It Begins
Sharp pains tore through his lungs as he tried to pull in more oxygen. He'd been running for what seemed like hours and they were gaining on him. Hide! There must be someplace to hide. His eyes frantically sought out anything large enough to crouch behind. There, off to the right, a large outcropping of rocks just above the ledge. He threw himself behind the rocks, lungs burning, and heart racing and forced himself to be still. Legs trembling from the run, he sucked in air as he burrowed further into the dead leaves. Everything on this planet is dead - leaves... trees... people.
Their shouts grew louder as they approached his sanctuary. He had to have come this way but there was no sign of him. They fired their weapons into the surrounding brush, burning the remaining foliage. Glancing over the ledge, they surmised that he had jumped to his death rather than face them. The swirling waters below would have swept his body away from the rocks. Laughing amongst themselves, they turned towards their encampment.
His heartbeat slowed and his breathing once again resumed a normal pace. It grew quiet; he slowly rose from his hiding place and looked around. Suddenly, he heard the shouts. It was too late, as the men raised their weapons and aimed at his heart. He closed his eyes awaiting the searing, burning pain he knew was only seconds away.
tbc...
Author's note: Sorry this is so short - I'll post more soon.