Finals week was finally over. Just about everyone was able to relax on Sunday— with some exceptions, like the Student Coaches. Harrison had a stressful weekend, completing the last parts of his SC Report, but he was done by 10 PM that night. Despite only having two students, one of which joined late, he still had a lot to describe. He couldn’t imagine what workload Reilly Campbell had; he had 102 students in his Guild.

  During the last week of the semester, after exams, every class did a quick review of what they’d learned and explained what would come in the prelims and the main Versus Games. Homework was no longer assigned, giving everyone some well-deserved leisure time after a stressful and long training period.

  The last day before their Christmas break was December 11th, and they would finish off with Fistborn’s annual Finishing Banquet, usually hosted in the Auditorium. Everyone in the Versus Wing, including students in Journalism, Strategic Analysis, and other schools, would be in attendance. The Technological Wing held their own celebration for their students to commemorate the end of the semester.

  While everyone else at Fistborn would be returning to the academy for the second semester, the United States Combat Team would be out, competing in the preliminaries. The rest of the Versus Fighting School that didn’t make the team would be attending the competition while the other students would watch virtually in between classes. Once the prelims were over, the entire Versus Wing would have the choice to attend the interplanetaries in person.

  Harrison would be staying in the academy for Christmas break. He hadn’t gone home in a while. He kept himself busy with extra training and preparation for the tournament, but he got lonely every now and then. If only their circumstances weren’t what they were… if only his mother weren’t such a pushover that let everyone walk all over her, if only she would stand up for her own son instead of bending to some son of a glitch’s every whim…

  He checked himself out in his mirror screen. He wore a navy blue suit, his orange Student Coach patches shining proudly. His normally messy brown curls were tamed and smoothed down. He twisted his lips at the look. “AIDA, change my hair back, please.”

  His curls returned. He didn’t like them flat; he looked like a weird Generated Person model. Those fake people appearing in ads and movies… they always creeped him out. They were too… perfect. How did Calista find them attractive? They weren’t even real.

  He left his suite and joined his peers in the lobby. All of them wore elegant suits, with some exceptions; Delaine and Li Mei wore dresses. Li Mei stood, tripping over her red skirt as she walked. She huffed in annoyance. “I hate dresses.”

  “Shorten the skirt,” Catherine told her.

  “It doesn’t look good that way.”

  “Then wear a suit.”

  “I don’t have one.”

  “Then buy one!”

  “I’m not wasting digits on a suit.”

  “Bloody bugs.” Catherine held her forehead.

  “Everyone ready?” Reilly asked, looking around at the others.

  “I’m ready.” Harrison shrugged.

  “I’m bored.” Delaine shut off the HARP and rose from the sofa. “They’d better have good food.”

  They set out to the Hall of Affairs. Harrison glanced over at the distant dorm halls. Calista would most likely design a dress for herself. She had an eye for fashion like no one else’s.

  “Patience. Your girlfriend’s probably gonna take a while,” Elisa teased.

  “Very funny.” He rolled his eyes.

  “I can imagine. All the makeup, and the hair. She’ll spend hours asking the AIDA to change her dress,” Delaine laughed.

  “How did she survive this long?”

  “She’s tougher than you guys give her credit for,” Harrison replied.

  “Yeah, her match with Kaye was impressive, I’ll give her that,” Li Mei admitted. “Kaye is easy to beat, though. She has a terrible attitude and thinks she’s better than everyone. She even deactivated her facial protection. Girl doesn’t think.”

  “Calista still beat her,” Harrison defended. “She didn’t even know she was fighting Hillary, and she still won.”

  “I’m not trying to downplay her, Harrison. I’m just saying that if she gets on the team, she shouldn’t expect her matches to be as easy as that one.”

  “She’s not the confident type,” Melsen pointed out. “In fact, she looks like the doubting kind of fighter. She should be fine as long as she can control her ego.”

  “For a Socializer, she’s not that egotistical,” said Kalis. “She’s a bit self-conscious with her appearance and all that, but she’s not as annoying as I thought she would be. She’s cool.”

  “She still likes attention, I noticed,” said Melsen.

  “To be fair, we all like attention. What’s not to like?” Catherine smiled.

  “Speak for yourself,” St?sten chuckled.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  The two started bickering. Harrison looked away, conflicted. Even his own group had different opinions about Calista. It took a toll on him, weighing down along with the rest of the judgment he received about his career.

  “Harrison, you did a good job,” Kalis told him. “You’re a good teacher. Congratulations.”

  Harrison hid his surprise, feeling a bit of relief blossom in his stomach. “Thank you, Kalis.”

  He heard Reilly scoff up ahead. Biting his lip, he kept his cool. “You wanted to say something, Reilly?”

  Disaris subtly elbowed the Voraxian, who cleared his throat. “Nothing,” he said.

  “You sure?”

  “It’s nothing.” A hint of venom laced his voice.

  “Guys. Let’s save the rivalries for the tournament,” Elisa chided. “There’s a cute Seeyastian guy I know and I don’t need you guys glitching it up.”

  “How are we glitching it up?” Melsen asked, indignant.

  “Being… who you are. It’s embarrassing.”

  “I think we’re charming. Come on, we can be your wingmen,” said Kalis.

  Elisa glanced at the men with disgust. “Yeah… no thanks.”

  They soon arrived at the Hall of Affairs. Everyone was dressed in their best for the dinner, chatting excitedly. Harrison scanned the crowd for the emerald green eyes and long black hair, but didn’t find them.

  In the large, wide Auditorium, there was a circular table at the head of the room reserved for the Student Coaches. The Guilds all had their own tables except for Harrison’s; his two members would be sitting at the Favorites’ table. The rest of the students accommodated themselves at the longer tables.

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  He took his assigned seat and watched the door. He soon saw Lílitha, who wore a deep violet pantsuit with a matching necklace and earrings. Despite her childlike appearance, she looked really good. He waved to her when she took her seat at the Favorites table, keeping a wide berth between her and Rosalina Wiasod.

  But where was Calista?

  “Hey, lover boy. Look over there.” Catherine nudged him and nodded at a group of three girls by the stage.

  Harrison’s stomach quivered when he saw her. Her long black hair was fixed in beautiful, cascading waves. Lapis lazuli-colored earrings glinted with a matching necklace. Her dress was breathtaking; a strapless red dress that stopped at her knees, with the ‘skirt’ cut off to the side, draping behind her. One of her arms had a sleeve, but the other was bare. Her Favorite badge was set in the center of her neckline.

  She didn’t take notice of him as she walked with her two best friends, separating once she reached the Favorites’ table. She sat with Lílitha and turned to look for him, meeting his gaze. She giggled and waved with a sweet smile. He smiled and waved back. Their gazes held for a bit.

  “Earth to Harrison.”

  “What?” He turned. The rest of the coaches were eyeing him with mirth, except Reilly and Disaris, who were on their AIDA bands.

  “He is programmed,” St?sten laughed.

  He looked back at Calista, but her attention was elsewhere. He shrugged off the strange feeling.

  “I didn’t think Socializers were your type, honestly,” Delaine teased.

  He rolled his eyes. “We’re friends, okay? She just looks pretty. It’s not wrong to think she looks pretty.”

  “Of course not. She’s stunning. But that look…” She laughed.

  “You’re like a lost puppy,” Li Mei chimed in.

  “Shut up.”

  After a while of students being seated and mindless chatter, President Chrisman appeared and walked up to the auditorium stage. “Silence, please,” she said in her clear British accent. The chatter dissolved. “Thank you. Students of the Versus Wing, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Finishing Banquet this evening. I know that this year’s training period has been especially interesting and exciting for many of you.”

  Especially interesting? What did she mean by that?

  “All of you have done exceptionally well in your respective careers. As president of this proud academy, I can say that you are living up to the standards of our predecessors. And I pray that we can set the bar even higher for the generations to come. As for the Versus Fighting School students, you have a tournament to look forward to, whether you are part of the American team or not. Even if you are not part of the Versus School, you are part of Fistborn. We are a family, and we will always steadfastly and earnestly support each other. I expect many to attend the preliminary tournament, whether physically or virtually, to show our spirit and pride of our team. I will now pass the floor to the Dean of the Versus Fighting School, Ms. Lisa White, call sign ‘Dark Horse’.”

  The room applauded, then fell silent when Lisa took the stage. “Thank you, President Chrisman.” She nodded at the Emitonian. “My students, I know you’re probably feeling nervous about making the team, or performing well. Lots of you tend to worry so much about your future accomplishments that you forget to look at the accomplishments you’ve reached. Starting with the freshman class of this year: you have done so much. You were accepted into this academy. You studied and trained so hard for four months straight. The seniors: you’re finishing your sixteenth Earth year here! You’ve made it to the end. Be proud of yourselves.” She clapped, eliciting applause and some cheers.

  “Now, to whoever makes the team this year: this career isn’t just to be ‘the best’ or ‘the strongest’. Fighting is a passion. Going to this tournament is a dream. You’re doing this because you love it. Focus on that. I know there’s a lot of importance put on the ranks and status, especially by the news anchors. People’s opinions of you are always different, and they affect you on many levels. But that’s not what the Versus is about.

  “You’re in here because you want to make your mark. Every mark is different. Unique. In shape, size, depth. Don’t look at others’ marks and think, ‘That one’s bigger’, ‘That one’s deeper’. Be happy with whatever mark you make. Live in this moment and enjoy what you have, regardless of the results. You always have a chance in your career— whichever one it may be.

  “I’m very proud of what this school has become. Seems like only yesterday I was sitting right where you are. It took a lot of effort and strength to get to this spot. I had my breakdowns and my moments of weakness. But I’m here. I’m so proud of all of you, and I believe in each and every one of you. Congratulations, Fistborn Academy.”

  The room erupted with applause. President Chrisman had a bit of a disagreeing glint in her eye, but said nothing.

  After the rest of the formalities, the food appeared and they got to eating. The food varied in terms of planet origin. Most of it was Earthian food, but there were mixes of their neighbor and ally planets’ cultures. Once everyone finished eating, the tables were cleared, save for the ones against the walls, and music was put on. The lights dimmed for everyone to get out on the dance floor.

  Harrison remained in his seat, watching Calista. Maybe he could ask her to dance?

  She stood and went with her friends. He sighed, disappointed, and went on his AIDA band.

  “Ow!” He looked up with indignation when someone smacked him up the head. Catherine stared at him with disbelief, her hands on her hips. “What was that for?” he exclaimed.

  “Go ask her to dance, you bughead!”

  “She’s with her friends.”

  “So? You’re a ‘friend’ too, aren’t ya? Go!”

  “I dunno-”

  She yanked him out of his seat and shoved him to the dance floor. “Ask her.”

  He rolled his eyes, but went deeper into the thin crowd. She was right. No reason to feel awkward. It was just a friendly invitation to dance at an event.

  He soon reached her, watching as she laughed and enjoyed the dance with her friends. She raised her arms and started showing off a bit, performing some common, but well-executed dance moves.

  Taking a deep breath, he went up to her, reaching out and touching her shoulder. She turned, her green eyes sparkling. “May I have this dance?” he asked with a smile.

  Her cheeks tinted and she nodded. “Sure.”

  He noticed Belinda and Camelithia watching them with teasing eyes, glancing at each other knowingly. Along with them were some more suspicious, judging glances.

  He looked away. It was none of their business. If he wanted to dance with someone, he would.

  “I didn’t think you guys were the party type,” Calista said over the music.

  “We know how to have fun.” He spun her around.

  “You need to loosen up.”

  “We’re not that bad.”

  “No, I mean you. Why are you dancing so stiffly?” She took his hands. “Relax.”

  “Oh, I…” He laughed, a bit embarrassed. “I guess… I dunno. I’ve never really danced before.”

  “Really?”

  “I didn’t come to the last banquet,” he explained.

  “Oh. Well, you’re here now.” She leaned back, stretching their arms out. She suddenly spun, tangling his arms, then wound up on the other side, their arms straight again. She spun into him, then back out again.

  “Okay, Fancy Feet,” he teased. “That should be your call sign.”

  “Don’t start.”

  A song came on that made everyone groan, many clearing the dance floor right away. Calista, on the other hand, was ecstatic. She squealed inhumanely high, attracting everyone’s attention.

  “I LOVE THIS SONG! You have to dance this with me!” She pulled him towards the center of the floor.

  Harrison felt a blush creeping up his skin and quickly pulled away. “Oh, I don’t-”

  “Come on! It’ll be fun!”

  “Maybe you can… start it, and I can watch, then… join you?”

  She shrugged. “Okay.”

  All eyes were on the Earthian girl as she started moving with the song. It was a pretty old song, from the early 30’s, when most of them were children. It was one of those repetitive tunes that people got tired of, and once Socializers started using it, its popularity dropped.

  “You have me re-e-e-e-eling over you,

  You have me wai-i-i-i-iting for you,

  I don’t want to stop thinking about you,

  Don’t let me go without you…”

  Calista sang along with the song… quite badly, unfortunately. But her dance was nice, despite being repetitive. She seemed to enjoy the attention she was getting from everyone else.

  Camelithia and Belinda soon stepped forward, albeit hesitantly, and copied Calista’s dance moves. She showed them a couple more times, and almost instantly, they got the hang of it.

  Cam went over to a group of her Guild members, forcefully dragging them onto the dance floor. Reluctantly, they joined, but their annoyance quickly faded from their features.

  Harrison couldn’t help his surprise as more and more people joined. This girl’s charm was contagious. Cam’s bold, outspoken nature assisted her, but the way Calista was… it was something. From the way some rushed to dance, it was as if so many of them wanted to enjoy the time with her and be like her, but their fear of judgment stopped them.

  The dance floor was soon filled with people dancing in sync, repeating the same moves. Harrison took his place next to his Favorite and danced with everyone else. He saw Lílitha sitting at a table, watching with a genuine smile. He motioned for her to come, but she politely shook her head.

  Many others went to sit down; Reilly, Rosalina, Bark, Hillary, and the like. Rosalina seemed mildly annoyed, but uncaring otherwise. Hillary was the one who was fuming and ranting to her boyfriend. She was probably still upset about having her nose broken a second time, even though it was perfectly healed by now.

  They had to give Socializers credit for this: they knew how to really have fun. Harrison never realized how much of a workaholic environment Fistborn generated up to now. The constant pressure, both academic and social, and the Versus news anchors emphasizing everything that put pressure on them…

  Calista had to get on the team. She sacrificed so much when she arrived at the academy, went through so many challenges and pressure. She’d changed and forced down her old habits in only two months. Harrison’s perception of her at the very beginning was much like everyone else’s, but it changed quickly.

  He could hardly wait for the list to come out. It would be a great Christmas present to see both his Favorites on it for the first time.

  Now it was just a waiting game.