Maisie

"Keep on fighting. Don't stop." General Charleson yells back at me.

Sweat forms on my forehead and breathing becomes harder to do. "I literally just ate," I mutter.

"So did we all," he pauses. "You'll get to taste your food again."

I cringe at the sudden thought of bile and keep on swinging my arms around.

"Nice one Maisie." General Charleson pats my back as I bend over and place my hands on my knees. Panting, I look over my nose and see Oliver swiftly fighting his opponent. "He may become a soldier you know. He has the skills."

"Oh I know", I mutter under my breath, wishing that the words weren't true.

This morning at the dining hall, Oliver and I just ate in silence due to the conversation we had earlier. I mean, how am I supposed to say goodbye to a lifelong friend? Someone who was there for me ever since my parents passed away and after I was left to attain my own things, practically grew up with helping me hunt, cook, clean and fight. I mean, I can never let go of Oliver.

"Just hang in there", and with that, I go back to fighting, putting all my rage towards my opponent.

Halfway through training, the Imperial Union's Commander breaks through the doors.

"Listen up. On the Western Border, a new breach has occurred. Women of bear and their children are on the run, escaping their facilities. All soldiers in training must head to the border and close up the breach killing off any refugees. I repeat; Kill. Them. All."

With that the Commander turns away, his iron footed boots clanging against the steel floors.

I look over at Oliver and already see him gearing up. I stand there gaping.

"Are you seriously going to go and fight innocent people just because they want to escape?"

Oliver looks over at me for a brief moment before picking up his sword and walking over to me.

"The Commander told us to do something. I'm only obeying." Oliver turns around and walks towards the door, pausing to turn around. "You coming?"

I quickly gear up, hatred filling every vein in my body.

The Imperial Union thinks it can control them... that they can control us. The "well" women sitting there all day in their moldy, grey cots, waiting for the Commander to approve their appearances. Their hair tied back into slick buns, all of their faces long and slender. Nails cut short every day in fear that one fights another. Their dresses all fit right below the knee, black stockings covering the lower part of their legs. Shoes, a size too small are stuffed with their feet. Meals cut down to a slice of bread and water.

Never could I imagine living like that. Never.

Mother used to tell me stories. Stories of the words they were limited to. Not a single one could speak for themselves. They had to speak for their quadrant. I used to hug her every evening before going to bed in the dark because if we were caught in the light, we wouldn't have been pardoned.

After they took her away, the soldiers tested me and ran labs, finding out the truth. I could never become a woman of bear. Never.