Shawn, hey Shawn! Are you even listening to what I'm saying?"
Jean, a 13-year-old boy, waved a hand in front of Shawn's face. It was Shawn's birthday—he had just turned 13 that day—but as usual, his mind was elsewhere.
"You're always lost in thought. Do you even enjoy your childhood?" Jean complained. "You act like an old man drowning in financial problems. Sometimes, I just want to crack open that little brain of yours and see what's going on inside."
He threw a crumpled piece of paper at Shawn, snapping him out of his thoughts. Shawn blinked and looked up. "Sorry, Jean. I was trying to figure out how to build a machine that can produce water. It's difficult to find the right components to compress oxygen and hydrogen at the correct temperature without causing an explosion—or having water form inside the chamber too soon. But anyway, what were you saying?"
Jean sighed dramatically. "Have you seriously forgotten? Today's the day we're going to Presvile Labs for the group science presentation! We're supposed to present our self-sustaining electricity system—the one that only needs access to a water source to function. You're the one representing our team, and guess what? The Mayor is going to be there too! We need to get ready and head to the parking lot before our teacher gives us instructions."
With that, Jean disappeared into the bathroom for a quick shower while Shawn packed their materials into a backpack.
The two had been best friends since preschool. Though Jean was a few months older, their bond had always been strong. They were students at Jadeview Academy—one of the top elite schools in the world, known for only accepting students with extraordinary intellectual abilities.
Today was a special occasion. Their school had been given the rare privilege to attend an annual scientific conference at Presvile Laboratories—one of the most technologically advanced companies in the world. It was a chance to witness firsthand how leading scientists solved problems that others deemed impossible.
After getting ready, Shawn and Jean joined their classmates at the parking lot, where a private vehicle from Presvile Labs was waiting to pick them up, along with their teachers.
As soon as they arrived at the lab, their teacher, Mr. Lean, addressed the group. "I hope you all had a good night's rest and are prepared for your presentation. It's natural to be nervous, but remember—no matter what happens, your teachers and parents will be proud of you for your courage."
Jean grinned and nudged Shawn. "By the way, happy birthday, my friend."
He handed Shawn a small, gift-wrapped box covered in shimmering paper.
"Thanks, Jean. But what is—? Oh wow! The Prime Watch!" Shawn's eyes lit up with excitement. "This is the best watch Presvile Labs has ever made—it costs a fortune! You're the best, Jean. And thanks for remembering my birthday. I almost forgot about it myself."
Jean waved off the gratitude. "Don't mention it. Being your friend is priceless, and I don't mind spending a bit to get you something special."
Smiling, Shawn strapped the watch onto his wrist as they stepped into the grand premises of Presvile Labs. They were assigned an escort who gave them a tour before leading them to a vast auditorium, where a section had been reserved for the young participants.
After the opening speeches and formalities—most of which Jean jokingly referred to as 'blah blah blah'—it was finally time for the student presentations.
Shawn led his team's demonstration, explaining their project with confidence. The audience, which included esteemed scientists and even the Mayor, listened intently. After forty minutes of questions and answers, the presentation concluded with a round of applause.
"You did great, Shawn."
"Well done! You've made our school proud."
Mr. Lean patted Shawn's back and handed him a bottle of water.
As the event continued, Shawn turned to Jean. "Didn't you say your big brother works here?"
Jean nodded. "Yep! Do you want to meet him? I can get in touch with him faster than anyone else here." He smirked playfully.
"Yeah, please. I want to ask him about an idea I've been working on."
Jean grinned. "No problem. But first, let's take a quick break."
Shawn stood up. "I'll be right back. I need to use the washroom."
He hurried off, his mind still preoccupied with scientific ideas. In his distraction, he failed to notice the small sign posted along the hallway leading to the restrooms:
'Slippery Floor. Watch Your Step.'
Before he realized what was happening, his foot slid forward, and he lost balance. His body lurched backward, and with a sickening thud, his head slammed against the tiled floor.
'Is this how I die? No, I can't! I have to meet Jean's brother… My parents need me… I can't die now…'
He struggled to move, but his body refused to respond. A deep pain pulsed through his skull, and darkness slowly crept into his vision.
'Fate is cruel… This was supposed to be my day… and yet…'
His thoughts faded into silence as the void claimed him.
SOMEWHERE IN THE UNIVERSE
Far away, in a realm beyond mortal understanding, a stunning woman sat deep in thought. Her piercing blue eyes glowed with intelligence, framed by flowing blonde hair. Every inch of her curvaceous figure seemed as if it had been sculpted by the hands of a divine artisan. She wore a regal purple dress beneath a flowing white robe, her presence exuding authority and grace.
She sat upon a golden throne, one of six in the grand chamber. Four were unoccupied—only two claimed. To her right, one of the thrones radiated a faint light, signifying that its owner had already been chosen.
In her hand, she held a scepter adorned with a pristine white diamond, its facets reflecting an ethereal glow.
"Looks like everything is in place," she murmured. "It will be done soon."
Raising her scepter, she called out in a voice that resonated through the cosmos. "Come forth." The voice shook the heavens, but also was comforting enough to calm the chaos in it.
A brilliant white light engulfed the space around her. It shimmered, pulsing like a living entity, before coalescing into the form of a young boy.
"Welcome, Shawn."