Gio

The man spoke again scratching the back of his head, ''Sorry about that, Bardo tends to get a bit distracted if he smells something good..He's still in training.''

''Smell?'' Juniper came back to his senses and lifted his arm to his nose to sniff but he couldnt figure it out.

"Ah yes," the man continued "that scent is one I remember well. Its Honey."

Juniper remembered he had had some food before leaving home which consisted of a honey spread on toast.

The man took a focused look at Juniper and continued ''I'm Gio by the way, Im a beast trainer."

Juniper nodded as if to say 'yes' and introduced himself back. It seemed the man wanted to chat and Juniper felt he could relax a bit, so he let the conversation continue. They spoke for some time and Juniper realised how much he had missed talking with other people.

Gio explained to Juniper that there were many beasts living here at the capital, all kinds. Some of them could use a sort of telepathy if they were high enough genetic level, others could not – though most of those which talked did it in beast language which was an old language that wasnt used commonly.

Most beast trainers lived and worked here in the capital where beasts are auctioned as well as the annual beast battle competitions where people fight one another. Beasts levels are between F grade and SSS+ grade with SSS+ being the highest level recorded, these higher level beasts tend to be larger beasts that could only live in places like the mountains or forests so expeditions and competitive events are held as forms of entertainment for people watching on the live broadcasts.

Gio went on to explain that there are higher graded beasts that were raised from cubs are kept in a separate area known as The Wildlands, a huge forest to the west of the capital. There are some rare species living there, but their security is tight.

"The Wildland can only be accessed by certified trainers." Gio said. "Since you are new here, we have a beast training arena near the edge of the city that you should see. Its pretty impressive.''

''Yes I will for sure!" Juniper was looking forward to seeing this beast arena, after all, his life had been so exciting since arriving. He was curious to see what types of beasts exist. But Gio wasn't finished. He added "...So, We can go together if you like? If you are free I mean.''

Gio's ear tips were slightly stained red in his hair where juniper couldnt see. Juniper was surprised at first – this was one of those moments when Juniper had never considered something that he would normally do. Being polite to a stranger seemed to have no bounds here.

"Yes," Juniper replied back, his ears still slightly turned up to Gio. He felt a sense of pride at himself – not because he did anything special, but simply because he was open to meeting and speaking with another person. The way he spoke sounded like something he'd expect from the old times, when everyone knew how to talk and socialise, when it didn't seem unusual to do so. This was why he found himself so excited to meet this man; he seemed different to the rest of the crowd.

"Well, should we add communicators?'' Gio grinned again, showing off his teeth. He had an attractive smile, which made him seem like such a nice man. Juniper smiled back with a slight blush. They both looked each other in the eye as they nodded their heads at each other before Gio headed off with Bardo.

***