The White Circle
"Tawa shd, White Watch, tussakah tt qvauvekt winne Reaver*?"
The woman with ink-black hair asked, gesturing to the woman standing behind her.
I stared up at her, not understanding what she meant. What language is that? What were they talking about?
I swallowed, looking back at Black Watch and Fern Mask — my pupils dilated and eyes widened, pleading with them for help.
They didn't step up, and remained in their set position. Though I did see Black Watch twitch, as if to step in. Must be my glossy eyes playing tricks on me.
"What d-do you mean?"
My voice cracked when I had enough courage to speak up to her.
I was on my own.
"I don't understand what you just said."
"Alright, I will explain it to the Earthling."
Her voice coiled around me like a cobra.
"You… and Reaver here would play a simple and easy game. Say yes, and we will let you off the hook. Say no and well…"
My pupils dilated when she took out a longsword engraved with a black stone matching her suit and swung it around as if cutting the tension in the room.
That was quick. My eyes couldn't even keep up with the longsword as it swung.
"So…?"
Every eye in the arena's giant battle training room was on me. Observing me. Studying me. Judging me. Glaring at me. Some were regarding me while others scowled at me.
Dissecting me.
I had to say yes…
"Yes…"
I answered.
What was coming next?
I was unsure.
Why did I say yes?
Why did I fall into the pressure?
I couldn't stand up against them. These are aliens from planets so far I can't even comprehend.
Suddenly, the woman with pistachio green eyes yanked my wrist again, pulling me into a white circle with a red outline.
"No weapons will be used."
The woman narrated.
Weapons?
What are they talking about?
Before I could collect my thoughts, a hard punch was thrown at me.
Thwack.
I winced in pain. Stumbling back until I fell butt down on the ground.
Thud.
Gasps from others rang in my ears.
What was that?
My nose suddenly felt warm. Warm red liquid flowed down, entering my mouth. The distinct tastes of iron and copper made my stomach churn.
I wanted to throw up.
Is this how he felt that night?
My throat tightened, unable to let out the scream it was begging to let out.
"Get up, filthy earthling."
My head snapped towards her, light from the many large windows of the arena, shining an outline around this woman named 'Reaver'. She looked like an angel. Angel of darkness.
A bloody wicked woman.
With a soft grunt, I pushed myself off my feet. Ready to throw a punch of my own.
Just a few days ago, I took down five dummies.
I can do this.
Thud.
I bit my lower lip hard to hold back the pained moan threatened to leave past my lips.
I didn't know how many hits I had taken from her so far.
Enough that my bruised body felt numb. My legs trembled and arms shook as I glared at her.
She remained untouched.
Prideful.
Looking down at me with a smirk on her face.
While I, every muscle in my body, was ready to give up just five minutes into this 'game'.
I didn't sign up for this.
"Duuck tusta*."
She said, making the other two crackle out in laughter.
I couldn't land a hit on her, so I was better off dodging instead.
I took a step back. She noticed and came in to throw a cross punch.
I fell down on my knees, effectively dodging.
Until she gave me an upward front kick, hitting me in the jaw.
Thump!
Tears spilled from both eyes, and the pain was unbearable.
This wasn't training. This was a brutal beat down.
Were my sins catching up with me?
Cough. Cough.
Blood spat out.
"Ngh—g."
I stared at the white marbled ground. The blood mixed with saliva stood out like red ink in milk.
Both of my palms rested against the smooth ground, supporting me.
"Muktenglin*."
The word carried venom, cutting through me.
Whud.
A foot pressed against the side of my head, forcing me down hard against the floor.
My head spun. The colossal beige stone pillars blurred together…
"That's enough, Reaver! That's enough!"
"Stop it, Reaver!"
"You are doing too much, Reaver."
"Stop it!!!"
My ear buzzed. I couldn't tell who was saying what.
My hands clenched .
I didn't want to die here. I had a mission…
"Mmf—"
Crack.
"Enough, Reaver!"
The voice carried authority ordered from behind me. The entire room felt silent.
Finally, she stepped back. Though my head still felt heavy. I couldn't even lift a finger .
"Stella, call the nurse and transfer Ms. White Watch to a transforming platform…"
My mind went hazy. Voices slowly fading out.
And that wicked, cruel woman walked away like nothing happened. Her pistachio-green eyes glinted with amusement — like I was entertainment, not a person.
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Zkarna Glossary
Muktenglin (Mukeh-tang-le-ing) — a highly offensive slur word meaning "Mudling."
Duuck tusta (Dukh-tuss-ta-va) — a curse word meaning Dirt skin/Earth skin.
Tawa shd, White Watch, tussakah tt qvauvekt winne Reaver? (Ta-wah shd White Watch to-seh-kah te ka-va-vek-teh ween Rea-ver) — Do you, White Watch, agree to fight with Reaver?