CHAPTER FOURTEEN: DISTRICT MEET, THE END

A FEW YEARS AGO....



Michael and his Father sit by a park, next to them is a younger Mateo. After the events of Michael losing the competition, Coach Jorge decided to bring them to a nearby park to make amends with how Michael is feeling

". . ." 

The scenery was quiet, too quiet

Until, Mateo spoke first: 

"So-- uhm-- Michael! Are you really quitting chess?"

". . ."

Coach Jorge walked towards the group after he parked his car, replying: "Yeah kid, are you sure you really want that? it'll be a waste."

Michael finally spoke: "No... I'll probably quit competitively in the meantime-- because who knew.."

He gripped his thighs, with tears almost forming in his eyes

"losing would hurt this much."

Michaels Father glanced towards him: "It does, and I'm sorry. I have fallen to my old ways; angry, distrustful.. with you, now and before. I chased you away."

Michael looked up at his father: "Without you, I got reckless, overconfident and made stupid mistakes. I don't know why I thought I could do this alone. You were right--"

"No. On our journey together, you have grown into a warrior. Worthy of our bloodline. I was the one who was not ready."

Michael pat his Fathers back

"I'll listen for your voice in my head, even if you're not there. To guide me, and you do the same, alright?"

Mateo interrupted: "I don't know if I should have anything to say here but.. You know Michael? Win or lose, Your friends like me won't ever give up on you!"

Coach Jorge nodded, and Michaels Father smiled

Michaels Father spoke again: "Michael, No matter what anyone tells you, and no matter how harsh on you I have been, I will always be...."


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CUT TO PRESENT TIME...

"....I'll always be proud of you." Michaels Father ended

I watched as Michael sat down at our table and hid his face from us, the sound of him crying filled the ambience of the room

"If only I had done something differently." Michael muttered

I looked up at the screen and watched as Michaels name was x'd off, the sound of the crowd cheering for Raghavendra Iyer while Michael was left at the stands

"Shit.." Nareen muttered

Nareen, who was usually enthusiastic couldn't help but sit there, knowing it wasn't his time to speak

Everyone was silent, the effect of the loss impacted Michael in greater ways than all of us

I looked towards Mateo, who was focused on comforting his old friend. I glanced at our Coach, who didn't want to interfere in this moment

Suddenly, Michael suddenly raised his head towards all of us

"What are you guys just staring at me like that for? It's over... Now, Let's go get some Ice cream or something!" He said, chuckling

Mateo's eyes shot open and he bore a smile

He had expected the outburst of before, way back then.. but this was a kinder, changed Michael

He watched as Michael rubbed his eyes and wiped away the tears, and instead was replaced by a huge smile on Michael's face, an unusual sight but better than before

"There's my old buddy!" Mateo grinned, slapping Michael's back

The mood was lifted, everyone laughed it off even with the defeat

"HELL YEAHH!!" Nareen yelled out

"Let's go Michael!" Mateo spoke, raising his hand towards Michael

Michael grabbed Mateos hand and stood up, and we all followed him outside

As we were leaving the venue, I turned around one final time to see everybody who had remained to watch the awarding

Matt Suen, who was still watching Raghavendra Iyer, looked back at us and smiled, he muttered: "That's where the losers go."

His teammate looked back at us, asking Matt: "I thought he was supposed to be the best?"

Matt glanced, saying: "Yeah, But.. it seems like he's different now, he doesn't have that glint in his eyes anymore."

Seeing a much happier Michael meant an end to an age where he is no longer burdened by his past or his upbringing

Jax Torres, who was Mateos former enemy, looked back at us and gave a kind wave of goodbye

Mateo gave a cheerful wave back

Then we saw Raghavendra Iyer who was still standing by the stage, looking straight at us

A blank expression carried his face, no pride, no arrogance, just acceptance

He mouthed: "That game was wonderful." Although, I didn't quite understand it

"Hey doofus, what are you waiting for? Let's go." Michael yelled back at me

I ran back towards Michael and the group and thought, 

"Someday, this match would be forgotten. Our names, our rankings, our records… all of it would disappear. But this moment — walking beside them, hearing their laughter through tears — was something I’d carry forever."