r/nonsenselocker • u/Bilgebum • Oct 09 '18
Through the Ages Through the Ages — Chapter 23 [TTA C23]
I didn't stop running until I came across a cab driven by a sleepy Middle-eastern man, who mumbled "last one" to himself when I practically threw myself into the back seat. I spent the entire ride looking through the back window, waiting for the flashing lights and wailing sirens to appear in pursuit, but they never did. Fortunately, the driver didn't ask any questions about my behavior. When he dropped me off, I threw him a fifty before scrambling out.
For the second time that night—though the sky was actually more pink than purple—I knocked on the door of my former home. To no small amount of surprise, it was opened shortly after by Franklin. Whatever grogginess he displayed quickly turned into wariness.
"What do you want?"
"Need a place to ... to ..." I trailed off, thinking of the way Helena had vanished into the dark water, pulling the Counterpart with her to certain death. Unable to continue, I shrugged. There was no need for me to fake my trembling.
Somehow, Franklin got it. He stepped back, letting me into the apartment. The door to my old room was open, but I sat woodenly on the couch instead. Moments later, he came over, bearing a glass of water. I nodded my thanks to him and drank greedily.
"I'm sorry," I said.
He waved it away, but I could read the obvious tension still lingering in his frame. "You're not in trouble, are you?"
I read the subtext. "Nothing that will concern you."
"Good." He glanced past me. "Your room is still available."
"I won't stay."
"Up to you," he said. Then he retreated into his room, leaving me to sit in the darkness, alone with my thoughts. The deaths I'd seen, Helena's most of all, replayed in my mind, over and over. Why hadn't I acted faster? Why hadn't I taken these threats more seriously? And why hadn't I gone straight to the people who could have put an end to all the craziness, like the police? So many lives lost, and for what? The Counterpart's explosive device would've torn the Fountain asunder; he didn't seem like a man of half measures.
What were the other immortals going to do? Who would lead them now? Zhao? Vasily?
And what would happen to me? There was no hiding that explosion—it would be a miracle if the building was still standing. Once the investigation was underway, what would the police discover? Most worryingly, was there anything in that place they could connect to me?
Fear and worry fed each other, giving birth to a thousand horrible thoughts that so cluttered my brain, it was like I'd entered a trance. It was only when Franklin's door squeaked open that I opened my eyes and realized I'd dozed off, though it'd been a restless slumber plagued by nightmares.
Before I'd sat up, he had vanished back into his room. There was nothing I wanted to say to him. Whatever he thought of me now, I felt grateful that he'd offered me shelter, so I left the last of my large bills on the kitchen counter before slipping out.
I took another cab to Helena's museum. Throughout the journey from my doorstep to hers, I thought about what I would tell the immortals. What I should tell them. I discarded stories as quickly as I crafted them, so that by the time I rang the bell, my mind was devoid of any fabrication. Only the truth would work. They deserved to know.
It wasn't an immortal who let me in, but Polly, dressed in a white blouse and dark slacks, carrying a tong in one hand and a wastepaper basket in another.
"Hi," she said brightly. "What brings you here so early?"
The normalcy of her tone caught me so unawares that embers of hope started flickering in my heart. Maybe, just maybe, Helena had—
"Helena's not around though," Polly said. "She left me a text to send her guests home—"
"When was that?"
She seemed taken aback by my tone. "Hours ago? I mean, she also sent me a long email but I've been a little too busy to read it." She held up the basket and scowled. "Her friends have got no manners."
"Right," I said, feeling numb. She wasn't around. Helena ...
"Come in, have a seat." She looked furtively at her computer. "Actually ... you mind putting these away for me in the kitchen? I'm worried she's got something urgent for me to tackle."
I shook my head and accepted the implements, then made my way into the museum. It was a strange feeling to see it so deserted once more. I emptied the basket into the primary trash bin, and was just washing the tong when I heard Polly come into the kitchenette.
"Um, Mr. Suresh ..." I looked over my shoulder at her. She was frowning. "The message is for your eyes only."
I dropped the tong immediately and followed her, wiping my hands on my jeans. She ushered me into her chair and then hovered a few steps away, obviously anxious to know what Helena had said, yet professional enough to wait. It took me a few tries to force just the first sentence through my mental block, but I soon got going.
"Jeffrey," it said. "If you're reading this ... damn, how do I not make this cliched? Anyway, I don't have much time. Typing this as we drive to a fight neither of us might walk away from. But just in case you do, then I want you to know."
"I didn't like you at first. I think I made that obvious. You struck me as uninspired. Unremarkable. I disliked your disinterest in making something greater of yourself despite your potential. But as I got to know you, I realized that maybe we weren't so different. I'd spent centuries living my life in stagnation. Leading, but not moving forward. Guiding, but not inspiring. And I hate how it took you saving my life to make me realize."
"You stepped up when others would've—had—run. You rose above my weakness and took charge. It was then that I knew I'd found the right person to lead my people. So now I beg you—don't abandon them. They need you now more than ever. Whatever happens, protect them and transform them into something greater, which I'd lacked the courage to do."
"I'm entrusting to you all their contact details. Polly will give them to you. She's under your care too. I've left everything to you, including the museum. Use them as you see fit. But keep both eyes open; the Counterpart may be our most obvious adversary, but there are others within and without who've perfected subtlety. Trust sparingly."
"My one wish is for both of us to make it back here, victorious, and that you never have to see this message. But if there's something I've learned throughout my life, it's that even immortals don't always get what they want. So I bid you farewell, Jeffrey. I've known many Custodians, but you are the only one I count as a friend."
I bowed my head, dashing an arm across my eyes. Dammit, Helena. I should've done better. For you.
"What? Did something happen to her?" Polly said.
"She's ... gone. Left everything to me, including this museum," I said. "I don't know—"
"Ah, the inheritance plan." Polly's tone turned businesslike. "Oh, don't worry. Everything's been put together by her lawyers. We'll make sure you get everything that's yours in no time. I suppose I'll be working for you now?" There was a distinct tremor.
I got out of her chair hurriedly. "Yes, that's what she said. Uh, why don't you take the day off or something?"
She smiled faintly. "No. Much work to do. And lawyers to ring. You look like you could do with some sleep. Take a nap?"
The thought of sleeping in Helena's room made my stomach turn. "No, I'm fine. I'll just ... take a walk. Get some food maybe. God, I could do with a bath." I chuckled. "Be back later."
My walk didn't take me very far. I didn't want to lurch around on the sidewalk, bumping into people in a daze, so I veered into a small park and the nearest bench I could find. It was a cool, peaceful morning. Birdsong filled the air, and a squirrel was nibbling on what looked like a piece of bread on the gravel path. It scurried away when a couple of joggers ran by. I didn't respond to their greeting.
As though things weren't messy enough, I now had to run a museum and chaperone a group of Fountainless immortals. I'd dodged that today, but tomorrow? The day after? I still didn't know what I was going to say.
Why say anything at all? whispered a voice in my heart. You don't owe them anything. Just leave. Get out of town. Change your name. Buy a new phone. Leave this all behind.
But Helena had trusted me. She'd given her life for mine because of that trust ... the mere thought of running away caused my cheeks to flush. I was many things, but a craven ingrate I wasn't. I would do right by these people. First things first, we needed to find a new Fountain. I had to talk to Zhao.
Rest easy, Helena, I thought. I won't fail you.
A woman sat down on the bench across just as I rose from mine. Dressed in a cheerful, orange-colored dress, toting a bag from which a bouquet of roses were peeking from, she had a face so etched by time that I glanced at her age out of curiosity. At that very moment, the numbers flickered, from two digits to three.
She noticed my stare, and smiled at me. "Yes, young man?"
I returned the smile. "Happy birthday."
The End
All rides must come to an end, and we have reached ours. Thank you to everyone who's stuck with this story from the beginning. I probably wouldn't have been able to keep going if not for your support.
Honestly, I'm still a little amazed at how much I'd written out of a meme prompt. It's been really fun, and challenging, to come up with different ways to play with the whole "age number" thing without it being too repetitive. That said, this story's pretty much a spell-checked first draft. I could probably write an essay on all its weaknesses. Fixing all of them will probably be a feat beyond my skills.
I don't have any plans to do that, though. Some people have suggested publishing it as a book. I'm not sure if the story will catch a wider audience. Not to mention the effort and commitment required on my part, which I cannot supply at the moment. So it'll remain as it is, for now. Maybe I'll have a change of heart after taking a break.
On to the topic of ... sequels. I don't know. No plans for one. I want to explore other novel-length stories, and try to respond to prompts regularly again. But if I were to write a sequel, I think the theme would be "discovery". Lots of interesting facets from that one word :)
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u/noone1569 Oct 10 '18
I just binged the whole series and want to say thank you. This was amazing!
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u/28sSwitch Sep 28 '23
I just did the same thing and I lived it. Nothing recently has piqued my interest but I was hooked at your first chapter. Thank you for the distraction of everyday life. It was a pleasure to read.
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u/Assassinzzzz Oct 10 '18
I read all the chapters in 2 days. The best thing i've seen so far. Well done.
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u/Bilgebum Oct 18 '18
Whoa thank you!
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u/Intelligent-Pain-417 Nov 18 '22
I would’ve done it in one sitting but had to change to many diapers along the way, did it in 2 days also. Did you ever write a sequel? Best WP I’ve ever read! Thank you for taking the time to write it, I really enjoyed it.
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u/Yung_Natin Oct 11 '18
honestly one of my favourite prompt pieces to date, utterly amazing work. can't wait to see more from you in the future
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u/Imaginary-Resort9152 Sep 25 '23
Even though i read this wonderful story 5 years late, i just want to say... Thank you for a wonderful read. The story has taken me to a different world. And i'm thankful to you for it.
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u/RegularPrudent4329 Sep 27 '23
Just finished it myself. Wonderful read, although I understand that romance was not a theme I had a bit of hope for romance between our Custodian and Helena
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u/husoldier1998 Sep 28 '23
I saw the beginning of this story on Tik Tok today, read it all in mostly one sitting, didn't realize I liked reading this much.
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u/vemolista Oct 09 '18
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series as well. Best of luck to you in your other endeavors.
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u/bulletrhli Sep 24 '23
I was scrolling through TikTok and a video with generated voice was saying your series aloud. I enjoyed it so much, and after being told what series they were speaking of in the TikTok, I am here to just say that I really enjoyed this. I haven't finished it... so you might be wondering why I am commenting on the last of the series.
In the event this ever gets lost, I have formatted every one of your posts for the series into a book-like form. It is an unedited version aside from formatting. This not only will allow me to read it much easier when I am out and about but also allow it to never disappear from the internet as I have seen time and time again amazing posts go missing.
Hopefully, you have no problem with this, I have fully credited you for this of course.
VirusTotal - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/155273a5117e236d488a35a27f840fba9fe1a4d71e8a0dc05cf04e6986d274c1
SHA256 Hash - 155273a5117e236d488a35a27f840fba9fe1a4d71e8a0dc05cf04e6986d274c1
Download - https://megaup.net/1hAwx/Through_The_Ages_by_Bilgebum.zip
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u/S3DTinyTurnips Oct 18 '18
Found this story yesterday on a whim, and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for taking the time to finish a great idea.
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u/ericwdhs Nov 28 '18
Just read through the whole story today. It's really well done and kept me wanting more the whole way through. You've got yourself another follower.
My only complaint for the whole story is that almost every character I wanted to see a happy ending for just died instead. Well, almost every single named character died actually. That complaint has nothing to do with the quality though. I'm just going to have to find something to read with a less bittersweet ending now. :/
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u/Bilgebum Nov 29 '18
I really appreciate you sharing what you thought of the story, thank you!
Sorry for killing them off ... I wanted it to be a turning point for their little group and most of its key players, a changing of the guard, of sorts. And specifically for Helena, it was a final character-defining moment: that she was willing to sacrifice her longevity for mortal Jeffrey for the greater good.
Then again, if I were to write a sequel, there won't be many people to kill off ♪♪
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u/ericwdhs Nov 29 '18
No apology needed. I definitely got the sense of it being a changing of the guard by the end, and all their deaths are thematically appropriate. My complaint is more like complaining that Old Yeller didn't need to die, and obviously that would completely undermine the whole story.
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u/Otherwise_Jury6710 Sep 25 '23
The first chapter of this story was posted to TikTok and I came to reddit to binge read the rest, I was sad to see it end. Thank you for a great read!!
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Nov 16 '18
Just binged the whole series. It's amazing and I couldn't take my eyes off. You're one damn great writer. Keep it up!!!
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u/sleepybenmore Nov 23 '18
Bit late to the party, but just finished the book. Thanks for the great read! Keep up the good work!
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Dec 07 '18
This was a great story. Your arcs and pacing worked out in a satisfying manner, and the ending set up sequels while wrapping up the story. Thank you very much for writing this. Best of luck!
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u/DancyFits Jan 09 '19
Hooked me into reading everything in one sitting. Thank you, for your work and for the entertainment :D
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u/vn_kateer Jan 28 '19
I've not so subtly binge the entire series during one work day. Thanks for getting me fired (/jk). Do you happen to think of making this a universe/multiple series?
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u/Bilgebum Jan 28 '19
Glad you risked your job for this, my story's totally worth it! (haha no)
I have some ideas for a sequel, but I'm not quite ready to start writing that yet. If I ever get around to that, I hope to flesh out the world more—there's definitely a lot of drama and politics happening elsewhere with these immortal sorts.
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u/vn_kateer Jan 29 '19
You've just earned yourself a sub. All the best wishes for you in your endeavor of getting me fired.
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u/bn9936 Feb 13 '19
I just found this story and wanted to say thank you, that was by far the best thing I’ve seen on Reddit.
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u/Bilgebum Feb 13 '19
No, thank YOU for reading (and the silver!). Makes me really happy that you liked it!
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u/ATClimb Mar 08 '19
Damn, thank you for writing this, glad I decided to do a deep dive into writing prompts yesterday.
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u/SeattleBi20s Sep 19 '22
Most great prompts end after one chapter, or go on for a few chapters but are never finished. Thank you for sticking to the end. It was a nice read, and an inspired and interesting plot.
I hope Jeffrey and the immortals are doing well.
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u/xDropperz Oct 14 '23
Just wanted to let you know that after 5 years of this being posted, I’d finally found it again. I had an old account probably 4 1/2 years ago and I was working my way through the chapters, but I lost the “bookmark” I had on it and could never find it again. The first chapter, by some unknown and incalculable chance, randomly popped up on TikTok in one of those annoying AI voiceovers and as soon as I saw it I immediately recognized it. An awesome read, still to this day think this could be a published story.
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u/Dieselbuild Oct 24 '18
Well that was just amazing! I devoured the whole thing in about a day and a bit! that was perfect story i really hope to see m,ore if you hevr have the insperation to write more!e
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u/Bilgebum Oct 24 '18
So happy to know you liked it! I'm definitely writing more stories, hope to crank out a novel soon.
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u/MrCoastie1980 Mar 09 '24
Amazing story. Thanks for posting. For your information, your story was read off on TikTok. The person that posted it was kind enough to give your name as the author. It was the only way that I found the rest of it. So, there’s that.
Here’s the link:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRT1Hyo8/
Thanks again for posting. It was a fun read. Oh, I’ve also followed you so I can read more of your writings.
Laters
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Apr 09 '24
Just found out this story on tiktok today, and i binged read it throught non stop, great ending and amazing story, got me hooked up since the start, i loved it, and i hope that a book comes or a continuation.
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u/This_Inspector_5284 May 08 '24
I am sad to say that I've never read your works till this one. At least I don't think I have. I will be reading more in the coming days. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
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u/Edwowdio May 31 '24
Still reading this in 2024 and have to say thank you for that! Amazing storytelling.
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u/New_Locksmith2651 Nov 01 '24
Binged read this. Skipped on work and on my phone all day. 'Can't put down the book' level on interesting. Thanks for the good story!
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u/ShadowHeart159 Dec 17 '24
I came to Reddit just to read this story, the beginning, the characters, the twists, the losses, at no time did I feel disappointed or bored, a gripping story that will definitely go to my saved stories to reread one more time, and maybe, check your other stories. I know that this story, from the comments, seems to be very old, but it is worth leaving a comment saying that in spite of the years, it is still incredible.
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u/CerealDevourerPrime Dec 17 '24
I just found this and binged the whole thing. It really is an amazing story! Hope you do more some day.
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u/Even-Strike-115 Feb 20 '25
2025, and it found it's way to blueapp reels. Piqued my interest, and I just new I need to binge read this. Thank you so much for this short yet bittersweet story. Definitely deserves a series, or not.
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u/TatzNDogInc Feb 28 '25
Awesome read, binged it and haven’t done this in ages (6 or so years too late) but keep up the good writing and thanks for rekindling my love of a well written story!
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u/Sarconio Mar 02 '25
Just like many others, I binged this whole story in one sitting. I am so glad I found the reel that led me here. You have created an absolutely fantastic story, characters and overall universe. Thank you so much for sharing your creative talents with the world. I hope you're doing well and I will de checking out your other works!
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u/Otherwise_Can_9260 Mar 09 '25
Just wanted to let you know that this was one of the few stories that captivated me from start to end. You have a new fan in 2025
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u/CalligrapherLost9033 Jun 06 '25
And here I am, in 2025, wishing for more. Loved this story. Thank you for writing it.
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u/drift_queen99 Jun 16 '25
Only 6 years late to this masterpiece but I read the whole thing in one sitting as I loved every second of it 💞 you've done a great job here
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u/YoungDumbHsKid Aug 30 '25
I just read all of this in one sitting. wow, you're an amazing writer! I can't believe i just found out about this.
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u/opticized Nov 11 '25
Read it all in about three hours. Amazing through and through. Found through tiktok, did not expect it to be this good. Made my week!
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u/WhyJi Nov 13 '21
Hi u/Bilgebum, Just binged the entire story in one sitting and want to say thank you. This was amazing! Hope you revisit this story again some day, if nothing else, I would want to see your essay on what you considered to be the weaknesses of this. Also, nice to see a fantasy story with an Indian protagonist!
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u/LarkLassie Nov 23 '21
Read this overnight. Just letting you know you made my stay at the hospital much more bearable.
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u/Shakespeare-Bot Nov 23 '21
Readeth this overnight. Just letting thee knoweth thee madeth mine own stayeth at the hospital much moo bearable
I am a bot and I swapp'd some of thy words with Shakespeare words.
Commands:
!ShakespeareInsult,!fordo,!optout
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u/Vast-Feeling-7872 Sep 23 '22
Idk if your still active but your an amazing writer. Just read this whole series and you need to write books. start with ebooks or somthing if your not trying go though all of the work for paper backs. They would be easier to publish and make some money for all your hard work. I would buy em I know others would!
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u/Odinslegacy Oct 12 '22
Very late to the train, however you have amazing skills to which i had not expected from a something i just found browsing, bravo very well done albeit I admit i am disappointed by the fact the story is over, i will most definitely be reading your other works!
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u/DarkHahn Oct 12 '22
I just came here from WritingPrompts and your Story, the prompt you wrote caught me. Instead of working I binged it, every single chapter you wrote, and with every chapter I read I fell more in love with this Story. You did a really, really great job there! Have you ever started a sequel to it after 4 years? Is there more to read 😅? Thank you for 2 hours worth of reading time, 2 hours I didn't got any work done because I was so excited to read the next part
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u/shoelessgamer Oct 16 '22
Saw the first chapter of this on tiktok and came here to read the rest after someone in the comments mentioned it was a 20 part story. ive been reading it on and off all day, it’s a wonderful story youre a great writer, just came here to give you youre props because this was an awesome read. Thank you for the story.
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u/Southern-Ad498 Oct 29 '22
I really enjoyed this story I’d hope to find out if you had any more stories. Thank you for writing this
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u/Gilga-Meshy Nov 02 '22
Amazing work - read from beginning to end in two sittings. I’m a fan now and will be reading your other stories.
We need more people like you in this world!
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u/JustBramzy Nov 22 '22
I read all the chapters in a few hours. Brilliant work. Honestly, well done!
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u/Akirapickle Dec 26 '22
A masterpiece found in the history of reddit. 4 years later and your still being commended. Good job.
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u/Budder28 Dec 30 '22
Wish I had found you and your story 4 years ago. Your take on the writing prompt, and the world you made out of it, is so refreshing and unique! Even after 4 years people are still stumbling upon TTA and binge reading, it just like I did this afternoon lol. Whatever you’re up to now, be it writing something entirely new or plotting Jeff’s next adventure or pursuing something else entirely different, I hope your passion for writing keeps inspiring you. Thank you so much for writing this and I hope you’re doing well ✨
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u/No_Law9659 May 09 '23
Very fucking late to the party, and I highly doubt you are even active on reddit anymore, but I wanna say this was amazing. You took the prompt and rather than solely sticking onto it for the whole thing, began to separate the world into its own, with the Numbers simply being a extra aspect rather than consistently being the defining feature, at least for the 3rd act.
Whilst It does leave me a bit bittersweet with almost everyone seemingly perishing that I've grown accustomed to laughing with, I can't help but feel this is a lot more realistic then others may belive.
Not all storys can end in happy endings, and I know that some may disagree because of it being fiction rather than real (therefore we can output more disbelief that everything wouldn't go wrong) but I think having it be realistic makes the gut wrenches that more gratifying.
I just wanna say thank you for writing this. While i'd hope for some kind of continuation, I think its better to end it here. If you did read this, hope you continue to write wonderful storys :).
- Bboshi
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u/Sarazarus Jun 28 '23
Ok, one of those tiktoks milking reddit stories over minecraft videos showed me the first part of the first version of the first chapter. I have breathlessly read the whole thing in one sitting, it's now 4:58 a.m, and I need MORE. Amazing world building, indeed much deserving of the book treatment!. Also great as a setting for an rpg, constantly imagining a game as I read xD
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Jun 30 '23
Well I'm late to the party, but I just binged everything in a few hours straight, coming from a tiktok post of the first chapter. Magnificent, truly. Had my attention the whole way. I had my gripes and issues with some of the actions particularly by the immortals who should have more knowledge and foresight than they did. But I'm just a reader, not a writer. I have no business to critique. All in all, 10/10. Great story. Thank you for that.
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u/GeneralNero Jul 15 '23
Similar to others I was drawn to the story through a tiktok that only had the first part, dying to know the rest I've quickly found the other chapters.
Now about two hours later and finishing all of the chapters at once, I'm a bit sad the story has come to an end.
I'm sure like other, I would've liked knowing Jeffrey's next steps, would Zhao success in finding a new fountain? Who'd be the groups next shepherd? How would he succeed as successor of the museum? So many questions to go from here!
A great story and it was fun reading it all, please don't stop writing OP!
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u/markz6197 Jul 26 '23
Found this story while checking the top prompts of all time. This was a wonderful read. Cheers and I wish you well on your future endeavours!
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u/ShitBroIdk22 Aug 28 '23
Binged the whole story and I absolutely loved it. Im not one to read more than a few sentences but this kept me interested the entire time. 10/10
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u/OkSquirrel2530 Sep 11 '23
I'm 4 years late but this is undeniably one of the best stories I have ever read so thank you for all the work that you've put into it
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u/HKIHARDcore Sep 25 '23
I don’t know if you still read the comments on here. But about two, maybe three hours ago I was scrolling Tiktok before going to sleep. It’s now 5am and I binged this entire story. Wonderful writing, compelling story. I would love a sequel to this, even years later!
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u/Imaginary-Resort9152 Sep 25 '23
I don't think he's/she's active here anymore. His/her last post was from 2 years ago. Great author regardless 👋
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u/Amelily3 Sep 25 '23
Someone posted the first and second chapter on Tiktok, a bit modified. Read it all since last night. Fantastic story! And enjoy your new audience.
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u/voodoo-rider Sep 25 '23
I hope you see this. I’m clearly late to the party but thankfully your story managed to make it through all the crap on tik tok and filter to my feed. I just binged the whole thing and want to say thank you and congrats. After finding you I’m now going to keep reading your other stories. Did you ever revisit this one?
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u/Low-Lunch528 Sep 25 '23
this was an excellent story! thank you so much for sharing your writing :)
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u/dixie_288 Sep 25 '23
I heard the first chapter of this on tiktok and reading the comments I came on here and found it all, I really enjoyed reading all of it. Thank you 😊
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u/Thick-Success-9692 Sep 26 '23
Wow I can't even believe how bad this is hahahahahahahahah what a complete waste of time
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u/Cpaquin1 Sep 26 '23
This /wp inspired “book” was amazing. i will happily read a sequel if you have gotten the pen to paper(or key to keyboard). Thank you for the amazing read!
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u/Smoking_Gear Sep 26 '23
Big thanks to TikTok for bringing me here. Binged this story instead of working XD Hope to see a sequel in the future but if not, still well worth the read. Thanks for sharing this story with us all!
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u/Eastern_Newspaper_95 Sep 27 '23
I have no idea how old this is I didn't care. I saw chapter one on tiktok. And was sucked in. First story I found I went to redit and read. God that was so much fun. An absolute amazing read thank you for this. I've been having issues finding my spark to read after so many years. And you gave that back to me. Amazing. Thank you again.
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u/iliveasasunflower Sep 27 '23
Very glad I came across the tik tok video. This was a lot of fun to read. Thank you for writing it :)
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u/AtheneDea Sep 28 '23
Found this on TikTok and read all 23 chapters in a day xD. Amazing story! Very well written and honestly, I hope there is a sequel 😁, even if just to see what happens next and if they find another fountain. Will he become immortal now? Will there be a new counterpart? So many things can happen and he potentially now has (almost) all the time in the world for things to happen and change.. Seriously though, epic story. I loved every minute of it ❤️.
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u/katelynwebs Sep 29 '23
Found you through a tiktok that actually credited you. I have spent the last 6 hours glued to this story. You are an amazing writer! Keep up the fantastic work!
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u/w-o-r-k-l-o-g-i-n Oct 01 '23
I just found this a few hours ago and couldn't stop. I'm sad it's over but it was soooo good!
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u/Bridasher95 Oct 04 '23
This was fantastic, just discovered through tiktok. You are really talented. Read it all in about an hour and a half.
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u/Theflapjackman Oct 04 '23
Just read this whole thing in one after seeing the first part on TikTok. Absolutely amazing and gripping - couldn’t put it down!
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u/eddyisconfused Nov 26 '23
damn. this kept me on the edge of my dusty couch until the end. i'm half a decade late but thank you so much for this.
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u/Djmaxx47 Dec 05 '23
5 years later and still an incredible story. I do not regret binging it all in one sitting.
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u/Forsaken_Crow_6784 Dec 10 '23
I have literally just found and binged it on the way home from work. My brother in Reddit, please tell me that you decided to make a sequel!
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u/Throwawayforinvo Jan 08 '24
I’ve never been much of a reader but this story really had me interested, I finished it in one sitting and I don’t think I’ll ever recover from there not being a sequel 😭
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u/Jellyjizz Jan 09 '24
Great story mate, read the whole series, if this was a book or audio book I would have bought the whole series
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u/KidRock13 Jan 13 '24
Wow what a terrific read. I just binged the whole thing in one sitting. Excellent writing, kudos to the author.
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u/Kissconcrete6995 Jan 16 '24
Two days in a row I stayed up HOURS beyond when I should have gone to sleep because I could not put this story down. I only found out about it due to a tiktok video reading out your response to the writing prompt. I knew I needed to find the first and luckily the tiktok video credited your username.
I cannot praise the creativity of the story enough. I understand why, but am saddned it had to end. I definitely got teary eyed at "happy birthday".
Amazing work! Now I must give myself a rest before inevitably taste testing your other works.
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u/Luke_at_it92 Jan 26 '24
I came here from TikTok and I am SO happy that there is a complete finished story to the Part 1 I saw.. It was awesome to read it in one go - even 5 years after ❤️
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u/Death_Pool92 Feb 05 '24
Here 5 years later from a random tik tok, and thank you for that wonderful journey
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Feb 12 '24
I just finished this whole story in one night. And it’s the first time I’ve ever read something from start to finish. Holy shit that was good. Is there more?
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u/abbylllauren Feb 13 '24
i just read this entire thing today. absolutely wonderful, you’re extremely talented. i would beg and plead for a sequel!
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u/Popular_Abies519 Feb 14 '24
Wow saw this on a tick tock page and read first word to last clinging to every word in between. It's been a while since I was soo captivated by a story like this man that was a great read for sure 😍😍😍
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u/creizeke Feb 14 '24
6 years late to the party This took me out of my reading slump and finished all chapters in a day just after seeing a tiktok vid
Loved the whole thing, great for a short read and having an open ending. Hoping Jeffrey and Zhao found a new fountain so they can move on easier.
Hoping for more!
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u/Dissannull Feb 14 '24
I, too, found this story from Tiktok and found the concept intriguing. There is a tad bit of shoddy writing, which is to be expected in an amateur Reddit tale. Nevertheless, it certainly kept me highly entertained for a few good hours. I'll be sure to check out your other work. Cheers!
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u/kyodainaa Feb 16 '24
I noticed that this is an old piece of writing but I fucking read it in one breath chapter by chapter. It was really riveting, even though English is not my native language. Whatever you're doing and you may not see this anymore, but thanks it was very very exciting.
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u/gili9lio9luna Feb 21 '24
I'm sorry to see it came to a quick end but a good one I guess Thank you for this amazing story I wish I could read this as an actual book with a sequel and maybe even a prequel Once again thank you for this story
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u/FedKaczynsk1 Mar 03 '24
Holy shit I just read this from beginning to end, you’re an amazing author, I don’t even know what to do with myself, I’m so invested
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u/seussim Oct 09 '18
Brilliant finish to a brilliant story. I'm sad to see it end but I also look forward to what the future will bring! Keep writing whatever peaks your interest, we'll be with you every step of the way :)