Running. . . Running. . . Running.
It seemed all I ever did was run. Run from problems, from blessings, the law; the latter happening more often than I would like to admit. It was happening now, but that was hardly surprising. It wasn't my fault this time, honest. I don't do explosives, but do the police care? No.
To the uncaring eye of the law, I was just another homeless street rat. The worst part was the staring, eyes following my movements; reflecting with annoyance and disgust at my unkempt hair or dirty clothes. Unfortunately there was quite a few more heartless people in the world than sympathetic.
As quietly as I could, I ducked behind a particularly large tree to catch some of my ever so elusive breath. My head fell against the rough bark of the trunk and pinched my eyes tight, the pain in my chest subsiding slowly. Running kept me in shape, sure, but I am human despite what others think and I could only go so long.
Air caught in my scratchy throat much to my lungs' displeasure as heavy footfalls crunched against crisp leaves that marked the beginning of Fall. Just as they stopped, loud panting filled the gap created in the unnaturally silent forest. It was as if the creatures dwelling here were watching a movie; on the edge of their seats, deadly quiet as not to miss if the hero would be captured or escape like he had many times before.
I was that hero, and I would not disappoint my fans.
"He has to be here!" An exhausted, gruff voice grunted out. My oxygen deprived cells demanded I take another breath but I dared not satisfy the request. "Split up, I won't let him get away again."
If only he knew.
Two pairs of boots began a search, edging ever closer to my tree. My eyes jumped, scanning the surroundings for any mean of escaping my foes. Nearly fifty feet to my right there was a natural cave made of limestone. Perfect.
Taking a quick peek around the trunk of my tree, I immediately pulled back at the sudden closeness of my two pursuers. Allowing myself to take a deep breath, I prepared myself for a mad dash. There was no way to get to my shelter without both of them seeing me.
Now or never. I let my tight muscles release to propel myself forward with impressive speed.
"There he is!" No dip Sherlock.
I heard the click of metal on metal before a younger female voice called out for the first time. "You can't shoot him!" The desperation in her voice almost made me turn around.
Almost.
I quickened my pace as I approached the stone structure. Twenty feet left. Time felt lagged as the heavy weight of my backpack became glaringly obvious and I tried to work my legs harder.
"Don't try to protect him, rookie, he's bad news!" The sound of his voice grew faint as I put more space between myself and him. Another click. "Only a criminal runs from their crime." The deafening blast of a gunshot rang out and I flinched, my eardrums protesting against the sharp explosion.
I dove, sliding feet first towards the cave. My heart skipped a beat as a 'ping' of the collision between rock and metal rained small particles of limestone down on my face.
Just as I registered the sound, the ground under me disappeared. I waved my hands desperately but found no solid mass anywhere and my panic started to rise. My eyes strained against the pitch black tunnel that seemed never to end. I didn't know what's waiting for me at the bottom of this endless free fall, or if I was to survive the impact, but the 'unknown' couldn't be worse than the cruel world that waited for me above.
Well that's just the beginning, a prologue if you will, and if you guys like it feel free to drop me a review! I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback always helps! Thanks!
Artemis.