Author Games: The Final War

Finals: Ilsa Rose

“I don’t want to kill you.  I won’t.  I refuse to do it,” Ilsa said.  Her blonde braid bounced against her back as she shook her head. 

You’re a monster, Ilsa. 

Ilsa shook her head to get her aunt’s words out of her mind.  She had already seen Alodia die before her eyes, speared to death by one of the remaining boys before Amphitrite had killed him in retribution.   The experience of Alodia’s death had taught Ilsa that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t make the air continue to circulate through punctured lungs. 

“I don’t think we have a choice, Ils,” Amphitrite said.  Her voice was softer than it usually was.  “You heard them.  We’re the last ones left.” 

You’re destroy things, Ilsa. 

Ilsa shook her head again.  “Impossible.  We-we can’t be the last ones left.  And even if we were, I’d still refuse to kill you.  You’re my friend Amphi.  You don’t kill friends.  I don’t know much about friends, but I do know that much.”

The wind started to blow in the caves.  This alone was what made it sink in for Ilsa that Amphi was right. 

Her affinity hadn’t worked in the caves before.  If it worked now, it meant that there was nothing else left to test Ilsa besides whether she was capable of killing someone to become the president. 

You’ll hurt people if you’re allowed to, Ilsa. 

“Ilsa-“

You’ll be a killer, Ilsa. 

“No!”  In an act of ultimate betrayal to Ilsa from her body, tears welled up in her eyes.  “Your uncle said you wouldn’t dream of killing someone without a reason.    I wouldn’t either,” That part was directed at the voice in her head of her aunt, but it applied to Amphi just the same.  “This isn’t right, Amphi.” 

Ilsa lifted her head up to the roof of the cave.  “You hear that?” She called out with as much force as she could muster behind her voice.  “This.  Is.  Wrong.  Maybe you do need someone who’s physically and mentally strong to run the country.  But this isn’t the right way.  Forcing us to kill each other?  Forcing us to kill other Strongs and other Fighters, even our friends?  This is not solving anything!  This is making the problem worse!”  She hadn’t realized her volume had elevated to a shout until she finished. 

“Ilsa, it’s not going to work,” Amphi said. 

Ilsa couldn’t comprehend the resigned note in Amphi’s voice.  “No, they need a president.” She started to pace.  “If we both refuse to kill each other, they can’t make us.  They’ll have to make us co-presidents or something.  Right?” 

“Ilsa,” Amphi said.  “I’m sorry.  But there is no choice.” 

And Ilsa was attacked by her only friend.

She didn’t bother to fight with air.   It would never work, and the attempt would only give Amphi the advantage. 

The fight went quicker than one would have fought.  She pinned Amphi down and put her hands over the other girl’s mouth and nose. 

“I’m sorry,” Ilsa said. 

Tears dripped down from her face and fell onto Amphi below.  Her friend thrashed and kicked, but Ilsa kept her grip for the three minutes it took for Amphi to die.

Once she was certain Amphi was dead, Ilsa pulled her hands away. 

Three minutes, Ilsa thought.  It rang in her head in a continuous loop. 

It took Ilsa three minutes to murder her only friend. 

The embrace of her mother was almost enough to completely make up for the murder Ilsa had committed not hours before. 

Ilsa’s mother kissed Ilsa on the head.  “I’ve missed you so much,” She murmured. 

She pulled away.  “I’ve missed you too, Mom.” 

Ilsa’s mother stroked Ilsa’s cheek.  “When all of this settles down, we can talk.  But now you have to go to your inauguration.  Good luck sweetheart.” 

Despite herself, Ilsa smiled.  Her mother really hadn’t changed a bit. 

“People of Earth, we have been at war for far too young.  Families are ripped apart daily.  Children are tormented and tortured for something none of them can control.  Discrimination and genocide run rampant in our country.  And you know what the worst part is?  We all find this normal.” 

This got a reaction of the audience.  Some were pleased, others were upset, but most were intrigued. 

Ilsa took a deep breath and continued.  “That is despicable.  Absolutely despicable.  I find it appalling that while atrocities against humanity are being committed left and right, against our own countrymen and women, We.  Find.  It.  Normal.  We accept it.  And that is wrong.  That needs to change. 

“I cannot promise to fix everything during my term alone.  But I can promise that I do intend to lay the framework down to fix the conflict between Strongs and Fighters, so that one day it won’t matter whether you’re a Strong or a Fighter.  In the eyes of society, you’ll just be a person.

“Every person in this country has value.  Everyone has their flaws, and everyone has their good qualities.  The point is that everyone is human.  And every human life is worth fighting for.

“As your president, this will be my mantra.  To fight for those who can’t, to save those who need it, and to ultimately end the suffering in this country to the best of my ability because we are all human, and are entitled to certain undeniable rights.  We are all entitled to life, liberty, and happiness, and no one can justifiably deny it to us.  I will fight for your rights. I promise.  Thank you.”