Zee Writing Things

I'm an author/actor/whatever. I like to tell stories, be it through writing, acting, or whatever medium I can get my hands on. I'll try anything, as long as it works.

[zlee-34]

Courage is a Wildflower - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2024 A young adventurer entered the crowded grey slum of a shining city, hauling a heavy sack upon his shoulder. He tread through the damp dirt and placed his delivery on a table, across from which stood a young woman in religious robes conversing with the locals. Beside her stood a black cauldron, slowly boiling water. The locals bid the…

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I'm Sorry If I Die Today - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 500-Word Fiction Challenge 2024 It was just supposed to be a test. A proof-of-concept. Michael hid behind stacked desks in the enclosed storage room. From the hallway, he could hear the tearing of human flesh. They were only supposed to prove such a thing was possible. His sweaty palms forced his hand off the slick metal, and he crashed to the hard floor with a…

[zlee-34]

In a Storm, Lightning Always Strikes - A Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2024 Kobayashi tidied her hair to match the style of the hostesses. Thunder rumbled overhead as rain drummed on the storm shutters. A single candle struggled to light the room as she robed herself with a hostess’ spare dress. Once it was perfectly sized, Kobayashi hid her dagger in her sleeves and blew out the candle. She entered the…

[zlee-34]

Crimson Blades - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for Reedsy’s Writing Prompt #235: Running Wild The stench of blood and iron sat in the air. As Kojiro passed through the slaughtered village, his wild hair stood on end. The fact the blood was still fresh meant he was close. The warrior had been following a series of massacres throughout his lord’s military territory, personally dispatched by the warlord to dispatch the…

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A Lesson in Dreaming - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for Reedsy’s Writing Prompt #234: Time Out Shen had never fought so hard in his life. His legs quivered, and his arms barely held themselves up, much less his wooden training sword. His teacher, Master Fukuhashi, stood diametrically against him within the dojo. Despite the long training session, Master’s stance was still strong and ready as he faced down his student. “Young Shen,”…

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Her God's Life - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee Shwei knew her god was dying. She heard it when the trees creaked. She smelled it when the waters bubbled. She felt it when the soil hardened. For years, she knew the day was coming, yet she was never ready when it finally did. As she entered the rainforest, Shwei noticed how dark it had become. The trees had sprouted countless leaves, blocking the sun in an effort to hoard the…

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Broken Freedom - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for Writer’s Playground’s 8th Playground Challenge Yasugawa had seen it countless times. Daughters are married off to forge alliances between the local clans. Some of those daughters despise the men they marry, and many of them take their lives in rebellion. Some women choose poison, some choose the blade, but most throw themselves from a bridge and let Heaven decide. The…

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Salt and Scum, Honor and Loyalty - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for Writer’s Playground’s 7th Playground Challenge Lao-Chen hated nights like this. Captain Shang ordered him to keep watch when he couldn’t sleep. Whether or not the task was supposed to help the boy was anyone’s guess. The choppy ocean waves slapped the ship relentlessly, so up in the crow’s nest, he felt like a hammer swinging wildly at a nail. Lao-Chen would usually look up…

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Fizzling Out of Fun - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 500-Word Fiction Challenge 2023 Katie gazed out to the sparkling, golden beach, a gemstone in the rocky coastline. Her blonde hair, falling to her tanned shoulders, swayed in the refreshing seabreeze. She didn’t realize she was still walking until she hit a sturdy object. With a sharp gasp and posterior pain, Katie landed in front of the object. It was a column;…

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Perfect Days Last Only a Moment - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2022 Elaine waited outside the studio under her umbrella. She kept mistaking the pattering of rain for footsteps, and glanced around for any sign of someone. She gave a long sigh and gazed into the window. There were rows of stationary bikes, soon to be topped with people trying to lose weight, train for sports, or just there for the fun…

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A Beautiful World - a Short Story

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s Flash Fiction Challenge 2022 The morning chill forced Benjamin’s eyes open. The faint lantern light crept its way into the boy’s room, where the musty blanket he called his bed placed him next to a pile of mismatched clothes, ready for him to slip into. Half-asleep, he did as he had for innumerable mornings, the chill motivating his movement. After layering…

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The Unexpected Expectations for Tonight - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 100-Word Microfiction Challenge 2024 The time had finally come for Eliza. She was about to enjoy one of the great milestones to reach adulthood.Her boyfriend Joseph invited her over to spend the night. Of course, it could only mean one thing.“Alright, should we get to bed?” he said.She nodded, both nervous and giddy, and she prepared herself. Her mother had even…

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Subhuman - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 100-Word Microfiction Challenge 2023 It’s not an easy feeling to ignore. Knowing that something’s missing.I recalled an image. More like a dream.I was covered in blood. Laid down, cold and bare.There was a sensation. Something different from anything I’d felt before. Following the concern, my hands groped my abdomen.And it was open.I could feel the air inside.…

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To Die For - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 100-Word Microfiction Challenge 2022 My enemy stands just out of reach.Dust fills the air. The sun burns. The crowd waits above. I watch them drink and eat with parched lips and an abyssal stomach. Juices, teas, pretzels and popped corn. I wish–The opponent slashes his blade across me! Exhaustion gives to searing pain.I thrust! Swipe! Grasp at anything!For…

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Imagine - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 100-Word Microfiction Challenge 2021 I’m alone in the dark. Walking through my room. Something’s looking at me, seering into my mind. I can’t turn. I can only continue my diet.I hear the door close behind me. I’m trapped outside. There’s no going back now.I get into my car. It’s watching me from the backseat. I turn the lights on. Nothing.I drive. Somewhere.…

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Rite of Man - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 250-Word Microfiction Challenge 2023 On a mist-flooded morning, a father brought his son to their rich forest. Today, with his spear, the boy would become a man. Together, they made the journey through the dense foliage before the father left his son to hunt alone. The boy breathed shallowly. His eyes darted for any signs of a beast. As he stepped, nearly too…

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Gazing Into the Abyss - a Microfiction

by Zolund Lee, for NYC Midnight’s 250-Word Microfiction Challenge 2022 A man stood on a bridge under dark clouds. The rumblings of life echoed through the still air around him. The black seawater below danced with a hypnotic rhythm.He pulled a cigarette from his heavy jacket. He began sparking a lighter before it slipped from his hand into the abyss. The man sighed and fed the tobacco to the…