Creative Writing A Hero's Journey

Kael ran. He pumped his legs willing them to go faster. Chin tucked against his chest, a handkerchief tied around his mouth and nose he sprinted, his feet pounding across the dry, desiccated land, cutting his way through the howling wind. Even with all his tireless training he was feeling the strain of the toxic fumes. Fire raged through his lungs spreading burning heat through his limbs and muscles, threatening to consume his entire body. They knew the time was coming. Their hours had been numbered. They had spent decades planning for this exact moment. He had been taught from the time he could walk, that his home was on the edge of ruin. That there would come a day when it would be no more. All through his youth he trained until he thought

Just a little farther, just a little farther. He started the chant in his head willing his mind to override his failing body. He felt Rose grab his hand, impeccable timing as usual, and give a little squeeze. Together they would get through this. Just ahead, through the thickening veil, Kael caught a brief glint of the pristine white shuttle before ducking his head again against the wind. There had been checkpoints set up across the country where dozens of shuttles would each land and depart. Kael and his family were among the last wave of passengers. His parents had been offered a place among one of the first shuttles, but there hadn't been room for Kael and Rose. So they decided to go when they had been assigned and as a family. Just as Kael thought there wasn't any possible way he could continue, the shuttle, more massive than he had ever imagined, suddenly appeared, mere seconds before his toe caught the lip of an opening and he stumbled inside. Clear air hit his face, offering the sweetest relief to his body. He tipped his head back, panting heavily, and said a silent thank you to the fates that they had made it. He turned around facing the opening of the shuttle and looked out at what used to be his home. The year was 3000 and the