The Runners: Positivity

Chapter 2

Chapter 2- Kitty

It's 6 AM when they come. 8 of them. They all wear black uniforms; it helps them blend in with the shadows. The Positive Sector 5 Patrol.

You slowly walk down the steps leading from the room you share with your brother, Kaizer- he'll have it to himself now... At the front door of your house, Mom, Dad, and Kaizer stand together, in a small line. The instant she sees you, Mom runs over.

"My baby! Listen, I made it back home, and you will too. Don't worry. They won't pick you. Oh Raygen, don't go, please don't go..." She says, tears streaming down her face.

She embraces you in a tight hug, and you can't help but hug back. After all, this is probably the last time you'll ever get to see her. What seems like minutes later, she pulls away, and your father steps forward.

"Raygen..." He whispers softly, stroking your hair "You don't deserve to be in this..., but you'll come back. I know it. Come on, promise that you'll come back, whether it be winning in The Labyrinth or not even competing, just promise that you'll return." Dad stares into your eyes, almost pleading.

"Ok. I'll return, promise." You whisper hoarsely, dry tears on your cheeks.

He nods and steps back.

"Kaizer!" You exclaim, embracing your little brother.

"Sissy, where you going?" He asks innocently.

"I'm... Going to a new place to play a game. Like the hunting games you like to play!" You reply enthusiastically."

"Hunting game! Oh, I want to play!" He exclaims.

You look at him in horror, "No, you never want to be picked! They take you to a far off place to play."

He looks at you again, "Where is that?"

You feel bad for telling him where, he doesn't really understand that you might be put into a deathmatch and never return. "Nowhere. I'll see you soon."

Kai looks at you in confusion, but steps back like the rest of his family, and puffs out his chest. You laugh a bit on the inside, forgetting your possible fate.

The Patrol knocks on your door again.

"Huh?" You turn to the door, wondering who it could possibly be, but then you remember; The Patrol.

"You, um," Dad says, swallowing, "Better get going." He finishes firmly.

You stare at him in disbelief. Does he want me to leave?

"You want me to go?!" You question, eyes watering.

"Ray, I don't but-"

"But what? Your only daughter is being sent to her death, and you want her to go! Well fine, I'll go! If it makes you happy, I'll go, because, unlike you, I actually care about my family!"

"Hey! Ray, remember your promise. You're going to come home."

"Not if I'm coming home to this. I'd rather die." You spit out the words, and swing open the door, and storming out onto the path in front the Patrol.

"Raygen, wait!" He calls, but you ignore him, slamming the door in his face.

Behind the closed door, you can hear Mom sobbing, and suddenly, you feel bad for what you've said. You want to turn back, but you can't. The Patrol have a firm grip on your shoulder, and one of them has a gun to the back of your head.

"Don't even dare try to go back." The Patrol holding the gun says.

You try to nod, but realize that isn't exactly the best idea, so instead, you stay silent and keep walking. Staring forward you can see the top of a large, black, armored van. This must be the van taking us...