Student Council Debates (Part 3)

"Yup, that's right, Jeffrey. By Sunday night, one of us will be dead. I'm 100% sure of it."

What the fuck? Was this supposed to be a trick? What's his goal? This could've been a ploy to psyche me out before tomorrow. He also could be trying to lead me away from something else, like a flaw I almost noticed or something.

"What's your aim?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

The wind blew around us, sending a chill down my spine. The streetlights were starting to get brighter as the night grew darker. Moonlight sprinkled down around us, illuminating the darker part of our faces. Each streetlight was our own spotlight.

Viktor was well-dressed as usual. Wearing black slacks, a white t-shirt with a black suit coat over it, and he still had his eye patch over his left eye. His hair was completely white as opposed to his blonde hair before… that happened. His hair was slicked back and combed perfectly. He looked perfect, as usual. Viktor had always been someone who strove for perfection. We also were the same height, making eye contact more convenient for both of us.

"My aim? Honestly, I don't know." Viktor said, allowing a bright smile to appear across his face. "I guess I just wanted to forewarn you about what's to come. Do not worry, Jeffrey, I know exactly what you're thinking. What you think I'm trying to do is nowhere remotely close to what's actually happening. Farewell, old friend. Best of luck tomorrow!"

And with that, Viktor majestically turned around, the folds of his suits billowing out around him. He sauntered off into the night.

…

I found myself standing on the podium. To my right, Viktor Hale. In front of me, a crowd of about 400 students. The mumble and bumble of the crowd rang through my ears. My heart beat was steady in my chest, I've done things like this before. Only one tiny thing is different.

The entire fate of the school was on the line.

Principal Meyers stood up in between Viktor and I.

"Alright, alright students. Settle down." The entire bustle of the crowd came to a sudden stop. "The candidates will now present their case. Afterward, you will all receive tablets to input your votes. Viktor, the floor is yours."

"Thank you, Principal Meyers. Greetings, everyone. As you all probably know by now, my name is Viktor Hale. I only just arrived at this school earlier this week. I cannot express my gratitude enough for everyone who got me this far. Now, what everyone wants to know; why me? I'm a newcomer after all, why should you trust this nobody?" As Viktor spoke, his voice filled with an incredible charisma that silenced the crowd, and had every student hooked onto his every word.

"Well, let me tell. I have spent years adapting to unfamiliar environments. I've held several leadership positions in the past. In fact, in my last school I helped the principal out in many activities, and gave him advice better than most administrators he had. Not to brag, but I was the school's consultant." With every word out of his mouth, his hand gestures perfectly complimented his story. The entire crowd watched intently, nodding along with him. He made a quick gesture to Emma, who was sitting in the front row, watching with an expression of awe and admiration on her face. "My vice-presidential candidate, Emma, is someone who I'm sure everyone here is familiar with. She's one of the most recognizable students in the entire school for a reason. She chose to join my campaign since she believed in my ability, and wanted to help me gain my recognition, and that's what I want to do with this school."

He paused. Everyone in the crowd was on the edge of their seats, holding in their breath.

"I have many policies that I want to change. As we all know, this school isn't necessarily known for its intelligence. I have plans to change that. We'll be changing curriculums, and introducing new classes. Do not worry, we'll keep the physical aspect of the school in mind as well, however now the school will dominate in both areas instead of just one."

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Viktor just sat back and smirked, knowing his victory was decided.

"Now, of course. Let's talk about the obvious. All these claims are cool, but I'm still just a newcomer, who says that Jeffrey can't also do all this and some, since he's been here way longer. Well, I've known Jeffrey for a long time, we're old pals, and I think I know him pretty well. And honestly, I think the fact he only started running now says a lot. If he really did have the school's best interests in mind, why did he only start running after hearing word that I started running? I know Jeffrey, and he's very competitive. If I'm being honest, I think he only started running to try and one up me. We always have little competitions like these." Viktor turned and stared directly at me. "Jeffrey, I'm not letting you win this one."

The way he said that last line horrified me, it was almost like he was a different person. His eyes turned from his normal calming gaze, to a hardened rage that was reflected in his face.

After a few moments of silence, Viktor turned back to the crowd and took a deep bow.

"Thank you, that is all."

The crowd again erupted into cheers and applause. Principal Meyers made his way back up to the stage. He quickly made eye contact with me and his face was pure dread. His expression read, We're doomed.

Yeah, we really are.

I really want to be able to say that I found a new part of myself that was just as charismatic as Viktor and produced a super cool speech that swayed the hearts of people and in a close vote, I won by a small margin. Securing the dub for me and the school.

Sadly, that was not the case.

I gave probably the worst speech of my entire life, and every point I tried to bring up for myself was immediately countered by Viktor, whether by something he already said or him butting in quietly. It was infuriating. I lost, bad time. 

The final tally was 596 to 42. Viktor's favor. Honestly, those 42 pity votes were far more than I expected people to give.

Viktor won. Flawlessly… as usual.

Well, at least I could get some rest at home since school was dismissed early today.

"Hey, Jeffrey." Viktor's voice called from behind me. I turned to him following me with a giant group of girls eagerly trying to get his attention. He waved them off and asked for some privacy, then turned his gaze back to me.

"Viktor" I nodded in acknowledgement. "You won, as expected."

"Of course, what else could've possibly happened when it's me you're going against? Anyway, Jeffrey. I think it's time we discuss what's going to happen."

"Oh, yeah? What's that?"

"Well, all I will say is that I took over the student council president in place of someone else. All I wanted to do was take my revenge. But due to some unfortunate circumstances, I was asked to do this instead."

I nodded, starting to piece several puzzle pieces together in my hand.

"Go on."

"Well, I am worried about you. You probably know who I'm talking about now. However, it will take a lot to defeat him here. I'm sure you've got it, though. Nonetheless, for my revenge. Do you have any idea what I could possibly want?"

It was a rhetorical question, nonetheless, I knew the answer. I lowered my voice before answering.

"Yeah, we're going back to the Maze of Archon. And we're going to have a rematch against Aion, aren't we?"

"That's right, Jeffrey! This time we'll win!"