I've been a playing piece before. The most important thing is to keep your determination up. Even if it seems hopeless, there'll be a way. You just have to keep your faith in yourself and your allies, no matter what...and never, ever accept failure. Acknowledge it, but keep going despite it.

[...just who's the parent here right now?]

With a strong enough will and close enough friends to rely on and support in turn, you can create a miracle.