I tried (wrote this in five minutes and sort of was multitasking haha) enjoy!

In the past, my grandfather would always convince me to place chess. It was an old game we played when the Earth still spun freely, enjoyed while our world was whole.

Unlike today.

Today, the world is gray and alone. Often, I wonder if it still spins despite the damage we’ve caused.

Today, we play a deadly game.

Today, we are _pawns_.

The crown I stand among shuffles quietly, heads down, very few whispers can be heard carried by the wind.

I match their movements, because today, we cannot be bishops or queens.

_Today, we are pawns_.

It’s been two hours since the soldiers began to inject us with a liquid serum that is not only unknown, but feared. Our world has turned into a lethal game, where we are controlled by none other than the military.

Well, except me.

Today, I am a chess piece, like every other civilian. But I am the last hope in this planet that we shall break free. The civilians surrounding me are numb and alone, although we march together. The must move straight, they must obey.

But me?

I shall move however I wish. Against the army? Against humanity?

The game is in _my_ hands.

We continue our organized march towards the compounds, my eyes trained forward despite the gunshot that rings behind me. Above, sits the commander. His face washed with arrogance and determination.

“You there.” A soldier whispers loudly behind me.

I continue walking, obeying as if my life depends on it.

In a way, it does.

“You!” The soldier calls, digging his gun into my shoulder. I don’t flinch.

I turn, silently, immaculately, calmly. My stare pierced through his emotions, a small worried expression is returned to me.

“Hurry to the commander and _stay put_.” He hisses into my ear. I follow him until I stand before the commander.

Was it the entire world they wished to have marching behind them?

The world was near the end, just as we are. Was it time they had hoped for? Or was time no more than a slow march towards inevitable death?

Regardless, the clock still ticks.

Time passes slowly, the civilians then come to a halt. It’s now or never.

When I played chess with my grandfather, the Queen was often taken, the largest threat, the most feared. The king and pawn _always_ stood together at the end.

Just as it does today. The commander stares down upon me, and I try to ignore his piercing glare.

The Queen is often taken to ensure the King’s safety.

But nobody ever pays attention to the pawn.

I reach in my back pocket, feeling the cool barrel of my gun slide into my palm. Slowly. Precisely. With a click, it’s ready to fire.

In a blur, I turn to the commander, pointing my gun to his forehead. _Nobody_ understands a pawn’s sacrifice.

_Maybe nobody ever will. _

“Checkmate.” I say, pulling the trigger with ease.

I watch as the commander’s world fades to black.

In a normal game of chess, a pawn’s deed would be done. The king was defeated.

But today?

I was only getting started.