[HIATUS] Survive the System

PROLOGUE

Year 2123; human society hasn't advanced as much as one would think, if not towards conflict.

"Hey, hey, hey...! C'mon, Jordan, put that knife down, will you?"

The word "conflict" is now refined, almost elegant in its execution, unlike many others. Running through open fields, guns blazing... is considered much too barbarian nowadays. Assassination is the preferred method, and has become as endorsed as it has refined.

"Why should I!? Think I can't take you, Quinn? You fucking killed Scarlet, man!"

Over two decades ago, at the brink of a new war and ungodly afraid of the consequences, the US government implemented an assassination system to create the elite of all elites.

"Yeah, I know I fucking killed Scarlet. What do you want from me, Jord? She was my rabbit! Besides, she was your cousin's fox. You really wanted her to kill Reuben?"

At birth, one is assigned a hunter: targets become rabbits, and hunters become foxes; terms that exist merely to differentiate these killings from any others, unrelated to the elite. A rabbit is also assigned to the newborn. Every person is, at all times, simultaneously a rabbit and a fox.

"...She killed him anyway!"

Any individual is only allowed to kill their rabbit, and/or their fox – if they manage. If a third party dies by their hands, the situation will be handled like any other homicide, though consequences are much more serious.

"Then why are you all of a sudden trying to defend her? Are you out of your mind?"

The more rabbits and foxes one kills, the more they climb towards securing themselves a place in the elite; a place that means everything. Once a part of the elite, the government guarantees the individual everything and anything they need, want, or demand. No more worrying about your troubles, your family's, your close friends', your lover's.

"I'm not defending anybody but myself! You killed Scarlet and now I'm next!"

There is a catch, of course. Any individual is only allowed to know their rabbit's identity beforehand, never the fox's. Thus, one must always watch their back quite carefully if they wish to evade their fox – or get the upper hand.

"For fuck's sake, Jordan, I'm not gonna kill you. I'm telling you you're my current rabbit just so you don't have to constantly watch your back. As long as I'm alive, you're safe, you know that."

Once either the rabbit or the fox are eliminated, a new one will be assigned. The new name will appear under the individual's skin – on the inside of their left forearm, near the elbow, similar to embossment on a book's cover. While it might be quite hard to see, it can certainly be felt and, therefore, read.

"Y-You promise you ain't killing me, Quinn...?"

Upon birth... the hunt begins.

"Of course I promise, Jordan."