Dystopia (Dystopia Trilogy Book 1)

Cha[ter 8

Note: This is the 8th chapter out of 20. Each Friday a new chapter will be posted. However, if you wish to read it now, it can be purchased on Amazon, B&N, iBookstore, Kobo, and Smashwords. You can also follow me on Twitter (JMRUL) and facebook.

Dana pushed the cart of plastic scraps across the plant. She strained against the heavy cart as she shoved it to the recycling part of the facility. Tired, she paused a moment to catch her breath.

"Well, well, well," said a familiar voice, "if it isn't the girl who broke my nose."

"Leave me alone," said Dana.

"Elsie isn't here to save you this time."

Mad Dog nodded at his friends. At once, they grabbed the cart and tipped it over, spilling its contents. Plastic bottles and sheets scattered everywhere, clinking against each other as they rolled across the ground.

"Guess you're going to be late with that stuff," sneered Mad Dog.

Infuriated from his constant taunts, Dana rushed him. She plowed into him, punching him in the jaw.

Mad Dog wiped drops of blood from his lip. "So you want to play?"

He attacked, catching Dana in the stomach. Doubled over, she head-butted him. Before the fight could go much further, whistles sounded from all over as officers ran to them, pulling them apart.

"So, you want to fight?" said Officer Burroughs, eyeing the two of them as they struggled against being held. "Very well. Summon everyone to the pit."

The buzzer sounded two consecutive times. Instantly, people dropped their tools and filed over to the gathering area. Officer Burroughs smiled maliciously as both Dana and Mad Dog were dragged over to it.

The pit was a giant hole in the middle of the plant. The only way out was by rope. Fear filled Dana as she realized what was about to happen. As the two officers hauled her closer to the edge, she put her feet out, pushing with all of her strength.

"None of that now," said one of the officers.

Dana locked eyes with George for a moment. The worried expression on his face told her all she needed to know.

"Silence, all of you," bellowed Officer Burroughs. "It seems we have ourselves a feud. What do we with do with that? Send them here."

Claps and cheers sounded from many of the officers that had crowded around as well.

"Here, you both will fight to the death. Throw them in." Officer Burroughs flicked his hand.

Dana's stomach lurched as the officer tossed her into the pit. She landed on the steep side and rolled to the bottom. Dazed, Dana remained on the ground. A great weight landed on top of her, causing her back to ache.

Shoving Mad Dog off, Dana hopped to her feet. She watched as Mad Dog rose to his feet, staring at her with murderous eyes. Shouts filled the expanse as people took bets on who would win. Dana eyed the crowd. She soon regretted doing so as Mad Dog rammed into her, knocking her flat.

Dana seized his shoulders and flipped him over her. His moan told her she had done some damage. Dana rolled onto her hands and knees. Mad Dog charged again. She sprang to her feet and met his attack. They locked arms, each trying to deal a blow. Finally, Dana stomped on his foot. Hopping, Mad Dog released his grip on her. Dana punched him in the face, causing him to stagger back.

Dust flew into Dana's eyes as Mad Dog kicked at the dirt. Blinded, she rubbed her eyes, trying to clear them. A weight slammed into her as Mad Dog attacked. Sharp pain seized her stomach as he kicked her. Dana doubled over again, gasping for air. Immediately, a force rocked her face as Mad Dog planted his fist into it. He punched her again.