I was in Exotica… The game had already begun… It all came out to this…

I had arrived to the outskirts of the city; the city was about a mile inwards. I took a few steps towards it still doubting where I was. Maybe the ground would just open up and I’d fall into the pits of Hell… even though this was already a kind of Hell I never wanted to witness. As I slowly started walking, my mind began to run a basic plan: it was already night and I was tired, but I couldn’t just lie down to sleep while LuHan was suffering who knows where. I thought about just walking towards the city and let fate guide my actions when the time came. For the moment, the most important thing was getting to the first stage. Even though I was in a tough spot, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty of the surroundings: a bright full moon, a soft cool wind, and a clean air that smelled like lavender and vanilla, maybe from the flowers that lurked in the valley.

It was all so soothing and relaxing, making my fears and worries vanish, letting me take in the ancient panorama that lay before me. It was still hard to believe that a city had been here all this time... and these people have been observing us every moment of our lives; even the police was no match for them. They are all master minds of science and tactical development. But, I wonder where they all live; could it be they live here in Exotica? I mean, I’ve never seen such weird people around the city, and if they’re so busy tracking their targets all around the World I guess they don’t hang around much… I’ll take that as a yes: they live here, like hermits. Besides, how else could they be sure the player touches the shadows or not. I just hope I can get through this thing; I’ve never been good at games, either video ones or physical ones… I remember this one time I played soccer with LuHan. After he explained the basic rules I took my place as the goalie. LuHan began to run while kicking the ball here and there, until he kicked it towards me and made a goal. I started screaming GOOOOOAALL and ran around the goalie net while simulating an airplane with my arms. LuHan laughed so hard he threw himself on the ground. When I saw him and asked what was so funny, he told me HE was the one that should have done that since it was HIS point. I had just lost and wasn’t supposed to be doing a victory dance… I got mad at him for not telling me before I did that stupid plane thingy, so he told me he’d give me another try. He said “Throw it here” while motioning his hands toward his chest. I though he meant that I should throw the ball towards MY chest, and so I did…that one hurt… Even though LuHan came running up to me to see if I was okay, he couldn’t stop laughing at my broken, or non-existential, game sense… yup, I’m a real athlete…Let me clarify I was still young..like 12, so I BELIEVE it was okay for me to not know those kind of things about a stupid game…… what I’d give to be playing THAT rather than THIS… Ohh! I guess flashbacks take more time than I thought. Without noticing I had arrived at the edge of the city: I was finally in Exotica.

The city consisted of white clay, one or two-story houses. The walls had square holes in it as windows, and they bore no roof. The perfect square houses were placed in lines, leaving a passage to go through the main course of the city. I took a deep breath and walked right into it, waiting for the flying daggers to come at me any minute now, but they didn’t come. I guess I can trust these people then… well, not them, but at least they’re true to their rules. I slowly dragged my feet, as I laid my eyes on every detail of the structures that surrounded me: the streets were flattened dirt roads, some fruit and flower gardens scattered around, mountains to the far ends the eye could reach… It all looked like it popped right out of an Aladdin book! This area was only houses and medium-sized buildings, which meant I was in civilization, if that’s what you could call it. I think the forest and lakes are beyond this area; maybe behind the cliffs that’s blocked my view… a long way to go I guess...

I soon came in front of a fountain. It was very artistic, and clear water ran through it. I was so thirsty; so many hours without drinking anything, and screaming so loud, and running like a marathoner… and the water looked so delicious… That Kris guy said I had to look for my own alimentary needs; well here is my first need... I just hope it isn’t poisoned. I dipped my hand in it and felt the cool water wash my hands; I left it there for a while, feeling my body unwind itself with this simple pleasure. I took it out and watched it closely, seeing if I had any weird reaction. After a minute or so, my hand showed no sign of danger, so I cupped both of them, dipped them in the water and brought them back to my lips as I slowly slurped in the liquid. It was refreshing. I kept drinking until I was satisfied; I even washed my face to wipe away the tears and dirt from the day. Feeling a little more relaxed and awaken, I kept on walking through the “streets”. Seeing all these houses made me wonder what they were like in the inside or who lived in them. I got close to one and knocked on the arched-shaped door; no one answered. I knocked again and still no answer. I decided push it and it automatically opened up. I slowly peeked an eye while saying my chorus of “hello”s, “good afternoon”s and “is someone here”. I finally barged in and found a small square area, with a dirt floor and no roof; you could see the moon and starry night from inside. The house had no decorations what so ever, only a window without sashes. It didn’t feel very welcoming, so I left; I guess these ancient people really did dedicate themselves to war and science, because decoration wasn’t their thing, even thought the city had a very nice architectural aspect. Continuing down the unknown path, I felt a sound come from behind, like someone dragging a chain; I quickly became paranoid and started running. I reached another fountain and decided to stop and see if I heard the noise again, but I didn’t... maybe it was my imagination, or a tree, I don’t know… Since I was already there, I took another sip of water and kept walking, but with an ear out for anything fishy. I noticed how the city layout changed as you got deeper into the city; to tell you the truth, I felt as if I was walking inside an hexagon, weird right?... OMO! I heard it again! There is definitely someone or SOMETHING near. I began running again, but this time something peculiar hit my mind:

“Throughout the game there will be opportunities for you to see LuHan and his current state. But he isn’t going to just appear in the middle of nowhere for you to see. No, you have to look for him more accurately. Just try to think out of the box a little, or just “follow your heart”…”

What if it’s LuHan? What if he’s hurt and is trying to tell me?! Ohh dear God, what am I doing!! I started running again, this time towards the sound. The chain sound got louder; I was getting closer and closer to it and then... it started to get dimmer.. whatever it was, it was running away from me now… Oh no you’re not!! First you startle me and now you’re afraid to face me… OHH YOU’RE GETTING IT NOW!!...GIVE ME LUHAN!!.....LET ME SEE HIM! I screamed as I ran toward the sound; whoever it was ran fast. I continued but then gave up as I heard the sound disappear between the houses of the city. I catched my breathe as I thought how miserable I was…I can’t even keep up with someone to save my friend… What kind of wimp am I!?! I was so furious at myself for loosing this opportunity to find out more about where I have to go or do. I’m tired and hungry, and I don’t even know what hour it is! Its dark, cold, and I don’t know a about this place or where the first stage is!!! I’m so frustrated right now… and all I can think about is LuHan… I was about to resume my path when I noticed I didn’t recognize the place. Apparently I lost my way during the chase… now I REALLY don’t know where I am……… WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN TO ME!!! WAE!!! I’m too tired to think of a new route or how to even get back on the path I was taking!!! WEI SHEN ME!!!!! I gave out this huge fit, until my feet couldn’t hold me up any longer and I collapsed to the ground. I tried to get up but couldn’t, so I just started to cry out loud. I didn’t care if someone actually heard me, all I wanted was to see LuHan and get out of here… My parents would be worried by now… I miss them so much… tomorrow me and LuHan would miss school…. And soon enough the police would send search groups everywhere looking for us… a few days later we’ll appear in the front of newspapers and all the TV news segments… and if we don’t get out of here soon we’ll…No…No…NO!! ANIYA!! I don’t want to die!! BUDUE!! Someone….ANYONE!! If you’re hearing this please help me….I don’t know what to do!! I’m…I’m… I noticed something peculiar in the area: there was a platform in front of me, like a concert stage. It had columns in the corners, so it looked kind of like a small coliseum.

I took strength and got on my wobbly feet again. Slowly I made my way towards this arena and climbed onto it. Step by step I got closer to the center of this stage, noticing there was a hollow sound coming from below. Before I could go deeper into that thought, I heard the chains again and without a second to spare ran towards them… but the platform shook and crumbled under my feet. I felt myself falling… screaming… and then I felt as someone held me… Then I out…