Part I: Six Packages, Six Journeys, One Big Wooden Door

86 87 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince 1st Projection you exist, and they will try to stop you at all costs. So, in order to prepare you for this task ahead, we have set up various destinations for you, where you will receive everything you will need to be informed and well equipped. For now this is all I can say. This is all we can reveal. “Good luck, and we hope to see you soon, in person.” He was done. As suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared. They all stood in silence, taking everything in— where they were, what the mysterious man said, what lay ahead. A few moments after the man was done speaking, their Watches turned on. Almost in a trance-like state, they were all motionless. Yet they could feel something happening to them. Their hands began to quiver. Something was moving inside them—in their bloodstream. It wasn’t painful, though. From her shortest strand of hair to her pink painted toenails, Pippa could feel movement. She felt different. While they were all perplexed by what they were going through, Ana couldn’t stop smiling. There was a peaceful, calmness to the foreign experience. Even in their daze, they could all relate to her response. None of them felt threatened or fearful. No anxiety. When all was said and done, it actually felt… good? They regained control of their bodies. Lifting their hands, they each took a moment to analyze themselves. Looking at their hands, back and front, they could find no alterations. Looking at the rest of their arms, followed by looking at their legs, and around the rest of their bodies, they were fine. “What just happened?” Ethan asked. No one responded. They were still trying to figure out everything that had happened in the past 15 minutes. “No, like, for real. What just happened?” “Bruh…” TJ responded. “That was the weirdest thing I have ever experienced,” said Tumi. “That was awesome!” said Ana. “Wow,” Fang responded in amazement. “So many questions,” TJ said. With a slight rattle, they slowly began to go back up. Their surroundings were no longer as significant or as intimidating as they once seemed. All they could think about was the man in the cave. And the strange feeling they felt in their bodies. As they reached the top of the mountain, they were immediately welcomed by the swift mountain-top breeze. Yet it felt different. Suddenly, Fang spoke, “Hey, did you guys notice our Watches. They’ve got a bunch of numbers. It’s not just the time.” “Yes, you’re right, Fang. They seem to be showing our vitals,” Tumi noted. “Wait, are our bodies really that warm right now? How is that possible?” Pippa asked. “Yes, I’m not cold anymore,” said Ana. “Yeah, come to think of it, me too,” Ethan responded. “Woah, it shows our oxygen levels. And if you swipe to your left, you can see the rest of your vitals,” said Fang. “I feel good right now,” exclaimed TJ. “I could climb Everest one more time, and then some.”