Are you coming or what?, a biscuit kougra yelled.

Oh yes, I'll be there!

A small Kacheek could be seen doing her best to catch up with her group of friends in a field of soft pink candy floss. The sun was setting in a world called Chocoland, somewhere hidden in a remote part of the Neopian world. A custard Chia and the biscuit Kougra began to tease the chocolate Kacheek by running a little faster.

Who could imagine such a place? Unlike the myth of Jelly World, this serene haven was filled with real gingerbread homes and chocolate ponds. Solid blades of candy grass could be seen for miles away while cookie trees could be heard quietly crumbling.

Why'd you guys leave me behind?, the little Kacheek, known as Trifoliume, playfully said. The kids stopped at a cliff at the end of the field where a lone cookie tree stood. The chia sat down beside the giant tree and pulled a flower lolly from the ground. A majestic view of the sun could be seen behind the village of Chocoland houses. The rays poured across the plains, turning the pink floss a vivid orange hue.

Have you guys ever wondered what's beyond the floss?, the Kacheek asked her buddies, Bilo, the Chia, and Chuchi, the Kougra. She fluffed the cream on the hem of her dress gently. The Chia and Kougra looked at each other.

Not really, Bilo replied. Can't be anything spectacular. My dad tells me stories about the Haunted Woods all the time during camping trips. Like any of that is real.

Aren't you the least bit curious? Trifoliume questioned. She stood in front of the view, making sure she had the attention of her closest companions. Could I ask you guys a serious question? A question so serious, I would need a serious answer? A gleam in her eyes was sharp and silent. Chuchi furrowed her eyebrows.

Of course, Truffles. You can ask us anything. The Kougra sat Trifoliume down by the tree as the sky grew a darker shade of purple by the second. A chilly wind swept past them and the edible blades of grass rustled together cheerfully.

I've been thinking for a while about everything outside our village. We learn about the myth of the Lost Desert in Neoschool and collect shells from 'Maraqua' by buying them in our local stores. How do we know these places really exist? The Chia placed a hand on his companion.

You just have to trust the things we learn. The teachers aren't paid to tell us lies. Those shells we collect aren't much of something to eat, either. I know that for a fact! Patches of glowing Novas began to form above the children in the sky. Row by row, the houses in the village began to light up for the night time ahead.

I won't believe it until I see it, Bilo. Are you guys willing to come with me? We'll pack stuff and sneak out of the village. It'll be like one of our adventures! Just... not with that cardboard box we always use.

Chuchi stood up and looked at Trifoliume as if she were crazy. Truffles, have you gone mad? How the heck are we supposed to know where we're going? We could end up in the water for all we know. And what will our parents say?

They don't have to know anything! Trifoliume slipped a scroll from the side of her dress and unravelled it open. And see? I have a map of Neopia right here! We just have to follow-

The Chia pulled the Kougra backwards and began walking away. C'mon Chuchi, Trifoliume can get into her own trouble. With that, the two trotted into the field, leaving their Kacheek friend behind. She curled into the hollow of the tree, gripping the map tightly in her paws. Another wind swept past her, chilling her tail stiff.

There goes another two...

Trifoliume was never the one to admit she was a little weird. In fact, she was proud to have come so far in her sneaky plan. It took her a week's worth of lemonade sales in her front yard, but she got enough money to purchase a map from the local travel vendor in the market. She coiled the piece of paper and wrapped a ribbon around it, preserving the ancient appeal it held with its ripped edges and faded ink.

More than anything, the little Kacheek wanted to venture beyond the floss, away from her 'normal' life. Her classmates always made fun of her interest in the Kreludor moon. They would dress in green suits and pretend they were Alien Aishas, popping out of the bushes and scaring her. She would proceed to sulk under a tree with a book about the Shenkuu mountains in hand. Little did they know, she was about to rock their world.

I'm gonna get some Kreludor moon dust and prove that it's not just some fat marshmallow in the sky! They'll see!

Oh dear... now where do I go?

Truffles fumbled with the map as she tore through a thicket of green lolly bush leaves. For a Kacheek, the trek was becoming quite lengthy. Her stubby legs wouldn't last much longer, but her determination kept her moving forward. Or more forward, backward, then forward, as she stumbled across cookie stepping stones.

Trifoliume reminisced about her friends jumping the stones in their neighborhood river. They would play the 'Krawkodile' game for hours; step into the river, and you'd be the feast of an angry river Krawk! But her journey out of Chocoland had no Krawks. Nor did she have friends to share it with.

Best friends would've gone with me. Best friends would have at least said why I shouldn't! But did they? No!

With that thought, she slipped her foot and landed it into the river. Good thing she was a chocolate Kacheek. It was more like bath time than getting muddy in real dirt. She wondered what real dirt felt like...

Who's there!? a loud voice shouted from the trees around her. Trifoliume shuddered and made her way quickly out of the river and back into the bush.

What was that? she thought. It couldn't have been a petpet- they don't talk much to Neopets, aside from the occasional bark, like her Warf, Chip.

I've got my Ray Gun, and I'm not afraid to cook this bush burnt! the voice alarmed again.

This time, the figure stepped into Trifoliume's view. She could see its green skin and four ears... and a bowl on its head? And what more? The Neopet looked terrified! Truffles stepped out of the bush quietly as the figure aimed his gun at her.

What do you want with me?!?

She giggled a little. You're not from around here, are you? I mean, everyone I know here is brown or yellow. You're not either, so what are you?

I am not a what, I'm a who! And my name's Nechtren, the Alien Adventurer! I travel Neopia in search of treasures and trophies to bring them back on the Space Station. Then we keep them in the Warehouse in exchange for prize codes.

For the first time in her life, Trifoliume had seen someone she wasn't familiar with. She gazed at his beaming space suit and transparent glass helmet. Everyone in Chocoland didn't have attire other than what they were born with. What was the point? Clothes would only soil in their skin, and laundry wasn't exactly popular, or heard of, for that matter. Instead, they molded clothes from their own stock of natural cocoa and kau kau milk.

So if you're an alien, do you ride a big spaceship and live on Kreludor?

She had so many questions to ask. So many words to speak. Her mind raced trying to keep from jumbling sentences.

Well, I do ride a space ship, but I live in the Space Station close to my work.

She couldn't ask him that one question, could he? Would it be too much? Would she be able to go back?

Unfortunately, she wouldn't know any of this until she asked.

Do.. do you think I could go with you? To see the Space Station?

Trifoliume kicked up a dust of cookie crumbs from the ground below them.

All my friends say we're the only ones who exist on Neopia, but this map, she took it from her knapsack and hurled it into the alien's helmet, This map says otherwise! I want to know the truth! I don't want to learn about what might have been, or what will be. I want to know what's out there right now!

With that, the alien pressed a button on a remote buckled to his side. Soon a circular figure was seen overhead, and a ship hovered gracefully onto the ground before them.

If you trust me, then I can make all that happen. I'm but a stranger to you.

She trotted up the steps to the pit of the ship with a grin on her face.

Well, hello stranger. My name's Trifoliume. Nice to meet you!