Who still had legs????

In the dimly lit underground tunnel, Nimia dragged her body forward using her muscular arms, her fingers gripping each rung with determination and strength. The cool metal beneath her palms provided a welcome contrast to the humid atmosphere that surrounded her. Along the way, she passed pods where other workers, like herself, toiled diligently. Their hands were plugged into the company interface, and they seemed completely absorbed in their tasks, disconnected from the outside world. Though Nimia longed for interaction and camaraderie, she knew there would be no response to her words, as the other pullers' ears were exclusively interfaced with their computers.

Nonetheless, she spoke aloud as she advanced to remind herself that she could still talk. She had seen others lose their voice over time, a result of the monotonous life they led underground. Trapped in the darkness, they never moved from their positions, their existence reduced to typing and researching the remnants of a world that was no more.

Today was different, though. The Earth was undergoing a rare celestial event, causing it to twist in its planetary sheets. The sun was rising in the west, making it the one day they could venture to the surface without risking instant death. Nimia dreaded the killer sun as much as her fellow pullers, but she pushed herself to seize this precious opportunity to appreciate the surface world she could hardly remember.

Using metal rings spaced regularly on the tunnel walls, Nimia pulled herself forward, propelling her body like a determined arachnid. "This isn't the hard part," she muttered to herself, her voice echoing through the cavernous space. "The hard part is the climb." She had trained extensively in her compartment for this moment, doing countless push-ups and lifting herself with just one hand, preparing for the ascent.

As she climbed, the phantom urge to grip with non-existent toes flooded through her body. Nimia was used to the peculiar sensation, a constant reminder of the limbs she once had. The company had stashed all the pullers deep underground, away from the intensity of the deadly sun. Climbing to the surface required a careful, methodical approach, as she had to rely solely on her sense of touch to find each rung in the darkness.

Finally reaching the surface, Nimia gasped as she was greeted by the dazzling brilliance of the West Morning Sun. Although its heat was not as intense as the deadly sun in the east, the sight still filled her with trepidation. Despite the fear, she refused to retreat into the safety of the dark tunnels. Instead, she rolled on the ground, feeling the rough dirt against her skin, and relished the freedom of being above ground, even if only for a fleeting moment.

Surveying her surroundings, Nimia saw remnants of a world long gone. Broken pieces of buildings lay scattered like fragments of a shattered dream. The suburbs of an old neighborhood stood in ruins, a testament to a time when life thrived on the surface. No plant life had survived, except for a few hardy, twisted trees that had adapted to the fiery light of the Eastward Sun.

As Nimia examined the cracked dirt beneath her fingers, memories of her research flooded back to her. She recalled the knowledge she had gathered about the old world—details about sunflowers, cakes, and other relics of a bygone era. The company had tasked her and the other pullers with preserving the history of a lost world, ensuring that future generations would remember what had been.

While she contemplated her purpose, the distant sound of footsteps reverberated through the earth, startling Nimia. Instinctively, she ducked behind a rusted-out car, her heart racing with trepidation. The surface was dangerous, and she knew creatures still roamed the land, using their legs to survive both night and day. The fear of encountering such beings had kept the pullers hidden underground for years.

Through her hiding place, Nimia observed another person approaching—a person with legs. She couldn't believe her eyes. Everyone she had ever known in the tunnels had lost their legs, rendering them immobile. But here was someone who could walk freely on the surface, just like she once did. Despite the stranger's presence, Nimia was relieved to finally have someone to talk to.

Hesitant but intrigued, Nimia listened as the person introduced herself as Ishtar. Nimia stammered, trying to find her voice. The interaction was overwhelming, and tears welled up in her eyes. It had been so long since she had spoken to another human being. Despite her initial hesitation, Nimia gradually opened up to Ishtar, telling her about the company, its role in preserving history, and its unique life underground.

Ishtar's curiosity about the old world and the relics they had lost resonated with Nimia. For so long, she had seen herself and her fellow pullers as mere data gatherers, but Ishtar's interest gave their work a new sense of purpose. Maybe their knowledge could be more than just data in a database; it could inspire exploration and understanding.

As Ishtar shared her plans to explore the world, a spark ignited within Nimia. She, too, yearned to embrace life beyond the dark confines of the tunnels. Her mind raced with possibilities—there was so much more to discover and experience. Staying underground meant losing more than her legs; it meant losing her voice and the urge to explore.

Nimia felt a surge of courage and determination. She wanted to embrace the world she had only known through words and data. She wanted to experience it firsthand, to feel the sun on her skin and breathe the fresh air. She wanted to explore the ruins and remnants of the past, to learn from the world that once was.

As the realization dawned on her, Nimia mustered her strength and nodded at Ishtar. "I do," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "I want to go with you."

And so, Nimia took Ishtar's offer to be her legs, while she would be Ishtar's information. It was a unique partnership, one that would allow both of them to navigate and explore the world together. Nimia couldn't help but feel that this was a new beginning—a chance to use her knowledge, her strength, and her determination to embark on an adventure she had only dreamed of.

With newfound hope and a sense of purpose, Nimia and Ishtar ventured into the world beyond the tunnels. They stepped into the light, ready to face the unknown and explore a world that had long been hidden from them. Each step they took was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—the ability to adapt, to learn, and to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges they faced.

As they journeyed together, Nimia realized that the world was vast and filled with wonders beyond her imagination. She found herself embracing the present, focusing on what she had, rather than what she had lost. The sun, once a source of fear, now became a symbol of hope—a guiding light illuminating the path to a future filled with possibilities.

And so, Nimia and Ishtar traveled the world, sharing stories of the old world and creating new ones together. They encountered remnants of forgotten civilizations, discovering the beauty of the past and the potential of the future. Nimia's knowledge and Ishtar's strength complemented each other perfectly, forming an unbreakable bond that transcended the boundaries of the old and the new

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In their journey, Nimia learned that life was not about staying confined in the darkness or being limited by what was lost. Life was about embracing change, embracing the unknown, and embracing the journey itself. The world was their canvas, and together, they would paint a picture of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of humanity.

As they ventured on, Nimia's name and story would become legendary, known to future generations as a symbol of bravery and determination. The puller who dared to step into the light, who dared to explore the world, and who dared to forge a new path for herself and others like her.

And so, in the vastness of the world and the infinity of possibilities, Nimia and Ishtar's story continued, leaving a legacy that would be remembered and cherished for generations to come. For it was a tale of two individuals who found each other, found purpose and found the courage to live a life filled with wonder, exploration, and the joy of being truly alive.