THE CHOSEN · BATTLE WITH A CERBEROSIAN PRINCE
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The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Fight or Flight
were they feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, but for the first
time on this trip, they had received an answer to one of the
many questions they had had. They still needed more questions answered, but at least they knew why they were there,
and what they were there for. The team chemistry at this
stage was the highest it had been their entire time together.
The way they were feeling in that moment, some of them
might have even gone as far as using the word “friends.”
“At this pace, you should be arriving at Camp 4 in 5 hours
and 47 minutes.”
“Thanks, Darius,” Fang replied, before relaying the
information to the rest of the team.
“You’re welcome, Fang.”
Much of the journey down to Camp 4 involved the
group talking to their Watches and playing with them.
They exchanged various tricks and features they would each
figure out. It made the trip go by swiftly.
As always, Fang figured out some distinct features
and capabilities of the Watch before the rest of the team.
Triggered by some of the comments made by one of the
others, he realized there was more to these Watches, not
so much as what they could do, but what they were. What
seemed to be casual fun with a new gadget was actually a
significant bonding experience. The Watches were designed
to be more than just aids to the group. The Watches’ ability
to give a detailed breakdown of each individual was more
than just due to its technological advances. There was an
organic component to the Watch. When the underside of
the Watch was in contact with its owner’s skin, there was
a physical fusion between the two. There was a chemical
exchange. Their energy injection was in fact a result of that
fusion, between their Watches and their arms.
“What are you, Darius?” Fang whispered.
“I am a Realms Central Processing Unit. Through this
device, I am connected to multiple networks, satellites, and my
immediate physical surroundings.”
“You know what I am asking, Darius?”
“That’s all I can disclose at this stage, Fang.”
“Whatever,” Fang exclaimed. He then gave a brief pause.
“Who am I kidding? I can’t be mad at you. You’re awesome.”
Five hours and 47 minutes later, they arrived at Camp 4.
They were expecting to find Dorjee and the sherpas waiting
for them. But the camp was empty. They took a moment to
look around: Everything was set up for them, the fridge was
stocked with food, the medical equipment was all there,
their tents had their bedding, and everything was left in
order. They found a note awaiting them in the general tent:
If you are reading this, it means you made it to the top
of Everest. Congratulations! And if you made it to the top of
Everest on your own, the descent will be no problem. We will
have the camps ready for you upon your arrival at each one,
with everything we would normally provide for you. We will
be waiting for you at Base Camp. Well done, and see you in a
few days. Dorjee.
“Aww, that’s so sweet,” said Ana.
“I know, right?” responded Pippa.
“I guess he really did believe in us,” TJ said.
“Well, you know what they say: Potential is identified by
the weak, but nurtured by the brave,” said Ethan.
“What are you talking about?” Pippa responded.
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