Kill or Be Killed

Kill or be killed.

As you emerge from a dark cave, this reverberates through your mind.

Kill or be killed.

Looking back at your place of origin—which had been used by one other before you—you feel a pang of sadness. But you quickly turn your attention away.

Around you, you can see scattered goods—food, clothing, medicines. However, these will not last you long. But you are ravenous. You eat some of the food, wear some of the clothes. For the next few days, you survive on this bounty. However, you do explore slightly, finding similar beings, who you befriend.

When the supplies run out, you bid farewell to your friends, and walk further than you have before. Before long, you see fires—gleaming, blazing, fires. Your heartbeat quickens—you have found others!

But these are nothing like your friends. As you walk toward the fire, you can see not one man alone, but ten. They see you. They walk to you.

As you step in front of them, they take you. They take you to what seems as master. He tells you that you can join him, or be killed.

Kill or be killed.

This runs through your mind again. But you must agree. You bow down and become a part of them.

This group grows. And grows. Soon, you—once the most pitiful person—commands many. You rise. As you rise, others do too. You see leaders go, and be replaced by others, in an endless cycle.

And then—you see it. A golden opportunity. As the current leader dies, you fight for the crown.

Kill or be killed.

You fight a vicious battle with a foe. They hurt you. You hurt them. It is vicious, but you are victorious. That who you killed is forgotten.

You lead this group with an iron fist. As you move, more come. They come to you. They swear loyalty. Those who do, they not die.

And then you encounter a clone—a similar group to the one you lead. The leader of that tribe challenges you for control of yours. You accept.

People warn you about the leader. They say he is strong. But you do not back down. You ready yourselves.

Kill or be killed.

And then comes the moment. You are locked in a space with your foe.

You hit him. He hits you. You stumbled back, blood rushing in your ears, your heart thumping.

You get worn down. They were right. He is strong. And he is victorious.

Kill or be killed.

And the deed is done. You are struck through the heart. Your gaze turns black. Your arms fall limp. Your chest stills. You are gone.

As the earth overtakes you, and you are submerged in death, a thought runs through your head.

Kill or be killed.