Running Through The Paces
“Ready go!” The referee shouted.
Ding-ding.
Simultaneously someone next to the ring rang a giant bell, signifying to the people in the back that the fight had started.
What happened next took a fight that should have been at most a long drawn-out performance demonstrating technical proficiency to a show of what adrenaline can do to a fight.
Johny had arrogantly slapped away his opponent’s hand to begin the fight. Granted that Johny clearly had half a foot of height and just as much reach compared to his smaller wiry opponent, the fight should have been fairly clinical.
Emphasis on should have, as that dismissive gesture apparently flipped a switch in the scrawny fighter’s mind.
Swoosh.
A dashing type Skill was used, at least I think it had to be a Skill, but an Uncommon rarity at most. No magical affinity to the Skill just a quick sprint and the scrawny guy was suddenly up, under Johny’s guard. Where the scrawny fighter proceeded to unleash a barrage of punches and jabs all to the same area.
“See that, he closed in with a Dash, then combined Chain Strike, with Precision Point. Now by themselves none of these Skills are truly formidable, but combined they show an effective combo that is tough to match,” Mr. Yi began lecturing to me, confirming my thought of a dash type Skill being used. But those two additional Skills he noted were what caught my attention. Precision Point is a mining Skill, or traditionally one that miners often get as it helps them strike a pickaxe at one point over and over. To use such a Skill here, for punches, well that was impressive.
Mr. Yi, apparently watched for my understanding as I continued to watch the fight. Johny’s opponent used Precision Strike to have all of his strikes land on one particular rib on Johny’s left side, just below his heart.
Johny countered, with a quick block and feint, but the damage had already been done as Johny had to back away his left arm cradling his injured chest area, while he also collapsed his body to take strain off the injured rib. Minor things, not even as dramatic as it could be, but the crack in Johny’s defense was apparent.
“Now, it looks like Mr. DiVoratore is backing up, as his opponent is still throwing jabs and trying to lunge at the wounded area, but really his opponent is just waiting for his own stamina to return, so he can continue the barrage.” Mr. Yi noted.
From there I watched, and the battle played out just as Mr. Yi indicated. Johny finally had an opening to use his own attack Skills and combos, but they were at a reduced efficacy. Still his size and reach had begun to pay off, as he eventually got the wiry opponent to clearly begin to lose consciousness.
Swivel.
There he was, open for a quick finishing move. A sharp Uppercut, or a blow to the temple, but Johny wanted to make his opponent suffer. Suffer for the humiliation of having to fight with a bruised or broken rib all fight.
“Never play with your food,” Mr. Yi’s only warning about what was happening. Hearing his words, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. For sure enough the stun combo that had taken effect on Johny’s opponent ended and suddenly with the shake of his head, it was on.
Dash.
Precision Point.
Chain Strike.
Now that they were called out by my instructor, I could all but see when they were activated. It was different than a magically infused Skill, meaning it was harder to see the targeted area, but I felt I could almost see them activate. The small fighter’s body dashed forward, as his eyes focused on one specific point. I think that might have been the limitation of the Skill, it needed the user to continue to focus on one specific spot for the duration of the Skill. That was my only understanding of the Skill, otherwise it made no sense for the opponent to stare so intently at Johny’s exposed and pale chest. Not pale by my own body’s standards, but pale compared to the bronze like sheen that his arms and face have.
Mentally, I also counted the number of blows, one, two, three, four five, stop.
Thinking back, that was how many blows he managed to land the first time as well.
“How many blows does his Chain Strike allow for?” Mr. Yi asked. As soon as I heard his comment, I understood that was what I was supposed to be watching. I almost blurted out the answer, but then realized that I am still supposed to be mute, which was why I held up five fingers on my right hand.
“Very good, have you seen the issue with the Skill combos?” Mr. Yi asks.
I think I have, as all I really need to do is wait for the first strike to be made, then turn my body and hide the targeted area from the enemy. At least, that is what I think I need to do. Still not wanting to speak, I move my fingers together and waffle it back and forth in a so-so gesture.
“Good, we will talk about this later,” was all Mr. Yi replied as we continued to watch the slow and painful beatdown of Johny DiVoratore.
Surprisingly, despite the two clear mistakes, and what had to be two broken ribs, Johny fought through the pain and somehow managed to eek out a victory. In the end, his tall frame and superior reach were too much. Also, it helped that the next time his opponent began to swivel, Johny didn’t hesitate to deliver the killing blow, a roundhouse strike to the head. Such a wide sweeping kick was slow, awkward, and above all open to retaliations. The only reason it had landed was again, Johny had somehow managed to deliver a stunning type effect to his opponent.
Good to know.
“Well, that is one way to win a fight,” Markan concluded from my left. It was clear that he was not a fan of how the fight went. Skill and technique wise, the smaller opponent had the advantage, but Johny won in the end. It didn’t hurt that the entire time the fight was going on, Johny was using his awakened Bloom Bloodline ability related to Healing on himself. Meaning that even with his blatant mistakes, he could overcome the disadvantage.
“Winner!” The referee called out, holding up Johny’s right arm, producing an involuntary wince of pain.
I was already on my way up, especially after Mr. Yi gestured for me to go while the final announcements were being made.
First, I went over to check on the knocked-out opponent on the floor.
Having watched the entire fight, I knew where the injuries were and began using my Rejuvenation Healing Skill on those areas immediately. Focusing first on the brain, to make sure there was no swelling, or other serious injuries.
Blink.
My opponent blinked within a few seconds of my Skill being activated.
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CHEERS!
“And he is up!” The main announcer cut in, his commentary getting the audience excited. While I was not a fan of such an event, I did like the seeming effort to care for the downed opponent.
Within a few minutes, the opponent was up and waved me off, my healing efforts being enough. With that, he jumped up to his feet and excitedly pounded his fists together. Eliciting even more cheers from the crowed. He then went over to the referee and began speaking.
During this time Johny came over to me and gingerly held out his right hand. Seeing it for the gesture it was, I grabbed the hand and began using my Rejuvenation Healing Skill on him. Again, my magic quickly went to the pain areas focusing first on the two bruised ribs. Then on the numerous welts all over his body. My mind quickly working through the pain parts and even giving a quick flush of his lactic acid.
“You’ve gotten better sis,” Johny speaks, his words almost affectionate. I am about to vomit when I look up at him, my eyes finally visible from underneath my hood, which is when our eyes lock.
Startle.
That’s when a clearly flustered Johny almost jumps away at the sight of me. Seeing his reaction, it is clear that he realizes his mistake, and is clearly disgusted, which makes the two of us. As anyone that talks that lovingly to their sister is not right in most of the civilized world.
Realizing my work here is done, I give a slight bow to Johny, and then turning to face his wiry opponent I also bow. While I am a healer, it is always good to make sure the customers are happy with your services.
Johny for his part looks like I am a wolf walking on two legs who is starting to sing. While his wiry opponent sees the gesture for what it is, and with a smile bows his head and clasps his hands in a sign of respect.
With that, I begin to leave the ring. Only as I begin to leave do I take a moment to hear what the Announcer is saying.
“Let’s hear it for our medic! This is the shortest time between rounds we have seen in a while. Also, the work is so good that both fighters have agreed to go at least one more round for a shot at the grand prizes.”
CHEERS!
The crowd began to go wild.
“We will have to take a five-minute break, so people can place their bets,” the announcer called out, and with that large chalk boards with betting odds began to be updated. While Johny and the Wiry guy “Red Reed,” apparently if the betting charts were to be trusted, now both had a numeral one next to their match totals. With Johny having an additional numeral one next to his win total.
Getting down, Markan held up a hand to help me, but I just waved him off, not wanting to appear weak in front of this crowd.
As I got down, the two ring girls were already up and prancing around showing signs that read Intermission.
“Good job,” the Blond stated, her face entirely on the crowd, but she somehow sensed my approach. Effortlessly swerving around Markan, while getting close to me and turning to face me as she spoke.
She must have an awareness or alertness type Skill, the only thing that explained her understanding of the world around her. Also, it clearly helped her avoid a few of the fans who tried to be a bit handsy with her. Rather than being angered, she treated it as a sort of game.
“Not this time,” she would taunt out to a fan who reached out towards her as she made her way around.
In near perfect unison, the dark-haired ring girl also made her way towards me. I could see her face slightly blushing, which showed up brightly on her face. Then seeing me, she smiled and looked like she wanted to say something but ultimately got too embarrassed to do anything.
“You ended your healing too quickly and are going to make those poor girls work now,” Markan joked. Though I could tell he was serious as the girls made multiple rounds around the arena. Only stopping every so often to hold up a new card telling four minutes, the three, the two, and finally after that they were able to break off and head to their respective alley ways to escort the next contestants in.
Seeing their efforts, it was clear that they deserved my seat after all of that. Which was why, after they escorted the next contestants down, I gestured for the two girls to sit at my chair. Then as they sat down, and a look of relief filled their eyes, I realized I knew what needed to be done.
Going over to them, I held out my hands one for each to take. The dark-haired ring girl looked confused for a moment. While the blond had no hesitation at all and immediately placed her long delicate fingers over my gloved hand and smiled. Seeing the action, I knew she was good at her job, as even I felt that she cared. Particularly with the way her green eyes locked onto my own.
Fluster.
I felt a slight shiver at her intense gaze, but continued with what I had planned to do all along and used my Rejuvenation Healing Skill on her.
Then while I was focusing on the blond, my right hand also felt pressure as I turned and saw the sparkling blue eyes of the clearly embarrassed dark-haired ring girl placing her hands within my hand. Again, a quick application of my Rejuvenation Healing Skill on her, and I could feel all the lactic acid being removed from both of their bodies.
I am about to leave, when I feel a faint tug on my left hand. Turning back, I look and see the blond girl smiling brightly, “thank you honey.” She states with a wink and finally lets me go.
I feel a slight blush at her comment. I am not certain which healer she thinks I am, but again, she clearly had feelings for one of them. Maybe the sister? Did that mean Ithica Bloom had also been here?
Thoughts are swirling around so wildly in my head that, I barely have time to look up and see that the fight is nearly over.
Up on the stage is a large burly guy with bulging muscles and almost excess back and chest hair. Bleh. Just looking at him, he is the epitome of what I assume a roid infused athlete with elite Skills would look like. Then I see it, a flash of brown as his muscles and rage infused body seem to lose control.
His opponent, while not small, is clearly dwarfed by the massive bulk of the opponent he is placed against. Up until this point, the smaller opponent has managed to weave and duck his way through and around his larger opponent, managing to provide quick Precision Strikes to the same spots on the knee. Working each side equally. His method is clear, take down the mountain by making it fall to being just a hill.
However the mountainous man grew angry with this and decided to use magic. Well magically infused Skills, something I had been assuming was not allowed. That or maybe people were just holding back due to this being earlier rounds and not wanting to give away their trump cards before the competitions got truly heated.
What happened next was a cautionary tale of what happens when physics and Earth magic meet. While ducking and weaving, the smaller guy either missed a step, or was growing tired form all his constant efforts to avoid being hit by the clearly more powerful opponent. Regardless of why it happened, what happened was the mountain of an opponent swiped downward like a bear catching trout from a raging river, and managed to finally come up with an arm. That’s when the entire match turned on its head almost immediately for the mountain used some type of Iron Grip to maintain his hold on the wrist, and then proceeded to use said wrist as a fulcrum to slam and pummel his opponent into the mat. All the while the monster of a man used an Earth infused power Skill to make sure each strike was as violent and devastating as possible.
CRACK!
A sickening popping crack could be heard after the first or second slam to the ground.
Then to everyone’s horror, the mountain stopped his slams, but still held the hand in his giant paw, while the rest of the arm lay dangling and protruding from the open wound.
There was a brief pause, before blood started spraying wildly out.
I paused for a millisecond, my mind taking in the utter carnage. The look of confusion and shock on the downed opponent who was suddenly confused as to why his body being smashed had stopped. Then the look of shock and fear on the face of the mountain who let go of the hand, but only after seeing the spray of blood up in the air.
Dangle.
I was already on the top step, and working my way into the ring by the time the now released hand flops down and rests against the rest of his extended wrist. A look of fear and panic fill him.
“VWAAH-AHHHH!” The smaller man cries out. Though again, his size is only small in comparison to the other combatant, compared to me he is at least half a head taller.
Arterial spray flies everywhere. I find myself trying to duck under it the way I would to avoid an overly aggressive lawn sprinkler, while wearing my nicest smart business suit in my past life.
At least I try, but then just decide to lunge forward and half tackle the retreating warrior. A warrior who is apparently frightened either by the blood, or the way his dangling arm continues to jiggle and twitch its way towards his body, like Thing suddenly coming to life from your own body part.
Realizing I need to move quickly, I don’t hesitate. Since he is only scooting backwards, it is simple for me to jump on him like a spider monkey.
“WAHHH-AHHH-AAAHHHH!” He cries out crazily, his mind shattered by the pain and apparent fear that this trauma is causing him. Who knows, I might be the same if I had more time to process everything that was happening, but at this moment I am just focused on healing. Realizing he is still trying to get away, I use an old-fashioned remedy from my past life.
SLAP!
Yes, I slap him so hard that he has to focus on me.
Shock.
At that, the incessant screaming in my face stops, as he just looks at me with sheer confusion. Likely equal parts disbelief of how did I just get there, and second why would I slap him.
Seeing that he has finally stopped, I still trying to keep my silent persona going just point two gloved fingers at my eyes, letting him know where to focus. After a two count, he pauses and nods.
With that, I do likely the hardest and only real action possible to me at the time. I quickly turn my gaze and reach down with my right hand, and grab his flopping left arm and hand.
Spasm.
He begins to spasm from the pain. I don’t really blame him, but I need him to focus for the moment. Not even certain if this will work, but I have to try something. Even now, I can feel the cold sensation of blood sinking through my gloves. In my mind, I know I can use Trash to get rid of all this blood, later on, but for now I need all of my Mana on casting my one healing Skill. A Skill that will likely not be enough.
Rejuvenation Healing.
I begin casting the skill before even aligning the bones properly, knowing that some of the skin and blood loss need to be stopped, or at least hindered in some way.
Crackle, grind, crunch.
I then proceed to play the goriest and most cringeworthy game of align the two shapes. Of course, I spend too long looking down and I can feel the man trying to once again squirm out from under me.
Looking up from the wound that is almost set.
Pop.
Correction, that is now set, I use my right hand over the fracture point to begin directly applying the healing energy of my Rejuvenation Healing Skill right on the site that needs the most help. Then with my left, I reach up a blood-soaked left hand and grab hold of the man’s face and force him to look up and stare into my eyes.
Splash.
My bloody fingers leave a line on his otherwise smooth face. A fact that I quickly force myself to look away from as I begin pumping his body full of as much of my concentrated healing magic as possible. Magic that is clearly amplified by my unique Class, which is highly focused on healing. Even now I can feel the potency of my Mana being increased.
I also know that my new Class makes it so I can heal faster than most fighters.
Ssss-hisss.
The fighter can finally breathe, though it is the slow ragged breaths of someone who is undergoing intense trauma. Still this is good. I don’t break eye contact, instead I force him to continue to look into my gaze.
I can feel movement around me, as shadows fall over top of me. No doubt Markan and or Mr. Yi have entered the arena and are standing guard over me. Still, all of that is far away, right now all that matters is me and my patient. A patient that I force to maintain eye contact with me, while holding his head and arm in place.
Slither.
There is a faint tension as his wrist snaps back into place. I am mostly done with sealing his skin, but I have left it open for just a bit as I focus on getting all the chipped bone fragments out of his blood stream, to prevent future blood clots, and only once they have been bled out do I finally seal the wound.
“Ahh!” He exhales, as the majority of the pain is now over. I can almost see him want to get up now, but I just shake my head as I perform the last part. The final healing, the regrowing of those bone chips that are now lining the floor. This is likely not how this Skill is intended to be used, but then again it is a hybrid Skill that I created from both my past life knowledge and from seeing Madame Bloom’s work in action. Granted, she used two different Skills that I somehow fused into one, but that is beside the point right now. The important part is that my Skill is working.
200 Followers, almost there!
per day, until our reign on the top 50 stops.