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

116 117 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Entering the Forbidden “So…” “Ah yes, you must all be wondering how we will be travelling from here to our next destination then,” Theo said, taking his cellphone out of his pocket. He navigated on it for a few seconds, then placed it back in his pocket. Within seconds, right in front of where they were all standing, an aircraft appeared. They all had a flabbergasted look on their faces. “This. Is. Amazing!” Fang said. “This is next level, super advanced tech you must be using, Theo.” Theo had finally received his first fan. He didn’t let it show, but the hostile welcome he had received had gotten to him a bit, although he understood the nature of the situation. Theo was trying to build a relationship with each member of the team as quickly as possible. They had a long journey ahead, and much of that journey would require the team to spend a lot of time with Theo. “This is our means of transportation, ladies and gentlemen,” Theo said. “I present to you, the AAMBA005.” The aircraft was a sight to behold. It was about the size of a private jet, though it looked nothing like a private jet or any traditional plane. It looked like a hybrid of aircrafts one might see in a sci-fi movie. It was made up of a variety of metal panels on the outside, with a large glass in the front, covering the nose of the aircraft, all throughout the front and upper portion. Its wings had a sharp, sleek design and carried impressive-looking engines underneath. A few lights subtly illuminated the contours of the aircraft, while still maintaining its stealth-like presence. “This is quite the work of art, I must say,” Tumi responded. “Man, I do feel reassured knowing we are travelling in that,” said TJ. “It’s so pretty!” Ana added. “Can we go inside?” “Please, be my guests,” Theo said walking towards the aircraft. The excitement of the aircraft, for a brief moment, took their minds off everything that had happened. They took a final look behind them, taking it all in. Two months ago they arrived at this unknown location, not knowing what to expect. They endured their own respective journeys and sacrifices to get here. They didn’t know one another. They were forced to bond and get close with five strangers. They had to push their bodies to the limit and risk their lives, all while trying to get as many answers as possible. And yet, this was only a part of this mysterious journey. And so they waved one last time to Dorjee and his team as they made their way into the aircraft. The aircraft closed behind them, and they were airborne. Theo made sure to give them some time to get settled in the aircraft. He had hoped they would get comfortable, chat amongst themselves for a little bit, and then he would address them. It wasn’t even five minutes before they were all out cold, as to be expected, given the day they had had. Days, really. Their bodies were both physically and emotionally drained. Theo decided not to wake them up. He knew the flight ahead would be quite a long one, so he chose to let them rest.