It's the year 2038 and a deadly virus has consumed the world for more than 14 years.
In Denmark, an unknown politician took it upon himself to create a safe space from the infected. As long as you abide by the 8 Obligations, you are allowed to live...
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"I think I'm in the running this time." I confess to my training partner Kyle, as we line up for the monthly briefing at our training.
"Yeah?" he grins at me. "Then you'll have to fight against me. I'm like 90 percent sure I'm going in the ring today."
"We'll see about that." I tease as I nudge him with my shoulder.
It's strange how much I have come to love this place. The people here. And how much I want a change at that fucking monthly title. I really hadn't expected it to be like that. I was only here for Angel. In the beginning anyway. Now she is just the extra cherry on top after every lesson. She always comes by, and we talk a bit before I run home.
Yes, I've started running to and from training. I'm building muscles. And it's working. I'm actually stronger than my older brother now. He learned that the hard way last time he made fun of my self-defense classes. I knocked him on his ass so effortless that he hasn't teased me ever since. I think I might actually have gained his respect. For now, anyway.
"Class!" Our trainer is standing in front of the fighting ring, looking over us all. "Today we decide who takes the title for the month!"
Adrenaline starts pumping through my veins. I want this. I want it so bad.
"There have been two exceptional improvements this month. So today, you will fight for the right to call yourself the champion of the month." His eyes wander over us and settle right on me or Kyle. It's hard to tell. My heart is hammering in my chest.
"Kyle and Jace! Come on up!" the other students howl and cheer as we make over way to the ring. "And remember, today, you are anything but friends. Today you are competitors. I want to see you do your best; do you understand me?!"
"Yes SIR!" we shout as loud as we can while respectfully keeping our eyes on our trainer. But we both just want to knock the other one out.
He is not my friend today. He is my enemy. This title is mine. All mine.
"Good, now get into the ring."
We climb up and positions ourselves in opposite sides. I can see in Kyle's eyes that he is just like me right now. There is no friendship between us at the moment.
"Face me. Bow." We bow to our trainer before turning towards each other again. "Face each other; Bow." I bow down, but do not break eye contact. "Now, fight!" He shouts the words while stepping out of the way.
Before I can even make a move, Kyle kicks me right in the face. The kick has so much force in it, that my body twists around in a way I didn't even think was possible and then I slam into the mattress. My ears are ringing and my vision blurry, but nevertheless I push myself back up on my feet. I can feel the blood running down my face, but I don't care. I'm not out yet. Not a chance.
Kyle grins at me before throwing a punch that hits me square in the jaw. I manage to stay on my feet, but I can't see anything now. I spit out the blood that's filling my mouth and try to focus my eyes. Slowly my vision comes back. Just in time to see the foot that knocks me out cold.
The next thing I know, the trainer is announcing the winner to the sound of my cheering classmates, while I'm still bleeding on the mat.
This is humiliating. I didn't even get a single punch in. I'm pathetic. A fucking weakling.
The sound of my class and trainer seems to be further and further away, and when I try to get up so I can see the room, its empty. They have all gone out into the main training room. Leaving me here like the looser I am.
"Don't try to get up." The sweet sound of her voice makes me smile and then groan in pain. Smiling hurts. I think my lip is swollen. "He got you bad..."
"Not that bad..." I lie and winches from the pain.
"Right... I can tell." She rolls her eyes and me and I laugh. Only shortly though, and then I groan again. Damn, he sure kicked my ass good. "Don't try to laugh, you fool."
"Are you cleaning him up, Angel?"
"Yes dad. I'll make sure he is all pretty again before sending him home."
"Thanks kiddo." The trainer looks down at me and I can feel the humiliation building inside. "Better luck next time, Jace. It's not just about muscles. It's about speed too. Remember that."
I give him a thumbs up, but don't answer. I'm too embarrassed to speak to him right now.
She helps me up to a sitting position before she begins to clean up my face with a moist towel. I look at her beautiful face while she washes up my blood.
"Why does people call you Angel?" I ask. I have always been curious about it. I know it's not her name, but still, no one calls her anything else. Not even the teachers.
"I don't know. My father has always called me that. He says that it's because I'm his angel. His miracle." She falls silent for a second, and I can tell she wants to say something more. Something that is difficult for her. So, I keep quiet and wait for her to continue as she cleans my wound. "My mother died giving birth to me. I almost died too. Dad says I was in the hospital the first six months of my life. Going through surgery after surgery. Complication after complication."
"I'm so sorry..." I brush a finger down her cheek, and she looks up at me.
Iit's okay. I'm fine now. Stronger than ever." She smiles at me. "Might even be stronger than you." She teases.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." I respond and flex my muscles which makes her laugh. The sweetest sound I have ever heard. If I could, I would make her laugh like that every day.
I like being close to her. I can see how flawless she is. And the more I look at her, the more I get it. Why she is called Angel. She looks like an angel.
"I'm sorry you have to clean off my blood." I almost whisper.
"it's okay. I want to be a nurse one day. Or a doctor. I want to practice medicine in some way. So I can help people."
"Really?" I smile at her and forget all about the pain for a second. "I want to do that too... I've always dreamed of being a doctor."
"Then maybe we can work together one day." Her eyes shine so bright when she speaks. I could get lost in them forever.
"I would love that..." I whisper as I lean in closer. "Anything to be near you..."
My head must have taken a bigger blow than I thought. Seeing how corny I am right now. I can hear myself and I want to stop this pathetic behavior, but I can't. She has this power over me, where I can't completely control myself around her.
But then something unexpected happens. She puts down the washcloth, puts her hands around my neck and kisses me. My first real kiss form someone I really like. Maybe even love...
