Fantasy
Reaching 180.80. Content Warning.
A Perspective Preface and Introduction "It's so fun to think that I had originally written the beginnings of the following tale within a comment section of an instagram reel. Regardless, I am eternally grateful to the countless heartfelt replies and encouragement of the many readers of this story. Their responses have inspired me to release the first of many adventures that is Reaching 180.80.""The story is told in a unique perspective that I believe will enhance the reader's experience. The style choice places the reader in the front seat of the tale as they venture forth from place to place through the eyes of a character. Your character will have to do their best to survive this world. Pain, danger, loneliness, loss, and the vast unknown are his foes... but will you see him through it all? From spectacles beyond measure, to the mundane of the daily—will you hear the beats of your character's anxious heart? Will you shoulder their burdens and bear them upon your very own? Will you truly see him to the very end and help him find what he's looking for? Well, if you have read and reached this far, why not embark on the reading adventure and start Reaching 180.80?" - David Zummy :)
By WriterZummy2 years ago in Fiction
A DAY IN OUR LIVES
A Day in Our Lives The morning sun gently peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. As the alarm clock buzzed, Alex reached out to silence it, savoring a few extra moments in bed before the day began. Beside them, Taylor stirred, already half-awake and ready to tackle the day.The kitchen soon filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Over breakfast, they exchanged their plans for the day—Alex had a crucial meeting at work, while Taylor was excited about a new project kickoff. Their mornings were always a blend of routine and anticipation, a shared rhythm that set the tone for the day ahead.As they headed out, the city was already bustling with life. Alex navigated through the traffic, mentally preparing for the presentations and discussions lined up. Meanwhile, Taylor took the subway, engrossed in a novel that provided a brief escape from the day's demands.At work, Alex thrived on the energy of collaboration, exchanging ideas with colleagues and strategizing for the company's next big move. The meeting was intense but fulfilling, a testament to the hard work and dedication that defined Alex's professional life. Taylor, on the other hand, found joy in creativity, sketching out designs and brainstorming with the team. The new project promised to be challenging, but Taylor loved every moment of the creative process.Evening arrived, bringing a sense of accomplishment. As they reconvened at home, Alex and Taylor shared stories from their day, celebrating small victories and offering support where needed. Dinner was a simple affair, a chance to unwind and reconnect. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared dreams.Later, they settled into their cozy living room, a book in Taylor's hands and a documentary on Alex's screen. The day's hustle gradually faded, replaced by the comfort of togetherness. They cherished these quiet moments, a balance of individual passions and shared experiences.As night fell, they reflected on their day—another chapter in their lives, filled with its own unique blend of routine and novelty. The world outside continued its ceaseless pace, but within their shared space, they found peace and purpose.
By Anita Akombo2 years ago in Fiction
Erelmach's Prime
It had all happened so suddenly, like something out of your worst nightmares. 3 had been listening to the reports the messengers had been bringing from various corners of the empire. Cities and settlements falling under attack by mysterious forces - never leaving more than a few survivors to tell the tale. Every time they went out to investigate the remains they found the same things: utter destruction, and no bodies. It wasn't until their fifth survivor of such an attack brought them a valuable piece of intel that they began to understand the severity of what was occurring. The bodies of those who fell in the attacks were distorted, and drained of almost all color - leaving a mere whisper of the features they had when they were alive. The rich mahogany and olive tones of the desert dwelling Sethis were reduced to ashen grey, and their various hair colors washed to near white - a pale imitation of their previously bright exuberant color. The most disconcerting part of this change though, was what happened after they had died.
By Daniel M Smith2 years ago in Fiction
Erelmach's Prime
"Please...MERCY!" the attacker begged - his gruff voice now hoarse from pleading. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." 3 said in a calm monotone - as he drew back his fist and drove into the side of the man's face, sending him crashing to the floor. As the rush of battle left him, a silence settled over the room and without sparing a moment he rushed back to the spot he had left Kassim covered behind the throne. Dropping his shield and hammer to the floor he gathered the bundled cloak up in his arms. "Are you hurt my prince?"
By Daniel M Smith2 years ago in Fiction
Erelmach's Prime
"Form up! Go again!" the instructor's command rang out in the brutal afternoon sun that tortured the guards during their training regiments daily. 3 evaluated the men and women he was training with, and noted the common signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration among some of them. "Instructor, it would be most prudent of you to allow them a moment's respite for water and shade. I fear some of them may suffer an extended malaise if they are pushed much harder." The guards grimaced, after 3 years of training alongside them they knew he meant nothing by it - however 3 did not experience the sensations of hunger, thirst, sweat, heat or dehydration, and his training partners couldn't help but resent him for his resilience on days like today.
By Daniel M Smith2 years ago in Fiction
Erelmach's Prime
A few weeks had passed, and 3 had grown accustomed to walking the palace grounds with his father. His thoughts were often quiet, and the constant high-pitched ramble of Erelmach "thinking out loud" gave him something to concentrate on. There were times where he would go off on tangents so long and specific that 3 would simply nod his head along and try to make sense of words like "alchemical transfusion", and "catalyzed reactions," but other times he would simply remark on the architecture that was involved in the construction of various buildings. He found that he took at least a passing interest in these discussions, when his father would explain things like "The walls are ridged and slanted in that fashion to disperse the force of siege projectiles in order to minimize their impact in the event of an assault," or "The entrances to the castle are placed strategically so that if enemy forces storm the keep the soldiers would immediately find themselves in choke points, leaving them at quite the disadvantage." These were simple concepts to 3, and he felt a surge of pride whenever he understood the concepts his father deigned to discuss with him. It did not take long for him to understand that Erelmach's mind was clearly a world apart from most others around him, and 3's mind usually had to run just to keep up.
By Daniel M Smith2 years ago in Fiction
The Journey
It is said that a long journey teaches you a lot of things. But in my case until now, it had taught me only the different versions of boredom. It was the start of the winter semester in my college, and so, I was again on a journey by train for the covering up of the distance of 800 kilometers between my hometown and my destination. Since I always travel alone, so I find new ways to pass my time, be it by reading a new novel or be it just by sleeping for most of the part of my journey. This time I had chosen the latter. It was 5 in the evening, when I woke up a little nauseous and drowsy from the extra long sleep that I have had. "It is still going to take 12 hours", I thought to myself, and with a sigh of boredom I sat by the window, since it was winter time the dusk had started to fall early and the blazing orange sky was lighting my mood. Just then the train halted at a station, and a middle-aged couple entered my coach and sat on the seat next to mine. Along with them there was a girl wearing a cream color jacket and a black trouser, I did not see her face at the first instance, as I was a complete mess after waking up, and neither had I washed my face nor my hair was brushed properly. And I did not want to ruin my first impression on her. I was deliberately avoiding any contact with the family and specially with her, and since I was a total stranger to them it was to my advantage. I had not seen her yet, but had heard her. Her voice was like melted chocolate, so smooth and so soothing, that it seemed her words were melting down my ear giving me a sensation of peace and harmony, hence calming my mind. As soon as the three were settled and were engaged in conversation, I saw a chance to silently go to the washroom and look like a human being from this planet, and so I grabbed this opportunity. When I came back from the washroom, there was a different situation awaiting me, by now now the girl was sitting by the window opposite to mine and was partly conversing with her family members and partly looking outside the window. As the train left, I sat down on my seat. This was the first time I saw her face, she had a fair complexion, with eyes so big and bright as if they could hold the entire secrets of the universe and yet would still have some space left. Her cheeks looked soft and smooth like a baby's skin, her lips were cherry pink that opened to spell only sweetness. For a moment, I just couldn't take my eyes off her face or rather I didn't want to.As the sun was setting rapidly, the dying sun rays were falling on her face as if they wanted to give their energy to her. And her face was happily accepting it, and hence was glowing with a positive aura. Then for a second she looked at me, her gleaming eyes made me senseless for a second, and then my mind jolted back, and as a quick reaction I started looking down. I was literally cursing my self at that time, that how could I be so naive to behave like a stalker. I couldn't speak a word after that, I wanted to apologize but couldn't because I was feeling shameful for my recent actions. As the train was gaining speed, the cold breeze was gushing in through the windows, making her more and more shriveled in her jacket. It was now, that I had realized that she was not quite clad for this harsh weather. As the time passed it was becoming more clear. I thought to myself I wish I could do something for her, and then it suddenly struck me. Why don't I give my blanket to her, I don't need one, I am properly clad. So I did it, I offered her my blanket, with a smile on my face, I leaned towards her a little bit and let it out to her so that she could take it. For a moment she seemed surprised by the sudden act of generosity by a stranger sitting next to her, but then she with her heart warming smile, graciously accepted it. I felt a little relieved but with a tinge of sadness because I wanted to talk with her, but again couldn't speak a word, I then just sat back, without speaking a word. Then after a few minutes, a voice as clear as the yosemite waterfall and as soft as a rose flower reached my ear saying, "Hi, thanks for the blanket, my name is Richa and you are?," while her goddess like eyes were upon me waiting for an answer, I sat there startled for a moment, then I introduced myself, and so the conversation began. The conversation we had was long, it seemed as if we had known each other for a long time. Her charisma, and vibrant nature never made me feel that I was a complete stranger to her. I never wanted this conversation to end, but it did as her destination arrived. And since that day, we are friends and I hope we remain forever. It is said that good memories are etched into the mind, but my this meeting with her has been etched in my heart, and she with her grace and adorable eyes will always remain there.
By Kabir Khan2 years ago in Fiction
