Under the rays of light, shadows linger.

Under the cloak of darkness, we now reside.

We are the ones who once glimmered.

Now we are the ones who must subside.

You ask where the shadows hide.

We commute behind the glistening sun and its shimmering tide.

You will see us if you try.

You will sense us behind you.

Or see us out of the corner of your eye.

You will understand one day.

Will you join us in the shadows?

You will see why we hide.

We are the ones some have forgotten.

We are the ones who were once alive.

I sit back and stare as the empty bottle rotates around in a circular motion. With every revolution, the sound of glass on wood creating a trance like vibration takes me into a faraway state of mind. Although this doesn't last long, I take in every damn second and try to forget what's occurred over the last 48 hours. Two legs on the ground and two legs suspended in the air, I lean back in this old rickety chair to try and get an eye level glimpse into the now at rest empty vessel. Peering in, I see nothing, I see an empty void that was once full of promise and courage. Hmm, seems all too familiar. My hands gripping the table as I balance this mental act seem to slip, leaving only a dusty outline of what once was. Stability. My back to the floor and face to the ceiling, I was realizing this was it. The screams the violence and lives taken way before their time the money made and the time spent all for what? I knew this wouldn't last, but also couldn't break free of the life of deceit and power. With nowhere to run and only the clothes on my back, I slowly put my ear to the floor, hearing the sounds of footsteps racing up the stairs. I frantically reach for my pistol but quickly give up, this was a new unwelcoming feeling as I've fought my way out of many battles, but this felt different. I've always listened to my inner feelings, and yet this is what my gut told me. I still want to live. Eyes closed and heart steady, I wait for my demise. SMASH!!! The old frail door flew off its hinges and a burst of lights flooded the dark grungy atmosphere. I hear muffles of yelling, but my mind holds quiet. I don't move. With my eyes held tightly shut in darkness, a warm red glow starts to flood my pinched inner sockets like a warm sunny day at the beach. I was absolutely mortified of this day coming and now that it has I feel a sense of clarity and level handedness like a weight being lifted off my crumbling shoulders. As the days turn to nights and my feelings of being alone now sit content in my body. Being in isolation has never been foreign to me. Throughout my criminal career you are taught through harsh reality's that being alone is what keeps you alive and look I'm still alive. Days turn to months, and hatred turns to compassion. Although, no matter how much you try to reconcile the past, it will never leave you. The only thing you can do is hope to change the future. Looking down at the concrete floor in my new dwelling, I hear the cold metal door slowly squeak open. Back facing the door, I feel the all too familiar cold sensation of metal grasping my wrists. The feeling never goes away. I knew the next steps of this process can drag on for what seems to be an eternity. Dressed like my formal self in a lavish three-piece suit felt like going back in time, although who I was then isn't who I'm now. Looking to my left and to my right, my ever so confident advisors give me looks of promise and hope for a second chance. The opportunity to be free rushes in my mind, as this was the goal from the beginning. Lastly, I look around the room at all the broken faces looking back at me, only to find myself in a state of questioning everything. The thought of possibly being free floods my mind, but so does the thought of being in a state of mental prison for the rest of my life. Making those already suffering have to relive the nightmare and torment again hit me like a ton of bricks. Enough fighting the pain of guilt. I know I can't go back in time and right my wrongs, however the outcome of this journey is all in my hands I thought. I slowly stood up with the feeling of the guard's hand on my shoulder, I proceeded to repeat over and over... Guilty your honor. I change my plea from innocent to guilty. It was silent in the room, and so was my struggle for physical freedom.

Journal Entry 06/14/2035

The unforgiving sun, now a fading distant memory as the day turns to dusk and the hunters become the hunted. The jungle in transition from the day shift, clocking out and the night shift punching in. The ever abundant but vastly different sounds all around me start to change causing the once dor- mant hairs on my arms and neck to slowly rise just like the many creatures before me. Although I've spent many restless nights in this same position I can't shake the thought of feeling so small in a place so big. My body on the brink of collapse from dehydration and lack of nutrients We must set up camp for the night. My once courageous mindset and valiant efforts are slowly turn- ing against me...and fast. This place can do that to you, ya know? Get a hold of ya. It will slither into your mind wrap around tight and when ready, whisper irrational thoughts out of your ears, and false visions through your eyes. Once that happens it may be too late. Trust me I've seen it happen.

We set up camp in a rather unideal location, but we will make do. Little to no water left and zero food rations as we were captured and forced to trade our food for our lives. Ive been surviving off small insects as this is the fastest way to get nutrients without burning calories. Gear seems to be in okay shape with little to no damage. Thank god these natives were somewhat non-hostile and terrified of our technology. That was three days ago. Asimo seems to be acting different ever since that little encounter. There seems to be something he's not telling me...is that even possible? afterall he's not what he looks to be. however when I asked what i thought was a pointless question just wanting to talk to keep sane his response made me rethink everything. I simply asked where he was born and about his past. He almost seemed to have hesitated with a slight brow dip and blank stare but then proceeded to tell me what I already knew. I hate that I'm starting to feel resentment towards him. Not a drop of sweat, or a sense of fear in his demeanor, Maybe I'm just weak. The human body is only capable of so much. The hardest part of this journey is keeping up with him. I tell myself I will never be like Asimo. Ever. The thought of competing with him is just foolish. But still i push at his pace. Tomorrow we will set a new pace and be more aware as we set out. Good night.

TITLE: Asimo

GENRE: Science Fiction

AGE: 18+

WORD COUNT: TBD

AUTHOR Nicholas killian

This book idea would be a great fit as the age of artificial intelligence is just becoming more relevant in today's society.

In "Asimo," a thrilling adventure novel, a man sets out to find lost civilizations deep in the Amazon jungle. But he quickly realizes that his journey will be a daunting task, fraught with danger and uncertainty. Enter Asimo, a humanoid robot programmed to assist him in his quest. With Asimo's seemingly limitless abilities and the man's tenacity, they embark on a journey that will push them to their limits, both physically and emotionally. As they navigate through the treacherous jungle, they must also confront their personal struggles and overcome the limitations that threaten to hold them back. Will they find the lost civilizations, or will their journey lead them to a different kind of discovery? Join them on this epic adventure and find out in "Asimo."

Target Audience would be anyone interested in AI, Robotic, and fiction.

BIO: my name is Nic and I don't have any formal education in writing. I'm a videographer by trade and one day hope to produce short films and movies. I live in Denver Colorado and my hobbies include anything car related and I have a passion for movies and shows.