Chapter one:

The life of Chase

It was the beginning of a new day for me, the sun rising in the horizon and I stood looking out my window, as I did every morning. My name is Chase, and if you didn't look at me twice, I'd assume you noted me from the corner of your eye- just looking like any normal man going about his everyday life. I had been living here all my life and there was something special about the place, especially around this time of year when the sun shone brightly and the sky was so clear.

I sipped my morning cup of coffee, savoring all of the unique flavors that it had. I knew that no matter the day, I could always depend on my cup of coffee to give me a little bit of energy for the day ahead. Brushing a few strands of my dark hair over my forehead, I grabbed my keys and exited my apartment, looking forward to the day.

When I stepped out, I was met with the same familiar faces as always, each setting off to their morning routine. There was John, a local barista at the shop next door who always had a funny joke or two before starting his workday. And the couple next-door were walking their dog before work, them exchanging a smile and a wave as they crossed my path. It was nice to see the same faces each day; it made me feel as if I belonged here.

As I made my way to the bus stop, my thoughts drifted towards my career. I worked in the marketing field and although I had been working on the same project for about a year now, I was still finding new ways to keep it exciting. I made sure to put my all into each task no matter how mundane or creative it was; properly decorating a presentation was just as important to me as crafting a clever headline.

The bus stop was a few feet away and I could hear the bus in the distance. I made sure to keep my distance from the rest of the people around me as I waited for the bus to arrive. As it did, the driver waved me aboard and I obliged before taking a seat.

When the bus made it to the end of the street, I stepped off and made my way to the office. This day, like many others, was uneventful and I was soon settling down in front of my computer, working on the latest assignment.

The only remarkable thing that happened that day was a phone call from an old friend. He had recently started his own business and wanted some advice from me regarding his next marketing campaign.

We talked for what seemed like hours before I finally hung up, my head spinning with all of the different ideas he had thrown my way. His enthusiasm was contagious and I found myself filled with a newfound enthusiasm. It was nice to reconnect with an old friend and later that evening, I browsed through the various marketing plans I had come up with for his business.

Before I knew it, the sun had set and it was time to head back home. I walked back along the streets, feeling content with how the day had gone. It was nice to have a chat with an old friend and the marketing plans I'd come up with were a nice bonus too. I couldn't wait to put them into action.

The familiar faces of the morning were still there, some of them waving goodbye as I made my way past them. As I opened my apartment door, I knew that tomorrow would bring its own surprises and I couldn't wait for it to next morning came and when I woke up I did my usual morning routine and headed to work but on my way there,I saw a massive truck heading towards me and I couldn't get out the way in vision blurred and time seemed to stop; I could feel my soul slipping away.

The last thing I heard was a voice. 'Fear not, Chase. You will rise again, for you shall be reborn.'

Then darkness.

When I awoke, I felt different. My body felt strange, as if someone else had replaced my own. I was no longer a simple Imperial Guard soldier, but something more, like a vessel for something greater. I thought hard, struggling to remember my past life, but it was all gone, replaced by a profound emptiness.

Slowly I rose to my feet, and noticed my unfamiliar surroundings. I had awoken in the middle of a battlefield, the battle between my side and the Tyranids was still raging. I ran towards the nearest Imperial Guard commander and shouted, "where am I? Who am I?"

The commander paused, seemingly shocked by my sudden appearance. "You're one of the Emperor's Chosen," he said at last. "You have been chosen to receive the divine gifts of his power, to fight alongside his loyal servants, and to help us vanquish these alien scourges."

It felt as if I was dreaming. Was this really happening? I looked around, taking in my surroundings. The planet was covered in ash and dust from the explosion, and the sky was filled with smoke. I could hear the roar of tanks and guns blasting on the battlefield and feel the sand beneath my feet. It was clear that this was no mere dream.

This was real.

The commander motioned for me to join the fight and without hesitation I leapt forward, running towards the enemy. As I ran, I could feel the energy within me, propelling me forward as if I were being guided by a divine force. I may not have remembered my past, but I was sure of one thing: I was reborn to protect the Emperor's throne.

Amidst the chaos of battle, I felt a strange power in my limbs. I was not just an Imperial Guard soldier- I was something more. I fought harder, pushing forward as I drove the Tyranids away. My blades glowed with a strange energy and it all felt as if I were being guided by a force unknown to me.

The battle was quickly won and we emerged victorious. The commander offered me his thanks, and told me I had been chosen by a higher power to fight for the Emperor's cause. I still do not know what force brought me to this planet, or who it was that gifted me this strange power.

But I do know one thing: what I had experienced was no mere dream. It was real.

It was a rebirth.