Chapter Text
Cheating isn't right. Cheating is immoral, it's the devil's way and looked down upon. It's the way to lose friends and get left behind by others. Alone and left in the dust. Because we all know we have to be pearly perfect, golden heart, little angels to get by in life. It's the right way, it's the only way to get to the top honourably, it's the way to success. But, is it really? We play by the rules but one slip up and you're suddenly the bad guy forever. The world isn't golden or perfect. Maybe in games, then things are fair. But in a situation where you have to fight to get to the top, and anything goes, is there a line? What if you play by the rules but get stepped on and used as a rag doll. Used and left behind while the ones who used you move to the top? Is playing by the rules still a good idea?
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She's been stuck in the rookie level for how long? The only human in this level, the one that got left behind by other players, the one that can't advance no matter how hard she tries. She's been playing by the rules just like she's supposed to and yet she gets K.O the moment the bell rings. Or at least it feels that way.
Just keep fighting.
She told herself everyday.
You'll make it to the top soon.
“HELP!” A male voice shouted. So loud it banged against her ears and echoed into her head. She shut her eyes tight as she tried to assure herself everything was fine.
Things will look up for you one day.
“RAGATHA! RAGATHA HELP!!” The male voice pleaded. She shut her eyes tighter as the voice got louder. So loud it actually managed to reach her ears over the loud crashing sounds. His pleading was almost covered by the animalistic sounds of cheering and gasps. People cheering and people yelling in terror. She couldn't take it, it was too much. Her shut eyes snapped open to take in the scene. A loud scream slammed against her as her eye widened. Her pupil shrank in fear as she could feel the shadow of a giant monster consuming her and the audience around her. People screamed in terror while others chanted in glee. The sound of a body slamming against the ground was enough to cause a loud gasp from the crowd, nothing but silence was heard for one, two, three, and four seconds.
People began to chant for the player to get up while others booed whenever the player even dared to lift their head. For five, six and seven seconds, the doll sat there horrified at what she just witnessed. She gulped down her fear and stood up to her feet, throwing her hands onto the cage of the ring and began to shake it with all her might. Her raspy voice called out for him to get up.
Please! Get up! KAUFMO GET UP!
She begged in her mind. Her voice was a jumbled mess of fear and sadness. He had to survive this round if he wanted to avoid being thrown out in the streets. She didn't have enough money to lend him anymore. He had to survive just one more minute and he'll be good for a week at least. It was no use, eight, nine and ten seconds passed. The bell rang declaring that he had failed. She opened her mouth in terror as her fingers slipped away from the metal cage. Her legs became weak and she couldn't help but fall to her knees as she watched them take him, her best friend out of the ring and to the exit door. The sound of multiple boxers and employees pushing the monster back wouldn't leave her ears. It was just the cherry on top of her watching them take him outside, possibly to be beaten and left for death.
“I'm sorry Ragatha.” A small voice was heard behind her. The doll could only let out a loud sob and her fingers dug into her hair. Roughly tugging at it as the whole scene processed in her mind. A hand placed itself on her back, assuring comfort for her but she couldn't take it. She let herself fall to her stomach from the emotional pain of losing her best friend. They can die here, it's just a game but they can die here. Was she next? What if she couldn't get out of the rookie level soon? Would they kick her out too? She could barely afford to feed herself. Soon enough, she won't be able to afford to even sleep in the room she's in.
“Come my dear Pomni,“ A man's voice was heard. She felt the hand get pressed against her back more thanks to another hand placing over it, “Ragatha, would you like us to escort you to your room?”
Ragatha felt a massive bulge of fear in her throat. It was most likely already there, she just didn't notice it from the adrenaline of watching her friend suffer. She did her best to swallow that fear, causing massive pain in her throat and down to her chest.
“Yes please.” She said in a raspy voice that was coated with sadness. She lifted herself up, letting out a few sobs and wiping away her rivers of tears, “Thank you Caine.”
“It's our pleasure.” the one named Caine bowed to her, taking Pomnis hand into his and signalled for the doll to follow him. Ragatha's breath hiccuped from fear and her body shook from the tragic event. She could barely get up, she had to grab the metal cage to lift herself up. And even then, she couldn't feel the strength to take a single step. Why couldn't she escape this nightmare?
Don't think that way!
She told herself.
Keep playing the game.
She said to herself.
You'll make it to the top soon.
She repeated to herself.
Fight fair and square. And if you lose, lose with honour.
She convinced herself. Finally feeling a bit of strength to walk.
Oh what a fool she is.
He thought. His eyes were watching from the top row of the audience seats. Everyone was already leaving, with the show done and no more entertainment, there was no point in staying. The stadium was half empty when his yellow eyes followed her out. He scoffed at how pathetic she was. So weak, so innocent, playing by the rules and where does that get her?
No where, it gets her no where. People don't care if she plays by the rules. No, that's a lie, they do care. They care because that makes her an easy target.
He let out a sigh as he kicked his feet off the chair in front of him. He hopped onto his feet, not caring to smooth out his jacket or pants. He placed his arms behind his head, showing off the gold fabric under his jacket. A shimmering color that matched his eyes and teeth. Traits that scar into his opponents brain, traits that were the last things his victims would see. He loved that. The image of fear on their faces when they realise who they're up against. And what's better, is seeing the confidence in their eyes shatter with one punch.
That's how they see her. A soft woman who knows no better. Her confidence and morals created a solid wall around her heart. A wall that didn't allow people like him to enter.
He smiled at the thought. He remembered that night when he first came here. The look on her cute plush face that looked at him with empathy. Those curls as soft as rose petals framing her face like a flawless portrait. It made him sick knowing a delicate doll was in such a rough environment. What made her think playing by the rules would get her anywhere?
One day she'll learn she can't always obey. That she doesn't have to justify every one of her actions.
He snickered to himself as he played with a paper flower in the pocket of his pants. His grin grew wider with each passing second until he made it to his room. He marched in and tossed that flower into a vase.
She'll realize that she can't continue to fight in life the way life tells her to, because life lies. Life doesn't fight fair.