CrystalScherer
In the Shadow of the Starships

In the Shadow of the Starships

7,193 1,616 11

When Jennisa delivers a spaceship database to a suspicious group, she covertly takes a copy of the group's files when she helps them connect it. She gets far more than she bargained for when the young spaceship AI figures out how to use her Bluetooth implant to communicate with her. To further complicate matters, the AI wants nothing to do with the suspicious group and finds her work absolutely fascinating. And the group isn't happy about that...Standalone novella. Spinoff of A Starship Called Starsong.ONC prompt #82: You wake up on a seemingly ordinary day to discover that your thoughts are not private. There is someone else in your head with you.A huge thank you to WingedAlpha for helping me with my cover background, and SayWatt74 for the cover font and alterations!…

Tricked Into Flight

Tricked Into Flight

258,116 28,297 53

Desperate to keep her magic hidden, Katerina goes to great lengths to avoid dragons and mages. When she gets cornered by evil mages, her only chance at escape involves freeing a trapped dragon. * * *Katerina's biggest fear is that unscrupulous mages or dragons would discover her magic and use her as a living magical battery.When she stumbles into a group of evil mages trying to magically enslave a dragon, she releases the dragon to act as a distraction, hoping he would attack the mages while she escaped.But magic has rules, and when you free a dragon mage, it creates magedebt that they must repay, lest their magic fade. Forced to travel together, Katerina struggles to hide her magic as she accompanies Rakota and his friends while they hunt down the Shadow Mages.Rakota is one of many dragons who detest humans due to how many have tried to slay him, steal his treasure, or control him with magic. He has no desire for a rider, but when his childhood sweetheart shows up, she won't consider courtship unless he has one.As if evil mages with ancient spells aren't enough, word comes from the coast that the nagas are planning to invade and wipe out the humans.Goals and secrets clash as Katerina strives to keep her magic hidden, yet that very magic might be the key to stopping the war, and becoming Rakota's rider would give him the family he's always dreamed of. But all magic has a price, and to become a rider, she'd have to forfeit her freedom.Copyright November 2022. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *magic rules* as long as credit is given.…

The Virus Within (Original rough draft)

The Virus Within (Original rough draft)

57,019 6,429 144

Back by popular request! The 2017 rough draft of The Virus Within! (Caution: Contains massive plotholes that were fixed in the polished The Virus Within Series. Grammar issues are present, particularly missing commas.)What do you do when you are one of the infected? The virus in my blood is trying to steal my humanity. It alters my very thoughts and reactions. It taunts me by tempting me with desires that it planted in my brain. These bloodthirsty desires would lead to my demise if I ever gave in. I have more in common with the zombies than with humans at this point. Even the fallen zombies accept me as one of their own. Blood is required to retain my grip on sanity, but the sweet-smelling blood from humans is a short path to madness. Human blood is to be avoided at all costs. Humankind around the world was driven close to extinction by the sudden appearance of the zombies, yet small groups of survivors constantly manage to appear and put my control to the test.-------------------------- This is a standalone zombie book. It has nothing to do with A Different Virus. I wanted to try a book with an easily irritated main character and a nutcase secondary character. This book has a slightly darker outlook at the beginning than my usual stories, but it has some humor further along. Definitely not a horror story, although it has its share of action.4 updates a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday!Copyright April 2017. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *zombie ranks* as long as credit is given.…

The Virus Within: The Road Ahead (Book 1 - SERIES COMPLETED!)

The Virus Within: The Road Ahead (Book 1 - SERIES COMPLETED!)

7,088,742 364,241 92

If dish soap, rutabagas, and firecrackers aren't an essential part of your zombie apocalypse kit, you better grab them now!Season 1 of The Virus Within(SERIES IS COMPLETED!) * * * * * * *Trinity fights against the bloodthirsty influences of the zombie virus as she searches for her sister, hoping to find her still alive among the scattered survivors. But even if Trinity manages to find her, how will Jess react when she discovers Trinity is a zombie?When a group of survivors gets stranded by a vehicle malfunction, Trinity decides to guide them to safety. Rediscovering her sense of humor was the last thing she ever expected, but it just might be her best defense in keeping her humanity, especially on a zombie-infested road trip with more bad luck than potholes.But time is running out as the third wave of the deadly outbreak rapidly spreads. Trinity must decide if she can trust a backwater scientist who thinks she can help her new friends, all while combating the effects of the virus that threatens to steal what's left of her humanity.Cover designed by Marie Tilmant…

The Virus Within: Third Wave (Book 2)

The Virus Within: Third Wave (Book 2)

449,820 41,417 86

The third wave is looming, mere weeks away, but in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, problems never come just one at a time.Season 2 of The Virus Within* * * * *Life isn't easy, and that's doubly true when you're a zombie surrounded by humans, a crazy redhead, and a far-too-curious scientist. Once you add in a long-lost sister and a Terror who doesn't know how to zombie, peace and quiet are the last things you'll find.Reports of a Nightstalker attack come mere weeks before the third wave is due, and Trinity is one of the few who have the necessary skills to take on such a zombie. Leaving her sister in the safety of the Stronghold, Trinity joins the rest of the group as they embark on a road trip to locate the feral creature before it can kill anyone else. Trouble looms on the horizon like a thunderstorm, and where there's thunder, there's lightning.You better pack your dish soap because the third wave isn't waiting for anyone.Cover designed by Marie Tilmant…

The Virus Within: Blood Moon (Book 3)

The Virus Within: Blood Moon (Book 3)

112,414 10,640 25

If you're a zombie, how far would you be willing to go to save the two people you care about the most?Season 3 of The Virus Within* * * * *Trinity isn't about to let anything stop her. Come hell or high water, she's determined to get Jess and Nicky back. And heaven help anyone who stands in her way. Whoever said 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' had clearly never met a Nightstalker on the warpath.The blood moon is shedding its red light upon the night, and the hunt is on. The question remains, whose blood will be spilled first? And who will survive?Forget the dish soap. Grab the rutabagas and the firecrackers for this rescue mission.…

The Virus Within: The Unranked (Book 4)

The Virus Within: The Unranked (Book 4)

83,476 9,742 50

Season 4 of The Virus WithinTrinity is familiar with zombies, being one herself, but when strange zombies start appearing, she realizes that the world she knew might be changing yet again.When a dangerous set of scientific notes are discovered, Trinity and her friends don't realize anything is wrong until a frantic radio call comes in. Unaware of the notes, they race to the south and struggle to determine where the strange zombies came from. The zombies are unlike any ranks previously seen, and they aren't as predictable. Some have new tricks hidden up sleeves, forcing any Stronghold they encounter to quickly adapt to the new challenge or risk being overrun. Secrets never remain hidden, and zombie apocalypses never make life easy.…

The Virus Within: Secrets Unraveled (Book 5)

The Virus Within: Secrets Unraveled (Book 5)

93,391 8,470 44

Hordes of strange, unranked zombies are appearing and threatening to overrun the remaining human Strongholds, as Trinity and her companions race to find out who's behind it.Season 5 of The Virus Within***As if a handful of zombies with strange traits weren't bad enough, they're now appearing in hordes...And there are still no leads on who's creating them or where they're coming from. Trinity tries to protect the humans while Nina struggles to understand the zombie triggers, only to make a surprising discovery.The triggers are coming undone on their own. The unranked will eventually disappear-but this means Wren will lose her mind and sanity unless Trinity can find the group responsible and help Nina save her.The clock is ticking and the hunt is on as both human and zombie lives are on the line in this action-packed fifth installment of 'The Virus Within' series.…

A Different Virus: Heartfire

A Different Virus: Heartfire

9,815,145 495,757 199

In the future, everyone who's bitten by a zombie turns into one... until Diane doesn't. Seven days later, she's facing consequences she never imagined. * * * * * As civilization collapses under a relentless wave of zombies, Diane and her friends take shelter in a military base. However, while she's rescuing another survivor, Diane gets bitten by one of the monsters. She hides it and runs away, knowing she only has days left to live. But she soon discovers she isn't turning into a zombie - she's turning into something else.---------Excerpt:I looked up and stared. My reflection looked back at me in the mirror of the dark room. My eyes were literally glowing, there was no mistaking it. It was not a reflection of light, or any of the other excuses I had used or others had assumed. They were glowing a light sapphire blue color. It was not a bright glow, but it was definitely a glow.Glowing eyes were not normal.Okay, at this point I had to admit it, I was no longer normal.What was I then? For that, I had no answer[[Word count: 495,000]]Copyright August 2016. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *zombie rules* as long as credit is given.Cover was lovingly made by JimenaVivancoo.…

By The Light Of The Moon

By The Light Of The Moon

117,446 16,678 42

What do you get when you mix a trader woman, a cursed werewolf, a dangerous forest, and a sadistic warlord? Nothing good.On her way home from a summer of trading, Olivia didn't want to hire a cursed werewolf as an escort, but he was the only one willing to guide her over the treacherous Navier mountains. Not only do they have to contend with bandits and dangerous animals lurking among the trees, but they also have to dodge unscrupulous war parties who are determined to track them down.They forgot one thing though - curses don't play by the rules.----------------Please note that this is NOT a love-at-first-sight or matebond werewolf style of book, nor does it have werewolf ranks like Alphas, Betas, or Omegas. This book isn't a horror story. It's more of a fantasy-adventure theme.This book has nothing in common with my other werewolf stories.Copyright March 2022. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *magic rules* as long as credit is given.…

When The Heart Sings

When The Heart Sings

3,848,103 286,190 87

Power and money didn't really interest Serena, instead she wished for a life of peace and safety. Barely able to afford a bus pass, it was mere chance that she saw a man in handcuffs being escorted by police.And he saw her.Several groups wanted to control him to suit their own purposes, but he could not be controlled by force. He only wanted one thing - and it was her.I will be your heart, if you will be my shield. * * * Sneak Peek * * *I pitied the man, although with that many cops around him, he was likely quite dangerous. Who needed 30 police officers to supervise one guy who was likely in handcuffs and leg shackles? I absentmindedly watched the man walk down the gauntlet between the rows of officers.It was as if I couldn't look away. He paused and looked around. His brilliant glowing blue eyes seemed to meet mine across the vast distance. I couldn't even blink as his eyes seemed to hold mine.The trees of a park broke our locked gaze as the bus kept on driving. I took a deep breath, suddenly realizing that I had stopped breathing the moment our eyes had met. I had never seen such blue eyes before - and they glowed! A shiver ran through me. I had been too far away to even determine the color of the police officers' hair, let alone know the color of the man's eyes.My eyes watched the trees, hoping for a break in them so I could see the man again. I had no such luck. ---------------------------------------------------Please note that this story has nothing to do with any of my other stories.This is an action romance with my usual sci fi twists.Highest rank #1 Feb. 13, 2018I would also ask that readers not swear in the comments since most of my readers are under 18. :)Copyright November 2017. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *magic rules* as long as credit is given.…

Upon Wings Of Change

Upon Wings Of Change

2,562,776 166,708 63

No one ever said what would happen when dragons and aliens meet. And no one told me that I would be in the middle of it. Tasha was studying hard to get through her last year of university when she was kidnapped. She certainly didn't expect to wake up with four feet and wings. Mad scientists are bad enough, but things get even more complicated when aliens appear and wipe out the human race.Is there a way for her to hide her true identity in this new world while retaining her humanity?---------------------Sneak Peek: I jumped over the lip of the tray and beat down hard with my wings. I had expected to only slow my fall; I had not expected to end up gaining so much height. I squawked in surprise and spread my wings wide in alarm before gravity regained its hold on me. With several awkward back-winging motions of my wings, I landed lightly on the floor.Well, at least I know my wings work. I glanced at the man in the corner as he was scribbling quick notes. I turned around to regard the tray again. They say practice makes perfect. With another hop and a single wingbeat, I managed to land in the sand tray with fanned wings slowing my momentum. That was much more graceful. But a wing-assisted hop wasn't true flight. And I still wasn't on the windowsill.----------------------------Entire semi-polished draft can be read on Wattpad.The polished version may be purchased on Amazon as print/audio/ebook.Copyright November 2016. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world*, *labs*, and kidnapping/metaforming idea as long as credit is given.Loosely based on a story of a loyal war dog who had originated as a street stray.The Cover was done by Dedefox at https://www.deviantart.com/dedefox…

A New Beginning

A New Beginning

968,250 88,043 74

Sequel to Upon Wings Of Change.The dragonets are flourishing; both those in the park and those helping the Kymari. As the first dragonets to hatch in the Kymari civilization, Tessa and her brother are paving a new path as they grow up and learn how to fit into the world. New beginnings are often great things, but sometimes shadows from the distant past come calling. -----------------------------------I did not originally intend to write a sequel to Upon Wings of Change, but due to a rather large number of requests from numerous individuals, here it is - my first-ever sequel...The cover was created by Dedefox at https://www.deviantart.com/dedefoxCopyright November 2016. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world*, *labs*, and kidnapping/metaforming idea as long as credit is given.…

Looking To Belong (A Runt's Story)

Looking To Belong (A Runt's Story)

4,176,776 229,571 56

Living as a rogue is hard enough, but doing so as a runt is even harder. Rogues, lawless wolves, and ferals are only some of the dangers Jade must face while living in no man's land, and she has to be clever to survive. Such a lifestyle has taught her several tricks and given her valuable skills, but will they be enough to convince a pack to let her prove her worth? If a pack does accept her, could she dare to dream of falling in love?--------On a side note:None of the main characters are mated to an Alpha.No character has 'exclusive' abilities or powers. -----Sneak Peek:My steps faltered as I noticed that two of the pursuing wolves had sped ahead on a larger circuit and were waiting to intercept me. I launched towards a tree and used my feet to ricochet off at a ninety-degree angle without slowing down. One of the wolves following further behind was able to easily correct for my new direction and picked up speed. The tan wolf was closing in, and I started to panic.I looked around frantically, trying to find a way to escape. I saw a rabbit burrow under a small bramble bush and desperately raced towards it. I darted under the edge of the plant and heard the tan wolf going around as he expected me to come out the other side. It gave me the precious seconds I needed to squeeze down the tunnel. My relief was short-lived - the rabbit that dug this burrow had not survived long enough to finish it. The tunnel was only about twice as long as the average human arm, and I could clearly see the entrance. I sent a silent prayer that the bramble bush would deter them and that they would not realize just how shallow this burrow was. I waited anxiously.The entire semi-polished draft can be read on Wattpad.The polished version can also be purchased on Amazon in print/audio.Copyright January 2017. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story/plot. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *werewolf ranks* as long as credit is given.…

Redeeming the Lost (A Comforter's Tale)

Redeeming the Lost (A Comforter's Tale)

394,187 35,838 39

Life is always fun when you never get into trouble for causing mischief. Julie is a pro at keeping her packmates on their toes with her innocent fun. It's a perk of being a Comforter and never losing her puppy-like appearance. Admittedly, there are times when her skills are needed, and she takes her job quite seriously then.She isn't a fighter, but rather, is one who cares for others' hearts. A Comforter. After all, who doesn't want to hug a puppy? But those in need of comfort are often in pain and feel surrounded by darkness. To be a light in someone's world, you will have to walk through the darkness.---------------------What do most werewolf books have in common? They either focus on mates or on fighting. I decided to try a more unique route. No romance will be found here - this book focuses on the ties of friendship and hope.Thank you to Christine Leonardi from DeviantArt for the cover, and to @JimenaVivancoo for polishing it into an ebook cover!Copyright December 2019. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *werewolf ranks* as long as credit is given.…

A Starship Called Starsong

A Starship Called Starsong

919,114 93,154 75

Computer updates are simple, right? Apparently, that's not always the case when it involves a Spaceship's AI in the middle of deep space.We have always relied upon technology to travel through space, but sometimes that very same technology has a mind of its own...(This story has a happy ending) --------Sneak Peek:A flashing orange light in the top corner of my handheld device prompted me to check the system status page. My jaw dropped. All sorts of systems were going offline. Water, sewage, air, heating, cooling, weapons, and many more. What was going on?The Overseer was more decisive than I was. "Go help get the air systems back online. We can eat dry rations for two weeks, but we can't hold our breath for that long."I took off running once more. I hadn't gone far when I almost ran right into Logan. I asked, "What going on?" He grabbed my shoulders urgently. "The main computer's AI is taking over the entire ship. I need to get to a backup mainframe to try and reverse the upgrade, but I can't find the room! The AI messed up the electronic maps, and I have never been to this one before! Where is the Delta access room?!"My mind tried to wrap itself around the details as I gave directions, "...then turn left and it's by the plumbing room on that level.""Thanks!" He took off running.-------Please note there is no romance in this story. :)A huge thank you to @JimenaVivancoo for making the cover!Copyright April 2018. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *AI set-up* as long as credit is given.…

Tips For Writing On Wattpad

Tips For Writing On Wattpad

113,319 7,944 28

Welcome to the wonderful world of writing on Wattpad!This is Wattpad, not the Olympics, so there's no need to panic. Anyone can try it, no training required.Writing doesn't have to be complicated, and you don't have to be a graduate of some fancy university, but there are a few guidelines that will make things easier for you and your readers.I have tips for beginners who paid as little attention in English as I did, as well as details on things I've learned over the years.Anyone can write a story. I never thought I would write anything, but I tried it and - much to my surprise - I found it very relaxing and entertaining. Feel free to skip around the chapters to find sections that interest you. You are also welcome to skim everything in case you find a hidden gem of advice.Please note that my writing tips follow the Chicago Manual of Style writing guide (you are free to use a different guide - keeping things consistent is the biggest thing).…

A Different Virus - Laura's Story

A Different Virus - Laura's Story

1,933,883 169,194 153

This is a second view point from my original story - A Different Virus - Heartfire. I highly advise reading the original book first.Intro:Laura was a happy child without a care in the world. She loved her parents and life was perfect. Nothing seemed like it could go wrong.People started talking about a bad flu that was spreading and sending some into a coma. Her parents grew worried and stocked the house in case of a pandemic.Months later another virus appeared. Her family was shocked when the news people started reporting that zombies were actually real and not just part of a horror movie. They were appearing in every country. Her parents reassured her that none of the zombie sightings had been anywhere close to them.Her life is turned upside down when her father ends up in hospital with the bad flu and mother exiles her upstairs for her safety. She was never allowed downstairs again. Weeks pass and the streets become deserted with the exception of the red eyed zombies that wandered around.One night she notices a swiftly moving figure with glowing blue eyes in the street below. Should she call out or remain silent? Is this fleeting shadow something that can help her or could this mysterious figure be even more dangerous than the zombies themselves?----------------------Ranked #1 Apr 10, 2018 (A huge thank you to all who read and voted!)This story is copyright and built from my own imagination. This book was a special request from someone who helped me a lot. This viewpoint has less action than the original. The cover was made by @All_AboutAssymetry. A huge thanks to her!Copyright September 2016. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *zombie rules* as long as credit is given.…

What's Up?  (What I'm working on, updates, and other odds and ends)

What's Up? (What I'm working on, updates, and other odds and ends)

36,618 1,746 15

Welcome to my planning arena. This is where you can easily find out what I'm working on, if I have any big updates, as well as some other information. This is likely going to be mostly a place for me to let my readers know what I am working on.PS. If you archive a book in your personal library, it reappears in your library if a new chapter is updated. An excellent way to tell if a book is updated.…

Humor On High: Clean Jokes and Funny Stories

Humor On High: Clean Jokes and Funny Stories

29,490 1,822 11

I have a soft spot for clean and funny jokes.Perhaps you do too.I have slowly been collecting things that I found particularly humorous. Most of these are not mine, although a few are.Some chapters are just images, and will have (images) in the chapter title.A new chapter every Monday. Enjoy. :)I kindly request that people refrain from swearing in my books. The English language is huge, and many other things can be used instead. I don't mind things like shit, blast it, or fuzzy bunny slippers, but I can't stand the f-bomb or when people insult female dogs. If people want to vent, why not do it more creatively? Nicky manages it quite well in The Virus Within.The lovely cover was made by @Ellie6880!…