May 19, 2069
Inside Flex-a-Lot, Central Olympia
2:47 pm CDT
Sonya Grey's Point of View
Hands near the top of his forehead, pointed elbows, hips aimed directly at me, and his non-dominant foot is holding more weight than his dominant one. A Muay Thai stance, huh? He obviously only has one thing on his mind, however, so this should be easy.
“I know what you’re thinking, Jayce,” I say.
“You a mind reader or something?” He responds.
“You’re thinking about altering the rules because you’ll feel bad about hitting a girl,” I say.
“Wow. You’re definitely a mind reader,” he says with a chuckle. “But I will feel bad about hitting a girl, so how about this? The first to knock down the other triumphs, winner take all.”
Fair enough.
“Deal.”
“We’re off to a good start. First, I’ll sweep you off your feet, and then you’ll fall in love with me,” he declares with an ugly grin.
What a jackass.
“I don’t know much about you, but I can tell you’re an arrogant asshole who is full of shit,” I say.
“Don’t forget, handsome!” He says as a girl with pink hair enters the ring. “Alessa, my good friend. If you’ll do the honors.”
“This will be an improvident match! A sudden death, winner take all showdown! Sonya Grey vs. Jayce Soleus!” Alessa announces to the top of her lungs.
“Sonya, if I win, which I obviously will, let me take you on a tour of the capital. Just the two of us, it’ll be pretty romantic,” Jayce says.
What? Is this guy serious? Deception is a powerful ally in battle, so maybe I should play along. But wait! He might be pretending to act like an idiot to make me lower my guard! But that stupid grin on his face means he’s probably an idiot and a skilled fighter. Hmm. Let’s just assume he’s an idiot.
“That actually does sound nice, Jayce,” I say.
“Yes!” He shouts.
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“On one condition.”
“No! I mean, what’s the condition?” He says hesitantly.
“I want full twenty-four hour access to Flex-a-Lot (What a ridiculous name).”
“Deal! This fight has just become a win-win situation,” he revels in too much excitement.
Having to see his face every day is a small but required sacrifice. Luke already promised to take me on tour, which is a bit absurd because this is his first time being here as well, but I don’t mind. Wait, what am I saying?! I need to focus.
“Ok! Sudden!” Alessa proclaims.
“Death!” The crowd finishes.
He’s obviously going to use his legs first.
“Sorry about this,” he chuckles with a sly expression on his face.
Here he comes! What?! He’s going for --
A front kick?!
“What happened to not wanting to hit a girl in the face?” I say as I block his kick.
Get your disgusting foot out of my face! That fucking hangnail on your pinky toe can kill someone! Ew!
“I knew you’d block it,” he chuckles as I push him off, resetting the situation. “Stop underestimating me,” he says in a pissed-off tone combined with an angry scowl on his face.
My presumption was correct. He may be an idiot, but he’s no fool when it comes to fighting. That kick would’ve knocked me out if I hadn’t blocked it, but now I know exactly how much power he’ll use in his future attacks.
“I hope you’ll take me more seriously now!” He shouts in anger as he goes in for another attack.
He’s going for my stomach!
That kick was too close! Daddy Long-legs isn’t messing around! He’s using full advantage of his limbs. I can’t evade forever. Think Sonya think! What would Charlotte do? No! Don’t think about her, concentrate! Put yourself in the enemy’s perspective. Where am I most vulnerable?
Fights are just high-speed chess matches. The smarter opponent always wins, no matter what. You’re not in Scorpius anymore, so you can relax a bit. You’ve had several opportunities to incapacitate him, but you’re not gonna do that. You need friends, not enemies. Wait a second. I’m so silly for overthinking this.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to cut this date short!” Jayce yells as he forces me to the edge of the mat.
You’re gonna go for another kick.
“Wow!” The crowd roars in surprise.
Your hastiness has left you wide open for a knee to the privates.
You’re a decent fighter Jayce, but like the redhead, you’re too eager. Personality aside, I think you’ll be an exceptional sparring partner for me.
“Buon Dio!” Alessa cries out in horror.
In this new world, there’s no such thing as empathy.
Those who oppose us will be rewarded with no mercy.
It’s kill or be killed in this world of awe.
Don’t approach us or say goodbye to your jaw.
We’ll kill you once and laugh as you fall.
Come back again for a bullet to the skull.
Why did that stupid fucking motto pop into my head?! No mercy. No empathy. Kill or be killed. No! Not anymore. New kingdom, new me.
Jayce is doubling over in pain. A mild love tap to the face will conclude this match.
I am victorious according to his rules. A simple knee to the testicles was all it took to defeat him.
“S-Sonya Grey is the winner! She’s so cool!” Alessa announces.
“SUPERB! OUTSTANDING! NICE! YAY! APPALLING!” The crowd celebrates.
“She kicked his ass! Incredible!” A boy yells out in shock.
People are lame.
“Sonya! That was so cool!” Luke yells out.
Hmm. Most people are lame.
“Wait just a minute!” A boy shouts. “Incoming boss fight!”
The crowd is making way for two obviously prestigious individuals…
“Oh shit! It’s Annie and Jian! The apprentices of General Farrington!” A young boy screams.
Oh, really now? I guess I have one more fight left in me. So, who will it be? Annie, or Jian?