The Air-Bus crossed the campus line and the Fistborn school soon came into sight. Calista’s emerald eyes were wide with childish excitement mixed with confused fear. She couldn’t believe she was part of this school now.
For almost a week, Calista had stayed in her room, depressed. She tried to contact the SociaLights in a desperate attempt to get her previous life back, but failed miserably, instead seeing their broadcast about her fight. They’d certainly enjoyed mocking her.
When she received the message that she had received the last spot at the school, she’d fainted… again. Her family was thrilled, but she couldn’t erase the confusion in her heart. Out of all those fighters, they chose… her. Why?
After a tearful goodbye at the TelePort, she’d returned to Washington D.C. by herself. Today, she’d only receive a brief orientation from one of the Student Coaches and go to her dormitory, where she’d receive a HARP orientation module. She would start classes the next day. She had a lot of training to catch up on.
Calista took a deep, determined breath. This was the place she dreamed of going to as a little girl. She couldn’t give up on that dream so easily.
She wasn’t a Socializer. She never was. And those girls were never her friends. It still didn’t erase the uneasy and insecure feeling.
The Air-Bus soared towards the building and went underground. It then stopped in the station and opened up into a platform. “Welcome to Fistborn Academy. Please exercise caution while exiting the Air-Bus…”
She walked out onto the square platform, being instantly teleported once her feet made contact. The platform disappeared and was replaced by the large main lobby.
“Welcome to Fistborn Academy!”
She turned, startled. Four holographic people stood around her with smiles. Golden eyes shone through the blue veil.
President Chrisman.
Her cold, harsh demeanor was gone, replaced by a bright, welcoming smile. It was quite strange to see, considering the impression she left on the human girl at the exam. Beside her were Vice President Kalley, Dean Lisa White, and Dean Gina White.
“Miss Medley, I hope you had a wonderful trip,” she said. “Congratulations on passing your admissions exams and becoming a student of Fistborn Academy. Since you are joining us late, a Student Coach has volunteered to greet you and begin the tour, which will be concluded by your module in your dormitory. Enjoy your orientation.”
She smiled and nodded at them in thanks before they disappeared. For a few moments, she shifted on her feet, looking around at the wide, empty lobby.
She was getting anxious. She knew what they were saying about her on the Versus News, as well as on the Socializer Hub. The girls had wasted no time in calling her a fraud. This gave her a drive, however— she would prove them wrong. She was dying to shove their words down their throats.
She only hoped the students wouldn’t hate her as much as everyone else seemed to. Her house had to be under a security lockdown for the night because of the crazed fans that didn’t get her spot.
A figure moved in her peripheral vision. She whirled around, her black hair sweeping behind her. Her emerald eyes met the sapphire blue ones of Harrison Smith.
She didn’t know much about him, only that he was a human competitor accused of cheating last competition. But from the freeze shots she saw, she thought he was quite the stellarly attractive specimen.
Now…
Oh-my-God… he’s so much more handsome up close…
Her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened as he walked up to her. She gulped and stood up straight like a soldier, trying not to burst into fangirl squealing and gushing.
“You must be Calista Medley,” he said. He smiled thinly and stuck out his hand. “I’m Harrison Smith, 10th-ranking student in Fistborn, 30th on Earth.”
“Uh… nice to meet you.” She hesitantly took his hand, resisting a giggle. “Calista Medley. You… know that already. Ahem. Hi.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled, once again feeling like a Smiley virus.
He chuckled, a warm smile crossing his features. It matched his mop of curly brown hair perfectly. “It’s no problem. I understand if you’re nervous. Congratulations, by the way.”
She half-smiled, pushing down her guilt.
“We should probably start the tour. Um… you’re in the Versus Wing, for starters, which has to do with every Versus-related career. The other wing, the Tech Wing, is over on that side.” He pointed to the east side. “They’re Versus-related, too, but it’s all tech-centered. You probably know this, though.”
“Sorta.”
“Sorry, it’s just… I’ve never really done this before.” He walked backwards with an embarrassed smile. “I’m no tour guide, so…” He clapped his hands and cleared his throat. “Right now, we’re in the Hall of Affairs. It’s our administrative building. This is where all the meeting rooms, exam rooms, offices, and all of that are. Tutoring and planning all takes place here.” He swept his hands out towards the walls. “Let’s move on.” He headed to the glass doors.
The doorway dissolved, letting them walk out into the sunlight. The day was beautiful, with a perfectly blue sky and hardly any clouds in sight.
As they distanced themselves from the administrative building, more students came into view, either walking, standing in groups, or sitting together. Eyes instantly turned to them, the chatter diminishing as they focused all their attention on the girl.
Under normal circumstances, Calista would have welcomed this attention, but this time, she couldn’t help but look away.
The students all wore blue-and-red uniforms to represent the academy, but they varied; some were more formal while others were specially designed for a good workout.
Calista glanced down at her outfit. It was a yellow, off-shoulder crop top that stopped just above her belly button, and a pair of blue slim-fit slacks that showed off just enough of her figure. White cushion shoes completed the ensemble. A silver necklace glinted across her collarbones and her black hair was perfectly straightened in a thick waterfall of ink, a yellow headband holding it in place.
For the first time, she didn’t feel comfortable with her fashion choice. It was terribly out of place. She could’ve at least chosen the same color scheme…
She noticed that Harrison had a different uniform. It sported the same colors, but looked a little fancier. An indigo blue, collared jacket with red lines running down the sleeves matched with sturdy, navy blue pants and garnet red sneakers. The FBA crest glowed on the right side and two circular patches were on both sleeves, reading ‘Student Coach’ at the top and ‘Harrison Smith #10’ on the bottom.
The FBA crest on his jacket soon changed to his name and rank number, shining obviously. Harrison didn’t show it much, but he was definitely proud of wearing the uniform.
“Why don’t we just teleport to the next building?” she asked him.
“We don’t.”
“Huh?”
“Rule #1: Don’t use the teleporters unless you need to. It saves a lot of energy and digits. They cost a lot more than most think.”
She nodded in agreement, but swallowed. She definitely didn’t belong here if something so simple as walking bothered her. The only real exercise she got was from the DanceSim games she played all the time. “So… when do we need them?”
“Only if your class is too far and you don’t have enough time to get there. You can go to one of those.” He pointed at a pole with a blue button glowing on the side. “But that’s only if you really need it. You’ll get a penalty if you overuse it.”
“Stellar.”
She heard a few giggles and glanced behind her, spotting a bevy of girls looking at her smugly. Their eyes flickered up and down judgingly as they observed her outfit. An Emitonian walked past, his stare the most penetrating of all.
Her mouth dried and she tried to calm down. This kind of attention wasn’t the same as usual. It was oppressing, each stare weighing her down with their scrutiny and judgment.
Harrison turned to another building and entered with her. He seemed oblivious to the gossiping students. “This is the Training Center. This has all the gyms, map simulators, and all sorts of things to help you improve your fighting skill. The Arena is next door— where you had your pressure exam.”
As they walked, portions of the walls turned transparent so they could see inside. Most of the gyms were empty, allowing Calista to see the state-of-the-art equipment inside.
“The Center is also connected to the Versus Fighting School— our school— and the regular Fighting School. I studied there my first year.”
A glass bridge overlooked another gym below. All kinds of students were doing drills and harsh exercises, their coaches shouting instructions.
“Now we’ve crossed over to the Versus school. Each floor is for a certain year level; obviously, first-years are down here on the first floor. Combined year classes are always Practicum classes in the Training Center.”
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They passed by a classroom filled with aliens. Calista raised her brows when she noticed a few Hajjians and Klausians among the students. Above the closed doorway, ‘Wielding’ shone in holo-letters.
“Wielding?”
“That’s for species that have powers. It doesn’t apply to us. Your classes here will mostly be stuff like Armory, Weaponry, Battle Tech, and all that.”
They entered the main hallway just as a soft bell dinged from the speakers. “Period 5 has ended. All students, please proceed to your Period 6 classes.”
Harrison stopped. “When you hear that alert, you have five minutes to get to your next class. If you’re leaving a Theory class and going to Practicum, or vice versa, you need to stop by the Changing Stations to change your uniform. They’re stationed in almost every hallway.”
She looked around as groups of students walked out into the main hall, crossing over to numerous other hallways that extended to the sides like spider legs. As expected, she and Harrison were noticed almost instantly. Groups of students converged, whispering and staring.
“Let’s go. We don’t want to distract anyone.” He patted Calista’s shoulder, breaking out of her nervous trance. They exited the building and approached a pyramid-like structure. It glowed in soft sea colors, smelling like the beach.
Harrison said it was the Recreation Station, which held spas, hot tubs, games, and the like. To Calista’s disappointment, the spas were not Thinning Spas— rather, they were there to offer hair treatments and mani-pedis, nothing else. The spas weren’t often used, so the administration was considering removing them. Calista would have to make sure that didn’t happen.
At least they let their students relax somehow. She thought all the fighters ever did was work and train. “We can’t do our best if we don’t feel our best,” Harrison said.
Calista had to resist showing her excitement. Never in her life did she think she’d be able to attend such a prestigious school and have a shot at the most incredible competition in the Utopia.
However, the intimidating stares she kept on receiving from other students they passed by subdued that hopeful excitement a bit. As much as she hated her ex-friends now, they were right about one thing: Versus fighters hated Socializers. She could only hope the other students didn’t know of her former career.
The residential section was the biggest, holding numerous, large buildings. They entered the first-year residence hall, crossing the common room. It included a few HARPs, some AU rooms, and study modules. The chatter from the few people inside instantly faded as they all stared at them.
In the floor teleporter, Harrison tapped ‘3’ and they appeared in a small room with two halls at either side. “Girls’ dorms are this way.” He headed to the right.
Calista was personally relieved that the tour was over. Her legs and feet were aching from the walk. If it weren’t for her cushion shoes, her feet would’ve broken off. Maybe she could try the massages in the Recreation Station…
“I need to catch up with my own classes, so I’ll leave you here. Your room assignment is in this AIDA band.” He handed her a thin, silver band, which instantly latched onto her wrist. “That’s going to help you throughout your first weeks. You just have to complete your orientation module and you’ll be good to go for tomorrow.”
“So soon?” she asked.
“Don’t worry; it doesn’t take long to get used to the place. Good luck tomorrow.” He winked and turned away. He then saluted and stepped into the teleporter. “Nice meeting you, Calista. Welcome to Fistborn.”
“Thanks.”
He vanished away, leaving Calista alone in the dorm hall. She took a deep breath before entering the girls’ wing and checking her assignment.
Medley, Calista: Room VW1F-325
===
Calista had passed her room three times before she realized it. The first four digits of her assignment didn’t show on her room number. She couldn’t help the swell of pride when she read her name.
‘Calista Medley, Student #330’
She scanned herself before saying her name aloud to open the door. “Wow,” she smiled. She walked inside, the door solidifying.
A large, comfortable sleeping capsule was against the left wall, with all the newest features. A clothing selection system was installed beside it. A large window overlooked the residential section, bringing natural light into the room. A HARP was installed for her entertainment with a study area built next to it, making up a small office.
She giggled and ran up to her capsule, where she collapsed onto the soft pad. It was beyond comfortable. She went up to the clothing selection and stepped into the changing circle. When she opened the menu, all her clothes were available, having been transferred successfully, and there were Fistborn uniforms tailored just for her.
There was the formal one she saw, which had a version with pants and a version with a skirt— she hadn’t seen any of the girls wearing the latter. There was also a jumpsuit, a bra-and-shorts pair for workouts, a swimsuit, and a sleep suit.
“Amazing…” She tapped on the uniform with the skirt.
It replaced her outfit and she turned around to inspect it. It was comfortable and fit her perfectly. The jacket was ocean blue, with a red necktie around the collar, and the skirt was also dark red. Her socks were white knee-highs in deep blue cushions.
AIDA provided a mirror screen so she could see herself. It looked okay on her, but… eh. It could use some styling.
“AIDA?” she called.
The speakers beeped. “Hello, Calista. What can I do for you?”
She smiled. A personal AIDA? Stellar. “Could I have that orientation module now?”
“Initiating Personalized New Student Orientation Module.” A few moments passed before the HARP turned on. “Please step into the HARP area to view the module.”
She was virtually projected into the Hall of Affairs once again. A woman in the Fistborn faculty uniform appeared, who she recognized as Gina White. “Welcome, Miss Medley. I’m Gina White, and I have volunteered to be your tour guide for the module. Note that this tour is interactive, so you will be able to explore any part of the campus you want. We are currently in the Hall of Affairs, where you arrived. Where would you like to go first?”
A wide selection of places appeared, overwhelming Calista. This campus was absolutely huge.
She selected ‘Versus Fighting School’ to start. She was taken to a section showing a freeze image of students in the hallways, wearing formal and workout uniforms.
“This is your home, the Versus Fighting School. Here, students attend classes for at least 4 years and at most 16 years, with year levels divided into four-year sections. However, the years between Versuses are optional for students, but we highly encourage constant training to ensure our team is the best of the best.”
16 years… Calista had a long way to go. She was 17 now, so about two years were cut off due to the age limit. She would be 30 by the time she graduated fully. That was a crazy amount of time.
“The Versus Fighting School is a personal wing located in the Fighting School building,” Gina followed.
Calista turned around in the image, taking in the sight of the hallway and the students. She’d soon join them and be a part of their society. She checked the Fighting School and the Journalism School.
“The School of Journalism contains careers for students to follow the Versus through a reporter’s lens. They eventually move on to the large Versus News corporations to share the fighters’ stories and progress with the rest of the world, and by extension, the galaxy.”
These students were on their way to become the people who tore her apart. Everything they were saying about her was harsher than she could handle.
The tour then guided her through the other two schools, then the Technological Wing. Her heart sighed when she explored the Design building, where suit designers received classes. Catalina would’ve loved to see this.
“The Training Center is exclusive to the Versus Wing. This building offers all sorts of resources for students to train and improve their fighting prowess, including private training rooms. Beside it is our proud Arena.” Images of students performing incredible fighting moves surrounded Calista.
Her heart soared. She dreamed to be like them. She dreamed to charm the crowds with flying kicks and powerful punches. She wanted people to scream her name and root for her victory, for opponents to regard her with respect, maybe a bit of fear.
She was here for a reason. She was chosen for a reason. Hopefully a good one. She couldn’t waste this opportunity. All she had to do was her best. Whoever it was that applied for her… she had to make this worth it, whether to thank them or to spite them.
She’d already given up once and wasted years of her life. She wouldn’t do it again. The SociaLights wouldn’t get the satisfaction of seeing her fail anymore.
The tour soon ended. “I hope this module has helped you get a feel of our campus and informed you of life here at the academy. Your classes will start tomorrow. Student Coach Harrison Smith will guide you to the Mess Hall for breakfast at 6 AM. Have a great first day and welcome to Fistborn Academy.”
6 in the morning?! Were they glitching crazy?! Calista was tempted to pass out again.
The module closed, leaving her to muse over her new life. She approached the window, watching a few students mill about in the residential section.
Calista’s new school schedule was extremely heavy. It was the weekend, and students still attended classes. She wasn’t prepared for so much work in so little time.
“Incoming call from unknown code. Identified as Medley Residence, House 986, #356 South, Residential District. Code RESDIS-3445, Indianapolis, Indiana.”
She eagerly went to her sleep capsule. “Answer, please! Save the address as ‘Family’.”
The hologram projected in front of her, showing her parents in one room and her siblings in another. “Hi, guys!” she said.
“Hi! How is it over there?” Jennifer asked.
“It’s cool. My room is uber-cute! I got a tour, and my uniforms- oh! I met Harrison Smith. He’s gonna-”
“HARRISON SMITH?!”
The ear protectors installed in time for Calista, but not for the others, who winced and groaned. Carter screamed and fell.
“Catalina!” Jennifer scolded.
“Sorry.”
“Yeah, he gave me the tour,” Calista chuckled. “Well, not the whole tour, but he showed me my room, then I did the module thing. He’s going to meet me again tomorrow.”
“That’s amazing, Cali! What’s he like?”
“GP,” she admitted. The girls both giggled. “They have the cutest uniforms here. And they have spas, too. No Thinners, but still nice ones— for free!”
“Let’s see your room,” said Henry. “You’re by yourself?”
She turned the hologram to show them the dorm. “Mm-hmm. It’s my own room.”
“Did you meet anyone yet?” Jennifer asked.
“No, just Harrison. I think I’m gonna stay in, though. I thought about going out, but people here don’t seem to like me that much. I don’t blame them, though. I don’t know how…” She trailed off, her excitement faded.
“Cali?”
“I… really don’t know why it was me. Like I said, it could’ve been anyone else.” She looked down at her lap.
“Calista, you got chosen because they saw something in you,” said Jennifer. “Fine, you didn’t win the fight. Not everyone wins. That’s why there’s only one first-place winner at the end of the Versus.”
“But…” The glares she’d received on her tour flashed in her mind. What would they do? Would they try to chase her out of the school? Would they attack her? How would she catch up with the month she missed?
“Don’t think you don’t deserve it, Cali,” said Catalina. “You do. I mean… I’ve seen you fight.” She shared a secret smile, a bit giddy knowing their parents were oblivious to the inside joke.
“Even when you were a little girl, you always had potential,” said Henry.
“Yeah, stop being a wimp,” Carter yawned. His yawn was contagious, causing Calista to copy him.
“You want to call it a night, babycodes?”
“Mm-hmm.” Calista’s heart clenched with homesickness. She kind of wished she’d stayed home now. She felt so alone in this huge room, without her sister there to console her, or her mother to give her advice.
“We love you. Tell us all about your first day tomorrow night, okay?” Her mother smiled proudly. “You’ll do amazing, I know it.”
“Uber-amazing!” Carter said in a high-pitched voice, imitating his sister.
“Shut up,” she laughed. “Good night, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Bye!” They all waved and the hologram disappeared. She lied down, staring at the window. There were all sorts of feelings bouncing around in her stomach: happiness, excitement, insecurity, confusion, anger, guilt… and fear. Mostly fear.
What had she gotten herself into? She went from being a member of the SociaLights, a frequent Thinning Spa visitor, and a semi-popular icon of the Hub, to the human girl who cheated into the last spot in Fistborn.
She was the academy’s prime source of gossip now, and the best story yet for the Versus News anchors— unfortunately, in a negative way. She had handled controversy with the SociaLights, but never at this scale.
How could she compete with everyone here? They all knew how to move, how to fight, how to take hits. They couldn’t be more different than she was. How could she hope to belong here?