"…Hah… hahh…" My breath tore out of me as I ran, lungs burning, legs screaming.
I wasn't running aimlessly. I knew this city like the back of my hand.
'Next right turn… police station.'
At first, I thought about calling for help. But when I saw two more guys join the chase, I froze on the idea. If there were more waiting, if they had guns… I'd only drag someone else into danger. And with the sidewalks packed with people rushing past, they couldn't risk shooting in the open. Stores? Same problem. Too many innocents.
So I kept running.
I turned the corner…there it was, the police station. Relief flickered for half a second… until I saw him.
Another hooded figure. Standing right in front of me.
"…Fuck me," I spat, skidding to a halt.
I whipped around. Behind me, the three were closing in fast. My pulse hammered.
Left...traffic lights still green, cars streaming past. No chance.
Right…an alley.
I didn't think. I just ran.
The alley swallowed me whole, shadows stretching long across the walls. My sneakers slapped against the cracked pavement, echoing like gunshots.
'Please… don't let this be a dead end.'
I vaulted over trash bins and boxes, stamina draining with every step. I didn't dare look back…it would only slow me down. Forward was the only option.
Then I saw it…not a dead end, but an abandoned construction site. The rain kept the place deserted. I lunged through the open frame of a window and stumbled inside.
"Huff…" My heart raced, breath shallow, but I kept moving. If I could reach the exit door, turn left, I'd be at the police station.
But another figure blocked the way.
'Seriously?'
I spun around. The three behind me were already vaulting through the same window.
No choice. I bolted for the stairs. The building had two floors.
On the second floor, breathless, I turned left…and froze. The place was exposed, just a roof and a floor, no walls, no safety rails…only a sheer drop waiting at the edge.
"Hahhh…" I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to calm myself. This was my limit.
Then I turned back. Five figures stood there.
'I guess that's how I'll die… not that I want it.'
"Stand back. I'll talk to him," the one in the middle said.
"Zero, it's dangerous, we can—" another started, but was cut off.
"One, I said I'll talk to him. You all can wait outside," Zero ordered, his voice steady, commanding.
"C'mon, One. Let's go…" one of them grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the exit. Reluctantly, One agreed.
Now I was alone with the supposed Zero. Both of us stood there, slowly catching our breath.
Tap-tap-tap-tap… the rain echoed against the roof.
After a long moment, Zero lowered his hood. His features came into view…young, striking, light brown hair. green eyes… the same as mine.
"…You're Zack Foster, right?" he asked.
"…"
'Did this guy just ask who I am? Then why the hell did he chase me if he didn't know?'
I dropped my head, pressing a hand to my face. Then I chuckled. Maybe I'd lost my sanity after running. The situation was absurd…I thought I'd be dead.
"Ha… haha…" Another low chuckle escaped my mouth.
Zero tilted his head, confused.
"What's so funny?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
I raised my head and looked at him. 'Is he for real?'
"Are you serious right now? You just chased me across six streets… and now you're asking who I am!?" My patience snapped.
"…No…? Yes? Yesn't…" he stammered.
'…Is this guy an idiot?'
I sighed. "Yes. I'm Zack Foster." Better to change the subject before I lose it completely.
"What do you guys want from me?"
He straightened, tone firm.
"Oh, I knew it. I'm Max…you can call me Zero. What we want from you, Zack… is to join us."
I blinked.
'I take it back. Even an idiot is smarter than him. He's just a dense motherfucker.'