Necro and Effie: Tragedic Lovebirds

Necro and Effie are two characters from the Street Fighter franchise/series. Making their first appearance in Street Fighter III: New Generation, Necro and Effie are a pair of genetically modified humans who were relentlessly experimented on by the Illuminati, a secret society within the franchise hellbent on "saving" the world. Their shared traumatic experiences ultimately led to them falling head over heels for each other and eventually running away from the cultish organization.

Necro, real name Illia, is usually referred to as a “freak” compared to the rest of the street fighter cast. Based on nothing but looks alone? It’s pretty obvious he doesn’t quite fit in when compared to any other member. His limbs are a bit too long, his eyes glow a soft yellow, his skin a ghostly white, marked with red symbols, and his teeth fanged. The other cast initially did not treat him kindly, with many jabs at his appearance and mannerisms. Multiple characters call him a freak, a weirdo or just show disgust and even a twinge of fear after defeating him. All alienating a man who was dealt the worst hand in life.

His Girlfriend, Effie, is similar to him in many ways. She has been genetically modified, experimented on, and used as effectively a supersoldier to do the Illuminati’s bidding. To me, she is more obviously autistic. She hyper-fixates over her boyfriend, likely has a condition called Echolalia, doesn’t usually pick up on subtle social cues, and catastrophizes so hard that tiny things can make her panic. She usually makes inappropriate amounts of eye contact (either a deadpan stare or thoroughly looking away), not to mention what appears to be almost permanent shellshock (or in easier terms - she tends to “space out”). Her fashion is also rooted in punk and goth styles, typical to those considered strange or outcast by the populous at large. Most importantly, she doesn’t respond appropriately to most social situations.

Focusing in on echolalia, mimicry is a common way for autistic people to mask in front of neurotypical people. In Effie’s case, she semi-frequently copies Necro’s movement and what he says. In Autism and Masking, this tendency is described being “Common(…) that the mimicry was a response to being seen or felt as different to other people”. If she is autistic, she’s likely copying her boyfriend in order to feel more normal, or perhaps as a form of self-comfort. Effie is unconventional, blunt, and altogether strange compared to other girls within the franchise in her likely age range. A perfect match for the equally strange Necro, both so deeply in love with the other that nothing could tear them apart. Both in a world that treats them as second class. Something not unheard of for anyone who doesn’t fit the standards society expects of them. A world I know all too well.

Being diagnosed with autism in my freshman year of highschool was initially a blessing. Finally, I had all the words I had lacked before, I had an explanation! But, if anything, that’s when everything began to fail me more. Instead of getting assistance, I was treated as if I was a child. Infantilized, and still no better than I was before. I was open about my condition, because I believed that raising awareness and being happy would reduce stigma. What a fool. Slurs, slung in passing by people I didn’t know. I already knew a few. Faggot. Dyke. Those were easier to ignore, because they had lost their weight to me. But a new one had risen to steal the vacuum they had left. Retard. Everyone would always deflect, “they’re just words! They only have the power you give them!” Easy to say when you aren’t constantly assaulted with them on a daily basis for almost four years of your life. Willfully ignoring the history of the term - typically used in a derogatory manner towards those with ANY developmental disabilities - doesn't dissipate the venom behind those words.

I take comfort in the lovers. They have such undying optimism in the face of death. I try to keep the same face. The next day could be better, it could bring me happiness just as much as it could bring me sorrow. At the time of writing, I don’t have anyone I am currently pursuing. Maybe someday I can find my Illia, or my Effie.