Champion
Chapter 28: June 14
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with a high-stakes chase as Commander Jameson prepares to shoot Day, who is desperately sprinting through a smoke-filled street to rescue his younger brother, Eden. Eden, left vulnerable and blind after a nurse abandons him, becomes Day’s sole focus despite his exhaustion. The narrator, observing from the rooftops, realizes Day is heading into a dangerous open area and rushes to help, only to find her own gun out of bullets. As Commander Jameson fires, narrowly missing Day, the tension escalates, highlighting Day’s unwavering determination to protect Eden at all costs.
The narrator scrambles to retrieve a fallen soldier’s gun with one bullet left, while below, Day reaches Eden and shields him, staggering back to safety. Commander Jameson continues firing, grazing Day and forcing him to his knees, but he persists, clutching Eden tighter. The narrator, now armed, takes aim at Commander Jameson but misses—a rare failure that shocks her. The commander retaliates, forcing the narrator to dive for cover as the confrontation becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse, with the narrator’s fear of Jameson complicating her resolve.
A psychological battle ensues as Commander Jameson taunts the narrator, mocking her attachment to Day, who is now bleeding in the street. The narrator steels herself, using her empty gun as a bluff to disarm Jameson. A physical struggle erupts, with the narrator landing a kick that sends Jameson’s gun flying off the roof. Despite gaining a momentary advantage, the narrator realizes she’s outmatched in brute strength, relying instead on agility and surprise. The fight intensifies as both women circle each other, their mutual hatred and desperation palpable.
The chapter climaxes with a brutal hand-to-hand combat, where Commander Jameson’s superior training and strength put the narrator at a disadvantage. Though the narrator lands a few blows, she is forced to retreat to the roof’s edge, feigning fear to lure Jameson into a trap. The confrontation is charged with personal vendetta, as the narrator channels her anger to face the woman who killed her brother. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the outcome of their fight—and Day’s fate—uncertain.
FAQs
1. What motivates Day to risk his life by running back through the dangerous street?
Answer:
Day is driven by his protective instinct for his younger brother, Eden. When he sees the nurse abandon Eden in the smoke-filled street, he immediately turns back despite his exhaustion and injuries. The text describes how Day “throws his arms protectively around his little brother” and later “clutches Eden tighter” after being shot, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to saving Eden. This familial bond overrides his own survival instincts, showing the depth of his sacrifice for family.2. How does the author use sensory details to create tension during the rooftop confrontation?
Answer:
The author builds tension through vivid sensory descriptions: the “dust that blankets the street” obscures vision, the “smoke-filled streets” create disorientation, and the “sparks” from near-miss bullets heighten danger. Auditory details like the “hoarse shriek of pain” and “soft tap of approaching boots” amplify the scene’s urgency. These elements combine to create a cinematic, high-stakes atmosphere where both physical obstacles and limited perception contribute to the life-or-death tension between June and Commander Jameson.3. Analyze June’s psychological struggle during her fight with Commander Jameson. What makes this confrontation particularly challenging for her?
Answer:
June faces both physical and psychological hurdles—Commander Jameson is not only physically superior (“taller and stronger”), but also represents June’s traumatic past as her brother’s killer. The text reveals June’s internal conflict: “Why can I face everything in the world except Commander Jameson?” She must overcome fear by channeling anger (“letting it replace my fear”), showing how past trauma affects present combat performance. The confrontation becomes a test of June’s ability to master her emotions under extreme pressure.4. What strategic choices does June make when she realizes she’s at a physical disadvantage against Commander Jameson?
Answer:
June employs psychological warfare and tactical creativity: first pretending her empty gun is loaded to force a reaction, then using her smaller size for agility (“kick her face,” “stomp on her arm”). She feigns fear to lure Jameson toward the roof’s edge, demonstrating adaptability. Recognizing she can’t win through brute force (“my talents can’t match”), she turns to surprise attacks and environmental awareness, showing strategic thinking that compensates for her physical limitations in the confrontation.5. How does the author use the physical setting to mirror the characters’ emotional states during the climax?
Answer:
The chaotic urban battlefield—with its obscuring dust, smoke, and unstable rooftops—parallels the characters’ psychological turbulence. Day and Eden appear as “ghosts in faded colors,” reflecting June’s desperate fear for their survival. The rooftop’s precarious height mirrors the life-or-death stakes, while June’s literal higher ground contrasts with her emotional vulnerability against Jameson. These environmental metaphors intensify the scene’s emotional impact, making the setting an active participant in the drama rather than just a backdrop.
Quotes
1. “Day, what are you doing? He stumbles in his dash, and even from the roofs I can tell that he’s struggling to make his body move, that every last inch of him is screaming from exhaustion. He’s going to push himself too far.”
This quote captures the desperation and physical limits of Day, the protagonist, as he risks everything to save his brother Eden. It highlights the theme of sacrifice and the extreme lengths one will go for family.
2. “All of my adrenaline, every fiber of my attention and concentration, is now focused like an arrow on her.”
This line illustrates the intense focus and determination of the narrator (June) as she zeroes in on Commander Jameson, her nemesis. It underscores the high-stakes confrontation and the singular drive for vengeance and protection.
3. “It’s just you and me now. This is the way it was always meant to be, this is the moment I’ve been waiting for since it all began. We’ll face each other at the very end with our bare hands.”
This quote marks the climactic showdown between June and Commander Jameson, symbolizing the culmination of their long-standing conflict. It reflects themes of destiny, confrontation, and the raw, personal nature of their battle.
4. “I draw on all my anger, letting it replace my fear and give me strength.”
This moment reveals June’s internal transformation as she channels her anger to overcome fear, showcasing her growth and resilience. It’s a pivotal emotional turning point in the chapter.
5. “Good, I remind myself. Look as frightened as you can.”
This quote demonstrates June’s strategic thinking and ability to manipulate her opponent’s perceptions, even in the heat of battle. It highlights her tactical brilliance and psychological warfare skills.