Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 12: Part One: June 6
by Marie, Lu,The chapter opens with the protagonist, an undercover operative, reluctantly participating in an illegal street fight known as Skiz. Initially hesitant, she joins the brawl hoping to gather information about a fugitive named Day from the local crowd. Her confidence wavers when she realizes the danger of the situation, especially after provoking a fight with a skilled opponent named Kaede. The protagonist’s internal conflict is clear: she must balance her training with the need to maintain her disguise as a street beggar, all while avoiding suspicion from the violent onlookers.
The fight with Kaede escalates as the protagonist carefully observes her opponent’s movements, using strategy to counter her attacks. Despite her restraint, Kaede’s unexpected use of a hidden knife injures her, igniting her anger. The protagonist retaliates decisively, breaking Kaede’s arm and exposing her weapon. This moment reveals Kaede’s possible connection to Day, adding a layer of intrigue. The crowd’s reaction is frenzied, with money exchanging hands and chants demanding the protagonist’s next move. The tension peaks as she attempts to leave, only to be pursued by enraged gamblers.
Her escape is thwarted by her injury, and she is dragged back by the mob. Disoriented and bleeding, she nearly calls for backup but resists to protect her cover. In a moment of vulnerability, she hallucinates her deceased brother, Metias, highlighting her isolation and trauma. Suddenly, a dust bomb disrupts the chaos, creating an opportunity for rescue. A mysterious boy with striking blue eyes appears, offering her a way out. His timely intervention marks a turning point, leaving the protagonist’s fate uncertain but hopeful.
The chapter concludes with the protagonist and the boy fleeing into the shadows, their connection hinting at future developments. The encounter underscores the protagonist’s resilience and the unpredictable nature of her mission. The boy’s identity remains unknown, but his appearance suggests he may play a significant role in her journey. The chapter masterfully blends action, suspense, and emotional depth, setting the stage for further exploration of the protagonist’s world and her pursuit of Day.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does the narrator face during the Skiz fight, and how does it affect her strategy?
Answer:
The narrator struggles between her instinct to fight effectively (which could reveal her trained combat skills) and the need to maintain her cover as a street beggar. She deliberately holds back her full abilities to avoid suspicion, noting that her “style is too precise for a simple street beggar.” However, when Kaede attacks with a hidden knife, the narrator abandons restraint and severely injures Kaede, demonstrating how the threat to her safety overrides her undercover priorities. This conflict highlights the tension between self-preservation and mission objectives.2. How does the chapter reveal the narrator’s undercover mission, and what risks does she take to pursue it?
Answer:
The narrator mentions her goal of gathering information about Day from the gambling crowd, indicating she’s investigating him for unknown purposes. She risks exposure by participating in the illegal fight and nearly calls for military backup (referencing “Thomas” and “soldiers”), which would compromise her disguise. Her internal monologue about arresting Kaede (“If I weren’t undercover…”) confirms she’s a law enforcement operative. The risks escalate when she flees and is pursued by angry gamblers, forcing her to rely on a stranger’s help—a moment that could jeopardize her mission further.3. Analyze how the setting and crowd behavior reflect the dystopian society’s rules and values.
Answer:
The illegal Skiz fight, with its bloodlust and disregard for rules (e.g., Kaede’s hidden knife), illustrates a lawless underbelly of society. The crowd’s chants (“Choose! Choose!”) and violent reaction to the narrator’s exit show their investment in brutality as entertainment. Money exchanges hands openly, suggesting corruption is normalized. The narrator’s fear of being “taken downtown for questioning” hints at an oppressive regime, yet the fight’s public occurrence implies authorities either tolerate chaos or cannot control it. This juxtaposition reveals a society where power is both omnipresent and ineffective.4. What significance does the boy with blue eyes have, and how does his introduction alter the narrative’s direction?
Answer:
The boy’s arrival marks a turning point: he rescues the narrator when she’s vulnerable, symbolizing potential allyship or a new threat. His description (“bright blue eyes… most beautiful boy”) suggests he may be Day, given her earlier mission focus. His appearance shifts the tone from desperation to hope as they escape together, foreshadowing a pivotal relationship. The dust bomb he uses (implied by the “pop”) indicates resourcefulness, aligning with Day’s rumored guerrilla tactics. This moment transitions the narrator from isolation to connection, driving the plot forward.5. How does the narrator’s fleeting reference to Metias deepen our understanding of her character?
Answer:
When disoriented, the narrator instinctively calls for her deceased brother (“Metias”), revealing unresolved grief and loneliness. This slip humanizes her, contrasting with her calculated fight persona. Her momentary confusion between “Thomas” (a colleague) and Metias underscores how trauma influences her judgment. The detail that he’s “no longer there to take [her hand]” implies she relies on memory for strength, adding emotional complexity to her otherwise disciplined demeanor. This glimpse into her past suggests her mission may be personal, tied to loss or vengeance.
Quotes
1. “I’M NOT WORRIED ABOUT LOSING THIS FIGHT. I’m more worried that I’ll accidentally kill my opponent.”
This opening line immediately establishes the narrator’s confidence and lethal capability, while also hinting at the moral tension of her situation—she’s holding back her true skills to maintain cover.
2. “If I fight too well, people might get suspicious. My style is too precise for a simple street beggar.”
This reveals the protagonist’s internal conflict between survival and maintaining her undercover identity, showcasing the careful balance she must strike in this dangerous environment.
3. “No rules? So be it.”
A pivotal turning point where the protagonist abandons restraint after being stabbed, marking a shift from controlled defense to unleashed aggression that changes the fight’s dynamics.
4. “I blindly reach out a hand for my brother, and then I remember that he’s no longer there to take it.”
This poignant moment reveals deep personal loss amid the physical struggle, adding emotional depth to the action sequence and hinting at the protagonist’s backstory.
5. “He has bright blue eyes, dirt on his face, and a beat-up old cap on, and at this moment, I think he might be the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen.”
This climactic introduction of a mysterious savior creates both romantic tension and narrative intrigue, suggesting this encounter will be significant to the story’s development.