesting. And what a peculiar name."

  -Ok, sir. Be entitled to your own opinions. I personally am of the opinion that my name is just fine but anyways.

  "Let me shake your hand."

  "Huh! Sure." Touji replied somewhat surprised and uncomfortable.

  -So this dudes a foreigner. I mean that much was obvious from the start but still, he's that foreign.

  "Nice to meet ch’ya. The name's Odja, and this is my wife, Derra." They shook hands rather awkwardly as Touji had no idea the last time he had indulged in such a particular practice.

  "You're strong. Though nowhere near as strong as me. You must be in some sort of training. You working for the Knights?" A hint of sarcasm in his voice.

  "Knights? No way. I'm self-contracted."

  The man glared back at him.

  "Eh... Is that something bad. Regardless, it was a joke. I'm actually still a student."

  -Duh, I’m a student. What else would I be?

  "Well, whatever you are, why don't you join us for dinner so we can get to know you better."

  "I do have some questions I wanted to ask you though."

  The old man nodded. "Sure, we can discuss the details after dinner. But for now, why don't you come inside?"

  -These people are a little bit strange. They've barely passed the 'hellos' and 'whatch’ya names?' yet they want me for dinner. No wait that sounds weird, they're having me for dinner. Not any better, but still, they're way too nice.

  As Touji entered the house and was greeted with the smell of steaming vegetables and freshly baked bread. They proceeded to walk into the enclosed dining area and sat down near a large, round wooden table. The house was very small but quite homie and pleasant. Touji peered into the kitchen and saw an antique style wood furnace that they apparently used as a stove.

  -Quite interesting. I feel like I’m on a tour of a museum in America.

  "So, you guys don't look Japanese. Are you perhaps foreigners? Maybe Irish or something?"

  "Japanese? Don't know what you’re saying young man. I am a man of the soil. I grow crops and hunt for a living like most folks. Don't ever do this japanese thing you speak of."

  "I'm sorry. So, is this place technically part of Japan?"

  "Still don't know what you’re referring to, but we're just outside of the Kingdom of Milivion."

  -Kay this isn't good. No one's telling me where I am.

  He squeezed the palms of his hands and rubbed them together as he pondered his next line of questioning.

  "Hey guys, I need to get home very soon. My family is waiting for me. So, if you could please tell me where exactly I am and where's the closest bus station that'd be a great help."

  "You’re a funny guy, Touji. You have a very odd name, dress and accent. You kinda remind me of that Tephlion fella. But I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean. You are right outside Millivion. That's all. The nearest village is about 6 miles down the road. You can walk there if you want but it will take some time, probably past sunset before you reach the first inn."

  -What is going on here? I've got a really bad feeling. Am I really in modern day Japan?