THE GREAT WARRIORS

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2

JEANLY

I COULDN'T help myself but feel drained even though I did nothing today.

'Don't expect that I will give my full attention to your child. So you better come back.' Those were the words that came out of my mother's mouth before I walked myself towards this academy.

Yeah, I only got here by walking because we did not have a car. And even though there are cars on the road, I still chose not to ride. After all, the drivers were Blacks and they would not treat us, Whites, fairly.

Those words that came from my mother were what keeps me drained. Adding up that I had just delivered my baby yesterday. Plus, I kept on crying because of so many emotions.

Philip and I went here to the academy together. But we got separated before we could pass through the gate because the staff said that we should go one by one. They did not permit us to pass through the wide open field together for I-don't-know the reason.

It's nearly noon and I am here inside my room, lying in bed. Even though today was my very first day inside the academy, my thoughts already went far toward the possible result of the game. What if I die? I still wanted to be with Philip and Lori. And...

What if Philip dies?

What if we both die?

I repeatedly shook my head to erase such thoughts. My companions here were right. I should make our child---our situation---as motivation. Honestly, I felt bad that I met them with gloomy feelings. But good thing, they were considerate.

A few moments later, I heard three knocks on the door. "Jeanly, lunch's ready... would you join us or we'll just deliver you---"

"Y-Yes, I'll go there. Thank you." I responded immediately.

I heaved a sigh and wiped my tears away. I want to mingle with them because all I have right now was them and Philip. Yes, I could not deflect my thoughts to my child, but I better fix myself and my mind. I should fortify my mental state so that I could still see Lori again.

And speaking of Philip, I heard that later, I would be able to see him again---to see the boys. There's part of me glad that he's here to be my comfort, however, a big part of me is afraid of our possible fate.

I heaved a very deep sigh. Everything would be fine. I should not think negatively for now. And I know that my parents would take good care of Lori. My mother may hate me, but I know she would not include our child with the hatred.

After I'm done fixing myself up, I went out of my room, and on a long table, I saw my roommates sitting already. The door creaked as I closed it which made everyone look at me, smiling.

"Let's eat..." the woman with curly hair said. If I'm not mistaken, she's the one who knocked on my door earlier. Too bad, I did not know their names yet.

I nodded my head and smiled at them. Then, I sat on the vacant seat beside the woman.

Moments have passed and we started eating our lunch. Silence just occupies the space between the eight of us. It seems like no one wanted to break it. I just noticed that they were looking at each other and with that, I cleared my throat.

"Uhm, s-sorry for earlier," I muttered. I understand why they acted this way and now, it's kinda awkward.

The woman beside me looked at me while holding her spoon full of rice. "Oh, it's okay... Uhm, how are you now?" she asked and stuffed food in her mouth.

I glanced at them. "Still not okay, to be honest. But might as well be okay and strong for my child. Thank you for making me realize that." I sincerely said. I put my utensils on the table and shoved my bangs. "By the way, I haven't formally introduced myself---I'm Jeanly Natividad, from Laeroy Street."

"Oh, you're from Laeroy! I also go there to get some crops." a woman who sat across me jested. "I'm Jane Ruego, by the way. I lived in Heeway Street, just near yours." she continued, showing her dimples as she smiles.

"I'm Jessa Amoy. It's nice to hear that you choose to be okay." a woman on my left said. She and Jane have the same body size, small but yeah, I guess they're also terrible. I smiled at her genuinely.

Others also introduced themselves to me and I was trying my best to remember all of their names.

Then suddenly, there's a hand reached mine. "And I'm Racey... Racey Perez. It's nice meeting you, though in a not-that-good place." the woman beside me, with curly hair, said. I accepted her hands and shook them. I am somehow comfortable with their aura, especially to this woman, Racey.

After that little introduction, we talked about a lot of things randomly. Until we reached the topic of our roles in this game. I was able to get to know who are the Pawns like me, the Queen, Rook, Bishop, and Knight. I am somehow knowledgeable about this game because when I was just a kid, our neighbors used to play chess. After all, that's one of their ways to train their kids if ever choose to be part of chess warriors.

And look at me right now. I was just an audience whenever someone plays chess but unfortunately being chosen to fight for our community. Right now, I asked myself, why am I chosen? There are those people who wanted to be in my position right now, but why me? Why Philip and I?

"I'm excited to see the boys later." the blonde-haired woman said. If my memory serves right, her name is Charie, a Pawn like me.

"Yieee, girl, maybe one of them would be your forever!" said Jee Ann, giggling, while elbowing Charie on the side.

Charie glared at her. "Shut up... Don't you ever say that later," she said but Jee Ann just rolled her eyes and then paid attention to her food.

I just secretly smiled at them. I really find it cute when I saw someone teases other people in terms of love. I could remember I and Philip's story. At the time we were still dating. The time that my friend, Stella, would always tease us way before I fell in love with him.

Suddenly, a woman on the other end of the table spoke. If I may recall, she's Shiania, the Queen. "We're here to fight for our lives, not for love." she sarcastically said and everyone let out a laugh.

"Weh? Says the woman who said she met someone on the rooftop---"

"Oh, f*ck you, Jessa." Shiania cut Jessa's words short and laugh prevails again.

Right at this moment, I admit that I liked their company. It's just light and comforting that I may seem to forget the hurdles that I have faced.

After we are done with our lunch, we then went to our rooms to prepare for later's meeting with the boys. This dormitory has only one bathroom, so if someone wanted to take a bath, she should wait first in the living room until the bathroom is vacant.

It's already 12:30 in the afternoon and I know that right now, my companion already waited their turn to use the bathroom. And so, I just decided to wipe my body using a wet cloth and changed my dress. After all, I already took a bath earlier before I went here. I do not yet smell stinky, right? Right?

RACEY

ONE OF the staff came a while ago saying that we should go to the specific room where we shall meet the boys by 3 PM. She said that the boys will be the one to go there first since their dorm is just below us, and at that given time, we will go out.

They really wanted us to see the boys for the first time in that assigned room. Well, at least they made effort to, perhaps, have surprises.

"I'm excited to see your partner, Philip." I suddenly said.

We are now walking across the hallway of a building, a few meters away from the wide open field. Leading the way were Shiania, Jessa, and Kwini.

Jeanly glanced at me, smiling. "He's a very kind person," she replied.

Our colleagues might not hear us because they're also busy talking about the boys. Stuff about boys that I somehow couldn't relate to. And yeah, as I said, I am excited to see Philip. I'm curious about him since I've been comfortable with Jeanly even though we just met this morning. I don't know why, but maybe because we sorta have the same personality.

After how many walks, we stopped in front of the door that has a sign board that says: YOU'LL MEET HERE.

We stared at each other for a while before Shiania opened the door. As it swung open, the image of 8 men immediately came into our sight. They rose from their seats to meet us.

"Hello, girls." said the man in front as we entered the room. As I saw his face, I suddenly stood frozen.

Oh, my Gosh! He's also here?!

"Hello..." Shiania greeted back, and the rest of my colleagues followed, except me.

"Jeanly!" After that, we heard the man's shout.

Jeanly immediately looked at the area near the window where the man was standing. "Philip..." she slowly muttered and they both walked towards each other. They then hugged each other as they met.

Even though I wanted to witness Jeanly's and Philip's moment, my mind was occupied by the man in front of us. Do you remember what I told you about the man who expressed his love to me? My guy friend? He's here!

"Racey?"

"Herald?"

We said in sync. We both have the same expression. We are obviously shocked to see each other here.

"Oh, so you knew each other?" Jane suddenly interjected.

I looked at Herald before turning to everyone. "Y-Yeah, we're f-friends... And I d-did not know that he's here." I said. But why am I stuttering?

"I see. Anyway, we'll better start introducing ourselves so that we could have much time to talk about a lot of things." Shiania said and they all agreed. "Alright, boys first."

I saw Herald's eyes still looking at me. He seemed like he wanted to say something to me but ended up silent. I just did not mind it. Maybe we can talk later.

He then cleared his throat. "So, I'm Herald Armiento. I'm the King. And this is Edward Calo, the Bishop. This is Marc Ramos, the Rook. And... wait, where's---"

"Sorry, I just use the comfort room." Herald stopped as the door opened and a man entered. His curly hair got my attention. He has a serious aura and soon as he passed our side, he looked me in the eye which made me look down at the floor.

Gosh, he's intimidating.

"He's handsome... gosh." I heard Jee Ann whispered.

Charie pinched Jee Ann's side slightly. "You already have Denis, in case you forgot."

"Hmph, I was just praising him. Kj!"

Okay, yeah, he's good-looking. But the thing is, he has a scary aura. He also seemed like a walking refrigerator because of the coldness you could feel.

"Oh? Okay, and this is Alfred Krista, the Knight. And the Pawns are Charlie Nuñez, Ralf Llamado, Marsh Rojo, and I believe you already know him through Jeanly, Philip Go." After Herald said that, Shiania then spoke next to introduce us.

After the introduction portion, the boys, including Philip, walked toward us to do a handshake. Jeanly, on the other hand, stood beside me again to get acquainted with the boys.

"Nice to meet you." the intimidating man, Alfred, muttered as he offered his hands to me.

"N-Nice meeting you, too," I responded while forcing a smile. After that, he went to my other companion and did the same.

We stayed in that room for how many minutes. We sat first on the chairs and start talking about random things.

"He's just like that, especially to the people he just met. But when you get to close to him, you'll find out that he's so loud."

My forehead creased as I heard that voice behind me. And even if I did not turn to see who it was, I know it was Herald.

"What are you talking about?" I asked him. Look, he just suddenly said that out of the blue. I don't know what he meant.

Then I heard him chuckle and sat beside me. "Alfred. You're looking at him for a quite while. Do you have a crush on him, Racey?"

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