Chapter 3

Will 1st POV

Of all the dreams I’ve had in the past, this was one of the most realistic dreams I’ve had by far. It felt so real I actually felt pain, sadness, and fear. The worst emotions one could ever feel in their life. Never thought a dream could draw me in so much that I’d actually feel like I was dying. All I wanted to do at this point was wake up and just move on with my normal life and continue to be the person I’ve been.

Or at least that’s what I hoped…

I was laying down on a hard surface and the sun was beating down annoyingly on my face. I groan and turn over so I could get more sleep but it seems like the sun had a mind of its own and continued to shine on me, like it was reaching out to me telling me to wake up. So, reluctantly, I open my eyes thinking I was just sleeping in an awkward position and that’s why my bed felt so weird. Unfortunately I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.

Instead of being on my bed, I was on the ground in the grass, instead of seeing my nightstand, I saw I was surrounded by trees, instead of being in my house, I was in what looked like a forest.

My eyes then shoot open like fricken dinner plates. My eyes were indeed not playing tricks on me. Everything that I’m seeing at this moment was all too real. I then rolled on my back and was looking straight up with a still shocked expression. I was surrounded by trees and the sun was peeking through the branches, a light breeze was flowing through the leaves. I start to lift my body up and I wince and grunt because I feel like my body just went through the most brutal workout of my entire life. Slowly but surely I manage to sit myself up and take in a deep breath due to the aching in my body while an apparent migraine is now forming.

I bring my hand up to rub my face but my hand feels different, like there’s something on it. I pull my hand back and notice I’m wearing fingerless white gloves. My other hand has the same thing which makes me arch a brow at this. I then look at the rest of my body and I see I’m still wearing the same clothes but they’re different. I’m still wearing my jacket and it still looks the same, my white long sleeve hoodie, but my black T-shirt is no longer black and is a red vest of some sort. I look down and I’m still wearing what looks like my jeans but they feel a tad bit more loose, like I’m supposed to move more freely. My shoes are still the same but they’re less bulky but still firm at the bottom.

After I take note of the differences in my clothes, I take another look at my hands. They’re still my hands yet some how they look and feel different. I have many questions yet no answers to help me and I start to become nervous. I finally decide to pick my ass up from the ground since sitting in the middle of a forest isn’t doing anything for me. It’s a slow process since my body still aches like hell and the migraine is still there but I manage to find myself on my feet. However, as soon as I stand, I start to notice the differences of the rest of my body. Before, I was tall by most standards, just 6ft nothing to brag about. I kept in decent shape and exercised regularly so I had just enough muscle to be content with. But for some reason, I don’t feel like I usually do. In fact I feel taller, much taller and I also feel thicker but not in a fat way…

I look down at myself and realize that I’m in fact taller, about 6ft 6in if I were to guess. How I was able to shoot up half a foot I’ll never know. I take a deep breath and start to remove my clothing. First my jacket, which I lay on the ground, and then I take the bottom hem of both my shirts prepare to lift them over my head. I hesitate because I’m debating weather or not I’m ready to see what I’m about to see.

Fuck it, let’s just get this over with…, I think to myself.

In one quick motion I lift my tops over my head and toss them on my jacket. Holy shit, was I surprised… My body still had it’s somewhat lean shape but it I was also riddled with bulging muscles! My biceps, traps, pecs, abs, and deltoids looked like I was one of those body builders at muscle beach. I even flexed a bit and watched as my muscles bulge slightly. I got a little pale because not only did I have these muscles but my body had many scars covering my whole upper body, even my arms had a few scars. There was one that looked worse than the others which was what looks like a huge gash that went across my abs, like I was stabbed and the blade cut deep across my stomach. I then reached down and pulled up one of my pant legs and saw my legs had the same amount of muscle as the rest of my body. My calfs looked like I could jump 5 feet in the air.

What hell happened to me?!? Not that I’m complaining, since I look like the hottest guy on the beach… No! No, stay focused Will. You’re in an unfamiliar place and somehow have to body of an adonis., I think

As I’m contemplating my options and examining my new body, I notice that I’m a bit thirsty due to my cotton mouth. I look around for any source of water and I seem to hear what sounds like a river. With nothing better to do, put my shirts back on, grab my jacket and sling it over my shoulder, then make my way towards the sound of flowing water. As I’m walking, despite my body still aching, I take in my surroundings, the forest is a bit on the thick side. One could probably get easily lost for a good long while if they’re not careful. But at the same time it’s somewhat peaceful, I’ve always liked to go hiking in wooded areas. I notice there’s some birds chirping in the distance and other woodland creatures scampering around in the trees. Despite how peaceful this forest my be I can’t help shake the feeling in the back of my mind that it’s somewhat ominous. Before I could question why I finally make it to my goal.

It’s a simple small, clear, fresh water river. Shallow and flowing just the way I like it. I walk to the edge of the river and kneel down. I cup my hands and scoop a mouthful in them and bring it to my mouth. As soon as the refreshing liquid passes my lips, into my mouth, and down my throat I can’t help but hum in satisfaction.

“Ah, nothing like fresh river water to calm the nerves after a stressful series of events.” I tell myself.

I go back for another mouth full but I then feel something fall on the ground next to me. I look down and see what looks to be a vial of some sorts and piece of paper wrapped around it. I arch a brow and pick the items up. I unfold the paper and examine the liquid in the vial. It’s a peculiar substance, it’s clear like water but it has a faint and colorful glow. I set the vile aside and unfold the rest of the paper. I then see it has my name on it and it’s a letter for me which I then start to read.

Dear Young Youth,

If you are reading this, then I must ask you burn these words into your mind. You are likely believing that this is all a dream and you shall wake soon. Unfortunately that is not the case, what has happened to you did indeed happen. You were struck off the bridge of your home and became riddled with serious injuries and was left within an inch of your life.

My eyes widened at what I was reading, I stumbled back and fell on my ass slightly hyperventilating. I had to calm myself down and keep reading so after a few deep breaths I continued.

I unfortunately have more ill news. Due to the severity of your injuries, you had succumbed to the pain and passed away. However before you did, I offered you a chance at a second life which you accepted. You have probably noticed that your body is different in many ways and the reason for that is because I extracted your soul after you had taken your last breath and looked within your memories to find a suitable replacement for your soul to reside in. Once found I then altered your body to fit the description of your champion that you created for yourself during your youth. Your mind and soul are still one in the same but your body is different physically and soon mentally. I wish I could tell you more but know this, I chose you because I wanted to prove something to myself and to someone dear to me. The world you now reside in is nothing like the one you came from. It is peaceful but also has its dangers so I have provided you with something to assist you on your journey. The vile that came with this parchment is a special potion that will give you all the skills and knowledge you created for your champion. I understand you still have questions but rest assured, this will not be the last we speak. We shall one day meet again and I shall be waiting to provide you with the answers you seek. I wish you the best of luck and I hope to see you again, Young Youth.

Sincerely,
~F

“…What the fuck…?”

Author's Note

Yay, new chapter… hope it wasn’t too long. Still kinda new to this so bare with me if you can. Thanks for reading!