Dawn's Awakening

The Reaper

                    The desert sands cover my small tracks wherever I go, dunes cover the distant society that lies ahead. All alone isn't a bad option. I'm away from the government, away from the people. I fetch my compass from my right pocket, something drops from within it. Hitting the sand dully, I stare at it for what seems like forever. Slowly, I pick up the bent metal plate. I run my finger across its etched writing, my eyes find the name Isold, I. Huffing, I tuck it back into my pocket, focusing my attention back onto the dented compass.

                    Flicking open the rusted cap a loud squeak rings from it's old hinges.

                    "Dammit..." I curse, flicking the glass face. Its needle stands still, my relentless attacks having no effect. 'Fuck it,' I think to myself. I throw the useless object up and down. The sun bouncing off the shiny object, hitting the lens' of my mask. I wind my arm back, aiming at the sun. With all my force I throw it up high it and disappears from my view. Patiently I await its descent. And as it comes into view I reach out, my fingertips mere inches away from its rusty exterior. But when I catch my compass, a shot rings out and a bullet pierced through my hand, taking the appendage with it.

                    I immediately hit the sand below as my blood covers its tan surface.

                    "What the fuck?!" I cry holding my wrist. I attempt to scan the area, looking for the perpetrator. Almost immediately I notice a light coming from my right, its faint reflection disappearing as soon as I notice it. They're behind a dune 300 meters away. They must have realized I saw them as another shot whips past my head. This one with less accuracy. I jump to my feet and start running in zig zags, avoiding their slow barrage. But another step closer and they take a chunk out of my right leg. I'm suddenly flung to the hot sand below, its gritty texture grinding my teeth. A distant voice exclaims,

                    "He's down, do it!" Suddenly I turn, facing the source of the voice. Before I can attempt to reach for my sidearm , another round bursts, grazing my temple. I cant hold my balance, making me stay in the sand. My blood fades into my vision, covering my mask in a dark haze. I have to come up with a plan. If I can't move well, what should I do? I could just play dead, they think I'm out. I quickly go limp, allowing my muscles to relax and breathing to shallow.

                    But It feels like an eternity before I hear them approach. Their footsteps are light and slow, still cautious. As they get closer I hold my breath. Just by their steps alone I can hear at least three of them. Barely a couple of feet away but they stop, not allowing me my surprise attack.

                    "Stop" a deeper voice commanded, "Milly, check to see if he's dead." An individual steps close to my head. I can't see them but I'm sure they're armed. They grab my coat. Now's my chance. I grab their leg, pulling myself up quickly. As they struggle, I use my strength to hold them in front of me a knife held to their neck. The pair in front tenses, their weapons aimed at me. 'Milly' tries to thrash against my grip but he's too weak giving me the advantage.

                    "Nobody move." I said, "unless you want him to lose his head." I pressed the knife in harder, giving my warning meaning. He swallowed hard and put his hands up.

                    "You're the reaper right? I don't think you realize the bounty on your head." The leader of the group chuckled. He put his pistol down by his hip.

                    "I don't think you realize why nobody hunts after me." I said. He just laughed and motioned for his partner to put his weapon down. We stared at each other for a moment when he raised his weapon again. Aiming at us both he shot my prisoner in the chest, the bullet exiting him and entering just below my rib. He screamed out in pain, blood flowing out. I clenched my teeth from the pain. There was no way this man would survive a shot like that. So I take it upon myself to stab his jaw from below, ending it quickly. He dropped fast and colored the sand red. Dropping to one knee I cradled my wound. My body is already trying to fix my injuries. His other henchman walked up and pressed his side arm to my forehead.

                    "We don't need anybody weak in this world." He said with a wicked smile. "Captain, may I do the honors?" The leader gave a quick, cold nod. His henchman looked back at me still smiling. I narrowed my eyes at him. I know what I need to do. I match his smile and chuckled. I can feel his hesitation, his worry. He swallowed hard,

                    "What's so funny?" He asked. I grabbed his weapon fast and pressed it hard to my forehead.

                    "Wanna find out why they call me the reaper? Shoot! Pull the trigger and I'll take your life." I said, smiling wickedly. He shook quietly at my words, his weapon keeping steady in my hand. The man behind him grabbed his shoulder.

                    "Do it!" He yelled.

                    Click,

                    Bang.