Project Anima

By Craig James

Many claim that a perfect world should be the end goal for humanity, the height of a civilization that makes our ancestors proud, but at what cost? How far are we willing to go in this pursuit of a utopia? Project Anima is a thought-provoking short story that embraces this madness in an entertaining and sometimes frightening way to those who believe this concept may be real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craig James
• Release date: Jul 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005249830

Book preview

PROJECT ANIMA

Could you stand in the way of a perfect world?

By Craig James

Copyright Notice

All rights reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means without prior written permission from the publisher.

Publisher: Craig James

Contact information: [e-mail]

Date of Publication: July 2021

About Author

I’m somewhat of an enigma who’s still discovering themself as time goes on but one thing that remains true no matter the stage of my life and that is my love and appreciation for writing. My writing style might be a bit unusual to some because I enjoy leaving certain aspects to the imagination of the reader to input their own perceptions for a more unique experience rather than imposing my own, unless its fantasy of course. I try to offer an enjoyable but also easily digestible reading experience with all my works.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Final Chapter

Chapter 1

‘Why are you doing this?" Cynthia asked panicked.

The young man remained silent as he continued to tighten the ropes around her body. The fear that swallowed her was almost visible as she helplessly sat there beaten and bruised.

Is it money you want for what we did to you? Just tell me please I’m sure I can have something sorted out!

Her desperate pleads fell on deaf ears as the young man kept on doing what he seemed to have been planning for a while now with unnerving focus and intent.

Could you imagine what it was like for us? The young man's words were spoken calmly yet it carried a lot of weight behind it, Cynthia tried to look into his eyes but couldn’t. All she saw was a space devoid of any remnants of humanity, a space she helped create.

Look at me. He said as he stepped closer. Aren’t you guys proud of your work? Wasn’t this what you wanted? Cynthia closed her eyes tightly like a child hoping that it would protect her from the impending danger or maybe she hoped that this was all just a dream.

I’m sorry, Cynthia said softly.

Well, if only that meant something now. He replied. The young man left the garage so Cynthia could wallow in her guilt some more then he returned with a black bag that was emitting a rather foul scent.

W-what is that? She asked.

Do you remember the stories you normally told me while I was there? I enjoyed the ones rooted in the Greek mythology lore. He began to smother the contents of the bag all over Cynthia as if he was preparing her for a ritual. Her breathing started to get jagged again as the blood and almost rotten animal flesh caressed her skin as the tears started to fall freely from her eyes.

There was one that stood out to me though. He said as he covered her mouth with duct tape. I enjoyed the story about Hades and the underworld but most importantly Cerberus. Cynthia's eyes widened with shock as she caught on to what he was doing.

The creature Cerberus, a multi-headed dog that’s responsible for guarding the gates of the underworld to ensure that the tormented and dark souls won’t escape. Souls-like yours.

The young man raised the garage door revealing two chained pit bulls that began to bark and snarl at Cynthia.

Tonight I’m going to correct the mistake of Cerberus.

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As a detective, something that often plagued my mind was what truly makes someone good or evil? You see our perception of the two relies heavily upon our moral compass, so anyone is capable of justifying their actions as morally correct to themselves to act on. So is there truly good and