Hacked

My heavy* legs burned with each step, like a molten rod of lead had replaced all my bones. I forced air into my blazing lungs. Inhale, inhale, little squeak, exhale, small gasp, long sigh, hold breath because for some reason that helps, painful pang, inhale...

There was absolutely no science behind any of this, which was completely out of my usual standards. Only primitive thoughts echoed in my oxygen-deprived brain.

Must keep going.

I glanced to the left; beside me, a long, building blurred past. The bricks, blackened by night, created partial walls with obscene graffiti sprayed onto them. With one forceful gust of wind, this factory would undoubtedly collapse into a pile of dust.

It was so unusual seeing squat, dumpy buildings* anymore. The towering skyscrapers near my home were plentiful, and, according to our government, they utilized our available land better. At our council meetings, they always told us "Build up, not out." It made sense too. After all, since the Losing War, many of the previously luxurious cities had been annihilated and the landscape was deemed radioactive. Our arable land had been reduced to half its original size.

I leapt over a pile of debris, feet soaring into the air like an eagle on a hunt. Free, empowered. There was one key difference between us though; unlike him, I'm the prey. I landed with a thud! and tumbled a few rolls. Before long, my feet were racing over the pavement again.

I peered over my shoulder, searching for pursuers. Two bulky silhouettes danced briefly under a lamp post, then disappeared into the darkness once more. They were getting closer.

A mix of nerves, adrenaline, and idiocy mingled together, producing a beast unknown to man. Random spurts of energy edged me on, forcing me to s...

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...lf into my ears. Seconds later, I saw the dim outline of a rat scampering away.

"Idiot!" The sound of flesh hitting flesh then, "Shut up!" The rat-like voice mumbled an incoherent apology before they continued.

I felt the vibrations of metal trashcans being roughly thrown aside; the waves raced up my spine, unhinging me as they did. Trying to compose myself, I took a choppy breath, but it was cut off with a wheeze when inhaled thousands of particles of ash. My chest had a searing pain in it, like fire scorching a lush forest, and tears welled up in my eyes. These droplets were not enough to quench the pain. A lump pushed against my throat when I swallowed.

Their shadows edged closer; the sickening scent of sweat spread into my nostrils. My shoulders rolled as hot bile rose into my throat. Any second... Any second...

I could hear raspy breathing of the nasally hunter.