Hope Now Gone

Chapter 1

"God, I don't think I can do this..." My younger brother complained as he was putting on his suit and gear and my mother comforted him.
"Yes you can, You're already a big boy. You're 10. That's why we train." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her subtly as she already said that so many times today and I think its making Carter more nervous.
I made my way towards the training ground and put on my helment. "Everyone please make you way to the training grounds. In five minutes we will start the training." The guy that is behind the very protective glass said over the megaphone. I quickly put on my boots and went to a place where I think I could get a head start.

They don't announce the challenge unless everyone is already inside the training grounds ready for training. I could hear Carter whining softly. I look behind me to see him holding my mothers hand with a scrunched up face.

My dad handed me the tank bag and I gave him a small smile instead of a thank you. The tank was a bit heavy, but I could manage.

"In about 1 more minute the training will begin." I braced myself for the training though it iss not that hard, just at the bare medium I guess.

"Everybody ready!"

No countdown to one needed in this course as I already see the water pouring in. I quickly hopped over to the ladder near me and went to the next floor. There was a lot of boxes that I could use to my advantage, though I have to go fast as the water is already reaching the floor I'm at.

I stacked 4 boxes on top of each other and grabbed the ladder I used to get up here, and threw it to the next floor so I could use it for later. The water is quickly reaching the floor I'm at so I climbed up the stacked boxes then grabbed the ladder that I threw over. I noticed a guy following me from behind though I didn't acknowledge him.

My eyes scanned the area for a way to get to the next floor as the water is already reaching my knee's. The tank that is in my back quickly became very heavy as the water is now reached my waist. I spotted a broken staircase so I tried to sprint over to it.

I couldn't even walk or run at this point, the tank on my back was too heavy for me. I reached the broken staircase and the water is reaching my shoulders then to my neck. With fear all over me, I tried to just over that little space between the staircase so that I could reach the next floor, though I can't as the tank is weighing me down.

I could see this plank of wood that was coming near me but didn't acknowledge the fact that it went so quickly it hit my helmet, dented it and now I see a crack.

This feeling isn't just fear, I'm already facing death.
Though I shall not die without a fight.

I grabbed onto both sides of the stair case, and gave it my best to bring myself up.

I felt a pair of hands grab one of my wrist and pulled me up after I saw the crack becoming larger.

"Oh god thank you." I murmured. I looked up to see that this hero of mine was the guy that followed behind me earlier. "Come on we have to hurry." He said, grabbing my arm and we both ran to the next floor.

The water is already taking its speed as it has already reached my knees as I grab a long piece of wood to use as somewhat a ramp because the guy stacked a few small boxes that could easily fall.

We both reached the floor and onto the last one. God that was stressful.

After my breathing caught up with me I removed my helmet and the tank on my back.

"5 minutes to those who haven't finished yet!"

At the corner of my eye, I see the guy that helped, standing at a corner and just staring at me.