Tutorial : Whereabouts

What do you call when the Sun and the Moon stand beside each other, hand-in-hand?

The answer is Twilight.

It is at this time of the evening that I relax, write or basically do anything I want.

During this time, I was waiting to bask under the moonlight when I heard a voice, shouting to catch something.

I was alert enough to throw my left hand to catch that something, which is nothing but a can of vanilla-flavored milk.

Although I feel a bit elated about the gift, the urge to punch the person for their rash action was much greater. Just think about it, if I was late by one second, I would end up having a painful bump on my head.

I turned to the source of the voice with a frown on my face. It was a woman, who I had never seen in my life.

She looked like she's in her thirties, but her taste in fashion puts her in twenties. To make matters worse, she has this unnerving grin that pushes her apparent age further down. All in all, she is an over-friendly, childish adult. The type I find it hard to mingle with.Especially when they treat and pamper you as if you're a kid, despite you're not in that age anymore. But strangely enough, I feel some sort of connection with her, somewhere along the lines of 'I know her!'.

"Go ahead, drink! It's your favorite, isn't it?", the woman insisted.

Well, with or without you saying it, I was going to drink anyway. I popped the can open and sipped some. The sweet taste of the vanilla milk is the same, just the way I love it. While I'm relishing the milk, my mind started to ponder about the woman's identity.

Before I knew it, she sat on the swing beside me. Looking up closely, she was towering over me. She's just... tall. Taller than my uncle. What business does this gentle(?) giant have with me? God only knows, I say.

I turned away to regain composure when something warm touched my head. It was the woman's hand. She was patting my head as if I was a kitten (or a puppy?).

This jolted me and led me to swat her hand out of instinct. It might seem excessive or overeactive, but who would be comfortable if a random stranger started touching you?

"Ow! Sheesh, kid. I was just trying to calm you down. Anybody could hear your gears grinding from a mile away." the woman said.

My frown turned upside down when I realized what I did. "I'm... sorry. It was so... sudden." I fumbled out of shame. I should've toned down my sense of caution. This woman wanted to befriend me and here I am, acting like a brat.

The woman read the air fast and gave an apology with a shrug. "Nah, it's cool. It ain't your fault for freaking out like that. Though, I'm a bit bummed out that you didn't recognized me." the woman sulked mildly.

"Have we met before?" I asked bluntly. This question is met with a loud gasp and a heavy sigh.

"Wow... poor boy doesn't even know me. I know I'm old but I feel so ancient now... Woe is me... " the woman sulked more openly now.

Now I understand that she knows me but I can't help but feel uncomfortable at her mild tantrum. I did nothing wrong but I started to say sorry couple of times and helped her calm down.

The woman continued to drown her apparent sorrows in her beverage and spoke, "Yeah, you were a cute baby in your mother's arms that time. Oh, what a little bundle of joy!" the woman grinned happily.

"So, that means... you're my aunt?"

"Well, yes but actually no. I'm your godmother, to be exact. But you can still call me Auntie, though."

"Godmother? I don't know anything about this..."

"That's because your father kept it as a secret. He didn't want anyone to know about the arrangement. 'The less people, the better', he said."

"Where were you, all this time? Surely, you'd have to visit me once in a while if you are my godmother, right?"

I know I'm supposed to be happy that a relative is visiting me but I couldn't help but feel suspicious that a stranger claiming to be a relative is beside me out of the blue. I'll make you spill out your beans.

"Well... I've been busy, you know? I was swamped with work. Lots and lots of work, mind you! I hope you got your gifts. By the way, tell Dan I said hi."

Ohh... that explains our holiday gifts. Though, those doesn't put a smile on my uncle's face.

"I see. But I don't recall any jobs that keep family members busy for years continously, though."

"Uhmmm... I-I... uh... "

The woman's tongue was tied and tried to change the subject before I let out my hypothesis.

"Let me guess... bad blood between you and Uncle?" I sipped while cracking up a smile on expecting her reaction.

"Hell no!" she shrieked. "There's no such thing like that! It's just... I... *sigh* who am I kidding?"

Man, that was spot on! Who would have thought that this hulking giant has a cute side? This proves more than necessary that she's more than acquainted with Uncle. Most likely, she's his old flame. Haha, can't wait to see the look on Uncle's face.

"Alright, alright. Anything between you both has nothing to do with me. Besides, I think you aren't here for nothing, right?"

"Right... Kid. Are you ready to listen?"

The sudden change in her tone sent chills up my spine, but it was momentary. It's like the surroundings are preparing for her words to be spoken. I guess what she wants to share is very important. Setting the amity aside, I nodded.

"I've heard that you're looking for your parents."

Alright, I hate where this is going. In a fit of irritation, I gestured her to stop.

"Enough! Please... I appreciate you visiting me after so long and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending time with me. But believe me when I say this: My parents are still alive. I even fought with my uncle regarding this and I certainly don't want another bout of convincing from you."

My stern proclamation was met with her sneer. "Aren't you a bit too old to be diagnosed with Eighth-grader syndrome?" Her sneer gradually turned into giggle. "How cute!"

The nerve of this woman! After speaking so much, she didn't take me seriously. Godmother, my foot! She's better at playing the role of a witch, I say. I got up and started to walk away.

"Hey! Where are you going?" she asked.

"It's getting late. I'm going home. Good night."

"Hey, I still have something to tell you!"

"No. I have no further business with you. Please leave me alone."

"Hey, kid! Listen to me!"

I was about to exit the park when a hand clamped on my head. It was her hand. The size is... a bit more than I thought.

"When an adult tells you to listen, you listen! Am I clear?"

My courage froze in an instant. I had to step down. Got to chuck the boot far away. "Yes, ma'am."

"Are you ready to listen?"

"My ears are yours, ma'am."

"Good. I came here to tell about your parents, specifically where they are."

My eyes started to grow hot with hope when I heard her. Not only are my parents alive and well, but also they are somewhere in reach? This lead is more than enough! My patience snapped

"Where are they? I want to go! Right now! You can also take me. Tell me, tell me, tell me!"

"Woah! Slow down, kid. I'll tell you, but there are some things you should know."

"What are they?"

"You must first become a player."

"Player? What for?"

"All of your answers are inside the game. Before your parents disappeared, they left some keys that are solely for your access."

The game my godmother is referring to is an RPG called Wildborn. It allows you to play with an animal as your avatar, granted you're connected to a device called a Totem. This gizmo may look like a medium-sized coin but it is a powerful piece of technology that converts your consciousness into a digital format. This means anyone can roam around the internet using just their thoughts. This made smartphones obsolete, give or take 70 years.

"So, to get that info, I have to play the game?"

"Exactly. On top of that, you might even get connections. For example, people who worked with your father or mother."

Finally, after years of searching. Now, I have a way to connect with my parents. Warm tears of relief started to flow from my eyes.

"Hey! What's wrong?" my godmother panicked.

"Nothing... it's just... I'm happy I got a way to reach to my parents thanks to you. I'm... so happy."

My godmother knelt down and gave me a hug. "It's nothing! After all, you're my cute godson. From now on, I'll support you in any way I can. Feel free to ask, okay?"

"Okay. I will..." It feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off of my chest. After so many dead ends, so many migraines... the pain is worth it.

"Alright then, it's pretty late now. Get to home safely. Goodnight!"

"Auntie, wait!"

"Yeah?"

"I didn't get your name."

My godmother slapped her forehead in shame. Looks like she forgot to introduce herself. She laughed it off. "Hahaha! My bad. My name is---"

Before she uttered her name, I got jolted awake by a loud voice.

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My eyes met with the brilliant glare of the morning sun and I feel lethargic. It took me some time to recognize the sounds that woke up.

"Finally! I was scared that we almost missed the stop, thanks to you. Thank goodness..."

This cheerful voice laden with anxiety comes from my cousin and friend, Danōki. Chubby, kind, a big foodie with a radiant charisma.

"Sorry about that... I fell asleep late last night."

"That's alright. Here's some water."

I took the bottle and gulped it down. I then looked out the window to see a piece of land coming into view. Seems like we're arriving to our destination soon.

"How long will it take to reach?" I asked.

"Roughly 20 minutes, I think. I got to say, best train ride ever! Never slept peacefully high up in the sky."

The ride he is referring is a flying train called Skyslither. Inspired by gliding snakes, these trains harness wind energy at a large capacity and artificially generate jet streams. Coupled with sleek and streamlined design and solid materials that withstand atmospheric pressure, a flight with zero chance of turbulence is guaranteed. And a ticket for this type of train is expensive.

"So, a quick review. We reach Tsushima, get a place, find a supporter, register accounts to become Players, grind a lot and finally gain access to your parents' location, right? Did I miss anything?"

"Yeah, you did miss. A few of them."

"What are they?"

"Form a team, gain fame, have fun."

"I agree with first two but, are you sure we can have fun? Aren't we in a race against time or something like that?"

"I don't think so. Besides, the game is pretty vast. It'll take time to gain those clues. Meanwhile, I feel it's okay to loosen up. After all, we're tourists first. We'll find them."

"Yeah... we will."

Some time later, we're eating snacks in our seats while enjoying the view below. Wide stretches of blue water wrinkled with waves grow bigger as the train dives down with decreasing altitude. Afterwards, a bold voice strums out through the speakers.

"Attention all passengers! We'll be reaching Clover Harbor in a short while. Please take care of your belongings before exiting the train. Lastly, proper exit etiquette must be followed. We thank you for travelling in our esteemed Skyslithers. Have a pleasant day!"

With that, the PA concluded and it gave us some time to get ready. Subsequently, the train slowed down and there was a electric sound humming outside. The train is getting for landing at the destination.

We looked down upon the country and witnessed its marvel. After all, it is said to be the Pinnacle of Unity. Seven artificial islands connected with a landmass in the centre, pushing the limits of development in both technology and altruism.

The Skysltiher is heading towards the central state of the country called Enotitia. It signifies the co-opeartive alliance and prismatic bond between the seven island states. Enotitia is a joint effort of developing human civilization, one step at a time.

The Skyslither got clearance for landing and activated the maglev plates underneath for smooth landing in the runway.

Finally, we have reached the archipelago, Clover Harbor.