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

32 33 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Journey to Sagarmatha “We are here. That will be 1,500 rupees.” Sudip had noticed TJ’s near panic attack when they were outside the airport. He hoped to take advantage of that. “Sudip, did we not agree on 1,000 rupees?” TJ said taking out his wallet. Sudip looked back at him and smiled. “Thank you, Sudip.” TJ handed him the money, smiled back at him, and got out of the taxi. Before he drove off, Sudip counted the money. It was 2,000 rupees. He rolled down the window and shouted, “Thank you, Mr. TJ!” TJ smiled and raised his arm to acknowledge him, as he made his way to the entrance. It felt like he was in a different city, or at least a different part of the city. And yet the hotel was in the city. It was as though they were surrounded by a mini forest. The trees had a distinct, bright green color, chartreuse-like but not quite that bright. It was halfway into spring in Nepal, so the plants were at their prime. The architecture of the hotel was similar to what he had seen online when he was researching the city. One of the hotel employees would later inform him that this particular hotel had an architectural style that was inspired by the Nepalese pagoda style, a building design that was common in the Southeast and East Asia region. It was all very pleasing to the eyes. It also had a very serene feel to it. All the stress he had experienced half an hour ago was but a blur at this moment. He entered the hotel and went directly to the front desk. “Hello sir, how can we help?” “Hi, my name is Tristan Lewis…” This was the moment of truth. Over 10,000 miles travelled. Fourty-plus hours. Two red eyes. And harassment by local taxi drivers. Now was the time for the big reveal. How funny would it be if he said, “Sorry sir, we don’t have your name in our system,” he thought to himself in a moment of anxiety and fear. “Yes, Mr. Lewis. Here is your key card, sir. You will be in the executive suite, on the seventh floor.” “Thank you,” TJ replied. “Once you are settled, sir, your presence is requested in the conference room by 18:00.” Fifteen minutes to go up to the room, take a shower, and gather my thoughts. “Let’s do this,” TJ said to himself. He hadn’t taken a shower since he left LA. Moving as quickly as he could, he went to his room. When he was done with everything, heading back down to the conference room, he realized he was a few minutes late. He hoped that wouldn’t be a problem. But he didn’t know how that would even be a problem, since he didn’t know what to expect. When he reached the door, he started to feel a little nervous. Yet he also felt a slight sense of relief. He would finally find out what was going on. He took a deep breath, exhaled, and opened the door. He saw a large table in the center of the room with a few people seated around the table. “Hi,” said one girl. “My name is Luciana, but everyone calls me Ana. I’m from Argentina. What’s your name?” Her hand was outstretched, waiting to shake his hand. Ana was short, had brunette hair tied up in a ponytail, and was wearing glasses.