SURVIVAL 19: THE BATTLE 12

Grade 10 student. 16 years old. My hobbies are drawing, painting, and recently writing. I'm making a comic book, and it doesn't have a title yet. I attend the public school of Vosejo High School in the city. I have three best friends at school.

My parents separated. My mother, brother, and I were living together. My mother was ill, which caused intense suffering. I try to participate in art contests. I got angry with my father and blamed him for the hardship we are going through. In an instant, I was surprised that our lives suddenly improved, we were able to have our own house, buy and own a lot, and establish a business. But when I woke up... I wondered where I was. I am floating in the middle of the galaxy

"I'll protect you"

"Will be always there for you"

"You don’t have to worry”

"Ah!”

I twitched, sitting up from lying down. I saw my teammates. We no longer have our glass bubble. First’s left arm is still bleeding. Ninth had his right hands and arms wounded. Fourth sobs again in Aeith's arms. Third and Fifth have scratches.

The gold team must have won because I lost consciousness in the middle of the game. I can’t look straight into their eyes because of guilt.

"I-I'm sorry for what we did... We didn't really plan to hurt you," Sixzen apologized to our team.

I saw Thirtwen behind her. "Well, that was one desperate move from us. We can’t expect anything in return, but I hope our friendship doesn't change.”

I said sorry to the gold team too, especially to Sixzen and Sectwen when I hurt them. Aeizen ignored us like nothing happened. Sectwen avoided us rolling her eyes.

"Where are the three?" I questioned my team. Sixth, Seventh, and Fifzen weren’t here.

"They're dead," Third replied weakly.

"What?!”

"Earlier, Fifzen was poisoned by a stingray when he was in a fight with Fifth.” His voice is unusually husky. “It spread all over his body until the end of the game. When we looked for Seventh after his bubble exploded, he didn’t make it in time to reach the surface. We tried to revive him but we’re too late.” Third ended his statement.

Fifth continued. “Sixth’s bubble that got pierced by Sectwen. I chased her when she was catching her breath underwater, when the octopus's ink spread all over beneath. Her body got contaminated by the ink. I rushed to help her get out of the poisonous water, but Third stopped me when they arrived." He explained.

“My bubble exploded too, and I accidentally drank water with ink, but I puked it out.” Third touched his throat. “My throat burns. That’s how dangerous it can be.” He coughed.

We lost 3 of our friends again. And Third barely made it alive. Luckily, he was able to throw up the water with poisoned ink inside him, but it made his throat feel burning inside. I could feel great remorse and sadness. What just happened?

“Sixth…” Aeith spoke. “It might be unfortunate to all of us, but I know that she died happily.”

Some of us got confused about what she said so she continued. “Come on, don’t tell me you guys don’t know?” We still have the same expression of being confused. “I guess it can’t be helped. She told no one after all but I know some of you are aware.” Aware of what? “Sixth and Firstwen, the other leader, are now finally together.”

I am aware of that. When Firstwen died, Sixth glared at First during the boys’ basketball game in the previous stage because Sixth blamed First for Firstwen’s death. After that stage, Sixth grieved and isolated herself for a time being. At the castle, there are subtle hints and glances that they gave to one another. Their relationship is discreet, yet their feelings were real even for the short time that they’ve been together here on the nth planet.

*bell rings*

"Congratulations, silver team! You won the Wealth Level: Stage 3 water category! The gold team scored a total of 130 points and the silver team scored 140 points. That means the silver team won!”

I frowned.

Aeith spoke to me. "At the land category, we have 70 points. In the air category, the gold team has 100 points. In the water category, you and Sixzen reached the finish line together. Sixzen holds three flags, but you did something to her, so she only holds two small flags with 30 points each, but the big flag you hold is 70 points.”

I spat Sixzen’s eyes with salty water from the sea to stop her from pulling me away. When Sixzen was holding the needle, that must be the thing that burst her glass bubble.

I was told that Third hid our two small silver flags to defeat the other group after they fought with the shark, but Sixzen got it when she warned Third that they were holding us hostage. Third tracked down our base because of what Sixzen did.

"As for your deceased friends, they died not only because of those sea creatures but also because they used that needle to their advantage." Author stated.

"I did it," Ninezen. "I'm the one who blew Sixzen's bubble.”

My eyes widened. "Why did you do that?" I remembered that Sixzen had no glass bubble on her head when she was nearing the finish line, yet she was holding the needle.

"I stopped Sectwen from swimming but I couldn't stop Sixzen, so I stole Sectwen's needle and blew Sixzen's bubble." he paused for a moment then resumed. "They're being unreasonable, so you deserve to win.”

"This stage is supposed to be public schools vs. private schools, but it turned out some of your team members have their own way of winning.” Author added.

“You traitor piece of crap!” I gasped when Sectwen slapped Ninezen. Ninezen didn’t dodge like he was already expecting it from her. “You, Aeizen, and Thirtwen are nothing but no damn good!”

Ninezen betrayed them. Aeizen and Thirtwen did nothing to help them. Sectwen’s attitude starts to alter as the game goes by—As we slowly regain our memories. Is this the real her?

Author interrupted the heated argument. “That's why you will be the remaining battle 12. Prepare for the next level, the Health Level.”

So here we are now, facing another game.

"Proceed to the elevators to return to your respective place.”

There were twelve elevators made of transparent glass floating in front of us. We entered it and I experienced an extreme elevator ride again, going upwards. When the elevator stopped, we went out and it sank from the ground again.

***

LOCATION: Landscape TIME: Dusk

We are here on the land surface again where the castle collapsed. From wearing diving suits, we went back into wearing our respective school uniforms.

We’re now in a vast land with grass, rocks, and trees. There are two large black tents. We went inside and saw extra school uniforms, sheets for sleeping, and food. The boys and girls were separated into two tents. We devoured vegetables and fruits. We saw a small stream nearby, and the water is clean enough to drink. Some of us slept early, rested for a while, and talked with each other.

The gold color in my tattoo is more dominant than black compared to before.

***

Days have passed. I estimate we have been living here in a tent for five days. I noticed our wounds from the previous game healed quickly, so everyone is getting better. We filled our stomachs while waiting when our next game. I went back to our tent. I’ve told the Fourth and Aeith who I am. There are still puzzle pieces left unfounded. We keep each other updated as long as we’re open to sharing it. I did not realize that I had walked away from our tent and wandered in the forest. Suddenly, I heard a crack.

"Who's that? Oh, it’s just you, First… What are you doing here?" It appears that he has been here ahead of me.

"Meditating, you?”

"Same. What a coincidence." I came here to unwind my thoughts while appreciating the beautiful scenery.

“Will you accompany me?" he asked shyly.

I shrugged. We both leaned against the big tree as the dry leaves fell.

"I'll tell you something," I waited for him to tell his story until he continued. "I am the class president of our section—Vosejo High School. 16 years old. I have a little brother. Most of the time, I read and play the piano. I have several friends.”

He mentioned that he’s our class president at school but why can't I remember that? Maybe the fragments of my memories about school are not yet fully developed.

"What about your name?” I asked.

He paused for a moment and looked at me. "I can't remember.”

I sighed. We are all in the same boat. We still don't even know our names, but we remember some less significant parts of our identities.

"But when I remember it, you will be the first one to know.”

I smiled at what he said. I looked at him. He is no longer a stranger friend to me.