Dreamy Studios, an animation production company created five decades ago. It has produced hundreds of animated shows streamed worldwide. It is based here on the southern part of Techne Island, the region where digital art lives. It's literally one of the famous places to visit here.
We traveled for about an hour before arriving. I was looking at the map a staff member gave me when we arrived. Technically, Dreamy Studios a theme park with state-of-the-art outdoor activities. It is designed based on their animated shows and characters just like other theme parks around the globe. The fun part is that one of their main production building is located just on their West side of the whole place. Then their museum is at the center of the park.
"Museum first, right?" Sai asked. She pointed to the center of the map.
"Yes, then their main production building since it's connected to the museum." I pointed at the path from the museum to their main building.
"I hope my aunt's there so I can say 'hi'. By the way, don't you want to wander around the amusement park afterwards?"
"I don't mind. We can go if you want to." There are more places to visit and activities to do, but I prioritized visiting a museum first.
I started walking while looking at the map. We just need to pass through an aisle and then walk straight. There are a lot of people here too, especially children. Nostalgic, vibrant, and free, that's how I can describe this place.
"Yohan!" Sai called out.
"Hmm?"
Sai handed me her camera, and she ran towards the center. "Take a picture of me, stupid!"
I rolled my eyes and opened her camera. I looked through its eyepiece and took a shot of her. It's her first time here too, and she looked so happy while posing.
"One more!" she said, and she wore her yellow bucket hat with bananas printed on it.
I gave the camera back to her and started walking towards the museum. We waited outside first, and people went inside in batches. We were just waiting for a few before heading inside. We didn't wait for long, there are a lot of people visiting even on days like this.
"Good day! My name is Cieree, and I will be your tour guide for today. Follow me, everyone."
So this museum has a tour guide? It's not that bad, though, someone can explain things for me. We followed her inside and a colorful lobby welcomed us. There's one word to describe the museum, and it's dreamy. Just like the company's name.
"Here we have Dreamy Studio's very first animated show." Cieree pointed at the displayed pictures. "These are historic frames drawn by legendary artists from Techne Island."
She told us more about the pictures, and I couldn't help but be amazed by them. Sai was taking pictures of it while I was just listening to the tour guide. It's fun to know more about their history. Artists are truly admirable.
It would be better if Iseul showed up here too. It's been a while since the last time I saw something related to her. Like the portraits, calligraphies, and sculptures that I discovered before. Since these are animated ones, there's a low chance that she might appear.
We went upstairs, where more animations were placed. It's almost like an expanded version of the 2D and 3D digital art museums that we went to. But this museum has almost all the history of every piece, like their drafts and the processes they went through, even their old papers and used pens are here!
"This is the Mystic Manta Ray created by Ara Brent. She's one of the finest animators here, making one of the iconic characters this company has. For those who don't know, this show is about a mantra ray that shows up in people's dreams. It displays how people navigate their emotions and how well they handle those. Just like what they say, it is a symbol for healing and happiness." the tour guide explained.
"That's my aunt," Sai whispered to my ears.
I looked closely at the manta ray she was talking about. It's unique and catchy. It's a show for kids, and an even meaningful story for adults.
"This mystic manta ray helped thousands of people. But one day, it was trapped, and nobody dared to help it. In the end, the manta ray's soul got lost in the deep ocean, but it still chose to appear in people's dreams and help them with their fears."
Some tourists were amazed upon hearing the story. I was also stunned, as I remember someone who is a lost soul too.
"But you want to know a secret?" Cieree said. "This mystical creature helps people because it's desperate for help too."
"But nobody helped the manta ray." Sai smiled bitterly.
Iseul. I suddenly thought of her.
"Enjoy your visit! If you're planning to go to the production building, that's the pathway leading to it." Cieree pointed at the door.
Sai and I went towards it. I walked while Sai was skipping. It's her normal way of moving, and I got used to it.
"The mystic manta ray is like an anima perduta, right?" Sai said.
"Don't you think it's actually based on them?" I asked.
"Hmm... maybe? Speaking of anima perduta, have you talked to Iseul again?"
I shook my head. "She hasn't appeared yet."
"Oh, so that's why you looked like you weren't your usual self today. But let's not lose hope, she's just probably busy." She smiled and tapped my back.
I can already see the entrance to the main building. There are other tourists lining up there, so we immediately fall in line.
"I wonder what it looks like inside?" Sai said.
I'm looking forward to what's inside. I've already visited production companies before. We will probably see a few workers animating through a glass window.
A personnel person told us that we could enter the premises already. We're here inside the lobby, waiting for someone to place bracelets on our wrists before the tour.
"Wait, that boy looks familiar," Sai whispered and looked intently at someone. I also glanced at the boy who was looking at us.
Look who we have here. He's the boy I talked to last night.
"Eh? He's looking at us too." Sai immediately waved her hand, she wasn't even sure who he was.
"Yuji!" I greeted.
Sai looked at me in surprise. "What? You know him?"
I nodded, and we both approached the kid. He immediately smiled and waved at us.
"Yohan! Oh, Sai?!" Yuji looked at Sai in surprise.
"I knew it was you! You grew taller! How are you, Yuji? Where's Auntie?" Sai hugged Yuji like some sort of teddy bear.
Wow, it looks like I'm the one who's surprised here.
"Yohan, this is Yuji, my cousin!"