The Fight for Freedom (Book One in the EDSOR Military Academy Trilogy)

Chapter 24- The Eve of Battle

I found myself barking so many orders and nearly losing my voice when I was yelling instructions to the food rationers. Alyssa’s been doing pretty well with the manufacturers of the canned goods specifically Campbell’s. I love their mushroom soup. We have about forty thousand canned goods to last us until daylight. The gallons of water being delivered here are huge. You may find it peculiar that no one complains of having no iced tea or Coke. Like I said in the first part, we were all living a Spartan Lifestyle even before the war started.

We also have Nissin’s Ramen a.k.a instant noodles. They aren’t healthy for us but they keep us on the go.

I also had to tell Peter to help polish the weapons and sharpen them. Trevor’s finally getting to sharpen his sword on a diamond.

Last minute training classes were being held and everyone seems to be more exciting. Alyssa was even helping Marco out in setting up the battle plans and strategies designed on an architectural-like paper with grids. “Wonders of math never cease”, Marco shrugged.

I joined the weapons class to get some last-minute information on handling a sword. I am pretty good with a machine gun or shot gun. I can throw grenades but I need to shape up on using a lance. I don’t think I’ll be using it in the war either.

During break time, I walk around the fortress, admiring its beauty and magnificence, knowing that I’ll never be able to see the world like this anymore. Truly, this war changed all of our lives….for the worse.

I changed my mind after watching the volunteers and warriors put on their best armor. It was a heartbreaking and touching sight to see each person walk up to the stadium and try on his/her uniform as Gerard was jotting down the official list of their names. The Government papers I signed haven’t arrived yet. I bet the President was too cowardice to support us or he must’ve joined the Militician invaders. We can cope without them.

Nikki and her whole band of students made a dramatic entrance to the dressing stadium. Her warriors were sporting rainbow colored outfits, men and women alike. I was surprised that the guys didn’t complain of wearing such. I think they looked nice. Nikki saluted me and sighed.

“We’re placing all of our hopes in you, Jesse. You are a capable leader with potential. But you know very well that the students here need support. I wish to be of invaluable support to you”

“I appreciate all of your efforts, Nikki. Truly, you are a great leader who will be greater than me in the future”

Nikki bowed. “I’ve taught them all how to handle machine guns, bayonets, spikes and swords. We hope our training will not go to waste”

I nodded my head as she left. I have to say I am kind of scared of her dominant figure here but I know deep down inside that she is a nice person.

Suddenly, I saw Marco trying on his armor. I yelped as I ran to him. “Marco! What the heck are you doing?”

Marco looked at me with sad eyes, as if they’ve already lost hope. “I find no reason to live anymore. The greatest thing I can do for this army is sacrifice myself. The world can live better without me. So I enlisted myself in the front lines”

My heart was stabbed by these words. “Marco”, I faintly whispered as he tried his breast plates and brown boots.

“Marco, listen to me. You’re captain of the Mathletes team and you…you can’t just abandon everything”, I hold his arm wrapped in white bandages.

He just nodded his head and played with my hair. “You gave me a reason to live. But then I couldn’t have everything in life. I couldn’t have you”

“Wh-what are you saying? Marco….”, my voice faded away in the air as he walked away, leaving me torn and confused. “I couldn’t have you”.

I kept looking at my digital watch because I was counting each and every precious second until nightfall. The atmosphere seemed more lively but melancholic. Boyfriends were telling their girlfriends goodbye. Really sad but I guess we were all doomed to fight in this war anyway.

I don’t know if the adults have any part in this war but I am guessing they won’t even care.

We all had a slow dinner at 6:00 at the dining room. Silence. So powerful yet so frightening. You could hear a pin drop. After I finished my meal, I sauntered up in front so everyone would see me.

“Fellow EDSOR students, personel and faculty, tomorrow is the day that had been long awaited. You’ve all trained hard enough to become stronger people. Do not doubt in your abilities and skills. Each and every one of you have a warrior, a fire, burning inside of your hearts. Unleash everything tomorrow. You love for country, your love for this school, will ignite the hearts of many to follow. Tomorrow, you will stand as representatives of this country and the world. You are all protectors of the earth as you try to achieve freedom. All of your souls will go up to the sky and sing in harmony forever. Remember, do not falter before the first strike. I tell you, show no mercy to the Militicians! WE CAN WIN THIS WAR!”

All the students rose up from their seats and cried out with me. Their loud roars echoed throughout the school. We hope the Militicians hear them so they will be frightened. Who could underestimate children? When we have been the last resort people have turned on to. I knew deep down inside my heart that our unity will take us further to our goal. And God bless us all we get there.

I was once doubtful that these young people would rebel and turn against me. But then I realized that it cannot be avoided because I couldn’t escape from criticism. I realized that there is a potential inside of everyone. There is a fiery leader inside each individual. I’ll make my dreams come to reality tomorrow as I step on the battlefield tomorrow armed with courage and loyal friends.