Human? Calista momentarily paused, resuming her pace when an attendant waved at her frantically so she could move. They called her ‘human’? Was that intentional?
In the Socializer world, ‘human’ was a deeply offensive term for Earthians. It carried a negative connotation after the centuries of stereotypes and reputation the species built up, even before the Utopia formed. Judgmental, reckless, and violent people that killed each other over the most meaningless things. Socializers wanted to rebrand with the ‘Earthian’ term instead, hoping they’d be revered and respected for their beauty, perfection, talent, and adaptability.
Was it different in the fighting world? Calista didn’t remember much. She hadn’t heard the term ‘human’ in a while— except when it was used as an insult.
When she stepped out onto the arena, she felt like she would die. She started hyperventilating again and her sweat glands squeezed out every drop of water left in her. Her suit started feeling tight and uncomfortable, and her helmet seemed to tighten over her head.
-1 EP
-1 EP
She looked around at the crowds, gulping deeply. There were all sorts of people, but hardly any Earthians. The few patches of Earthians she found were all jeering at her. Above the seats were numerous capsules holding more people, which circled around the open circle. Their tags were hidden from her UI to prevent overstimulation.
Reluctantly, she looked at her opponent: the childlike, periwinkle blue-skinned woman with long, straight, dark blue hair. She had her weight leaned on one leg, her arms crossed, and her ears twitched at the sounds, sticking out of her helmet. Her black marble eyes regarded her with boredom. Ilamikoans had eyes similar to Martians’, with black sclerae. Her tag was visible:
Lílitha ‘Piranha’ Houdge
Versus Fighter
Level 378
They were supposed to exchange formalities as a sign of mutual respect, so Calista approached her, trying to smile. “Um… hi,” she started, cringing at herself. “Uh… just wanted to say good luck. Or… not good luck, but… may the best fighter win. And… I’ll do my best.”
-2 Rel-P
New Person: Lílitha Houdge
Negative Acquaintance
Lílitha rolled her eyes. “Just show me what you’ve got,” she said, her distinct accent clear— much like a Latin American accent. She stretched out her small, gloved hand for a fist bump, which Calista returned. They got into position.
“The next fight starts in 10… 9…” The rhythmic stomping echoed with Calista’s heartbeat.
Lílitha smirked, her eyes devilishly glinting in the light and her sharp fangs briefly flashing. Calista momentarily closed her eyes and took another breath. Don’t look at the crowd. Don’t look at anyone. Just look at her. She’s your enemy.
It was this or nothing. The academy or going back home to an empty life.
“FIGHT!”
As Calista expected, Lílitha charged forward. That was something she did in every fight. She wanted to gain the upper hand as fast as she could by delivering the first blow.
At the same time, the Earthian girl snapped out her leg, her foot arching to meet Lílitha’s head. It wouldn’t be too hard, since she was about a foot shorter than her. This seemed to catch Lílitha off guard a bit as she skidded to a stop, but she managed to duck under the blow.
Calista then threw her fist down at Lílitha’s face, hitting her nose. The crowds exclaimed, not in concern, but in surprise.
+1 Damage
-1 EP
However, Lílitha didn’t allow any pausing. She immediately retaliated with an uppercut to Calista’s chin, stretching her arm to meet the length. Her head snapped back before a foot slammed into her side, immediately knocking her off-balance.
-2 HP
-3 HP
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-2 EP
While the suit protected her from injury, the pads were designed to take in impact and transfer it to her pain receptors. It would hurt when Lílitha hit her, but it wouldn’t damage her. It was probably to measure her pain tolerance. Unfortunately, Calista’s tolerance was quite low, and this pain wasn’t the same as body-modding.
-1 EP
She scrambled to stand as fast as she could before Lílitha could kick her again. She blocked her foot and stood, staying on defense as she tried to find an opening.
But Lílitha found one first. Her foot slammed into her midriff with the same force as a wrecking ball, knocking the air out of her.
-5 HP
-10 EP
With her back lowered, Lílitha was able to grab her shoulder and wrap her legs around her waist, her arms snaking around her throat. Calista clawed at her hands as she choked, falling to her knees.
-2 HP
-2 HP
-3 HP
-4 EP
She tried to throw her weight backwards, but Lílitha forced her to pitch forward, pinning her onto her face.
-3 HP
Despite the woman’s size, she somehow managed to weigh her down like a sack of sand. Calista’s fist struck onto the ground as her frustration grew. She could hear the loud cheers of all the students around her, further fueling her anger.
No doubt her former fans were watching this just to mock her. She hated giving them that satisfaction. Them, her mother, her grandparents… everyone in the family would tell her they ‘told her so’ as she rotted in an empty, digit-less life.
Lílitha’s arm shifted to hold her under her armpit, leaving her shoulder exposed. Calista’s eyes widened when she realized she was going to bite her.
But this gave her an opening.
ADRENALINE RESERVE ACTIVATED: +10 EP
With all her strength, she pushed against the ground to lift herself, giving her arms just a bit of leeway. Just as Lílitha opened her mouth, exposing her sharp knives, Calista held all her weight on one arm, jerking her other elbow into her opponent’s face.
+4 Damage
-3 EP
She could feel the sharp teeth on her elbow, wincing. But the hit worked, eliciting a satisfying groan of pain from Lílitha. With her hold weakened, Calista rolled over and pressed all her weight onto her enemy, practically crushing her. There was no room for her to land a good bite, so she was trapped.
+2 Damage
+2 Damage
However, she was able to stretch her arm out and punch Calista in the cheek. The Earthian girl cradled her jaw as she rolled off her opponent, allowing her to breathe.
-3 HP
With a shrill roar, Lílitha leapt, kicking at Calista’s face. As the Earthian girl veered to the side, she was smacked across the face, forced to turn the other way. Her arm was suddenly twisted behind her back as two harsh blows were delivered to her stomach, sending her to her knees.
-2 HP
-5 HP
-6 EP
She was unable to block or counter the Ilamikoan as she grabbed her head and smashed her forehead against hers.
-7 HP
-6 EP
She fell on her back, wailing in pain. As a final blow, Lílitha pinned her down and punched her twice in the face.
-4 HP
-4 HP
-7 EP
-7 EP
“GAME OVER!” the announcer finally yelled.
Task Complete— +6 XP
-15 Rel-P
Achieved: Hostile Acquaintance Status
+Interactions I
+Disaffiliation I
Lílitha’s fist halted and she stood, glaring down at the Earthian girl. With a contemptuous huff, she turned to the crowds and basked in their cheers, pumping her small fists in the air. Calista remained on the ground, breathing heavily.
-8 EP
-8 EP
Her nose itched fiercely before she tasted the metallic tang of blood. She wiped her nose in surprise. The sight of scarlet red goop on her glove instantly nauseated her. She’d never seen blood before, and she hadn’t planned on seeing it at all.
Weakness Active: Hemophobia
-10 EP
-10 EP
Energy Level Critical
The adrenaline faded, replaced by exhaustion and horrible pain. The invisible protectors left her nose exposed, probably to further test the applicants’ tolerance.
-20 EP
-10 EP
ENERGY DEPLETED: SLEEP MODE IMMINENT
Calista had an answer for that.
She passed out.