"Tell me, Guila."

"Oh…? You're still not going to tell me, already? Come on. I don't want to have to slap you, you know?"

"You don't have to look at me, like that. I'll tell you. But, just answer me first. Do you know what it's like to live in the slums?"

"Yes…? Why…?"

I think I can imagine it, at least. People desperate to live. Rampant poverty, crime… a terrible place. But… far removed from me, that's for sure.

"No… I don't think you do." He shook his head. Rude. But, I'm hearing him out, so, I just pursed my lips.

"It's far worse than whatever you can imagine."

"Really? Well, tell me then."

…

..

.

Life… was horrific. No… that's not the right word.

Despairing.

I don't know about other kingdoms. But in the Culmination, once you're destitute, you can never crawl your way back up.

In a nation, where there wasn't much wealth to begin with, the poorest sector of the population, outnumbered everyone else, ten to one.

But, we were also the most policed. We were dangerous. And during a war, dangerous things are kept under a tight leash.

Being hungry, having nowhere to sleep… that came with being poor.

Being in the slums was different.

You fight with neighbors, rats and roaches for the scraps that's thrown in the trash.

You sleep with them, in alleyways, on roads, outside in the rain… and when the police come around to lock down on us, after a slummer did a crime… we'd spend the next week in the sewers.

They think it helps us reflect.

I think it does the opposite, though. Because, in the sewers, you have food, water and shelter.

I was lucky enough to be part of a militia. So, I could snatch whatever food and water I needed, as long as I rough them up with a pipe.

I guess… because of that. I didn't truly suffer the lowest possible situation. But, even then, it was not a different life.

Everyone in the slums was the same. Gutter trash, that nobody cares about. Even by those you slept with.

But, on the last day of our confinement. As we were all crammed inside the sewer, with others dying in front me, and some floating in the water while rats had their meals…

I was on my feet, looking for food.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

The constant hunger alleviated the stench of death, of rot, of pests. I needed to eat. But the kids had already picked the place clean.

So I went further in, deeper, and deeper and deeper.

Until I felt the earth shake violently.Dust and debris fell from the ceiling.

I immediately ran back the direction I came from.

But, the closer I got, the more pronounced, the stench of burning flesh, became.

I was afraid to turn the corner. I didn't want to witness the scene of people desperately crying and begging.

So I didn't. And I looked for another way out.

…

..

.

"What you made, destroyed cities, and killed millions. And the golden weapons you've made, will hurt and kill many more. But… if it's any sort of consolation. You saved my life, by making that bomb."

I…

I didn't know what to say.

I had already lost my smile, just halfway in. It wasn't like I didn't believe him.

But… frankly, I… just couldn't connect with what he had gone through. I doubt anyone who hasn't worn his shoes, ever will.

For me… it felt more like he was spinning a story.

"I was forcefully drafted, soon after. I got a job. Proper meals, and… though by force, I got my entire life, turned around. All because of the crisis you made."

"I didn't do that. I didn't bomb you. Those were my buyers-"

"If the country blames you for creating the bombs. Then, I'll thank you, for making them."

He cut me off again.

I gripped his collar tightly, pulling him up, closer to myself. Letting my emotions carry me along for the ride.

Then… I kissed him, on the cheek.

"You're welcome."

I whispered, before letting go of him, and walked away. I didn't stop my Telekinesis, though. Just not yet.

"Where are you going?!"

"Don't worry, the pulling on you will stop, once I'm far enough." I responded curtly, before pushing myself up the horse, and gripped it's reins.

"Where are you going!?"

"Back. I've repaid you for how you treated me. I'm going to do the same for everyone else."

"Think this through! Guila!"

I wasn't listening to him anymore, with a whip of the reins, and a kick on its sides, the horse trotted forward.

Once I'm back on the highway, it's full-sprint from there.

"GUILA!"

The only response he received, was the faint sound of thunder in the distance.

***

The camp… was in chaos.

"This is a fucking disaster… I let my lieutenant blow off some steam with the prisoner, then she and her caretaker disappear into thin air, leaving me with a corpse, and five others that are now braindead."

Pandora was sitting in her tent, with her mask still on, and two soldiers on either side of the entrance.

This entire event left them with just 38 men. Counting the Commander.

"I want every man watching the perimeter. You've got that?"

"Commander. Shouldn't we scour the forest?"

"No." She shook her head, before getting off her chair. "She'll come to us. I know it. I want everyone armed and ready to receive her."

"Why do you think she'd come, Commander…?"

"I treated her so we'll, didn't I? She wouldn't leave without saying goodbye." She seemed to smile underneath her mask, before narrowing her eyes at the men. "Well? What are you waiting for?"

"Get to it, soldiers!"

I'm leaving her for last.

I couldn't help but smile, as I stared down at her camp.

Here I was, floating above the camp, wearing an oversized shirt, pants no underwear, and barefoot.

Divine's damn it, it was cold here. But, I couldn't help but smile.

None of them knew I was here.

Floating beside me, were pieces of the chain from my collar. Each around the size of a fingernail.

I stared lovingly, at all the men working frantically to put up barriers and setting up a perimeter, as quickly as they possibly could.

It was just so... Cute. Seeing them work so hard, all for me.

"Now… let's just wait for them to get into position. Wouldn't want to miss."